“Okay, let me grab my jacket,” she replied, sprinting up the stairs to her guest room while Ryan and Riley waited.
“All set,” Kate announced as she returned.
Riley darted outside as soon as Ryan opened the door. He flipped the back lights on and followed Kate out.
They strolled out to the fence along the pasture once again to see the horses in the moonlight. A black mare trotted over to the fence and Ryan put his hand out to pet her neck.
Kate reached out and stroked her long nose. “She’s a beauty.”
“I think she’s my mom’s favorite.”
“Maybe your mother will let me ride her some time.”
“Maybe,” Ryan replied, winking at Kate.
“It’s so peaceful out here. Nothing like L.A.”
“I’m sure L.A. has some good points, no?”
“Yes, a few, but nothing like this,” she said. “I can actually see the stars out here.”
Riley ran up between them and barked a couple of times.
“He’s telling us he wants to go inside now,” Ryan interpreted.
“What a smart dog,” Kate remarked. “Okay, boy, let’s go!”
Ryan took her delicate hand in his again as they walked back to the house, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Once inside, Ryan checked on the fire, crouching down to poke at the embers and add a couple more logs to it.
Kate stood by him, content watching him work. “I really have enjoyed this evening, Ryan, probably more than any other I’ve had in a very long time.”
He stood up and turned to face her.
“I’m glad to hear that, Kate,” he replied, running his hand lightly down her arm and taking her hand in his. “Now, don’t you think we ought to talk about what happened before the walk, before your phone rang?”
“What happened before my phone rang? Oh, yes, what was that?” she asked playfully, looking up into his adoring eyes.
“I believe it would be called a kiss.” His lips curled into an impish smile as he gazed down at her.
“I wasn’t planning to do it,” she explained. “I’ve never been one to kiss a guy first. It just happened. It was one of those spontaneous things.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“Me, too,” Kate agreed.
“I really wanted to kiss you out by the horses when we went out there the first time, but I thought I’d better not.”
“Why not?”
“I just know how emotionally fragile you are right now, with everything that’s going on with your sister. I didn’t want to take advantage of you, but I’m so attracted to you, Kate, I can hardly stand it.”
“I was starting to believe it was just me.” She pushed herself up on her tiptoes and planted another kiss on his warm lips. He started to slip his arms around her, just as there was an untimely squeak from the front door opening. Their heads turned in unison toward the noise.
* * * *
“Hello! We’re home!” His mother called out as she and his father came through the front door. Ryan could tell his mother had an inkling there was more to the we’re just friends spin he was trying to sell her before they left. He was glad she gave them sufficient warning someone was walking in on them.
Ryan and Kate abruptly stepped apart and laughed at yet another interruption.
“What are you two giggling about?” his mom inquired as she set her purse down on the counter and his father helped her take her coat off.
“Oh, nothing,” Ryan answered, like a guilty schoolboy caught red-handed, trying to hide his mischief.
“Yeah, I’m sure it was nothing,” she smirked. Ryan could tell his mom thought there might be something going on while she and his dad were out of the house. And, he knew she’d be pleased that her son might have finally found a great girl. Vanessa the Shark, as his mom liked to call her, had always rubbed her the wrong way.
She whispered something to Ryan’s father as she gently jabbed her elbow in his side. Ryan figured it had something to do with him and Kate.
His father changed the subject fast, confirming Ryan’s suspicions. “Hey, did you guys catch the game on TV?” he asked as he moved to the great room and sunk down into his oversized leather chair. He put his feet up on the matching ottoman and leaned back.
“Yeah, we saw the last quarter. It was great.” Ryan answered.
“I even enjoyed it, though I’ve never been much for football,” Kate said as she directed her attention to Ryan’s father. “I have to say, it was an exciting game, at least the part we saw. We were cheering and jumping up and down.”
“I know what you mean,” Ryan’s dad said, “the crowd in the stands was going wild, too.”
“And Ryan had told me about the blue turf yesterday, but I thought he was kidding until I saw it for myself,” Kate added.
“We love our blue turf.” His mother declared, sounding proud of it.
“It’s definitely different,” said Kate.
“Well, I’m glad you guys had a good time. Did you do anything else?” she asked, obviously fishing for details.
“As a matter of fact, we did. We took a walk out to the pasture, and I showed Kate the horses. Then we came back and made dinner before we watched the end of the game.”
“Sounds like a nice evening. You know, it’s not very late. Would anyone care for some coffee or dessert?” Ryan’s mother offered.
“Not me, thank you,” Kate replied. “We have a very early flight to catch in the morning, so I think I’m going to turn in. I’ll need to be up by five.”
“That’s right. Our plane leaves at seven-thirty,” Ryan agreed, moving in closer to Kate. “I’m not ready to go to bed yet, but let me walk you up to your room.”
“Okay,” she said, looking up at Ryan with a playful grin. Then she turned her attention to his mom. “Thank you so much, Jeanie, for the dinner you laid out and for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome. Good night, hon.”
As Kate turned to walk toward the staircase, she called out to Ryan’s dad, who was across the room starting to doze off in his easy chair. “Good night, Jack.”
“Night,” he moaned, with his eyes remaining closed.
“I’ll be right back, Mom. I have something to tell you,” Ryan said. Then he escorted Kate upstairs to her room, where they paused at the door.
“What exactly are you planning to tell your mom?” she asked.
“I wanted to tell her about the break in the case. Why?” He thought for a moment. “You don’t think I was going to tell her about us, do you?”
“I wasn’t sure. It kind of sounded like it.”
“She would definitely be pleased, but no, I meant I wanted to tell her about the lead,” Ryan assured her. “I think we can keep this thing between us to ourselves, for just a little longer.”
“So there is something between us?” she grinned.
“I definitely hope so.” He lingered for a moment, studying her face. Then he leaned in and gave her a short and sweet kiss good night. “I’d better let you get to bed. Good night.” He opened the bedroom door for her and then headed toward the stairs.
“Okay, good night,” she said as he walked away, “see you in the morning.”
Strolling into the kitchen, Ryan found his mother perched on a stool at the center island, stirring sugar into her cup of tea. She looked up when he walked in and her eyes brightened.
“Well?” she asked, raising her eyebrows, obviously hoping for some juicy details about their budding romance.
“I just wanted to tell you and Dad that we got a phone call tonight from one of the detectives in Seattle, and they may have a lead in Kate’s sister’s disappearance.”
“Oh.” His mother sounded a little disappointed. “Don’t get me wrong, I think that’s really good news. I hope it pans out. But, well...I just thought you were going to tell me about something else.”
“You mean something about me and Kate?”
“Yes,” she admitted.
“Mom, you know a gentleman should never kiss and tell,” he said with a wink, making his mom’s face light up with a smile. “I have to be up early tomorrow too, so I think I better turn in as well. Night, Mom.” Ryan leaned over and gave his mom a peck on the cheek.
“Night, Son.”
Ryan’s dad was fast asleep in his favorite chair, snoring.
* * * *
“I’d better go get some shut-eye, Sis. We have a big day tomorrow,” Ethan said, a wicked smile spreading across his lips. He set his empty beer bottle down on the coffee table and stood up from the sofa.
“What’s the plan?” Suki questioned, getting up out of her chair and following him to the kitchen.
“I don’t have everything worked out yet, because we don’t know exactly when Kate will be back in Seattle, but I have some ideas. You call me when you hear from her, and we’ll firm up the plan.” He seemed a little jittery and anxious to leave.
“I don’t want to fly by the seat of my pants,” Suki moaned, “not on something this important.”
“I get it,” he said, scratching his neck then running his hand over his face.
“So what are you thinking?” she pressed. She could tell by his restlessness that he needed more drugs, which was not good. She needed him to be clearheaded if they were going to get away with his plan.
“I’m gonna grab her and take her somewhere secluded, and I’m gonna make sure she knows who I am and why I’m doin’ this. She’s got to know!”
“Are you on something?” Suki suspected.
“I’m okay—get off my back!” Ethan hollered. “I...I just need a little something to calm my nerves. Don’t you worry.”
“You need to be sober and focused tomorrow,” Suki ordered, grabbing hold of one of his arms.
“I will be,” he said, shaking loose from her grip.
“Do you have a gun?” she asked.
“No. I could get my hands on one pretty quick if I need to, but I think I’d rather use my knife. Slit her throat, or stab her maybe. Less noise, you know. I don’t want anyone calling the cops ‘cause they heard gun shots. I’m plannin’ to use the switchblade Dad gave me. I thought that’d bring things around full circle, ya know?”
“You didn’t take the knife with you to L.A., did you?” Suki asked.
“Nah, I left it at my place here. Those airport guys would’ve snatched it from me for sure.”
“I just know you keep it on you most of the time.”
“Yeah, I do, but give me some credit, Suki. I’m not stupid.”
“Okay, okay. So, how are you planning to grab Kate?”
“I’m thinking on it, little sister. I have some thoughts I’m kicking around, but I have to know when she’s back and where she’s at. That’s why I need you to call me when you hear from her.”
“All right. I understand,” she assured him.
“I gotta go, Sis.”
“And what about me? When are we going to connect and get out of here? The cops will be looking for us when Kate turns up missing too.”
“I’ll let you know as soon as she’s dead, so have your bags ready, and pack lightly.”
“Okay,” Suki agreed. They moved from the kitchen toward the front door. “Are you going to need my car?”
“I don’t think so. I can pick one up off the street. I don’t want the police knowing what kind of car to be on the lookout for.”
“I went to the bank today and withdrew all my savings, like you asked. I have about two thousand dollars, which isn’t much,” she told him. “How much do you have?”
“I have a few thousand. Don’t you worry, I’ll take care of you,” Ethan said.
“From your drug sales?” Suki frowned, suspecting his stash of funds was from his narcotic trade. He had gone to jail once already, and she hated that he went right back to it when he got out.
“Money is money.”
“I guess,” she responded, knowing any further discussion about the subject was futile. “Is that going to be enough, though?” she asked, worry lines once more forming on her forehead. Her savings and his drug money did not seem like enough to keep them very long.
“It will be for now. You just do what I told you to tomorrow, and it’ll all work out.”
“Well, I don’t work tomorrow, but I will need to go check on Whitney again, give her some more sleeping pills.”
“Yeah, we don’t want her dying on us just yet.” Ethan put his ball cap and jacket back on, preparing to go back out into the rainy night. He was staying a few blocks away at his usual place, a cheap hotel. “I really gotta go.”
Suki opened the apartment door for him and looked up into his cold, dark eyes. She could see he was bent on killing Kate regardless of the cost to her sister.
“Night, Sis,” Ethan said as he slipped out the door.
“Night.”
Closing the door, Suki went in the kitchen to put the teakettle on to boil. She picked up Ethan’s beer bottles and tossed them in the trash as the doorbell sounded. She looked through the peephole, thinking her brother was back for something he’d forgotten, but she was wrong. She saw it was the two police detectives, instead. Pulling in a deep breath, she opened the door to them.
“Yes, can I help you?” she asked, trying to keep her nerves under control.
“Sorry to bother you so late, ma’am, but can we come in for just a moment?” Detective Porter requested.
“Sure, I guess.” Suki stepped aside and let them in. “What’s happened? Did you find Whitney?” she said, trying to sound hopeful.
“No, not yet, but we have a photo we think might be a clue. Can you identify the people in this picture?” Will held the photo up for her to take a look.
She looked at it for a few moments, realizing it was a picture of her and Ethan, taken several years ago. Her heart began to thump hard, and some of the color drained from her face, struggling not to give herself away.
“No, I don’t think I know those people. Who are they?” she asked innocently, glad it wasn’t a close-up of them.
“Well, that’s what we’re trying to find out.”
“Oh, silly me. Of course, that’s why you’re here. I don’t know what I was thinking,” she said, putting on her best airhead impression. The kettle began to whistle in the background. “Would you guys like some tea?”
“No, thank you, it’s late. Sorry to have bothered you, Miss Gorman,” Patel apologized.
“No bother. I want to help. Sorry I couldn’t identify them,” she remarked as she opened the door to let them out. “Good night.”
That was close, she thought to herself, as she turned the dead bolt. We’d better move fast once Kate is back, before someone does identify us in that photo and starts putting things together.
Chapter 12
Horizon Flight 2269 was about to touch down at the Seattle Airport. Kate and Ryan had gotten to the airport before sunrise and were arriving in Seattle as the early morning sun was beginning to break. During the flight, Kate had been studying the photo on Ryan’s phone, trying to make out the faces, but no matter how long she stared at the picture, it was not big enough or sharp enough to identify the people in it.
They got off the plane as fast as they could, grabbing their carry-on bags as they left. Making a quick sprint to the parking garage, they were soon on the freeway and headed to the police station. Kate called Detective Patel to let him know their plane had landed and they were on their way to meet him.
“Porter and I are both here sifting through the computer files once more. I’m sorry to say we haven’t found anything new. Hopefully, you will be able to identify the two people in the photograph, and it will tell us something.”
“We should be there in about twenty minutes,” Kate said, before hanging up.
She caught Ryan sneaking a quick peek at her while he drove. “Raj and Will are already at the office waiting for us,” she told him.
Wrapping her arms around herself, she let out a sigh. “Wh
itney’s running out of time isn’t she?” she asked in a sad voice.
“Now, let’s stay positive, Kate. We don’t know anything yet. This photo might be nothing, but, on the other hand, it might be a clue that busts this whole case wide open and leads us to finding your sister.”
“You’re right, but...”
“But, nothing. We’ll be at the station in just a few minutes and then you can get a good look at the photo.”
Kate wanted Ryan to be right. This photo could be the key to figuring out what happened to Whitney and where she was. She didn’t want to think of the alternative.
“I wonder if Suki would know who the people in the photo are,” Kate said.
“That’s a thought. Let’s ask Raj and Will when we get there.”
“Ugh! I wish I had thought of that last night. They could have gone right over to the apartment and shown it to her. Then Whitney may have been found by now.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about it. We’ll ask them in just a few minutes.”
“What a great sister I am. I was so wrapped up in what was going on between you and me last night that it never even occurred to me.” She whipped out her phone again and began dialing.
“Who are you calling?” Ryan asked.
“Detective Porter.” The phone started to ring and Will picked up.
“Kate? I thought you were on your way in?” he asked.
“How did you know it was me?”
“Caller ID.”
“Oh, that makes sense. Well, I was wondering if you thought we should ask Suki if she could identify the people in the photo.”
“Yes, we thought about that last night. So, we went over to her apartment and showed her the photo, but she said she didn’t know who they were.”
“All right. That’s all I was calling back about. I guess we’ll see you in a few minutes.” Kate hung up and turned to Ryan. “He said they did go over and ask Suki last night if she recognized the people, but she said she didn’t know who they were.”
“See, they’re on it. It’s their job to think of these things, Kate, not yours. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“You’re right. I’m just so anxious to find her. Can’t you go any faster?”
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