“That’s why I’m here. My job is to deliver you safely to Cal. Once we meet him and you’re certain the girl is Hannah, then you can contact WITSEC. You need to tell them Kyle Nelson came after you. Maybe they’ll find a connection between Kyle and Griff’s murder.”
“No.” Sadie screwed up her face. “Kyle was weird and he—but murder?”
“I asked about him before, but is there anything else you remember?”
“Kyle couldn’t have killed Griff. He was trussed up in my apartment when I made the call.”
“You’re right. But maybe he had an accomplice?”
“Let me think back. I first visited Hillcrest Church in July last year. Hannah’s birthday. I’ll never forget.” Her soft words floated in the air before she cleared her throat. “I can’t remember if Kyle was already attending, but my first encounter with him was several months later.”
“How’d you meet?”
“He’s a journalist working on a book. Something to do with cultural traditions. He took pictures all the time. I avoided him when he had his camera. But one day he cornered me after the church service and asked a bunch of questions. I think it was around Christmas because I remember holiday decorations on the door.”
“What kind of questions?”
“You know, the usual. Kinda like the ones you asked. But I guess because he professed to be a Christian, they didn’t bother me as much.”
“Was he persistent? Did he try to befriend you?”
“You mean like you did?”
The tone of those words wounded him. Bowen rubbed his chin and muttered, “I deserved that. I’m sorry.”
“Forget it.” She was silent for a few minutes. “I remember something else. A woman came with him recently. Kyle introduced her as his sister Lavonne.” Sadie tented her fingers. “And you know what else, she—Lavonne—came into work a few times. She didn’t speak to me, but I knew she watched me as she examined the plants.”
The car ahead swerved, forcing Bowen’s full attention back to the road. Wooden planks lay scattered across his lane and the road shoulder. He avoided the debris and checked his mirrors.
Red and blue lights flashed.
Bowen sucked in a breath.
18
“License and registration.”
While Bowen complied with the state trooper’s request, Sadie crossed her arms and hung her head. They’d made it safely to the outskirts of L.A. Would her flight end here, a few miles from Cal and Hannah?
The trooper examined Bowen’s documents by flashlight. “Mr. Boudine, where you traveling to?”
“San Francisco. We’re on vacation.”
Sadie understood why Bowen lied, but it still disturbed her. Taking her cue from him, she relaxed against the seat while her gut churned.
“Your driving was a bit erratic back there, Mr. Boudine.”
“I swerved to avoid debris in the road, sir.”
“How much have you had to drink tonight?”
“None, sir. Nothing. I don’t drink.”
“Would you step out of the car, please?”
Sadie observed the trooper conduct a sobriety test on Bowen, nibbling on a nail the whole time.
Ten minutes later, Bowen returned to the truck, a ticket in his hand. “A warning for not signaling. Can you believe that?”
By the time he took the Highway 710 ramp, Sadie’s heart had settled into a normal rhythm again. Her numb brain could barely string two words together.
After making a brief phone call, Bowen pulled into the driveway of a ‘50s style bungalow, replete with tidy lawn, two palm trees, and a black wrought iron fence.
As soon as Bowen switched off the engine, a lanky bald-headed man stepped from the shadows on the front porch. Highlighted by the streetlight, his sharp nose, prominent brow, and hollow cheeks reminded Sadie of a hawk.
Bowen gestured towards the house. “This is it, Sadie. Go inside, and we’ll bring your things.”
Hawk Man opened the passenger door and offered Sadie his hand, which she gladly took. Fatigue and anxiety had turned her leg muscles to mush. She staggered across the lawn to the small porch. Its three steps looked ten feet high. Joints complained as she climbed up and entered the house, Bowen’s voice humming behind her.
A tall table lamp shed a soft yellow glow over the sparsely furnished living room. An old black and white movie played on a small TV set. Sadie dumped her purse on the blue plaid sofa and flexed her shoulders.
The men carried in the luggage, which they placed in the middle of the room next to a stained coffee table.
Hawk Man held out his hand to Bowen. “Give me your keys. I’ll close the gate, and then move your truck.”
Sadie couldn’t place his heavy accent.
Bowen dropped the keys into the man’s hand. “This way.” He picked up her suitcase and pointed down the hall. “Do you want anything to eat or drink?”
“No, thanks.”
Three doors led off the narrow space. Bowen stopped at the last one. “Here’s your room.” He set her suitcase and shopping bag on a straight-backed wooden chair. Deep lines etched the skin around his eyes and dark stubble covered his chin. His smile softened his features. “Sadie, I’ve got to repeat. Your life is in our hands—mine and Erik’s. You must listen to us.”
She nodded.
“First, get some rest. There’s a bathroom through there.” She lowered herself to the bed while he pointed out a door to her right. “Don’t leave the house. Don’t make any phone calls, and if anything happens to me, Erik will take care of you.”
Wide-eyed, she stared at him, unable to comprehend his last statement.
Bowen sat next to her, taking her hand and stroking it as if she were three years old. “Don’t worry. I plan on being around a long time. Now, before I go, any questions?”
A dozen sprinted through her brain, but she knew he meant questions about his instructions. “No. I understand.”
With a final pat on her hand, he stepped to the door. “One more thing. Always be dressed to run out of here. Sleep in regular clothes, and when you shower, do so as quickly as possible. And have your things packed at all times.” His dimple appeared briefly. “See you in the morning.”
“Thank you for everything.”
He gave her a nod and closed the door.
Sadie rose to her feet and glanced around. The room had heavily shaded windows, a double bed, a six-drawer dresser, and a lamp on a side table.
Tired, aching muscles called for rest. From the drugstore sack, she pulled her toothbrush and toothpaste. On the way to the bathroom, she removed the wig. She brushed her teeth and washed her face, and then shed her jacket and sneakers and tumbled into bed. Sleep descended immediately.
She awoke to the sound of male voices outside the window. For a second, she couldn’t remember where she was, and then in the gloom she caught sight of the wig draped over her suitcase. Stretching tight muscles, she slid out of bed and peeked around the shade. Bowen and Erik conversed a moment longer before disappearing around the house.
Daylight. Today she’d see Cal, and maybe Hannah.
She showered and dressed in record time. With the wig securely in place, she packed her belongings. Checking her reflection in the mirror, she noticed an old-fashioned glass soda bottle with a yellow carnation on the dresser. Had it been there last night?
Erik stood at the stove, stirring a savory concoction that smelled like home cooking.
“Good morning.”
He turned at her greeting and gestured to the counter. “Morning. There’s coffee.”
The aroma from the pan tickled her taste buds. She poured a mug of coffee, added an extra dose of creamer to the dark brew, and savored the first sip. “Where’s Bowen?”
Erik set three plates on the counter. “Garage. He’ll be back soon.”
He shoveled his creation from the skillet onto the plates and pushed one to her. “Eat. It’s good.”
While he ran water into the skillet, she sli
pped around the counter and hunted for silverware. An odd assortment of knives, forks, and spoons rattled in the second drawer she opened. She gathered three sets, took her plate, silverware, and cup to the green Formica-topped square table, and sat facing the kitchen. Erik’s dish of eggs, green peppers, and sausage was delicious. He ate standing at the stove while keeping an eye on her.
The morning light accentuated his sharp features. Rolled up shirtsleeves exposed faded tattoos. Deep crow’s-feet etched the corners of his eyes. She guessed he had a few years on Bowen, although she didn’t know Bowen’s age.
The back door opened, and Bowen stomped into the kitchen. “Something smells good. Morning Sadie. Did you sleep OK?”
With her mouth full, she could only nod.
Bowen washed his hands, scooped up his plate and joined her at the table. “Hey, Erik, please bring me a cup of coffee, and come sit with us. She doesn’t bite. I promise.” He grinned and forked food into his mouth.
Carrying two mugs, Erik slid into a chair.
“Thanks.” Bowen took a gulp of coffee.
One last bite and Sadie set her plate aside. “Did you get any sleep?”
“Not much. Erik and I had to finalize plans.”
Erik drained his cup and nodded.
“Like what?”
Bowen took their empty plates to the sink and returned with the coffeepot and creamer container. He refilled the three cups and sat.
“Phone calls. Contacts. That kinda thing.”
“I get the message. You’ll tell me what I need to know.” After shaking a liberal dose of creamer into her cup, Sadie sipped her coffee. “So, when are we going to meet Caleb?”
Erik checked his watch. “I’ll make the call.”
Sadie caught the glance Bowen sent Erik. The tall man stood and loped down the hall.
When he disappeared into one of the bedrooms, she asked, “Who is he?”
Bowen took another gulp of coffee.
“Where’s he from? I don’t recognize his accent.”
When he ignored her questions, she scooted the chair back from the table and rolled up her sleeves. Might as well clean the kitchen. As steam rose from the sink, she concentrated on the chore and jumped when Bowen’s breath heated her neck.
“Erik’s from Bosnia. Now quit with the questions.” He added his cup to the water. “Thanks for doing the dishes. We’ll leave in ten minutes.” His footsteps echoed down the hall.
Ten minutes. Soon she’d meet Cal, and they’d make plans to see Hannah. She glanced at her clothes. Blue jeans, pink and white striped top. Hurrying to her room, she shook her head. Crazy. She hadn’t given a thought to her clothing in three years. Why start now? Cal wouldn’t care. After all, he’d paid who knows how much for Bowen to locate her. After checking her room one more time to make sure all her things were in the suitcase, she collected her purse and faded denim jacket and headed to the living room.
Erik, a shoulder holster strap crossing his back, stood at the closed front door. He turned as Sadie entered.
Remembering Bowen’s admonition, she refrained from asking questions, but she couldn’t keep her gaze off Erik’s weapon.
He yanked a brown suede jacket from the rack and pulled it on, effectively concealing the holster.
Sadie sank into the dark blue armchair and closed her eyes. The day might hold all manner of surprises for her. Her stomach flip-flopped with nervous jitters. From out of nowhere a scripture floated into consciousness.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Although prayer had been an integral part of her former life, she’d said few since Aaron died. But now, she found minute phrases in her soul budding to life. They grew and blossomed, until she crumbled forward and covered her face. Oh, God, please forgive me. Come near and give me strength. I can’t get through today without You. She wasn’t sure how long she sat there, but by the time Bowen interrupted, a shawl of peace covered her shoulders.
“Ready?” He sorted through jackets on the rack and chose a gray windbreaker. “Let’s go.”
In the driveway were two vehicles—a tan sedan and a black pickup, like the one Cal drove before she entered WITSEC.
“We’ll use the car. Erik will take the truck.”
“Where’s your pickup?”
Bowen gestured to the detached two-car garage and opened her door. “Need to keep it hidden for now. Just a precaution.”
His words knocked a small chink in her security blanket. She might be with Hannah soon, but her troubles were far from over.
Before setting off, Bowen inserted a device into his ear and set the microphone piece close to his mouth. “Testing. Erik, come in.” He paused and then added, “Good to go. I’ll wait for you to close the gate.”
Although she’d lived in L.A. for many years, Sadie had no idea where they were.
Bowen’s set jawline and rigid posture squelched any thought of asking. His constant scanning to the right and left reminded her of their serious situation.
Erik followed close behind them.
She kept quiet until they turned onto Highway 101, and she caught a glimpse of the Hollywood sign. A light film of smog hovered over the city. Now she was in familiar territory. “Where are we going to meet Cal?”
“In the hills. Near Runyan Canyon Park. Erik will call and give him the exact location shortly.”
“Why there?”
“Only one way in. Easy for Erik to monitor.” His brusque tone and concise answer erected a barrier between them. No longer her driving companion, he’d morphed into her bodyguard.
“I know Erik carries a gun. Do you?”
“No.” Bowen zigzagged through a neighborhood and then turned onto Runyan Canyon Road. They twisted up into the hills about a mile, with Bowen checking the rearview mirror every few seconds. He slowed and parked in a wide graveled area. With the vehicle facing the road, he tapped his earpiece. “We’re here. Send him up.”
Sadie glanced around. Where was Erik?
Bowen left the engine running and opened a window. With his hand on his earpiece, he looked at Sadie. “Erik’s at the bottom of the road. He’ll keep watch. Make sure no one followed Cal. Are you ready?”
A boulder-sized lump formed in her throat. She swallowed and nodded.
“I see his SUV now.” As it drew to a stop, Bowen opened his door. “Stay here until I call you. Understand?”
She twisted her purse strap and kept her eyes on the silver vehicle. “OK.”
Cal climbed out and shook hands with Bowen.
Sadie’s heart quivered and a gasp escaped her dry lips. Cal looked so much like Aaron. The same height, close to six-foot. Short hair a little lighter than Aaron’s. Same square jaw. Hands on his hips, Aaron’s favorite stance.
Bowen motioned to Sadie.
Without hesitation, she exited the car.
She ran and fell into Cal’s arms.
He studied her face. “Sadie? You’re so different.” He wrapped her in a crushing hug. “I’m glad to see you.”
“Hi, Caleb. Tell me about Hannah.”
19
Sadie sat with Cal in his car while he repeated his story of finding Hannah. He added details to the conversation they’d had en route to California. Stepping out of the car, she beckoned to Bowen. “When can we see her?”
“We’re working on that. But Cal won’t be coming with us.” Bowen was in charge.
“Will Cal and I meet again? We have so much to talk about.”
“Maybe. Let’s see what happens when we locate Hannah. We’ll—hold on.” He touched his earpiece, and then his brow scrunched tight.
“Get in the car. Cal, follow me out of here. We’ve got company.”
Sadie jumped in the sedan and snapped her seat belt.
Jamming the car in gear, Bowen tore across the gravel. Cal followed close behind as they screeched around curves and raced up hills. Out the back window, Sadi
e glimpsed a dark SUV gaining on them. Erik’s black pickup roared around the SUV. He maneuvered from side to side, preventing the SUV from passing him.
Sadie’s thoughts worked overtime. Had someone followed Cal? Did that mean the Levasseurs knew she was in L.A.?
The grim set of Bowen’s face confirmed her suspicions. By the time he turned onto Mulholland Drive, he’d lost Erik and the SUV. Cal kept close as they drove down the 101, the Hollywood Freeway, to a café tucked away in a quiet neighborhood.
“I need to have a long talk with Cal. We’re safe here. Erik will keep watch.” He removed the ear piece. “Too easy to trace.”
Face pale, lips tight, Cal joined them at the café entrance. “What happened back there?”
Bowen gestured to the café door. “Let’s discuss that.”
Once directed to a table close to the kitchen, Bowen pointed to the laminated menu. “Please order coffee for me. I need to make a quick call.” He moved to the corner and held his phone to his ear.
Caleb ordered coffee for himself and Bowen, and Sadie chose hot chocolate. She had enough acid churning in her stomach.
Bowen returned a couple of minutes later and joined them. “OK, folks, here’s the deal. It’s obvious someone followed you, Cal. Did you adhere to all the precautions I gave you?”
“To the letter. Didn’t tell anyone.” Cal hiked his shoulders, eyes wide. “Took a circuitous route. Kept watch for a tail.”
With his gaze fixed on the red tablecloth, Bowen pursed his lips. “And you’ve never called me on a landline—even from your office?”
Cal pulled his cell phone from his suit coat pocket and waited for the server to deliver their order. “This is what I use.”
Bowen held out his hand. “Let me have it.”
Before Cal could protest, Bowen located a tiny screwdriver on his key chain and popped the cover off the device. He examined the intricate innards, and then snapped the cover back in place. “No bug.” He slid it across the table to Cal. “Start at the beginning and tell us what you did after seeing the child who looks like Hannah.”
Weep In The Night Page 13
