“Big quiz today.” She didn’t look up from her notes.
Alex started a pot of coffee. “Mom and I were talking about you and Damon last night.”
She groaned. “We won’t spend any alone time together, don’t worry.”
He sat next to her. “Actually, we were discussing the possibility of allowing you two some freedom.”
“You were?” Ari glanced up, wide-eyed.
Alex nodded. “There will be ground rules, of course, but we do trust you. Both of you.”
She didn’t respond. Just stared in disbelief.
“We still need to speak with Mimi and Papi, but maybe we can all talk tonight.”
Ariana leaped up and threw her arms around Alex. “Thank you! I’m sorry about arguing last night. I was just so frustrated.”
He patted her back. “I’m sorry, too. We were both frustrated, and I wasn’t being fair.”
She squeezed him. “So, we can spend some time together after school? Alone?”
“Let us set up the ground rules first.”
“Can we get some sushi? Please? I’m so tired of the football games. It’s my friends who like going to those.”
“Would going for sushi involve Damon’s car?” Alex arched a brow.
Ariana sighed dramatically. “We’d have to get there somehow.”
“That’s going to have to be one of the ground rules we discuss with Mimi and Papi.”
“Have you seen his convertible? There isn’t room for anything other than sitting and driving. Plus, I promise nothing will happen.”
Alex started to say something about the car, but didn’t want to give her any ideas. “We’ll discuss it tonight. If you want to walk somewhere, I think that’d be fine. It’s just one day.”
She opened her mouth, then closed it. Her eyes darted around before she nodded. “Okay. Thanks, Dad.”
He arched a brow, surprised at her agreement. “I know it seems like we don’t want you to have any fun, but we’re looking out for your best interests.”
“I know.” She gathered her things. “We’ll talk tonight?”
“Definitely.” He rose, gave her a quick hug, then poured himself some coffee in a travel mug.
She flung her bag over her shoulder and headed into the hall. Then she turned around. “Oh, I almost forgot.”
He added flavored creamer. “What’s that?”
“Last night, I saw the weirdest thing.”
“The three-legged cat again?”
She shook her head. “No. There was a lady walking around outside, and she had on a red dress.”
Alex dropped his mug, and the brown liquid splashed everywhere, soaking into his pants.
“Dad! I’m so sorry.” Ariana rushed over and grabbed a towel.
He didn’t budge. “There was a woman in a red dress in our neighborhood?”
“Yeah. Weird, huh?” She wiped the floor.
“And you didn’t think to tell me?” Alex’s mind raced. “She could be after you!”
“I’m not going to follow her anywhere. She isn’t going to take me.”
Alex’s mind raced, trying to make sense of it. And it made all too much sense. The woman had to have originally been going after Ariana, not Tinsley. His blog, the kidnapping ring, the lady in red—it was all connected like he’d thought all along.
It was the only explanation.
“Where was she? Outside our house? On the property? What did her dress look like?”
Ariana wrung out the hand towel in the sink. “Like I said, long flowing dress.”
“You didn’t say long and flowing.”
She shrugged. “Well, it was. And she was across the street, nowhere near our house.”
“That’s near enough,” he snapped. “I’m driving you to school today.”
“Dad, I’m fine. Seriously.” She threw him an exasperated look.
“So am I.” He pulled on his wet pant leg. “I’m going to change real quick. Don’t go anywhere, especially if you want to show me you’re serious about following our rules.”
“But—okay. I’ll wait. I have to get going, though.”
“So do I, and I wasn’t planning on dropping you off this morning.” He hurried back into the apartment and changed into dry slacks. His laptop sat at the table, tempting him. More than anything, he wanted to republish his blog. Show those kidnappers he wouldn’t put up with this nonsense a moment longer. But there wasn’t time. He had to get Ariana to school before he got to the station late.
In the car, he turned to his daughter. “Don’t go anywhere alone.”
“Dad.” She turned the word into a three-syllable word.
“I couldn’t be more serious. Walk to a sushi place with Damon if you want, but don’t go alone.”
“A car would be safer.”
He narrowed his eyes.
“I’m just saying.”
Alex pulled into traffic. “And if you see that woman again, text me immediately.”
“Okay.”
“And get a picture of her if you can. But text me first. Or call nine-one-one. Actually, call them first. The psycho needs to be stopped.”
“Sure. Call for help and snap a picture. Got it. Anything else?” She sighed.
He stopped at a red light and turned to her. “This is serious. And it’s personal. They’re after us.”
“They? It’s one lady.”
Alex shook his head. “It’s a kidnapping ring. There are dangerous men across the world involved. I don’t know what the deal is with the lady, but I’m not about to let you be bait. The—”
“Light’s green.”
He looked straight ahead and drove. “Promise me you’ll stay in groups. Don’t go anywhere alone.”
“I thought I already gave you my word.”
“Maybe you did. I can’t think straight. Next time you see her in our neighborhood, tell me right away.”
“I won’t forget.”
Alex’s mind raced the rest of the way to the school.
She had the door open before he’d come to a complete stop. “Bye, Dad.”
“Don’t go anywhere alone!”
“I know. Love you.”
“You too, sweetie. Stay safe.”
Ariana nodded before shutting the door and racing to the building.
He waited until she was inside before leaving, even though it earned him honks from the other parents.
Before pulling back into traffic, he put his phone on speaker and called Nick. It went to voicemail. Maybe he was driving, too. It was just as well. He’d talk to him once he got to the station.
They needed to do something about the woman in red. And Alex’s first plan of action was to return to the prison and demand answers from Cal—his only connection to the kidnapping ring on the dark web.
Chapter 20
Nick checked his buzzing phone and returned it to his coat.
“Is that the precinct?” Genevieve asked.
“Yes. It can wait.”
Genevieve chewed on her lower lip and tapped the armrest.
Nick threaded his fingers through hers. “Whatever happens, we’re in this together.”
She turned to him and gave him a weak smile. “Part of me wants to run back to the car. I don’t want to hear her confirm my fears.”
“No matter what, we’ll still be us. We still have our family. Our wedding is still on. Nothing changes.”
Genevieve leaned her head against his shoulder.
He squeezed her hand and offered up what had to be the five-hundredth prayer that she would be able to have a baby of her own. Given everything they’d already been through, infertility would be a sucker punch. But he was serious about doing whatever it took. He’d move mountains for her if that was what it would take.
A nurse called her name.
His stomach knotted. The moment of truth was coming. Would they be able to try for a baby the natural way, or would they have to spend thousands while hoping for a medical miracle? Not that the m
oney was something that bothered him. It was the stress and heartbroken look that hadn’t left Genevieve’s face which crushed him.
They followed the nurse, then Genevieve handed him her coat while she stepped on the scale. Then the nurse led them farther down the hall to a room, where she took Genevieve’s blood pressure.
“The doctor will be in shortly. Do you need anything while you wait?”
Genevieve just shook her head. “No thanks.”
Nick put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek.
Tears shone in her eyes. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Nick’s heart broke. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else, unless I didn’t know about the appointment.”
“The only reason I kept it to myself was so you wouldn’t worry unnecessarily if it ended up being nothing.”
He traced circles on her palm and held her gaze. “The fact that you’re facing this makes it necessary for me to be here.”
Knock, knock.
Genevieve jumped, her eyes widened.
Nick squeezed her hand. “Everything is going to be okay—no matter what the doctor says.”
She nodded, but fear radiated from her expression.
The door opened, and in walked a lady about Nick’s age. She wore her hair in a braid and a smile on her face. He knew she introduced herself, but Nick couldn’t concentrate and missed her name. He just wanted to know if he would soon be consoling his fiancée.
The doctor asked some general questions, then Genevieve went into more detail about her cycle. Nick just listened, while trying to calm his racing thoughts.
Genevieve squeezed his hand with enough strength to cause damage and leaned forward. “Can you take a blood sample and tell me if I’m infertile?”
The doctor shook her head no. “It’s not possible. That’s a common misconception, I’m afraid.”
Genevieve dropped Nick’s hand.
“But that doesn’t mean we’re out of options.”
Nick nearly jumped out of his seat. “We’re not?”
“No.” She sat and rolled her chair over in front of them. “I’m going to write a prescription for Clomid. It’s often used to stimulate ovulation, and I’ve seen it work for other women in your situation.”
“English, please,” Nick said.
She smiled. “In other words, it has the potential to cause Genevieve to release an egg. If it does, that tells us she isn’t in early menopause.”
“How do we know if it works?”
“She’ll either menstruate or get pregnant.”
His heart soared. “That’s great news!”
“What if it doesn’t work?” Genevieve frowned.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
“First, we’ll try this,” the doctor said. “If it doesn’t work, then we’ll look further.” She went on to give Genevieve directions for taking the medication.
Genevieve glanced at the time and turned to Nick. “We both have to get back to work.”
“You’re worried about work?” Nick asked.
“Yes.” She rose and shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She handed Genevieve the prescription, said goodbye, and left the room.
“Let’s get some lunch, G.” Nick wrapped his arms around her.
“I’m not really in the mood.”
“What about the one restaurant we’ve been talking about over on Birch Street?”
She picked up her purse. “I’d rather go back to work.”
“If that’s what you’d prefer.” He laced his fingers through hers and led her to the parking lot. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider lunch?”
“I’m not hungry. Maybe another day.” She took a deep breath.
He brushed his lips across hers. “It’s killing me that you’re hurting so much.”
“Well, we may end up with good news in a few weeks, right? I suppose I’ll have to try and focus on that.”
Nick kissed her again. “That’s the spirit.”
“I said, I’ll try.”
His phone buzzed in his pocket. “I think I’m needed at the station.” He pulled out his cell, but it wasn’t work calling.
Seeing the caller ID took the breath from his lungs.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s the middle school. Something must be wrong with Parker.”
Her mouth gaped. “Answer it.”
“Right.” He accepted the call. “Captain Nick Fleshman.”
“This is Andrea from the middle school office. You’re on the emergency contact list for Tinsley Foster.”
“Tinsley?” Nick exclaimed.
Genevieve’s mouth dropped. “Put it on speaker!”
He did.
Andrea continued. “We tried calling Genevieve, but couldn’t reach her.”
Genevieve pulled out her phone. “I forgot, I put it on silent at the doctor’s office.”
“What’s wrong with Tinsley?” Nick demanded.
“She’s missing, Captain.”
Genevieve gasped.
Nick dropped the phone.
Chapter 21
Ariana ignored the teasing jabs as she made her way to the front of the class. She wracked her mind, trying to figure out why the principal would call her to the office. She hadn’t broken any rules, hadn’t missed any assignments, hadn’t done anything wrong—that was it! Maybe she wasn’t in trouble, like the kids in her class were saying. What if she was being called in because of her good academics? That made a lot more sense than being called in for doing something wrong.
When she stepped into the main office, the receptionist who was on the phone waved her over to the principal’s office.
The door was open, so Ari went straight. “You called for me?”
The principal was on the phone and motioned for Ariana to take a seat. She waved her hands around while speaking quickly to the other person. Then she ended the call and turned to Ariana. “You’re friends with Tinsley, right?”
Ari got a nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Yeah. Why? Is something wrong?”
The principal scrunched her face. “She didn’t show up to class, and we don’t know where she is.”
“What about the cameras? Security guards? Nobody saw anything?”
“Nothing. She blended into the crowd during the break, and we can’t find her anywhere. Do you have any ideas where she might’ve gone?”
Ariana’s heart thundered. It was the second time in less than a week that Tinsley had gone missing. What was going on with her? Had she seen the lady in the red dress again?
“Do you know something?” asked the principal. “Anything will help, no matter how small it seems.”
“Well, she got lost in the woods over the weekend—she was found, obviously. But I don’t see how that has anything to do with this.”
“Why did she get lost?”
Ari looked down at her nails, guilt stinging again. “She was following someone she thought she knew.”
“Someone from school?”
“No.”
Silence settled between them and the principal paced. “Do you know if she was having any problems with another student? Or anything?”
“Not that she told me about, sorry. I wish I knew.” Ariana strained to think of anything. “What class was she supposed to be going to?”
“She was heading to one of her special education classes. The teacher doesn’t think she had any reason to want to avoid it. She was happy there yesterday.” The principal looked at Ariana. “You can’t think of anywhere she’d have gone?”
Ari shook her head, feeling as helpless as the other night. “I wish I could. She hasn’t said anything to me about this.”
“If you come up with anything at all, let me know.” She opened a drawer and dug around. “Here’s a special hall pass. Use it and come see me. Doesn’t matter how small the idea seems.”
Ariana took the pass and put it in a pocket. “Thanks. I hope she shows up first.
”
“We all do. That poor girl has been through more than enough.”
Ari nodded and headed back into the hall to return to her class. Halfway there, she saw Nick and Genevieve racing in the direction of the office.
“Ariana!” Genevieve called.
She hurried over to them. “I just talked with the principal.”
“You don’t have any idea where she went?” Nick asked.
“I wish.” Ariana frowned. Maybe if she were a better friend, she would.
Genevieve put a hand on Ari’s shoulder. “If you think of something, call us. You have both of our numbers, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Thank you.” They hurried away.
Ariana’s stomach knotted. This couldn’t be a coincidence. Tinsley wouldn’t disappear twice in such a short period of time.
Then a thought struck her. Had she seen the woman in red again? That was why she’d gone off in the woods, and Ariana had seen her the night before. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility.
But would that lady be so bold as to approach her at the school? There were cameras everywhere. Well, not everywhere. If there were, Tinsley wouldn’t be missing.
A teacher walked by and he lifted a brow at Ariana. “What are you doing out of class?”
She pulled out the pass.
“Oh, you’re one of the principal’s assistants. I didn’t realize that. Carry on.” He continued down the hall.
That was easy. Too bad she couldn’t keep the pass indefinitely.
Ari headed for her class, but then a sign for the after-school art club caught her attention. Tinsley loved art. It was her favorite subject. What if she’d gone to one of the art rooms to paint or draw? Ariana darted down the opposite direction until she reached the hallway where all the art classrooms were.
The classrooms were both in session, but the pottery room was empty. The lights were out, and she couldn’t see anyone.
That didn’t mean nobody was actually in there. Tinsley would have a lot of places to hide, if she really wanted to. Plus, the camera down this hall didn’t point toward the pottery room.
She opened the door. “Tinsley?”
Nothing.
“It’s me, Ariana. Are you in here?”
Tap.
The noise could be the kiln, or it could be Tinsley. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time she’d tucked herself away somewhere when she wanted to be alone. It’d happened several times when Ari had been over at their house.
Lady in Red Page 10
