by Kayla Grey
“Once. Christopher was with her and their little group one night when I had to pick him up. She seemed lovely. I know he was sweet on her then, but she was too good for him. I can see her with you.”
A flood of warmth spreads through my chest. The way he speaks to me is very much like the way my father did. I think that is why Brandon and I still talk. We both lost what we found in each other.
“I hope this has nothing to do with my son. However, if it does please let me know. Let me know if you need any help. You deserve to be happy.”
I feel a dam about to burst, but I don’t let it. I can’t do that right now. If I break down, I might not be able to stop. My gaze flits to the door at the sound of movement. Mark stands quietly, hands in his pockets, with remorse in his eyes.
“I appreciate the offer. If there is anything you can do I will let you know. Thank you for the chat.”
“Anytime my boy.” And then he’s gone.
I used to hate when he called me boy. I saw it as a sign of disrespect. But the more time we spent together, the more it grew on me. Eventually, I learned it was an endearment.
“He offered to help if we need him too. He has a lot of connections and pull in more areas than you know. He also doesn’t know anything about his son. They have been estranged since the deal.” I tell Mark as I had him back his phone.
He takes it and slides it in his coat pocket. “That was nice of him.”
“It was. See that Wolf has his contact info. If he needs anything it would be better heard from him first hand, rather than a relayed message.”
Mark narrows his gaze, his mouth turning down. “I’m not sure that is wise. We don’t know how secure his line is.”
“I doubt Chris has any interest in his father. Besides I’m sure Wolf knows what to do. See that he has it. Brandon lives in California, he could be a big help to him.”
Though his disagreement is evident in his eyes, he gives me a curt nod, “Yes, sir.”
“Try and get some rest.” He adds turning away, only to stop a few paces late. “I figured you wouldn’t want to sleep in here, so I made sure the guest room was made up for you.”
“Thank you Mark. For everything.”
He gives me a half smile, then turns away. I take a look around the room allowing my mind to drift back to our fight and the night we christened the bed. After what seems like an hour, I realize I can’t stay in here any longer. Twirling her ring between my fingers, I make my way to the guest room.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“WOLF CALLED.” MARK says coming into my room just as I finish tying a trinity not in my tie. “We finally know that Luke was a dead end.”
“Why are we finding this out two and a half years later? Shouldn’t we be more resourceful?” I ask my voice edging on frustration.
“As we have told you in the past, this entire thing was very thought out. Whoever this guy is has really been giving us the run around.”
My annoyed gaze moves from his reflection to the deep green tie around my neck. My heart skips as her eyes flash in my mind. Since my talk with Brandon, not only do I carry her ring with me, I have started wearing something, anything that reminds me of her. It’s helped ease the pain I feel when I need it most.
“This is unacceptable Mark.” I finally say shifting my attention.
“I understand, sir.”
A growl rumbles low in my throat. “I want her found Mark. Why aren’t we finding this information out sooner? I’m tired of the excuses. I know we are close. The death threat that turned up at the office yesterday proves that. Everyday we don’t know something is another day wasted.”
Twisting around, I snatch my black suit jacket off the chair and march past him into the living room. I can smell bacon and eggs wafting from the kitchen. My jaw clenches as my stomach churns. Martha has started making food before asking so I’ll eat. Her feeble attempts have only pissed me off.
“Sir, I am pushing them. It’s hard to control things being so far away.”
I spin around and face him head on. “And whose fault is that?” I bite out. “I wanted to stay in California. I told you I didn’t want to leave. You insisted. Now look at us! I have a staff that suddenly thinks it’s okay to argue with me. Information that I can’t get a hold of. And she’s been missing for two years! All I seem to get out of you is an excuse as to why we haven’t found her. That is until I have gone off enough that you finally give in.”
Marks eyes widen and takes a stumbling step back, as if my words physically cut him. I have never seen him stunned into silence before. Shit. Heaving a sigh, I walk up to him placing my hand on his arm. “I’m sorry Mark. I know you are doing the best you can. It’s hard being on the outside of this just waiting for you to tell me we found her. Half the time, I don’t even feel alive.”
“We’re close sir. I haven’t been as supportive to you over the last couple years as I should have been, but I have never stopped the search. I see your pain. I wish I could make it go away. Wish I could stop the people pushing you to forget about her and move on.” His gaze slides to Martha, then settles back on me. “It pains me to see you like this, and for so long. These last years have been hard.”
“Breakfast is ready.” Martha calls breaking the awkward silence between Mark and me.
Turning around, I pick up my jacket from the chair I tossed it on in anger. “Give it to Dwayne.” I tell her as I head to the elevator. I hear Marks hastened footsteps behind me. He makes it next to me just before the doors close to the elevator.
“How do they know we are getting close to finding her?” I ask as Mark and I ride down to the car.
“I’m not sure, sir. I have started looking into staff to see if we have a leak, but as far as security goes were good. I was going to ask you if you would mind me looking into Martha.”
“Why Martha?”
The doors open to the garage where Mark and I are faced with my vandalized Aventador. Mark’s gun is drawn before I even notice he’s walking slowly to the car. His gaze alert and sweeping the area. I follow him toward the car. Glass crunching under my feet. The word thief carved into all surfaces.
“Stay back, sir.” Mark says holding out his arm to stop me from getting any closer. “I’ll have this taken care of. For now, let’s get you to work.”
As the memory of Autumn and I on the hood of the car flashes, I curse under my breath. Nearly everything I have reminds me of her and I. Each time a memory surfaces, it’s like a dagger to the heart.
“Mark, these people know far to much about me. Have you looked into Christopher yet?”
His furious eyes glance over to me before I realize he’s on the phone. “Get another one. Today.” Pocketing his phone he stays silent and directs me to the BMW, stopping me just in front to check the car. A few minutes later, he opens the back allowing me to get in.
“Where are we on Christopher?”
“He disappeared shortly after your encounter. Just falls off the face of the earth. No credit cards, bank accounts, nothing.” Mark says nothing else from that moment on. Just speeds us through traffic to get me to work just before my meeting at nine.
“Good morning, sir.” Vee says standing as I enter the office. “Your nine rescheduled to later today. However, I have a man named Wolf on hold for you.”
I look back at Mark who seems as surprised as I am. “Fine, I’ll take it in my office.”
“Very good, sir.”
Mark follows me into the office locking the door behind us. I make a b-line straight for the phone on my desk and press speaker to put Wolf on.
“Is this line secure?” Mark asks before I get a chance to say anything.
“Yes.”
“Good.” Mark motions for me to take over then slides his hands in his pocket.
“What do you have for us Wolf?” I shrug out of my jacket. Mark takes it and lays it across the back of the chair near him.
Wolf clears his throat and releases a long breath. “I think I may have foun
d her. I’m having a bit of trouble getting past some security issues. I have put a call into your friend Mr. Hamilton for help.”
He may have found her? My veins pulse with growing anticipation. The burst of energy surging through me suddenly makes my heart race erratically.
“It’s a bit early to tell you, but I have a good feeling about this.”
“That’s great news, Wolf. Keep us informed on your progress.” I say trying to hold back the overwhelming hope consuming my insides.
“Wolf, we have another problem.” Mark says jumping in.
“I need you to take another look into Christopher Hamilton. Dig deeper. Don’t leave one stone unturned.”
“I heard about the car. Dwayne called a few minutes before I called you. I will definitely look into him further. If you don’t mind me asking Brandon for help on that matter as well, I think he could be a good asset.”
“I would prefer you leave him out of that. However, if you believe it will help then fine.” The last thing I want is to burden Brandon with more pain over the rift with his son. I could hear the sadness in his voice.
“As a last resort then.”
“Also, did we find out who the leak is?” Mark adds stepping closer to the desk.
“Not yet. But it has to be someone that knows you well. I would say it was probably the phones being tapped, but since most of them were changed or now on a secure line. I doubt it. Did you want me to look into someone?”
“No, I’ll take care of it.” Mark says, his husky voice firm. “I was just checking with you first. You just focus on seeing this promising lead through.”
“Will do.”
The call disconnects. Silence comes over the room. I swear I can hear both Mark and my heart beats. “He found her.” The words flow from my mouth in a hushed whisper.
“No, he said he may have found her. Please, sir. Don’t get your hopes up quite yet.” I can see the corners of his mouth twitch up. He’s excited too. “Martha?”
“Do it. If the phones aren’t tapped, then she is the only one that is close to me. She also has been the most pushy about dating and moving on.”
Mark nods, the twitching turning into a scowl. “You know you will need to—”
“I’m aware. Just find out first.”
After Mark leaves ,I’m left with competing feelings of doubt and joy. Martha has been with me for a few years now. She’s pleasant. Cooks well. Cleans up, and shows up on time. She came highly recommended. I’m not sure if I will be crushed or relieved when I hear the news. But the hopeful promise that she’s been found sings in my veins.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TODAY MARKS THREE years since Autumn went missing. I sit at my desk, looking over a file about the new windmill designs Marcus sent over yesterday. My fingers thrum in an even steady beat on the top of my cherry desk.
We were supposed to have the files back on Martha months ago, but for whatever reason they never arrived. I don’t doubt Wolf sent them when he did, but we have come to find that multiple pieces, including ones for work, have been intercepted. The ones for work are coded, and really not important to anyone but me.
The only information regarding Autumn has been by phone, and only to Mark. Its the one time I agreed to stay out of what is going on. Mark or Wolf will tell me when things are settled. They believe this was the only way to keep me from getting too excited.
By the time I look at the clock, three hours have gone by. I have approved designs, gone over new contracts, and talked to Eric Hughes about a new project he wants to collaborate on. As I’m slipping on my jacket, my phone rings.
“Yes.” I say my tone more agitated than I mean.
“It’s Martha. She has been our leak the entire time. I still don’t know who she has been reporting to though. Dwayne has her in custody. She admitted to it.”
“Did she destroy the apartment?”
“No. But she gave the boy a key, which is why there was no sign of forced entry.” His attention strays. His voice quiet and distant. He’s talking to someone else, each word that flows out is filled with disdain.
“She wants to speak with you.” Mark adds.
“Deal with her. I have nothing more to say.”
“Of course, sir.”
Once again, his attention averts to whomever he’s with. I can hear a woman cry, and beg to speak to me. But Mark simply and viciously says no.
“Any word from Wolf yet?” I risk asking, ignoring the nagging feeling in my gut.
“Not yet, sir. I’ll be there in just a few minutes to pick you up. I need to take care of Martha first. By the way, I’m having new keys made. The locks changed. And once again the phone numbers. Oh and the code to the penthouse.”
“That’s fine. I have work that can hold me over until you’re finished.”
“Very good, sir. I will try to be quick.”
Just as I hang up Vee comes running in and out of breath. “Wolf is on the line, he says it’s urgent.”
I snatch the phone. “Wolf, what is it?”
“I found her!”
“You’re sure?” My heart pulses in my throat.
“Yes! Thanks to Brandon. I’m waiting for her to be released. I had to get a court order for it to happen. But she is to be released into my custody, and mine alone.”
I collapse in my chair and fold over my head resting on the heel of my hand. She’s safe and alive. Thank God. I feel my veins throb, and my heart pulse all throughout my body. My hand actually starts shaking as I continue holding the phone against my ear.
“Did you hear me? Kage, I found her.”
“Yes, Wolf. I heard.” Relief fills every inch of my body, followed by a wave of nausea that she won’t remember who I am. Shaking the thought from my mind I let his words soak in. “How long?”
“I’m on my way to pick up the court order. Then to get her. I should have her in custody by end of day. I will let you know when it’s done.” He pauses a moment, then continues with, “Do you want me to tell Mark?”
“That’s all right. I will tell him. Just bring my girl home.”
“Absolutely!”
I hang up, my head still in my hand as I try to catch my breath. Vee clears her throat softly alerting me to her presence. “Is everything all right, sir?”
For the first time, my blurry gaze meets her’s. That worried expression I have come to know over the last few years morphs into one of bliss. Her cheeks flush slightly. The corners of her lips turn up in a soft smile, and her posture sags. “You found her, didn’t you?”
Blinking back the tears threatening to fall, I feel my lips pull up to a soft relieved grin. Vee’s hands cover her heart, a sigh escaping her parted lips. She bats a trickling tear away as her legs carry her swift and quiet in my direction. Suddenly her arms are around me, and she’s whispering how happy she is. The hug lasts almost a second too long, before she pulls away and quickly retreats from the office.
My hand shakes when I pull my cell from my inner jacket pocket. Mark picks up on the second ring. “I’ll be on my way in just a minute.”
“Mark,” I pause, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “Wolf, found her. He’s on his way to get her now.”
He releases a relieved sigh. “That’s great news. How is he getting her?”
“He apparently got a court order. She can only be released to him. I don’t know the details on how he found her, but he said Brandon helped.”
“Did he say anything about Christopher?”
“No. He only called to tell me that. I didn’t hang around for much more.” I should have asked him about Chris. I was too overwhelmed knowing she had been found to think or care about anything else.
“Don’t worry about it, sir. We will continue to dig up information. Will Wolf call when he has her?”
“Yes. He said by end of day. Mark,” I actually choke back a soft sob, “she’s safe.”
I can imagine him smiling, and his eyes filled with a rare warmth. “I’m glad you never gave
up hope.”
“Be there in ten. Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
Slipping my cell into my pocket, I rush to the elevators, barely saying good-bye to Vee and the aggravating girl. As if racing to the house would make time go faster. Mark pulls up as I push through the double glass doors. I don’t wait for him to open the door, before I’m grabbing the handle and sliding it. The minute I’m in, he takes off, a chuckle vibrating low in his throat.
Four hours later, I’m on my fifth glass of wine and pacing the living room. Mark tried to get me to eat something around six but my stomach is too tied up in knots to eat. He tried to get me to look over the resumes that Vee already sent over. But I’m to eager to sit. I have done nothing but try to read, workout, and shower. Nothing keeps me from constantly crossing the length of the room and back.
Draining my wine, I nearly drop the glass when my phone vibrates on the table. Lunging for it, I answer out of breath, and shaking. “Do you have her?”
“Yes.”
My heart stops a moment before resuming its unsteady beat, pulsing in my throat. “She was under the name Lena. Does that have any meaning to you?”
“It was her sister’s name.”
“I’m going to be honest. She’s a little worse for wear, Kage. So be patient.” He pauses, and I can almost hear him smile. “But I’ve got her.”
About The Author
Kayla Grey is a girl obsessed with all things pumpkin flavored, owls, skeleton keys, and her husband. She loves handwriting letters and having her nose in some new amazing book. In her spare time she plays games with her husband, snuggles with her two rescue pups, and explores the local forests whenever possible. Trailer style music and bands like In This Moment are energizing and inspiring when the ideas are really flowing. All of this and more is done from Kayla’s cozy little apartment in Seattle.
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