by Girard, Dara
Something valuable. He repeated the words, as their meaning became clear. He began to smile and jumped to his feet.
"Where are you going?" Serena asked as he packed his bags.
"Not far. I'm just going to put something on the market."
* * *
Eric sat in the back office of the Blue Mango, randomly adding numbers in his calculator, when someone knocked on the door. Outside, the wind howled. It was the last week of March and there was no sign of the coming spring.
"Come in."
A tall dark-skinned young woman with smiling brown eyes entered. "Hi, Mr. Henson."
Eric leapt to his feet. "Pamela! What are you doing here?"
"I'm on spring break."
He glanced out the window at the melting snow. "You should have gone somewhere warm."
She smiled shyly. "I like it here."
Drake came into the room. He looked at Pamela, spun on his heel, and left.
She frowned. "What was that about?"
Eric sat on the edge of the desk with a secret grin. "Just wait."
A few moments later they heard hurried footsteps. Cedric burst into the room. "You're here," he said.
"Yes."
"You didn't tell me you were coming."
"I know. Surprise."
He pulled her into his arms and spun her around. They both laughed.
Cedric turned to Drake. "Mr. Henson, do you think—?"
"Finish your tables and enjoy yourself."
They left the room surrounded by the glow of young love.
"I can't believe it," Eric said. "You let him off early?"
"It's a slow day," Drake grumbled.
"You're getting soft."
"Shut up."
Eric left the office and spotted the young couple in the corner. Pamela rested against the wall; Cedric leaned toward her. Their different backgrounds were evident by their shoes. Pamela's stylish leather flats made Cedric's dress shoes look like rubber. But somehow to them it didn't matter.
With all the college guys she had met, Pamela had come home to him, and of all the available girls for Cedric to choose from he had waited for her. Eric heard the whispered words of love and wondered if it was easier for the young. Easier because they had no notion of the eventual heartache that would follow. Yet they might be lucky to have found each other, their path already destined to be together.
Pamela and Cedric had taken the risk of falling completely, holding on to each other on the way down. Adriana loved him and he loved her. It might not seem like enough, but it would do for now.
* * *
Adriana adjusted her scarf as she stood at the bus stop. It was not like Nina to sit at the back of the bus. But that must have been the case since a number of children had disembarked before her. Then the doors closed. Adriana felt the rise of mounting horror as the bus pulled from the curve. Nina was gone.
Adriana called the school. Everyone said they saw Nina get off the bus in the morning and that she had attended her classes. However, no one could definitely say they saw her get on the bus in the afternoon. Adriana hung up the phone, then dialed Eric.
"Henson speaking."
"Is Nina with you?"
There was a pause, then, "How long has she been missing?"
Adriana gripped the phone, her sweaty palms making it slippery. His words made the situation too real. Nina was missing. "I'm not sure. The school officials say she attended school but..." Her words died away, a sob replacing them.
She heard the phone disconnect and knew he'd be there.
She paced the living room, trying to think of various harmless scenarios. Perhaps Nina had made a new friend and once she reached the friend's house she would call. Or perhaps she had stayed after school and the teacher would soon call.
The doorbell rang. Adriana opened the door and Laurence stormed into the apartment. "Tell me Nina is here. I received this ridiculous ransom note and I want to know what's going on."
She fell into the couch, all hope gone. Someone had taken her. "Nina's not here."
"I can't believe you let this happen."
Her mouth fell open. "You can't blame me."
"If she hadn't been taking the bus we would know where she is."
She stood up and faced him. "I work, Laurence. I can't afford a driver or to chauffeur her back and forth to school."
"If you took my money you could."
She turned away from him and threw up her hands, exasperated. The argument was illogical. He just needed someone to rage at.
"The school will hear from me. How could a child disappear under their watch?"
"Let me see the note."
He handed it to her. The letters were made from magazine cutouts. It said: Ten thousand for your daughter. Deliver at Rock Creek Park at 1:30 a.m.
Adriana frowned. "Ten thousand? That's not much."
"It's a damn insult."
The doorbell rang.
"Who the hell is that?" Laurence opened the door and scowled at the visitor. "What do you want?"
Eric ignored him and went to Adriana. His stoicism, though in stark contrast with Laurence's vehemence, came with more menace. "Are you okay?"
"I'm about to go into hysterics. Look." She gave him the note.
Eric scanned the note. Ten thousand? That was how much Carter owed him. He swore.
"What?" she asked.
He tucked the note in his coat. "I think I know who has her."
Adriana and Laurence stared at him, hopeful. "Who?" Laurence demanded.
"I'm not sure, but I'll check it out." Eric opened the door.
"I'll call the police," Laurence said.
"No."
"Why?"
"I can deal with him."
Laurence's voice deepened. "How do you know that?"
"Because he's my friend."
Laurence's voice was cold. "Don't think I'll ever let you forget that." He slammed the door shut before Eric could leave. "Why should we trust you?"
"Laurence!" Adriana said, embarrassed by his suspicion.
His gaze remained on Eric. "An acquaintance of mine encouraged me to check up on you. So I did. You're not as clean as you would like people to believe. Now you and your dirty past have put my daughter's life in danger."
Adriana touched his arm. "We don't know that."
He turned to her. "Why is he here?"
"Because I called him."
"How do we know he's not in on it? I know him better than you do."
Eric's voice, though soft, pierced the air like a missile. "I would never do anything to hurt Nina. I love her like a—"
"Like a daughter?" Laurence sneered. "But you're not her father, I am. And do you know who I am? I am Laurence Adom Shelton. Son of Reginald, grandson of Stephen. Our roots traced to Ghana where my line can be linked back to the times of Shakespeare. I have a major in physics and a Ph.D. I am Adriana's first husband and Nina's father. No matter how much time you spend with Nina, she will always belong to me. I will be the one watching her graduate from high school and college. I'll be the one walking her down the aisle. I'll be the grandfather of her children. Not you."
Eric opened the door, his voice laden with steel. "Until we find her, you won't be anything."
* * *
He wouldn't touch him, Eric promised himself as he drove up to Carter's Georgian-style home. He'd just take Nina and leave. If he touched him... He clenched his fist and parked his car. He counted to ten before ringing the doorbell.
Serena answered. "Hi, Eric. Haven't seen you in a while."
"Where's Carter?"
"In the basement. He—"
"Thank you." He walked past her. He found Carter at his desk. "Where is she?"
Carter spun around, his smile of welcome fading. "Who?"
"Don't play games. I saw your ransom note. I knew you were asking too much about Shelton."
"Ransom? What are you talking about?"
"You sent a ransom note to Shelton."
Carter shook his head. "Kidnapping is dirty business. You know I'm too clean for that."
Eric folded his arms.
"You're tense."
"I'm trying not to hurt you."
Carter held his arms open, a gesture of innocence.
"Come on, when have I ever had to use a child to get money? It's not my style."
Eric swore and let his arms fall. Carter was right. Using kids was not like him. But at that moment he wished it were. He didn't want to face Adriana without Nina. Face that he had failed her.
"It was a ransom note, not a phone call?"
"It's a note."
Carter held out his hand. "You have it with you?"
Eric gave it to him.
He studied the note and frowned. "Ten thousand? That's it?"
"Yes."
He held the note up to the light. "Are you sure this is real?"
"Nina is missing. It can't be a prank."
He spread the note on his table and sniffed it. "Who did the note go to?"
"Her father. He showed it to Adriana."
Carter looked at him, confused. "Why not the police?"
"I don't know." Eric shoved his hands in his pockets, resisting the urge to break something. "Perhaps he thought it was a joke like you did."
"Unless he's pulling the joke."
Eric glared at him in disgust.
"Human nature never surprises me. Was the divorce amiable?"
"It's not him. He wouldn't hurt Adriana this way."
Carter tapped the note, considering that. Eric usually read people well. "Something's strange about all this. Are the police involved now?"
"Not yet."
"Because you thought it was me, right?"
Eric didn't reply.
"Loyal till the end."
Eric pushed up his glasses. "No. I wanted to get to you first."
Carter folded the note and headed for the stairs. "Hmm. We're back in business."
"Why?"
"I think someone's trying to pull a scam. Fortunately, I got the string to hang them."
* * *
When Eric and Carter returned to Adriana's place, Laurence grabbed Carter by the lapels of his jacket. "Where's Nina?"
Carter held up his hands. "I don't have her, but I think it's someone you know."
"Why?"
"Usually is. Nina isn't the type to go with a stranger. I met her. She's smart."
"She's just a kid," Adriana said. "Kids make mistakes."
"It's the amount that bothers me."
"Perhaps it's a druggy who needs fast cash," Laurence said.
"They usually don't steal children."
"She could have been snatched randomly."
"But they knew she was worth money," Carter said.
Eric rubbed his chin. "Most girls at Brenton are worth money."
"They knew where to send the note."
Laurence picked up the phone. "I'm calling the police."
"You think the exposure won't get her killed?" Carter asked. "You're a big name. The media will be all over this."
Laurence dropped the phone.
"When kidnappers get nervous they get sloppy," Eric said.
Carter nodded grimly. "Yes, and they'll start to clean things up."
Adriana covered her ears. "Stop it!" She glared at them. "You're acting as if this were a game. There is nothing to be 'cleaned up.' We're talking about a child, my daughter. Her name is Nina. Understand? You don't need to be so cold and calculating about it."
Laurence drew her close. "It's all right, Adriana."
"No, it's not all right," Eric said coldly. "We can't have you falling apart on us. We can't afford to get emotional. We need to think and plan and organize. That's what's going to get her back. Not falling into tears."
Laurence cut in. "Wait a—"
Eric glared at him. "Shut up until I'm finished." He looked at Adriana. "You think we're not worried? Do you think our insides aren't turned into knots wondering where she is, wondering if she's safe? We feel too, but that isn't going to help her. You're a woman. You could put a different angle on things. We need you to think."
Adriana stared at him, wanting to hate him for being so callous, but knowing he was right. "Fine."
Carter folded his arms. "She's insurance. They'll hold her until they get the money."
"Let me just pay it," Laurence said.
Eric shook his head. "And let him win? No, Nina would never be safe after that. He needs to be caught."
"How do you know it's a he?" Adriana asked.
The men looked at her, then each other.
Carter clapped his hands and swore, pleased. "That explains it. Nina might be more likely to go with a woman."
"Then I'm calling the police," Laurence said.
Carter looked at him, curious. "Why didn't you do that when you got the ransom note?"
Laurence ignored him and began to dial. Carter stopped him. "Forget it. I already called."
* * *
Chaos soon followed. Everyone was interrogated. Police officers riddled them with questions exposing Adriana's marriage, divorce, and current arrangement. The police delved into Eric's and Carter's backgrounds.
As night turned into morning, tensions mounted. Eric returned home with Carter since Laurence made sure their presence was unwanted. Eric searched his mind for answers, hating the helpless feeling of being out of control. A half hour later Clay and Drake arrived at his house.
"What are you doing here?" Eric asked as they stepped into the room.
"Carter called us," Clay said.
Eric turned to him. "What are you up to?"
Carter grinned. "I'm pulling a scam of my own."
"What the hell are you talking about? This is a kidnapping, not a con."
"Let's look at the facts first."
The four men sat at the kitchen table.
Carter spoke. "Nina is missing. Her parents appear not to know where she is."
"Why do you say appear?" Clay asked.
"Can anyone say Susan Smith?" A mother who drowned her children and reported them missing.
Nobody argued.
"Okay, so we've established Nina is missing either knowingly or unknowingly," Drake said.
"Right," Carter said. "And Eric is the prime suspect."
Eric shook his head, amazed. "How could I be the prime suspect?"
"If the police built up a case you could be arrested."
"Why?"
"Because the clues point to you."
Chapter 14
Eric leaped to his feet, outraged. "But I don't have Nina."
"We know, mate," Clay said. "That's not the point. You're being set up."
"But the police—"
"The police aren't involved yet," Carter said.
Eric stilled. "But we just spoke to them."
"No, we didn't."
He swore. "You got fake cops? You mean no one is out there looking for her?"
"I have a reason for this. Nina is safe."
"How do you know?"
"First the note. You use very distinct paper at your office. It's the same as the note, same thread, same watermark. Second, it will be easy for any witness to use the 'I saw a black man walking a little girl fitting Nina's description' statement. Third, you're on the list of authorized adults to pick up Nina from school, right?"
Eric nodded. "That's right. Adriana made sure just in case I needed to get her."
"So you could slip under the school's radar. Fourth, you didn't go to work today."
"It's the end of March. I always go to..." His words died away. He always went to the building where his life had changed.
"Did anyone see you?" Clay asked.
"No."
Drake sighed. "So no one can vouch for you."
"No."
"Someone knows your pattern," Carter said. "Someone knew you'd be there. Who else knew you would be away from your office?"
Eric shook his head, too angry for words.
"
This isn't about money or Nina. It's about you."
"Do you have any old enemies?" Clay asked.
Eric glanced at Drake and Carter and suddenly felt ill. Drake took out his cigarettes. Eric glared at him. "I'll quit when this is over," he said, igniting his lighter.
Eric didn't blink. Drake swore and gave him the cigarettes.
"So what do we do now?" Clay asked, ready for some action.
"We wait. Since Eric is the villain of this little game, someone's going to play the hero."
They fell into silence. Nearly a half hour later Eric's phone rang. "Yeah?" He listened for a moment, then hung up. "That was Adriana. They have Nina."
* * *
Only Carter and Eric went to Adriana's. Eric's joy and relief plummeted when he saw Lynda standing with Laurence. Two officers approached him at the door. Carter touched his ear, signaling that they were his.
"We'd like to ask you a few questions," one asked.
His jaw twitched. "I answered your questions."
"And we thank you for your cooperation, but we have a few more."
He paused. "Am I under arrest?"
"We just have a few questions."
"Am I under arrest?"
"We could—"
His eyes darkened. "Does that mean no?"
"Yes."
Eric opened the door. "Then I suggest you leave."
The cop pushed his face so close their noses touched. "If you have something to hide, we'll figure it out."
Eric stared back, unmoved. He closed the door behind them.
Nina ran to him. "Uncle Eric."
Laurence grabbed her before she reached him. "Go to your room."
She looked up at him, shocked. "But—"
"I said go."
Her eyes filled with tears. She nodded and left.
Eric said, "Don't make her feel like this was her fault."
"Why? Because it's yours?"
"I haven't done anything." He looked at Lynda. "What is she doing here?"
"She has my eternal gratitude. She found Nina."
Eric pushed up his glasses. "What a coincidence. You know she used to be my girlfriend."
"Yes, she told me all about you. While you were not directly responsible for Nina's kidnapping, you couldn't help bragging about your advantageous connections. You told Carter about her."
"She met him in my office."
