by Aimée Thurlo
“Get the answers the lady needs, and I’ll be glad to stand back,” Tony said smoothly.
Officer Baca met Amanda’s gaze, holding it. “We’ll take this athletic bag to the lab so the techs can check it for evidence. But that’ll take several days. You could help me out a great deal by answering some questions.”
“Let’s go outside to my reception area,” Amanda suggested. “I’d rather not sit next to that bag, harmless or not.”
Baca smiled, nodding his understanding. “Not a bad idea at all.”
Amanda led the way to the adjoining room. After reaching it, Tony and Officer Baca stood glaring at one another. “Don’t you have something to do?” Baca demanded sharply.
“If you’re questioning my client, I should be here. I may be able to give you answers she can’t.”
“No doubt, but I’m only interested in the truth.”
Tony glanced at Amanda. She was okay now, though furious that his involvement in something connected to the day-care center would now be known. With a stone-cold look at the cop, Tony strode out of the room.
* * *
AMANDA ANSWERED Baca’s questions as calmly as she could, but the phony bomb had rattled her. Although she was certain the kidnappers were behind it, she couldn’t figure out why, and that worried her even more. But of course, she couldn’t mention them to the police.
“Someone wanted to frighten you, Ms. Vila. That leaves only two possibilities. You have an enemy, despite what you may think, or someone is trying to create a diversion. Our records indicate you’ve had other problems lately. You reported a suspicious car here yesterday and there was vandalism at your home last night. Are you sure there’s nothing else you can tell me?”
“What would all this divert me from?”
“The real target. Maybe a noncustodial parent did this hoping he could snatch his kid in the confusion, or that his kid might be moved to another center where security isn’t so good.”
She jumped to her feet. “I never considered that, but I’m going to take a head count right now.”
“I’ll go with you.”
All the children, including Hope, were soon accounted for, and Amanda felt a flood of relief. “Everyone’s here and safe.”
“I’d still advise you to stay alert,” Baca said, taking her aside. “The watcher in the car that you reported yesterday could be tied in to this. I’ll ask for patrols to be increased in this area.”
“I appreciate that.” Amanda considered telling him about the sandbox message, but uncertain if the kidnappers were behind that, decided to remain quiet. For now, she’d trust Tony to follow up on it. “Is there anything else you need?”
“I’d like to speak to your staff members individually. Is there someplace private where I can interview them?”
“The staff lounge is at the end of the hall. I’ll have my assistant arrange to have each of them meet you there.”
“Excellent idea.”
Amanda made the arrangements with Bernice, then went into her office. Tony was there, standing by her desk, waiting. “How did it go?” he asked.
“He thinks it may be the work of a noncustodial parent,” she answered. “But you and I know differently.”
“I’m still not convinced this has anything to do with the kidnappers,” Tony said. “They have nothing to gain from drawing attention to themselves.”
“In that case, maybe I should tell the officer about the message in the sandbox.”
Tony considered it. “That’s up to you, but I’d advise against it. The more they poke around, the more there’s a chance of their spooking the kidnappers.”
“All right. I’ll keep quiet about it, providing you’ll keep digging into it.”
“I will. Don’t worry. This type of thing is meant to annoy, not to do any damage.”
“Oh, it’ll do damage,” she argued. “This kind of publicity can ruin my business.”
“You have an enemy, Amanda, whether you like it or not.”
“Maybe someone hates the fact that you’re around. Officer Baca certainly did.” Amanda returned to her desk.
Tony stiffened as if she’d struck him, but his voice remained calm and controlled. “If I’m the reason this happened, I’ll get to the bottom of it. But this time I don’t think so.”
“This time?” Amanda repeated, puzzled. “What happened before?”
“Some officers had a theory that my wife’s accident and my daughter’s kidnapping were caused by someone who wanted to get back at me.”
Amanda felt her stomach tighten. This man carried enough nightmares for a lifetime. But any sympathy she might have felt vanished when she saw the dark, deadly intent in his eyes.
“You’re hiding something important, Amanda,” he said. “We can’t find the truth until you start to trust me.”
“The police don’t trust you, and according to community members, you’re a vigilante. You can’t deny your life-style lends itself to more questions than answers. And every time we’ve met so far, it’s been disastrous for me. How can you expect me to have faith in you?” She shook her head.
“You’ll do what you think is right, but there are a few more things for you to consider first. Your precious day-care center is being threatened in a major way, and unless you’re straight with me, I have no chance of stopping whoever is doing this to you. There’s also another matter to take into account. If I’m right and these incidents aren’t related to the kidnappers, the ones making the demands are bound to get nervous and tighten their grip when they hear what’s been going on. Then we’ll be at war on two fronts, with everything to lose. By being honest with me, you’ll at least give us a fighting chance.”
“I’ve been honest,” she said. “I have no idea who’s behind any of this. If I did, I’d tell you. I want this to be over just as badly as you do.”
“Maybe, but you are keeping something back, and I’ll find out what it is, with or without your cooperation.” Tony turned and strode from the room.
Amanda watched Tony leave, then gathering her courage, she went into the reception area to meet with Bernice. All the phone lines were ringing. Bernice glanced at her. “The backlash has already started. News travels fast.”
“I’ll split the calls with you,” Amanda said and returned to her desk.
Time dragged by as parents and members of the press called in for the story. By the time five o’clock came, Amanda was exhausted, but satisfied that she’d managed a fair amount of damage control. Only one student was being withdrawn from the center—the other parents were reassured, at least for now.
“I’m going to pick up Hope and go home,” she told Bernice at last.
As they drove home, Amanda noticed that Hope seemed undaunted by the events of the day. To her, it had only been one of many games she’d played. A fire drill was routine, nothing to get excited about. Amanda found herself envying her daughter’s innocence.
After a quiet dinner and an hour playing together, she and Hope settled in front of the small television set in Hope’s room, and Amanda held her daughter as they watched a cartoon. She closed her eyes and started to drift off to sleep, when the sound of a vehicle pulling up startled her into alertness. Leaving Hope still enthralled with the cartoons, Amanda went into the living room, turned on the front light, and pulled back the curtain slightly from her newly repaired window. A van with a TV repair sign was parked in her driveway, and a man wearing blue coveralls and a baseball cap was walking up to the front door, toolbox in hand.
“Company, Mommy?” Hope had come into the room in her pajamas and turned to run toward the front door.
“Don’t open that,” Amanda warned quickly. “It’s a TV repairman, but I didn’t call one.”
Amanda had recognized the name of the company emblazoned on the side of the van, but the impromptu arrival made her nervous. “Go back to your room, Peanut. I’ll be in shortly to finish watching cartoons with you.”
“Mommy, can he fix my TV? People look gr
een.”
“I’ll take care of that myself. Now go on, please.”
Amanda placed the chain on the door, then opened it just a crack. “Can I help you?”
“Sure you can,” said a familiar voice.
Amanda stared at the low-slung bill of the baseball cap that obscured his face. “Tony?”
“The one and only. Now let me in, and let’s make this look good. I’m playing your handy-dandy TV repairman.”
Amanda took the chain off the door and let him in. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?”
“We both decided that we shouldn’t be seen together, remember? But we still have things to do. After today, in particular, we need a chance to have an uninterrupted talk.”
Hope came out to the hall, paused uncertainly, then smiled broadly and ran to Tony. “Hi, Tony!”
Hope took Tony’s hand. “Are you really a TV man? Will you make the people not green?”
“Sure,” Tony said, allowing Hope to lead him by the hand.
A shadow passed over Tony’s face as he thought of his own missing daughter. “You’re a lucky woman, Amanda.” Tony crouched by the TV set and opened his toolbox as Hope ran out into the hall to pick up a doll she’d left on the floor out there. “You know, everytime I look at Hope, I can’t help wondering what Carmen looks like today.”
Amanda felt a chill run through her and, with effort, suppressed a shudder. Grateful that Tony’s attention was on the TV controls, she struggled to gather her wits.
“No, that’s even worse!” Hope wailed, running back into the room. “Now they’re orange!”
Amanda walked around Tony, pushing him to one side. “Allow me, Mr. Fix-It.” A moment later, the colors were correctly adjusted.
Tony gave her a sheepish smile. “I’ve never been good with television sets.”
“Do you like popcorn?” Hope asked Tony. “Maybe Mommy would fix us some, then we can watch cartoons!”
“I love popcorn,” Tony said, laughing, then glanced at Amanda.
“You just had dinner!” Amanda smiled at Hope. “How can you be hungry again?”
Hope shrugged. “Popcorn’s good.”
“Okay, I’ll fix some. Then after the cartoons, it’s time for you to go to sleep. Agreed?”
Hope nodded. “Okay, Mommy.”
Tony picked up a bear puppet and began to talk to Hope in a deep voice. Hope squealed with laughter as Tony pretended to have the puppet hoard her toys and hide them beneath the bed.
Amanda watched them for a moment. Her child was safe with Tony. She’d never have imagined him so gentle and loving as he was right now with her daughter. Confident she was leaving Hope in good hands, she stepped out of the room and returned a short time later holding a small bowl filled with popcorn. “Here we go, you two.”
Tony made the hand puppet tickle Hope as she reached for the snack, and the little girl tried to tickle him back, laughing and squirming. Tony picked up Hope, then lay back on the floor, holding her aloft while she giggled and tried to reach down to him with her tiny arms.
Amanda watched them, unsure of her feelings. She should have been happy that Hope was having so much fun, but she’d never realized until now how much Hope was missing by not having a father around the house. She’d never roughhoused with Hope, nor even suspected her daughter would enjoy it.
Amanda sat down to watch them, and her eyes soon focused on Tony. The muscles of his chest rippled as he kept Hope up in the air. Longing ribboned through her. She forced her gaze away immediately. This was ridiculous. Tony was the last person on earth who should have been able to rekindle her desire. She wanted the kind of traditional family life she’d never known as a child, and this man was a perfect example of what to avoid in a potential parent and mate—unpredictable, potentially dangerous, and altogether too good at concealing his true feelings.
As Tony rolled to his side and gently placed Hope down, a thick roll of money fell out of his pocket. Amanda stared in shock at the rubber-banded stash. If the bills were all one hundreds like the one on the outside of the roll, there must be thousands in that bundle!
Tony noticed the look on her face and quickly shoved the money back into his pocket. “I hate writing checks. I always deal in cash.”
As Amanda remembered what Bernice had told her, questions rose again in her mind. Tony seemingly hadn’t been employed for a long time. Where would he get that much money just to carry around?
When Hope settled in before the television, popcorn in hand, Amanda quietly led Tony down the hall. “Now tell me what you wanted to discuss with me,” she said, waving him to the sofa.
Tony leaned back, stretching out his legs. “Although I don’t expect a repeat of the bomb incident, I think you should consider hiring a security guard. He wouldn’t have to be in uniform if you’re worried about how the parents will react.”
Amanda weighed the suggestion for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. I have to make sure no one threatens the safety of my kids. Can you recommend somebody?”
Tony nodded and wrote down a number. “This is the man’s home phone. I’ve known him for years. I can’t remember his firm’s name, but he’s a former cop and he’ll give you the best for the money. Joey’s got an excellent reputation with both law-enforcement people and the business community.”
“I’ll call him later tonight, after spending some time with my daughter. We both look forward to our evenings, when I can read to her or we can play.”
“I didn’t mean to interfere with your family life,” he said quickly. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll make the phone call for you right now and set it up. You can work out the details with Joey later tonight or tomorrow.”
“Fine. I better go check on Hope now. I get nervous when she’s too quiet,” she added with a ghost of a smile.
Tony’s cellular rang as Amanda started down the hall. She stopped and turned around, but he smiled and nodded, letting her know everything was okay.
Amanda stopped in a doorway just out of sight. She hated nosy people, but circumstances were forcing her hand. She needed to know what Tony was up to.
Amanda heard her name, but Tony’s voice was too low for her to make out the rest. Edging out, she crept back down the hall.
“She lived in California? That’s interesting. So it may not be local talent at all,” he said.
Amanda felt her temper rise. He was checking her out? How dare he! He should be concentrating on the kidnappers, not wasting his time on her.
Tony suddenly turned around and caught sight of Amanda. Trying to act casual, she shrugged and walked past him to the kitchen. She would never have made it as a spy.
He came to look for her moments later. Hearing his footsteps, she met him in the hall and returned with him to the living room.
“If you want to know what I’m doing,” he said, taking a seat across from her on the sofa, “why don’t you just ask me instead of trying to eavesdrop. It would be simpler and far more effective.”
“Only if you told me the truth,” Amanda countered. “That doesn’t seem to come easily to you.”
“You’re the one holding back.”
“And that’s your excuse for invading my privacy by checking up on me?”
“Why does that bother you? Do you have something to hide?”
“No. It’s just a colossal waste of your time. There are far more important things you could be doing.”
“I’d be a fool not to find out all I could about you. And I’d be willing to bet you’ve asked someone about me.”
Remembering her talk with Bernice, Amanda looked away. “I didn’t go to such major lengths as you apparently did.”
“Probably because you didn’t have the right source.” Tony smiled. “Ease up, Amanda. I’m on your side even if you aren’t sure you want me there. I play to win and that’s exactly the kind of ally you need. We will win, Amanda, believe that.”
The timbre of his voice sent vibrations throughout her body. He reached out,
caressing her face with his palm. His tenderness wound past her defenses, melting away her resistance.
“I’m not the monster you think I am,” he said softly.
Amanda felt the warmth of his palm searing through her. His eyes seemed to be pleading with her for understanding. Instinctively she leaned into his palm.
He sucked in his breath. “You’re so incredibly beautiful.”
When he pulled her into his arms, she didn’t resist. She wanted to lose herself in the warmth of his embrace, to take comfort from his strength.
“Mommy?” Hope’s voice echoed down the hall.
Hearing her daughter’s voice, Amanda jumped back. What on earth was she doing? Dear heaven, the man could scramble her thinking in no time flat. “I’ve got to take care of my daughter.”
She strode quickly down the hall hoping he wouldn’t notice that in reality she was running away from him. She didn’t want to deal with the questions her own feelings continued to raise in her mind.
Amanda stayed with Hope for more than an hour, playing a favorite game, then reading bedtime stories to her. When she went out to get her daughter a drink of water, she heard Tony on the phone with the security guard, arranging for his services. When Amanda finally turned the last page, Hope’s eyes were heavy and she blinked sleepily.
“Mommy, will I ever have a daddy like other kids?”
“You have a daddy, Peanut. But he works very hard and that’s why he doesn’t come to visit very often.”
“My daddy’s not like Angie’s daddy or Teri’s. He doesn’t like to play. I like Tony better. He even likes to dress up funny.”
Amanda almost burst out laughing. She could just imagine the story going around that Tony liked to “dress up funny and play pretend.” “You mustn’t tell anyone that Tony came here dressed up like a repairman, Peanut, okay? It’s got to be our secret.”
“Mommy, are you in trouble?”
Amanda felt her mouth go dry. She’d never lied to her child before. “Don’t worry, Peanut. There are some grown-up things I have to take care of. Everything’s okay.”
“Will Tony help?”
