Joslyn (Women of Privilege Book 3)

by Bridget Bundy

  I close my eyes. I’m really beginning to despise the police. That’s all this proves is that they really don’t know what they’re doing. “Jackie, they are wrong. They got it all wrong.”

  “Let me paint a clear picture for you, Joslyn. You were the last person standing after it was all said and done. Harlan is in a coma in the hospital, and your son has been taken. Yet, here you stand unharmed. There has been no ransom calls. Zero, Joslyn, not a one, which really doesn’t help you because the police think the kidnappers would be ringing your phone off the hook by now, considering your financial standing. And when it comes to the leads from the tip hotline, they’re not getting results. Joslyn, I’m telling you as a lawyer, you’re looking guiltier by the minute.”

  All I can do is shake my head, but Jackie is making perfect sense. I’ve been oblivious to why Detective Richardson would come after me like that in the hospital, and I guess if I was him, I’d be looking at me as a suspect, too. My ears and face heats up. Tears burn my eyes. This can’t be happening.

  “You know I’m not guilty. Right, Jackie? You know that?”

  “Without question, but I can’t stop the police from arresting you based on what I believe.”

  I grab both of her arms and reply, “You won’t let them arrest me, will you?”

  Jackie exhales, a solemn expression spreads across her face. The answer is clear.

  “Oh my God,” I reply, stepping away. Has it really come to this?

  “If you can think of anything else, Joslyn, you need to tell the police. You really need to try to remember what that woman looked like. Think about if you heard her name or the guy’s name. Did they have any tattoos? What else did you notice about the car? Anything to help the police track down these people. Because the moment they see and prove you’re telling the truth, then you’re in the clear.”

  “I don’t remember anything else.”

  “Well, you might be in trouble.”

  “I can’t go to jail, Jackie.” My heart is thumping in my chest. I’m going to faint. I’m going to die. What about my kids? Harlan? I grab the railing, trying to steady myself, trying to think of alternatives, solutions, a way out of the trouble that’s brutality real. “I’m innocent, Jackie. I didn’t do it. I would never hurt my family.”

  “Sis, I believe you.” Jackie wraps her arm around my back. “There is no doubt in my mind about your innocence, but I’m not the one you have to convince.”

  I really have to do something now. Getting arrested is out of the question. I won’t let them take me away from my family.

  “Okay,” I say with finality. I know what I need to do. I’m more certain than ever.

  “Okay what?” Jackie asks curiously.

  “I’m good,” I reply. “I’m good. I’ll be back. Don’t wait up for me.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’ll see you later, okay? Wait. Will you be here when I get back or are you going back to town?”

  “Right here, Joslyn. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Alright…um, I’ll see you soon then.” On my way to the garage, I grab the car keys off the coffee table to the smaller car that Harlan usually takes to work.

  My mind is turning. Ideas are flowing. I can save myself and my family, but I need a little bit of help. I know where I can find it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Come in, Joslyn.” Charli opens the door.

  Her home is a palace. Circular stairs leading to the second floor, a crystal chandelier, a wide open foyer with reflective marble floors and waist-high columns with sprays of roses and baby’s breath against the wall. It’s so bright in the room that it nearly pales the sun. I’ve always loved Charli’s home. It’s the biggest and most elegant property in Tudor Estates, compared to mine which is homely and crowded and kid-friendly. Every part of her home is planned out to the type of trees planted in the yard to the pure gold fixtures in the guest bathroom.

  Charli, of course, is every bit the lady of the house. She is statuesque with flawless skin and a toned body. She always presents herself as a woman of royalty. Everywhere she goes she commands attention, without even having to speak a word. Every one look to her and know she has wealth, influence, and power. It’s easy for the world to love her. With a husband who is world renown for his highly sought after couture dresses and other million dollar ventures, including television shows and chain stores, she merely has to get out of bed and the world stops for her.

  Many times I’ve wanted to be like Charli, live in her perfectly glamorous world, rub shoulders with movie stars and world leaders, drinking only the highest quality of Champagne like its bottled water from the Andes. But I must admit, sometimes I can barely stand to be in the room with her. Charli is so spoiled to the point that she thinks the world should bow down to her. She doesn’t appreciate friendship. It’s always one way, and if she loses complete trust in someone, Charli will not only cut all ties but she’ll make sure that person suffers before doing so. Having her as a friend is like standing on a razor’s edge, and she’s the only one who doesn’t get cut.

  But there are advantages to being her friend, too, and I plan on using that friendship to get what I need. I don’t plan on going to jail, and I’m willing to kiss Charli’s lily yellow ass if I have to. I’m a desperate woman.

  “Do you want something to drink?” She closes the front door.

  “No, I’m fine. Sorry to stop by so late, but I need to speak with you.”

  “We can chat in my office.” Her heels hit the floor as she crosses the floor with a purposeful stride. “I’ve been so worried about you, Joslyn. How are you holding up?”

  “Doing the best I can.”

  “I know you are. I can’t imagine. Anything new? Are they close to finding Dave?”

  “Not really,” I answer.

  She opens the door to her office, which is more the size of a large living room. She has shelves of statues, pictures of famous people she’s taken pictures with, and expensive paintings. A stereo that looks more like a metallic piece of art is playing R&B at a low volume. Her desk is piled with spreadsheets and memos. Charli is in charge of the Fourth of July celebrations taking place tomorrow in the commercial district on Skidaway Island, and I can tell she’s overwhelmed.

  “Have a seat, Joslyn. Are you sure you’re not thirsty? I have water and juice. Or if you prefer something stronger, I have hard liquor.”

  “I’m good. Thank you for offering. I won’t be staying long.”

  We sit on her stiff floral loveseat. The driveway and wooden fence is the only view we have from the large pane window.

  “What did you want to talk about?”

  “I need your help, Charli. The police is messing up the investigation into my son’s kidnapping.”

  “What are they doing?”

  “They can’t find the people who took Davian, and they have no idea where to begin. I ask for explanations as to what they’re doing. I get nothing but excuses.” I have to paint a dismal picture in order to get what I want.

  “Just like the police.” She shakes her head. “They are as inept as they are uneducated. I will speak to Police Chief Wells. I know him personally, and considering my pull around town, he won’t hesitate to bring in the right people.”

  If she tells the Savannah Police Chief what I just said, then I’ll be in bigger trouble. The police will really put all of their focus on me instead of on the real people who has taken my son. “Actually, I wanted to look into the disappearance myself.”

  Charli has a blank stare, but her expression is speaking volumes. She doesn’t think I’m capable of doing police work. Doesn’t matter what she thinks. The police is going to arrest me if I don’t do something.

  “You want to do your own investigation?” Charli asks with disbelief.

  “Yes, and actually, I already know who’s responsible.”

  “Why won’t you tell the police so they can look into it themselves?”

  “I told them, Charli.
They don’t believe me.”

  “Okay, so who took your son?”

  “I think the people that took Davian are connected to Gia Briggs and Joshua Davis.”

  Charli is more interested. She leans forward. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, I’m very serious.”

  “Correct me if I’m wrong, Joslyn, but isn’t Joshua Davis dead? Didn’t your husband kill him in your home?”

  “Yes, he’s dead, but his friends are out to get us.”

  She’s quiet as she considers what I’ve told her.

  “Charli, I know what I’m saying is hard to believe, but think about it. My husband killed Joshua Davis, and I’m sure Gia and his friends are pissed off about it. This is her way to get back at me and my family.”

  “Okay, that kind of make sense, but has the police questioned Gia about her possible involvement?”

  “They’re not allowed. She lawyered up.”

  Charli shake her head and crosses her arms. “So, what did you have in mind, and what makes you think I can help?”

  “I want to talk to Gia myself, and I want you to get me into the prison to see her.”

  “I seriously doubt if that woman will agree to see you.”

  “Doesn’t matter,” I reply. “Just get me in there, under a false name if necessary, and I’ll talk to her. I’ll find out who those people are, and then I’ll tell the police.”

  “It’s not going to be as easy as you think, Joslyn. Even if Gia is truly connected to your son’s kidnapping, she’s not going to outright tell you who she hired or asked to do it. That means more jail time for her. And when it comes to getting you inside of the prison, I won’t be able to do that even with a false identification. Not to mention, if there’s a problem that comes up between you and her, while you’re there, I don’t want the warden knocking on my door and making accusations. It’s a bad idea, Joslyn.”

  “Gia Briggs knows who has my son, Charli. I have to speak to her.”

  “It’s not going to happen.”

  I huff and throw up my hands. Gia is winning again. I hate that woman. It’s not right that she can breathe and make my life a living hell without suffering the consequences.

  Charli sees my frustration and touches my arm to get my attention. “Have you thought about speaking to her parents?”

  “No, I haven’t.” That is a very good idea.

  “Her family lives close by. I don’t know exactly where, but I can find out for you.”

  “You know what, that’s not going to work.” I pull at my face and exhale heavily. “The police has already spoken to them.”

  “So what. I bet you can appeal more to her parents than they can. I heard in the news that her parents are angry with her, and they have completely cut her off. They won’t even go see her. They’ll probably tell you every single thing you want to know about Gia’s friends.”

  “I don’t even know where they live.”

  “You know I have no problem getting information,” Charli replies confidently. “I’ll get you their addresses by morning.”

  “Okay,” I say with a nod. “But I still really want to talk to Gia. I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t shake it.”

  “I’ll call my lawyer and have him try to set that up for you. No guarantees on that, Joslyn, but I’ll let you know if he can pull it off. You know it’s the Fourth of July tomorrow. The prison is probably closed.”

  “That’s right,” I reply. “I didn’t think about that. Just have him try to get me in Wednesday, please.”

  “Alright, I will try.”

  “Will you go with me?”

  “Oh no,” Charli says with a frantic shake of her head. “Darling, I have too much going on this week.”

  I’m not surprised, but that’s okay. I know who’ll go with me.

  “Thanks anyway,” I reply.

  “Anytime. You know I will support you as much as humanly possible.” She sounds real fake that time.

  “I know you will. That’s why I came here tonight. What time can I come by tomorrow?”

  “Probably no later than eight,” she says. “I’ll have to be out the door no later than nine.”

  “I’ll be here,” I remark as I stand. “Oh, one more thing. Can you find out where Joshua’s family lives, also? I might as well check with them just in case Gia’s family doesn’t know anything.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’ll get that for you, as well.”

  Charli gives me one of her famous superficial hugs and smiles as if she’s shown me the biggest sisterly love of all. This is one of those moments that I can’t stand her, but I smile my appreciation. She walks me to the front door, and I depart with a simple wave.

  Back in the car, I sit and think about my plan for tomorrow. I don’t know if going to these families are right or wrong, but I don’t care. There’s too much at stake. My biggest fear is losing my son. Equal to that is the fear of my husband dying from his injuries. Then there’s this possibility of me going to jail for a crime I didn’t commit, and that means me being away from the rest of my family for years. The way my luck is going I might end up in a jail cell with Gia Briggs. There’s no way I’m going to sit idly by and let fate happen without action on my part. I never let fate have her way. I will be talking to Gia’s family and Joshua’s family, and if they can’t help me, I will be paying that cold-hearted bitch a visit in prison. Someone is going to give me answers.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The next morning arrives with heavy rain and with me not getting a wink of sleep. Fears of Davian out there in the world, not knowing where he is, if he’s dead or alive, kept me wired. The absence of Harlan and his funny conversations left me feeling empty and alone. Kristina and her video games, sounds of mock destruction and beeping victory, I wished I could have heard those quirky sounds last night, saw her shining bright face. And the twins, Kale and Janae, I miss them tremendously, and they’re only thirty minutes away. This family is broken, and they need to be home. I longed for everything home, including that gas soaked structure on Privilege Place where my children were raised. Why has it all been snatched away? I pull back the curtain to my bedroom window, hoping when I sit down tonight for the last time that all of them are with me, in one piece and in happiness. This is the day I will try to make that happen, and I’m not giving up.

  A passing car goes by outside, bringing me to the present. Several news vans still choke the road, but all of the reporters are hiding in them. I can see one guy peering through the passenger window, taking pictures of me. I close the curtains. I’ve still yet to figure out how they got into Tudor Estates. Charli must have allowed them in. I’ll have to ask her when I see her again.

  After I clean up and try to look halfway presentable, I make a call from the phone in the bedroom. Just dialing the numbers is a tiresome task. My head hurts and every ache possible has taken over my body. I want to go to sleep, but I know I won’t be able to rest. I’ll toss and turn, worry and weep. My brain will never shut down.

  I sit on the bed, wincing from the spreading pain, waiting for my call to be answered.

  “Hey, Jackie.” Terrence’s voice is rough and groggy.

  “It’s Joslyn.”

  I hear him shuffling around, possibly sitting up in bed. “Sorry about that. You were calling from your sister’s phone. Thought it was Jackie.”

  “No problem. I was wondering about what time you’re going to the hospital today.”

  “Now that I’m up, probably within the hour. You want me to swing by and pick you up?”

  “No, I’ll meet you at the hospital.”

  “Everything alright?”

  “I need your help, Terrence. Something I can’t do by myself.”

  “Like what?”

  “I’ll tell you when I see you. Talk to you soon.” I hang up before Terrence can barrage me with questions.

  There’s a renewed energy within me now. Yesterday, I was running while on the verge of falling to pieces, and actually, I did fall to
pieces, now that I think about it. Today, I plan on running like an unstoppable freight train. Fierceness runs through my veins as boldly as adrenaline. There’s so much clarity. I know what I have to do. I’m ready.

  Just as I’m about to leave, I realize I haven’t really eaten anything since yesterday morning. No wonder I have a headache and achy all over. Cooking will take too long, and I’m not big on fast food restaurants. I fix myself a cold ham and cheese sandwich with a glass of orange juice. Not exactly the best thing to eat for breakfast, but it’ll have to do.

  By the time I’m done, Jackie is dragging into the kitchen. I was trying to leave before she came downstairs. Avoiding her was key to getting out today because she’ll try to stop me if she finds out my plans, and I don’t want to lie to her. I hate doing that as much as I do cussing. There’s still a chance for me to escape.

  “Morning,” Jackie says as she opens the refrigerator. “Did you rest okay?”

  “Hey,” I answer while rushing to the entrance of the great room. “I have to get going.”

  “Why are you in such a hurry? Detective Sawyer is coming back this morning. She might have news about the kidnappers.”

  Not likely. I yell from the great room, “If she does, call me!”

  I grab the spare keys and rush out of the great room. I notice the police officer isn’t in the library as I run through. Don’t even have time to wonder where she went. My only goal is to get out of the house and fast. Much to my surprise, the press isn’t blocking the garage or the driveway. The rain is keeping them at bay.

  I head directly over to Charli’s house. They don’t follow, which is great, and I park on the side of her house at the entrance to the sunroom. That door is usually open, and I figure she might be in there this morning trying to organize the items she plans on putting on the display table at the fairgrounds.

  When I walk in, I’m surprised to see Natasha Mathis. She’s one of the neighbors that lives across the street from my house on Privilege Place. She’s a nice person. All the ladies of Tudor Estates like and respect her, but Natasha and I are not close friends. I don’t hate her or anything like that. There’s just no connection between us really, but I do like how she presents herself. She’s upstanding, gracious, and never phony. No negative vibes, always considers the positive instead of the negative in individuals. I consider her a pillar of the community, even more so than I am or could ever be.