“They have put out a warrant for his arrest. Hopefully his car will be spotted and he will be arrested.”
“I hope they find him today so you will be safe again. He is one crazy bastard.”
“I know. I think that he killed Paulina, too.”
“What? Why?”
“He had his son with us. He told Jacob that she had gone on vacation, so I’m pretty sure she is dead. There were big green trash bags in the back of his car and an odd smell. Charlie, I think she was in the bags,” Kate choked out.
“Oh my God, Kate.”
“So many lives ruined because of his sick obsession with me. I don’t think I ever encouraged him but what if in his sick mind I did?” Kate said with a quivering voice.
“Whatever Roger did is not your fault. No one would have guessed in a million years that he was capable of killing people,” Charlie said in a comforting voice.
“He came across as so normal. Makes you wonder how many people are out there that could do horrific crimes like this, but nobody would ever suspect them.”
“Seriously. Not all serial killers are creepy. Some seem normal. I watched a show about it at the gym last week,” Charlie added. After a brief pause, she continued cautiously, “Kate, at the beginning of this conversation you said something about a the day starting out wonderfully. What happened…before?”
“Neil asked me to marry him.”
“Woo hoo! I’m so happy for you. We are going to have so much fun shopping for our weddings. Do you have an idea of when you’re getting married?”
“We have talked about doing it on New Year’s Eve.”
“Wow, that’s so soon.”
“I know. He’s already hired the wedding planner, Sadie Phelps, to help us pull it all together. Plus, I really just want a small gathering. Will you be my maid of honor?”
“Of course, as long as you’ll be mine,” Charlie said.
“I’d love to. I’ll ask Natalie to be a bridesmaid. Have you talked to her lately?” Kate asked.
“I talked to her last night to tell her that Mitch proposed. She sounded good. It was a busy day at Nordstrom, so she was tired. We’ll all have to get together and celebrate our engagements.”
“I have an idea,” Kate said. “Why don’t we go to Vegas next weekend to celebrate? It would be so much fun. Do you think Nat would be up to that yet?”
“I’d love it, and I think it could be good for Nat to get a change of scenery. I’ll talk to Mitch about it. Text me later and tell me what Neil thinks.”
“Okay, I’ll ask Nat and Mac too. They seemed to like each other at Thanksgiving, and I think he is a good fit for her actually. He seemed to just understand her. ”
“Yeah, she mentioned meeting him. It sounded like he was really kind to her. I would love for her to find a good guy. She has been through way too much.”
“I know. Well, I better go. Neil has just walked out here with breakfast. Do you want to reschedule for tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I can do tomorrow. We need to find a dress for you ASAP.”
“How about we meet at David’s Bridal at noon?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you there. Love you Charlie.”
“Love you too, Kate. I am so glad you are okay. Bye.”
When Neil came out to the terrace, he bent over and kissed Kate’s forehead and gently stroked her hair. “So, what did Charlie have to say?” Neil asked, setting her breakfast in front of her.
“She’s grateful that you found me. I gave her the edited version of what happened. We’re going shopping tomorrow, so I’ll tell her more then. We also came up with the idea of going to Vegas to celebrate our engagements. Do you think Mac would want to come if Natalie came along?”
Neil smiled and said, “I think that could be arranged. He was really smitten by her on Thanksgiving. He wouldn’t have taken her home and looked after her, if he didn’t like her.”
“It would be so amazing if they became a couple, too. I think they would be really good together,” Kate said, taking a bite of eggs.
Neil sat next to her and they enjoyed their breakfast.
“After we eat, we need to get ready to see the ballroom,” he said. “Sadie is going to meet us there in an hour and a half. We have a lot to discuss since our wedding is less than five weeks away.”
“I’m glad that she can meet us here. I’ve heard great things about her and I am excited just to meet her, let alone, plan my wedding with her.”
They ate their breakfast and took in the luscious view from their hotel room. Neil played footsie with Kate, making her giggle. During that brief time, Roger no longer existed, and Kate could enjoy her amazing man that swept her away with every glance and gesture.
“Oh, is there any way we can get another phone for me before we meet with her? I feel so strange without it.”
Neil glanced at his watch. “We should be able to fit that in before meeting her. Do you want the same phone that you already had?”
Kate nodded.
“How much time do I have to get ready?” Kate asked.
“About thirty minutes if you want a phone before meeting Sadie.”
“I better get in the shower.”
“I packed a bag for you. The clothes I brought for you are hanging in the closet.”
“How do you always think of everything, Mr. Statton?”
“As you soon-to-be husband, it’s my job to anticipate and meet your needs,” Neil said beaming at Kate.
“Well, you’re doing your job to perfection,” Kate said, planting a kiss on Neil’s lips. “Thank you,” she said, placing her hand on his battered, yet still gorgeous face.
Chapter 11
Roger was awakened by a gentle kiss on the lips. When he opened his eyes, Rose was smiling at him. She moved toward him to cuddle. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, remembering that he had been a brute last night and needed to pour on the charm. Rose had been an excellent substitute for Kate. She was drop-dead gorgeous and very sweet, just not very smart. Keeping her around had been a wise decision, especially now. She was going to fit into his plans nicely because no one in his life knew she existed. It was the perfect setup because the only people she had met in his life, were Paulina and Jacob. Paulina wouldn’t be talking, ever, and Jacob probably wouldn’t mention Rose. After all, they would be asking him about Kate.
He felt bad that his son was in the custody of Child Protective Services, but there was nothing he could do about it. He’d have to figure out a way to get him back. Maybe Rose could pick Jacob up from school. But first, he’d have to find him and figure out what school he was attending. This had turned into such a giant fucked-up mess. If he had just killed Neil. Why hadn’t he done that?
Rose reached up and kissed his neck. “Why don’t I get up and make some breakfast?” she asked.
“That sounds great. I could really go for some coffee.”
Rose got up and left the bedroom. Deciding it was time to find out just how bad his face looked, he walked to the bathroom, bracing himself for the worst. He would most likely have a few scars from the force of Neil’s blows.
He had to begin planning his next move, but for now he might as well enjoy the weekend with Rose. She was such a horny bitch that he could release a lot of anger with her in bed. Then he could concentrate on devising his strategy for recovering Kate when Rose was at work. Right now, she would just be a distraction, which he didn’t mind, especially if they ended with his needs being met.
Chapter 12
Kate and Neil walked into the ballroom. It was a stunning sight to behold with architectural features reminiscent of a Mediterranean estate. Kate couldn’t help but notice the exquisite marble flooring and the marble-covered columns. She was in love and everything in the world seemed wonderful. Sadie was waiting for them with her entourage, along with an easel displaying a storyboard of her ideas for the wedding.
She was a very refined looking woman in her late forties, with her blonde hair neatly swept u
p in a sleek bun. She was wearing a charcoal pantsuit with a striking cranberry silk blouse. In a word – elegant. Before Sadie even spoke, Kate felt at ease. She was relieved that her big day was in the hands of such a classy woman and looked forward to hearing her ideas.
Sadie walked in their direction and greeted them. “You must be Mr. Statton and Ms. Simmons,” she said. “I’m Sadie Phelps. It is so wonderful to meet you.”
Neil shook her hand first. “It’s nice to meet you as well. Please call us Neil and Kate.”
Kate shook her hand, feeling as though she was meeting the queen. Kate had seen photos of the weddings Sadie had planned in San Diego Magazine. Planning her wedding with Sadie was a dream come true. As a result, she was a little speechless.
“We have a great deal to discuss, so shall we get started?” she asked, directing them to the area that she had set up to present her ideas.
Neil and Kate moved toward the display and sat in the chairs provided.
“Let’s start with some good news,” she said. “I was able to contact the caterer for the hotel and they will be providing a tasting for you today. They have prepared several items for you to choose from for the reception. Now, this is where I imagine your ceremony taking place,” she said, punctuating her sentences with sweeping hand gestures.
She motioned toward the three arched windows in front of them that spanned the wall from floor to ceiling. The middle window had scrolled wrought iron embedded in it. “We’ll have the minister in front of this window and you two standing here,” she said.
“I love it. It’s a beautiful backdrop for our wedding,” Kate said.
“Good. Have you two discussed how many people you would like to invite to the ceremony?”
“We agreed on a smaller party of no more than seventy-five people,” Neil replied.
“Very good. It’s been my experience that a smaller gathering is much more intimate and enjoyable. I’ll need a list from you as soon as possible so that we can make place cards and take care of the invitations. I brought some sample invitations, but if you don’t find something you like, I have books of them at my office. We need to mail the invitations right away since your date is just over a month away.”
“We’ll get a list together today and email it to you,” Neil responded.
“Perfect. Now I told you that I work with preferred venders. I took the liberty of having the bakery send five pieces of wedding cake. They are the most popular, but if you had a specific flavor in mind I’m sure we can work that out.”
“I think that we’ll be able to find one that we both like,” Kate said.
Sadie smiled. “I also brought a book of pictures of wedding cakes for you to choose from. So, should we get started with selecting a cake?”
“Sounds good to me,” Neil said rubbing his hands together. “I have never met a piece of cake that I didn’t like.”
Kate shook her head. “You do love your dessert.”
“Well, I love dessert with you,” he said with his charming grin.
They tried all five pieces of cake, taking several bites of two of them. They finally decided on the chocolate cake with raspberry filling and cream cheese icing.
“I have a special request, Sadie,” Neil said.
“Anything can be done. What would you like?”
Neil glanced over at Kate with a sly smile. “I’d like a separate cake for my bride and me.”
Kate saw the rascal coming out in Neil and she raised one eyebrow. She felt pretty certain she knew what he was about to say.
“I want a red velvet cheesecake the size of the cake top.”
Kate’s eyes filled with tears remembering the night that had started it all. Neil had forged his way into her life and nothing would ever be the same. She knew her life would be filled with love that was beyond her understanding, a love to rival all the true loves throughout history.
Neil leaned in and kissed her. “I hope that is okay with you. We can always just have it in our suite if you want the chocolate at the wedding.”
“Oh Neil,” Kate whispered, taking a gasp. “It’s exactly what we should have on our wedding night.”
Sadie watched their private moment and smiled. No doubt she was accustomed to couples displaying their emotions to each other and phasing her out momentarily. Once they turned back to her she said, “It shall be done.”
Kate perused the wedding cake book while Neil filled out the paperwork for the cake. “What do you think of this one?” she asked.
“I love it. Let’s get that one.”
“Are you agreeing with me so readily to move things along quickly?”
Neil gave her a sly smile and said, “You know me so well, baby. All I really care about is that you are the one walking down the aisle toward me. The wedding details are inconsequential,” he said picking up her hand and kissing it.
“So, I can choose anything I want. You’re good with that?” Kate asked.
“Yes. I might have a few suggestions, but overall I’m good with whatever you choose.”
“Well, Sadie, this is the cake. I love it.”
“Excellent,” Sadie said as she jotted down the information on the cake order. She then handed Kate the book of invitations for Kate to peruse.
She found one that was a square. At the bottom it had a scripture verse from Song of Solomon that stated, “I have found the one whom my soul loves.”
“I really like this invitation,” Kate told Neil. “Look at the verse down at the bottom.”
As Neil read it, a smile crossed his face. “That’s it. You are definitely the one whom my soul loves,” he said, kissing her on the temple.
Sadie continued their meeting giving them an array of choices. “We accomplished a lot today. Let’s meet next week to finalize details. When are you available?” Sadie asked Kate.
“Well, I’ll have to meet with you one evening. I have school and work every day.”
Sadie checked to see if she had any evening appointments available. While she was looking over her schedule, Neil pulled Kate to the side.
“Baby, don’t take this the wrong way but…you’re fired. I want you to focus on school and our wedding. I don’t want you working right now. I know how you feel about this, but I’m putting my foot down.”
“Putting your foot down, huh? I’m more than happy to be relieved of my duties at your office. I agree that it would be too much to go to school, work, and plan for our wedding.”
“Good, then it’s settled,” Neil said. “Sadie, Kate’s schedule has just opened up. She is available to meet with you any afternoon.”
“How is Tuesday at three o’clock? We’ll meet at my office.”
“I’ll be there,” said Kate.
Sadie took out her card and handed it to Kate. She made her goodbyes and Neil and Kate took their leave, returning to their suite, hand in hand.
It had been a whirlwind morning and now it had turned to early afternoon. “How are you holding up, baby? The last twenty-four hours have been a little crazy, to say the least.”
“I’m exhausted, to tell you the truth. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”
Neil kissed her on the cheek and said, “Why don’t you lie down for a while?”
“I shall. I’m just going to check my phone first.”
Kate began listening to her messages. Her first message was from Detective Jameson. He needed to interview her right away. The next message was from Natalie, who was calling to check up on her, as she had spoken with Charlie, who had filled her in on everything that had happened.
“Is everything okay?” Neil asked when Kate put her phone down.
“I had a message from Nat. Charlie told her about what happened. My other message was from Detective Jameson. He wants me to come in for an interview as soon as I can,” she said, falling into Neil’s arms. “I’m dreading what comes next. All the questions and knowing that they still haven’t found him. The thought of going through all of that is just too much.”
/> “I know, baby. I want you to rest and I’ll call Jameson and schedule a meeting with him. The sooner you get this behind you the sooner we can move on with our lives.”
Kate nodded and said, “Maybe he could come to us? I really don’t want to go to the station. Not yet. I’m just not ready.”
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem,” Neil said kissing Kate on the cheek.
Kate went to lay down and Neil stepped out to the balcony to make his call to the detective.
***
“Detective Jameson, this is Neil Statton. I’m calling on behalf of Kate. She just got your message.”
“Oh, good. When can she come to the station?”
“How about you come to us? She isn’t really in a good state at the moment. We’re staying at The Grand in Del Mar, celebrating our engagement.”
“Congratulations! When’s the big day?”
“New Year’s Eve.”
“Great,” the detective said. “Good way to begin the new year. I’ll come to the hotel. Give me a time.”
“How about four o’clock? We are in room 228.”
“I’ll see you then.”
Neil went back inside. Kate was sound asleep and he couldn’t help but watch his beautiful girl. The emotions he had gone through in the last twenty-four hours almost seemed beyond his comprehension. All he knew for certain, was that his love had grown for her exponentially. A life without her would never be something he could accept. She was his soul mate, who had brought him out of his hopelessness and back to life. In his moment of watching her, images of their future life together paraded through his mind. He imagined Christmas mornings with their children and he and Kate watching their delighted faces as they ripped open presents. Birthday parties, soccer practice, taking his son golfing—he wanted it all, with Kate. Hard times would surely come, but they had a rock solid relationship withstanding the advances of Wilkins. Nothing that came against them could tear them apart. Nothing.
Neil went back out onto the balcony and called Mac. He needed to talk to his best friend.
“Hey dude. How did it go?” Mac answered.
“Yesterday was the craziest day of my life.”
Given to You Page 9
