by Rose Pressey
“Rylie, I know you don’t want to think this because you’re so nice…” Jack said.
“You’re thinking that maybe Shelby isn’t as nice as I thought? That maybe she’s really working with the mermaids?”
“I mean, there have been a lot of strange things going on with her. And now this,” Jack said.
“I guess I hadn’t thought of it until you mentioned it.”
This would make me feel terrible if it were true. I’d thought I was a better judge of character than that. I based my whole business on being able to read people and know if they were good or bad.
Chapter 14
Jack and I reached the car.
“I guess we’ll just go back to the hotel and call the police,” I said.
Jack started the ignition. “I guess that’s for the best.”
I knew by the tone of his voice that he was worried as well. And that didn’t happen often. We were both exhausted and we wouldn’t be able to help Jennifer and Shelby at all if we didn’t get rest. Though after talking to the neighbor, I wondered if Shelby really needed our help. It sounded as if she was working with the mermaids. I felt so betrayed. I’d thought I knew her well. And to think I was going to leave her in charge of the business. Maybe I shouldn’t open this location at all.
Jack pulled out onto the street and we headed away from the building. It felt sad to know that we had left there without Jennifer. I’d thought for sure I would find her there. We drove down the road and I spotted a woman walking along the sidewalk headed toward the beach. The closer we got to her the more I thought it looked like Jennifer.
“Jack, do you see her?” I pointed out the woman. “Is that Jennifer?”
Jack peered in that direction. “Um, yeah, it looks like her from the back.”
“Slow down,” I said.
Jack eased his foot off the gas as we neared the woman as she walked along the sidewalk. Jack rolled the car by her side. She didn’t seem to notice. When we were right along beside her, I soon realized it was Jennifer.
“Jennifer, what are you doing?” I asked.
She turned to look at us. I was just so relieved to see her.
Her eyes widened as she raced over to the car. “Oh, my gosh, Rylie, I’m so happy to see you. I was lost and I didn’t know how to get in touch with you.”
I couldn’t believe that we’d found her walking along the street. Unfortunately, Shelby wasn’t with her. Jennifer was all alone.
I opened the car door. “Get in.”
The black sedan behind us on the road honked for us to move. Jennifer slid into the backseat and shut the door. Jack punched the gas and we took off, making the guy behind us happy. Though we must not have moved fast enough because he zipped around us, passing in the other lane. He could’ve done that while he was behind blasting the horn.
I turned in the seat to look at her. “Tell me what happened. How long have you been walking out here?”
“Someone grabbed us while we were standing in the parking lot last night.”
“What do you mean someone grabbed you?” Jack said, looking at her in the rearview mirror.
“We didn’t see who grabbed us since they were behind us.”
“They got Shelby too?” I asked.
“Yes, they got her too,” Jennifer said.
“I’m assuming they still have her?” Jack asked.
Jennifer tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I managed to get away.”
“Where were you?” I asked.
“I don’t know. We were in some kind of building. I was so turned around I’m not sure where it was.”
“Maybe it was Shelby’s condo building,” I said. “She could still be in there with whoever took her.”
“Maybe.” Jennifer blew out a deep breath.
“Would you know how to get back there?” I asked.
“I’m so turned around that I’m not sure if I would,” Jennifer said.
“We can drive you back to Shelby’s and maybe you’ll recognize something,” I said.
Jack turned the car around and we headed back to the condo building.
“How did you get away?” I asked.
“They had me tied up and I just managed to get loose.”
“How did you get out of the building?”
“They left the door unlocked. They’re not very smart kidnappers,” she said.
“Did they say why they had you?”
“No, they never said anything to us. Just to be quiet.”
“You don’t know who these people were? Did you recognize them?” Jack asked.
“They were wearing masks. It was terrifying,” she said.
“Do you know if they were with the mermaids?” I asked.
“I couldn’t tell. But they could be.”
“We have to call the police and tell them about this,” I said.
“I’m just thankful to be away from there,” Jennifer said as she leaned her head back into the car seat.
We pulled up to the condo building.
“Is this place you came from?” I asked.
“No,” she said.
“We could go around to some more places,” Jack said.
“That’s a good idea,” I said.
Jack spent the next thirty minutes driving around to other buildings, but Jennifer didn’t recognize any of them.
“We should call the police. We’ll just go back to the hotel so that Jennifer can get some rest when she’s done talking with the police.”
Jack headed toward the hotel. Jennifer talked about what happened and tried to remember any little detail of her captors.
“I remember they smelled like the ocean breeze,” she said.
“Either that’s mermaids or they have some really great perfume,” I said.
When we were at the hotel we all went to my room and I called the police.
“They’ll be right over,” I said when I ended the call.
Jennifer collapsed onto the bed. “I just can’t get this out of my head.”
“I know from past experience how hard it is. Everything will be fine. At least you’re safe now.”
A knock came at the door and Jack rushed over to open it. A couple of uniformed police officers came into the room.
“There’s been a kidnapping?” he asked.
“Yes, she was kidnapped. Thank goodness she got away.” I pointed.
The police officers exchanged a look as if they thought maybe we’d been drinking. I knew this was a crazy story, but it was the absolute truth.
“Do you know who did this?” the police officer asked.
“No, I don’t,” Jennifer said. “They were wearing masks. Scary ones.”
“What did the masks look like?” the officer asked.
“They were like cartoon characters,” Jennifer said.
“We’re going to need a description. Other than the masks, was there anything else you can think of that we need to know? Where were you kidnapped from?”
“She was taken from the club,” I said. “Another friend was grabbed too. We haven’t found her.”
“Another friend was kidnapped too?” The officer frowned.
Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed as if he doubted our story.
“We went over to her condo, but she wasn’t there. Well, she didn’t answer the door. Though it sounded like people were in there. No one answered the door. So we’re not sure what’s going on. We think she might be with three other women.”
“This is a lot to take in. Can you slow down a little and we’ll start from the beginning?” the officer asked.
I released a deep breath and started all over again.
Chapter 15
It was later in the day and all of us had gotten a little bit of sleep, but since it was only a few hours that wasn’t much. I was up and ready to get back to my search for Shelby. I had originally been looking into the murdered man, but now my main focus had shifted to Shelby. I knew I had a limited amount of time before it
would be too late for her. I just had a feeling that something bad was going to happen. What if it was connected to the murdered man?
The first thing on my agenda was to check in with the police. I hadn’t received a voicemail while sleeping, but that didn’t mean that they hadn’t found Shelby and neglected to call me. While Jack was in the shower, I decided to give the police a call. Jennifer said she would be ready soon. I told her to make sure to keep her door locked at all times. I dialed the police station and asked to speak with the detective we’d been in touch with this morning.
“Detective Starling,” he said when he answered.
“This is Rylie Cruz and I’m calling to find out if you have any information about my friend Shelby.”
“We’re working on the case, ma’am, but we have nothing to update you with now.”
What had they been doing for the past three hours? I’d figured they would have it solved by now. Okay, I was being unrealistic. But anxiety made me do or say crazy things.
I sighed. “You’re sure you have no new information for me?”
“We’ll make sure to call you as soon as we know anything,” he said.
He sounded irritated with me. But he wasn’t nearly as irritated with me as I was with him.
“Thank you,” I said, trying to sound somewhat civil.
Jack walked out from the bathroom just as I ended the call.
“Any news?” he asked as he rubbed the towel over his wet head.
His chiseled abs momentarily distracted me, but I managed to snap out of the trance and focus.
“Nothing. I think if we want to find her we’ll have to do this ourselves,” I said.
“Okay, I’ll hurry and get dressed,” Jack said.
“I’ve decided that we need to go to the mermaids’ house.”
“The detective had absolutely no news?” he asked as he grabbed his shirt.
“Nothing. Like Uncle Ernie always says, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”
“Rylie, I’m not sure we should ever follow your uncle Ernie’s advice. If they can’t find her then how are we going to find her?”
“That’s one bit of advice I think he got right. Maybe it’s the other advice he got right, but I have to go with it right now,” I said.
After Jack hurried into his clothing we rushed for the door. When I opened it, Jennifer was standing in front of us with her fist up ready to knock. She screamed and covered her eyes with her hands.
I grabbed her. “Jennifer, it’s just us. I know you’re still freaked out, but we have to go to the mermaids’ house.”
She opened her eyes. “They haven’t found Shelby yet?”
“No, they haven’t, but don’t worry, we will,” I said.
“Yeah, Uncle Ernie has everything under control,” Jack said.
Jennifer frowned. “What?”
“Never mind him,” I said with a wave of my hand.
We raced down the hallway and out the lobby doors. Once in the car we took off. It was about a ten-minute drive, but we managed to make it in eight. I had to thank Jack’s driving skills for that.
We were now sitting outside the front of the mermaids’ house. It brought back memories of when I’d sat out here with Shelby. I looked back at the palm tree where I had shifted into werewolf form. Shelby had been so sweet and nice that day. There was no way she was involved with the mermaids voluntarily.
We got out of the car and headed over to the gate.
“There is no way they will let me in,” I said as I rang the buzzer.
After a few seconds, Melinda’s voice sounded through the nearby security system. “Yes, may we help you?”
“This is Rylie Cruz. Can I come in?” I asked.
“Oh, Rylie, did you find a date for us?” she asked excitedly.
Hello? Was she serious? I was worried about my friend and she was just worried about a date. That was all just a ruse to throw me off her track.
“Well, let me in and I’ll tell you all about it,” I said.
The gates opened. I rushed through, motioning for Jennifer and Jack to follow me.
“You sounded like the big bad wolf,” Jack said.
“I can’t believe she opened the gates that easily. Are you sure we should go through with this?” Jennifer asked.
“Absolutely. We’ll be fine,” I said.
I had probably told her that too many times in the past when things hadn’t worked out exactly as planned. But we were still here and going strong, so it wasn’t so bad after all.
Finally, Jennifer stepped through the gate and we headed for the front door. We moved up the steps on a mission. Once in front of the door, I banged on it. Less than ten seconds later the door swung open. All three of them answered. Did they always need to be together like that?
“Would you like to come in?” Melinda asked.
Would I like to come in? Not particularly, but I would anyway. It was the whole reason we were here.
We stepped inside of the house. It was full of palm tree décor.
“So tell us all about the dates that you found for us,” Melinda said as she clapped her hands.
“Dates, yes. That will have to wait. Right now I have something else to discuss with you,” I said.
A frown immediately crossed her lips. It didn’t matter if she didn’t like what I said. I would ask anyway.
“Where is Shelby? I know she’s here.” I crossed my arms in front of my waist.
They frowned. “What are you talking about?”
How did they do everything in sync like that?
“Shelby left with you all last night and I know you took her. And I know you took Jennifer too. I bet you’re surprised to see that we found her and that she got away.” I smirked.
“You know, I think this conversation is over. Obviously, you’re crazy. I should’ve known you couldn’t find us a date. Unless they’re psychos like you.”
“Don’t try to reverse this and make out like it’s me,” I said. “I know what you did. Now where is Shelby?” I started walking around the house.
“I’m calling the police,” Melinda said as she followed after me.
Jack came over to me. “Maybe we should leave, Rylie.”
“But I know Shelby’s here somewhere. Shelby, where are you?” I yelled.
Melinda picked up the phone.
“Go ahead and call the police,” I said with a wave of my hand. “I’d like for them to get over here.”
Jack led me toward the door. I was still complaining about knowing that Shelby was there and for them to call the police. With a bit of a struggle Jack got me out the door. With Jennifer holding one arm and Jack holding the other they escorted me down the steps. I was so furious that I couldn’t even think straight. Melinda slammed the door behind us. They probably would call the police. That was a good thing though because then I could prove that the mermaids had had something to do with Shelby’s disappearance.
Right before stepping out the gate the thought hit me. What if the mermaids closed it on us before we got out?
“Let’s hurry.” Jennifer motioned.
Once on the other side of the gate I noticed something shiny on the ground. I reached down and picked up the gold ring. I turned it over in my hand. There was an inscription with the name Shelby.
“Look what I found,” I said, showing the jewelry to Jack and Jennifer. “Apparently she had a ring just like the other mermaids.”
“Did she ever mention this?” Jack asked.
“No, only that they have one.”
This was a bit concerning. Maybe Shelby really was with the mermaids and they were just covering for her. We got into the car and waited for a little bit, but the police never showed up. I didn’t know if it was just because they weren’t interested in solving the case or if the mermaids had never really called them.
“So what next?” Jennifer asked, leaning forward from the backseat.
“I think we need to find info about the murdered
man. Maybe if we can find a connection between him and the mermaids, then we can find Shelby. Or at the very least find out if she’s involved with this.”
“How we do that?” Jennifer asked.
I picked up the newspaper article. “It says here that he worked at the Palm Tree Café. We’ll go there.”
Jack started the car. “I guess it can’t hurt to try.”
As soon as we arrived we rushed inside. I asked the guy at the front door about the murdered man.
“Yes, I know him. Benjamin Thornton. He was a vampire,” he said.
Interesting. There hadn’t been a lot of information in the newspaper about Benjamin . Well, I suppose it just wasn’t as much information as I would have liked.
“Can you tell me anything else about him?” I asked.
“Well, I know he was dating a mermaid.”
I pulled out my phone and showed him the pictures of the mermaids. “Was it one of them?”
He shook his head. “No, not one of them.”
By chance I showed him the picture of Shelby. “Was it her?”
“Yeah, that’s his girlfriend.” He pointed at my phone.
It was as if somebody punched me in the stomach. I couldn’t believe that Shelby knew this man. Why hadn’t she said anything? This was really strange.
“Do you know much about her?” I asked.
“Not a lot. I don’t think they’ve been dating that long. She comes in her sometimes. It’s really tragic what happened to him. I hope they find out who did it.”
“Yes, I hope they find out soon too,” I said.
I wouldn’t bother explaining what had happened. There was no time.
Just then I spotted one of the mermen, the one who’d danced with Jennifer all night. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw him. He smiled and rushed over to us.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I should ask the same of you,” I said.
He looked at me, confused. “You took off last night. I thought you left us. When we came outside you were gone.”
“But you left,” Jennifer said. “I couldn’t find you anywhere.”
