by J. G. Sumner
I laugh. “The airport of all places. He was getting on a plane to Barbados. It appears he was looking for a little vacation.”
Jasper gulps down the juice straight from the jug. He belches once and continues to drink. I shake my head knowing this man has been single for way too long. He needs to find a woman to tame that inner beast. He puts the container back in the fridge and heads back to the computer desk.
“I guess I’ve got to start looking for information in Barbados. Maybe your cousin has been holing up there.” Jasper starts typing away.
“Hey, man, why don’t you go take a shower? You smell seriously rank. It might do you some good to step away for a bit and clear your thoughts.”
Jasper turns and looks at me. His expression is a combination of disbelief, fatigue, and fear. “You want me to do what? Are you crazy? I lost your girl. I can’t stop searching for her until she’s found. I’m responsible for her kidnapping. Now, I need to get back to work.” Jasper spins around in his chair and resumes typing away.
I place my hand on his keyboard. “The ten minutes you need to take a shower and the couple hours of sleep you could probably use aren’t going to bring Kate back to us any faster. There are a ton of people working to find her. They can continue working while you take care of yourself. You look like hell. Now get in there and go take a fucking shower.”
I’m surprised by my own statements. I almost sound like my father. Jasper looks me in the eyes. Normally we’d have a battle of eye contact to see who will be the loser who looks away first. Jasper quietly resigns and proceeds to his room. I take a look around his apartment and notice all the empty take-out cartons.
I silently thank whoever will listen for my friend. He’s been working his balls off for four days trying to find Kate. He hasn’t slept, showered, or eaten anything of nutritional value. He’s been smoking like a chimney, and I’m thankful he hasn’t keeled over from some coronary. I couldn’t ask for a more loyal guy. I’m going to have to find some way to make it up to him.
I begin to pick up the trash that’s been littered around the apartment. I pick the ashtray off the desk and empty it. When I return, I note on the computer screen a message with a license plate and a car matching the description of Demetrio’s rental pops up. It’s been found on the Upper East Side. This is too good to be true. First, we found Manchetti, now Demetrio. We’re so close to finding Kate. I can taste it.
Jasper comes out of his bedroom still dripping wet and in nothing but a towel. He sees me and gets a sly grin on his face. “What’re you still doing here, mate?”
“I was cleaning this shit up for you. Do you always prance around in a towel in front of your guests or are you showboating? You’re wasting your time. I’m already taken, and I happen to like women.”
“You’re an asshole. I was just coming back to check on something and then I was going to take your advice and get some sleep for a couple of hours. You were right, I look like shit. I can’t have that babe of yours seeing me like this when we find her. I want to make sure her hero is looking good when I rescue her.” Jasper chuckles and leans over the desk.
“You’re a dick, dude. Don’t talk about my woman that way.” I’m half joking, but I don’t want anyone thinking they have a shot with Kate. She’s all mine, and I’m never letting her go.
“Fucking A. That little weasel is up by Kendall’s apartment.” Clearly, Jasper just saw the same information I did only moments before.
“I saw that pop up. I didn’t know that’s where she lived.” I was thinking he was going to lead us to Kate, but now I’m worried he might be after Kendall.
Jasper throws me his cell phone. “Give her a call and tell her not to leave the apartment or answer the door for anyone. Let her know I’m on my way.” Jasper takes off into his room.
I locate Kendall’s number in Jasper’s contact list. When she answers, I’m barraged with an overly cheerful and sugary voice. “Hey, baby, I was just thinking about you. Did you miss me?”
“Ah no. This is Tony.” I silently laugh as she clears her throat and gets a more serious tone to her voice.
“Hey, what’s up? Why do you have Jasper’s phone?” Her cheery voice is gone and is now dripping with hate.
I pause before answering. I need to find the best way to tell her to hang tight so she doesn’t freak out and go drama queen on me. “Jasper is getting dressed and then we’re going to come over. We have some concerns we want to talk about. Can you just stay there until we arrive?”
“Sure, I guess. I was getting ready to do a little shopping therapy, but I can wait. Does this have anything to do with Kathrine? Have you found her?”
“No, we haven’t, but I think we’re close. I need you to keep your doors locked and don’t answer it for anything. Do you understand?”
“Yeah, but you’re kind of scaring me. Is everything okay?” Her voice quivers and I feel bad for her. I’m upset with myself for putting another person in danger. If I hadn’t come back here, none of this would be taking place right now and these women would be no worse for the wear. My own selfish needs put Kate in danger once again.
“It will be, just hang tight. We’ll be there shortly.” As I hang up the phone, Jasper comes out with jeans and his steel-toed boots on. He only wears those when he’s getting ready to beat the shit out of someone. His chest is still uncovered, showing off his assortment of inked art. Most of his tattoos have to do with his time in the British military. Some of them are just for sentimental reasons. He once tried to get me to get one with him. He thought it would be cool to have matching bro tattoos. At the time, I thought it was lame. Now, I’m thinking we might have to get one in celebration of getting out of this mess and finding Kate.
“Did she answer?” Jasper throws a t-shirt on over his head.
“Yeah, I tried not to worry her too much, but it didn’t work. I’m sure by the time we get over there, she will have bitten off all of her manicured nails.”
Jasper grabs his keys and heads to the door. “Why do you hate her so much?”
I follow Jasper and ponder his question. “I don’t hate her. She’s just a little superficial for my tastes. She kind of reminds me of a girl I was dating when my family was killed. This girl wanted the world, including me and my family name. She was into all the designer clothes and expected that I was the one who should supply those. It didn’t bother me at the time, but after my family died, I started taking things more seriously and realized what was important. Kendall’s not so bad. She’s just not the woman for me.”
“Gotcha, mate. I can tell you this: she’s a fine piece of ass and she can fuck like a rabbit. She’s frickin’ crazy in the bedroom.” Jaspers lips curl into a sly grin.
“When did that happen?” I had no idea their relationship or whatever they’re calling it had gone to that level.
“I took her home the other night after the bar. Man, I’ve never seen a girl so flexible in my life.” Jasper laughs as we get on the elevator. “She’s like a fucking gymnast.”
“So, do you like her?” I never would’ve picked Kendall out for Jasper, but if he’s into her, that’s all that matters.
“Yeah, she’s nice and all. I don’t see it being anything more than a good time.” Jasper nonchalantly walks off the elevator into the lobby.
“You know if you hurt her that means she’s going to be spending a lot more time with me and Kate. I’d appreciate it if you could prevent that from happening.” I look at Jasper in all seriousness. I don’t want to have to help clean up the aftermath from that fallout.
“You’re a dick, dude. If there’s anyone you need to worry about, it’s not me. That woman’s like a black widow. She’ll use me until she’s done and then I’ll never see her again. She’s a fucking man-eater. I’m going to enjoy this ride as long as I can.”
I’m shocked that Jasper has read Kendall so well. Kate’s often told me how Kendall likes to date guys to annoy her dad. Once daddy stops complaining about the latest boy toy, she
dumps them. I’m not sure what she’s trying to accomplish there, but I would think as a trust fund baby, you might not want to bite the hand that feeds you.
Outside the building, Jasper hails a cab. We jump in and head to the Upper East Side in hopes of keeping Kendall safe and finding my cousin’s illegitimate son.
Chapter Twenty
Tony
We get to Kendall’s apartment, and for once she does as she’s been told and stays inside. In fact, when Jasper knocks on the door, she refuses to let us in. I know she thinks this is just some cute game, but Jasper and I haven’t really slept a whole lot over the past few days. Neither of us is in much of a mood and probably won’t be until Kate is found.
“Kendall, let us in.” Jasper leans his forehead against the door.
“How do I know you are who you say you are?” she calls through the thick wood.
“Look through the fucking peep hole. Now come on, woman. I don’t have time for this shit.”
Kendall opens the door, but leaves the chain attached. “What’s the password?”
“If you don’t open this door, I’m going to bust it down and shag you senseless until you do as you’re told.” Jasper isn’t kidding. He’s ready to break the chain lock and let himself in.
“Yes, please.” Kendall opens the door. “I’ll take one of each.” She points to both of us.
I know she’s kidding, but you’d think she’d be a little more upset about her best friend missing.
“Why do you guys look so serious, and why can’t I leave my apartment?” Kendall plops down on her couch and pats it for us to join her.
I look at Jasper and nod for him to break the news to his fuck buddy. He makes the first move and sits down next to Kendall. I take the chair on the other side of the room.
Jasper looks at Kendall with a seriousness I rarely see. “Have you seen that kid Demetrio around here?”
“Why, are you jealous?” Kendall throws a tendril of hair behind her shoulder.
“No, I’m not, and I’d appreciate it if you would quit playing games. This has to do with your safety and our ability to find Kate.”
Kendall’s face turns ghost white. “Am I in danger?”
I roll my eyes. Finally, she’s freakin’ getting it.
“I’m not sure, but you could be. We’ve located Demetrio’s car only blocks from here, and thought he might be coming to look for you.” Jasper continues to fill in Kendall on the details of Demetrio and his relation to my cousin.
“Oh my God. Why didn’t you tell me? You had me call him! He could’ve killed me!” Tears pour from Kendall’s eyes. “This is all his fault. He’s the one we should blame here!” Kendall points to me, and I can’t argue. She’s right. There hasn’t been a moment that has gone by that I don’t take full credit for everything that’s happened. I did this to Kate, and now Kendall has become another victim.
I head to the front door, figuring I’d just go. I’ll find Kate, and then I’ll be gone for good. She doesn’t need me or this in her life and it may always be there. I can’t subject her to any more kidnappings and torture. I love her too much.
“Stop! You’re not leaving.” I look back at Jasper, who’s giving me this look. I know it well. He’s telling me not to be a pussy and not even consider leaving. I shrug my shoulders and continue to the door. His hand flies over my head and lands on the door, preventing me from opening it.
“She’s wrong. This isn’t your fault. It’s your crazy-ass cousin who’s doing this. Don’t think for a moment you have any control over him. You’ve done everything humanly possible to keep Kate safe without making her live in a bubble. He would’ve probably gotten to her whether or not you came back. We’re both tired. We just need to find Kate and get some sleep. Things will work themselves out.”
I look at Jasper. He’s dead serious; although, I’m still unconvinced.
“We’ll find her, and she’s going to come out of this stronger than before. I promise.” Jasper pulls me into a bro hug before punching my shoulder. “Now let’s get Kendall packed and out of here. She’s staying with me until this is all over.”
“I’m doing what?” Kendall’s shrieks are like nails to a chalkboard.
Jasper walks toward her. “Yeah. I can watch over you and keep you safe.”
She crosses her arms and puts on a pouty face. “Don’t I have any say in this?”
Jasper and I both respond in unison, “No.”
“What if I choose not to?” Clearly she doesn’t like to be told what to do, especially not by any man.
“Then I’ll pick you up, throw you over my shoulder, and drag your arse kicking and screaming. I don’t give a shit. You’re coming with us. There’s no damn way I’ll let anyone else get kidnapped or injured under my watch. Now go get some crap together and let’s get going.”
Jasper’s no-nonsense attitude is one of the things I like most about him. He knows how to get shit done.
Kendall reluctantly proceeds to her bedroom. For the first time since I met her, the woman is without words. Maybe Jasper is the type of guy she needs. Perhaps someone to put their foot down to her periodically is exactly what makes her appreciate them. I bet no man has ever stood up to her. Jasper is definitely not afraid to be the one to do that.
It takes Kendall about fifteen minutes to get her stuff together. Relatively speaking, I think it’s pretty good. Kate has told me that Kendall can take hours to get ready. By the time she comes out of her room, Jasper has searched the entire apartment. For what, I don’t know, but by the time he was done, Jasper was satisfied that no one had gained entry into Kendall’s apartment.
Once we exit Kendall’s building, I tell Jasper to head back to his place with her. I want to go take a look at Demetrio’s rental car to see if there are any clues. Once the FBI searches the vehicle, I won’t have the opportunity to find anything that might only mean something to me.
I head over to Sixty-Seventh Street, where the car is supposed to be parked. By the time I get there, it’s too late. There’s crime scene tape wrapped around it, and the damn thing is in the midst of being towed. God, when am I going to catch a break? Give me something that will help me get to Kate. I can’t even imagine the horrible things Matteo is doing to her. When I start to think about them, my blood percolates and I get images in my head of using his face as a punching bag much like he’s probably doing to Kate.
I’m at a loss for what to do now. I want to find something that will help find my beautiful woman. I think about heading back to Jasper’s, but I’m a little worried I might walk in on something between Jasper and Kendall. When I left them, Kendall had this fire in her eyes that suggested she might want to punish Jasper for the way he spoke to her. My guess is he won’t mind.
I think about just getting some coffee. I could use the caffeine to help me stay awake. As I approach Sixty-Eighth Street, I’m overwhelmed by the sense that Kate is nearby. Goose bumps pepper my flesh. She’s so close, I can almost smell her. I look around, but see no one that fits her description. Somehow, I just know she’s here. It sounds crazy, but I just can’t shake it. I don’t want to move from this spot for fear of losing her. So, I just stand and wait. For what, I don’t know. There’s nothing around but apartment buildings. There’s a park on the corner, but nothing that screams to me that Kate’s there. I just love this woman so much. I’d give anything to have her by my side, to touch her skin, and to run my fingers through her hair. I want to stare into those crystal blue eyes and know that I’m the reason they sparkle so bright. I want to give her the moon, stars, and heaven. I want to love her and cherish her until the moment I take my last breath. No matter what happens, I will spend the rest of my life in love with just this one woman. That for me is heaven.
Chapter
Twenty-One
Kate
“Wake up, sleepy head.”
Matteo’s voice is never anything I want to wake up to. His hands on my flesh is even worse. What I wouldn’t give to have a blanket o
r a sheet to cover up with. I stir around trying to stretch the aching muscles that have been tied in one position for far too long. I open my eyes to the perpetual darkness that is beginning to haunt my dreams. I swear when I make it through this, I’m going to sleep with the lights on.
“I have a present for you.”
He’s gloating. I hate it when he’s like this, because I know somehow, I’ll be suffering in the end. I take a deep breath and prepare myself for whatever sick fantasy he’s conjured up this time. “What’s my present? Are you going to take this blindfold off and let me see some light for a change?”
“Don’t get smug. You know what will happen, and the last thing I want is for you to be bleeding on my son.”
Son? How did I not know he had one?
The green-eyed monster reaches over and removes the dark fabric covering my eyes. I’m blinded by the light that is shining down through the window of my old bedroom. I squeeze my eyes shut to avoid the inevitable headache that comes along with seeing the brightness for the first time in who knows how long. I’d like to think it’s just been a few hours, but it could be since yesterday or the day before. I swear this man keeps drugging me. I’ve lost all concept of time. For all I know, I’ve been here for a month.
When I’ve finally adjusted to the beams of light, I open my eyes. The green-eyed monster is standing above me with the sinister grin that’s the theme for most of my nightmares. If I never saw his face again, it would be too soon.
I look around my old bedroom. The curtains are the same: a rich burgundy with gold embossing. I remember picking them out and was pleased they matched my bedroom set so well. The walls are the same taupe color they always were. I pan the room and my eyes stop on what I guess is my present. My heart comes to a complete stop, and I have to take a deep breath to get it started again.
