Hide and Seek

by Velvet Vaughn

  He finally gathered himself to move. He grabbed the picture and added it to his bag. He bolted the door and set the alarm. Midas hopped into the passenger seat and Dante drove his black Escalade the short distance back to Taylor's house. Pretty soon, they would live farther apart. His new house was in the final stages of construction. It was located close to the COBRA Securities compound. It was just outside city limits, with a large yard, abundant trees and a view of the lake. He purchased the plot of land from Logan, who’d snapped up all of the property surrounding the headquarters. Other agents had purchased acreage from Logan as well at a deeply discounted price. He’d live close enough to work that he’d be able to drive a golf cart to the office.

  Kai was bummed he’d have to give up his profitable neighborhood business, but having his own pool more than made up for it. They didn’t really need one since they would live so close to the compound they could use the Olympic-sized one there, but he was just as excited as Kai to have a private one in their back yard.

  He parked in the driveway and barely opened the door before Midas leaped across the seat and bounded to the ground. He walked around back and let the dog into the fenced yard. Taylor had a large covered patio around her pool and plenty of grass. Midas would be happy here. He could be rowdy and rambunctious…he didn’t want him knocking over something valuable in Taylor’s house.

  Dante inhaled the scent of lilac and honeysuckle as he scanned the area for any potential threats. Tomorrow—scratch that he thought as he eyed his watch. It was o three hundred. Today was the last day of school before summer vacation. Kai had been excited for weeks for the end-of-the year class party. Parents were invited so Dante took the day off and planned on attending as well.

  His phone buzzed and his heart skipped a beat, praying it was his son. He fumbled it out of his pocket to scan the screen. He sighed. Maggie. He quickly scanned the text. She and Carter were back home but she wanted to let him know she was there if he needed her. Dante fired back a quick thanks and lifted his head. Taylor was standing on the porch, rubbing a very excited Midas, who was wiggling on his back like a worm on a hook. For a moment, she looked unguarded and relaxed. Midas had that effect on people.

  “He can stay inside,” she offered, standing when he moved closer. “My house is kid-proof, so it’s dog-proof, too.” Midas leaped to his feet and darted around the yard. He stopped to sniff at a bush and then ran back to them.

  “If you’re sure?”

  She opened the sliding door and Midas took that as an invitation. He launched himself inside and slid across the hardwood floor. She chuckled and he shook his head. “The dog is a spaz.”

  Dante checked in with Officer Holmes. Taylor had made a bed for the cop on the sofa in her office and he was lounging, watching SportsCenter on the flat-screen above a fireplace. All was quiet on the Sweeney front.

  He returned to the living room to find Taylor and Midas curled up on the couch. The lights were off except for the television. She skimmed channels with the remote in her hand. When she spotted him, she gave a sheepish grin. “I’m not tired.”

  Dante padded over. She lifted an edge of the blanket and he settled in beside her. Once the cover was in place, she pushed a button and a footrest popped up. They settled on an old movie he’d seen once, years ago. Dante awoke with a start. He’d fallen asleep pretty much as soon as he sat down. He checked his watch. He’d been asleep for thirty minutes. He glanced down at Taylor, curled up at his side. She’d crashed, too, but her brow was creased with worry even in slumber. He had the insane urge to smooth his thumb between her eyes to ease the tension. As he watched, her expression changed into one of fear and she let out a scream. Dante reacted instantly, pulling her into his lap. “It’s okay, Taylor,” he crooned quietly, hoping to ease her from the nightmares. “I’ve got you.”

  Long, pale lashes fluttered and then opened. Her frantic gaze searched the room. He could feel her heartbeat galloping. “It wasn't a nightmare, was it? She's gone?”

  “No, honey, it wasn't a nightmare.” He stroked her hair and she gripped his shirt tighter. She started shaking and soon they racked her whole body. She let out a choked sob and then the dam burst. “Oh, hey now,” Dante soothed, easing her head to his shoulder. “We’re going to find them and bring them home.” She cried gut-wrenching sobs and Dante just held her, murmuring nonsensical words to soothe her, his hand gently rubbing her back. Hell, he felt like bawling along with her. He had to keep choking back emotions that threatened to break free. Holmes stuck his head in the room but quickly retreated when he realized it was a crying woman. Midas whimpered and snuggled close, his look helpless. Finally she cried herself to sleep.

  Dante eased the footrest down and stood with Taylor in his arms. He carried her upstairs until he found her bedroom. Midas stayed glued to his side. He tugged the covers down and carefully placed her on the bed. She’d already removed her shoes, but he felt awkward undressing her, so he left her clothes on. He tucked her feet under the blanket and then pulled it up to cover her. When he would’ve turned to go, she grabbed his arm, startling him. “Please…don't.”

  He glanced around the room and spotted a leather chair in a reading nook. “I'll camp out over there,” he indicated.

  “No…please, just hold me?”

  Dante should refuse. He should go over and sit in the chair or better yet, head back downstairs to the sofa with Midas. But one look at her desolate blue eyes and he knew he couldn't leave her alone. With a nod, he toed off his shoes and slid in behind her. Midas settled on the rug beside the bed.

  She curled against him, her back to his front. They fit perfectly, as if they had been sleeping together all their lives. He felt a pang of guilt. Logically, he knew Leilani had been gone for a long time and she would want him to be happy. But mentally, his heart didn’t want to let her go. Lying in bed with another woman felt dangerously close to cheating on her.

  There’d been other women since, but he never spent the night. Without even realizing what he was doing, his arm went around Taylor and she drew it close against her body, hanging on as if he were the only anchor in the tumult of her life.

  Chapter Nine

  Kai jerked awake when the truck hit a deep rut and bounced. He didn't know how long he had been asleep or how far they had driven, but it was light out now. All he could see were the dark outlines of trees. His cheek ached from where the man hit him with the butt of his gun, but the pain was manageable. Actually, his whole body throbbed from the bumpy ride.

  The truck lurched to a halt and he tensed. They’d stopped twice to fill up the truck…he could smell the gasoline. He heard Grace cry at the first stop but the man must’ve made her drink more of the liquid because she was quiet after that.

  The driver’s side door creaked open and then he heard a small whimper of protest from Grace before the door slammed shut. “Hey, handsome,” a woman's voice called out excitedly. “I’m so glad you’re here.” The man answered but Kai couldn't hear what he said as the voices drifted further away. He waited a few minutes before sliding out from under the tool box and a few more before venturing a look. They were parked in a small clearing in the middle of heavy woods. Another car was parked beside them and a long silver camping trailer sat a few feet away. It looked like a silver bullet. There was an orange awning protruding off the side shading a couple of outdoor chairs.

  He saw the outline of a man and woman through the window of the camper, but no sign of Grace. They weren't paying attention so he slipped over the side of the truck. His knees buckled and he almost went down, but he finally got his feet under him. He needed to find a place to hide. He was afraid the man might eventually need something from the truck. He spotted a large boulder directly across from the camper and he scurried over. He squatted behind it and gasped when his foot caught in a hole and he slid to the ground. He had a flashback to the time he was five and his dad took him to visit his mom’s grave. He’d stepped in a hole by a fresh pile of dirt and was sure he was g
oing to touch a dead body. He’d screamed like a baby until his dad picked him up, examined his foot to make sure he was okay, and carried him back to the truck, murmuring comforting words to him.

  He wasn’t a baby anymore, so he checked out this hole. It was wide and led directly beneath the large rock. He glanced around and found a long stick. He used it to poke around inside for any furry creatures, trying not to shudder. He wasn’t a baby. He wasn’t. It was pitch black down there and he couldn’t see inside. He chanced another look at the camper and didn’t see anyone, so he rushed back over to the truck and rummaged through the toolbox, finding what he was looking for—a flashlight. He hurried back and snapped on the beam. He used the stick to poke again. It appeared to be empty.

  Plopping to his stomach, he stuck his head inside. The space was much wider than he thought. He could definitely squeeze in there with plenty of room to spare. No telling how long he might be here so he needed to find a place to hide out. This would be perfect.

  He peeked to make sure no one was looking and then darted back to the truck. He grabbed the thick blanket he’d used earlier. He could spread it on the ground to absorb any cold or moisture. There was a black jacket crammed in the toolbox, so he took that too. As he was sneaking back, he noticed the windows down on the car. He peered inside and found a box stuffed full of supplies. He darted a glance at the camper again and then reached in and snagged the carton. It was heavy. He could see bottles of water, juice, crackers, pop tarts. Score! Oh, man, his stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten anything in hours except for a couple of candy bars. He had to leave the blanket and jacket so he could carry the weighty box. He maneuvered over to his hidey-hole and wedged it inside. Another quick check of the camper and he hurried back to the car, looking for anything else he might need…hopefully a cell phone so he could call his dad. He’d be so worried.

  He leaned in the open window and checked the glove compartment, disappointed to find nothing of use. He saw the latch for the trunk so he eased around to the driver’s side and popped it, wincing at the noise. He held his breath, happy to see that no one was coming to investigate the sound. He backed out and hurried to the rear of the car. He found another blanket and flashlight and a tire iron. Nothing else. He took out the supplies and carefully pushed on the trunk lid until it clicked shut. He checked inside the truck and all he found was a screwdriver that was about a foot long. He took it, never knowing when it would come in handy. He picked up the blankets and jacket and darted back to his hiding space. Using the flashlight, he arranged the items. He could just sit up without banging his head. It was wide enough and deep enough that he and Grace would be able to lie down comfortably. He positioned the thick blanket on the ground and he’d use the other to cover himself while he slept.

  As he was arranging the items, he noticed a small pinpoint of light coming in through the dirt wall directly facing the camper. If he could somehow make it wide enough, he might be able to keep an eye on Grace until he could make a grab for her. He picked up the screwdriver with the long blade and started rooting around the hole. Dirt tumbled out as it widened. He stuck his eye against it, happy to realize that he could see the camper. He jammed the screwdriver back in the hole to block it until he needed it.

  Inside the box, he found cereal, crackers, cookies, water, juice boxes, coloring books and crayons, comic books, cards and other assorted items, probably designed to keep Grace entertained. That made him feel a little better. He didn’t know why they took her, but if they were going to kill her, why bring food and activities? His gut twisted when he thought of another reason they might’ve taken a little girl. He had to get her out of there before they could do anything to her.

  He removed the screwdriver and checked the camper. No sign of anyone. He eased outside and peeped over the rock. Still clear. He darted into the woods to find twigs to disguise the opening. Once he had an armful of branches, some with dead leaves attached, he scurried back and arranged them over the hole. Perfect. He crouched down and checked the camper again. The man walked by a window. It looked like he was on a cell phone.

  #

  Taylor woke from a restless night of sleep, embarrassed to look Dante in the eye after begging him to stay last night. They didn’t know each other well…or at all, really…but his presence calmed her. She felt like everything would be okay when he was around. He was strong and smart and capable. She had no doubt he’d bring her daughter back to her.

  Her first thought when she woke in his arms was overwhelming desire. She’d ended up wrapped around him like a blanket and she could feel their hearts beating in tandem. Then reality came crashing down on her. Grace. Kidnapped.

  She opened her eyes to Dante’s smoky gray ones staring back at her. She gasped and shot to her feet. They were both still dressed. She scurried into the bathroom and tried to calm her breathing. When she felt more in control, she stripped off her clothes and stood under the steaming spray. The hot water felt good on muscles knotted with tension and she didn’t want to leave the shower. Leaving meant she had to face what waited for her downstairs. But Grace needed her to be strong. To fight for her and find her.

  She cranked off the water and grabbed a towel to dry. She picked a comfortable tunic and yoga pants from the attached walk-in closet and pulled them on. She glanced in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize the reflection staring back at her. Her face was pale, drawn. She’d aged overnight, looking much older than her thirty-three years. She thought about dabbing on some makeup but she’d just end up crying it off. After brushing her teeth and hair, she opened the door. Dante was gone.

  She quickly made the bed and headed downstairs. Her phone was still ringing off the hook, but she realized she hadn’t heard it ring once in her bedroom. Dante must have turned off the ringer. A few people milled around in her kitchen, not nearly as many as last night, thank goodness. She greeted them and accepted the glass of orange juice Kendall Buckley pushed into her hand.

  “Drink,” she ordered. “Can I make you something to eat? Toast?”

  Taylor sipped. “Nothing right now, but thank you.” She spun around when Luke called her name.

  “It’s Sweeney.”

  The ringing phone had become part of the background so she didn’t even notice it now. With a deep inhale, she gathered her strength to speak to the monster again. Kendall eased the glass from her hand and placed it on the counter. Her legs trembled as she hurried to the office. She glanced around, relaxing when she spotted Dante standing by the desk. He gave her a reassuring nod as she moved beside him.

  “Ready?” Nancy asked. Taylor nodded and Dante’s secretary put the call on speaker.

  “Hello?”

  “Well, well, well, Ms. Assistant State Prosecutor Hudson. How are you this fine day?”

  “Cut the small talk,” she spat. “Where is my daughter?”

  “Now see, I’m going to make a show of good faith. You want to speak to Grace? Here, say hi to your mommy.”

  “Mommy?” Grace’s scared voice cut through the lines.

  Taylor swayed and grabbed the edge of the desk. Dante’s arm banded around to steady her. “Grace? Baby, are you okay?”

  “I want to come home, Mommy,” she cried. “Please come get me.”

  Tears completely blurred her vision. “I will, baby. Soon,” she choked. “I promise. Just stay strong for me, okay? I love you, Gracie.”

  “Love you—” There was a small cry of distress and then Sweeney’s evil voice filled the air again.

  “How touching.”

  A murderous rage filled Taylor, giving her strength. “Tell me where she is, you son of a bitch.”

  “All in good time,” he drawled.

  She swiped at the tears coursing down her face. “My sister gave you up. She told the police everything.”

  He tsked. “Yeah, I heard. I was sorry to lose her. She was a valuable asset. Lucky for me, she has no idea where I am or what I plan to do to your precious daughter.”

 
A dial tone filled the air.

  “You bastard,” Taylor wailed, her body trembling with anger. Dante tightened his grip, anchoring her to his side. She turned into his embrace. “She’s so scared and there’s nothing I can do…I feel so helpless.” She covered her face with her hands. Dante pulled her head against his chest and she melted against him, absorbing his strength.

  “We’ll find her,” he murmured, his hand rubbing up and down her back. Despite the dire situation, she believed him.

  #

  Dante felt like putting his fist through a wall. Instead, he raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. Another dead end. The Kentucky State Police had been able to identify Sweeney’s truck on one traffic camera but there weren’t enough in the area to gather any information on which direction he headed once he left the garage. Odds were he was headed south on Interstate 65, but they didn’t know that for sure.

  Detective Hurley and the local police were working hard on the abduction, but they were too overworked to devote as much time to the case as needed. His co-workers were doing the majority of the leg-work. It choked him up to know they dropped everything to find his son. Maggie and Carter had even ended their honeymoon early.

  They were busy sifting through information on Patrick Sweeney and his legions of admirers in the command center they assembled in Taylor’s office. Narrowing down the list would take time…time they didn’t have. They needed to find Kai and Grace soon.

  Apparently Sweeney had a large network of women who were aiding and abetting him. They knew of three so far: the librarian who helped him escape; Julie Stone, who helped hijack the school bus; and Taylor’s sister Cassie. Two of the women were dead. The librarian had frequent contact with him in prison, but Julie and Cassie didn’t show up on any records as having been in touch with Sweeney. That meant that there might be an even wider scope of women out there willing to help him…women they would have no way of knowing about. The thought was staggering.