For Hope

by Jeannette Winters

  Paul’s tone changed by the time David stopped talking. “David, Jada isn’t out trying to deal with anything. Something is wrong. Very wrong. I wasn’t worried when I thought she was with you, but I’m . . . David, you have to find her.

  David could hear the panic in Paul’s voice. It wasn’t the first time Paul had worried about Jada, but this seemed more intense.

  “Paul, it’s possible she is off relaxing somewhere.”

  “No. You don’t understand. Jada is gone. I know she is,” Paul’s voice shook as he spoke.

  Gone? “Why do you believe that?”

  “Because the same day you said Dennis Peckham was apprehended another threat came in.”

  Shit! “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

  “I thought it was a timing thing. Dennis sent it, and then you nabbed him. It didn’t seem important after he was in custody.”

  Everything is important. That was a mistake on his part as well. David should’ve asked and not assumed that all was quiet.

  “What exactly did it say?”

  “Something about Jada being too beautiful to share with the world. I can take a picture of it and send it to you.”

  “Good. And I’ll have someone come by to pick it up.”

  “Why?” Paul asked.

  “I want to see if there are any fingerprints or anything that can confirm if it was from Peckham.” David wasn’t going to rule anything out until he knew for sure. Even now he wasn’t sure whether Jada was off somewhere, pissed at him, or indeed missing. But he was going to do some serious digging and wouldn’t rest until he had his answer. And Jada is safe.

  “I want to help. What can I do?”

  “Let me know immediately if you hear from her.”

  “David, I have a question. Speaking as a father.”

  David had no idea what that meant. “Yes?”

  “Do you think she’s . . .” Paul couldn’t even finish the question. No. Shit. No.

  “We’ll find her. You have my word on that.” He never made such promises and wasn’t sure if he said it for Paul or himself.

  “Thank you. I’ll be in touch,” Paul said before he ended the call.

  And hopefully, I’ll have good news. There wasn’t evidence that Jada was missing. If she had been, her scheduled events would have her down as a no-show instead of a cancellation.

  Time for Gabe to do more digging.

  Within minutes, they were on the SAT phone, exchanging all the information they had. Paul snapped a picture of the last note, and it looked identical to the others. It could be Peckham or someone else who had access to the other notes. Like any member of the media.

  While hacking into Jada’s manager’s computer once again, Gabe said, “I’m telling you, David, nothing has changed in her itinerary. You’re telling me she cancelled, but the schedule said she should have been there.”

  “That makes no sense, Gabe. I went to it, and they said she’d backed out.”

  “Then she didn’t tell her manager.”

  That was not possible. Jada had told him everything was scheduled almost a year in advance, and all she needed to do was show up. Christof, her manager, handled everything else for her. No way did Jada call to cancel personally.

  “Then he didn’t update the information, because there is no way she didn’t show and her manager not have a clue,” David snapped at Gabe. He didn’t want to believe something was wrong, but they were missing something. If her phone hadn’t been turned off, they could at least track her. Was it off because she chose to do so? I sure as hell hope so.

  “David, I just confirmed with the hotel in Las Vegas. Jada never checked out. I’ve sent one of my buddies who works there to use his master key and check her room.”

  “Tell him to fucking make it fast.” David felt his chest tighten with anxiety. Nothing about this looked good. If Jada needed time away, he couldn’t picture her spending it in Las Vegas. She struck him as a beach or bungalow type. Please, Jada, be okay. He closed his eyes, slowed his breathing, and hoped Jada was soaking in the Jacuzzi and the battery on her phone had died.

  “While waiting, I confirmed Peckham is still behind bars,” Gabe said.

  That offered little comfort right now. David had no idea what they were dealing with and hoped they wouldn’t hear they’d found her body in that room. How the hell has she been MIA for a few days and no one noticed? That door better fucking have Do Not Disturb on the handle.

  “Any credit card use?” David asked, knowing damn well Gabe would have already checked that.

  “Nothing for the past three days.”

  Fuck. That’s when I left. I should’ve stayed. That wasn’t realistic. David’s job took him away frequently, and usually to sketchy places where he was unreachable.

  “Just got word. Jada’s belongings are still in the hotel room. There is no sign of any struggle or forced entry. I’m trying to access the security footage.”

  “Start with the day I left. Jada was supposed to meet with numerous people throughout the day. I want to know if she actually met with them, and who the hell they were.” If she attended those meetings. God, something could’ve happened to Jada before I left and I didn’t know.

  “On it.”

  “Gabe, get me the name and address of her manager. I have a few questions for him.”

  “Sending you the information now. David, do not go alone.”

  “I’m not afraid of that guy,” David replied angrily.

  “I’m worried about what you’re going to do to him. You sound like Rafe did when Deanna was in danger. You know the voice that says, I’ll kill anyone who stands in my way.”

  David couldn’t deny that. It had taken all his control not to injure Peckham. If there was someone threatening Jada now, he’d rip his fucking head off if it meant saving her. “You’re not coming, Gabe.”

  “I was thinking more like Josh or Renzo. On second thought, go with Renzo.”

  “Why?”

  Gabe couldn’t resist and had to give one last jab. “Josh is a ladies’ man. Do you honestly want him rescuing your woman?”

  Not funny. That didn’t mean David was going to take Josh, but not for the reason Gabe provided. Josh had just lost a member of his team. Renzo was top-notch when it came to dealing with local law enforcement. His contacts as former LA SWAT came in handy. I don’t want to need it now.

  “David, she was in the casino before leaving.”

  “Where did she go?”

  “I’m trying to access the security cameras on the street. They’re tied into the police station and not the hotels. It’s going to take a bit longer.”

  Longer didn’t mean impossible. Not when it came to Gabe. He’d written most of the codes for such systems, which meant that within minutes if not seconds, he’d get through whatever firewall they had up. David wished he was closer to the hotel, but he was still on the East Coast because Jada was supposed to have been in Atlanta. Getting in the air without a destination was foolish.

  He wracked his brain thinking of people he knew locally who might be able to assist. Off the top of his head, no one came to mind. That didn’t mean there wasn’t someone. Within minutes, Gabe had footage from the street and sent it to David’s SAT phone. Two sets of eyes were better than one, and David knew Jada better than Gabe. Hopefully enough to see what Gabe misses. He saw Jada walking the street, carefree. What did I teach you? I warned you about this. She shouldn’t have exposed herself like that, but she was walking like a woman who had her mind set on something. God, how he hoped it might be the link to her disappearance.

  When he saw her come to the end of the strip, Jada stumbled and fell. She didn’t appear to be hurt, and he watched in slow motion as two men approached her, one stopping to assist Jada off the ground. Friend or foe? Jada’s body language said she was tense, but she didn’t seem to be afraid or trying to flee. Had she gone there to meet with them? They were barely in range to be picked up by the camera, but their images were not clear enough
to see any details. There appeared to be some type of exchange before Jada headed back toward the hotel. Shit. One of them is following her. “Zoom in on him. I want an ID.” Gabe did as David directed. No matter what, the image wasn’t clear enough to make out a face, but David knew a military fatigue jacket when he saw one. “We need to talk to that guy. Find him.”

  “I sent over the photo, and my friend will see what he can find. That alley has a bunch of homeless vets.”

  David hated hearing that. Coming home from serving was challenging enough without having lost everything, including shelter. Anytime he could, David tried to help out by finding them employment. They need healing and restoration of faith in humanity and a sense of purpose. That’s all most really want.

  He didn’t need to hear back to know the vet followed Jada to ensure she made it back to the hotel safely. They’d never have let a lady walk those streets alone. That didn’t mean he didn’t want to talk to the guy. If not now, when I find Jada. I think I owe him a thank you. And given where he was, maybe a job too.

  “David, he never entered the hotel.”

  “Keep tracking her until she’s in her room.” There was a pause when David heard Gabe swear under his breath. It was a rarity, which meant he found something he didn’t like. I’m sure I’m not going to either. “What is it?”

  Gabe shared the video clip with David. Right before Jada entered the hotel, a man put up the closed sign on the elevator. He lingered until Jada took the stairwell and then removed the sign. Someone fucking set her up. As he continued to watch, he saw them ambush her. They must’ve used chloroform on her as she was out cold. These guys knew what they were doing. One took off his ski mask and slipped on a black suit coat. So when he carried her out of the hotel, it only appeared as though his date had drunk too much. Even the way he held her and pretended to be loving, caring, and gentle, made it appear Jada left willingly. Fuck.

  “Trace that vehicle. I want to know where they took her. And find out where Christof, her manager, is,” David growled.

  “What does Christof have to do with anything?” Gabe inquired.

  Gabe couldn’t function on gut instinct, he needed hard facts before moving on something. That was great when sitting at a desk, but in the field, it was what could save a life. Right now, David was banking on Christof being the link to Jada. And so help me if I find out she’s hurt . . .

  “Nothing goes on in Jada’s life without Christof having his hands in it. I can’t think of any reason why he’d be involved, but I know he isn’t clueless about her being MIA.”

  “Based on the GPS on his cell phone, Christof is a few hours’ drive outside of Las Vegas. I’ll send you his location.”

  That was what he thought. Christof’s office was in New York City, so why was he still in Las Vegas? The satellite image confirmed he was in an old part of the town, which looked abandoned. It was far enough that no one would come across it unless they were looking. A perfect place to hide out. But what could you be hiding from, Christof? The only things that occupied that area now were tumbleweeds and wild critters. But what concerned him were a few vehicles, which they were obviously trying to keep on the down-low.

  “I’ve got the chopper with me. It’s time Christof and I meet in person.”

  “Don’t go in alone,” Gabe said, his voice full of concern.

  “Did you see that time stamp on the video? Jada’s been gone three days. Three fucking days, Gabe, and this asshole didn’t even notify the police. If he didn’t do it, he knows who did. Either way, I’m getting the information from him. Since Paul hasn’t heard anything, this isn’t a kidnapping. At least not one for ransom.”

  “And if you’re wrong?” Gabe asked.

  “Then I’ll pat him on the back and tell him I’m sorry,” David responded sarcastically. I have a feeling I’m going to be knocking his fucking head off. “Tell Renzo to grab my team and be ready. We’re going after Jada.”

  “Will do. I’ll have them on their way within the hour.”

  For the entire flight David battled whether he should reach out to Paul and give him a status update or not. There was nothing Paul could do to assist, and if he did react, he could jeopardize the rescue. He’d let Jada reach out once she was safe. Given she was taken almost seventy-two hours ago, she would be awake by now. Fuck, she’d be terrified. I’m coming for you, beautiful. Stay strong.

  David couldn’t wait to talk to Christof. He had answers, and David had a shitload of questions. Hours later, David’s chopper was approaching the abandoned town. Gabe informed him that Christof had moved into the city and was now in one of the hotels in Las Vegas, the same one Jada had never checked out of. Christof was in the penthouse. Feeling full of yourself are you, Christof? A bit confident? David had no idea what would bring someone like Christof out of the lap of luxury, but he had every intention of finding out. Hope you’re in the mood for talking.

  David informed the pilot of the change of plans, and it wasn’t long before he was in the hotel’s private elevator on his way to the penthouse. He had to admit it was handy having Gabe’s buddies around. The penthouse was a secured floor, and without them he would’ve had to use unconventional ways to get in.

  “I told you I didn’t want to be disturbed,” Christof said as he answered the door. His expression quickly changed from irate to shock. “What . . . what are you doing here?”

  David was glad Christof knew who he was. He looked panicked. As you should. But David needed to tone it down. Make Christof feel less threatened. At least for the moment.

  “As you’re Jada’s manager, I thought we could talk about what the media has written about me. Maybe you could teach me what I need to do and tell me what you want me to say.” David knew the hotel camera would capture anything that took place in the hallway. He needed to get inside before he revealed his true agenda.

  It worked, and Christof stepped aside. “We can talk, but I have no control over what the media prints.”

  I highly doubt that. Once inside, David shut the door behind him and leaned against it. “Nothing at all? A man like you who can drive Jada’s career to the top can’t handle a few reporters?” David stroked Christof’s ego. And looking at Christof, David knew the guy was going to eat it up.

  “Well, they do speak to me first in most cases. You know, I make sure they get the hot stories and photos, and they make sure Jada is visible all the time.”

  Christof walked over to a bar and asked, “Would you like a martini?”

  David wasn’t there for pleasure and would never touch a martini. He shook his head and said, “I can’t remember a day going by without hearing or seeing something about her. Funny that it’s been three days now, and nothing. Don’t you find that strange?”

  Christof’s hands trembled, and some of his newly poured martini splashed over onto the counter. “Well . . . I guess . . . she wanted some time . . . alone.”

  “Wow. That doesn’t seem like a wise choice to make. I mean, Jada was booked so far in advance, and now she cancelled events because she wants to be left alone. I would think that would ruin her career.” David shook his head as though he was disappointed in Jada. “Guess that’s why I haven’t heard from her either.”

  Christof seem to relax a bit. He was going to play right into David’s hands. Too easy.

  “That’s how it is in this business. Here today and gone tomorrow.”

  “What does something like that do to you as her manager?” David asked. “I mean, taking off and leaving you here to clean up her little . . . emotional mess must not be easy.”

  “It hasn’t been easy at all.”

  “How have you avoided having anyone find out?” I really want to hear your excuse.

  “No one has asked.”

  “Not even her clients?” David asked.

  “I don’t know. Jada handles that herself.”

  And the lies continue. “Really? Jada having that much control must drive you crazy. It’s like she’s trying to tell you
she doesn’t need you anymore.”

  That got to Christof as he choked on his drink. “That’s ridiculous. She would be nothing without me.”

  “And you without her,” David added through gritted teeth. “Why don’t you tell me where she is? It would save us both a lot of time and pain.”

  “I . . . I don’t know what you mean. Jada is on vacation.”

  “I saw the video. I know she was taken from this hotel against her will three days ago.” Stepping closer to Christof and glaring directly into his eyes, David continued, “And you know where she is. If you want to see tomorrow, I suggest you tell me where she is.”

  “I . . . I . . .” Christof began to sweat, and David thought the man was going to pass out.

  David reached out, grabbed him by the front of his dress shirt, and practically lifted him off the floor, escorting him out onto the balcony and up against the railing. “I don’t ask twice, so I suggest you tell me the truth the first time.”

  “What the hell are you doing, David?” Gabe asked in the earpiece. “You can’t kill that bastard no matter what you think he did.”

  David ignored Gabe. “Is she alive?” That answer would determine if Christof went off that railing immediately or not. Christof couldn’t even speak, only nod. “That’s a start. How are you involved?”

  “I—”

  “It’s a long way down, Christof,” David said pushing him even further over the railing.

  “Renzo, get your ass in there before David sends that asshole off the balcony,” Gabe roared.

  There was no risk of that. Not yet at least. David had questions. He needed to know who else was involved. “Are you the one who was behind all the death threats?”

  “Only the last one, after I learned you caught the guy who sent the others.”

  It actually was ingenuous of Christof. Paul thought it was the timing of the letter received, and most people wouldn’t have looked into it any further. But I’m not most people. And Jada means more to me than anyone knows. Even her.