by Alice Ward
Kennedy shook her head. “There’s only one reason Asher would run. The same reason he ran ten years ago.”
Agent Nelson studied her for another moment and then raised his eyebrows. “You think his life is in danger?”
I cleared my throat and opened my mouth, but no words escaped my lips. Kennedy and Nelson waited patiently while I took a long sip of ice water and tried again.
“When I went to the prison, Asher told me he’d learned more about his past. He said that his family’s connection to the Chavez family went deeper than he’d ever realized. He seemed… anxious.”
Kennedy stood and moved to the door. She held it open, signaling to Nelson that the interview was over.
“There you have it. William shared some family secrets and put his son in danger. I’m sure your investigation at Atwater will confirm our beliefs. I personally assure you that you’ll be kept up to date with any relevant information that comes our way. As you can see for yourself, Lauren is exhausted.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you for your help, Mrs. Reynolds. On behalf of the department, I apologize for your trouble with Miss Goins. I promise she won’t be causing you any further issues.”
“Thank you, Agent Nelson. Please keep me posted on any leads you get on my husband’s location.”
“I’ll keep your attorney informed on our progress,” he promised with a nod. With that, he straightened his shoulders and stepped out of the room. Kennedy let the door swing shut behind him and then turned to me, her arms folded across her chest.
“Why didn’t you tell me Asher had learned something about his past?”
I sighed and let my eyes fall closed. “I’ve been a little preoccupied, Kennedy,” I snapped. “Maybe you’ve forgotten, but I was kidnapped and held at gunpoint yesterday.”
“We were together all night Saturday. You were in perfect health then and you didn’t say a word. You just disappeared into the office… what else aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing,” I lied, my mind drifting to the mysterious John Rogers and the three million dollars I’d wired to his account. My stomach twisted with anxiety and I wondered how long it would take for the FBI to learn about the transaction.
“Lauren, I can tell when you’re lying,” Kennedy reminded me. “I can’t protect you if I don’t know what’s going on.”
I was consumed with guilt, but I couldn’t tell her the truth. I’d already decided to trust Asher. If he ran of his own will, he had good reason. I had no intention of betraying or exposing him, not even to Kennedy.
“I’m not lying, I’m just… I’m terrified, Kennedy.”
That part isn’t a lie.
“When Asher escaped, he knew it meant never being able to come back here. He left me behind. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about that.”
Kennedy dropped her arms and relaxed her shoulders. “Shit, Lauren. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course you don’t know how to feel. After everything you’ve been through, you need a friend right now. And I’ve been stuck in attorney mode. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Could you call and check on my dad?”
Her lips curved into a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I guess I have done something right. I talked to your mom about an hour ago, while you were still down in the CT lab. She said your dad is pretty stiff and sore. He’s being a good patient, which makes her think he’s feeling worse than he wants to let on. But the doctors expect him to be up and around in another day or two.”
“Did he put up much of a fight about moving to Asher’s?”
I didn’t know what type of threat had driven Asher and William away; for all I knew, we were all in danger. When Mom visited me the night before and asked if there was anything she could do to make me feel better, I suggested a temporary move. She agreed without batting an eye, but I wasn’t sure Dad would be so agreeable.
“He hated the thought of closing the bed and breakfast,” Kennedy informed me. “But he ultimately agreed it was for the best. Claire called and canceled reservations for the next two weeks.”
I winced, but Kennedy smiled at me and took my hand.
“Don’t worry, none of the guests were upset. They all received vouchers for two free nights once the bed and breakfast reopens, as well as two nights at the Montgomery property of their choice. Claire said most of them acted like they’d won the lottery.”
“Thank Jackson for me,” I replied with a relieved grin.
“You can thank him yourself. He’s bringing lunch up later. And with any luck, we’ll all be home together tonight.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, Kennedy. But I feel terrible for keeping you from your lives.”
“There’s no way we’d let you go through this alone,” she insisted. “Besides, you’re not keeping us from anything. Jackson’s scouting properties and I’m on the clock more than I’m not, remember?” she teased.
I swallowed and wiped my tears on the thin hospital blanket. “For weeks, I told myself that life would be normal again as soon as Rachel was out of the way. Now, she’s been exposed. She can’t hurt us anymore. And things are worse than they’ve ever been. Will this nightmare ever end, Kennedy?”
She sighed and put a comforting arm around my shoulder. “I honestly don’t know.”
***
“Come on, sweetheart. Surely you’re sick of watching this circus. Let’s order a movie,” Mom suggested. “Or better yet, we could turn off the television and go outside. Some fresh air would do you good.”
I shook my head, my eyes fixed to Nancy Baker’s face. The blonde, judgmental news host had just spent the last fifteen minutes entertaining her audience with her less than expert psychological opinion of my husband and his criminal past. Like most of the media, she refused to acknowledge that Rachel’s guilt proved Asher’s innocence.
I’d been home from the hospital for less than twenty-four hours, and I’d been glued to the television for most of them. The more serious, business focused news networks reported the facts of the case and nothing more. The stations that made their money by sensationalizing the truth did the exact opposite. They reported Rachel’s arrest, but only as a side note in the great case of the missing billionaire.
Dozens of people from the foster system crawled out of the woodwork, along with old girlfriends, college buddies, and business associates. They all had three things in common. First, they were all convinced of Asher’s guilt. Second, deep down, they’d known he was shady all along, And third, they all seemed to take great delight in seeing him fall. Nancy was about to introduce another blast from the past with unique insight into Asher’s character when the screen suddenly went black. I turned to the kitchen and saw Claire drop the remote on the island.
“I was watching that,” I snapped.
“I know. We’ve all been watching this for hours,” she replied. “I for one can’t take it anymore and I don’t know why you’re torturing yourself. We know Asher better than some woman who poured his cereal for three weeks when he was eleven. We know better than to believe any of this nonsense.”
“Then maybe we’re the ones who should start talking,” I suggested. I’d been fighting the urge to call into the Nancy Grace Show for hours.
Kennedy shook her head. “That’s not a good idea. I know you want to make people see the truth about Asher. But they won’t trust your opinion of him. You’re obviously biased. And we don’t know where Asher is or why he ran. If you make a statement, you could inadvertently make things worse for him. We just need to sit tight and wait until he makes contact.”
If he makes contact.
I wasn’t sure where Asher was, but I was convinced that he must have heard about what happened with Rachel. I’d expected him to call, or at least find a way to get a message to me. He’d been missing for thirty-six hours and my thoughts grew darker with each moment that passed without contact from him. I could only see two possible explanations for his silence; either he was in
too much danger to contact me, or he’d left with no intentions of ever speaking to me again. I didn’t know which to hope for, Asher’s safety or his love. So I sat on the couch and focused on hating the people slandering him on television.
“I’m so tired of this sit and wait, sit and wait nonsense,” I insisted. “Kennedy, you’re the one who told us we needed to watch the news so we’d know what we’re dealing with. Claire, turn the television back on. And for God’s sake, take a break from the kitchen. The constant clanking of your pots and pans is driving me crazy.”
“I can’t afford to take a break. I have to—” She stopped herself and took a deep breath, untying her apron. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
She reached for the remote, but Kennedy beat her to it. She picked it up and made her way to the couch to stand in front of me, her hands on her hips.
“Look, Lauren. I know you’re under unbelievable stress right now. So you get a little leeway when it comes to your attitude. But you’re not the boss of anyone here, and you don’t get to treat us like shit just because you’re upset. Everyone in this house has put their lives on hold, and in danger, to support you. And yes, when you were first arrested, I said it was best to watch the news. But in that situation, we already knew the truth. That isn’t the case here. Watching Nancy Baker and the trolls like her won’t do anything but plant more what ifs in your head. And that’s the last thing you need right now.”
Mom cleared her throat and reached for my hand. “Kennedy’s right, sweetheart. You look worse right now than you did when they brought you into the ER. Staying glued to the news reports isn’t healthy for you. You’ve cooperated with the FBI and Agent Nelson promised to keep us updated on their progress. If we learn anything, it will be from the authorities, not a cable news station.”
I rested my elbows on my knees, held my head in my hands, and let out a long sigh.
“I didn’t mean to sound like I don’t appreciate everything you guys have done for me,” I began. “I’m just so… so… I don’t know what the hell I am. I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do. And I guess I’m not handling it well.”
“You’re handling it fine,” Claire assured me. “We’re all on edge. And most of us have been cooped up in this house for weeks. Maybe we should venture past the wall, remind ourselves what it’s like to be out in the real world.”
I shook my head again. “We can’t risk it,” I insisted. “Rachel may be behind bars. But we have no idea who else may be after us. No one leaves until we’re sure it’s safe.”
Mom stood and took my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Well, we may have to stay behind this wall. But we don’t have to stay in this house. Come on, Lauren. We’re going to get some fresh air. I’m pulling the mom card, so don’t even think about arguing with me.”
I followed her toward the front door without protest. “Do either of you want to join us?” I called to my friends.
“I need to stay here. I’m researching a few leads on William,” Kennedy replied.
“I’ll stay here and keep an ear out for your dad,” Claire added. “He fell asleep before lunch was ready, so he’ll probably be famished when he wakes up.”
I turned to face them, my shoulders sunken with guilt. “Thank you both so much, for everything. I promise I’ll try to be less bitchy.”
“And we promise to call you on it again, if necessary,” Kennedy teased. “Now get out of here. Claire and I both have work to do.”
***
Mom and I made a slow, silent loop around the perimeter of the property before settling down on one of the bench swings that looked out at the valley. We rocked, still quiet, for a few long moments before she let out a long sigh and took my hand.
“I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. Is there anything I can do to help?” The sincerity in her voice both warmed and broke my heart at the same time. I shook my head and collapsed into her arms the same way I had as a little girl. Sobs racked through my body and I cried until there were no tears left in my eyes.
“So you really haven’t heard from him, then?” Mom asked, rubbing my back with long, comforting strokes. I shook my head against her shoulder and caught my breath.
“No, I haven’t. I expected him to call by now, or send me a message. Something terrible has happened, Mom. I can feel it deep in my bones. Either Asher is in terrible danger, or I’ve been wrong about him this whole time and he’s left me. And I don’t know which to hope for. The idea that he could just walk away from what we have without turning back, it’s too much for me to bear. But at least that would mean he’s safe.”
“Shh,” Mom hushed me. “I know you’re worried, honey. But think about it. Why would Asher marry you if he didn’t love you?”
“Maybe he felt guilty,” I suggested, admitting my worst fear. “Maybe he didn’t really love me, but felt obligated to make sure I was taken care of.”
“You’re just talking nonsense now, Lauren,” she insisted. “Do you think your father and I would have been so happy about your quickie marriage if we weren’t positive that Asher loved you?”
“You really think so?”
“I know so, sweetheart. It’s all over his face when he looks at you.”
My tears started flowing again. “But Mom, don’t you understand what that means? If you’re right, it means Asher’s fallen into the middle of something terrible. It means he’s in so much danger, he can’t risk a phone call or an email.”
“Or it means that like us, he’s not exactly sure what’s going on and doesn’t want to make any moves until he is,” Mom suggested.
I bit my lower lip and considered her words. “I guess that could make sense,” I agreed.
Mom released me and leaned away, studying my eyes. I could tell she had something on her mind, but she seemed hesitant to say anything.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she assured me. “It’s just… honey, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. That first time you came to the house after you started seeing Asher—”
“That first time I lied to you?” I asked, wincing at the memory.
“I wasn’t going to bring that up, sweetheart. But yes, that’s the day I’m talking about. I knew there was something going on with you. The next day, when we found out what Rachel had been putting you through, I still felt like it didn’t completely explain the vibes I’d gotten from you. It seemed… well honey, at times it seemed like you were saying goodbye to us for good. Not because of your words, but because of the sadness in your eyes. You were ready to run farther than the Montgomery estate if you needed to,” she finished, a statement, not a question.
I nodded, unable to meet her eyes. “I’m sorry, Mom. But yes. I was ready to disappear with Asher for good if that was the only way we could be together.”
“And now?” she pressed. “If he makes contact and asks you to join him, what will you say?”
“I’ll say yes,” I admitted without hesitation. “I know that’s not the answer you want to hear. And believe me, the decision doesn’t come without an enormous amount of guilt. But Asher’s my husband. I don’t know why he ran, but I know he’s no more of a criminal than I am. I love him and I’m going to do whatever it takes to be with him.”
Mom let out a sigh and squeeze my hand. “You’re right. It wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear. But it’s the answer I was expecting. I hate this, Lauren.”
“I know you do. I promise if it comes to that, I’ll find a way to let you know I’m safe. I’m so sorry, Mom.”
“I understand. I hate it, but I understand. I pray we’re getting ahead of ourselves and this whole mess is worked out sooner rather than later. Will you make me one more promise?”
I shifted nervously on the swing, not wanting to promise something I couldn’t deliver.
“It’s not that big of a deal,” she assured me. “At least I don’t think it is. I was just hoping if it does come to that, you’ll say goodbye before you leave?”<
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“I’m not sure I’ll be able to do that,” I warned. “But I promise I’ll tell you whatever’s safe for you to know. That’s the best I can do.”
“Well, I guess that’ll have to be good enough.”
CHAPTER 2
Mom and I stepped back into the house to find Kennedy and Parker waiting at the kitchen table. Stacks of paperwork were spread out before them and they both seemed to be working with renewed determination. We made it half way across the living room before they realized we were in the house.
“Lauren, you startled me,” Kennedy said after looking up and jumping.
“I’m sorry. You two looked deep in thought. What’s going on?”
“Sit down,” Parker instructed, kicking out the seat across from her.
“I think we found some leads. We found something, that’s for sure,” Kennedy told me as Mom and I settled on the other side of the table.
“Well, don’t keep us in suspense. Spill,” I insisted.
“Okay. We already had a ton of files on William. But until the escape, there didn’t really seem to be much reason to study them. Parker and I started combing through the files and verifying their contents Sunday. We’re not sure what all of this means yet, but we’ve found some inconsistencies in William’s records.”
“What kind of inconsistencies?”
“Well, his birth certificate, for starters,” Parker explained. She pushed a Xeroxed page across the table and continued as I studied William Murphy’s birth certificate. To my untrained eye, nothing looked out of the ordinary.
“It’s a forgery,” Kennedy piped up. “You wouldn’t be able to tell, even if you were looking at the original. But this birth certificate is from USC Medical Center. And when I called the hospital to verify its authenticity, they had no records for William Murphy or his parents, Juanita and Marshall.”
Mom raised an eyebrow and studied Kennedy across the table. “Shouldn’t someone have caught that when he was being prosecuted?”
“It’s not surprising that it slipped past them,” Kennedy explained. “His social checks out and it matches the birthday listed on the USC certificate. There was no reason for anyone to question it, especially since William pled guilty.”
