Every Move She Makes

by Jannine Gallant

  “What do you think?”

  “I’m willing to try anything. Lark and Grace have always been close.”

  “Let’s keep our fingers crossed. I’m on my way back. Will you have lunch with me?”

  “I’d love to. What did Bob have to say?”

  “Nothing definitive. We’ll talk about it at lunch.”

  * * * *

  After picking up Rachel, Kane drove straight through town and headed north. A breeze blew through the open windows of the Jeep as they wound through rolling hills, and some of her anxiety eased.

  “I grabbed some sandwiches and drinks at the deli. I thought we’d have a picnic at Lake Berryessa.”

  “Sounds like heaven. I could use a big dose of fresh air and sunshine.”

  She inhaled deeply. The scent of dried grass was reminiscent of baking bread as they drove east through rolling hills. When they reached the lake, Kane turned onto a dirt road that bumped along the shore then parked. Grabbing their lunch from behind the seats, they walked down to the water.

  He spread an old blanket in the shade of some willows. “I hope turkey and swiss is okay.”

  “It’s fine.” She sat and twisted the top off a bottle of lemonade to take a swallow. “How did your interview with Bob go?”

  “The man has some definite hang-ups. I wish I was certain you were one of them.” He ate a bite of his sandwich. “I did get a sample of his DNA off a used tissue.”

  She flicked away an ant. “How will that help?”

  “Maybe it won’t, but at least we have it. If your stalker sneezes on your window or scratches himself and drips a little blood on the front porch, we’ll be prepared.”

  “That’s disgusting.”

  “Evidence is evidence. I’m not picky about how we get it.”

  “You’re covering all your bases.”

  “At this point, I’m grasping at straws. I just wish we could find that damn truck he drives. It would be covered with his prints.”

  “Sheriff Walker isn’t any closer to locating it?”

  Kane blew out a frustrated breath. “No, but something may still turn up. He’s searching DMV records of the known relatives of both our suspects.”

  Rachel touched the tense muscle in his forearm. “We both need a break. And I’m not talking about evidence. It’s so pretty here. Let’s just enjoy the day.”

  “Yeah, let’s.”

  They talked about everything under the sun except her stalker.

  Ignoring her problems was a pleasure, but she couldn’t forget them. “I’m worried about Lark. I’m not sure what to say when I do talk to her.”

  “How about the truth? Tell her we love each other.”

  “That might freak her out even more than a summer romance. Love implies commitment, and commitment would mean change.”

  Kane pulled her back against his chest. “They’ll have to know sometime.”

  His heart thumped steadily beneath her cheek. She tipped her head to look at him. “Talking about our relationship to my girls will make this very real.”

  “Don’t you want it to be real?”

  She pulled his face down to kiss him. “Yes, I do.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “What about you? The weight of a readymade family is a lot to bear.”

  “Have the girls seemed like a burden to me?”

  “You’re wonderful with them, but I wouldn’t blame you for having doubts.”

  “Once I make up my mind about something, I stick with it. That’s why deciding to leave the force has been so difficult. I’m not a quitter.”

  “I know you’re not, but there’s a difference between quitting and changing directions.”

  He rested his chin on the top of her head. “I failed at one relationship that mattered to me. I won’t screw up again.”

  “I’d like to take some time to make sure this is right for both of us before we tell the girls. They don’t deserve to be hurt if you change your mind.”

  Kane pulled her around to look into her eyes. “Neither do you. My love isn’t going to change. I know the difference between the real thing and a bad case of lust.”

  A desire to throw caution to the wind warred with her mother’s instinct to protect her children. “I love you, Kane, and I trust you, but let’s not say anything until after my stalker is caught. Everything is so tense right now.” She touched his arm. The strength of his taut muscle beneath her fingertips was reassuring. “I’ll make Lark understand what I do with you isn’t any of her business. I just hope it won’t influence her to make bad choices in the future.”

  “She knows this isn’t about her mom hooking up for a one-night stand.”

  She pulled his face down for another long, slow kiss then reluctantly broke away. “As much as I’d like to stay here all afternoon, I really should get back to work.”

  “I need to stop by the sheriff’s station to tell Stan about my interview with Mayfield.”

  He helped her to her feet then carried their trash to a nearby can while she folded the blanket.

  He glanced her way. “Ready to go?”

  “Yep. This was nice, but we can’t avoid reality forever.”

  Chapter 25

  “What do you mean Susan can’t find her?” Rachel’s voice rose as panic grabbed her by the throat. “Where is she?”

  “Susan and Evan are looking for her now. She probably just went down to the beach or something. Don’t freak out yet.”

  “Tell me what happened, Grace.” Taking a deep breath, Rachel let it out slowly.

  “I phoned to talk to Lark like I promised. Susan said she’d been quiet all day and went straight to her room after they returned from the zoo. When she called her to the phone, Lark wasn’t there.”

  “How long ago was this?”

  “About a half-hour.”

  “And you’re just now informing me?”

  “Susan thought she must have gone outside. When she couldn’t find her anywhere in the yard or their neighborhood, she called back to tell me. I offered to let you know so they could keep looking.”

  “You tried her cell?”

  “Several times. It just goes to voicemail.”

  “Oh, God, where could she be?”

  “You know your daughter. She probably wanted to be by herself because she’s angry. I bet she just went for a walk.”

  “What if she didn’t? Has Susan called the police?”

  “Be reasonable, honey. The police aren’t going to look for a teenager who’s been missing a half-hour.”

  “They would if Kane called them.”

  The bells over the door jingled as it opened.

  “Oh, thank God. Kane’s here. He’ll know what to do. I’ll call Susan back.”

  “That’s a good idea. Susan asked a neighbor to stay with the kids while she and Evan are out looking for Lark. Rachel, please call me as soon as you hear something.”

  “I will. Bye, Grace.” Rachel clicked off the phone and stepped forward on trembling legs.

  Tim dropped the cleaning rag next to the espresso machine and walked over to flip the sign to closed.

  “What’s wrong?” Kane took her cold hands in his warm ones. “Don’t cry, Rachel. Tell me what’s wrong?”

  “Lark’s missing. Susan and Evan are looking for her.” She pulled away to wipe a hand across her face. “This is all my fault. Lark took off because we were together this morning. She was so angry!”

  His expression hardened. “How long has she been gone?”

  “They’ve been looking for her for a half-hour, but I don’t know when she left the house.”

  “Check with Susan to get a timeframe. Call her cell phone.”

  With shaking fingers, Rachel punched in the number. “It’s me.”

  “Oh, Rachel, I feel awful about this. She’s not at the beach. Do you want me to call the police?”

  Rachel looked up at Kane. “Sho
uld she call the police?”

  He took the phone and put it on speaker.

  “Susan, when did you last see Lark?”

  “About two hours ago. She was quiet all day and spent a lot of time texting while we were at the zoo.”

  “Do you know who she was contacting?”

  “She said it was a friend. What should I do?”

  “Have you tried calling her recently?”

  “Of course. She must have turned off her phone because it goes straight to voicemail.”

  “Keep looking for her. I’ll make a few calls and see if I can find out anything. Did you notice if any of her stuff is missing?”

  “I didn’t look thoroughly when I checked her room, but her purse wasn’t on the shelf where she keeps it.”

  “We’ll call the house and have Jade and Ivy look.” He disconnected.

  Rachel left the phone on speaker as she connected to Susan’s home number. Her nephew answered on the first ring.

  “It’s Aunt Rachel, Scott. Can I speak to Jade?”

  “Sure, did Mom and Dad find Lark?”

  “Not yet. They’re still looking.”

  A moment later Jade’s voice came over the line sounding young and scared. “Mom, where do you think Lark went?”

  “I don’t know, honey. Can you run up to the bedroom to see if any of her stuff is missing? Have Ivy help you look.”

  “Okay.” There was a long pause with a few muffled thumps and the murmur of voices. Finally Jade came back on the line. “We can’t find her purse, her laptop, or her smallest suitcase. Ivy thinks a few of her clothes are missing, a pair of jeans and some shorts and tops.”

  “Thanks, honey. I have to go now.”

  “Did Lark run away or something?”

  “I’m not sure, but we’ll find her.” Rachel’s voice held more confidence than she felt. “I don’t want you and Ivy to worry.”

  “Lark is a total pain, but I don’t want anything bad to happen to her. What can we do?”

  “Just stay in the house. I’ll check in with you later.”

  “Okay. Bye, Mom.”

  “Bye, honey.” Rachel clicked off the phone.

  Kane touched her arm. “Does she have much money with her?”

  “I’d guess about fifty bucks.” Her eyes widened. “She also has my extra credit card. I gave it to her for emergencies.”

  “Do you have the number? I can put a trace on it.”

  The minutes ticked by as Kane spoke on the phone. Finally, he hung up. “She paid online for a ticket on Southwest Airlines. The flight already left San Diego on route to SFO.”

  “Lark’s on it?”

  “She is. I’ll call the airline, and they’ll hold her at the gate.”

  They made a quick stop at the house to let Daisy out and switch vehicles. As Kane drove at a speed well above the legal limit, Rachel stared out at the darkening hills and talked to first Susan and then Grace.

  “So Lark decided to come home without telling anyone.” Grace’s voice held an edge of anger. “She must have known everyone would be worried sick.”

  Rachel sighed. “Maybe that’s what she wants. I’d ask her, but she’s still not answering her cell.”

  “Have you called Mom and Dad yet?”

  “Nope. I was thinking you could do it for me.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  Rachel’s smile was strained. “I need to save all my strength for the upcoming confrontation with my daughter.”

  “How do you suppose she planned to get home from the airport, hitchhike? What was she thinking?”

  “I bet she called her friend, Rose.” Rachel let out an exasperated breath. “She isn’t thinking. She’s mad as hell and running on emotion.”

  “She’s gone too far this time. What are you going to do about it?”

  “I haven’t decided yet.”

  “At least she’s safe.”

  “Thank God for that. I know I’d be angrier if I wasn’t so relieved.”

  “You can’t go easy on her, or she’ll make your life a nightmare.”

  Rachel pushed a hand through her hair. “Thank you, oh wise, childless one.”

  “Hey, I might not have kids, but at one point I was even worse than Lark. I know how a troubled teenage girl thinks.”

  “Maybe you and Nolan should rectify the no-kid situation.”

  “After watching Lark in action, I may get my tubes tied.”

  Rachel let out a long sigh. “I’d better go, Gracie. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Sure. If you need me, I can get some time off work.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate the support. Don’t forget to call Mom and Dad.”

  “I’ll take care of it. Bye, Rachel.”

  She clicked her cell shut and rested her head against the seat.

  Kane reached over and squeezed her hand. “Not too much longer.”

  “What do I say to her?”

  “Why don’t you let Lark do the talking?”

  “She has a lot of explaining to do.” Rachel was quiet for a moment. “Is it wrong of me to want a life of my own? Am I a horrible mother for once in a while putting my needs before my daughter’s?”

  “You know the answer to that. Maybe it would help if I talked to her. Obviously we have some issues to work out.”

  “She’s not your problem, Kane. She’s my daughter. I have to handle it.”

  He glanced over before returning his attention to the road. “She’s our problem.”

  Rachel’s heart swelled with emotion. How she loved this man, but the instinct to protect her child was fierce. Lark’s emotional issues were something they had to work through together before she could commit to a relationship.

  Turning into the airport, he parked in the short-term lot, and they walked quickly to the Southwest Airlines terminal. At the security checkpoint, Kane pulled out his badge. After the attendant verified their story, he let them through. Lark was waiting at the gate, blue eyes blazing with anger—and a touch of fear. When Rachel wrapped her in a hard hug, she stood stiffly and didn’t hug back.

  “I’m so glad you’re safe.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  Rachel took a deep breath. “We’ll talk about it in the car. Do you have everything?”

  Lark nodded. They made the walk through the airport to the parking area in a silence which lasted all the way to the Bay Bridge.

  “So, am I grounded for life or what? Not that I mind the silent treatment. I can do without the lecture.”

  Her daughter’s voice echoed in the quiet interior of the car, full of bluster with an underlying hurt that made Rachel’s heart ache.

  She turned in her seat. “I’m waiting for an explanation. The whole family was sick with worry. How do you justify scaring us that way?”

  Lark slouched, staring out the window. The lights of Oakland twinkled on the far side of the bay. “I didn’t think anyone would notice.”

  “You need to do better than that. You may be angry with me, but your Aunt Susan and Uncle Evan didn’t deserve what you put them through.”

  “I’m sorry about that, but I didn’t want to stay in San Diego. I knew if I asked, you wouldn’t let me come home.”

  “You’re right. It’s still not safe for you here. Nothing’s changed.”

  Lark snorted. “Something’s changed. You’re sleeping with Kane while we’re tucked away in San Diego.”

  “You may be my daughter, but my personal life is none of your business. My relationship with Kane has nothing to do with the choices I made regarding your safety.”

  “Sure it doesn’t.”

  Rachel’s blood heated. She clenched her fists in her lap. Kane reached over to lay a calming hand on her arm.

  She drew in a long, steadying breath. “I don’t deserve that kind of attitude.”

  “Well, I don’t deserve to be shuttled off to San Diego. Jade is thrilled to spend her time learning
to surf, and Ivy is happy playing with the twins. What about me? I don’t have any friends there. There’s nothing for me to do.”

  “It’s rough spending your days at the beach.” Rachel gritted her teeth. “I’m sure if you talked to Susan, she’d introduce you to some kids your own age.”

  “I’d feel like an idiot having my aunt make a play date for me. What am I, two?”

  “Apparently. This stunt was worthy of a two year old. It’s inexcusable.”

  “I’m sorry about worrying Aunt Susan. I’ll call to apologize.”

  “You bet you will.”

  As she stared at her daughter’s militant expression, the silence in the car weighed on Rachel like a shroud.

  Kane cleared his throat. “What exactly is your problem with me, Lark?”

  The girl’s eyes drilled holes in the back of his head. “You’re using my mom. She needs you because of the whack job following her around, and you’re taking advantage of her.”

  When Rachel opened her mouth, Kane held up his hand. “That’s a valid concern.”

  “It isn’t like that at all, Lark. Kane certainly isn’t using me. We have feelings for each other. Real feelings.”

  Lark snorted. “I’m sure he says he does.”

  “Are you’re worried I don’t care about your mom—or I care too much?”

  Lark’s voice trembled. “Both.”

  “I love your mom. When this situation is over, I’m not leaving. I’ll be staying in Vine Haven.”

  Rachel drew in a sharp breath.

  He smiled. “Surprised you, didn’t I? I spoke to my lieutenant earlier today, told him I planned to hand in my resignation.”

  “You’re going to quit your job? You’re sure?” Emotion clogged her voice.

  “I’ve never been surer about anything. I’m staying here—where I belong—while we work out our future. Right now, though, let’s hear what Lark has to say.”

  “I had a dad. I don’t need you trying to be another one.”

  “I’d settle for a shot at earning your respect and friendship. I’m not trying to take your dad’s place.”

  “This bites.”

  Once again, Kane laid a warning hand on Rachel’s arm. “Why’s that?”

  “Because I liked things the way they were. I don’t need you telling me what to do. I get enough of that from Mom.”