by Cole, Sunny
‘Not really — he suspected, but he didn’t know for sure until Amelia saw me.’
‘So you’ve found your birth family? That’s wonderful!’
‘I’ve found my grandmother, not my siblings, and my parents are dead.’
Riley told Lex about the connection she might have with Gerald Frost. ‘So you see why it’s important I speak with him. Right?’ Riley sobbed. ‘I need someone I trust to tell me I’m doing the right thing or for them to help me pull my head out of my arse.’
She stole a look at her friend. ‘Come on, I know you must be thinking something.’
Lex gave a soft whistle. ‘I should have bought more wine.’
Jack called in favours from magistrates, detectives, policemen, and an employee at the airline he’d met in university. He didn’t care what it cost or if it hair-lipped everyone at the Tax Commission, Parliament, or the Prime Minister’s office, he had to track the route Riley took from Nice to Sydney. He cursed himself soundly for not impressing upon her the severity of her situation, the danger she might face. If only he’d kept her at Cadigal Valley where he could’ve kept an eye on her.
Too late for that, but money garnered a man certain privileges, and Jack wasn’t about to let any of them be wasted.
He sat back in the private jet he’d chartered. Gerald Frost was imprisoned somewhere in Queensland. Surely, Riley wasn’t going to meet up with him?
Sure she is. She wants to find her brother and sister. Jack swore some more. He should’ve promised his wife he’d check into Frost’s claims so Riley wouldn’t be tempted to search for answers on her own. Of course that’s where she was going. Had to be.
But why go to Hervey Bay? Why not drive north from Brisbane?
He picked up his phone and rang the detective who’d found Frost. ‘Charlie? Pay the nuns another visit, will you? Find out who Riley’s best friends were, then track them. You have maybe three hours. I need to know before I land.’ He listened while the poor man told him it couldn’t be done. ‘Just give it your best shot, Charlie. My wife’s life may depend upon it.’
Jack requested another martini from his steward and scribbled a quick note to the pilot. A few minutes later, after his drink arrived, his pilot rang him on the intercom phone.
‘Mr Beauchamp, we’ve already done the log books and we’re scheduled to land in Sydney.’
‘Then undo the bloody books, re-route. We’re going to Hervey Bay.’
The pilot tried again. ‘Sorry, sir, but that airport isn’t open all hours. They’ll be closed when we arrive.’
Jack sighed. ‘Then land in Brisbane.’ He hung up before the man could argue.
He’d take a damn taxi from there before he’d wait for Hervey Bay to awaken. He just hoped Charlie got back to him before then, and he hoped he wouldn’t be too late.
Something deep in his gut told Jack it wasn’t just Riley’s life at stake now. It was his, and whatever future they might have together.
‘You’re so good for me.’ Riley lifted her glass in a toast to her friend. ‘I’d truly be lost without you.’
Lex shook her head. ‘Say that when I land you in hot water with your hubby.’ She took a sip of Merlot, muttering afterward. ‘Or screw up and get us adjoining cells in jail.’
Riley frowned. ‘I thought you said you talked to them and got us a pass to go in.’
Lex shrugged. ‘All it would take is one official to get his knickers in a twist, and we could be denied entry tomorrow. And unless you’ve changed drastically, I know you’ll manage to worm your way inside anyway, legal or not.’
Riley set her glass aside. ‘You’re right. I’m selfish for getting you involved.’
‘I didn’t say that — those are your words, not mine. All I’m saying is that despite good intentions and careful planning, this could all go south. Remember when you disobeyed Sister Agatha, and we both got detention for a month? God, that was one pissed off nun.’ Lex cackled then raised her glass again. ‘It was worth it, though, wasn’t it?’
‘You didn’t have to defend me,’ Riley told her.
‘Of course I did. It would have been boring without you for a whole month.’
Riley took another drink. ‘I didn’t think this through well enough. Surely, we won’t get in trouble.’
‘For visiting a convicted murderer? Nah.’ Lex winked then sobered. ‘Babe, any time someone as rough as Frost gets visitors logging in to see him, red flags go up, so it’s quite possible you’ll be investigated later, asked questions. What will you tell them?’
‘The truth.’
Lex pursed her lips a second. ‘And what if someone higher up the food chain doesn’t want you talking to him, is afraid of what he might tell you? Did you think of that?’
‘Thinking gives me a headache.’
Why would anyone in the government wish to harm three children? Their parents were wealthy vineyard owners, not important political figures.
Lex polished off her wine. ‘I’m just saying...be prepared for anything tomorrow.’
Chapter Seventeen
Jack hadn’t been able to rest on the plane. He was sleep-deprived, haggard, sporting the shadow of a beard, and feeling twenty years older. It didn’t help that his diabolical taxi driver didn’t observe speed limits and traffic lights. Jack wanted to reach his wife, but he’d prefer doing so in one piece, not scrambled like a blood and bone omelette all over the freeway.
True to form, Charlie had procured the information Jack needed. He’d memorised Riley’s school friends’ names, knew where they lived, everything except when they’d last had sex. He’d contacted a former mate from university in the Tax Commission and secured entry into the prison and permission to speak with Frost.
Which is something I should’ve done earlier before my wife’s obsession got out of hand. ‘Hey — slow down, mate. That was a railroad track we just flew over.’
The Hervey Bay cabbie silently saluted Jack and slowed from breakneck speed to one less dangerous.
Jack checked his phone, where he’d started tracking Riley’s GPS signal from the Brisbane airport. He had enough time, or so he thought, to fly to Hervey Bay and maybe intercept the women before they left for the prison. If that was where they were going. But Riley must have turned her phone off, because the signal went dead somewhere between Brisbane and the sleepy retirement community where her friend lived.
He had no clue what he’d say if Riley had simply wanted to spend time with Alexandra. He’d look the fool if that was the case, and he still wasn’t sure what to do. He’d charged off believing the worst without using the number Charlie had given him for Riley’s friend. A simple phone call would’ve put Jack out of his misery, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to make the call. And a gnawing apprehension refused to let him give his wife her space.
He was ready to promise her anything if she’d return to Cadigal Valley and have a much-needed conversation with no holds barred, no defences from either of them, and a rational meeting of the minds. He was willing to tear up the contract if she liked. Jack didn’t care if she was dirt poor or rich as sin. That part of their vows — richer or poorer — he was eager to embrace.
And all the other lines he’d had to say. Sickness, health, fidelity, everything implied and spelled out. His greatest fear was that he’d already driven her away and that if he hadn’t, his interference today would top it all off, would make her throw up her hands in disgust and want to be rid of him.
His cabbie broke the silence. ‘Next block, mate. We’re almost at the address you gave.’
Jack took a deep breath and let the air slowly escape his lips. His thoughts raced. What if she wasn’t there? What if she was?’
He tapped the seat in front of him. ‘Wait here?’
‘Sure. The meter’s running, but it’s your money.’
Stiff from so many hours flying or riding, Jack unfolded his frame from the back seat of the taxi and ambled up to the front door. He rang the doorbell, still wondering what h
e’d say.
A voice from next door shouted. ‘Hey! Lex isn’t home. Can I help you?’
Relief and anxiety both assaulted him. ‘Know where she went or how long ago?’
The woman looked to be in her mid-thirties, and she balanced a small child on her hip as she opened her car door.
‘Don’t know where she went, but she left about ten minutes ago.’
Jack nodded. ‘Was anyone with her?’
‘Yeah. Her friend from Sydney. Nice lady. Met her last night.’
Damn. ‘Thanks.’ Jack headed back for his taxi.
‘Where to now, mate?’ The driver waited for Jack to fasten his seat belt then backed out of the driveway.
‘Know the way to the prison near Maryborough?’
‘Yep.’
‘Know any shortcuts?’
The driver gave him a stare that clearly inferred Jack was nuts. ‘This isn’t a boat or a plane, mate, but I’ll do the best I can. Might have to detour over the Maryborough River.’
‘Is there a problem with that?’ Jack asked.
‘Only if you mind a crocodile about fifteen feet long.’
Jack blinked. ‘You’re joking.’
‘Nope.’ The driver chuckled and shook his head. ‘Don’t you read the news? They’ve been trying to catch him for years. He’s become a legend.’
Great. Jack closed his eyes, counting to ten lest he explode. He’d crossed two continents to find her. He wasn’t keen on playing Crocodile Dundee, but he’d be damned if he’d let anything keep him from Riley.
‘Thank you for stopping. This was a great idea.’ Riley took a sip of coffee.
‘You wouldn’t let me feed you breakfast, but it hasn’t been so long that I’ve forgotten how cranky you are without your caffeine.’ Lex smiled. ‘We’ll still get there in plenty of time. The inmates have certain hours they can receive visitors, but the most you’ll lose is maybe fifteen minutes.’
‘Good.’
‘Are you nervous?’
‘Terrified. But I have to do this.’
‘Sure.’ Lex indicated a traffic sign ahead. ‘I can’t read that — what does it say?’
Riley squinted. ‘Right turn ahead.’ She checked the map they’d printed off. ‘We’re almost there.’
‘I still think we might have waited another day, given this more thought.’ Lex drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. ‘I could’ve taken you to the Hog’s Breath — they serve great burgers.’
Riley’s skin crawled from anxiety. ‘You’re probably right.’
‘It’s not too late.’ Lex’s voice held hope.
‘Rain check? Tomorrow maybe?’
Lex made the turn. ‘Okay. Just remember we can leave at any time. If the guy creeps you out or you don’t feel safe...’
Riley patted her friend’s thigh. ‘You’ll be with me. I’ll be fine.’
‘Yeah,’ Lex muttered. ‘I’m so big and brawny. You realise both our husbands will kill us once they find out.’
Soon a sign bearing the words Maryborough Correctional Centre greeted them, soon afterward the car pulled into the parking lot. Riley wanted to wring her hands. I should have asked Jack to accompany me. I should have at least told him I was doing this, despite his demand I didn’t. I should’ve done a lot of things.
A tidal wave of dull silver rose before them, ominous coils of wire, massive walls of metal, high buildings, what looked like a guard shack, warning signs, an environment that cried out it was soulless. Just looking at the place was disheartening.
Lex touched her arm. ‘If the place is still on lock-down, we won’t be admitted.’
When Riley looked at her, Lex shrugged. ‘A man was beaten to death a few days ago. The entire complex was a crime scene.’
When Riley still remained silent, Lex continued. ‘I phoned to make sure we could enter yesterday, but things happen. They could resume the lock-down or start a new one without notice. We won’t know until we try getting inside.’
‘Then let’s go before I lose my nerve.’ Riley unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for her purse.
Lex stopped her. ‘You can’t take that inside. And you might be strip-searched; it’s at their discretion. Are you sure you want to do this?’
Riley nodded.
They made their way to the place where they had to press a button and announce themselves. Riley tried not to think, to concentrate on her mission, not their destination per se.
Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait long before a buzzer sounded.
The first guard who met them was surly, burly, with beady brown eyes and bad breath. If he’d been any more wound up he’d have been a Timex watch. It was as if he expected them to produce a weapon and attempt taking over the prison. Instead of frisking or strip-searching them, he had Riley and Lex walk through a metal detector then gruffly told them they’d been expected and pointed toward a seating area.
Riley clutched the tissues she’d kept in her jacket pocket. She’d have them shredded before she met Gerald Frost, but the soft, pliable substance in her hand somehow took the edge off her surroundings.
Lex found a couple of seats near a window, but Riley couldn’t sit. She wanted to hurl the coffee she’d had. What a miserable environment. She was about to take Lex’s suggestion and sit, but a deep baritone behind her startled her.
‘Riley, what the hell do you think you’re doing?’
Her husband’s tone was ominous, and Riley turned to face him with trepidation.
‘You followed me?’
‘All the way from France.’ Jack’s chiselled features suddenly looked like granite, absolutely immoveable, almost dangerous.
Riley gulped. Well, hell. ‘Now what?’
‘We go in together.’ His eyes glittered with anger.
She swallowed. ‘You’re not here to stop me?’
He snorted. ‘As if I could.’
Riley jumped, remembering Lex. She made the introductions, and to her husband’s credit, he was cordial, not curt. Riley would probably face all manner of repercussions once she and Jack were alone, but for now, he was civilised, obviously unwilling to verbally annihilate her in front of Lex.
Riley remembered the trouble Lex had gone through to get her into the prison and asked Jack how he’d managed on such short notice.
He set his jaw, still stiff with displeasure. ‘Friends in low places. Now if you’re ready, we’re expected.’ He offered his arm to escort her.
‘What of Lex?’
‘She’s welcome to come along if she likes.’
Riley held out her hand, needing Lex’s reassurance, and the three of them made their way down a long corridor, through yet another check point, until they were finally shown into a fully-guarded, nondescript room with glass partitions separating visitors from inmates.
She sighed, dejected. ‘Do we have to talk to him like this?’
‘The man is in here for murder. What did you expect, that they’d escort you to his cell?’ Jack’s voice rose slightly with every syllable.
She might be on dangerous turf as it was with her husband, but Riley was in no mood to be dressed down, not now, not after the trouble she’d endured to get here. She tugged on his sleeve to get his full attention.
‘I’m sorry I disappointed you. I apologise for being responsible for your lack of sleep — don’t bother arguing...it shows. But you know how important this is to me.’
‘Yep. Enough to make you deceive those who care about you, enough to endanger yourself and drive me crazy.’
Her husband looked horrid. Weary and worried. Compassion took a back seat to Riley’s fear of an impending argument with him, and she manoeuvred into place beneath the arm she’d held.
‘Jack, I’m truly sorry, but I’m glad you showed up. I swear, if I’d thought you’d understand, I wouldn’t have come here on my own.’
Her silent plea for understanding seemed to work, because he hugged her tightly, just a quick reassuring move to let her know she could count on him for
support. Then he looked past her at Lex.
‘We’re not usually this stressed with one another,’ he said.
Lex shook her head. ‘Hey — don’t mind me. Like Riley, I’m just glad you’re here.’
Jack motioned for them to sit. ‘Wait here. I’ll see what I can do.’
The two women exchanged questioning glances. Riley chewed her bottom lip. Was it possible Jack could secure a more intimate discussion with Frost?
It seemed hours, because of their surroundings, but within a few minutes, Jack re-entered the room, followed by a guard. He beckoned Riley and Lex to join him.
Escorted by the armed guard, this one less intimidating than the first one they’d encountered, the trio was led to yet another locked door. Inside was a single rectangular table and four chairs.
‘How...?’ Riley studied the room, wide-eyed.
‘Again, friends in low places. I had my friend in the Tax Commission phone the powers that be and explain why we were here.’ Jack shrugged. ‘Guess he has a soft spot for family dilemmas.’
The guard who’d shown them into the room remained, and soon another guard entered, followed by a gray-haired man in prison garb with shackled feet, handcuffs, and chains connecting one end to the other. Yet another guard followed him. For Riley, it was like a scene from every prison movie she’d ever watched. He kept his eyes averted until the guard who’d been behind him chained the handcuffs to a thick ring of metal attached to the table.
Then he looked up, and his gaze fastened on Riley. ‘You’re the youngest girl. I can tell by the hair — same colour. Like spun silk made of sunshine.’
Riley wanted to throw up. How dare he get so familiar with her? Even Jack, who’d been silent and controlled jerked as if hit.
Frost’s voice was gravely and grated on Riley like a jagged rock against her skin. He gave a toothless smile. ‘I saved your life, girlie.’
Tears blinded her for a moment. All Riley could think of was how he’d destroyed her childhood, separated her from family. She tamped down on her emotions and didn’t speak until she was sure she was in control.
‘What about my brother and sister?’
