“Sinclair is frantic that this guy is going to kidnap her again, Sera. And he might if we’re not careful.”
“Do you have a picture of this guy?”
He stood up and walked around to his laptop. “There’s one on the internet. I’ll print it up.”
“Okay.”
“What are we going to do if we find him?”
Thane smirked. “I was thinking of letting Fred handle him.”
I gasped. “Thane!”
He frowned. “Sera, this Michael is a killer and hard to catch. Just like Ray was. Fred put a stop to him, though. Now you can sleep at night knowing that Ray isn’t stalking you anymore.”
“By acting like a vigilante?”
“Yeah, so?”
I rubbed my temples. “This is insane.”
“This man is insane.”
I was silent for a few seconds and then made a decision. A decision that I would have never refused in the first place. I’d fight tooth-and-nail for my friends. “Okay, I’ll try to locate him.”
He grinned. “I knew you’d do the right thing.”
***
When we told Sinclair about trying to find Michael telepathically, her face lit up. “You’re psychic?”
“Uh, well… kind of.”
“She is,” said Thane, putting an arm around me. “Don’t let her fool you.”
Sinclair grinned. “Has anyone ever told you two that you’d make an adorable couple?”
“That’s what I keep telling her but she refuses to go out with me,” he said.
I stared at him in surprise.
“What do you say, Sera? I think it’s time everyone knew about us,” said Thane. “I’m tired of hiding it and I’m sure you are, too.”
I smiled up at him. “You sure?”
“I love you, babe. I want the world to know.”
Sinclair squealed. “You’re kidding? You two are involved?”
He pulled me in tighter and kissed my temple. “Yes. This woman is mine and she couldn’t get rid of me now if she tried.”
“I’m so happy for you,” she said, clapping her hands together. “This is wonderful news! We have to tell everyone.”
“Be our guest. But first, would you mind if Sera and I shadowed you for a while?”
“You mean, so that you can try and catch Michael?”
“Yes,” I replied. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do it, but I think it’s worth a shot.”
“Sera, I had no idea that you were psychic,” she said. “That’s amazing. Do you ever do readings?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“And she isn’t going to start,” said Thane. “It’s too stressful.”
“That and I don’t want to give anyone false information,” I replied. “I haven’t gotten a total grip on this thing, yet.”
“That’s okay. I just hope you’re able to catch Michael,” she said. “And if not, well at least we tried.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Sera
When Tiffany and Felicia found out that Thane and I were a couple, they were ecstatic.
“I knew it all along,” said Felicia. “I don’t know why it took everyone else so long to figure it out.”
“How did you know?” asked Thane, putting his hands on his hips.
She smirked. “That day I handed you your little present, T.”
“Present?”
“Yeah, you know what I’m talking about? I’ll be you even named it Sera. Didn’t you?”
His face turned red. “Okay, I’m not admitting to anything, just so you know. And, I’ll be in my office,” he said, walking away. “I think my phone is ringing.”
She looked at me, laughing. “Girl, that day I gave him the toy, you disappeared into Thane’s office for a while. You didn’t know it, but I had to use the bathroom, which is right outside of Thane’s office. Those walls aren’t as thick as they look.”
This time my face turned red. “You… heard something?”
She laughed and clapped her hands. “I heard and felt the floor shake with what was happening in that office. If I were you, I’d make sure to lock up the bathroom door if you’re thinking about spreading your legs for Mufasa in there again.”
My cheeks hurt I was grinning so hard. “I can’t believe you heard us.”
“You’re lucky I was the only one. He was giving it to you good that day, girl. You know, I was beginning to wonder if he was gay.”
“Oh, he’s definitely not,” I said, laughing. “Thank God.”
***
Thane and I went to lunch and when we came back to the salon, Sinclair motioned for him.
“What?” he asked.
“Felicia thought it might be a good idea for us to cut your hair now. Especially if you’re going to be following me around.”
“He doesn’t know what I look like,” he replied, touching his hair, which was pulled back into a ponytail.
“He does,” I said, staring past him. “He knows what we all look like. He’s visited here within the last few weeks.”
Sinclair sucked in her breath. “He’s been here?”
I blinked and then looked at her. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“So, he’ll recognize me,” replied Thane.
“You should cut it,” said Sinclair. “You’d look sexy with short hair. Don’t you think, Sera?”
I smiled. “He looks sexy with long or short.”
“I thought a woman preferred long things,” he said, grabbing my belt loop. He pulled me close. “I know you do.”
“Don’t worry, we don’t have to shorten that part of you,” laughed Sinclair.
***
Thirty minutes later, Thane’s hair was cut short and styled on the top with a little hair gel. Although, I’d grown fond of his long hair, this look was sexy, too.
He frowned in the mirror as he ran a hand through his new hairstyle.
“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?” I asked.
“It’s fine. It’s just going to take some time getting used to.”
“I know what you mean,” I said looking at my own hair in the mirror. Although, I’d stopped wearing the eyeglasses a few weeks ago, I’d stayed a brunette by coloring it at home. Unfortunately, the color was starting to look dull and faded.
“You don’t have to hide anymore, Sera,” he said staring at me in the mirror. “At least not from Ray. I think you should go back to your natural color. Something tells me that it suits you better.”
I bit my lower lip and nodded. “I think you’re right. It’s probably time for Emma and I to both go back. I hate dying her hair and she misses the blonde.”
“Did I hear someone mention that they wanted to go blonde?” asked Tiffany, walking past us towards her station. Her hair was also blonde and once in a while, made me long for my old color.
Thane nodded towards me. “Yes. She’s naturally a blonde and we’d like the drapes to match the carpet.”
I gasped and slugged him in the shoulder.
“What?” he laughed.
I rolled my eyes and looked at Tiffany, who was smiling. “He is right though. I’d like to go back.”
“I’ll do it for you, if you’d like,” she said. “I’m even free for the next couple of hours. Do you have anyone scheduled this afternoon?”
“No,” I replied. “I usually don’t schedule clients after three o’clock.”
“Perfect.” She looked at her watch. “You want to do it now?”
“Sure,” I replied. I turned to Thane. “Can you call Fred and let him know that I’ll be home a little later.”
“Yes, dear. Whatever you say, dear,” he joked, messing up my hair with his hand. He smiled at Tiffany. “I have always wanted to do this to a woman. Mess her hair in public.”
“Stop,” I laughed, shoving him away.
“You guys are so cute together,” said Tiffany, after Thane walked away.
I ran my fingers through my hair and then brushed it away from my face. “Yo
u think so?”
“Yes. I can’t believe you hid your relationship from us for so long. Why?”
“There were reasons,” I replied, sighing. “And, Thane felt uncomfortable about sleeping with one of his employees.”
“I can see why that might feel like a big deal,” she said, draping a plastic cape around me. “But, one thing is for certain, he’s changed since you two have been together. He’s so much more relaxed and even has these… stars in his eyes.”
“Stars in his eyes?”
She nodded. “Oh, yeah. He’s definitely fallen hard for you, Sera.”
“Well, it’s mutual,” I replied, smiling. He’s a helluva guy. Even Emma adores him.”
“What about your Ex? Has he been staying away, now?”
My smile fell. “Yes. He’s out of the picture. For good, I think.”
“Thank goodness. I heard he was giving you a hard time.”
“That’s putting it mildly. Anyway, enough about me, what’s going on with you and Ransom, these days? Things still going well.”
Tiffany’s blue eyes lit up. “Yes. He’s such a great guy. I mean, we’ve had our ups and downs, you know, like every other couple, but… I’ve never been happier. I used to have this major crush on him when I was young. Did I ever tell you that?”
“I heard you mention it once.”
She laughed. “I’m sure I’ve talked everyone’s ear off about him.”
She was young and dating a man who’d swept her off of her feet. I couldn’t blame her.
“Do you love, Ransom?”
“More than anything,” she answered, staring at me in the mirror as she ran her fingers through my hair. “I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
I grinned. “You’re lucky to have found someone so young. Someone who makes you feel like that.”
“How old are you?” she asked.
“Twenty-eight.”
“You look younger.”
I grinned. “Well, thank you.”
She studied me in the mirror. “I have a feeling that once we lighten you up, you’re going to make Thane feel old.” She laughed. “Let’s do it!”
“You girls sure love picking on him,” I said, smiling back.
“He’s such an easy target.”
I agreed.
Chapter Forty-Three
Michael
I walked by the salon several times, after calling, and waited until Sinclair’s young friend, Jesse, left. I didn’t think he’d recognize me, with my disguise, but the boy was as unpredictable as he was annoying.
I stepped inside of the salon and approached the counter, where the owner and one of the other stylists were chatting. They both looked at me and smiled.
“Hello there, young lady,” said Thane, who obviously thought that he was charming the pants right off of me. “What can I help you with today?”
“I was wondering if I could get a manicure?” I asked, holding up my left hand, thankful for once that I’d been cursed with long narrow fingers.
“I’m sorry, I think our nail technician is finished for the day,” said Thane, as the other stylist, a dark-skinned beauty, walked away.
I frowned. “Oh, that’s too bad. I was really hoping to have them done before my granddaughter’s wedding, this weekend.”
“I’m sorry. Would tomorrow, work? We’ll even give you a free ten-dollar gift-card to be used towards your nails. For the inconvenience,” he replied.
As I was thinking about my next move, the door opened behind me and Reed Eddington walked in. I held my breath as he greeted Thane and then walked towards the back stations.
“You know, that will work,” I said, with a grin.
Reed had obviously heard about my little phone call. That meant my lovely princess was somewhere in the building. I wondered if I could somehow get a glimpse of her radiant beauty or smell the lovely perfume she always wore. “Tomorrow, you say?”
Thane opened up the scheduling book. He scrolled down the list. “What about ten o’clock? Sera has a cancellation. You lucked out.”
My eyes widened. “Sera?”
He nodded.
“You know, my friend, Carol, told me to ask for a Mary. Do you have a Mary that works here?”
“No. In fact, Sera is our only nail technician.”
I forced a smile. Obviously, the little bitch had lied. No matter. She wasn’t the one I’d come all this way for. “Sera it is then. The appointment at ten will fit perfectly.”
“Good, I’ll mark you down.”
“I’m also considering a perm. Do you have any openings close to that time, so I could have everything done at once?”
“Let me see,” he answered. “Have you been here before?”
“Yes. It’s been a while.” I grinned warmly. “Which reminds me - does that wonderful girl, Cindy or maybe it’s Sinclair, does she still work here?”
“Sinclair does. I don’t think we’ve ever had a Cindy. At least as long as I’ve been around.”
“I’m sure it’s Sinclair. She did a marvelous job on my hair, the last time I was in town.”
“Glad to hear that. So, you’re from out of town?”
“Yes. I’m only here for the wedding. ” I cleared my throat and pointed down at his calendar. “Does she have any openings tomorrow?” The thought of watching her as I got a manicure was enthralling. To be so close to the one woman I’ve never been able to forget about.
“No, I’m sorry. She’s booked. Sinclair is one of our busiest stylists.”
“I can understand that. Do you know if she will even be in tomorrow? I’d like to at least say hello. Not that she’d remember me.”
Thane nodded. “She’ll definitely be here.”
“How wonderful,” I replied, clapping my hands.
He grinned. “Would you like to schedule with another stylist? You can have both your nails and hair done and really knock them dead at the wedding.”
I laughed. “Oh my, no that’s okay. I’ll just have my nails done.”
“Okay. We’ll see you tomorrow, then. What was your name again?”
“Mrs. Michaelson.”
“Okay. You’re scheduled, Mrs. Michaelson. Ten o’clock sharp.”
“Wonderful,” I replied and then grinned sheepishly. “Would you mind if I use your bathroom? When you get to be my age, you just can’t seem to be away from them for too long. The old pipes, you know?”
“No problem. It’s back that way,” he said, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb.
My heart began to race as I thought of running into Sinclair.
Would she somehow recognize me?
I clutched the purse tighter, thinking about the gun inside. If only Reed wasn’t around, I could take her today.
“Would you like me to walk you back there, so you don’t get lost?” asked Thane.
I laughed nervously. “Bless your heart, no. I’ll use it and be on my way.”
“Okay.”
Using the cane, I limped past him and went around the partition, and there she was.
Sinclair.
She looked more beautiful than ever, although her cheeks were a little more filled out than I’d remembered.
Today she wore black pants and a lilac colored blouse. Her long auburn hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and she wore a pendant around her neck. I pictured her naked, wearing just the pendant and smiled to myself. Soon I would have her back in my possession, and that dream would become a reality. Whether she liked it or not. She would definitely learn to.
“It will be fine,” I heard Reed say as I shuffled by them towards the back of the salon. “I promise you, he won’t get near you. In fact, I’ve hired someone to protect you, sweetheart, when I can’t be around.”
“You’re never around, that’s the problem,” she said, sounding upset.
“I told you before that it’s going to change. Especially now that you’re pregnant. I want to be near you and our son. Not like my own father, who was never arou
nd.”
“Or daughter.”
Reed grinned. “Yes. Or daughter.”
My head felt like it was about to explode.
Pregnant?
Rage burned inside of me as I thought of them together. His hands on her flesh, doing what I’ve been dreaming of, these last few months. She was mine. Mine!
I released a shallow breath and composed myself.
He will have to pay for defiling her lovely body…
Chapter Forty-Four
Sera
As I waited for Tiffany to mix the dye for my color, an old woman shuffled slowly by. Our eyes locked in the mirror, and she smiled at me. As I began to smile back, I felt an overwhelming sense of danger. I sucked in my breath as disturbing images flashed through my head. Images of a young woman handcuffed to a bed, and screaming her head off. I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate on her face, but then Felicia’s voice distracted me.
“So, I heard you’re going blonde, Sera,” she said, now standing next to me.
I opened my eyes and looked into the mirror, but the old woman had disappeared.
What the hell was that about?
Felicia’s eyes widened. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”
“I… I’m fine,” I replied, although I didn’t feel fine at all.
She pointed towards the magazine in my hands. “You sure? You’re hands are shaking.”
I stood up and put the magazine down. “I’m fine. Could you tell Tiffany that I’ll be right back?”
“Sure.”
I stepped around her and walked back to the bathroom. When I walked inside, the old woman was there, studying her reflection in the mirror.
“Oh, hello,” she said, turning to look at me.
“Hi,” I replied, forcing a smile as I turned on the faucet. I wasn’t sure why I’d followed her, but something told me it was important.
“Beautiful day,” she commented.
“Yes,” I said, looking at her in the mirror. There was something strange about the old woman, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
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