“James, come on. You know this can’t be right.” Trunk pulled her into his side.
“I’m sorry, Trunk, but we have to take her in.” James pulled out his handcuffs.
“James, is that necessary? I mean, it’s Abbie.” Billie’s eyes filled with tears.
“Look, I don’t want to do this, but it’s my duty. I would rather take her in than send someone she doesn’t know.” James walked toward her.
“No.” Trunk pushed Abbie behind him.
“Trunk, don’t make me arrest you too,” James warned.
“Ben, stop. James is just doing his job. If I did this, then I deserve to be arrested. I just wish I remembered if I did.” Abbie stepped around Trunk and held out her hands.
“For God’s sake, James, she still has stitches. Can you forgo the handcuffs in this case?” Trunk’s voice cracked.
“Are you in pain, Abbie?” James asked as he nodded his head.
“No…” Abbie stopped when she realized what he was trying to do. “Maybe a little.”
“Then, as long as you come with me willingly, I won’t cuff you and make you more uncomfortable.” James rested his hand on her shoulder and guided her out of the room.
“This is fucking bullshit,” Trunk roared from behind her.
Abbie blinked back the tears as James led her downstairs to where her parents stood in the foyer. Her mother was pale with tears in her eyes, and her father looked as if he could gut someone. Tyler and Dana stood behind them, looking confused as James escorted her out the door to the waiting SUV.
“I brought an unmarked car so it wouldn’t draw the attention of the neighbors,” James told her when he opened the back door.
“Thanks, James. I know this isn’t your fault.” Abbie sat in the vehicle.
James nodded as he closed the door and walked around the SUV. Abbie glanced at the front of her house as tears spilled down her cheeks. Her father held her mother in his arms, Billie, Dana, and Tyler stood with their arms around each other, but it was Trunk’s expression that caused a sob to escape from her lips.
Trunk’s face twisted with rage, and his hands fisted at his sides. He seemed ready to rip someone apart, and it upset her. The last thing he needed was to get in trouble because of her, especially if she wasn’t innocent.
“Billie is sending a lawyer to meet you at the station,” James said, drawing her attention away from the people she loved.
“Okay.” Abbie wiped the tears from her cheeks.
She could end up in jail for something she didn’t do or didn’t remember doing. Abbie closed her eyes and tried to will the forgotten memories to return. Was this the reason her brain blocked out such a huge chunk of her life?
Chapter 13
Trunk was ready to rip someone’s head off and shit down their neck. There was no way Abbie was guilty. If there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that Abbie was one of the most honest people he knew. She would never jeopardize her career or her company.
After James drove off with her, Trunk stomped into the house behind everyone. He needed to get ahead of all this before she went to jail for something she didn’t do, because she was innocent.
“Sandy, find out who called in the tip,” Trunk practically shouted as he stomped past Keith.
“She’s already on it, Trunk,” Keith informed him.
“She didn’t do this, Rusty.” Trunk turned to see Abbie’s father and mother looking completely shattered.
“I’m with you, but from what James said, it’s not looking good,” Keith told him.
“Someone is setting her up, and I’ve got a feeling I know who,” Trunk said with a growl.
He turned to walk out the door, but Billie grabbed his arm. He spun around and was about to tell her to let him go. When he saw the pissed-off expression on her face, he stopped.
“I’m coming with you,” Billie told him.
“No. I need to have a serious conversation with someone.” Trunk growled.
“I know where you’re going, and you’re not going there without a witness.” Billie walked around him and headed out the door.
“If you’re going to see that piece of shit, I’m going too,” Abbie’s father growled.
“I never trusted that asshole. He stole a sale out from under Abbie, and he was always asking to use her computer.” Tyler waved his hands in the air.
“What do you mean?” Trunk asked.
“This guy called Abbie more than a month ago and set up an appointment to see her. When I called to confirm the appointment for her, the guy said he went with another agent, and Abbie told me it was Chad,” Tyler explained. “That night, she wanted to confront him and then she…”
Tyler Travis worked for Abbie and Billie at their real estate office. Trunk didn’t know him well, but he seemed loyal to Abbie. The look on Tyler’s face told Trunk that the young guy deeply cared for Abbie, and he was shaken by what happened. Trunk didn’t know much about the guy, but from what Billie said, he fit in with the agency and was in the process of taking the real estate exam.
“Do you think he could have something to do with it?” Dana asked.
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Tyler grumbled.
“You said he used her computer.” Trunk turned to Tyler.
He knew how much a person could do if they got into someone’s personal computer. Sandy could do things he couldn’t even imagine. It was possible Chad knew how to maneuver his way around Abbie’s personal files and set her up.
Trunk’s body stiffened. Chad might have something to do with Abbie’s attack as well. He wondered if the police checked to see if Chad left the restaurant after Abbie. James would definitely look into it, but Trunk wanted to mention it, just in case.
“I don’t know if he did it himself, but its possible he hired someone.” Darren’s voice was low and lethal.
“Aren’t we jumping to conclusions? He proposed to Abbie, and she accepted,” Billie reminded them.
“But did she? She doesn’t remember. How do we know he isn’t lying?” Tyler asked.
The guy was right. Chad listened outside the hospital room before Justin caught him. He might have heard Abbie say she didn’t remember anything. There was one way to find out the truth.
“Let’s go.” Trunk stomped out of the house, with Billie and Darren right behind him.
The downtown traffic didn’t make his mood any more pleasant, but the office building where Chad worked was in the middle of the bustle. Trunk drove around the block three times before he found a parking spot near the building.
“Maybe we shouldn’t talk to him at work,” Billie said as they walked through the large glass doors of the RD Building.
“I don’t want him to take off when he finds out the police arrested Abbie. If he’s involved, he’ll be in the wind.” Trunk stepped on the elevator.
The doors opened into a large bright reception area. The entire building belonged to the Donovan family, but Donovan’s Commercial Development Corporation or DCM Co. resided on the tenth floor. According to Billie, Chad was one of DCM’s top employees, or at least it was what he told Abbie.
“Do you know where his office is?” Trunk asked Billie.
“No, Abbie and I have never been here.” Billie looked around the area, seemingly awestruck.
“Abbie has never been to his office?” Darren sounded surprised.
“No, Chad said it was unprofessional because they were in a similar business. It didn’t make sense to me, but Abbie wasn’t bothered by it.” Billie shrugged.
Trunk stalked up to the large glass desk in the middle of the reception area. The young woman seated there spoke into a microphone connected to a headset. When she glanced up and locked eyes with Trunk, her expression was almost comical. Her eyes grew wide, and her mouth dropped open several times before she finished the call.
“I’ll transfer you,” the young woman squeaked and tapped a couple of buttons on her keyboard before she turned her attention back to Trunk. “Umm… Can I help yo
u, sir?”
“I need to speak with Chad Grady,” Trunk demanded.
“Chad?” The girl tipped her head and looked at him in confusion.
“He does work here, correct?” Billie stepped next to Trunk.
“Well, yes, but why are you looking for him?” The girl glanced back and forth between Billie and Trunk.
“We need to speak to him about his fiancé,” Billie explained.
“I’m sorry. Did you say fiancé?” The girl seemed astonished by the knowledge that Chad was engaged.
“Yes, he’s engaged to one of my best friends,” Billie explained.
She didn’t say a word and seemed as if she was waiting for a punch line. When she saw they were serious, she stood up and removed her headset.
“If you’ll have a seat there, I’ll need to speak to Mr. Donovan before I let you speak with Chad.” The girl scurried down the hall behind her.
Trunk saw her knock on a broad set of double doors, and seconds later, she walked into the office. She was in there for what seemed like a long time, making Trunk even more concerned that Chad was hiding something.
“Do you think that bastard is already married?” Darren whispered.
“Something’s fishy,” Trunk returned.
The receptionist returned and motioned for them to follow her. She led them to the office and pushed open the double doors. Trunk, Billie, and Darren walked through, and the receptionist closed the doors behind them. The large office had windows from floor to ceiling down one side of the room, giving them an unobstructed view of the waterfront.
Trunk glanced around the large office and started to wonder why they were left alone in the room. Before he voiced his concerns, a door on the opposite side opened. A man walked into the room, but it wasn’t Chad.
The gentleman was about Darren’s age and dressed in what looked like a luxurious, dark pinstriped suit. He nodded to them as he closed the door behind him and confidently walked further into the room.
He was tall with dark hair streaked with gray and receding slightly. His dark eyes studied Trunk, Billie, and Darren as he stopped behind the glass desk and motioned for them to sit down in the chairs.
“We don’t need to sit,” Trunk told the man. “We need to speak to Chad.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t get your name.” The man sat back in his leather chair and steepled his fingers.
“I didn’t tell you my name,” Trunk replied as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“Well, why don’t we start there. My name is Cole Donovan.” The man stood up and held out his hand.
“Everyone calls me Trunk. This is Billie O’Connor and Darren Martin,” Trunk replied.
“Trunk? That’s an interesting name. Nice to meet all of you. I’m the COO of Donovan’s Commercial Development Corporation. I understand you have the impression Chad is engaged to your friend.” Cole sat back in his chair.
“I’m not under the impression, he told us he’s engaged to my daughter, and now she’s in trouble. We want to talk to him. Now.” Darren stepped closer and braced his fists on top of the desk.
“When did you speak to Chad?” Cole tilted his head.
“What the hell is this? Chad is your employee, and his personal life is none of your business. Where is he?” Trunk snapped.
“Chad is more than my employee. He’s family, and I’m protective of my family. I don’t want you scaring him.” Cole didn’t seem the slightest bit intimidated by Trunk.
“Look, Mr. Donovan, I understand you’re worried about Chad, but Abbie is in trouble. She’s accused of doing something she couldn’t possibly have done.” Billie stepped between Darren and Trunk.
“I don’t understand any of this. I’ve never heard Chad mention anyone named Abbie, and he tells me everything.” Cole did seem confused.
“Can we please talk to him? You can stay in the room if you want, and if he’s okay with it,” Billie begged.
“Oh, I’ll be staying in the room, but you’ve got to promise not to intimidate him. He gets anxious easily.” Cole stood up.
“I promise,” Billie said.
“I’ll get him.” Cole nodded and left the room.
“What the fuck? Chad gets anxious easily?” Darren scoffed. “That bastard is arrogant, not anxious.”
“Something isn’t right,” Trunk murmured to himself.
He walked around the room and checked out some of the photos on the credenza against the wall. There were dozens of pictures of what looked like family pictures. Trunk was about to pick up a photo when Cole walked back into the room.
He held it open, and Trunk expected to see Chad walk behind him. Instead, a young man followed Cole, clinging to his hand. It wasn’t Chad. The man who entered with Cole had a disability and stared at Trunk as he sat in the chair next to Cole.
“What is this? Where is Chad?” Darren asked but his tone was calm.
“This is Chad.” Cole pointed to the chair next to him.
“He isn’t Chad Grady,” Trunk replied.
“I am Chad Grady.” The young man nodded.
“We’re not playing games, Mr. Donovan,” Trunk said as calmly as he could.
“Neither am I. Chad is my nephew, and he works here under a program for the developmentally delayed,” Cole explained.
“I bring the mail and lunch,” Chad said with pride in his voice.
“That’s right.” Cole smiled lovingly at the young man.
“Mr. Donovan, the Chad Grady we’re referring to is around my age. He told my friend he works here as an agent,” Billie explained.
“Please, call me Cole. Do you have a picture of this guy?” Cole asked.
“I don’t.” Billie shook her head.
“Are you with the police?” Cole asked.
“No, but we’re working with them to figure this out. If I could have your number, I can send you a photo when we speak with Abbie,” Trunk explained.
“What’s Abbie’s last name?” Cole tilted his head.
“Martin,” Darren answered.
“The real estate agent?” Cole’s eyes grew wide with surprise.
“You know her?” Trunk asked.
“Yes, I’ve met her. She’s a wonderful person. Now I know where I know you from.” Cole pointed to Billie. “You’re her business partner.”
“Yes, I am,” Billie admitted.
“I don’t know who this guy is, but I’d like to help if I can. I heard Abbie was hurt a few weeks ago and I’m glad she’s okay. Here’s my business card. When you get a photo of this guy, send it to me, and if I know him, I’ll happily give you his name. I don’t like anyone using my nephew’s name to dupe people.” Cole stood up, and Chad mimicked him.
“Thank you, Cole. I’ll get it to you as soon as I can.” Trunk shoved the card into his wallet.
“It was nice to meet all of you.” Chad walked up to each of them and shook everyone’s hand.
“It was great to meet you too, buddy,” Trunk smiled at the young man.
“Uncle Cole calls me buddy too.” Chad grinned.
“That’s right, buddy,” Cole gave his nephew a smile that showed every bit of love and affection he had for the young man.
Trunk, Billie, and Darren were quiet as they left the building. Trunk was pissed that Chad scammed Abbie, and it convinced him the asshole was using her. The problem was they didn’t know his real name or where to find him. To top it off, they had no way to prove Abbie wasn’t responsible for the fraud. It looked like Sandy and Smash had some digging to do.
Chapter 14
Abbie sat in the small room where she was escorted after being fingerprinted and photographed. James refused to put her in a cell with anyone else, so she sat alone on the bunk with her hands folded in her lap.
Her lawyer hadn’t shown up yet, and Abbie’s heart raced as she heard the men and women in the lockup shouting at the police officers. She didn’t want to spend a night in the place, or worse, she could be there longer. She didn’t know if she would s
urvive something like that.
It seemed like hours since she left her house, but when she glanced at the clock, she’d been there over an hour. Abbie couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be there for days, weeks, or years.
A huge lump formed in her throat as her eyes filled with tears. How could someone think she would be responsible for fake house sales? She didn’t even know how that was possible, especially with all the information needed by lawyers, financial companies, plus the buyer would have to sign everything.
“What the fuck is going on?” Abbie sighed.
She tapped her fingers against the side of her head, hoping it would shake something loose, and her memories would return. There was no way she’d be able to heal if she couldn’t sleep, and Abbie seriously doubted sleeping in the small cell would be possible.
“Abbie, your lawyer is here.” James opened the cell door.
“Thanks.” Abbie forced a smile as she stood up and followed James.
“Jason is a good lawyer,” James told her.
“I hope so because this is going to be hard to figure out when I don’t remember a thing from the last few years.” Abbie walked into a small room.
A man with light-brown hair sat with his back to her and turned around when James called him by name. Abbie recognized him from the celebration at Sean’s house. Jason Brenton was one of Mike’s best friends.
“Hello, Abbie. I wish we were meeting again under better circumstances.” Jason held out his hand.
“You and I both.” Abbie shook his hand.
“I’ll let you two deal with this.” James nodded and left them alone in the room.
Jason flipped through a bunch of papers while Abbie sat quietly. When he looked up, he gave her a friendly smile.
“The good news is, you won’t be spending the night here. I’ve got you released on your own recognizance. Since you’re a business owner with close ties to your community, and you’ve never been in trouble before, it was pretty easy to get you out. You’ll have a curfew and won’t be allowed to leave the city.” Jason pushed some papers across the table.
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