Winds of Fire

by Kira Chase

  “I think you should call him now,” Johanna said. “This waiting around is making me stir crazy. Especially since we don't know what's going on.”

  “Okay.” Frankie punched in Alec's number. She impatiently tapped her foot as she waited for him to pick up. When he finally did, she was relieved.

  “Frankie, is Kendall okay?” he whispered before she had a chance to greet him.

  “She's fine.” She looked at Kendall. “What's going on? Are you at the courthouse?”

  “No, I'm at the police station. Don't mention where I am. I don't want Kendall to know.”

  Frankie frowned as she walked toward the window. “Why?” she whispered. “What's going on?”

  “You've heard about the arson fires plaguing the city?”

  “Of course,” she replied knowing that she and Johanna seemed to be the prime suspects.

  “They know who it is.”

  “Yeah, I can explain—”

  “No. It's not you and Johanna. It's Kristin Robbins.”

  “What?” Frankie began to laugh causing Johanna and Kendall to look curiously at her.

  “I'll explain it to you later, but for now you need to keep Kendall with you.”

  “What's going on?”

  “I don't have time to explain it right now. I'm waiting for the sheriff.”

  “George Ryker?”

  Johanna was immediately by her side. “What's going on, Frankie?”

  “Alec, I can't keep Johanna or Kendall in the dark. Kendall's a big girl. She can handle the truth.”

  “Frankie, put me on speaker, but first give me your word that you and Johanna will keep Kendall safe.”

  “Okay.” She walked back to her desk and pressed speaker.

  “Alec, where are you?” Kendall asked.

  “Kendall, thank God you're all right.”

  “Where are you?” she asked again.

  “I'm with the fire marshal and the police. We're waiting for the sheriff to join us.”

  “This makes no sense to me.”

  “I don't expect it to. But it will to Frankie and Johanna,” he explained. “As I told Frankie, the arsonist has been identified as Kristin Robbins.”

  “What?” Johanna said with obvious disbelief in her voice. “What motive would she have? That's ridiculous.”

  “It's not. I can't go into the details right now, but Kendall, you need to stay put. Frankie and Johanna will take good care of you. Under no circumstances are you to leave the office.”

  Kendall shivered. “I won't.” She glanced at Frankie and Johanna. “Were the bodyguards working for Thatcher too?”

  “I think so. Just remember that Kristin Robbins is unstable. She is not in custody. She's been working with Becca Manning and Thatcher.”

  “I thought Becca wanted nothing to do with her.”

  “That's what they wanted everyone to think. I can't give you the details right now. Thatcher has been taken into custody. We can't locate Kristin or Becca Manning. We assume they're on the run together. They're dangerous.”

  “What do you mean? You can't locate them?” Johanna asked, alarmed.

  All color had drained from Kendall's face. “Because they're after me, aren't they, Alec?”

  He paused. “Stay safe. They'll be found.”

  After he clicked off, Kendall turned to Frankie and Johanna. “What do they hope to gain?” She bit her bottom lip. “With Thatcher in custody, they have nothing.”

  “Kendall, what would happen to the company if something were to happen to you or Thatcher?”

  She cleared her throat. “If something were to happen to me, Thatcher would get everything if we were still legally married. Whoever is in his will would receive everything upon his death.”

  “What are you getting at?” Frankie asked Johanna.

  “What if Thatcher has the baby listed in his will?”

  “If he has a new will, Alec would have him tied up in the courts for years proving he violated the pre-nup by having an affair and the baby while we were legally married.”

  Johanna frowned. “It was just a thought.”

  Frankie pursed her lips. “No, I think you're on to something, Johanna.”

  “What?”

  “What if Thatcher isn't so innocent? Suppose Thatcher convinces Becca and Kristin to get Kendall out of the picture. They leave the country with the baby. After a period of time passes, Thatcher marries Kristin and then adopts Chloe. Then he has everything he wants.”

  “What about Becca? From everything we've been told, she's obsessed with Thatcher. And what about the arguments?”

  “Maybe that was all a part of the plan. She's at odds with Thatcher and Kristin, so no one would suspect they're actually working together,” Frankie rationalized.

  “That makes sense,” Johanna replied. She turned to Kendall. “What would happen if they succeeded to get you out of the picture and Thatcher was arrested and imprisoned?”

  “Since I have no other living heirs, everything would go to the numerous charities and foundations my family has always supported. He wouldn't get a dime, nor would the baby.”

  Johanna exhaled loudly. “So, Frankie, do you think Becca Manning and Kristin Robbins are working against Thatcher or with him? At this point they have nothing to gain.”

  Frankie shook her head. “I don't know what to think anymore. Both suppositions make sense, but there's nothing in it for either of them now except long prison sentences.”

  Kendall looked at the clock. “I wonder what's going on.” She lowered her eyes. “I'm sorry if this mess has put you two in danger. I never dreamed there was anything more going on than Thatcher's infidelity.”

  Johanna touched Kendall's arm. “None of this is your fault. Your case pales in comparison to some of the cases we've had.”

  Frankie smiled at her. “Johanna's right.” She saw the worry in Kendall's eyes. “I'm sure Alec will call with an update soon. For now, we'll stay put. Can I get you anything? We have some snacks in the back.”

  “No, thank you.” She glanced around the office. “Is there any way Kristin and Becca can get in here?”

  “You’re safe,” Frankie reassured her.”

  Kendall smiled weakly. “So how did you two get into this business? I find it intriguing.”

  * * * *

  Frankie was surprised that two hours had passed during which the three of them talked about everything under the sun. Bronson employees had it right when they said what a sweet, kind, and generous woman Kendall Bronson Longman was. Frankie seethed when she thought about Thatcher Longman's evil plan to not only destroy Kendall, but make off with her family fortune too.

  Kendall stretched. “Could one of you point me in the direction of the restroom? I wish I could freshen up a bit. It's too bad I couldn't bring my clothes with me. I can't wait to get out of this outfit and especially this wig.”

  Frankie chuckled. “Yes, Johanna and I know all about wigs.”

  Kendall giggled. “That's right. You wore them on your visit to Bronson Enterprises.” She looked at each of them scrutinizing them. “I'm trying to picture you in them.”

  “Quite a transformation...just like yours.” Johanna grinned. “I'll show you to our restroom. We keep a few outfits here just in case we need to change at the last minute. Let's see if we can find you something.”

  “That would be great,” Kendall enthusiastically replied.

  Frankie waited until they made their way to the room in the back, and then hurried to where she kept the guns. She quickly retrieved them and placed Johanna's gun in her top desk drawer. She slipped her own into her ankle holster.

  She had no clue what Becca and Kristin might do, but she wanted to be prepared. She figured they were probably on their way out of the country by now. It still didn't make sense why Kristin had set the fires. She must have returned to each location after Thatcher dropped her at the hotel. But why? Actually, nothing about this case made much sense where Becca, Kristin, and Thatcher were concerned. What
did any of them think they'd get away with? Not Kendall's entire fortune. If Thatcher had set up some offshore accounts with Becca's help, it made sense that no one became suspicious since Becca had the final word. Had the three of them planned this together and now Becca and Kristin had turned on Thatcher? Again, what would be their ultimate gain? If they were desperate, would they hunt Kendall down and kill her believing that Thatcher would gain control over the Bronson estate?

  She exhaled loudly as she looked toward the window. She hated being cooped up like this. It was a warm sunny day and they were forced to stay inside. She was getting hungry, too, and she knew the snacks in the back wouldn't cut it. She'd thought Alec would have called with an update by now. What was going on? She didn't like this one bit and an uneasy feeling came over her. But she had to mask her feelings in front of Kendall and Johanna. The feeling intensified and she knew this wasn't going to end well. She'd do everything in her power to protect Kendall and to protect the woman she loved. No one would ever hurt Johanna again if she could help it.

  She sat down at her desk and absentmindedly leafed through Kendall's file. A few minutes later, Johanna appeared at her side. “How's Kendall really holding up, do you think?”

  Johanna frowned. “As well as can be expected under the circumstances. Why hasn't Alec called by now?” She bit her bottom lip. “I'm getting antsy for information.”

  “I don't know. I was wondering the same thing. I put your gun in your top desk drawer. I don't want Kendall to see it or she may become alarmed.”

  Johanna nodded. “You have yours on you?”

  Frankie pointed to her ankle.

  “Do you think they're going to come here?”

  “I don't know. They could be anywhere.”

  “You think they'll show up here if the mayor gave our ID's to Thatcher and he told them.” She opened her desk drawer.

  “It's possible. Better to be safe than sorry.”

  “I feel better now that the wig is off,” Kendall said walking back into the main room. “Any word from Alec?” she asked hopefully.

  Johanna looked at her gun and then closed the desk drawer without retrieving it.

  “Nothing yet,” Frankie said, still amazed by Kendall's change back to her normal self. She was wearing one of Johanna's dresses. The dark green dress hung a little looser on Kendall, but was still a decent fit. Her feet were in matching pumps. She wondered if Johanna and Kendall wore the same shoe size.

  “Did you stuff them with tissue like I suggested?” Johanna asked.

  “Yes, thank you for the suggestion. And thank you so much for letting me borrow these things.”

  “I'm just glad we have them here.” She rubbed her hands together. “I'm going to see what we have for snacks. Would anyone like some more coffee? I'll put on a fresh pot.”

  “Sounds good,” Kendall replied.

  “I'd like a cup too. Need some help?” Frankie asked.

  “You can stay here and keep Kendall company.” She stood. A loud rap suddenly sounded on the door. She hesitantly looked at Frankie.

  “I put the closed sign out,” Frankie said. “Besides, no one's ever knocked on the door.”

  The knocking persisted, only louder. “Hey, Frankie, Johanna, it's Kate. Open up. I need to talk to you.”

  Johanna started toward the door.

  “Wait!” Kendall cautioned. “Who's Kate?”

  “She's a deputy in the sheriff's department and a personal friend. She's probably come with news,” Frankie explained.

  “I'll let her in.” Johanna rushed to the door. She unlocked it, but before she could open it, the door was shoved open knocking Johanna back and off her feet.

  Chapter 18

  Kate was roughly shoved inside. Johanna surveyed the situation from where she was sprawled on the floor. Becca Manning had a gun pointed at Kate's back. Kristin brought up the rear. Johanna caught Frankie's eye. If Frankie went for her gun, Kate would be in the line of fire. Even if she wasn't she'd most likely be shot in the back by Becca. Kendall stood on stilted legs, a look of terror on her face. She's in shock, Johanna thought.

  Frankie ran to Johanna's side. “Are you okay?” she asked worriedly.

  She nodded. “I'm concerned about Kate, though. How the hell did this happen?” she whispered. She looked toward Kate and caught her eye.

  “I don't know,” Frankie whispered back. “They must have ambushed her.”

  “Get in there,” Becca ordered, shoving Kate farther into the room.

  Kate straightened her shoulders. “You two won't get away with this,” she said calmly. “I don't know what you hope to gain. If you two give yourselves up now, it'll go easier for you.”

  “Looks like we already have gotten away with it,” Becca smirked. “We even managed to get your gun. I wouldn't be looking for a promotion any time soon if I were you.”

  Johanna looked at the older woman. In person she looked much older than she did on the website. She wore a long overcoat, which surprised Johanna because of the warm evening. She was not an attractive woman and the website picture actually made her look better than she did in person, and that wasn't saying much. Johanna realized that since the sun had set and the shops next to theirs had closed for the night, the cover of darkness gave Becca and Kristin access to the office without being detected. But Johanna wasn't worried. Becca and Kristin were trapped, and if they didn't see that then they were even bigger fools. They just had to keep the situation calm and wait them out.

  Kate laughed. “Where do you think you're going to go? This place will be swarming with police in a matter of minutes.”

  “Do we look like we're frightened? No one knows where you are. They'll never suspect us of bringing you here.” She pushed Kate toward the filing cabinets. “Get over there and don't try anything.” She flashed the gun around. “The rest of you get over there too.”

  “Look, this isn't going to get you anywhere. If you shoot any of us, you and your granddaughter will spend the rest of your lives in prison,” Kate said firmly.

  “She's my daughter, not my granddaughter!” Becca bellowed. “I'm not old enough to be her grandmother.”

  “Could have fooled me,” Kate mumbled.

  Johanna fought for control with the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. If the situation hadn't been so grave, she would have laughed out loud.

  “Watch your mouth,” Becca warned Kate. She turned her attention to Frankie and Johanna. “Get over there next to her.”

  Frankie helped Johanna to her feet. “I don't think Kristin has a gun,” she whispered close to Johanna's ear. “If the chance comes, try to get to your desk and go for your gun. I'm working on a plan.”

  “What are you two whispering about?” Becca asked with her steely eyes aimed at them.

  “Nothing. I was just asking her if she was okay.”

  “Get over there now!”

  Frankie and Johanna stood on either side of Kate. Their eyes moved to where Kendall still stood next to the desk. She stood as though her feet were cemented to the floor. She was paralyzed with fear.

  Kristin suddenly moved in Kendall's direction while Becca kept her gun pointed at the three women. She grabbed Kendall's arm, digging her fingers into her bare flesh. “Get your ass over there now,” she ordered.

  Kendall's eyes filled with fear as she walked stiffly and stood next to Johanna. “Why are you doing this to me, Kristin? I tried to help you,” she said hoarsely. “I tried to help you with your acting ambitions.”

  Kristin stared into her eyes. “Shut up!”

  “You didn't answer my question,” Frankie said. “What's your next move?” She stared at Becca Manning.

  “They don't have a plan. Isn't that obvious?” Johanna said keeping her eyes level with Kristin's. “If they did, they'd see there's nothing to gain by coming here.”

  “Thatcher does,” Kristin smirked. “He'll be contacting us in about half an hour once the arrangements are made.”

  Frankie laughed. “
Really now.”

  “What's so damned funny?” Kristin glared at her.

  “You're going to have a long wait.” She stared Kirstin down. “Thatcher's been arrested.”

  “Right,” Becca scoffed. “Don't listen to them, Kristin. They're trying to throw you off guard.”

  For a brief second Johanna saw the look of doubt in Kristin's eyes. “We're not lying, Kristin.”

  “Like you didn't lie yesterday when you told me you were film producers? You almost had me convinced. That was a cruel hoax.”

  “You two are good at hoaxes. Thatcher found out what you were really up to,” Becca said. He's not too pleased that you interviewed his employees.”

  Frankie grinned. “Are you upset because they don't have a high opinion of you? Or because they pity you for your sick infatuation with Thatcher?”

  Becca's eyes slanted. “I was never interested in him that way,” she insisted as Kristin looked curiously at her.

  “All I know is what I heard around the water cooler,” Frankie continued. “You've always been hot and heavy for him,” Frankie persisted.

  “You're lying!” Becca shouted.

  “Suit yourself. It must be eating you alive, though, knowing your daughter has the man you love. Not only that, but has a baby with him.”

  “I'm warning you!” Becca moved closer waving the gun in front of Frankie's face.

  “So, Kristin, how did you reconnect with the woman who wanted nothing to do with you and gave you up at birth?”

  Kristin looked confused. “It wasn't that way. I lied about that part. She was looking for me.”

  “Hmm, was it true what you said yesterday? That Thatcher helped you find your mother?”

  “Yes. He thinks everybody should know who their parents are.”

  “Shut up now!” Becca yelled. “Kristin, don't listen to her. She doesn't know anything.”

  “What doesn't make sense is, if Thatcher helped you find your mother then why, with all the resources at his disposal, didn't your mother enlist his help in finding you? Think about it. The only possible conclusion is that she never wanted you found. But when you found her, she figured out a way to weave you into her sick little plan. Maybe Thatcher and her planned it all along. You'd better be careful. She may be plotting to get rid of you once she's finished. Why keep you around?”