Misconceptions Page 17

  Books sat neatly organized on the shelves along the side of the wall, and the file cabinets lined one next to the other like obedient soldiers standing in formation.

  If I were Angelica, where would I hide something?

  He opened each drawer in the first filing cabinet and rifled through the files. All appeared in order, with the names of his clients and vendors all alphabetized and their statements up-to-date.

  He slammed the last drawer closed. There has to be something here. The desk seemed too obvious, but the most convenient, and Angelica was nothing if not efficient. Travis slid into the chair behind her desk and pulled open the top right drawer.

  The sensual aroma of Angelica’s perfume filled the air as he sifted through the items in the drawer. A memory of the kiss they’d shared lingered in his mind. He shook aside the memory. How could he have kissed another woman? I’ve got to tell Cindy. I can’t keep putting off this conversation.

  Travis closed the drawer on the personal items and tugged on the drawer beneath it.

  Locked.

  His heart beat wildly, and his palms became clammy. This must be it. He fished the letter opener from the top drawer, jammed it in the lock and wriggled it around.

  The wood split and the lock gave way.

  The files bore the names of clients he didn’t recognize. He pulled out one with nothing on the label, and several photographs spilled onto the floor. All were of women in various stages of pregnancy. He pulled out the rest and flipped through them. Three quarters through the pile his heart stopped.

  Cindy.

  She sat on a bench at the hospital with her hand resting on her expanded belly. Since she was wearing the outfit he’d brought her from home, it must have been taken within the past week.

  Fear sliced through him. Why did Angelica have a picture of his wife in her desk?

  “I’ll take those.” Vinnie grabbed the pictures and dropped them back into the folder.

  Travis shot out of his chair. “What are you doing with a picture of my wife? And who are these other women?”

  Vinnie turned to the tall, muscled associate who stood at the door. “I need to have a private conversation.” After the man closed the door behind him, Vinnie leaned against the desk, crossed his arms, and looked down his nose at Travis. “You’ve put me in an uncomfortable position. How much did you see?”

  “I’m not answering any of your questions until you tell me what a picture of my wife is doing in Angelica’s drawer.”

  “You’re not the one calling the shots here. Now tell me what you saw.”

  Travis clenched fists. “A few spreadsheets and those pictures.” He looked Vinnie in the eyes. “You and I both know this business arrangement isn’t working. I want out.”

  “You just may get your wish.” Vinnie reached in his pocket.

  Travis held his breath. Was this what his death would look like—taking a bullet from a criminal? Who was he kidding. He’d become a criminal too.

  Vinnie pulled out a cigar and a lighter. “I have another business proposition for you. Listen carefully; I don’t like to repeat myself.” He took a long drag from the cigar. “ I’ll give you two million dollars.” He walked toward the door. “You can pay me back what you owe me, get your business back in the black, and even keep your house.”

  Why was Vinnie caving so easily? There had to be a catch. “Two million for my silence?”

  Vinnie turned to face him. “No. The two million is for the baby.”

  Travis fell back into the chair. “You want me to sell my child? You’re insane.” Were there no limits to this man’s greed? “Who were all those other women in the pictures? Did you buy their babies too?”

  “Babies are a hot commodity. It’s a simple matter of supply and demand. You have twenty-four hours to give me your answer.” Vinnie waved the file folder. “If you even think about telling anyone what you’ve seen, I’ll make your death look like a suicide. Do I make myself clear?”

  At a complete loss of words, Travis simply nodded.

  “Twenty-four hours, Travis.” Vinnie strutted from the room, file folder in hand.

  Travis waited until he heard the front door close before he pulled the recorder pen from his shirt pocket. He pressed the rewind button for a moment, then the button to play the recording.

  Vinnie’s distinctive voice boomed from the tiny speaker.

  A smile spread across Travis’s face. The device had taped the entire conversation.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Dominique pulled her rented Taurus into the half-full parking lot of Castalgia’s restaurant. She circled around the restaurant. A white cargo van was parked in the alley. That’s the same van that followed Sharon, I just know it. She swallowed past the lump in her throat. Concentrating on the job at hand would be the best way to assure Sharon and her baby hadn’t died in vain.

  Choosing a space at the back of the lot, she positioned herself so she could see who entered and exited the restaurant. After ten minutes, with only two people entering and one exiting, she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. This wasn’t working. It wouldn’t provide her with all of the information she needed to move her investigation forward. She pulled into a parking space but didn’t get out of the car. It was as though some part of her brain recognized the danger she was about to put herself into and refused to make her body move. But getting inside Vinnie’s world was the best way to move her investigation forward.

  She blew out a long breath, closed her eyes, and whispered a prayer. Strength seemed to return to her body, so she straightened her cameo necklace and freshened up her make-up. Then before she could think about the danger again, she walked into the restaurant.

  An elderly hostess looked her over but said nothing.

  Dominique cleared her throat. “I’d like to apply for a job.”

  “We’re not hiring.”

  “May I put in an application in case an opening does occur?”

  “That isn’t necessary. Check back in six months.”

  Not quite ready to be dismissed, Dominique stepped up the risk factor. “Is Vinnie here?”

  The hostess raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t realize you knew Mr. Fernandez. I’m afraid he’s not in. Try back later.”

  “I’ll do that. Thank you for your time. Here’s my card.” Dominique managed to hold her composure together as she left the restaurant. Once back at her car, she was surprised to see Houston leaning against it.

  “You’re a hard person to track down.” He stood to full height. “I saw your car in the lot when I drove past.”

  “Joe told me you were trying to reach me. I’m sorry I haven’t called.”

  Houston pulled his keys from his front pocket. “We need to talk, but not here. It’s not safe. Let’s go to the hospital—we can talk over a cup of coffee.”

  “I’m not exactly welcome there, but they can’t keep me from visiting a patient can they? Give me half an hour.”

  Houston nodded, then got in his truck and pulled out of the parking lot.

  I have a little more business to attend to here. A feature story would require solid evidence, regardless of who she pitched the idea to. She tossed her purse on the front seat and pulled a tracking device out of the glove box—one of the leftover items she needed to get back to Stew. But not until it served its purpose. She pushed the power button and flipped the little black device over to ensure the battery was at full capacity.

  A black town car, followed by an SUV, pulled into the parking lot.

  Dominique’s heart doubled its pace. She ducked low in the vehicle.

  Two car doors slammed shut.

  Dominique peered out just in time to see Vinnie and his hired help walking into the restaurant.

  It would have been easier to plant the device without Vinnie there—and his extra security team. Now the staff would be more vigilant She stared at the small device in the palm of her hand. Should she wait?

  Thoughts of Sharon and her baby stiffened her res
olve. The sooner she found information to help put Vinnie in jail, the sooner the murders and baby snatchings would stop. Give me courage, Lord.

  It’s now or never. She dashed out of the car and scurried to the alley at back of the restaurant. The white cargo van was parked almost in the same spot she saw it before. This is it. I’ll find out exactly where you’re going, and I’ll have a record of it.

  She slipped between the building and the van and knelt by the back bumper. Her hands shook as she fastened the transmitter to the vehicle. She ducked her head low to make sure the transmitter couldn’t be seen, then brushed the dirt and gravel off her pants as she stood and headed back to her car.

  When she came around the corner, she ran straight into two rough-looking young men. One was tall and slender, and the other bore a striking resemblance to Vinnie Fernandez. The hair on her arms stood up. Dominique felt like a mouse trapped between two cats.

  “What are you doing back here?” the taller one called out.

  “I made a wrong turn.” Dominique attempted to step around the other boy. “I think I’m at the wrong address.”

  They both blocked her path. “We don’t believe you. You’re coming with us.” The young man even sounded like Vinnie.

  She winced when they grabbed her arms. “Let go of me! This is all a misunderstanding. You don’t even know who I am.”

  “We’re about to find out.” The taller one spouted.

  They dragged her back down the alley alongside a building and pushed her through a door she hadn’t even realized was there. As they herded her down the hallway, she scrambled to think up an excuse.

  They stopped in front of a solid wood door. Vinnie’s look-alike tightened his grip on her arm and knocked twice.

  “Come in.”

  The boy opened the door and shoved Dominique into the room. “Look what we found snooping around out back.”

  The man before her looked like an iron statue—no emotions on his face and every hair precisely in place. Vinnie leaned forward. “Who are you?”

  Dominique pulled against her captor’s grip, but he squeezed tighter. “My name’s Dominique. This is all a big mistake. I would appreciate if your associate would remove his hands from me.”

  “Let her go.” He waved at them. “You can leave us alone.”

  After they left, Dominique adjusted her blouse and took a deep breath, hoping to slow her pounding heart. Her eyes met Vinnie’s lustful glance, and a chill ran up her spine. She’d seen similar expressions during her stint as a news reporter, but she’d always had a crew of people with her. Lord, please protect me … help me to get out of here alive.

  “What were you doing nosing around behind my restaurant?”

  She licked her lips. “As I told your men, this is all a big misunderstanding, Mr. Fernandez.”

  “How do you know my name? We haven’t been introduced.”

  Dominique wiped her sweaty palms on her pants. Things were going from bad to worse. She needed to think fast. “I know we haven’t been formally introduced, but I know who you are. I think most people in this town do.”

  Vinnie’s eyes narrowed.

  Just play it cool. Dominique glanced around the room for another exit or way out.

  Vinnie slammed a hand on the desk. “Answer my question. What were you doing out in the alley?”

  Dominique jumped. “I’m a reporter, Mr. Fernandez, I was conducting research for a story I’m working on.”

  “I’m sure you are.” He mocked. “Exactly what kind of story are you working on?”

  “On the restaurant business and how much food is wasted. Food that could be used to feed the underprivileged.” Why did she give that explanation? He’d see right through it. She swallowed the lump in her throat. The lie tugged at her conscience, even if it was told to a despicable man.

  Someone knocked.

  “Come in,” Vinnie ordered.

  The hostess Dominique had spoken with earlier stepped into the room. “Here’s this afternoon’s receipts.” She glanced at Dominique. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize you had company.”

  Dominique’s heart dropped into her stomach.

  The hostess raised her eyebrows. “I see you finally caught up with Mr. Fernandez.”

  “What are you talking about?” Vinnie leaned forward.

  The hostess pointed at Dominique. “That young woman—was here earlier looking for a job. When I told her we weren’t hiring, she asked to speak with you. I was under the impression she knew you.”

  “Thank you. You can leave now.” After the hostess left the room, Vinnie’s gaze bored into Dominique. “Well now. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s a liar. Now tell me the truth. What were you doing snooping around behind my restaurant?”

  She remained silent. She should have left with Houston when she had the chance.

  He leaned forward. “Are you with the police?”

  “No. I told you, I’m a reporter.” She shifted back and forth. “I’m working on a story.”

  “Problem is, I don’t believe you.” He walked around the desk, stopped in front of her, and leaned close. “And I don’t like loose ends.” He stalked to the door and called the two young men into the room. “Your next job is scheduled for this evening,” Vinnie said to the men. “Take her with you and leave her there.”

  Hands grabbed her from behind. Rope cut into her arms as it drew her hands behind her back. She wriggled her wrists to loosen the rope. “You’re going to kill me?” How had things gotten out of control so quickly? This couldn’t be it. Joe’s face flashed in her mind. She never got to tell him she loved him. “Please don’t do this. I promise not to do the story.”

  Vinnie didn’t respond.

  The taller youth shoved her into the hallway, then toward the back door.

  Should she resist and run out into the restaurant? No, they’d overpower her before she made it a few feet. “You don’t have to do this! I swear I won’t tell anyone.”

  The first man stepped out into the back alley, then called back, “All clear. Bring her out.”

  Pain radiated up her arms when the second man grabbed her and shoved her out into the alley. Lord, please send someone to help me. Don’t let me die at their hands.

  The man pushed her toward the van as his partner opened the back doors. “Get in.”

  She looked around frantically. If she got in the van, she’d be dead. With all of the strength she could muster, Dominique slammed a high heel down on the man’s toes, then twisted and kicked her leg back as hard as she could.

  He lost his grip on her arm, but only for a moment. Before she could take two steps away, he caught her wrist and pulled her close. Their noses only inches away from each other, he said, “So you want to play rough? I can do that.” He pushed her away from him.

  She stumbled backwards, but before she hit the ground, his fist bored into the side of her face. Pain ricocheted throughout her head.

  “I said get in!” The man pulled her up and practically threw her into the back of the van.

  “We’re going to have trouble with this one.”

  The taller one threw the rest of the rope in the back. “No we won’t. Get me the kit. I’ll give her something to make her a little more agreeable.”

  The smaller man rummaged underneath a seat, retrieved a small box, and threw it to his partner.

  Dominique’s heart raced. They were going to kill her. No one knew where she was. A small glimmer of hope lit as she remembered that Houston was expecting her. When she didn’t show up, he’d come look for her. Just as quickly, the light faded. He might know where to start looking, but wouldn’t know where they took her. Even if he did, he would most likely just find her dead body. Lord please help me!

  The man who threw her into the van took a syringe from the box. She scrambled away from him, but only ran into the back of a seat. She kicked at the man’s arm, but he dodged her. His arm darted toward her neck.

  A sharp pain pierced her below her left ear.
She tried to reach the needle, but her hands were still tied. He said something, but his voice only echoed in her ears. Her vision blurred. She blinked slowly and took in several deep breaths. What had they injected her with?

  Her whole body seemed to relax at once. In spite of her effort to keep her eyes open, everything faded into complete darkness.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Houston took the stairs up to the fifth floor of the hospital. Joe and Cindy sat on the couch in the waiting room, deep in conversation. Cindy wore a smile—the first Houston had seen in over two weeks.

  “I take it Audrey’s doing better.”

  Cindy nodded. “The doctors say she may be released as early as next week.”

  “That is good news.” Houston glanced around the room. “Where’s Dominique?”

  Joe gave him a confused look. “I thought you said you were going to meet with her. Didn’t that work out?”

  Houston took a seat on the couch. “I caught up with her at Castalgia’s, but since that’s not exactly the safest place to have a conversation, we agreed to meet here. I had to stop at the station, so I thought she’d be waiting for me.”

  Joe grabbed his cell phone. “We haven’t seen her. I’ll give her a call.” He shook his head and mouthed that he’d gotten her voicemail. “Call me as soon as you get this, Dominique.” He placed the phone on the table. “I don’t like this, Houston. Last time I saw Dominique, she had that expression on her face.”

  “What expression?”

  “A determined look. Like no matter what happened, she was going to get the story. I think she’s planning to go after Vinnie herself.”

  Houston cursed under his breath. He should have insisted she come with him. What had he been thinking? “I’ll see if there’s a black and white nearby. Vinnie’s accustomed to police dropping in, so we’ll send a few his way.”

  After twenty minutes and no word from headquarters he dialed the sergeant on duty again. “Any updates on that drive by at Castalgia’s?”

  The officer replied, “We were just getting ready to call you. It’s not good, Houston. Her car’s there, but we don’t have eyes on her. It’s like she’s disappeared.”