Caveman (3 page)

“Thanks, Cassie-boss. Bye-bye, love!”

I hang up with a stupid grin on my face. I have a lead! An actual lead that has just brought me a huge step closer to finding Damon. Without thinking much of it, I dial Cole Sawyers’ number. He answers on the fourth ring.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Sawyers, it’s Cassandra Hale. I’m sorry to call at such a late hour but—”

“Don’t apologize, please. I was the one to tell you to do so. Please tell me you have a break in my brother’s case.”

“I have,” I say with a grin. “I have a lead that could take us straight to your brother, Mr. Sawyers.”

“Has she found him?” I hear a woman’s voice from a little further away.

“Hold on, honey,” Mr. Sawyers says to the woman and then speaks to me. “Miss Hale, I have you on speaker so my wife, Victoria can hear you too.”

“Hello, Miss Hale,” the woman says more clearly now.

“Hello, Mrs. Sawyers. As I was saying to your husband, I have a solid lead. I found out that Damon had acquired a pilot’s license and had purchased an aircraft. Once I follow the trail of the aircraft’s number, I’m certain I will have a general direction of where we can look for him.”

A chorus of relieved exhales sounds from the other line and a strangled laugh. “I knew you would find him,” Mr. Sawyers says in a choked voice. “I was certain of it.”

His certainty shakes me up a bit and I somber up considerably. “I haven’t found him yet, Mr. Sawyers. We still have a ways to go and we don’t know what we’ll find further ahead. I just wanted you to know where I stand. And I also had a very personal question to ask you.”

“Ask anything you want, Miss Hale,” he assures me immediately.

“Please, call me Cassandra or Cassie. Mr. Sawyers, I need you to think really hard before answering. Is there any possibility that Damon… wasn’t your brother? Or that he was a half-brother?”

Silence greets me for several heartbeats and I start to wonder if I spoke too fast. Finally it’s Mrs. Sawyers that answers. “In all honesty, Cassandra, we can’t be sure.”

Mr. Sawyers clears his throat. “There was this one time when Damon was drunk and I found him by the pool. He started saying things about how he wasn’t my real brother and he would have given anything to change that. He was devastated over a fight he had had with our father and I thought at the time he was rambling but… Now that you mention it… I can’t be sure because I have nothing else to base it on. But it is not a possibility I haven’t thought about. Mainly because of the way our father treated him.”

“Then I will have to inform you that I’m looking into that aspect as well. I know it could be hard if it comes out that I’m right but—”

“It doesn’t change anything for me,” he cuts me off. “He is my brother in all ways that count and that’s enough.”

An involuntary smile tugs at my lips. “It says a lot about you, Mr. Sawyers that you would speak that way. I assure you I will keep doing everything I can to find your brother.”

“And about that aircraft,” he goes on. “If it comes to the point you need to go somewhere, travel anywhere, I will make all the arrangements. It doesn’t matter where. I will pay for any expenses.”

“I will keep that in mind, Mr. Sawyers. For now I’m only going to bid you goodnight and try to get a little more work under. I will let you know if I find out anything else.”

“Thank you, Cassandra,” Mrs. Sawyers says in a low voice. “Please, find him.”

“H
ello?”

“Mrs. Jameson?”

“Speaking.”

“My name is Cassandra Hale. I’m a Private Investigator. I was wondering if we could arrange a meeting? I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“What is this about?” her tone suggests suspicion.

“I’m afraid there’s not much I can tell you over the phone, only that it concerns a person who has been missing for the last seven years.”

“And what is that person’s name?”

“Please, Mrs. Jameson. Can we not meet somewhere? I promise not to take up a lot of your time. It’s only a few questions—”

“The name,” she insists.

“I don’t like passing information about cases via phone, Mrs. Jameson. If you could just—”

“I want a name or I’m hanging up right now.”

“Damon Sawyers,” I say sharply. My patience has ended. “I’m looking for Damon Sawyers.”

A long beat of silence and then, “I don’t know him.”

I can tell she’s lying by the sudden straining in her voice. “Maybe you didn’t know him by name but if I showed you a picture—”

“There’s no point. I don’t know him and I don’t have time for this. Find someone else to bother.”

“Mrs. Jameson—”

“Goodbye, Miss Hale.”

“Was Damon your son?” I shout out.

I can tell she hasn’t hung up and I’m holding my breath in wait of her answer. “I don’t have children,” she says sharply.

“I need to talk to you in person, Mrs. Jameson. I know you said you don’t have the time but I’m sure you can squeeze me in your busy schedule for fifteen minutes. Just tell me where to meet with you and I’ll be there.” She doesn’t answer and I hurry to go on. “Let me remind you that my job requires me to operate with absolute discretion. No one will ever know I spoke with you if that’s what you’re worried about.” I soften my voice. “Even if I’m wrong about my assumptions, I need to find this man, Mrs. Jameson. If he’s not your son then he’s another woman’s son. He’s someone’s brother. Your help could be essential.”

This time I actually wonder if she hung up without me realizing it. Eventually, she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “Wednesday evening. At the Washington monument. I won’t be able to stay for long though so you’d better have your questions prepared.”

“Thank—” The line goes dead and I’m left speechless. What the hell is wrong with her?

Next on my list is the phone number of the company who sold the aircraft. I arrange for a meeting in a couple of hours to show them a picture of Damon, just to make sure he was the one who bought it. At least those guys sound willing to cooperate.

I arrive at the meeting and immediately start my questions. I’m buzzing with excitement when they assure me it really was Damon who made the purchase. To my absolute surprise, they have dug out a video of that day and they show him to me.

There he is. As handsome as in his photo. Dark brown hair, lean, athletic body with roped muscles that peek from under the sleeves of his t-shirt. He is tall – 6’ 3’’ according to my files – and there is a haunted expression on his face that gives me the chills. As if he doesn’t care about anything and anyone. As if his blood has turned cold.

I know it sounds extreme but I really feel like I know him. I’ve never studied a person as much as I have him and it’s a little disconcerting. It’s like I’m reading a book and bonding with the character only this is reality. I feel like I know his expressions, his thoughts and his feelings at any given moment and I’ve only ever seen him in a photo. A still frame of a random moment in his life. Oh, and from the surveillance video I just saw.

I confirm all the information I have about the aircraft and attain one more little detail. Damon had asked for the aircraft to be delivered to a small airport a little outside of DC. As soon as I’m in my car, I call said airport.

“Hello?” a man’s voice answers.

“Yes, hi. My name is Cassandra Hale and I’m a PI. I was wondering if there will be someone there in the next hour? I need information about a private aircraft delivered there.”

“Sure, lady. Come over any time.”

About forty minutes later I’m at the airport.

“Hi, I’m Cassandra Hale, we spoke on the phone.”

“Yes, hi. Jack Callahan. How can I help?”

“I am looking for someone. He may have been here seven years ago.”

He scratches his silver head in confusion. “Seven years? Lady, that’s way back.”

“I know. I have here the number of the aircraft and approximate date of when it was here. I need you to help me look in the archives.”

He shakes his head. “That’s going to be hard considering we hardly ever keep archives from so long ago. I should know since I’ve been working here for ten years.”

Oh, fuck. That’s not good. Please, let me find out something more. Don’t let it end here. I‘m so close. “Please. I can show you a picture of the man I’m looking for if you think that will work better.” I take out Damon’s photo and hold it out for him. “This is the man. He had a twin-engine aircraft delivered here and, if my assumptions are correct, he flew out of here on the 24
th
of July, 2008. He would have been alone—”

“I know this guy,” he cuts me off with lowered eyebrows. “It’s as you said it. He came that night and looked like he was in a hurry. He only had a small bag with him and, when I asked if we should expect him back here, he said he wasn’t planning on returning.”

My knees nearly buckle with relief. I really need to check my emotional responses when it comes to Damon Sawyers. “Do you happen to know his destination?”

“Well, you’re lucky because I was the one working here that day. It struck me as odd that he was leaving on his own, without even a co-pilot and I remember him well. I noted his flying route. He was headed to Alaska.”

“Cole Sawyers.”

“Mr. Sawyers. It’s Cassandra Hale.”

“Cassandra. You have something for me?” he asks with clear hope in his voice.

“Why would your brother go to Alaska?”

“Alaska?” He was silent for a few moments. “That’s… weird. Well, not weirder than him disappearing but still… Can I call you back? I need to check with Victoria and my mother. They might know something I don’t.”

“Yes, call me anytime. I’m afraid it’s my only lead other than a meeting I have with Mrs. Fiona Jameson on Wednesday.”

“It’s already more than anyone else had, Cassandra. I will call you back as soon as I can.”

I look at his picture one more time. He doesn’t look like his brother other than they both have dark hair. His eyes are a grayish-green and his smile is wide, with sparkling white teeth. He has a strong jaw though not overly harsh. His nose is straight. I think he probably is the most gorgeous man I have ever laid eyes on.

Why would he leave? Even if things were rough, why would he disappear? Everything I’ve learned about him tells me he is a bright man, strong-willed, passionate and kind. Jeremy is right; he is prince-charming material. Why would a guy like him, someone who could have anything they wanted just up and leave?

I can’t take my eyes off his photo. Fuck me but I’m obsessing. I can admit it to myself. I need to find him soon because this is getting ridiculous. I’m twenty-five years old and I’ve never been obsessed over someone. And now it’s happening with Damon Sawyers, whom I’ve never even met.

My phone rings and I answer with a sigh, finally looking away from the photo. “Cassandra Hale.”

“Cassandra, it’s Victoria Sawyers.”

“Mrs. Sawyers.”

“Cole told me what you found out but we have nothing. He is devastated thinking we have hit another dead-end. Please tell me you have something else to work with.”

“I am booking a flight to Alaska as we speak. Even without an explanation of why he would go, the people working at the airport he landed might give us something. My meeting with Fiona Jameson, as I’ve already told Mr. Sawyers, is on Wednesday. Until then, Alaska is my only lead.”

“You are amazing. Cole and I will handle all your expenses.”

I don’t argue with that and after a few more short words, she hangs up. And I’m staring at Damon’s picture once more.

“You need a haircut,” Layla says as she looks at me thoughtfully.

“No, I don’t,” I say in mock-offense. The truth is I’ve let my hair grow more than usual. Way more. It is dark brown, forming messy waves that reach just above my lower back. I usually had it cut in layers, with the longest strands settling between my shoulder-blades. Now if I straighten it, it nearly reaches my ass.

“Yes, you do. You never let it that long unless you’re swamped in work, which you are. That’s it. I’m making you an appointment over at Sally’s for tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to cut it yet,” I say as I pick up a strand and look down at it. “And besides, I can’t do it tomorrow.”

“Sure you can. It’s Saturday and Jeremy is off. In fact, you’re spending the whole weekend with us to take your mind off work for a while.”

I roll my eyes and settle back in my armchair. “I’ll be out of town, Layla. Out of state, to be exact.”

Dean snickers. “Nice, babe. You made your best friend run from the state to avoid your makeover.”

I stick out my tongue at him.

“Where are you going?” Layla asks in confusion.

“Alaska. Following a lead.”

“He’s in Alaska?” she screeches.

“Ouch, babe,” Dean says sarcastically while rubbing his ear. “I don’t think dogs are interested in Damon Sawyers so use a lower frequency.”

She swats at his arm. “Shut up. He’s in Alaska?” she asks again at a more normal tone.

“Hopefully. It’s my only lead currently.”

“So what?” Dean asks with a frown. “You’re going to the other side of the country to follow a lead?”

“It’s my job, Dean.”

“I know. And it’s part of the reason I’ve told you many times you’d be better off doing another job.”

“And I’ve answered everytime that I love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“It’s dangerous,” he insists.

I sigh because we’ve had this argument hundreds of times. “Dean, you know I’m not going to quit my job because we’ve talked about this over and over again. I know your worries, I understand and respect them but I’m not changing professions.”

“Don’t worry, baby,” Layla coos before pressing a kiss on her husband’s lips. “As soon as she finds Damon Sawyers, that’s all going to change. She’s going to drop everything when she becomes his wife!”

I shake my head in amusement. “I’m not dropping my job when and if I get married, Layla.”

“But you won’t need it when you’re married to a billionaire,” she insists.

“Oh for fu—crying out loud, restrain her Dean!” I yell in mock despair.

“Nah. She’s a good influence on you. You just cut your cussing short.” His amused grin is wide.

“That’s because of my nephew, smartass. He can’t be hearing his favorite aunt cussing before he even comes out.”

“She,” Layla corrects me with narrowed eyes. “Your
niece
has already heard you cussing plenty.”

“Of course he has. My nephew has amazing hearing.”

She shakes her head, her lips twitching as she suppresses a smile. “I see what you’re doing there Cass but you’re not getting what you want. I’m making you that appointment for when you get back from AK.” She turns to Dean. “Unless she returns with her future husband and he likes it better this way.”

“You’re hopeless,” I say, laughing.

She grins. “I know!”

The plane reaches Anchorage and I’ve only managed a two-hour sleep on a seven-and-a-half-hour flight. As soon as I pick up my bag from the carousel, I make for the security office and introduce myself. They seem skeptical about helping me until I mention the name of Cole Sawyers. Apparently he has called ahead and informed them I’d need their help and they seem willing to help me now that they know it’s for him. Money can really get you anywhere.

“Here you are,” the employee tells me as he finishes the search on his computer. “Here is the number of the plane you’re looking for but it’s not register to either Damon Sawyers or Chandler Sawyers. Are you sure you got the names right?”

“It’s my job to have the names right,” I tell him as I lean over his shoulder to look at the computer screen. “What name does it say?”

“It says it’s registered to a William H. Wilson. Here is his home address and phone number.”

I note it down and step outside. As soon as I’m away from prying ears, I dial his number. “Hello, Mr. Wilson. My name is Cassandra Hale. I was wondering if I could borrow a few minutes of your time?”

“Well, Cassandra Hale, it depends. What can I help you with?”

“I’m a PI, Mr. Wilson and I’m looking for someone. Is there somewhere we can meet? I’m currently at the Ted Stevens airport.”

“Then you’re at the wrong place, Miss Hale. I’m over in McCarthy.”

I roll my eyes, completely impatient now that I’m here. “I know that, Mr. Wilson. That’s why I’m calling. I wanted to make sure you would still be in McCarthy when I find a flight to get there.”