Weep In The Night (17 page)

She nodded.

“First, get some rest. There's a bathroom through there.” She lowered herself to the bed while he pointed out a door to her right. “Don't leave the house. Don't make any phone calls, and if anything happens to me, Erik will take care of you.”

Wide-eyed, she stared at him, unable to comprehend his last statement.

Bowen sat next to her, taking her hand and stroking it as if she were three years old. “Don't worry. I plan on being around a long time. Now, before I go, any questions?”

A dozen sprinted through her brain, but she knew he meant questions about his instructions. “No. I understand.”

With a final pat on her hand, he stepped to the door. “One more thing. Always be dressed to run out of here. Sleep in regular clothes, and when you shower, do so as quickly as possible. And have your things packed at all times.” His dimple appeared briefly. “See you in the morning.”

“Thank you for everything.”

He gave her a nod and closed the door.

Sadie rose to her feet and glanced around. The room had heavily shaded windows, a double bed, a six-drawer dresser, and a lamp on a side table.

Tired, aching muscles called for rest. From the drugstore sack, she pulled her toothbrush and toothpaste. On the way to the bathroom, she removed the wig. She brushed her teeth and washed her face, and then shed her jacket and sneakers and tumbled into bed. Sleep descended immediately.

She awoke to the sound of male voices outside the window. For a second, she couldn't remember where she was, and then in the gloom she caught sight of the wig draped over her suitcase. Stretching tight muscles, she slid out of bed and peeked around the shade. Bowen and Erik conversed a moment longer before disappearing around the house.

Daylight. Today she'd see Cal, and maybe Hannah.

She showered and dressed in record time. With the wig securely in place, she packed her belongings. Checking her reflection in the mirror, she noticed an old-fashioned glass soda bottle with a yellow carnation on the dresser. Had it been there last night?

Erik stood at the stove, stirring a savory concoction that smelled like home cooking.

“Good morning.”

He turned at her greeting and gestured to the counter. “Morning. There's coffee.”

The aroma from the pan tickled her taste buds. She poured a mug of coffee, added an extra dose of creamer to the dark brew, and savored the first sip. “Where's Bowen?”

Erik set three plates on the counter. “Garage. He'll be back soon.”

He shoveled his creation from the skillet onto the plates and pushed one to her. “Eat. It's good.”

While he ran water into the skillet, she slipped around the counter and hunted for silverware. An odd assortment of knives, forks, and spoons rattled in the second drawer she opened. She gathered three sets, took her plate, silverware, and cup to the green Formica-topped square table, and sat facing the kitchen. Erik's dish of eggs, green peppers, and sausage was delicious. He ate standing at the stove while keeping an eye on her.

The morning light accentuated his sharp features. Rolled up shirtsleeves exposed faded tattoos. Deep crow's-feet etched the corners of his eyes. She guessed he had a few years on Bowen, although she didn't know Bowen's age.

The back door opened, and Bowen stomped into the kitchen. “Something smells good. Morning Sadie. Did you sleep OK?”

With her mouth full, she could only nod.

Bowen washed his hands, scooped up his plate and joined her at the table. “Hey, Erik, please bring me a cup of coffee, and come sit with us. She doesn't bite. I promise.” He grinned and forked food into his mouth.

Carrying two mugs, Erik slid into a chair.

“Thanks.” Bowen took a gulp of coffee.

One last bite and Sadie set her plate aside. “Did you get any sleep?”

“Not much. Erik and I had to finalize plans.”

Erik drained his cup and nodded.

“Like what?”

Bowen took their empty plates to the sink and returned with the coffeepot and creamer container. He refilled the three cups and sat.

“Phone calls. Contacts. That kinda thing.”

“I get the message. You'll tell me what I need to know.” After shaking a liberal dose of creamer into her cup, Sadie sipped her coffee. “So, when are we going to meet Caleb?”

Erik checked his watch. “I'll make the call.”

Sadie caught the glance Bowen sent Erik. The tall man stood and loped down the hall.

When he disappeared into one of the bedrooms, she asked, “Who is he?”

Bowen took another gulp of coffee.

“Where's he from? I don't recognize his accent.”

When he ignored her questions, she scooted the chair back from the table and rolled up her sleeves. Might as well clean the kitchen. As steam rose from the sink, she concentrated on the chore and jumped when Bowen's breath heated her neck.

“Erik's from Bosnia. Now quit with the questions.” He added his cup to the water. “Thanks for doing the dishes. We'll leave in ten minutes.” His footsteps echoed down the hall.

Ten minutes. Soon she'd meet Cal, and they'd make plans to see Hannah. She glanced at her clothes. Blue jeans, pink and white striped top. Hurrying to her room, she shook her head. Crazy. She hadn't given a thought to her clothing in three years. Why start now? Cal wouldn't care. After all, he'd paid who knows how much for Bowen to locate her. After checking her room one more time to make sure all her things were in the suitcase, she collected her purse and faded denim jacket and headed to the living room.

Erik, a shoulder holster strap crossing his back, stood at the closed front door. He turned as Sadie entered.

Remembering Bowen's admonition, she refrained from asking questions, but she couldn't keep her gaze off Erik's weapon.

He yanked a brown suede jacket from the rack and pulled it on, effectively concealing the holster.

Sadie sank into the dark blue armchair and closed her eyes. The day might hold all manner of surprises for her. Her stomach flip-flopped with nervous jitters. From out of nowhere a scripture floated into consciousness.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Although prayer had been an integral part of her former life, she'd said few since Aaron died. But now, she found minute phrases in her soul budding to life. They grew and blossomed, until she crumbled forward and covered her face.
Oh, God, please forgive me. Come near and give me strength. I can't get through today without You.
She wasn't sure how long she sat there, but by the time Bowen interrupted, a shawl of peace covered her shoulders.

“Ready?” He sorted through jackets on the rack and chose a gray windbreaker. “Let's go.”

In the driveway were two vehicles—a tan sedan and a black pickup, like the one Cal drove before she entered WITSEC.

“We'll use the car. Erik will take the truck.”

“Where's your pickup?”

Bowen gestured to the detached two-car garage and opened her door. “Need to keep it hidden for now. Just a precaution.”

His words knocked a small chink in her security blanket. She might be with Hannah soon, but her troubles were far from over.

Before setting off, Bowen inserted a device into his ear and set the microphone piece close to his mouth. “Testing. Erik, come in.” He paused and then added, “Good to go. I'll wait for you to close the gate.”

Although she'd lived in L.A. for many years, Sadie had no idea where they were.

Bowen's set jawline and rigid posture squelched any thought of asking. His constant scanning to the right and left reminded her of their serious situation.

Erik followed close behind them.

She kept quiet until they turned onto Highway 101, and she caught a glimpse of the Hollywood sign. A light film of smog hovered over the city. Now she was in familiar territory. “Where are we going to meet Cal?”

“In the hills. Near Runyan Canyon Park. Erik will call and give him the exact location shortly.”

“Why there?”

“Only one way in. Easy for Erik to monitor.” His brusque tone and concise answer erected a barrier between them. No longer her driving companion, he'd morphed into her bodyguard.

“I know Erik carries a gun. Do you?”

“No.” Bowen zigzagged through a neighborhood and then turned onto Runyan Canyon Road. They twisted up into the hills about a mile, with Bowen checking the rearview mirror every few seconds. He slowed and parked in a wide graveled area. With the vehicle facing the road, he tapped his earpiece. “We're here. Send him up.”

Sadie glanced around. Where was Erik?

Bowen left the engine running and opened a window. With his hand on his earpiece, he looked at Sadie. “Erik's at the bottom of the road. He'll keep watch. Make sure no one followed Cal. Are you ready?”

A boulder-sized lump formed in her throat. She swallowed and nodded.

“I see his SUV now.” As it drew to a stop, Bowen opened his door. “Stay here until I call you. Understand?”

She twisted her purse strap and kept her eyes on the silver vehicle. “OK.”

Cal climbed out and shook hands with Bowen.

Sadie's heart quivered and a gasp escaped her dry lips. Cal looked so much like Aaron. The same height, close to six-foot. Short hair a little lighter than Aaron's. Same square jaw. Hands on his hips, Aaron's favorite stance.

Bowen motioned to Sadie.

Without hesitation, she exited the car.

She ran and fell into Cal's arms.

He studied her face. “Sadie? You're so different.” He wrapped her in a crushing hug. “I'm glad to see you.”

“Hi, Caleb. Tell me about Hannah.”

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

Sadie sat with Cal in his car while he repeated his story of finding Hannah. He added details to the conversation they'd had en route to California. Stepping out of the car, she beckoned to Bowen. “When can we see her?”

“We're working on that. But Cal won't be coming with us.” Bowen was in charge.

“Will Cal and I meet again? We have so much to talk about.”

“Maybe. Let's see what happens when we locate Hannah. We'll—hold on.” He touched his earpiece, and then his brow scrunched tight.

“Get in the car. Cal, follow me out of here. We've got company.”

Sadie jumped in the sedan and snapped her seat belt.

Jamming the car in gear, Bowen tore across the gravel. Cal followed close behind as they screeched around curves and raced up hills. Out the back window, Sadie glimpsed a dark SUV gaining on them. Erik's black pickup roared around the SUV. He maneuvered from side to side, preventing the SUV from passing him.

Sadie's thoughts worked overtime. Had someone followed Cal? Did that mean the Levasseurs knew she was in L.A.?

The grim set of Bowen's face confirmed her suspicions. By the time he turned onto Mulholland Drive, he'd lost Erik and the SUV. Cal kept close as they drove down the 101, the Hollywood Freeway, to a café tucked away in a quiet neighborhood.

“I need to have a long talk with Cal. We're safe here. Erik will keep watch.” He removed the ear piece. “Too easy to trace.”

Face pale, lips tight, Cal joined them at the café entrance. “What happened back there?”

Bowen gestured to the café door. “Let's discuss that.”

Once directed to a table close to the kitchen, Bowen pointed to the laminated menu. “Please order coffee for me. I need to make a quick call.” He moved to the corner and held his phone to his ear.

Caleb ordered coffee for himself and Bowen, and Sadie chose hot chocolate. She had enough acid churning in her stomach.

Bowen returned a couple of minutes later and joined them. “OK, folks, here's the deal. It's obvious someone followed you, Cal. Did you adhere to all the precautions I gave you?”

“To the letter. Didn't tell anyone.” Cal hiked his shoulders, eyes wide. “Took a circuitous route. Kept watch for a tail.”

With his gaze fixed on the red tablecloth, Bowen pursed his lips. “And you've never called me on a landline—even from your office?”

Cal pulled his cell phone from his suit coat pocket and waited for the server to deliver their order. “This is what I use.”

Bowen held out his hand. “Let me have it.”

Before Cal could protest, Bowen located a tiny screwdriver on his key chain and popped the cover off the device. He examined the intricate innards, and then snapped the cover back in place. “No bug.” He slid it across the table to Cal. “Start at the beginning and tell us what you did after seeing the child who looks like Hannah.”

Mug in hand, Cal explained how he'd questioned the woman's neighbors and discovered she'd showed up with a child in mid-November. “They remembered it was the week before Thanksgiving, and I narrowed it down to the year of Aaron's accident.”

“Did you tell anyone? How about your girlfriend?”

“My fiancée? No, I didn't tell Reyna or anyone else. That's when I decided to hire someone to locate Sadie.”

She took Cal's free hand in hers and squeezed.

He acknowledged her action with a nod.

“I know I wasn't the first person you contacted. How did you find the others?” Bowen drained his mug.

“Let me think.” Cal squinted for a moment. “When I entered my office the next morning, I asked my secretary to get me a list of private detectives.”

“And you trust her?”

“I did, but she no longer works for me. She got married and moved to San Francisco a month ago.”

“Did anyone overhear you ask her for the list?”

“There were probably three or four people in the reception area. Maybe—“

Bowen's phone rang. “It's Erik.” While he listened, deep lines furrowed his brow. He shoved his phone back into his pocket and stood. “We've got to go. Erik ran the plates on the SUV. Turns out the guy works for Brady Holdings.”