Abducted (5 page)

“I hope you’re right,” Carly said. “Maybe you won’t need my services.” She still wondered at the vibe she was getting from Andrea and had the distinct impression her roommate was holding something back. But what?

“As soon as I hear from Nelson, I’ll text you, one way or the other.”

“I’M FINISHED, PETE.”
The lab tech stepped out of the security office, set her kit on a chair, and arranged everything before closing it up. “I did pull off a couple of good prints. I’m heading to the station to process what I have.” She handed a cloth doll in a plastic bag to Harris. “You recovered the doll, so I’m signing it back to you to place into evidence.”

“Thanks. And let me know if you find anything—even if it looks insignificant.” Pete took the doll, and the technician left. He turned back to Carly and Andrea. “Things are looking up. I’m sure she’ll come up with something.”

Andrea threw her head back and sighed. “This person was smart. She knew someone dressed as a volunteer carrying a doll or a baby wouldn’t attract anyone’s attention—it would be normal—so even if someone saw her, they might not remember.” She frowned, and her lips quivered as she leaned against a counter and watched Harris.

“You’re right; and she took care that nothing was disturbed except A.J. She came in carrying something and left carrying something else. And all we get is this doll.” Pete held up the bag the tech had handed him, marked with a red
Evidence
tag. Inside was a simple cloth doll dressed in a blue sleeper.

“Maybe this woman was a volunteer here at one time,” Carly said. “Are people fingerprinted and given background checks before they’re hired as volunteers?”

Andrea shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“We’ll check that,” Pete said. “Either way, I’m hoping for a decent print from the security office. If so, we might get a hit from Cal-ID. Even if she’s never been arrested, she’s bound to have a driver’s license.” He fidgeted with the doll. “She was certainly not short on cheek to come up here and snatch a baby. Not even state-of-the-art security stopped her. I hope the hospital takes that into consideration if they try to place blame.”

Carly raised her eyebrows at the mention of blame. She hadn’t really thought about that, but Pete was right. The hospital would definitely want to hold someone responsible for such a horrific mistake or lapse, whatever it was. She glanced at Andi and hoped her roommate wasn’t the one who was culpable.

Pete’s BlackBerry screamed—literally; a scream was his ringtone. Homicide gallows humor. He unhooked it from his belt and read the message. “It’s Jacobs. Time for the press conference. He wants Joe to go on the air and make a plea for the baby to be returned. I’m going downstairs. Carly, you want to come?”

“Yeah, I do. Joe will need some moral support.”

“Meet me in the cafeteria when you’re done,” Andi said as Carly and Pete got on the elevator.

The press conference was set up in front of the hospital. Carly counted all the local stations and several cable stations present. Jake was at the podium with a prepared statement. Joe was next to his father and Sergeant Nelson. Carly guessed that Joe’s mom had stayed with Christy. Harris split off to the other side of the podium while Carly stepped next to Joe and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

He looked at her and nodded thanks, his expression stern. As Jake finished his statement and motioned for Joe to come to the podium, cameras clicked.

Holding a photo, Joe spoke into the microphone, describing his son and pleading with whoever took him to bring him back safe. Carly swallowed a lump as emotions swelled. Just hours before, Joe had called A.J. the best thing that ever happened to him and Christy.
Oh, God,
she prayed,
please bring him back safe and sound.

When Joe finished, Jake offered to take questions so Joe didn’t have to hang around and could get back to Christy. Carly gave her partner another hug as he headed for the elevator. She went the opposite direction to meet Andrea in the cafeteria.

Grabbing coffee and a bagel, she searched for her roommate and saw her sitting at a table next to the window. As she reached the table, Carly noted the brooding expression that darkened her roommate’s face. “What’s going on, Andi? You look as if this whole thing was your fault.”

Andi tipped her head to one side and ran a finger under her eye before she responded. “I feel responsible. I was senior nurse on the floor, filling in for Marsha Collins. I can’t believe someone walked in and did this on my watch.”

“Hey, you couldn’t know this was going to happen. Whoever did this obviously planned it out carefully.” She sat down and took a sip of coffee.

Andrea had a half-eaten turkey sandwich and a soda in front of her. She played with the straw and stared out the window at the simmering, hazy city of Las Playas. Carly savored a few more sips of the hot coffee while Andrea picked at her food halfheartedly.

“How’d the press conference go?”

“Good, I think. Joe made a clear and heartfelt plea.”

“I hope it works.” Andi would not meet her gaze, and she sounded defeated.

“Really, it’s not your fault.” Carly wondered at her roommate’s attitude. It was unlike her to drown in self-pity. But then she’d never had a kid snatched on her watch before. “I know Joe would never blame you. Besides, I can’t believe this woman thinks she can get away with A.J. After this conference airs, his picture will be plastered everywhere. She won’t be able to keep him a secret.”

“I feel like I should have seen something.” Andrea put the remains of her sandwich down and chugged her soda. “It’s like having our house burglarized. I feel so violated.”

“I can relate to that. I just pray the crook keeps A.J. healthy until we get to him.”

Andrea choked on her soda and sputtered at Carly. “I swear you sound just like your mother when you throw in that prayer stuff. That kid will be found through investigation or luck, not because of some hokey prayers.” She spit the word
prayers
out with such venom it took Carly by surprise.

“Sorry. I just believe prayer helps. I didn’t know it bugged you so much.”

“I didn’t mean to snap, but it does irritate me. Before Nick came back into your life, that stuff used to bug you too, remember?”

“I do remember, but I’ve changed.”

“And that makes you trust that Nick has changed as well?” Andrea shook her head and leaned back in her seat. “People say they’re Christian and tell you they can be trusted, but that doesn’t always make it true.”

“Are you talking about Nick or someone else?”

Andi closed her eyes. “No one. Forget I said it. I’m just stressed.”

Carly considered her roommate, trying to remember if there was someone in Andi’s past who’d burned her by saying one thing and doing the opposite.

“You know what happened to me, why I became a Christian. And it really doesn’t have anything to do with Nick.” Carly paused and searched for the right words. She remembered all too well how much the mention of prayer and God used to bother her. But she had gone through a life-changing experience while investigating the murder of the Las Playas mayor four months previous. A fellow officer, a good friend of Nick’s, sacrificed his life for her, and she’d jumped from a speeding boat into the ocean to swim for her life after the mayor’s killers threatened to kill her, too. She encountered God on a very basic level, and having given him her life, she knew she’d never be the same again.

Finally, looking across at her brooding roommate, she said, “I just know now that God is real, and prayer is an expression of my faith. The last thing I want to do is irritate you.”

“How do you know God is real? You’re getting goofy. I can’t believe all that stuff.” She waved her hand as if waving away a stench. “And Nick is supposed to be this super guy all of a sudden, and he treats you like dirt after you forgave the pig.”

“Nick is going through a tough time at the moment. He’s frustrated with his therapy.”

“So it’s okay for him to take it out on you? Wake up! This Christian stuff is making you a doormat. That’s what it does to women.”

Carly looked out the window and gulped her coffee, welcoming the scalding feeling because she didn’t know what to say. Lately that was exactly what Nick made her feel like—a doormat.
But that’s not God, is it?

“Look here, my two favorite ladies!”

The roommates turned at the same time as Alex Trejo, a local newspaper reporter, strolled up.

“How’d you find us down here?” Carly didn’t know whether to be mad or glad. She hadn’t noticed Trejo at the press conference, but then, as the police beat reporter for the
Las Playas Messenger
, he’d most likely been there. Maybe he could be an ally in the search for A.J.

“I have my ways.” He grinned. “But I’m on your side; don’t kick me out. Can I join you?”

Andrea stood. “You can sit here, Alex. I’ve got to get back to the floor. I’ll see you later, Carly. And sorry I snapped. I’m tired, okay?”

“Don’t worry about it. And don’t work too hard. Remember, it wasn’t your fault.”

“Thanks.”

Both Trejo and Carly watched Andrea as she left the cafeteria. Trejo turned back and studied Carly for a minute. He sat in the chair Andrea had vacated.

“What was up with that? She blame herself for the kidnapping?”

“I have a mind to check you for tape recorders before I say anything.”

“Edwards!” Trejo leaned back in mock indignation. “How could you suspect me of subterfuge? I thought we were friends!”

“Yeah, Alex, you’re a friend like a tiger is a pet. You may look docile, but you always have to be watched.” Carly offered a wry smile.

Trejo laughed. “Okay, okay. Today I’m really on your side. I want to help get this kid back. I like Joe; you know that. I’ll do all I can. Is there anything you can tell me that wasn’t said at the presser?”

Carly shook her head and toyed with her coffee cup. “I know as much as you do. Someone posing as a volunteer took my partner’s baby. They broke into a secure room to turn off surveillance. We’re hoping to match prints, and that’s the extent of what I know. And I’m hoping you’ll help.”

“Again, I’ll do anything I can. After all, you and Joe helped me out, kept me from getting my head bashed in. I owe you both. He’s got to be torn up. How’s his wife?”

Carly remembered Alex getting beaten by two corrupt cops, Drake and Tucker, when he tried to conceal her presence in his house. It was Joe coming to the rescue with the FBI that saved both their lives. “He
is
torn up. Christy is stable but not conscious. I don’t think the doctors know what made her sick.” She drained the last of her coffee and picked at the remnants of her bagel.

“You certainly ate a nutritious lunch,” Trejo observed.

“If you walked through the line here, you noticed that not much is appetizing.”

“That’s true enough. Hey, why don’t you let me buy you dinner? We’ll get out of here and head down to the Apex.”

“No, that’s okay. I’ll hang out—”

“And do what?” Trejo cut her off. “Look, there’s nothing for you to do, and you know it. I know Joe’s parents are here, so he’ll be taken care of, and Harris has the investigation. No need for supercop Edwards there. You look like you need to get away from this for a bit. Come on, it’s on me. I do owe you.”

“Don’t you have a story to file about the kidnapping?”

He held up his phone. “There’s an app for that. Already sent all the pertinent info; it’s up on the website as we speak. I will add more when I get it.” He regarded her with raised eyebrows.

“Well . . .” Carly considered the offer and Trejo’s earnestness. Maybe it was a good idea to get away from the depressing atmosphere of the hospital. “I’m going to check with Joe first. I can’t just leave unless I’m certain there’s nothing more I can do.”

“Fair enough. I’ll be in front where they’re tearing down the press conference stage.”

They stood and followed the path out of the cafeteria that Andrea had taken a few minutes ago. Carly turned left at the elevators, and Trejo turned right to exit. While she rode the elevator up, she thought about Andrea and hoped they’d be able to sit down and clear the air soon.

When Carly arrived at the critical care floor, Jacobs, Nelson, and Pete were huddled together in the waiting area—discussing the case, she figured.

“Carly.” Nelson saw her and waved her over. “Pete asked you about helping out with the invest, right?”

“Yeah, I’m up for it.”

“Good. I’ve got a call into Garrison. Where are you headed now?”

“I was going to see if Joe needed anything.”

“He sat down after the conference and fell asleep, couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer. We’ve assigned a black-and-white here for Joe. For the time being, they’ll take care of anything he needs. I want to be sure you’re close when we get approval for your reassignment.”

“Yeah, I will be. I’m just going to grab a late lunch.” Carly looked toward Christy’s room, not wanting to take Joe away from sleep he needed. Turning back to Nelson, she said, “Tell him I was here, and if you need me for anything at all, call.”

“Count on it. Thanks for being available.”

Carly nodded and got back on the elevator. As the doors closed, she leaned in one corner, heaviness on her heart, not 100 percent certain leaving was the right thing to do. But, she reminded herself, Trejo could be an important ally here: he was the press, and he excelled at disseminating a message. And Nelson would call if he needed her; of that she was sure. In the back of her mind, a little voice said,
What about Nick?

Well, what about him?
she thought. There wasn’t anything to tell him right now, and it was time for a hot meal.

“All set?” Trejo asked as she walked out the front door.

“As set as I can be right now. I guess you make sense for a reporter. I am hungry. But let’s not go to the Apex; let’s go down to Walt’s in the marina instead.”

“Great, I’ll even drive. Let’s go.” Alex guided her away from the hospital and to his car.

“YOU’RE SCARING ME, EDWARDS.”

“What? Why?”

“The frown, the worry lines. They’ll find the kid, and you’re not missing anything taking time out to eat. You’re too quiet. Don’t you have faith in your department and coworkers?”

“Of course I do.” She folded her arms and turned in her seat to glare at the reporter. “But every minute A.J. is gone is a minute away from parents who love him. I’m allowed to be worried.”

“I saw the presser. Joe’s appeal was spot-on and heart wrenching.”

“Yeah, it was that. Does the ace reporter have ideas about what else can be done?”

“Flattery will get you everywhere. But other than going door to door . . .” He shrugged and looked at her while they waited at a red light. “How soon before this becomes an Amber Alert?”

Carly blew out a breath. “I think we need a vehicle description. I’m not certain if just a description of the kidnapper would do it. But this is definitely a stranger kidnapping; that’s obvious.”

“Then the ace reporter suggests that as soon as you have the needed information, get that Amber Alert activated.” He snapped his fingers rapidly. “Until then, I’d guess that the most effective thing is getting A.J.’s picture out there and beating the bushes for tips.”

“I have to agree with you.”

“Glad we are on the same page,” Trejo said as the light turned green and he turned in to the jam-packed marina parking lot. “Wow, everybody and their mother is down here!”

“That’s because this is the only place that’s cool, and Walt’s is going away soon,” Carly observed, leaning her head half out the window to enjoy the cooler temperature. Finally, a refreshing ocean breeze to take the edge off the oppressive heat.

“Don’t remind me,” Trejo said as he circled the lot three times before he found a spot. He and Carly unfolded themselves from his small sports car and walked along the gangway to Walt’s. The restaurant was at the end of an ancient boat dock that would soon be removed so the entire marina could be updated to include shopping, dining, and carnival games. But Walt’s and the unique atmosphere of his on-the-water dining would be gone. He didn’t want to be part of the upgrade.

Carly and Trejo squeezed through the crowd and found seats at the bar. She ordered a chili dog and fries. He opted for fish-and-chips, and they both asked for frosty milk shakes.

“I haven’t eaten down here in ages,” Carly said, relishing the cool sea air hitting her face. The hamburger joint offered bar-type seating in a half circle at the end of the dock.

“Me either. You made a good selection. They have the best fries anywhere.” Trejo turned sideways, and Carly felt his eyes on her. “You know, a person could hold you responsible for us losing Walt’s.”

“Me?” she asked, facing him with arched eyebrows.

“Hey, you discovered Correa was dirty. He fled, and then it was uncovered how much money he was stealing and that he was stonewalling the redo.” He held his hands up, palms out, as if he’d proved his point.

“So you’re saying you’d prefer to have a murderer and embezzler in charge of the harbor and marina so we could keep Walt’s?” Carly shook her head. Besides being responsible for embezzling the city’s redevelopment funds, Mario Correa, the old harbor superintendent, also shared culpability in the murders of Mayor Teresa Burke and Carly’s fellow officer Jeff Hanks.

“Just making an observation. Correa did have enough good taste to like the quaint old style of the marina.” His eyes twinkled, and she couldn’t help but smile.

“Can we not talk about him? I’ll lose my appetite.”

“Fair enough.” Alex nodded and kept his dark eyes focused her way. “So, Edwards, you staying busy back out on patrol?”

Carly fiddled with her napkin, recognizing that Alex was trying to distract her, keep her from worrying about Joe. She could put on a brave face and spar with him, at least during lunch.

“Yeah, Joe and I work hard. It was great until this nightmare with A.J. We just caught a burglar inside the security office at Memorial.” She told him about Stanley Harper and Thomas Caswell, then toasted the event with a draw on the straw of her shake after the server put it down.

“Outstanding. Of course, I already knew you two made a good team. I’m the president of your fan club.” His phone jangled with a text, and he picked it up to check the screen. “I have to answer this.”

She waved him on, and he bent to the task.

Briefly she thought back to the first time she had anything to do with Trejo. He’d reported on an officer-involved shooting she’d been part of and blasted her, insinuating she had done something wrong and that there was a cover-up. Later, they crossed paths when he covered the investigation into the mayor’s murder. She’d hated him because of the way he wrote about the police department in general and her in particular. But circumstances forced her to trust him with some information, and once she got to know the forthright reporter, he’d gained her respect.

Since then, she’d frequently seen Alex in court. All the defendants arrested in connection with the mayor’s murder had been in court recently for various hearings. Carly had been subpoenaed for most of them and testified at a couple of preliminary hearings. Trejo had been subpoenaed for one or two and showed up to report on the others. Court appearances generally involved a lot of waiting around, so she and Trejo had chatted quite a bit.

This was the first time they’d gotten together in a social situation one-on-one, and Carly couldn’t help but notice Trejo was a very handsome guy. His thick black hair, combed back, was just long enough to tickle his collar now. It used to be long enough to tie back into a ponytail. He’d told her once in court that he cut the ponytail in case he was called on to testify; he figured a shorter hairstyle would make him more credible. Today he wore a T-shirt and shorts over a lean, muscular build, and his olive-colored skin looked healthy and unblemished. She wondered about his age and guessed it was close to her own.

His text finished, he looked up, and his eyes danced with life. “I’m familiar with Caswell; he’s a piece of work.”

“Do you know him personally or professionally?”

“Ha.” He smiled, showing straight, white teeth. “I’ve never had to hire him, if that’s what you mean.”

Carly laughed, and it felt good after all the drama of the day. “No, I didn’t mean that. You cover crime; have you covered him in the course of your crime reporting?”

“I’ve seen him in court, and I’ve written a few paragraphs about him. He defends people with money. Everyone deserves a competent defense, but I hate it when it seems like rich people can buy their way out of a conviction.”

“I agree.”

“And Caswell can be personally nasty, the kind of guy a reporter wants to dig dirt on, if you get my drift.”

“Yeah, I’m familiar with the dirt you dig.”

That brought a laugh from Trejo, followed by an innocent look. “Who, me?” He brought a hand to his chest. “Only the bad guys need to worry about me, not decorated, honest, truth-seeking supercops like Carly Edwards.” He grinned, and Carly suddenly felt self-conscious under the reporter’s regard. “But I’m surprised you don’t know more about the esteemed attorney.”

“Me? I’ve never had to hire a defense attorney.”

“Yeah, but he’s worked for cops, usually really dirty ones.”

“Let’s not talk about dirty cops. I hope I’ve seen all of them I’m going to see in my career.” She changed the subject. “How did you sneak into the hospital today? It seemed like I was showing my badge at every corner. And I know they were trying to keep the press contained in one area so patients and visiting family were not disturbed in any way.”

“A good reporter never divulges his tactics.” He stuck his chin in the air.

The arrival of their meals saved him from answering in more detail. There was a brief silence between them as they arranged their food. Once set, Trejo switched back to his original topic of conversation: Carly. “I don’t really want to talk about me, Edwards. I want to know about you.”

“I thought we finished with that subject. I’m happy to be back on patrol. End of story.” Carly took a big, sloppy bite of her chili dog.

“Ha-ha, not what I meant. Are you seeing anyone right now?” He watched her while she chewed, and she struggled not to choke when she swallowed.

“That’s a little off the wall, isn’t it?” Carly ran a napkin across her mouth.

“I don’t think so. I didn’t become a hard-hitting reporter by beating around the bush. I believe in calling them as I see them. We’ve been palling around in court now for about a month. I think you’re cute and smart and interesting. If you’re not dating anyone, can we go out sometime?”

When she didn’t answer right away, he continued. “I apologize if my timing is bad, but I’m not sorry I told you how I feel.”

She found the sparkle in his eyes more than a little disconcerting and was startled at how flattered she felt by his interest. If forced to, she would admit that lately, every time she walked into court, she looked for Alex. His lighthearted banter always dispelled the boredom of waiting. He was funny and upbeat, like the old Nick. Her face flushed hot, and she knew the cause was guilt about Nick.

“You did catch me by surprise. I think you’re a nice guy—I mean, for a reporter.” She grinned to lighten the mood. “But I am kind of involved with someone right now.” Her grin barely hid the churning in her heart.
Why does it sound like I’m trying to convince myself I’m already spoken for?

“Nick? Your ex?”

“Yeah. We’ve been talking about reconciliation.”
Are we really?
she wondered. It had been two months since their last official “date.” He’d developed an infection about then and had to spend the night in the hospital for IV antibiotics.
Talk about invasion of the body snatchers. Nick’s been pulling away since then.

“Well, I’m not completely discouraged. I mean, I don’t see a ring. You think maybe we can hang out once in a while outside of court?” He held both hands up in front of him when she looked at him in surprise. “As friends, as friends!” he clarified.

Carly laughed a little nervously, wanting time to think before she responded. She liked Alex, and if Nick were out of the picture, she’d say yes immediately. But in spite of the issues between them right now, Nick
was
in the picture. She took a bite, chewed, swallowed, then answered.

“I’ll think about it. I do consider you a friend, so let’s finish dinner and then get back to the hospital. Joe is also a friend, and I’m worried about him.”

Trejo nodded. Carly busied herself with her food, hoping the subject was closed. But Trejo didn’t let the silence last.

“If you don’t mind my asking, why did you and Nick get divorced in the first place?”

“Well—” Carly thought carefully about how she wanted to answer—“it’s a long story, so I’ll just hit the high points. Nick had a brief affair. But he’s apologized, and I’ve forgiven him. We have a lot to work out, but we’re both willing.”

“Whoa! He cheated on you, and you want him back?” Trejo put his palms on the counter, sat up straight, and looked at Carly with an incredulous expression.

Carly smiled. She was used to that kind of response, especially from people she worked with. Adultery was unpardonable to many on the police force. Law enforcement marriages suffered a high percentage of divorces due to infidelity, and forgiveness often seemed a scarce commodity. “Yeah, Alex, I forgave him. I really believe he’s sorry, that it was a huge mistake and he’s changed.”

Trejo shook his head. “You’re more incredible than I first thought. Does he know how lucky he is?”

“I try to remind him now and again.”
I just doubt I’m getting through.

“What did he do to convince you he’d changed?”

“He became a Christian, started going to church, and I could see without a doubt that his lifestyle was different.” Carly realized she was telling someone other than close friends and family about Nick’s conversion for the first time. Her own had followed shortly thereafter, which was why she was able to forgive him.
Finding Christ changed my life for the better four months ago. And it was Nick who led the way.

“Do you really think if he’s a churchgoer he won’t cheat again?” Trejo asked the question in all seriousness. She saw no ridicule in his expression, and it made her bold.

“He’s sincere about his commitment to God; I’m sure of that. And church isn’t what it’s all about. As Christians, we believe the focus is a relationship with God, not a building.” Carly looked down at her plate as her stomach lurched. She
was
sure about Nick’s commitment to God but totally unsure about his commitment to her. She felt like she was standing on the narrowest of limbs, over the deepest of gorges, and the limb was breaking. She focused on Trejo’s voice.

“I just know that a lot of guys will tell their wives anything so they’ll take them back. I’ve heard the motto for cheating cops is ‘It’s cheaper to keep her,’” he was saying, “and then they go right back to cheating. My mom and dad went to church every Sunday. Mom said her rosary every night, and still my dad kept girlfriends. I remember in high school wanting to beat his head in because he made her cry. But she always took him back because of the church. I don’t know whether there is a God or not, but I do know people use him as an excuse for a lot of things, good and bad.”

“I believe there is a God and he’s got Nick, so I trust Nick.” Carly found Trejo’s probing gaze beyond unsettling and reached for her shake.

“I envy faith like that, Edwards. I hope Nick doesn’t let you down. Whatever happens, I’ll be here for you.” Their gazes locked. “And I mean that . . . even if we’re never more than just friends.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. Now let’s finish dinner and get back to the hospital.”

He nodded and grabbed the ketchup bottle. “Your every wish is my command.”

They finished up, and Trejo snatched the bill before the server could put it on the counter. Carly realized an argument would get her nowhere, so she simply thanked him and waited outside while he paid. She could admit that the meal had been pleasant; Trejo was good company. But she wanted Nick to be the man in her life, the one she thought of as good company.
What’s he doing now? Does he think about me as much as I think about him?