Every Move She Makes (36 page)

My Dearest Jordan,

I’ve waited so long for this day. Once we’re together I’m confident you’ll forgive me for this unfortunate scare. I promise I’ll release Lark unharmed if you follow my instructions. Tell anyone about the meeting I’ve planned, and I’ll see it as a breach of faith—which would force me to reconsider your daughter’s safe release. Please don’t make me hurt her.

Lark and I are enjoying a trip to the mountains. I thought it a fitting place for our reunion. Drive to the Soda Springs exit and ask for an envelope at the gas station. You’ll find further instructions inside.

I’m counting the hours until we’re finally together.

Your One True Love

Rachel read the letter a second time and bit her lip. Obviously Lark wasn’t being held in Lakeport. Either Bob or Curt had taken her up to the Sierras. Quietly she slipped through the entry and climbed the stairs. In her room, she took a small penknife from a box of odds and ends and slipped it into her pocket. Too bad it wasn’t a machete—or a gun. Not knowing what to expect, she packed a bag with a change of clothes and a few toiletries. In Lark’s room, she grabbed a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt along with socks and tennis shoes. Her cell phone rang while she was writing a note.

“Kane?”

“Hey, beautiful. I just wanted to check in. We haven’t located Lark or Mayfield yet, but we’re still looking. The house has definitely been used recently.”

“Do you think it was Bob?”

“We found footprints that match his shoe size in a patch of dirt near the driveway. The forensic guys are going through the pickup, but they haven’t turned up any evidence yet.”

“So the truck might not be the right one?”

“It’s beginning to look that way. I’ll head back if we don’t find something soon.”

“What if that’s what he’s waiting for? What if he has Lark hidden somewhere and is just waiting until the coast is clear?”

“The local police will still be around. No one intends to give up until we identify the person who’s been using the house. It might not be Mayfield. He may have lent it to someone else.”

“So Bob could still be the kidnapper, but he might have taken Lark somewhere other than Lakeport?”

“At this point we can’t be certain of anything. I’m sorry, Rachel. I really expected this lead to pan out.”

“I’m sorry, too.”

“I don’t understand why he hasn’t tried to contact you. It doesn’t make sense.” Kane’s voice was filled with frustration. “I know we’re missing something.”

“Maybe he’ll call soon.”

“Are you okay? Did someone slip you a sedative?”

“Of course not. Why would you ask a question like that?”

“Because you sound awfully calm. I expected you to lose it when I told you we hadn’t found Lark.”

Rachel swallowed. She sucked at keeping secrets—especially from someone she loved. “What good would freaking out do? I’m trying my best not to fall apart here.”

“That’s my girl.” He blew out a shaky breath. “I’d better go. I’ll see you in a couple of hours, okay?”

Her grip on the phone tightened. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Blinking back tears, Rachel grabbed her bag, slipped down the stairs and hurried out the door. Thankfully the front yard was still empty although voices carried from the rear of the house. With fingers crossed, she started the SUV and backed out of the driveway. When she made it down the street without detection, she allowed herself to exhale. It was a long way to the mountains. Getting out of Vine Haven was just the first step. It was only a matter of time before someone discovered she was missing and all hell broke loose.

Rachel lifted one hand from the wheel to rub her forehead. Her parents would be beside themselves, and she wouldn’t let herself think about Kane. He’d have an APB out on her car the second he was notified of her disappearance. Making a hard turn, she drove to the vineyard. Her father kept an old MG convertible in the garage. The spare key hung on a pegboard. As quickly as she could, she exchanged vehicles.

Feeling more confident by the minute, she drove through the vineyard and out to the highway. Her hair blew around her face as the MG ate up the miles. She stopped once to get gas and a bottle of water, using cash to pay for it. It was getting dark when she reached the Soda Springs exit. Long shadows from the towering pines crisscrossed the road. Rachel pulled into the gas station near the off-ramp and got out of the car.

Inside the open garage bay an older man wearing grease-stained coveralls glanced her way. “Need something?”

“Did someone leave directions here for me?”

“Is your name Jordan?” The man reached beneath the workbench for an envelope.

Rachel took it from him. “Could you tell me what time this was dropped off?”

“Must have been around noon because I was taking a lunch break.”

She thanked him and went back to her car. She’d barely sat down when she ripped open the envelope.

My Dearest Jordan,

If you’re reading this, we’ll soon be together. I hope you haven’t disobeyed my instructions as it wouldn’t be in Lark’s best interests. I’ll know if you’re followed. Don’t disappoint me.

Take the road past the parking area for Granite Lake Retreat and follow it approximately two miles. When the paved road ends, continue on the dirt track for another half-mile.

I eagerly await your arrival.

Your Only Love

Rachel crushed the note in her hand. There was no turning back, not when Lark’s safety was at stake. She followed the road as instructed, her heart contracting as she passed the entrance sign for Granite Lake Retreat. She’d fallen hard for Kane at the camp and prayed he’d forgive her for shutting him out. She blinked back a few more tears and swallowed.

The road wound past a few scattered homes that looked like vacation cabins and ended abruptly at a chain strung across the track with a private property sign hanging from two links. Rachel got out and unfastened a metal hook on one side. Leaving the chain lying on the road, she drove across it and bumped down the rutted drive, cringing when the MG scraped bottom. She certainly wouldn’t be making a fast get-away with this car. Finally, the narrow lane opened up. The glare of her headlights revealed a small cabin.

Rachel parked next to an old green pickup and got out. Light shone through the multi-paned window near the door. Stepping up onto the porch, she peeked inside. Lark sat on a straight-backed chair with her hands behind her back. Heart pounding, Rachel threw open the door and ran to her daughter’s side.

“Mom.” Lark’s voice broke.

Other than a streak of dirt on her face and a skinned knee, she appeared unharmed.

“Honey, are you okay?” Rachel touched her cheek then enfolded her in a tight embrace. “I’ve been going out of my mind with worry.”

“He didn’t hurt me. Can you untie my hands? He’s been gone a long time. Maybe we can get away before he gets back.”

“Not going to happen, Lark. No one’s going anywhere, at least not tonight.”

Rachel turned to meet Curt Dawson’s warm brown gaze. A smile curved the corners of his lips. She shivered and looked away. A long hunting knife, strapped to his leg, gleamed in the light.

“You promised you’d let Lark go if I came.” Rachel held his gaze as she stepped forward. “I did as you asked. No one followed me, so I’m counting on you to uphold your end of the bargain.”

“I’ll let Lark go just as soon as you’re ready to stay here with me. I’m not a fool, Jordan. I realize it may take a little time to convince you we belong together.” He shut the cabin door and dropped her overnight bag and purse on the floor. “You left these in the car.”

Rachel took a deep breath and smiled. “Thanks for bringing them in. Do you think we could untie Lark? Her wrists look raw. Maybe we could put some antibiotic ointment on them.”

Crossing the room, he tore his gaze away from Rachel to glance down at Lark’s wrists where they were secured to the chair. “They don’t look so bad, and I’d really rather not have to worry about her trying to escape.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

Lark’s voice sounded so small, so vulnerable, Rachel’s heart squeezed.

Curt’s chuckle grated across her nerves.

“I’d like to believe you, Lark, but your wrists wouldn’t be chafed if you hadn’t been struggling to get loose. I’ll free your hands once dinner’s ready.”

When her daughter opened her mouth, Rachel shook her head. “That seems reasonable. Can I help with the meal?”

“Thanks for offering. I’m glad you’re willing to cooperate.” He came over to touch her hair. “We’re going to get along just beautifully, Jordan. You’ll see.”

Rachel withheld a shudder as his fingers stroked her jaw. “What would you like me to do?”

His glazed eyes refocused. “You heat up a can of stew while I throw together a salad.”

“I don’t mind making the salad.”

“I appreciate that, but I’m not willing to trust you with a knife just yet. The can opener is in the drawer by the stove, and there should be a corkscrew in there as well. I brought along a nice bottle of Merlot to go with our dinner.”

Surely she was in some alternate universe. As she worked to prepare dinner beside the man who had terrorized her for so long, she wondered who owned the cabin. No pictures or other personal items sat on the bare shelves. The main room consisted of a living area and small kitchen. Two closed doors led to what she assumed were a bedroom and bath.

Lark sat quietly while Rachel heated the stew and buttered a loaf of bread. She gave her a reassuring smile whenever she could despite the fear twisting her stomach. When the food was on the table, their captor untied Lark’s hands.

They ate in silence. After several long minutes, Lark pushed her plate away. “I can’t stand this. What are we doing here? Let us go, you freak!”

Showing no real emotion, he kept his focus on his dinner. “We’ve talked about this. I have no more desire for your company than you do for mine. When Jordan and I reach an understanding, I’ll turn you loose.”

“Her name isn’t Jordan. It’s Rachel! Do you hear me?” Lark’s voice pitched higher. “Why won’t you let us go? My mom loves Kane, not you. She could never love you.”

“Lark.” Rachel gave her a brief head shake and a warning glance.

Dawson stiffened. Angry color suffused his face as he glanced up. “She may feel some attraction to that man, but I’ve no doubt Jordan will soon realize he could never satisfy her the way I will. You see, my Jordan is there inside Rachel, just waiting for me to release her.”

His gaze moved from Lark to Rachel, and a smile lit his eyes. “For fourteen long years I’ve waited, knowing we’d be together someday. The time is now.”

Pushing back his chair, he picked up his plate. “If you’ve finished eating, I believe I’ve waited long enough. Time for bed. Why don’t you freshen up while Lark does the dishes? I see no reason why she can’t help out.” His head swiveled toward the girl. “For the time she’s here, anyway.”

“I’d like to wash my face.” Rachel stood. “Lark, do as Curt asks and clean up in here. Would you please?”

Her daughter’s gaze swung toward the bedroom door. “Mom, you can’t.”

“It’s all right, honey.” Rachel smiled. “Curt isn’t a monster. He won’t hurt me, but we do need to talk.” She picked up her purse and headed toward the bathroom then turned to look at the animal who’d taken her daughter. “I’ll be right back.”

He cleared his throat and held out a large hand. “May I?”

Rachel handed him her purse. He looked inside and took out her cell phone before handing it back.

Fighting to walk slowly when she wanted only to run, she got to the bathroom then shut the door and locked it. She leaned against the wall with closed eyes as a wave of panic washed over her. She took a couple of deep breaths but her body wouldn’t stop trembling.

“Okay, Plan B. I can do this.” Opening her eyes, she straightened then stared at herself in the mirror, remembering getting into character during her New York days. She took a few long breaths and forced herself to focus. Soon, the face looking back was calm, almost serene.

“I wouldn’t be much of an actress if I can’t convince one deluded fool I’m interested in him.” She squared her shoulders. “Tonight, I’ll be Jordan Hale again, and when it’s over Lark will be free.”

She used the toilet then washed her face and hands. Pulling the penknife from her pocket, she looked for a hiding place. Her gaze rested on an open tissue box, and she slipped the knife inside. Her hand hovered over the box, questioning her decision. She could keep the weapon and try to use it on the pervert. If she failed, though, the game would be over. This way Lark had a better chance.

In the kitchen, her daughter stood at the sink washing dishes. Tears ran down her face, and she swiped at them with a wet hand. Rachel crossed the room to hug her.

“Everything’s going to be fine. I don’t want you to worry about me. I know exactly what I’m doing.” She turned to smile at the sick, little man who blushed under her regard. “Curt and I are going to talk and get to know one another better.”

He swallowed. “Lark, it’s been a long day. I’d like you to use the bathroom, and then we’ll get you settled for the night.”

“Are you going to tie me up again?”

“I’m afraid I have to, but there’s no need for you to be uncomfortable. I’ll secure you to the couch.”

“Go blow your nose.” Rachel gave her daughter an intent look. “There really isn’t any reason for tears. Take the overnight bag with you. I brought you a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. You’ll be a lot warmer sleeping in those. I remembered how cold it gets up here at night.”

The deviant picked up the bag, unzipped it and looked through the contents before handing it to Lark.

“There’s a spare blanket and pillow in the bedroom closet, Jordan. She’ll be warm enough.”

Without a word, Lark shut the bathroom door with a sharp click. Rachel headed into the bedroom. The sight of the king-sized bed covered with a patchwork quilt sent a shudder through her. She pulled the blanket and pillow off the closet shelf and went back into the main room.

“When I searched your bag, I couldn’t help noticing you didn’t bring a nightgown for yourself. Why not?”