Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series: Book 1) (27 page)

Paulo finished the concert with a lively anthem he belted out from behind his drums. The others combined their voices perfectly to back him up. The applause was deafening.

After the concert, Joe hosted a reception. Paulo, Cat, Juanita, and Glori disappeared into a swarm of admirers. Paulo’s family was elated. Daddy said Joe was seeing dollar signs.

Nita

The Clementes were out early Thursday morning to make arrangements for a lengthy stay at the Ross Hotel. It was a comfortable, small establishment, convenient to the recording studio. They were pleased that the management was accommodating to their need for flexibility with so many family members coming and going at varying times. Eduardo approved of the security at the hotel. His mother was especially happy with the colorful gardens and manicured lawns.

Meanwhile Frederick and Maria joined George and Marion for breakfast, to discuss arrangements for the wedding. After the meal, they met with a priest and minister at the Catholic Church they chose for the ceremony. The Aldridge’s minister was particularly gracious and helpful. Having known Debbie since her birth, he was delighted she was recovering so well, and on her way to a joyful new life.

The parents of the couple were becoming friends, to Marion and Maria’s relief. Marion had told Maria that George often irritated people with his abrupt manner, and she was excited that he now seemed to be taking the upcoming union in stride. He had confided that he had a genuine respect for Frederick and Maria, and he believed David would make his daughter happy. He had even let his guard down enough to leave Debbie alone at the hospital this morning.

Chapter Seventeen

David

David’s parents had often rebuked him for being impulsive. He had more than a few character traits that were at once strengths and weaknesses. For better or worse, he had a tendency to seize upon an opportunity and worry about consequences later. Fortunately, circumstances would often work in his favor. Whether he was jumping out of a helicopter onto a snowy mountaintop, or pursuing a wily drug dealer, he had almost always landed on his feet.

General Pearson heartily slapped him on the back and bade him a restful vacation. David was finally released from the hospital. Without bothering to tell anyone his plans, he drove away with his fiancée and her art supplies. The black Mercedes headed north up the California coast.

Debbie

David drove fast, but he was a skilled driver. I couldn’t stop smiling, even though I had no idea where he was taking me. He was careful to stop frequently to ensure I kept to my food plan. Thrilled as I was to be on an adventure with my fiancé, I was not interested in food. My stomach was in knots, but I tried my best. He had endless patience.

That afternoon we arrived in Carmel, and checked in to a lovely, quaint hotel. We had a cozy suite with an oversized featherbed and large whirlpool tub. I leaned over the balcony to enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean, as David lit the logs in the fireplace. He joined me on the balcony, holding me in his arms, gently kissing my face and lips.

We relaxed by the fire for an hour or so, dining on grilled salmon and vegetables. Draped over his lap, I was content.

“Sweetheart, we need to go get you some clothes. Why don’t we take a walk through town, and see if we can find you some nice things.” He whispered into my ear, and I hung on each word. His voice was so soothing, gentle and inviting. I could have stayed there in his arms forever.

Roused from the comfortable fireside, we explored the shops in Carmel. We came upon a boutique that offered unique apparel and accessories, and I was impressed with the designer’s artistry. I discussed design and color with the woman at length. David even seemed interested. I didn’t realize where the time was going. The shop owner spent two hours with me. David said he was happy that I found clothes that expressed my personality and creativity. We left with a complete wardrobe.

Nita

Enraged, George paced the corridor outside General Pearson’s office. Frederick sat in the waiting area, his head in his hands. Maria gently rubbed his shoulders in an attempt to soothe him. Cat and I stood propped up by the wall taking it all in.

Wringing her hands, Marion tried to coax George into a chair.

“Damn it, Marion! It’s seven o’clock! They’ve been gone since the crack of dawn! Who knows where? And I’m supposed to relax? Pearson’s unavailable of course! And Eduardo is nowhere in hell to be found! How am I supposed to relax?” George screamed at the top of his voice.

“George!” Marion chastised him with a loud whisper.

Betty, General Pearson’s secretary, appeared in front of the couple, disconcerted. “Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge, the General just phoned, and he’s on his way back to the office. Please try to remain calm. I’m sure he’ll be able to help you somehow. Can I get you some coffee or tea or something?”

“I don’t need coffee! I need my daughter back! She’s been kidnapped! Don’t you understand?”

Betty scampered away silently, and Marion sunk into a chair by Maria, red with embarrassment. Continuing in his circles, George arrived in front of Frederick. “And why doesn’t anyone else but Eduardo or Pearson have one of those phones with his number?” George was still bellowing. Frederick looked up with complete frustration. He could only shake his head in reply.

General Pearson walked in, gawking at George with disdain. “Can I help you with something, Mr. Aldridge?”

“I certainly hope so General. We’ve been waiting here for three hours. Lambrecht has kidnapped my daughter! We have no idea where he’s taken her. Do you know where they are?”

“No, Mr. Aldridge, I don’t. Perhaps they’re at your house.”

“No, they’re not anywhere to be found. We’ve called everyone, and we would have received a call back if they showed up anywhere. They’ve disappeared, General. The man is a kidnapper!”

“Mr. Aldridge, I’m sure you don’t mean to say that about your future son-in-law. I’m sure your daughter is safe and sound.”

“Don’t tell me what I mean to say!” George shouted. Perhaps he then realized he needed the General’s cooperation. “I’m sorry General. It’s just that I am terribly worried about Debbie. We really need your help. Who knows what crazy murderer, drug dealer, is after him now. They could both be in terrible danger. I know you can always reach him by phone. Would you please call him now? I need to talk to him.”

Pearson exhaled his aggravation and led George into his office. George took a seat in front of his desk, as the General dialed the phone. We observed from the doorway.

David

Every one of his senses was heightened as David softly kissed her lips and face and admired her body through the thin cotton of her nightgown. The ringing in his pocket caused her to jump.

“It’s alright Sweetheart.” He leisurely answered his phone. “Yes?”

“David.”

“Yes Sir.”

“David, George Aldridge is here with your parents. He’s anxious to speak with you. I’m going to put him on.”

George howled into the phone. “Lambrecht, where are you? Where is my daughter? Is she alright?”

David paused before speaking as he stole another kiss. She let out an involuntary giggle that beguiled him. As George continued to growl into the phone, he began a new round of kisses to her earlobe.

David remembered he should answer his future father-in-law. “Debbie is just fine George. We’ll be here a few days. There’s no need to worry. She’s eating well, and she’s in excellent spirits.” He smiled and kissed her again.

“And where exactly is
here
?” George screamed.

He clicked the phone off.

***

When he opened his eyes he was still holding her, seemingly afloat in their soft featherbed. She was sound asleep. A tiny sliver of light shone through the curtains.

He ordered room service for breakfast, and Debbie ate most of her food while they chatted. Later, he suggested they spend some time at the beach. She chose one of her new outfits, a cotton dress which hung loosely almost to her ankles. The blue of the dress complemented her eyes.

He slathered her with sun block, helped her into her sweater, and led her to the beach. The ocean was only a few steps from their suite.

Like children, they ran to the water’s edge to greet the incoming tide. Debbie shrieked with shock and delight as they landed in the cool water. He lifted her and teased her about throwing her in.

Carefree, they frolicked on the near-deserted beach, walking arm in arm, searching for shells, colorful stones, bits of sea glass and driftwood. David had never before felt a need to bother with such things. It occurred to him that Debbie was showing him a part of life he had completely ignored, until now. He had to smile as he watched her joyfully celebrate each little treasure she found.

She ran ahead of him, certain she had spotted a prize piece of sea glass in the sand. He admired the form of her body underneath her cotton dress – pleased that her hips and breasts were becoming more curvaceous. His contemplation was interrupted with his ringing phone. It was apparently Eduardo. “Yes?”

“Don’t you
dare
hang up on me this time! Or I swear, I swear I will get my daughter back somehow! And there will be
no
wedding! Do you understand me?” George sounded like Satan himself. He’d probably tracked Eduardo down at the recording studio.

David grimaced as he replied, “Yes George, I understand.”

“Good! Now I demand to know where you’ve taken my daughter. I demand you bring her home today. And I want to speak with her
now
! I must know that she’s alright.”

“I will put her on the phone with you, George. But I am telling you now, if you upset her in any way, I will make you pay for that. She’s happy, she’s eating well, and there’s no reason for you to ruin her day. I don’t mind you speaking with her as long as you are civil. Do you understand me?”

“Do you
dare
to threaten me?” George roared into the phone.

“Yes.” He could hear George seething on the other end of the line, and he felt a certain satisfaction.

Moments passed before George composed himself. “Just put Debbie on the phone! Of course I would not say anything to upset her!”

“Very well, George.” David summoned her to the phone. “It’s your father, Sweetheart.”

The sunny smile faded from her face. She stammered into the phone, “Hi Daddy.”

David could hear him yelling. “Debbie, dear, are you alright? Where are you? Your mother and I have been very worried about you, dear.”

“Oh! Yes Daddy, we’re fine! David and I are having a wonderful time. You mustn’t worry about us. Here’s David again. Bye Daddy, I love you.”  Debbie passed the phone like a hot potato. They could hear George yelling into space.

“You see, George, she is fine.” David spoke after George finally fell silent.

“Where are you?” He sounded defeated.

Ignoring his question, David continued, “We’ll call you in a few days when we get back into town. Take care. Give our love to everyone.” He placed the phone back in his pocket, and ran to rescue Debbie as she fled from another wave lapping onto the sand.

***

At last they settled on a wooden bench, resting, enjoying the view. Sudden emotion overtook him and his eyes began to water. She noticed and reached up to wipe a stray tear. He kissed her hand and held it to his face.

“We’ve become so much closer in just one day. And today, today I’m so grateful to have you here with me, to be with you. You give me so much happiness. All the things that have happened in my life, all the good things put together, don’t add up to the joy the, the contentment I’ve had in just one day with you.”

“I love you, David,” she said.

He was drawn so deeply into those blue eyes gazing up at him; he thought he could get lost in them forever.

***

After a leisurely lunch in Carmel, they discovered a fascinating shop amidst the art galleries. Encouraged by David’s enthusiastic support of her artwork, Debbie had spoken to him about trying new projects. On entering the shop her jaw dropped open in amazement. Here was an abundance of supplies, every medium for every art project she had considered. “Oh David! It’s just like Cat said.”

“What did Cat say, Sweetheart?”

“I am divinely led.”

He thought about her paintings and the mysterious rainbow. The blood over the boat Forgiven. “Yes. I think so.”

They returned to their suite, laden with art supplies. Debbie sat on the balcony, painting her view of the glorious panorama before them. Her talent, and the speed with which she produced such remarkable work, floored him. They spent the remainder of the afternoon at her easel.

“What would you like to do for dinner, Sweetheart? If you wish we can go out. Or we can stay here, order room service.” He held her comfortably by the fireside. Tired from the adventures of the day, Debbie elected to stay in, and he was pleased for the opportunity to rest. They relaxed in their soft, well-cushioned chair until dinner arrived at their door.