Unbound: The Pentagon Group, Book 2 (23 page)

“I don’t want to yell at you while you’re hurt in a hospital bed, but you never tell anyone what is going on with you. You keep everything so secretive and we’re always trying to figure out how you’re suffering. You select who you’ll ‘burden’ with your issues. The only way we know exactly what is happening with you is if I call Carson or your dad and we compare notes.” Chelsea confronted. I looked at her shocked she would reveal her issues with me in my vulnerable state.

I paused and thought about what she said. Chelsea continued, “Every one of us loves you and really cares about what you’re going through. We want to listen, want to help, and want to act on your behalf. You’re always doing for us, but you just shut everyone out when we want to help you. Unless of course only when you need a lawyer.” Her words stung. I didn’t know if she meant it to, or just stating the fact.

A knock on the door stopped her diatribe. My savior from last night stepped through the door, flowers in hand. When he walked in, I said, “You. Hi.” I pressed the button to sit up. “Chelsea, this is the man who saved my life last night. I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”

“Kenneth Dobner, ma’am.” He shook Chelsea’s hand.

“Call me Perla, please, Kenneth.”

“You can call me, Ken. I brought you flowers. I just needed to know if you were okay.” Putting them on the counter across from me, the beautiful white lilies were in a vase.

“I’ll be okay, thanks to you. Are you okay?”

“I’m a big man. It’s going to take more than a crash to take me out.” He said with humor. Chelsea and I laughed.

“Did the police make contact with you?”

“Yes, ma’ . . . Perla. I spoke to the police at the scene. I was stunned a bit when I hit the car. I didn’t notice when the guy driving had taken off on foot. The front wasn’t damaged like the back was. I was more worried about you. The police said they’d come in today to talk to you, but the doctors haven’t given them permission to talk to you while your suffering from head trauma. They’ll probably be in this afternoon.” Ken said. I listened intently. I was surprised the driver, my kidnapper, had escaped.

“How long have you been here?”

“I stayed here. I live up north in New Hampshire. I promised to stay with you, but the staff sent me away. I stayed in the waiting room. I tried to make sure you were okay, but they wouldn’t give me any information. However, they finally let me come in during visitor’s hours.”

“Oh goodness, thank you for your concern. I’m fine. I’ll be okay. Just tired. You must get home to your family.” I said with concern.

“No. I’m alone, but I think I’ll go home and get some rest. Take care, Perla.”

“I’ll never be able to repay you for saving me, Ken. Let me give you my number. Please keep in touch.” I took the pad and pen on the side table and wrote my number, offering it to Ken. He took the slip of paper, folded it, and tucked it in his back pocket.

“Get better.” He said to me. “Nice meeting you.” He said to Chelsea before he walked out of the room.

“The man is huge. Maybe you should have gotten his number so he can protect you from Pentagon.” Chelsea said about my angel, who could easily double as a body guard.

“Chelsea, please.”

“What happens to your Pentagon shares if you were to die?” Chelsea asked. I didn’t want to respond.

“It reverts back to Matt. They’re technically still his, but since I’m designated as a proxy, if I were to become declared incapacitated or dead, they go back to Matt.”

“Mmmhhmmm.”

“Stop, Chelz. I’m supposed to start work on Monday.”

“You can’t possibly go to work on Monday.”

“And why the hell not?” I asked defensively.

Chelsea audibly sighed. She walked to the corner and took the chair, bringing it beside the bed and sat down next to me. “Because you have a concussion after an attempted kidnapping where you tried to escape through the window you broke of a moving car which crashed in a God forsaken part of northern Massachusetts.”

“Yeah. Well, it didn’t break me.” I said

“God, you’re so stubborn.”

“Chelsea. I need income. I stopped working at Duration to start at Pentagon. My lease is up in a few months and I need to make money to move to Boston, so I can be closer to work.” Chelsea leaned back in the chair.

“What if the doctor says you can’t? You’re going against medical advice?”

“Ugghh. I should’ve called Carson.”

“Fuck you, Perlz. I know you hate my mothering, but sometimes you need to be nagged.” She argued.

“I will only be out of work, if the doctor says I can’t. Understood.” I huffed.

“Fine. It’s not like I can stop you.” She glared at me.

“I’m not even sure if the contract has been signed by everyone. I’ll call Turner later to confirm.”

Nurse Leslie walked in, interrupting us. “Hi. I just want to check in and see how you’re doing. I got the okay to get you something to eat. But only light food, broth and Jell-O so we can make sure you can tolerate food.” I nodded. She asked about my pain. I was too scared to admit I felt a bit loopy and tired. I didn’t know if it was from the medication or the symptoms of concussion. Lying and saying I was ‘fine’, would be relayed to the doctor and increased my chances of starting work at Pentagon on Monday.

After taking my vitals, Leslie left us. Another knock on the door and I groaned. I really wanted sleep. As much as I loved Chelsea, I thought I should’ve called her in the morning instead.

“Ms. Mercurio. I’m detective Donald Whitten with the Topsfield Police. I’m wondering if I can ask you a few questions about last night.” I was expecting him. I wanted to help as much as I could. Ken let me know my captor was on the loose. I didn’t know if this was an isolated incident or if I was a target, but I had to see if I could help the authorities figure it out.

I nodded. “Can you give us some privacy to speak, Chelsea?”

Chelsea looked offended. “Perla. I think . . .”

“Lovey, I just need a moment to share with the detective. Why don’t you get yourself something to eat at the café?” She looked at me warily.

“Fine. I’ll be making some phone calls too.” Chelsea narrowed her eyes and turned up her lip sarcastically. I’d hoped she didn’t do something stupid and call my dad, or worse, Matt. Chelsea stood and excused herself.

“Do you mind if I have a seat. I’ve been working on this since last night.”

“Please do.” He sat.

“Can you start from the beginning as to where and when you hailed the cab?” He asked. I gave him the entire story, up until I passed out before the ambulance arrived.

“Did you know the driver?”

“No. I rarely take cabs. This was probably the third time in a month I’ve taken one. I didn’t know him or recognize him from any previous interactions.”

“Did he speak to you?”

“He never responded to my questions. He didn’t even look at me, but through the rear view mirror. His attention was on the road and I guess his destination. I’m sorry I don’t have much to offer. I think this was just a random incident.”

“Do you know of anyone who may want to hurt you?”

“No.”

“Are you married?”

“No. I’m divorced.”

“Would your ex-husband still hold any resentment or grudges about the end of your relationship?”

“No. My husband initiated the divorce. We’ve not spoken or seen each other since Chelsea’s, the friend who just left, wedding a few months ago.

“Would your boyfriend?”

“I’m not in a relationship.” I started to get nervous about the line of questioning and the way it was leading into the discussion about Matt.

“An ex-boyfriend who wasn’t happy about the breakup?”

“Not that I know of.” I couldn’t talk about Matt. It would lead to many questions about him and ultimately, Pentagon.

“Any discord with family or friends.”

“No.” I said adamantly. “I don’t know why I would be the target of anyone.” I affirmed. “Do you have any idea who would have tried to kidnap me?”

“We’re looking into it, Ms. Mercurio.” He rubbed his chin. “We’re thinking it was a random act. The car isn’t a licensed cab. There was no identification of a driver in the cab. There was no functioning meter. We had no tabulations of other fares, but yours. We dusted for prints and there were no prints on the front row of the car, so the perpetrator must’ve worn gloves. Do you think you could identify the guy in photos or a lineup, if we gave you an option?”

“I’m willing. I just hope I can actually help when the time comes.” I offered. He nodded and stood. He reached into his back pocket, retrieved a business card with his contact information, and handed it to me.

“If you can think of anything else or have any questions about the case, please call me. I wish you well, Ms. Mercurio.”

“Thank you, Detective.” I smiled meekly. He gave a curt smile and a nod. The detective stood and walked out of the room.

I wondered if I had done the right thing by not discussing Matt and the potential for his associates at Pentagon to have been angry enough with me to have someone kidnap me. Many scenarios of how I could’ve told the truth and controlled the line of questioning away from Matt swirled through my mind.

Chelsea returned with a tray of food for me. “They delivered this while he was here. I held onto it because I didn’t want them to leave. It looks appetizing.” She kidded. She set it on the moveable bed tray. “So, how’d it go?” She asked. I knew she’d want more information about the line of questioning.

“No information. The guy took off. No cabbie identification. No fingerprints. No leads. They will contact me, if they have leads or need me to identify.”

“Well, did you tell them about Pentagon?”

I looked at her puzzled. “Why would I?” I reminded myself that Chelsea didn’t know I blackmailed the men with a sex tape. If I revealed anything to the detective about Pentagon, I would be opening up Pandora’s box.

“You’re impossible.”

I grunted, sipping my broth and taking a bite of Jell-O. I looked at her, sitting with me. I thought of all the times I sat in her place, looking at my mother as she lay ill and dying. I’d never wanted to be placed in this position. Upon shaking the memory, I was determined to never let anyone put me in this situation ever again.

My cellphone rang. I saw the caller identification. It was Turner. “Please give me some good news about the contract.” I answered.

“They’ve all signed. Your salary is in place. An advance has been directly deposited into your bank account. The total is seventy five thousand dollars, which is ten percent of your base salary. It’s the standard advance for relocation, which you can use as you please.” I shook inside. I’d never had so much money in my account at one time. I started to sob. I didn’t know if it was because of everything that transpired last night or the culmination of what I went through with the Pentagon Group.

“Are you okay, Darlin’?” Turner asked.

“It’s just been a lot, Turner. Thank you for everything. Please send me a bill, so I can make sure you’re paid.”

“Actually, darlin’. Remember, I included my fees in your contract. They’ll be sending me a check for all the attorney’s fees, from Matt’s gift to your contract negotiations. You don’t have to give me a dime . . . just a nice wedding gift.” He laughed. I giggled.

“I still don’t know if it would be enough to repay you, Turner. I love you, my friend.”

“Love you too. But there is one issue.”

“Oh, no. Here it comes.”

“The office isn’t ready. It won’t be ready until Wednesday. They can set you up in a conference room or you could work from home. They’ve assigned you two assistants who will help schedule your meetings. They’ll be working on getting your office figured out. Expect a call soon from Gill Harty and Andrea Giovagnoli.” Two assistants, I was intrigued.

“That’s fine. I think I’ll work from home until Wednesday.”

“You should expect a copy of your contract and employment package delivered to you today. I’ve gotta run. Carson and I are going down to Newport to check out some wedding sites with his mother. Pray for me.” He said. I laughed.

“My love to Carse. Talk to you soon. Bye.” We hung up.

“Everything is settled. I start work on Wednesday because my office isn’t ready. I have two assistants. I have an advance, so you and I will be going shopping when I get out of here.”

“My, how your energy has changed.” Chelsea said. I smirked at her remark.

“Do you mind if I take a little nap?”

“Sweetie, I’m here to watch over you whether you’re napping or wide awake being a pain in the ass. I’ll go get a couple of things from the gift shop. I’ll pick up a book and hope you haven’t read it.” Chelsea said with a wink.

As I sat reading the newspaper and drinking my coffee early in the morning, I received a phone call from the security detail I had placed on Perla. They’d been protecting her since she’d decided to keep my shares and work for Pentagon. I quickly calculated it was after four o’clock in the morning. Jumping from my chair, I answered quickly.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Dr. Keene. It’s Ken. I want to assure you Feather is fine, but there was an incident an hour ago.”

“What happened?” I asked gruffly. I listened intently as Ken, her evening bodyguard who was supposed to stay incognito, saved her from a kidnapping attempt by crashing into the getaway car. The kidnapper fled the vehicle as Ken recovered from the crash. I felt an ache when he told me she was driven by ambulance to the hospital. He’d seen the results after the crash, and she was bruised, suffered minor cuts, and apparently had a concussion. She was transported to the local hospital where Ken went as soon as he was allowed to go by police, and was awaiting to visit her during visiting hours. Because he wasn’t family, he’d been denied any information on her status. My mind raced as I figured out my next steps. I could’ve rented a plane to take me back to Boston. However, I wasn’t due to return until the end of next week, but I needed to see her.

“She’s a smart woman, sir. She broke the passenger window and kicked it out while the guy was driving on the highway. She tried to escape through the window, and flagged me down when she saw me following behind them. She’s tough, sir. She’ll be okay. I’ll check in on her during visiting hours.” Ken offered.

“One last thing, sir. She has seen me and spoken to me. She doesn’t know I’ve been tailing her for the last couple of weeks, but in trying to keep her conscious for the ambulance, I had to keep her company.” Ken said meekly. I sighed. I didn’t want the security to get involved unless absolutely necessary. I was appreciative he broke his undercover status to keep her alert.

“Thank you, Ken. Just keep her safe. Make sure the day guard maintains his post. Keep me apprised when you find something out.” After his assurances he would, we hung up.

I scrolled through my phone, seeking Dr. Harvey Baylis’s phone number. As our personal concierge doctor, he makes himself available at any time of day we call. He answered immediately. I apologized profusely for the late hour of my call. I gave him all the information and he assured me he would call the hospital for details, and go early in the morning to observe her himself. I thanked him for his time. I desperately wanted to know what was happening and waited impatiently for his return call. Within half an hour, Dr. Baylis confirmed Perla had suffered a concussion, bruising of her ribs, some superficial cuts and bruises to the face and arms. She had an elevated alcohol count in her system, which I knew to be uncommon for her, and she was given an intravenous line to ensure to rehydrate her. I asked for an update when she woke up and he had a chance to speak to her, and he agreed.

I dialed Zipper next, not caring about the time. He picked up after many rings, but before it went to voicemail. “I’m going to have to turn this shit off before I go to bed.”

“Stop whining, you little bitch. There was an attempt to kidnap Perla tonight. Do you have any idea which one of those fuckers may have tried to take her out?” I asked without any hesitation in accusing my longtime friends of such a heinous act.

“What? What happened?” I told him everything, sparing no details, and included information of the call I made to our doctor.

“We all signed the employment contract tonight . . . rather, yesterday. The only delay was Lark. I hadn’t heard of any plans to take her out to stop the contract. In the grand scheme of things, Perla’s an asset, not a liability. I’ve already updated you on how she impressed us with her change of plans for Pentagram. We’ve all agreed to her new design concept and as soon as she starts working on Wednesday, she’s expected to hit the ground running with design meetings and construction schedules. Even Brady was impressed with her suggestions. She’s not costing the company any more than it will be making. All is fine. I think you need to let go of the idea of one of us trying to hurt her.” Zipper argued. I wasn’t convinced.

“I want you to make sure Marty works with local PD to find out who abducted her and drove her many miles away from her home.”

“Yep, Matt. I will get on it right when we hang up. However, I’m sure Perla’s night security already informed Marty about the incident.”

“I know there is no sense of urgency for you because this isn’t Jenna, but please try to place yourself in my shoes. She’s in the hospital. Regardless of what’s happened, I love Perla, and I want to keep her safe.”

“I got it, Matty. I will make my calls. Do you want me to go see her?”

“No, dick-head. If you went to see her, she’d wonder how you learned of her being in the hospital in the first place. I’ve already called Dr. Baylis. He’ll check in and be my source. Get back to bed.” We hung up.

I didn’t know who else to call. Pacing around my patio, I had plans to go out to eat with my cousins and I couldn’t cancel because they were traveling into the city. As a doctor, I didn’t like feeling helpless, but I had to distance myself from Perla.

Dr. Baylis called within an hour and let me know she was fully examined and confirmed a concussion. She had superficial cuts and would have bruising. I would’ve liked for him to send me a picture of her, but it was intrusive and illegal. I desperately wanted to see her and talk to her myself to ensure she was safe. The first time we were together we had a heated discussion about her traveling alone as a single woman. She told me she was capable of taking care of herself. While she did attempt to save herself by trying to escape through a moving vehicle, she could’ve been killed. Worse still, she could’ve been assaulted then killed by her captor.

A loud curse reverberated. I needed to talk to someone about this. I didn’t want to call my mother because she would be concerned something was wrong with me. I called my sister’s cell phone. I hoped to only leave a message, but she picked up.

“Hello, Matty. What’s wrong?”

“Why are you up?” I asked.

“Leona has a fever. I’ve been up all night with her. She’s just laying on me, hot and cranky.”

“Is she sick or teething?”

“Hey, it’s not about Leona. If you’re calling in the middle of the night from across the pond, then you must be dealing with something. What is it? She asked.

I felt like I’d told the same story a million times. I’ve been more open with Stella in the last few months than I have in her thirty two years.

“I’m sorry, Matty. I don’t know what to tell you. You’ve both made decisions about your relationship, or lack thereof. She doesn’t need you. She has friends and family who can help her. You’ve done more than she’s willing to accept from you publicly. The fact you had security on her and you’ve sent your doctor is more than you should be doing without her consent.” Stella advised.

“Yeah.”

“But you’re still going to protect her? How are you going to find someone else? Are you going to stop all these things when you fall in love with another woman?”

“There’s no other woman, Stella.” I warned.

She paused before she rephrased her question. “What if there is another man?” Her question was like a stab to my heart. I didn’t want to think about it. I knew it was a possibility Perla would move on to another man. She was a beautiful, sexy woman, who wouldn’t wait to fall in love again.

“I don’t care to think about it, Lita.” I called her by her nickname. “I’ve gotta go. I’m expected to have brunch with Eduardo and Carolina.”

“Send them my love. And Matt . . .” She paused. “If you and Perla are meant to be, give her time to come back to you. She will.” Stella said optimistically.

“Yeah. Kiss Leona for me. Hope she feels better.” We hung up. I went to get ready for my lunch. A quick shower and change of clothes was in order.

I hadn’t been with Perla in two weeks. My body had already gone through a withdrawal. The sexual need for her was gone. I was physically numb and felt deadened. The only time my body responded to touch was the involuntary dreams I had about her. I’d wake up aching and longing, but those experiences were becoming far and few in between. I couldn’t remember what she felt like. Her smell, which was something I memorized each time I laid with her, was a sense I’d lost. If it weren’t for saved pictures, I would forget the way she looked: her ruby red lips, the curl of her hair, or her coquettish smile. Her taste was addictive. I couldn’t get enough of her kisses. She invaded all my senses, and now, I’d forgotten.

I wondered if she thought about me. Did she still love me? I sensed she didn’t love me anymore. She was done with me, and for my sanity, I needed to be done with her. Stella had a point; ‘What if there is another man? How would I handle the thought of her moving on to someone else?’

When I finished dressing, and walked toward the living room to wait for my family to arrive, my phone rang. Ken had called me again.

“Yes, Ken.” I said

“I spoke to her, Sir. She’s bruised and has minor cuts. She’d been in and out of sleep, but she’s in good spirits. I had to tell her my name because she would’ve found out from the police reports. She doesn’t know I’ve been guarding her, I assure you.” Ken quickly informed. A wave of relief rushed over me, knowing he ensured her safety and observed her.

“It couldn’t be helped, Ken. Thank you for keeping her safe. I appreciate your dedication.”

“She’s a tough little lady, Sir. Her friend is with her now.”

“What friend?” I asked a little too quickly.

“Chelsea is her name. Slender, Caucasian female, brunette, blue eyes.” I was happy to know Perla had her best friend with her. I would worry less knowing she wasn’t alone.

“The other guard, Joshua, is in place in the waiting room, which is within visual of Feather’s room. Well, I’m on my way home, Sir, if there is anything else.” He asked.

“No. Thanks for the update. Get some rest.” We ended the call.

A knock on the door alerted me to my cousin’s arrival. Carolina and I are first cousins, and married to Eduardo who has been a good friend since they’ve dated. As soon as Carolina entered the foyer, she took one look at me and complained in Spanish.

“Did someone die?” She asked after she kissed and hugged me.

“No, why?”

“Because you look like you’re in mourning.” She ran her fingers through my damp hair, and scraped her palm down my jaw.”

“You’re going to cut your hair and shave. This is too much Mathias. You’re too handsome for this. After lunch, we’ll go to see Eduardo’s stylist.” And with her warning, we went to a local restaurant.

As we caught up and talked about recent events and experiences, I received a phone call from Chelsea. My heart beat wildly, hoping there was no change in Perla’s status. I hadn’t spoken to Chelsea since the breakup when I’d been trying to get Perla back.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Matt? It’s Chelsea. I just wanted to let you know Perla’s been in an accident.” I listened intently, not revealing my knowledge.

“Is she okay?” I projected concern.

“Yes.” Chelsea paused. “She was kidnapped and if it wasn’t for another driver who slammed into them, I don’t want to think what would have happened to her. The kidnapper escaped. Perla has a concussion.” She took a deep breath. I didn’t respond. “The reason for my call, Matt, is she’s supposed to start working for Pentagon next week. I have to ask . . . Did your friends have anything to do with the kidnapping?” Chelsea boldly questioned. My stomach flipped. My nonresponse to the accusatory question prompted her to continue.

“Perla has always kept her personal life close until she breaks down in an emotional heap. She hasn’t done it in a long time. I don’t know what happened between the two of you, other than your company took over Liberty Inn. She was hurt by you. But I’m concerned that because she got back at you by keeping your shares, she’ll be going into a hostile environment.” I couldn’t disagree, so I said nothing.

“I know your relationship was short lived, but I’ve known her forever. To think I allowed you to take her home with you that night at the club and it may have led to this, I would never forgive myself . . . You assured me you’d take care of her, and I believed you. And if you tell me now you haven’t done anything to hurt her, I’ll believe you.” She said. I didn’t know how to respond. “Is there a chance your friends had anything to do with what happened last night?”

“I honestly don’t know.” I admitted. “But I’ll find out. Just give me some time to figure out what happened.”

“Matt, what if there isn’t any time? How is she supposed to stay safe, if your friends don’t want her at Pentagon?” She huffed in exasperation. “What do I need to do to redeem myself for letting her into your life and pissing off your friends enough to hurt her?”

“Chelsea, I assure you, I had absolutely nothing to do with this. I’m not in the country. I’ve been gone for two weeks, and I don’t plan on returning until the following week. I could never let anything happen to Perla. I’ve done my best to keep her protected.” I stopped before I said more, hoping she’d ignored my last statement.

“I have to get back to her. She’ll be waking up at any moment. If you have any news, please share it with me.” She asked. I couldn’t deny her and agreed. We ended the call.