10

Sunday evening. Jackson had heard nothing. He’d called the police, but they had nothing new.

Amber was now officially missing, and thus light of the allegations against her in Canada were being flagged as relevant.

Jared and Niamh would be home now. Jackson headed over there. He hoped Amber would be back, but was afraid she was gone for good. Maybe Nate was right and she was on the run. He stepped out and locked his car.

Nate came across from his place.

“Anything?”

“No. I need to tell Jared.”

“That’s why I’m here.” Jackson rang the bell.

Jared opened the door. “Hello. Amber isn’t here right now.”

“I know. Can I come in?”

Jared looked past him. “Nate?”

Nate pulled out his ID. “Can we talk inside?”

Jackson followed the two men into the lounge. He’d let Nate do the explaining. Nate was the cop. He was just the worried boyfriend.

Jared and Niamh sat in shock, a range of expressions crossing their faces.

Nate left nothing out—including the theft allegation laid against Amber in Canada.

Jared looked at Jackson. “Did you know about this?”

“I knew about the stalker, but thought David had dealt with that. I didn’t know about the theft allegation until shortly before she disappeared,” he said. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to her about it. But unlike Nate, I don’t think she’s on the run. She wouldn’t go just like that. Not without saying goodbye.” Not just having told me she loved me.

Jared scowled. “And you’d know this how?”

“I know her.”

“None of us do.” Jared sighed. “I guess we should check the house, make sure nothing is missing.” He caught the look Jackson shot him. “I’m not saying she’s a thief. If she was taken, then maybe other stuff was too. Or she left something behind to say where she’d gone.”

“Good idea,” Nate said. “I’ll bring an officer in to help.”

Jackson’s phone beeped. He read the message and stood. “I have to go. I’m needed on an emergency call.”

Niamh nodded. “I’ll see you out.”

“Will you let me know the second she turns up?”

“Of course.”

“Thanks.” He headed out, his mind not on the call he was going to, but the woman whom he loved, and who was probably in danger. If he could find her himself he would, but he had no idea where she’d be.

****

Monday lunchtime, Amber looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked like Joanne, right down to the jewelry and perfume. Creepy didn’t begin to describe it. She tied her hair up making sure the sides fell in soft ringlets. She had found a roll of duct tape under the sink and had taped the locket to her thigh, knowing it would never be found there. The only other place would be inside her bra, but with a dress this revealing, that wasn’t an option.

Dirk knocked on the bathroom door. “Amber, are you ready?”

“Yes.” She unlocked the door. He’d checked it for bugs, phones, computer access, intercoms, and only then decided she could be unchaperoned there. She’d had to sleep on the bed beside him, with Frank the bodyguard on a chair in the corner of the room.

“Wow. You look incredible. Just remember you have no voice and can’t talk above a whisper.”

“Like that’ll work,” she said, getting the accent spot on. “You want me to be your wife, don’t you?”

Dirk pulled her into his arms. “Are you finally offering?”

She slapped him and jerked away. “You try it and, not only will I kick you so hard you’ll never have children again, I’ll scream loud enough that hotel security will be breaking down the door before you can stand upright.”

Dirk moved his jaw slowly. “Feisty. I like it. We need to go. Just don’t screw this up for me.” He took her arm and led her from the suite down to the ballroom filled with tables, waiters, and people. He took a tall glass from the waiter by the door and pressed it into her hand. “Champagne, baby. Remember how much you like it.”

“Just the one, though,” she said tight lipped. “Don’t want to drink too much. I might slip up and chat up the wrong person.”

She mingled for a while, making the drink last, smiling mindlessly and making small talk while Dirk hung onto her other arm. She was scared and, after a couple of hours, she was also bored. She needed a break from all the mindless corporate gossip. How had Joanne done this week in and week out for so long?

Dirk had just started what would be another long conversation with Mr. Jarvis, one of the corporate execs, so she shook Dirk’s arm. “I’m just popping to the restroom.” Those few minutes alone would give her time to find a phone.

“I’ll come with,” he said.

Mr. Jarvis raised an eyebrow. “Really, Dirk? Give the lady some privacy.”

“She’s been under the weather ever since we got here.”

“All the more reason to give the poor girl ten minutes on her own.”

Mrs. Jarvis grinned. “Anyway, you know ladies always go to the powder room in groups. I’ll keep an eye on her for you.”

Amber nodded slightly, not wanting company of any kind. “We won’t be long. Back before you know it.” She could feel Dirk’s gaze on her as she crossed the room. How would she get away now?

No sooner were they in the ladies, than Mrs. Jarvis looked at her. “Where’s Joanne?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Amber bluffed.

The woman frowned. “Don’t lie to me. Joanne and I were in college together, and roomed together for years. Though you look similar enough to fool most people here, you can’t fool me. Where is she? And if you don’t tell me, I’ll tell my husband and he’ll call the police.”

****

Jackson knocked on the frame to Nate’s office. “Got a minute?”

Nate looked up. “Come on in. I was about to call you. Have a seat.”

Jackson sat. “Thanks. The others would have come, but Jared’s on shift and Niamh’s in court. I promised to fill them in. Have you found her?”

“Just listen to what I have to say first. Amber worked as a nanny for Dirk and Joanne Judge to their three children—Julian, who was twelve, Sam, who was nine, and Laurie, who was five. According to neighbors the parents left for England in September, shortly after putting the kids into boarding school. However, according to immigration, only Dirk Judge entered the country two weeks ago.”

“About the time Amber started getting stalked and said she’d seen him.”

Nate grunted in agreement. “Having spoken to both David Painter and Pastor Carson and shown them both his picture, they’ve confirmed it was him in the coffee shop. David also said Amber contacted him a few days ago and he again warned this bloke off. Your brother confirmed the theft accusation, and he didn’t appreciate you duping the information out of him, either.”

Jackson sighed. That explained the ring me messages Austin had been leaving him the past several hours.

“Anyway, Dirk Judge flew to London and hired a car. That car was last seen at a motorway service station in Scotland, so I can only assume he’s here on business.”

“But where’s Amber?”

“No sign of her. But if you’re right, we find him and we find her. But I won’t get Police Scotland involved and arrest the bloke on a hunch. If she gets in touch let me know, and I’ll decide what to do from there.”

Jackson sighed and stood, knowing a dismissal when he heard one. He got to the door, opened it and turned. “She’s in trouble, Nate, and I can’t just stand here and let it happen. She was scared of this Dirk guy. I can’t lose her.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Nate cracked a grin. “My word. Has the Lone Ranger finally found a Tonto to share his life with?”

“Not the best analogy, but someone to spend my life with, maybe,” he replied cagily. “I know how I feel and I think she feels the same, but it’s early and—” He broke off as his phone rang. “Better take this. I’m on call.”

Nate nodded. “I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything. So long as you do the same.”

Jackson nodded. “Will do.” He turned his attention to the call as he left the room. “Dr. Parker speaking…”

****

Amber stood stock still for a long moment, letting the water play over her hands. Maybe being arrested would be a good thing. At least she’d be out of here. It’d force Dirk’s hand. And she could finally find out what Joanne had hidden inside the pendant. On the other hand, being locked up for something she hadn’t done wouldn’t be much fun.

She cleared her throat. “OK, you’re right. I’m not Joanne Judge. I’m the nanny. Dirk asked me to stand in for her. He wasn’t expecting anyone to know her and hoped he’d get away with it. Please, don’t say anything. I should get back before he starts to worry.” Amber headed back into the ballroom. Maybe she’d get chance to use the phone later.

Dirk was still talking and slid his arm around her. He was half cut and stank of booze and cigarette smoke. “There you are, babe. I thought you’d gotten lost.”

“There’s always a queue.” She tried not to gag as he breathed all over her.

“That’s because you ladies always go to the bathroom in groups. If you didn’t there’d be no queue.”

Mrs. Jarvis watched them like a hawk. “So how’s that nanny of yours?”

“Nanny?” Dirk asked.

“Theo said you had one for your boys, but I don’t remember you mentioning her name.”

“Oh, yes,” Dirk slurred. “But the boys all went to boarding school back in September.”

“Apart from Laurie,” Amber interjected. “I can’t bear to part with him just yet. He’s at home.”

Mrs. Jarvis nodded. “What’s the nanny’s name?”

“Why?” Dirk asked.

“I might want to poach her if she’s that great, and after all, with the children in boarding school you no longer need a nanny. Joanne did nothing but rave about her, only she didn’t mention her name.”

“Amber. She’s a waste of money, if you ask me,” Dirk said. He put his empty glass down and grabbed another from a passing waiter. “The boys need to toughen up. Laurie is going to boarding school after Christmas.”

“Quite right, too,” Theo Jarvis said. “Boarding school never did me any harm. Well, think on what I said, Dirk. We’ll talk more tomorrow. Come on, Lucy, let’s mingle.”

Dirk’s grip tightened on hers painfully.

“What did you tell her?” he hissed.

“Nothing. Merely made polite conversation just as you told me to do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He reached for another glass.

“I think you’ve had enough,” she told him, staying his hand. “Or is this afternoon pleasure, and not business? Because if you drink much more you’ll be too drunk to do anything.”

Someone approached them.

“We should mingle, do what you need to do, and then we can get out of here.”

****

Dirk dragged Amber up to the suite and pushed her inside. He was totally plastered.

Amber had never seen him like that and it scared her.

He shoved her to the floor and stood over her. “You will tell me what you meant.”

“You’re drunk.”

He swore at her. “Tell me.”

“Joanne took those files from your office, and she’s the one who destroyed your computer. She was going to leave you. She gave me copies of the files before you killed her.”

Dirk knelt and grabbed her throat. “Where are they?”

“I also have proof you killed her and the boys,” she gasped.

“What?” He shook her. “Where is it?”

“Safe…” She struggled for breath. “If I die…it gets sent to the police.” Her head swung to the side as Dirk hit her.

“Give it to me!” he yelled.

“No…” She cried out as he dragged her over to the bed and tossed her on to it. He yanked her hand above her head and cuffed her to the bars on the headboard.

“You will give it to me!” He tossed his jacket to the bed next to her, hands roaming over her. “Are you wearing it?”

Amber froze, knowing he’d find the pendant if he looked hard enough. “You stink of booze and cigarettes,” she said. “I’m not telling you anything until you’ve showered and sobered up some.” She was shocked when he rolled off the bed.

Dirk frowned, and then moved unsteadily into the bathroom.

Once the door was shut, Amber reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone. The shower was running. She only had a few minutes. Every second had to count. Fortunately Dirk hadn’t password protected his phone.

Bringing up the text screen, Amber texted Jackson, hoping and praying he read texts from unknown numbers. She texted where she was and asked him not to reply to the text as it wasn’t her phone.

She slid the phone back into the jacket just as Dirk came out wearing only a towel. She shivered as he sat on the bed beside her. As he tried to kiss her, she pushed him away. “You’re still drunk.”

“And?” he demanded. “Joanne never complained.”

“That’s because she was scared of you.” She tried to sound more blasé than she actually felt.

Dirk shook his head and lay next to her.

“Uncuff me so I can go and sleep in the chair.”

“You’ll escape or use the phone.”

He’d probably be asleep once he lay down properly. As much as she wanted to get away, she had to figure out how to prove her innocence when she did flee. If she’d be able to. “Get Frank to sit in here all night again. I’m tired and I want to sleep. Besides, if you kill me, you’ll never get those files back.”

Dirk pulled his phone from his jacket.

Frank came into the room.

“Watch her,” Dirk said. “She moves a muscle and you know what to do.”

Amber rubbed her wrist as Dirk freed her, and gratefully slid off the bed. Grabbing a change of clothes, she headed into the bathroom. Once changed, she curled up in a chair on the other side of the room.

Dirk was snoring.

She closed her eyes. She prayed Jackson would get the message and find her.

If Dirk discovered the pendant….

Well, that was the only bargaining chip she had left.