Beth woke next morning with a stretch and a smile. Despite retiring late, she was in an exceptional mood. Then she remembered her night had been filled with blissful dreams of Zach and her mood deflated.
What was wrong with her? There was no future there; he’d made his feelings plain. He wasn’t interested in her that way; she wasn’t his type. Over the years, Loretta had produced photographs of him with the women he’d dated. The slinky model types, willowy blondes, statuesque redheads, beautiful brunettes. She’d never stood a chance, and had been nothing more than an insignificant blip on his radar.
After she’d felt the magic of his kisses it was doubly hard to cast him from her mind, but for the most part she’d been succeeding, except when, like a thief in the night, he’d creep into her dreams and steal her heart.
Well, enough was enough. There was no point coveting the unattainable, and unless she gave someone else a chance, she’d be stuck on the Zach train forever. Daniel liked her, and his kisses were nice, perhaps she should explore that further. It was worth considering, but for now it was necessary to make a start, so with a kick of the covers she scurried out of bed.
Today was Daniel’s last day, he was booked on the late flight home, and they still had almost a full day’s work to complete.
She smoothed down her navy skirt as she walked into the breakfast room. Daniel was already seated and came to his feet at her approach.
“Good morning, how did you sleep?” His enquiry came with a smile.
Fraught with dreams rampant with sexual tension that had me sorely tempted to knock on your door. “Like a log, how about you?”
“Same.” He angled his head toward the buffet just as his stomach growled. “I’m hungry, chickadee, let’s eat.”
The tinkle of laughter came quick to her lips. “You have to stop calling me that ridiculous name, what would they think back at the office? My credibility would be shot to pieces.”
“That sure as heck would give them something to gossip about,” Daniel said as he helped himself to the buffet.
The expression on Josh and Kevin’s faces would certainly be something to behold if they ever found out she’d been kissing Daniel Chalmers in the back of a Columbian taxi—and liking it.
* * * *
The bright sunrays shimmered through the curtained window as Loretta curled like a kitten in bed. It was ten o’clock, and she indulged in thoughts of Carlos and the secret lunch they’d organized for today. Secret, because she’d kept the truth from Beth and Daniel.
Last night, when she’d wanted to stay at the club, Beth had been annoyed, but fornication, she was having a blast and didn’t want the evening to end. Carlos had offered to see her back to the hotel, but that wasn’t good enough for Miss Worrywart. This assertiveness Beth was acquiring might not be such a good thing after all. But for pity’s sake, what was wrong with a little holiday romance anyway?
When Beth asked about her plans she’d lied, but her friend left her no choice. Tonight she’d set the record straight and make it up to her later. Maybe even go with her to one of those boring museums. Artifacts smartifacts, that girl’s head was full of the strangest stuff. History, for instance, who gave a flying fig about what happened hundreds of years ago? For the life of her she couldn’t see the attraction. Zach was into that crap too, and between the pair of them, they’d drive her crazy if she let them.
She tossed back the covers and padded into the bathroom to wash up. After showering and applying makeup, she studied her wardrobe. Goth was not an option. In the end, she chose a short, printed skirt teamed with a white sleeveless shirt. The top few buttons were left undone, giving it a plunging neckline and showing a hint of Brussels’ lace beneath. The leather belt, added to her waist, matched the pewter sandals on her feet. A silver stud was pressed into each lobe, and then she stood back and assessed her reflection.
The mirror revealed a slender attractive woman dressed to kill, and that was the point—to impress the hell out of Carlos. With a tune on her lips, room card and purse in hand, she closed the door with a soft click and headed for the elevator.
It was right on eleven-fifty when she entered the hotel lobby. Carlos was sitting on an over-stuffed chair and gave her a wave.
She hurried over. “Hi, Carlos.”
“Good morning, querida, you look stunning.” He stood and kissed both sides of her face in greeting.
“You’re here early,” she said, taking in his appearance. Dressed in lightweight trousers, a white open-necked polo shirt, and with a body bronzed by the South American sun, he looked good enough to eat.
“Yes, I have planned a lot for today.”
“Oh really, like what?” she asked out of politeness. Where they went or what they did was inconsequential as long as they were together. It would be prudent, though, to be back at the hotel before Beth and Daniel returned.
“Lunch first, then some sightseeing, I think. If you are ready we will go.”
“What time do you expect we’ll be back?”
“Ah, you wish to be here before your friends return from work, so you have not told them of our date?”
“No, it’s none of their business, but Daniel’s flying home tonight, and I’d like to say good-bye.”
“Do not worry, we will be back in plenty of time.” Carlos ushered her onto the street and into a taxi.
They arrived at the restaurant and her face fell. Carlos insisted they sit at one of the curbside tables. “Can’t we eat inside? It’s far too hot out here,” she complained, using her hand as a fan to keep cool.
“Querida, dining al fresco will give you an insight into my culture. You can watch and take in the atmosphere as my countrymen go about their daily business.”
When he ignored her suggestion, she didn’t object. His take-charge attitude was kind of sexy, and when he ordered for both of them, she didn’t complain. The menu was in Spanish, and although articulate in that language, reading it required an effort she was not prepared to put in.
Assorted plates of food arrived and were placed in the center of the table. Carlos explained each one in detail, and they were all delicious. When she’d sampled as much as her stomach could hold, she leaned back and sighed.
“Querida, you enjoyed your meal, no?”
“Yes, everything was scrumptious, but I ate far too much. I’m just lucky I don’t put on weight,” she said, rising from her chair as the waitress appeared and removed their empty plates.
“Will you excuse me, Carlos, while I find the bathroom?”
“Shall I order coffee?”
“Thank you, I do so love Columbian coffee. I won’t be long.” She picked up her purse and disappeared indoors in search of the ladies’ room.
* * * *
The waitress set two coffee cups onto the table and left without a word. Carlos studied the other patrons with intensity. Satisfied they were too absorbed in their own company to observe his actions, he implemented his plan. With the utmost discretion, he removed the vial of scopolamine from his pocket and slipped the contents into Loretta’s cup. He only had time to give it a quick stir before she appeared back at the restaurant entrance and began walking toward him.
“Drink, querida, and then tell me what you would like to do next?” he said as she sat down, knowing once she’d finished the coffee the effect of the drug would be almost instantaneous and his part in her abduction would be done.
“What do you suggest?”
“Ah, I think you would like to shop, yes?”
“I love to shop, but I’m sure you don’t, so we can do something else.” Her fingers walked up his inner arm in a suggestive manner, but he caught her hand and brought it to his lips.
“Today is for your pleasure. Come, drink up and then I will take you to the best shops in the city.”
Loretta lifted her cup and did as instructed. He held his breath as she swallowed, worried the slight bitter taste might be detectable, but his concern was misplaced. The empty cup was put down without complaint, and with a relieved smile he beckoned a waiter and settled the bill. “Shall we go?”
“Yep, ready when you are.” She stood and swayed on her feet, a shaky hand touching her head.
“Querida, are you ill?” he asked, taking her by the elbow.
“I feel a little woozy.”
“It’s the sun. You’ll feel better once we are in the taxi.” The lie tripped off his tongue as he signaled his cousin waiting nearby. The taxi pulled up alongside, Carlos bundled her into the backseat and scrambled in after her.
“Emilio, take us to Franco,” he ordered as the girl slumped into the seat beside him.
* * * *
As far as work went, the day was uneventful but not boring, and it was late afternoon when Daniel and she climbed into the limousine.
“You have an amazing innate talent, and you are going to go far in this company.” Daniel surprised her. “Your work ethic is beyond reproach. Pedro couldn’t stop crowing about you, so I’ll certainly be recommending you for next time.”
“Wow, what a compliment; thanks, Daniel.”
“I believe in giving praise where it’s due.”
“You know, I’m going to miss you when you’re gone.”
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
She caught her breath. “Daniel, I…”
“Just saying,” he said and gave a boyish grin.
He was attractive, but besides the Zach thing there was the work connection, so starting something with him would perhaps be unwise after all.
The rest of the short journey was completed in silence. Once at the hotel, the lift took them to their floor.
“How about you grab Loretta, and we’ll have a flashy last supper.”
“Sure, I’ll let her know our plans. See you downstairs in an hour.”
Daniel nodded and went to his room while she continued along the corridor and tapped on Loretta’s door. When her knock went unanswered she pulled out her cell, and with no response to that either, her upbeat mood took a nosedive, and she scurried back along the corridor to Daniel’s room.
His door had only cracked an inch when she wailed, “Loretta’s not there. Where can she be?” Dark suspicion crept up her spine, but unwilling to entertain the thought she tamped it down.
“Take it easy. She’s probably down by the pool. Have you called her cell?”
“Yes, it’s turned off or out of range.”
“Check with reception, perhaps she left a message.”
Beth slapped her forehead. “Ah, duh, why didn’t I think of that?” If the situation had been reversed, she’d have left a message. “Can I use the room phone?” she asked pointing to the bedside table.
“Be my guest.”
Less than a minute later she replaced the handset and sucked in a shaky breath.
“No luck, hey?”
“Uh-uh.” She shook her head and wandered over to the window and peered out across the hotel grounds, deep in thought.
Daniel came up behind her. “It’s still early, she could be out sightseeing.”
The hand he placed on her shoulder was comforting, and she reached up and gave it a brief pat. “I doubt it,” she said and glanced at her wrist.
“That’s the fourth time you’ve checked your watch in as many minutes. Fornication, Beth, try and relax, you’re going to drive yourself crazy and me along with you.”
His levity at the use of Loretta’s signature word brought the smile to her face she guessed he’d been seeking.
“Look, I’ve only known her a short time, and even I can tell she’s a party girl, so in all probability she’s just out having a good time with Carlos.”
“Of course you’re right. I’m being paranoid.” She moved to the bed and sat down, tucking her legs up under her. “No doubt she’s left her watch in the safe and time’s run away from her.”
“How about we go downstairs for dinner, my treat?”
Food was the last thing on her mind, but she agreed to meet him in the dining room in an hour’s time.
Fifty-three minutes later the waiter showed her to a corner table where Daniel was waiting.
“Still no news?” he said as she flopped into the seat opposite him.
“No.”
“I checked the pool and the gym after you left, but no luck there, either. As I said, she’s probably out with Carlos.”
“I guess.”
“Everything will turn out fine, trust me.”
The smile she sent him was forced and didn’t lighten her spirits. Even throughout dinner her gloomy mood persisted. Daniel talked about work, the weather, the hotel, anything to keep her mind off Loretta. Long after the meal was finished they lingered over drinks, still avoiding the subject.
She twirled the stem of her wineglass and then alternated from fiddling with her blouse to pleating the tablecloth.
“Call her again, chickadee.”
“Okay.” She hit the phone symbol next to Loretta’s name and waited. When it went unanswered again, she mopped at her eye and sniffed.
Daniel finished his wine and put the glass on the table with a decisive hand. “Worrying yourself sick isn’t going to make her arrive any sooner.”
She lifted her chin. “No, I guess not.”
“Come on, let’s go.”
She released the linen fabric, pushed back her chair and stood. Daniel got up too, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and together they walked toward the lifts.
“Look, there’s Manuel. He must have come on duty while we were dining. How about I run Loretta’s absence by him, maybe he’ll have some advice?”
“Good idea.”
Manuel listened in silence while Daniel explained the situation, touching on the friendship that had sprung up between Carlos and Loretta.
“So, should we involve the police?”
“Señor Chalmers, it is mere hours, too early for the police to investigate yet. I would advise caution. Perhaps the señorita is shopping, or how you say, kicking her heels with the gentleman and will return late tonight.”
“See, Manuel and I agree, she’s probably just out having a good time.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right, but you two don’t know her like I do. We text all the time, so this deliberate disregard for my feelings isn’t like her.”
“I still believe it’s too early to press the panic button yet.”
“No, you’re right.”
“Of course I am.”
He grinned, she responded with a smile and a change of subject. “You’d better leave soon or you’ll miss your flight.”
“I’ve postponed it till tomorrow and extended my room for another night.”
“Daniel, you shouldn’t have. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful you did, but I don’t want you getting into trouble at work on my account.”
“Don’t sweat it, baby. I’m the favorite nephew, remember, so it’ll be cool. Besides, I couldn’t leave you here alone and all stressed out.”
“You’re being very considerate, I won’t forget it.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a hug. “Don’t mention it, but right now, I think the best thing is for you to go on up to bed and try and get some sleep.
* * * *
Beth woke to a watery dawn at six-thirty sharp. Loretta was the first thing that popped into her head. Without conscious thought, she reached for the telephone and dialed her room. When there was no answer, she slipped out of bed and headed for the shower.
Stomach churning and her whole body awash with fear, different scenarios flashed into her mind—all of them terrifying. The warm water cascading over her skin didn’t soothe, nor did she linger—she’d procrastinated long enough.
She flipped off the jets and stepped from the cubicle. There was only one solution, she concluded as she dried off and dressed. If there was no message from Loretta, then she would contact Zach. He would know what to do.
With hopeful expectation, she made her way to the front desk and gave the over-chirpy hotel receptionist her name and room number. “Are there any messages for me?”
“Si, señorita.”
Beth hopped from one foot to the other as if standing on hot coals for the two seconds it took the girl to extract a buff-colored envelope from under the desk. At the sight of it, joy surged through her body, and she almost snatched it from her. True, it was not the type of message she’d been expecting, but Loretta must have written a note and had it delivered.
“Gracias.” The reply was automatic. She ripped open the envelope and began to read.
“Nooo.” Her denial was a strangled whisper. Without another word to the startled receptionist, she spun around and raced for the elevator clutching the note to her breast.
On reaching Daniel’s room she pounded the door with her fist.
“What the hell?” His voice was gruff and thick with sleep.
Her watch revealed it was not yet seven, still, she felt no remorse and pounded again. “Daniel, it’s me. Open up.”
The chain rattled and then the door swung inward. Although he was clad only in boxers, she didn’t so much as bat an eyelid.
“She’s been abducted. They want money.” The words spewed out and tears sprang to her eyes as she barged past him, her chest heaving from her frenzied dash along the corridor.
“Sit down, catch your breath, and then tell me everything.”
Daniel pushed the door shut, took her elbow with his other hand, and ushered her to the bed where she flopped down on the crumpled sheets still warm from his body.
“Here, read it.” She waved the note at him.
He snatched it his eyes scanning the page, features darkening. He looked up and took a deep breath, and then pushed a hand through his disheveled hair.
“This is bad.”
“Bad? It’s a freaking nightmare.”
“We have to call the authorities.”
“No, we can’t. If we do that, it says they’ll kill her.”
“What choice do we have?”
“I’ve got to tell Zach. He’ll know what to do.”
“Who the hell is Zach?”
“Loretta’s brother. He’s an ex-SEAL, but I don’t have his number.”
“Don’t stress. We’ll get into her room, maybe she’s got an address book among her things, or perhaps he’s listed as next of kin in her passport. It’s worth a shot.”
“What if management won’t let us in?” Her eyes filled, her bottom lip trembled as visions of Loretta scared and hurt entered her mind.
Daniel reached out and smoothed a finger over her trembling lip.
“Then I’ll make them. Be brave. Don’t freak out just yet. Give me two minutes to dress and we’ll sort this out.” He pulled on jeans and a shirt as he spoke.
Beth trailed him to the front desk, grateful for the company. Manuel was on duty and listened with an outward calm as Daniel filled him in on the ransom note.
“So what do you think?”
“I have heard it is better to just pay the money and get your loved one back unharmed without involving the authorities. But I know little of such things.”
Her stomach was a ball of nerves. She gnawed her bottom lip and tried to push some logic into her thoughts as she listened to Manuel.
“It’s your call.” Daniel faced her, his expression every bit as troubled as she felt.
“I guess we wait for now.” It was out of her hands anyway. Zach would make the decision when she phoned.
“Manuel, we need to get into Loretta’s room.”
“Give me a minute. It’s against hotel policy, but under the circumstances…”
Manuel disappeared. It was more like five minutes later when he returned with a master room card. “This will get you in, but if you lose it, I will lose my job.”
They caught the elevator and made their way to Loretta’s room in silence. In less than two seconds of being inside, Beth discovered Loretta’s cell on the bedside table.
“It’s out of charge, that’s why she left it behind.”
Beth connected the phone to the charger and plugged it into the power socket. The wait until the battery had enough juice to enable her to scroll through the contacts was interminable. When Zach’s number flashed up, she drew an audible breath, picked up the hotel phone, but hesitated before making the call.
“Do you want me to do it?” Daniel stroked her arm as he asked, and she was grateful for his comforting presence.
“No. News this bad should come from me, not a complete stranger.”
“Don’t look so scared. This is not your fault.”
“Maybe not, but no matter how I present it, Zach will hold me responsible. He always does.” Her shoulders slumped and she pushed a stray lock of hair out of her eyes.
“Best get it over with, then.”
She nodded. She’d had no contact with Zach since that night. Not a single word. There was a note addressed to Loretta on the hallstand the following morning. He’d been recalled to duty, or so he’d said. There was no note for her. No explanation. She hadn’t even rated a mention in Loretta’s. With a few rapid blinks and a heavy heart she pressed the numbers and waited for him to answer.