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September 9th, 2012 Chickadee County, NY
VERITY knocked on the door one last time before walking along the porch and peering in through the living room windows to confirm what was only too obvious. The place was deserted. More than three months after Verity should have appeared here with the others. She didn’t know what had happened in the interim, but no one was here waiting to see if she showed up. Not even Turner.
Without knowing where or when any of the others were, or whether they could truly track her with their watches, Verity had to decide what to do next. And that wasn’t going to be waiting about an empty house for someone to show up someday.
Huffing and puffing noises made Verity turn to see Karat trundling around the corner of the house. Despite Verity’s protests, the pregnant woman had insisted on circling the grounds looking for signs of life—apparently exercise was good for the expecting mother, even when she seemed about to pop. Especially when she’d been crammed into that two-door compact all morning.
They had stopped for a couple of rest breaks on their way. Three hours of mostly country scenery—lots of cows and horses—that Verity hadn’t paid any attention to, because she’d had to focus on remembering how to drive. With the road and other drivers having first claim on her, she’d only half listened to Karat chatting about her parents and growing up Jewish in a Boston suburb. All the talk of the travails of pregnancy she had intentionally tuned out.
That very pregnant woman looked at the stairs up to the porch and shook her head. “I couldn’t see anyone anywhere. Sorry, but it looks like nobody’s home. Don’t you have any idea where else to look for them?”
Verity sighed. She thought the rest were probably at the following summer. Or maybe in New York at the Ngaio. “Looks like they’ve gone for the summer, and they won’t be back until May or June. The only other place I can think to check is in New York City.”
Karat leaned against the railing and smiled. “If you recall, I’m headed there myself. Why don’t you drive me the rest of the way?”
Verity’s nerves would be tested driving into the city, but she’d have to face it. “Of course.”
“And you said you’d lived there before. Maybe you can help me find my husband’s old friend?”
“We’ll call it another trade. And yes, I am quite familiar with the city.” As it had been ten years ago. “It should be simple to search for this person.” Simple being a relative term. “You’ve got an idea where to start looking, I hope.”
“He’s somebody my husband met in law school, and supposedly he’s got a practice in the city—a Mr. Crispin Hollingsworth.”
Verity stared into space, trying to keep her face from showing her surprise. Hollingsworth had witnessed her wedding. If she could not find Turner or any of the others, the lawyer might be her next best hope for help. She looked down on Karat’s glowing face. “Lawyers like to be found by potential clients, so I doubt it’ll be too difficult to find this one.”
Karat nodded. “I’d still appreciate your help.”
But having begun to think about Hollingsworth had caused Verity’s thoughts to veer off in another direction. “When you said you needed the help of a friend of your husband’s, I assumed you meant help with expenses for the baby.”
Karat’s late husband had been a lawyer, though—and now she was seeking assistance from another lawyer, and one of Hollingsworth’s caliber. It could be just another incredible coincidence, like the lawyer being one Verity happened to know, but Verity’s antennae had started to quiver. “There’s something else, though, isn’t there? Some kind of trouble.”
The woman’s face flushed, and tears began rolling down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. It’s been a couple weeks since Miles died, and I told myself that I was not going to cry any more. I suppose it must be the pregnancy—you know how it plays havoc with your hormones.”
Verity shook her head. “No, I don’t know, but I am sorry if I upset you. I didn’t mean to. Go ahead and cry all you want.”
That brought a smile back to Karat’s face. “You didn’t know. But I need to hurry up and get over it, for the baby’s sake.”
“I’m not sure you should ever get over losing a spouse.”
Karat wiped her tears away with her hand. “I’m sorry. I forgot you’re missing your husband too, but at least he’s still among the living.”
“To be honest, I don’t know if he is still alive.”
“How long has he been gone?”
“Ten years. I haven’t seen him since the day after our wedding.” And not only might Verity never see him again, she could conceivably never find out if he died, much less when or where or how. “How did your husband die?”
Karat had managed to stop crying. “I guess we could compete for most tragic story. Miles fell from the roof of the building where he had his office. The police said it was suicide, but they’re wrong—I know my husband, and he wouldn’t have jumped. And it couldn’t have been an accident since he didn’t have any reason to be up on the roof.”
“Then, that only leaves...”
“I just couldn’t understand it. And then a week after his death, someone broke into his office. They searched through his files—that’s when I realized he must’ve been murdered. After that, I got the feeling someone was watching me, but I never saw them. I think they might be following me.”
Verity sighed. “I wish you had told me all of this earlier.”
“I should have told you before we started off together. But whoever they might be, I didn’t think they’d have any interest in you—I hope I’ve not gotten you into any trouble.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Assuming these mysterious watchers did become interested in Verity, she imagined they’d have a difficult job just finding out who she was. Assuming they existed in the first place.
Verity was inclined to be skeptical. After all, impending motherhood, together with losing her husband in such a traumatic way, might’ve unbalanced poor Karat. But she pursed her lips to avoid voicing that thought.
It must’ve shown in her expression, though, because Karat blushed. “I know I probably sound paranoid. Maybe I am, but then when I think about—” She broke off whatever she’d started to say and gave Verity a sheepish look. “I should probably wait and tell Mr. Hollingsworth the details. Then I’ll let him decide what to do.”
“I understand, and that seems like the best idea to me. So let’s go into the city and find him for you. As for anyone following—well, I wasn’t looking, but there wasn’t enough traffic on the road down to disguise the fact, if someone was following you.”
Although anyone willing to break into a lawyer’s office wouldn’t balk at much. And if they were truly watching or following Karat, the only reason Verity could see for that was if they hadn’t found whatever they’d been looking for. In which case, they might have attached a tracking device to the car, in order to follow at a distance. They could’ve installed a bug even.
Verity wanted to finish this conversation here, away from Karat’s car. “Did you tell anybody where you were going, who you were going to see?”
Karat shook her head. “I didn’t dare. I couldn’t know who to trust, so I didn’t even let anyone know I was leaving at all.”
Verity nodded. That was one advantage to paranoia—it came in useful if someone really was after you. So she likely didn’t need to warn the woman to not talk about Hollingsworth, or anything else unfit for listening ears. It would just make her more nervous to mention it. Not a good idea—whether or not this turned out to be a delusion.
Verity had one more thing she wanted to say before they left. “Just in case we are being followed, I want to think about how we might lose them. Once we get into the city, just go along with whatever I’m suggesting. As if it makes sense, alright?”
“Alright.” Karat levered herself away from the railing and waddled over to the car, to stuff herself into the passenger seat and wait.
Hoping the woman would continue to be amenable to her ideas, Verity got behind the wheel and buckled her seatbelt before starting the car. Driving down the little lane and turning back onto SR22 and heading south, the silence in the car was a distinct change from earlier, and uncomfortable, but at least it would give Verity the mental space to think. Karat just stared out the window.
When Verity realized she was repeatedly checking her rearview mirror for a tail, she knew at least part of her mind had credited Karat’s tale. Though if anyone were following, she didn’t see them.
What a lawyer might be able to do for this woman, Verity couldn’t know, not without hearing more of her story. But still she didn’t want to pry. What she did want to do was hand Karat over to Hollingsworth without bringing any trouble to his door—no more than she had to, anyway.
So though she remained skeptical, Verity tried thinking how best to lose anyone who might be following them. Focusing her attention on avoiding a wreck, she was able to spare an occasional thought. Anyone who’d been watching Karat would certainly know the make and model of her car, as well as the license plate number and probably the VIN. Even if there was no tracking device, this vehicle needed to be abandoned for alternative transportation.
Verity only hoped trying to convince the woman to give up her car didn’t set her off. She hadn’t observed any hormone-induced mood swings to rage, but a flood of tears would be nearly as bad. At least she had a good replacement vehicle in mind.
Thankfully, her wedding was only a couple days ago from Verity’s point-of-view, so she still remembered the details of Turner’s wedding gift. He’d taken her to the dealership to present it to her—for all the good she had thought she’d get out of it, living in the city and never driving. It had been the thought that counted, then. Now she appreciated the gift itself, and also that Turner had arranged for the car to be kept ready for her to accept anytime in the future—and since they’d planned on skipping the next ten years, it had seemed only prudent. Now it was positively providential.
So she wouldn’t complain that it would’ve made more sense for Turner to wait to buy her a car until they’d arrived in twenty twelve. Instead, she would be grateful that she remembered where to find that dealership. And that there was a mall nearby.
So, in White Plains Verity changed to the Bronx River Parkway, then took that into the city, then got off the race course and headed for the massive parking garage attached to that shopping center she had recalled. After finding an empty place to park, she turned to Karat and winked. “I think we could both use a nice, long break before we make our way into Manhattan, don’t you?”
Karat just nodded in relief and opened the door and began the process of extricating herself. Verity didn’t want to imagine what it must’ve been like for the woman driving all the way across Massachusetts on her own. But in no time at all, Karat was out and headed for the mall entrance and no doubt the nearest restroom.
Verity hurried to catch up to her and spoke low as she came along side. “After you finish your business, why don’t you go to the food court and take a good half hour to get a proper meal.” A giant plate of nachos at a convenience store along the way had been the woman’s lunch. Verity had made do with a microwaved burrito.
Seeing Karat nod, she continued giving her instructions. “When you finish, go to the big department store at the south end of the mall and shop for another half hour.” Verity checked her watch to see the current time. “Then about a quarter past four, I want you to try slipping out the door to the back lot when no one’s looking. Alright?”
Karat nodded, then glanced at her watch before charging ahead through the milling crowd to get to the restroom. Hopefully the woman had been paying proper attention.
With a mental shrug, Verity focused on the first task she needed to accomplish. Since anyone who’d been spying on Karat would now know what Verity looked like, she had to have a disguise of some sort. There was no point trying to camouflage the eight-months-pregnant woman, but Verity needed to slip away from the mall unnoticed for her plan to work.
It took her ten minutes to find a wig shop—then she found another store and bought a couple accessories. Twenty minutes later she was visiting a different restroom to transform herself. She exited the mall as a busty, bee-hived blonde—a gauzy rainbow scarf and pink purse glittering with rhinestones finished the look. She likely looked as if she’d stepped straight out of central casting, but she should be unrecognizable to anybody watching for her. That was what mattered.
Fifteen minutes from the mall, the sales people at the luxury-car dealership saw her waltz into their showroom. If they were shocked, they were far too professional to show it. As soon as she was inside, though, she ripped off the wig and scarf and stuffed them into her purse. And scanned the place for any familiar face.
Seeing someone who’d been here ten years ago, she stalked up to a large, muscular man with a ruddy complexion.
He looked older, naturally, but his manner was still hearty. “How can I help you, miss?”
“Since it’s been ten years, I’ll forgive you for not recognizing me, Mr. Venn. As long as you have not forgotten to take very good care of the car my husband bought me. Considering what it cost Turner, I presume it will be in pristine condition.”
His face grew even redder. “Of course I haven’t forgotten, you or your car—which has been lovingly maintained for you. If you don’t mind my saying so, you haven’t changed a bit in ten years, Miss Dervan. Or should I say Mrs.—”
“It is now, and still, Mrs.”
“I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses and come for the car. But it’s ten years old now. Surely you’d like to trade it in for a newer model.
Verity sighed. “You’re a salesman, of course, so I understand. But the only thing I’m interested in is driving away in my wedding present. That’s not going to be a problem, is it?”
“You have your keys with you?”
She smiled. “Of course—it was a beautiful gift.” Even if it hadn’t been of any use until now.
“Then all you have to do is sign the delivery confirmation papers. Once you’re satisfied it’s in good condition.”
He led her out to a side lot and showed her the silver Mercedes, where it sat among any number of shiny automobiles glinting in the sun, but she didn’t bother to inspect it. She didn’t have the time. “It’s got gas in the tank?”
Mr. Venn looked pained. “Of course. To keep it in fine running order, we had to drive it regularly. It has almost a full tank.”
Verity allowed herself to laugh. “Ready for that day when I would come to my senses? It must have taken me a lot longer than you imagined.”
He managed a polite chuckle. “I’m happy such a fine vehicle will finally be appreciated.”
Signing the paper he’d handed her and unlocking the driver’s side door, she slid into the cool interior. A nice change from Karat’s compact. “And it will be appreciated, Mr. Venn. It will indeed.”
Then she was grateful for the practice she’d gotten all day—she backed out of the tight spot without scratching any of the other cars. Then she pulled off the lot and out into traffic without hitting anything, or anyone.
Only a few minutes later, Verity was in the back parking area of the mall donning her wig and scarf again and liberally applying pink lipstick to go with the purse. Then she checked her watch. Everything had gone smoothly on her part. If Karat was following instructions, she should be waddling out at any minute.
Verity kept a close eye on the rear exit and started the engine the second she saw Karat pushing the heavy glass door open. The woman stepped out onto the sidewalk and looked around with an air of bewilderment—which became surprise when she saw the Mercedes slide up next to her and the back door pop open. Verity called out to her, “Hop in.”
Though hopping wasn’t actually an option, Karat did scramble into the car rather quickly considering her condition. She must not have looked at the driver, only recognized Verity’s voice, because they were already pulling away when she got herself settled and finally looked up front and saw.
“Oh my word!”
Verity made a face in the rearview mirror. “It’s a disguise, Karat. I should be free of anyone following me, and this car is clean. If anyone was watching you, hopefully we’ve given them the slip.” And if not yet, then before they reached the Ngaio.
Karat leaned back and looked around the comfortable interior. “And this car?”
“A wedding present from my husband I had no use for until now.” Of course, it had only been a few days from Verity’s perspective. If she hadn’t taken this mad trip ten years into the future, she probably would’ve picked up her car a lot sooner.
Karat shook her head in wonder but said nothing. Thankfully that silence reigned as Verity navigated her way into Midtown, focused on fighting the afternoon traffic. When she reached the Ngaio, she ignored the honking behind her as she stopped next to two taxis parked in front of the hotel, positioning the back door to give Karat a clear path between the bumpers to the front door.
Turning to speak to the woman, Verity made an effort to smile. “You don’t want to be any more visible than you have to be. Just go straight to the elevator and ride up to the fourth floor—and if you see anyone there, tell them you’re with me.” That ought to surprise them. Though she didn’t expect Turner or any of the others to be in residence. “I’ll be parking the car and coming right behind you.”
After staying long enough to see Karat enter the lobby safely, Verity moved on. Twenty-five minutes later the elevator was depositing her on that fourth floor, where Karat was waiting. Alone. And cross at being left for so long.
Verity had her keys in hand and marched right to room 408 and opened the door after a peremptory knock. She waved Karat in ahead of her. “This is our suite—Turner’s and mine. Please take a load off and feel free to make yourself at home.”
The woman looked around the sitting room and levered herself into one of the wide leather chairs. “I don’t understand. If you have these rooms, haven’t you looked for your husband here before?”
Roaming through the remaining rooms to confirm her husband was not there, Verity answered as best she could. “It’s a long, complicated story. Anyway, he’s not here. So you really can relax.”
Verity popped into the bathroom to completely rid herself of her disguise and felt much better to be herself again. She emerged to find Karat coming to take her turn. “Stay in the suite. I’m going to check on the location of Hollingsworth’s offices.”
But as she left her rooms and Karat behind, she first went down the hall and knocked on a few doors—Anya’s and Page’s and Matt’s—but no one seemed to be at home here, either. That left the lawyer, but it was a Saturday, so he was unlikely to be in. Still, as she had told Karat, it would be helpful to be sure how his offices were situated. She knew the address but had never visited. And if she was going to minimize any risk getting Karat to Hollingsworth, she’d have to be careful how they approached him.
An hour and a half later, it was a redhead with long, straight hair wearing sunglasses and four-inch heels who clicked her way through the lobby of the Whitaker building and boarded the express elevator for the fifty-fourth floor. Where the practice of Hollingsworth and Everett should’ve been, but showed no signs of actually being there.
Verity stalked her way down every corridor and investigated the entire floor but found nothing. She returned to the elevator, ready to go back and examine the directory in the lobby—but when an old man wheeling a yellow plastic pail and mop arrived with the elevator, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. She held the doors open for him and received a nod of thanks.
“Maybe you can help me?” Verity smiled at the janitor. “I was looking for Hollingsworth and Everett, but I must’ve gotten off on the wrong floor.”
The old man shook his head without looking at her. “You got the right floor, alright, but they’re not here anymore.”
“You mean not in this building? I don’t suppose you happen to know where they moved to?” Verity could always look it up in the phone book, but this would be faster. If he knew.
“They didn’t move, they dissolved the practice. The young one went and joined one of the big firms on Wall Street. I heard the old guy retired—which is what I’d do if I could afford to.”
Verity sighed and thanked the man, then waited for the next elevator down. If Hollingsworth had retired, she ought to find him at his house—as soon as she found out where that was—or out on the nearest golf course. She and Karat would stay at the Ngaio while she searched for him.
This was going to take up more time than Verity had anticipated. Hopefully she could find Hollingsworth soon and make Karat his problem before the baby arrived.