Chapter 12

 

 

You can’t do this, Tarin. I’ll make you pay... making me look like an ass... what makes you think you can take Chance from me... Bring him back. Now... who the hell do you... you’ll be sorry... bring him home and I’ll take you on that holiday I’ve been promising.’

Those had been some of the texts from Stephen that had started her day. There were at least another dozen or so oscillating wildly in their emotions. It all served as a reminder that she wasn’t there on a holiday; she had work to do. She needed answers so she could cut him out of her life for good. The only positive she could glean from his texts was she was pretty sure he had no idea where she was... yet.

So how’s the job hunt?”

Tarin wanted to climb back into bed and pull the cover over her head but then that never solved anything. “I think I messed up, Bobbie.” She didn’t bother to tell her friend that she’d only applied for one job because she had to get it. Most employers took their time in selecting someone, but they had seemed in a hurry and she’d made it clear she was ready to start tomorrow. That had been yesterday and still no call. Maybe their sense of urgency and hers weren’t quite the same.

I thought the interview went well?”

She coughed more as an excuse to turn her head so she didn’t have to look at her friend when she answered. “It did, although I acted like a bit of an idiot.” She couldn’t very well tell her friend that she’d lied and cheated in the hopes of getting the position. She wasn’t sure Bobbie would understand why she’d done it—or more likely, want her to explain her reasons, something she wasn’t ready to share.

How are you doing? You seem annoyed.”

I’m fine.”

Come on. I can tell you’re upset. Is it something I did?”

God no. It’s my mother. She drives me nuts. You know that Mercedes she was going to test drive?”

Tarin nodded.

She wants to buy it for her boyfriend.”

I thought she said yesterday she wanted it for herself?”

She does but if it will keep young stud number three around, then it’s for him. He’s a whole year older than me. So why can’t I find a man? Because my mother is busy bedding them all.”

Tarin snorted. “I’m sorry. That’s really not funny.” She tried hard to stop laughing but she couldn’t.

Bobbie smiled at her indulgently and then made a face before chuckling as well.

She sure likes to spend money. I guess that hasn’t changed.” It had always been a problem when they were younger.

Nope. That’s one of the reasons Dad split. He couldn’t handle being broke all the time.”

Is your mom working?”

Oh good gravy, no. That is such a dirty word in her book.”

Are you supporting her?”

Me? No, not really. I’ve taken over her finances because she gets swamped with bill collectors when she doesn’t pay. She’s holding me over a barrel. She’s a pro at blackmail.”

So she has money?”

Yeah, she got a hell of a settlement and roped yo―” Bobbie’s eyes opened wide. “She’s got some money.”

Tarin frowned. Something struck her as odd but she was too busy with her own worries to figure out what might be going on with her friend.

Bobbie made her way across the room. “So you’re not sure about your job? Don’t worry about it. I’m sure if you don’t get it there are others. Let’s not sit around here moping and waiting for a call. Let’s go do something.”

Tarin contemplated that for a moment. If she didn’t get this position, she wouldn’t have the access to what she needed; however, there were other ways to gather information. The logo on the paper that had been stuck to her back was the only clue she had to what had happened to her.

She watched her friend as she paced back and forth in her tiny room. Bobbie hadn’t looked at her once. Something was off. Her mom had obviously upset her. Tarin would have done almost anything to have a mother drive her nuts.

I could get my dad to help if money is an issue?”

God, no!” The words were spit at her almost before she was done speaking.

Okay. I just—”

I know. You want to fix it like you do everything. Leave it alone, Tarin. Okay?”

Tarin nodded but was taken aback by Bobbie’s forceful, hard tone. Bobbie’s phone suddenly rang.

Dammit. It’s Mom. I’ll be a while.”

No worries. I’ll figure out something for this afternoon.” She watched as her friend walked out of her room, already talking away. She hated to see her so upset. Her mom was something else. Tarin had always thought she was a very selfish woman. Everything was always centered around her personal needs. She’d rarely come to visit Bobbie at boarding school and when she had, she’d done nothing but complain about her life and gossiped about everyone else.

Tarin gasped. If Mrs. Benson had told her dad she’d seen her, he’d know where she was. If she asked for help for Bobbie, he’d know where she was.

How did my life become such a mess?

She had to get answers before her dad discovered what was happening in her life. There was no way he was aware of the predicament she was in, and there was no way he knew he had a grandson. If he had, he would have taken control of her life but more importantly, he’d have taken Chance and raised him like the son he’d always wanted.

She jumped out of bed almost in a panic. Her dad couldn’t find out about her and what she was up to... not yet. If Bobbie’s mom talked...

Chance squealed with delight from the other room where Kim was entertaining him. The sound was like a beacon pulling her back from the edge.

She had to do something. The pamphlet for a wine tour she’d seen on Bobbie’s table came to mind. There was no reason she couldn’t take a look at Caspian Winery. She might as well do something. She’d moved across the country to get answers; maybe she’d get lucky. She rolled her eyes at that thought as she really had no idea what she was looking for or what she hoped to gain by going there. If she could get near a computer while there, maybe she could get information.

She fell back against the wall, surprised by what she was thinking. She, who had never stolen a thing in her life, was actually thinking of stealing something... something that could land her in jail.

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh,” she yelled. The sound shocked her so much that she quickly stopped but not soon enough. Kim rushed into the room wide-eyed. She was sure she looked just as surprised as Kim. “I’m fine. I was—I’m fine.”

As soon as Kim left, she bent over to take in some deep breaths. She had to do something; she couldn’t live in this limbo of not knowing. Before she could talk herself out of it, she dug out a USB, tucked it into her bag, and then headed for the shower.