17

Once she was back at home, Maven sent Vickie the photo that she’d sent to herself and then called her. “Is that a photo of Alicia?”

“That’s her. How did Grandmother take the news about Daddy being missing?”

“Shocked.” She paused. How much should she tell her? “But she did try to protect Alicia.”

“How so?”

“When I asked her for a photo, she went upstairs and brought down one that wasn’t very recent. In fact, she looked like a teenager.”

“You mean the one you sent me? That’s very recent.”

“Not that one. I…uh…I actually found that one on her phone. While she was upstairs.”

“You snooped on my grandmother’s phone?”

The shock in Vickie’s voice made Maven cringe. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. But to defend myself, she did give me a really bad picture.”

“That’s fine, Maven. I didn’t mean to sound so…so accusing. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is finding my dad. I don’t care how anybody does it. So did she have any idea where Alicia might be?”

“Not really. Except that she usually goes to Akron.”

“That’s right, she does. I forgot about that. Well, maybe I should drive there and look for her.”

Maven had planned to do just that. But if Vickie did it, she could pursue her other lead. “Sounds good. But before you go, I need to ask you about something else.”

“What’s that?”

“Your grandmother mentioned that some woman started stalking your father after your mother died.”

“Really? That’s news to me. But that’s not surprising. That’s just the sort of thing Dad would try to protect me from. I was such a mess when Mom died.”

“So you don’t have any names you can give me.”

“Sorry, I don’t, Maven.”

“Don’t worry about it, sweetie. And you be careful when you go to Akron.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get Mark to go with me. We’ll start at the homeless shelters. See if anyone’s seen her.”

“Good idea.” One less thing Maven had to worry about.

Mimi had seen the woman who came to Paul’s house. Maybe she could identify her. Grabbing her cell phone, Maven marched across the street. Mimi opened the door just as Maven’s foot hit the porch. “Sorry to bother you, Mimi.”

“You’re not bothering. What can I do for you?”

“I wanted you to look at this picture.” She handed Mimi her cell phone. “Could that be the woman who came to Paul’s house?”

“I suppose that might be her. I didn’t get that good of a look. But the hair was curly like that. Maybe a little longer, but still curly brown.”

“OK. Well, thanks.” Maven smiled her gratitude.

“Still no word from Paul?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“What’s going on? I couldn’t help but notice the police at your house the other day.”

“We’re not sure. He didn’t show up for work when he was scheduled to and so everyone’s getting worried. We’re just looking into it. Just in case.”

“In case what?”

Maven didn’t want to talk about that. “Thanks again.” As Maven walked back, she wondered if she was grasping at straws. There really was no reason to suspect Alicia. Now, a woman who’d stalked Paul. That could be a real lead.

How could she find out the woman’s name? Paul’s address book? Like Maven, Paul kept an old-fashioned address book. But would he have kept the name of someone he didn’t mean to stay in touch with? Being a police officer, he might, just in case there ever was an issue.

Maven rushed to his townhouse.

He had a lot of friends. Dismayed, she stared at the number of people she’d need to contact. Oh well. One of them would know something. One of them had to know something. One of them could lead her to the person who’d abducted Paul.

Maybe she should call Daniel. He might know if a woman had pursued Paul relentlessly. But if she did, he’d just give her grief for being nosy and trying to do their job. And he probably wouldn’t tell her the name in a misguided attempt to keep her safe.

Well, it was up to her to find the man she loved.

****

Time had ceased having meaning.

Paul’s gaze moved to the door as he heard the rattle of the knob. Time for his daily dose of drugs. He struggled to a sitting position.

She walked through the door. Her gaze fell to the empty water bottle beside him. She smiled. “I guess you got thirsty, huh? How are you feeling today?”

“Tired and drugged.”

She gave him a crooked little smile and then shrugged. “Sorry about that, but it’s necessary.”

“It’s not necessary. You have me chained up like a dog—there’s no way I can get away. I’m tired of feeling woozy and sick all the time. Give me a break.”

“You’re still alive, aren’t you? I’d say that’s enough of a break. More than you deserve after…after what you’ve done.”

“I haven’t done anything.”

“So you say.”

“You’re just confused. Not thinking clearly.”

She glared at him. “I’m not thinking clearly? You’re the one who almost ruined your life by marrying…that woman.”

“Please, stop giving me drugs. I won’t try to escape.” He wouldn’t try—he’d do it.

“I don’t believe that for a moment, tough guy. You’re very resourceful. I’m sure you’d figure out something if I gave you half a chance. Which I won’t. I also won’t be tricked by your sweet words—again. But don’t worry, this won’t last forever. This is only phase one.”

Paul’s eyes drooped but he forced them open. “I can’t wait for phase two.”

“I always did love your sense of humor, Paul. Only one of many things I loved about you.” She looked at him—really looked at him. “I really am sorry. But I had to do something. I couldn’t let the wedding happen. It wouldn’t have been right. I’m sure you can see that now.”

She clearly wasn’t in her right state of mind.

“I brought you a treat today. Fried chicken.” She placed the food on a wooden crate. Using her foot, she slid it close enough for him to reach. “So, what are some of the things you love about me?”

Real food. His mouth watered. The smell assaulted him. He didn’t care if it was drugged or not. He picked up the leg and tore off a big bite.

She watched him, rather like prey.

He didn’t like the feeling. “Why are you doing this to me? You have to know it’s wrong.”

“Why did I bring you chicken? Why not? I know you haven’t eaten much lately, so I thought you might be hungry. Took pity on you. Something you never did for me.”

“I wasn’t asking about the chicken. But I’m very grateful for it. I was asking why you are doing this.” He motioned around the room with the chicken leg.

“Mmm. Interesting question. Why indeed?” She shrugged. “I’ll let you figure that out on your own. But let me tell you this. You are in no position to fight this, Paul. I’m the one in control. You’re here and you’ll stay here until you understand what the right thing to do is.”

Until you understand. Did that mean she’d let him go—eventually? “You can’t keep me here forever.”

“Are you sure about that?” Her heels clicked on the cement floor as she walked towards the door.

“You never did answer my question. Why are you doing this?”

“What do you think? Could it be revenge? Or maybe greed? After all, the Bunyans from New York City would pay good money to spend some time with you, don’t you think? I could use a little extra money.”

The Bunyans? He’d told her about them in confidence. Surely she hadn’t contacted them. Would she? That would be signing his death warrant.

But anything was possible.

He’d never thought she’d kidnap him either.