CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TODAY MARKS THREE years since Autumn went missing. I sit at my desk, looking over a file about the new windmill designs Marcus sent over yesterday. My fingers thrum in an even steady beat on the top of my cherry desk.
We were supposed to have the files back on Martha months ago, but for whatever reason they never arrived. I don’t doubt Wolf sent them when he did, but we have come to find that multiple pieces, including ones for work, have been intercepted. The ones for work are coded, and really not important to anyone but me.
The only information regarding Autumn has been by phone, and only to Mark. Its the one time I agreed to stay out of what is going on. Mark or Wolf will tell me when things are settled. They believe this was the only way to keep me from getting too excited.
By the time I look at the clock, three hours have gone by. I have approved designs, gone over new contracts, and talked to Eric Hughes about a new project he wants to collaborate on. As I’m slipping on my jacket, my phone rings.
“Yes.” I say my tone more agitated than I mean.
“It’s Martha. She has been our leak the entire time. I still don’t know who she has been reporting to though. Dwayne has her in custody. She admitted to it.”
“Did she destroy the apartment?”
“No. But she gave the boy a key, which is why there was no sign of forced entry.” His attention strays. His voice quiet and distant. He’s talking to someone else, each word that flows out is filled with disdain.
“She wants to speak with you.” Mark adds.
“Deal with her. I have nothing more to say.”
“Of course, sir.”
Once again, his attention averts to whomever he’s with. I can hear a woman cry, and beg to speak to me. But Mark simply and viciously says no.
“Any word from Wolf yet?” I risk asking, ignoring the nagging feeling in my gut.
“Not yet, sir. I’ll be there in just a few minutes to pick you up. I need to take care of Martha first. By the way, I’m having new keys made. The locks changed. And once again the phone numbers. Oh and the code to the penthouse.”
“That’s fine. I have work that can hold me over until you’re finished.”
“Very good, sir. I will try to be quick.”
Just as I hang up Vee comes running in and out of breath. “Wolf is on the line, he says it’s urgent.”
I snatch the phone. “Wolf, what is it?”
“I found her!”
“You’re sure?” My heart pulses in my throat.
“Yes! Thanks to Brandon. I’m waiting for her to be released. I had to get a court order for it to happen. But she is to be released into my custody, and mine alone.”
I collapse in my chair and fold over my head resting on the heel of my hand. She’s safe and alive. Thank God. I feel my veins throb, and my heart pulse all throughout my body. My hand actually starts shaking as I continue holding the phone against my ear.
“Did you hear me? Kage, I found her.”
“Yes, Wolf. I heard.” Relief fills every inch of my body, followed by a wave of nausea that she won’t remember who I am. Shaking the thought from my mind I let his words soak in. “How long?”
“I’m on my way to pick up the court order. Then to get her. I should have her in custody by end of day. I will let you know when it’s done.” He pauses a moment, then continues with, “Do you want me to tell Mark?”
“That’s all right. I will tell him. Just bring my girl home.”
“Absolutely!”
I hang up, my head still in my hand as I try to catch my breath. Vee clears her throat softly alerting me to her presence. “Is everything all right, sir?”
For the first time, my blurry gaze meets her’s. That worried expression I have come to know over the last few years morphs into one of bliss. Her cheeks flush slightly. The corners of her lips turn up in a soft smile, and her posture sags. “You found her, didn’t you?”
Blinking back the tears threatening to fall, I feel my lips pull up to a soft relieved grin. Vee’s hands cover her heart, a sigh escaping her parted lips. She bats a trickling tear away as her legs carry her swift and quiet in my direction. Suddenly her arms are around me, and she’s whispering how happy she is. The hug lasts almost a second too long, before she pulls away and quickly retreats from the office.
My hand shakes when I pull my cell from my inner jacket pocket. Mark picks up on the second ring. “I’ll be on my way in just a minute.”
“Mark,” I pause, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “Wolf, found her. He’s on his way to get her now.”
He releases a relieved sigh. “That’s great news. How is he getting her?”
“He apparently got a court order. She can only be released to him. I don’t know the details on how he found her, but he said Brandon helped.”
“Did he say anything about Christopher?”
“No. He only called to tell me that. I didn’t hang around for much more.” I should have asked him about Chris. I was too overwhelmed knowing she had been found to think or care about anything else.
“Don’t worry about it, sir. We will continue to dig up information. Will Wolf call when he has her?”
“Yes. He said by end of day. Mark,” I actually choke back a soft sob, “she’s safe.”
I can imagine him smiling, and his eyes filled with a rare warmth. “I’m glad you never gave up hope.”
“Be there in ten. Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
Slipping my cell into my pocket, I rush to the elevators, barely saying good-bye to Vee and the aggravating girl. As if racing to the house would make time go faster. Mark pulls up as I push through the double glass doors. I don’t wait for him to open the door, before I’m grabbing the handle and sliding it. The minute I’m in, he takes off, a chuckle vibrating low in his throat.
Four hours later, I’m on my fifth glass of wine and pacing the living room. Mark tried to get me to eat something around six but my stomach is too tied up in knots to eat. He tried to get me to look over the resumes that Vee already sent over. But I’m to eager to sit. I have done nothing but try to read, workout, and shower. Nothing keeps me from constantly crossing the length of the room and back.
Draining my wine, I nearly drop the glass when my phone vibrates on the table. Lunging for it, I answer out of breath, and shaking. “Do you have her?”
“Yes.”
My heart stops a moment before resuming its unsteady beat, pulsing in my throat. “She was under the name Lena. Does that have any meaning to you?”
“It was her sister’s name.”
“I’m going to be honest. She’s a little worse for wear, Kage. So be patient.” He pauses, and I can almost hear him smile. “But I’ve got her.”