Hidden Messages

 

I clutched at the material beneath me and slowly opened my eyes to the startling realization that I was lying in an extremely large nest. How the heck did I get here? I thought. I hobbled to the edge and peered over, gulping when I realized just how far I was from the ground.

I briefly wondered how I would get down but didn’t have long to dwell on it. My attention was immediately drawn by the smell of smoke and a crackle of twigs and leaves. Only a few tree limbs away, a branch was burning and the flames were catching. The fire crept toward the nest, and I was beginning to panic. Unable to breathe, tears streamed down my face as I screamed for someone, anyone, to help me.

Suddenly, a large griffin appeared and perched on the nest. His emerald eyes looked remarkably familiar, and he motioned for me to climb on his back. I clutched his soft fur between my hands, and the griffin flapped his large wings effortlessly before taking flight. When he launched us smoothly into the clear blue sky, a loud sound erupted from his beak.

I buried my head under the pillow in a vain attempt to ignore my alarm. Finally, I grabbed my phone off the nightstand to silence it. How is it already eight?

Either Knox was even stealthier than I gave him credit for, or I was more tired than I realized, because I didn’t remember waking earlier when he showered and left. Since the bank didn’t open until nine, I figured I may as well enjoy a day of sleeping in. And, clearly, I needed it.

Shaking my head at the bizarre dream, I pushed myself from the bed, throwing open the curtains and observing the city. Fortunately, the nightmares didn’t happen as often as they used to, but I still dreaded them. At least this time I had been rescued by a griffin; the thought comforted me and made me smile.

I took a shower, hoping to clear my mind, but the lingering smell of Knox’s body soap only muddled my thoughts. Every time I closed my eyes and inhaled, Knox’s muscular upper body instantly sprang to mind. I imagined him standing there, his dirty-blond hair wet and slicked back from his forehead, water beading down the hard lines of his face and chest. First the griffin dream, and now this, I thought. My imagination was already in overdrive after one night in the same bed as Knox, and we still had three more together.

After getting dressed and stopping for breakfast at a nearby café, I was finally ready to put my plan into action. I clutched my purse to my side, anxious about the substantial sum of cash I was carrying. I still had yet to open a bank account in Santa Cruz and liked the idea of keeping at least some of my earnings in a separate, secure location. I knew I would breathe a sigh of relief once this chunk of cash was deposited in the safe deposit box.

I walked several blocks to the Asian Art Museum before entering and purchasing my admission. Hopefully there would be time to enjoy the exhibits later, but for now, the museum served my purposes. After inserting coins into the day-use locker, I placed my cell phone and rain jacket inside and ensured it was secure.

Although I would still glance over my shoulder to confirm none of the guys were following me, at least this way I knew they couldn’t use my cell phone to track me to the bank. Even if they decided to check my location, it wouldn’t look suspicious that I was at the museum for several hours.

Okay. I took a deep breath and double-checked that I had my key to box 738 before exiting the museum. The route to the bank was fairly straightforward, but I was too distracted to truly enjoy the sights and sounds of San Francisco. Even without knowing what the safe deposit box contained, my pulse thrummed in anticipation while I reminded myself not to get my hopes up.

Reaching 65 Post Street, I paused on the sidewalk as I was transported back to my birthday and heard my dad’s voice clearly in my mind. If anything happens to me, promise me you will run away and take care of yourself. Don’t worry about me, and don’t go to the police. When you think it’s safe, go to the First National Bank on Post Street in San Francisco. When I agreed to his warning, I never expected to be standing here, anxiously seeking a connection with him months after his disappearance.

Inside the bank, I was asked to present my key and ID for verification. Outwardly, I stayed calm, but I almost panicked when the bank employee vanished for several long minutes with my (still fake) ID. Finally, I was ushered down a hallway to the vault, and he laid a large metal box on the counter in front of me.

Once alone, I stared at the box for several moments, still doubting that the long-awaited moment had arrived. Hopefully I wasn’t about to open my own version of Pandora’s Box. Chill out, Haley; it’s not like the box is going to hold secret codes to nuclear warheads or a vial with a deadly virus.

I opened the box with shaking hands and sifted through the documents within, placing each item on the counter as I went. There was a birth certificate for Kira Taylor. Guess that’s me, I thought. Below that was a stack of cash, an insurance policy for the Coleville house, and a few other documents. Interestingly enough, there was a set of two IDs and social security cards for me and my dad with names that I couldn’t recall us ever using. Finally, at the bottom, I found a basic TracFone cell phone and charger.

I returned the documents to the box, adding in the cash I had brought with me, while I waited for the phone to power on. I honestly didn’t expect there to be any messages but figured my dad must have left the phone for a reason. To my surprise, the screen indicated that there were two unread text messages. I held my breath and tapped the screen.

Unknown Number: I’m okay. Don’t look for me and stay safe. I love you.

The timestamp was dated September twenty-first, just a few days after the fire. I stared at the screen for what felt like minutes, happy that he’d reached out to me but also wishing I’d seen his message sooner.

The next one was almost identical and dated about a month ago, not long after Knox and Ethan returned from El Segundo. Relief washed over me as a barrage of questions ran through my mind. Was Dad waiting for a response? Could I still reach him at the number he sent the messages from? Would he even want me to? I decided it was worth a shot and tapped out a short text.

A few moments later, the phone vibrated. “Message not delivered.” I tried responding separately to the first message, hoping for a different result, with no luck. Not surprising, but still disappointing; apparently I’d have to wait for him to contact me again. Knowing my dad, he had sent the messages from disposable phones before ditching them.

I silenced the phone and shoved it deep in the interior pocket of my purse. Please let me see his next text in time to respond, I thought, knowing it was going to be difficult to check the phone as often as I wanted with the guys around. As much as I trusted them, I couldn’t jeopardize my dad’s safety and decided that the phone needed to stay a secret. More importantly, I realized that their continued involvement was as much a risk to them as it was to him.

At the last minute, I decided to leave my e-mail address. I had no idea if Dad would risk coming to the bank, but if he did, he’d at least have another way to contact me. After locking the box, I lingered for a moment and then exited the bank feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Since it was still mid-morning, I strolled back to the Asian Art Museum. Now that I was no longer on a mission, I was able to appreciate the beauty of the building. The large stone facade was imposing and immense, and I surmised the interior had to be pretty large to house one of the most “comprehensive Asian art collections in the world,” as the brochure advertised.

My brief visit earlier had been necessarily limited to the ticket counter and coat check, and I quickly immersed myself in the extensive collection. I passed a few school tours and other individuals, but mostly the museum was quiet, my steps echoing on the tiled floors. The array of art and artifacts was astounding—Samurai armor, porcelain, textiles, and jade carvings, to name a few.

After a delicious lunch and a small purchase from the gift store for Theo, I wandered around the city with no particular destination in mind, stopping whenever something caught my eye. My strategy was somewhat whimsical, but it gave me a decadent sense of indulgence and freedom. Just people-watching and taking in all the new scenery was exciting, from the grand architecture of the Supreme Court of California and the War Memorial Opera House to the green spaces that appeared at random between the buildings and homes. I snapped pictures with my phone along the way, wishing Theo was with me. I was sure he’d have interesting facts to offer, stories to tell, his usual unique perspective to share.

As much as I was enjoying San Francisco, questions about my future kept creeping in. For months, I had been consumed with my goal of accessing the safe deposit box. Now that I had completed my mission, I was feeling unsure, aimless even. There was no guide to follow, no instructions to tell me what to do next.

Was my future with Knox, Jackson, Ethan, Liam, Chase, and Theo? All along, I kept telling myself that my stay in Santa Cruz was temporary, but the thought of leaving them filled me with dread. Actually, the feeling was more how I imagined a full-blown panic attack.

Having turned back to walk in the direction of the hotel, I contemplated the advantages and disadvantages of my current situation. I couldn’t see a reason I had to leave them or Santa Cruz, and I certainly didn’t want to. As I passed the “Painted Ladies,” a row of famous Victorian houses painted in beautiful colors, my phone dinged, indicating a new message.

Theo texted, “I’m free!” followed by a shot of himself mid-air with his arms raised and a huge grin on his face.

I know the feeling. I laughed aloud, delighted by the picture and relieved for Theo to have completed his finals. Apart from this text, I hadn’t heard from any of the guys all day. I had to give Jackson credit for keeping his promise that they would back off.

I responded, “Way to go! Wish you were here,” accompanied by a picture of the beautiful facade of the Asian Art Museum, followed by a shot of the colorful Victorian row homes San Francisco was known for.

Theo: Ugh, I’m so jealous!

Theo: Did you know the Painted Ladies were featured on the opening credits of the TV show, Full House?

Me: I knew they looked familiar! Where’s my tour guide when I need him?

Theo: Trust me, if I could have skipped my finals, I would have.

I wasn’t sure how far I had walked by the time I returned to the hotel, but my feet were dragging, and I was eager to sit and relax for a while. Since I still had tomorrow and Saturday to explore, I didn’t feel pressured to cram in attractions. Besides, I had accomplished my goal of visiting the safe deposit box; the rest of my day was merely a bonus.

When I opened the door to the suite, Jackson called from the bedroom, “Is that you, Haley?” Despite the fact that it was almost six o’clock, I was still somewhat surprised any of the guys were back already.

“Yep,” I said as I collapsed on the couch, kicking my feet up and scrolling through the TV channels.

Jackson walked into the living room followed by Liam. “Have fun today?” Jackson asked while Liam moved to the back of the couch.

“You look knackered,” Liam said as he gently pushed my messy braid to the side and dug his fingers into my shoulders, massaging the sore muscles. I would’ve teased him for his British slang, but instead, I sighed, closing my eyes and relaxing into his capable hands.

“Yes. I walked a lot. But I had a blast and everything was amazing,” I said, unable to help drawing out the word “amazing” as Liam turned me to butter.

“What did you see?” Jackson asked.

With my eyes still closed, I listed off a few sights.

“Wow, you kept busy.”

That’s an understatement, I thought, recalling the extra walking to and from the First National Bank that I hadn’t mentioned.

“Are you hungry?” Liam asked. “Jax and I were just contemplating dinner.”

“Dinner would be great,” I said, finally opening my eyes to find Jackson staring at me before he quickly looked away.

“There’s always room service, or we could easily order takeout considering all of the choices around here,” Jackson said as he headed toward the kitchen.

He returned and set a glass of water on the coffee table in front of me, then walked to the window. There had been a subtle shift in Jackson since the night he brought me ice cream, and I was still acclimating to his attentiveness and friendlier demeanor.

“Thank you.”

Liam removed his hands from my shoulders and sat in a chair, listing off dinner options. I sank down, resting my head on one of the arms of the couch. With the TV on in the background, I relaxed into the cushions.

“You guys are spoiling me.”

Liam’s expression softened and his eyes shone with something unfamiliar. “Hardly.”

When the meal arrived, we ate together and then I watched TV while Liam and Jackson were in and out of the room. I was getting ready for bed when the door to the suite slammed shut.

“Jackson, what the fuck were you thinking?” Ethan roared, his voice full of anger. I halted in the bedroom, still hidden from the living room, unsure what to do.

I had never heard Ethan, or any of the guys, so angry, especially not with each other. Sure, Liam and Knox stood up for me when Jackson had been less than forthcoming with updates on my dad, but this seemed different. I felt my body tense up. Should I close the door?

“Is there a problem?” Jackson asked.

Liam spoke calmly. “Let’s go in the other room, and you can tell us what’s going on.”

“No, I’m not going anywhere. And don’t think your silver tongue will solve this problem, Liam.”

What do I do? I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but Jackson and Liam knew I was in the suite, and the longer I waited, the more awkward I felt.

“Do you know what’s got his knickers in knots, Jax?”

“I have a good guess. I knew he may not like the decision, but I figured he could at least respect it.”

“Respect it,” Ethan spat. “Yeah, right.” What decision?

Liam spoke up again, unperturbed. “Why didn’t you voice your concerns earlier?”

“I would have if I had been given the opportunity. Jackson marches forward like a dictator, ignoring all other opinions.”

Where is Knox? If he was in the suite, I assumed he would have already jumped into the argument.

Jackson’s voice was firm and full of authority. “You’re certainly entitled to your opinion, but not when it jeopardizes our team or our objective.”

“Exactly,” Ethan bit out, “that’s precisely the kind of attitude I’m talking about.”

Liam responded, cutting Jackson off. “Look, Ethan, I understand your reasons for disagreeing with Jax’s decision, but it was his to make. You’ve always known how this team operates, and if you have a problem, you need to say something before it’s too late for us to adjust.”

“Of course you’d take his side, Liam. Everyone always does.”

I pulled my lips between my teeth; I hated that they were fighting.

Liam started to say something, but Ethan stormed out of the suite, slamming the door behind him.

What the hell was that about?