Chapter Twelve
“I’m not going anywhere else with you,” Summer snapped. Her brain was finally waking up. “I want to know where we’re going and who is responsible for this. Right now.”
The man called Reid unbuckled her seat belt and lifted her from her seat by her elbows.
“I don’t like to manhandle women,” he told her, his face expressionless, “but I have a job to do and delivering you is part of it. We can either do this nicely, or I can knock you out and take you that way.” He reached into a pocket in his jacket and lifted a tube containing a syringe. “Your choice.”
The thought of being unconscious again, of not having control of herself, frightened her even more than what might await her at her final destination.
She lifted her chin. “Fine. I’ll go. But I want some answers as soon as we get there.”
Neither of the men said a word to Summer as they hustled her across the tarmac to the waiting helicopter. The interior of the cabin surprised her. She hadn’t thought helicopters came outfitted so luxuriously. But this was just a smaller version of the very high-end plane she’d been flying on.
Reid nudged her to one of the leather seats and buckled her in. As the helo lifted off, she took in once again the luxury of the cabin. Whoever had “sent” for her obviously had an unlimited amount of money to spend. She ran her fingers over the brass logo embedded in the wall of the cabin. Sikorsky. She’d heard of them. Maybe read about them somewhere. She knew they made helicopters for the military.
But this was no stripped-down bird. This one smelled of big money.
The two men buckled themselves into vacant seats, neither one of them engaging her in conversation. That was fine with her. She’d save her questions for when she finally met whoever had set this all in motion.
The helo lifted off, and her stomach dropped momentarily, then settled as the aircraft did. Summer tried to distract herself by looking out the cabin window and guessing where in the United States they were. The landscape below her showed a decent-size town before morphing into mountains and valleys and giant trees. The flight from San Antonio had been just over two hours, but she didn’t know if they’d flown east or west.
Before she found any distinguishing characteristics, they came over a mountain ridge, and her breath caught at the sight. A mammoth stone house rose from lush forests, its many windows reflecting the sunlight. Surrounding it was grass greener than she’d ever seen and landscaping that looked as if a crew of gardeners spent all their time maintaining it. There were several outbuildings, as well as a large concrete pad near the house. A high wall surrounded the house and the manicured lawn, but Summer also saw it stretching into the forest.
Was this to keep the owner in or other people out? What kind of person needed this kind of security? And talk about money! Summer had been in the homes of wealthy clients before, but this defied anything she’d ever seen.
As they swooped in over the property, she saw two men exit the house and stand at attention on the patio, their posture almost military. But the thing that really caught her attention was the rifles they held across their bodies, ready for use. Did they plan to shoot her? But why bring her all the way here just for that? No, there was something else going on.
Fear began to thread itself through her. Whoever owned this definitely had more money than a small country and certainly the power that came with it, but what did he want with her? And how could Troy and the others even find her in such an isolated and protected place?
She was still trying to sort things out in her mind when the helicopter hovered over the concrete pad and slowly set down. The man called Reid unfastened his seat belt and motioned for her to do the same. The other one, Fred, slid open the cabin door and jumped down to help her out.
When she was on the ground, she took a deep breath, wondering what was coming next. She stared at the house and the two armed men standing there, a bank of French doors behind them. One of the doors opened, and a man dressed in black shirt and trousers emerged, walking toward her with purposeful strides. Despite his size, he moved with a certain animal grace. He was a large man, bulky but not fat, with very broad shoulders and long legs. His dark hair was shot with silver, his jaw slightly elongated, and from behind rimless glasses light-colored eyes shot her a piercing look. As he came closer, she sensed the enormous power that radiated from him. This was a man used to getting his own way. Summer tried to read his face, but he wore no expression at all.
Until he stood right before her. Then his lips shifted to a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He held out a hand to her. “Miss Cahill? Kurt Olberman. I am very pleased to welcome you to my home.”
The name meant nothing to her. Whatever circles he moved in didn’t touch hers. She ignored his outstretched hand and dug deep for courage. “I demand to know who you are and why I’ve been kidnapped and brought here. And I want to go home. Now.”
She thrust her hands into the pockets of her jeans to hide their trembling. She had no idea who this man was, but she automatically sensed that he’d pounce on any sign of weakness.
He let his hand fall back to his side, his mouth still stretched in a phony smile. But the pale-green eyes he assessed her with looked cold and cruel. There was no warmth or friendliness there.
Don’t panic. Don’t show him fear.
“Why am I here?” she asked again.
“Come into my house. Please. I’ll explain everything.”
She took a step back. “I have no intention of going inside with you. I want you to send me home right now.”
He reached out and gripped her elbow with his fingers, digging into the soft flesh and exerting just enough pressure to make her wince.
“We’ll get along much better, and things will move much faster, if you just do as I ask.” He squeezed just a little harder. “Do we understand each other?”
Summer wanted to tell him she didn’t understand anything, but he didn’t wait for her answer. He moved toward the house, his grip tight, literally forcing her along with him.
They entered through the open door, the tall man nodding to the two sentries, with Fred and Reid right behind them. Summer found herself in an enormous living room with hardwood flooring and pristine white walls. She looked around, trying to take in as many details as she could. Beyond the massive living room was a dining room just as large. A hallway led into the living room, and that was where Olberman hustled her now until they reached a built-in elevator.
He pressed a button, his grip on her still firm.
“Only a few more moments,” he assured her in a voice that could have been cut from steel. “Then I’ll explain everything.”
Summer tried to swallow, but her throat was too dry. Her heart was beating so ferociously she was sure Olberman could hear it. Whatever he was about to tell her, she was sure it wasn’t good. For her, anyway.
The elevator rose smoothly, its doors sliding open noiselessly to a suite of offices. He marched her past the reception area and through another office where a woman sat behind a large desk, working at a computer. She looked up when Olberman and Summer passed by her, then returned to her work. Was this a normal occurrence? Summer wondered. Did he often kidnap people and bring them here? What else did he do?
Then they were in what was obviously the man’s private office. His inner sanctum. Two walls were paneled with polished wood, while a third was floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over his estate. To survey his kingdom, Summer thought. The floor in here was also hardwood, with an Aubusson rug centered on it, exactly. What kind of man was this? One who obviously never took no for an answer.
He urged her to sit on a long, plush leather couch set against one wall. Lifting a file folder from his desk, he dropped into one of the armchairs, resting an ankle on the opposite knee and balancing the file on his leg.
“You have quite an interesting history, Summer Cahill.” She gave an involuntary gasp, and he smiled in satisfaction. “Oh yes. I’ve been tracking you for a long time. You have a rare and special gift that interests me very much.”
Her healing. Was that what this was about? But why go to such extreme lengths?
She cleared her throat. “Could I please have a drink of water?”
His smile was more a twisting of facial muscles than an expression of emotion. “Of course. Where are my manners?”
He rose, opened a door built into the paneling to reveal a small refrigerator, and handed her a bottle of chilled liquid. Summer took her time twisting off the cap and taking small sips. She just wished she could figure out a way to handle the fear that continued to build inside her. Slowly, she replaced the cap and curled her fingers around the bottle.
“Mr. Olberman, if someone close to you is ill and you need my particular gift, all you had to do was pick up the phone and call me. That’s what normal people do. Why wasn’t that an option for you?”
His laugh held no humor. The sound of it sent a chill skating along Summer’s spine.
“You think that’s what I want? For you to heal someone in my family? Someone close to me?”
She frowned, her fingers tightening on the water bottle. “Then what? I don’t understand any of this. And why did you have to kidnap me?”
He recrossed his legs. “Because, my dear, if I had told you what I have in mind, you’d never have agreed to it.”
The sliver of fear was turning into a large blade and slicing right through her.
Summer folder her hands in her lap and said in as normal a voice as she could manage, “And exactly what is it you want?”
He stared at her with those pale-green eyes. “Why, to sell your services for phenomenal amounts of money, of course.”
Summer’s jaw dropped. “You want to hire me out to people?”
He shifted position and leaned forward slightly, his eyes glittering with greed. “Do you have any idea what people will pay for what you do? There are kings and sheikhs and private billionaires who have dying relatives that you can cure. The opportunities are endless.”
She forced a calm she was far from feeling. “Mr. Olberman, I don’t ever charge for my services. And I choose the people I use my gift for. It’s not something that goes to the highest bidder.”
“But all that is about to change. And I’ll be happy to share with you as long as you get with the program.”
Summer wished she could make her brain work better. She realized she was in the company of a madman, and she had to proceed carefully.
“Why didn’t you just come to my home to discuss this with me?” she asked.
“Two reasons.” He leaned back in his chair, tapping the file against his thigh. “First, I had no idea how you would receive my plan, and second, to make this work you must stay here. All the time.”
If what she’d felt before was fear, now she was gripped with real terror.
“Stay here? You mean as in never leave?”
He nodded. “That’s the only way it can work. Oh, let me assure you, I have the finest suite of rooms prepared for you. And whatever you need, I can provide. Anything. You just have to name it.”
“What I need is to go home and back to my life. This is an impossible situation.” She pushed herself up from the couch, but Olberman moved into her space, blocking her.
“Sit down.” He snapped the words out, a command. “And don’t move until I say you can.”
His words hit her body with the impact of bullets as his large body loomed over her. Sitting down was probably a good thing, because her legs were trembling so badly she wasn’t sure they could hold her. She eased herself back down onto the butter-soft leather, trying to hold herself together. Olberman resumed his seat in the chair.
“Some facts for you to understand and accept.” He ticked them off on his fingers one by one. “You will not be allowed to leave here except on my plane, with my bodyguards, to transport you to wherever your services are required. You will not try to leave here. My security, both human and electronic, is second to none. And you will use your gift when and how I order it. And for as long as I wish. Do you understand what I just said?”
“I understand, but—”
“But nothing.”
“You plan to just keep me prisoner here?” She could hardly breathe. “Not let me leave? But I have a life. People and things to get back to.”
“That part of your life is over. Accept it. This is your life, from now forward.”
“There are people who will be looking for me,” she said defiantly. “They’ll find me.”
“I think not.” He leaned forward slightly. “I know all about your precious Phoenix Agency friends. Believe me, my men are far superior to them. They’ll never find you or be able to help you. I promise you that.”
Summer struggled with the panic surging through her.
“I can’t simply use my gift at will,” she protested. “That’s one of the reasons I choose my patients so carefully. With some people, the situation is such that psychic healing does no good.”
“Then you’d better figure out how to get past that.”
“And if I refuse?”
He shook his head. “That’s just not an option.”
“But—”
“No more buts. This is your new reality. Deal with it.” He stood up and went to the door to the outer office. “Vivian. Would you ask Reid to come up here and escort our guest to her suite?”
“Right away, Mr. Olberman.”
“I am not your guest,” she protested, heart beating wildly. “And I want to go home. There are people who will find me. They’re probably looking for me right now.”
“The Phoenix Agency?” He laughed. “I can buy and sell them.” He gripped her elbow again. “If I were you, I’d figure out how to make this work. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to your family, would you?”
“My—my family?”
Oh God. Would he go after Geoff and his wife? Their children? Her parents?
What would Troy do if he were in this situation?
As if he really were there, she heard his voice in her head.
Play along until you can figure out a way out of it. Use your brain. And have faith in me.
If only she had the same telepathic powers Mark and Faith did. But no matter. Despite what Olberman said, she knew the men of Phoenix wouldn’t stop until they found her and rescued her from this dreadful place and this malevolent man.
“I’ve had a suite prepared for you with all the amenities,” Olberman was saying. “Since you came here with nothing, there are many things you’ll need. Your wardrobe has been taken care of, but I’m sure there are personal items you require. Vivian will be along to see you shortly and assist you with your ordering.”
“My ordering.” Summer could hardly breathe, the feeling of being trapped suffocating her.
“I’d like you to dine with me tonight,” Olberman said, as he was leading her from the room. “Reid will fetch you at seven. And I wouldn’t think it wise to refuse. Perhaps if you know more about me, you’ll see that I’m right about this.”
Never.
But she’d play along until she saw an opportunity. A chance of any kind.
Oh, Troy. Hurry and find me. Please.
Troy used every iota of self-discipline he had to compose himself on the way to the hospital. He’d been in situations most men would consider terrifying. Life-threatening, even. But he had never been as scared as he was right now. He and Summer had just discovered each other and were getting ready to build something solid, like his partners had found. Now someone had snatched it all away from them, and he had trouble keeping a lid on the rising panic.
“We have a one-hundred-percent-success record,” Rick reminded him as they navigated the streets to the hospital. “We don’t intend to break it now.”
“If we just had even the faintest inkling of what this is all about.” Troy ground his teeth in frustration. “I don’t even know where to start. And any minute now, her brother’s going to wonder why he hasn’t heard from her. Maybe even show up at the house.”
“We’ll get it done.” Rick’s voice was calm and assured. “And this is a good place to start.”
Troy managed to find a space in the hospital’s side lot, locked the car, and strode toward the entrance, Rick beside him. He swallowed his impatience while he waited for the elevator, then during the slow rise to the floor where Clark Hauser was. As he approached the room, he stopped and pulled in a deep breath, trying to center himself.
“Ready?” Rick asked.
Troy nodded and pushed open the door.
Gayle Hauser was sitting beside her husband’s bed, talking animatedly. Clark Hauser looked so much better than the last time Troy had seen him that he almost didn’t recognize him. The man’s face had good color, all but one of the machines had been removed, and he was sitting up in bed talking to his wife while he indulged in a pastry she’d obviously brought for him.
“I’m sorry to just barge in like this,” he began.
Gayle Hauser frowned, then, as recognition dawned, gave him a smile. “You’re the man who came here with Summer, right?”
He nodded. “I’m glad you remember me.”
“How could I forget? Without you, Clark might not even be with us today.”
“I assure you it was all her. I was just along for the ride.”
“And to take care of her. Afterward.”
Troy nodded at Clark. “Good to see you looking so good.”
“It’s a miracle,” the older man said. “Gayle has had to explain what happened to me several times, and I still have a hard time believing it. That woman is worth her weight in gold.”
Her weight in gold? Was that it? Did someone take Summer to try to use her for profit? Who the hell would do that?
But Troy knew just how many unscrupulous people there were in the world. He and his partners had dealt with far too many of them.
Gayle gestured at him. “Come in. Please. How nice of you to visit. Did Summer ask you to come by?”
Troy shook his head. “Not exactly. My partner, Rick Latrobe, and I were wondering if we could ask you some questions.”
“Partner?” Her forehead creased with a frown. “Questions? About what?” She pushed her chair back and stood up. “Is something wrong with Summer?”
Rick stepped into the background, leaning against the wall and letting Troy take the lead on this.
“No. Not exactly.” He pulled another visitor’s chair over and sat down. He didn’t want to stand and loom over Gayle Hauser like some menace. Questioning her would be a delicate process, and he didn’t want to frighten her. “Can you tell me how you first heard about Summer and her gift?”
The woman’s body immediately tensed, and she clasped her hands together in her lap. “Someone gave me her name. A lot of people knew how desperate Clark’s situation was, and friends were always helping me try to find answers.”
“So you don’t remember specifically who pointed you in her direction? Summer would really like to contact that person and let them know she was able to be of help.”
“Oh, they know.” The woman’s voice was shaky. “Everyone knows by now.” She filled the plastic cup on the bed table with water and handed it to Clark.
She’s trying to figure out what to say.
Troy had seen people do this more times than he could count. What was it she didn’t want him to know? It took every bit of self-control not to grab her by the shoulders and shake the information out of her.
“Tell him, honey,” her husband said. “What’s the big deal?”
The look she sent him had keep quiet written all over it.
“Is there a problem?” Troy asked the question as quietly as possible. The woman sitting near him looked ready to jump out of her skin. The same itchy feeling of danger he’d been unable to scratch was swarming over him.
“No.” She shook her head vehemently. “I’m just not sure I even remember, at this point. As I said, so many people were trying to help us. Why does it matter?”
There was definitely something wrong here. The more Troy pressed, the more agitated Gayle Hauser became. He’d have to choose his words carefully.
“I know you’re aware of the craziness that occurred following her last patient,” he said.
She nodded.
“Because of that, we’re trying to keep track of the people who refer Summer, how they knew about her, and if the referral came from a previous client.” He leaned forward, trying to create an atmosphere of confidentiality. “I’m sure you can understand how important that is.”
“I do.” Her glance shifted away from his, darting back to her husband. “I just don’t see how I can help you.”
Rick, who had been silent up until now, pushed away from the wall.
“Mrs. Hauser, is there some reason you don’t want to tell us where Summer’s name came from? I mean, it’s not as if she advertises her services. She’s actually a very private person.”
“No. There’s no reason.” She focused on her husband, not meeting either Troy’s or Rick’s gazes. “I’d like to ask you to leave now. Clark needs his rest, and I don’t like to have him upset.”
“Gayle.” Clark frowned at her. “Is there a problem here?”
“No. No problem. These people are going to leave, and you’re going to take a nice long nap.”
Rick nudged Troy and gestured toward the door with his head. Troy stood up reluctantly, wishing he could shake the truth out of the woman.
“Thank you,” Rick said for both of them. “We appreciate you giving us some time. Mr. Hauser, enjoy your recovery.” He placed a card on the bedside table. “I know you’re grateful for the help Summer Cahill gave you. If there is something you remember, this is my cell number. We’d appreciate a call.”
He opened the door and motioned for Troy to walk out with him.
“She’s lying, damn it.” Troy balled his hands into fists. “I can smell it. And did you see how nervous she was? She was exactly the same way when Summer and I were here. That woman is hiding something.”
He started toward the door again, but Rick put a hand on his arm.
“Take a breath here, Troy. If you push her, you won’t get anything.”
“I know, I know.” He scrubbed his hands over his face. “I need to find the right button to push.”
“Let’s get out of here first. I have some ideas.”
When they were back in the car, Rick pulled out his cell and speed-dialed a number.
“Andy? Yeah, yeah. I know you’re already juggling a hundred things for us. I’m going to add one more to your pile. If you can handle it.” He paused, then chuckled. “Not questioning your ability in the least. So show me just how good you are.” He spelled out the names of Gayle and Clark Hauser. “I want everything you can get on them, including financial information. And I need it yesterday.” He listened for a long minute. “Yes, good. But start with this one.”
He pushed End.
”He’s on it?” Troy asked.
“As always.” Rick glanced at him. “You holding up okay? Never mind. That’s a stupid question. If it were me, I’d want to wring someone’s neck, too.”
“What else did Andy have to say?”
“Dan sent him a list of the ten patients Summer saw just prior to Clark Hauser. He’s running all of them, but he’ll start with the Hausers first.”
Troy blew out a breath and started the car. “I don’t know what the fuck I’ll do if we don’t get her back. Kill somebody, maybe. Probably.”
“Like I said, we’ll get her back. I refuse to accept anything less.” Rick speed-dialed a phone number again. “Let’s see what they’ve found out at the house.”
Troy maneuvered through the traffic while Rick spoke on the phone. He waited impatiently until his friend disconnected the call.
“Well?” He clenched his fists on the wheel. “Anything?”
“Yeah. At least a thread to pull.”
Troy frowned as he turned the corner. “What kind of a thread?”
“Andy traced the rental cars. They came from four different agencies.” Rick tapped his phone. “Andy sent the pictures to me as well as the addresses of the agencies.”
“He should have hacked into their files to see who actually did the renting.”
“Let’s see what we can get in person first. As long as we’re out, we’re going to take another field trip.” He called up the GPS on his phone. “Take a left at the next corner. We’ll take the closest ones first.”
“Good,” Troy told him. “I need to keep moving. Doing something. Otherwise, I’ll go out of my fucking mind.”
Summer paced back and forth on the thick carpet, fear and anger simmering in a sickening boil inside her. Reid had fetched her from Olberman’s office and wordlessly marched her along a hallway to a set of double doors. Fishing a key ring from his pocket, he found the one he wanted, unlocked the door, and hustled her inside. She found herself standing in a large, well-furnished living room.
“Bedroom’s in there.” He pointed to the right. “Full bathroom with it.” He waved his hand around the room they were in. Television with satellite. Books. DVDs. Whatever you need.”
“What I need,” she told him between clenched teeth, “is to get out of here. To be taken back to my home.”
He shook his head. “Not happening. Be ready for dinner at seven.”
Then he was gone, locking the door on the outside.
Tears clogged the back of her throat and burned her eyes.
I will not cry. I will absolutely not cry.
Crying would do her no good. She needed to think.
As she paced she hugged herself, rubbing her upper arms. She’d somehow fallen into a nightmare, and she still wasn’t sure how it had happened. She did know, however, that when someone had the resources Kurt Olberman obviously did, anything could be accomplished.
There had to be a way out of here. She just needed to think. To play along with him until she found a way to free herself. Meanwhile, she prayed as hard as she could that Troy and Phoenix would be able to locate her.
One wall of the living room in the suite was fitted with large windows that looked out over part of the estate. A set of French doors led out to a small balcony, and she was surprised to find them unlocked. But when she opened them and stepped outside, a man carrying a rifle loosely in his hands looked back up at her.
What did I think? That he’d leave me with an escape hatch? But at least I can get some fresh air.
Again she marveled at the pristine landscaping and the thick forest that stretched beyond it. She could see a stone wallon either side of the lawn and wondered whether it circled the entire property. Something that extensive would be enormously expensive, but again, money appeared to be no object.
To distract herself from her uneasiness, she began to prowl the suite, checking out what Olberman had placed in there for her. Novels of every kind filled the shelves along one wall. A cabinet held more DVDs than she could watch in a year, a sign that he didn’t plan on her leaving here anytime soon. If ever. A polished-wood credenza held office supplies—notebooks, pens, even sketchpads. A telephone sat at one end. She lifted the receiver, wondering whether there was a dial tone. She heard the buzzing in her ear, but when she tentatively tried to dial a number, nothing happened. She opened the envelope sitting next to it and lifted out the square of white cardboard. It was apparently a directory to extensions within the house—kitchen, Olberman, Vivian.
She dropped the card next to the phone and looked around the room some more. Set at an angle in the corner was an ornately carved secretary with a laptop and a small printer. Eagerly she opened the computer and turned it on, wondering whether there was the remotest possibility that she had Internet access.
Probably not, but I can hope, right?
Immediately a small wheel spun in the center, eventually opening to a preloaded video. Kurt Olberman’s arrogant face looked out at her.
“Hello, Miss Cahill. I have provided this computer, along with other electronic devices and items of entertainment, to give you a wide choice of diversions. Do you like computer games? I had several installed for you. There are many programs on here you can work with but, alas, no Internet connection. Of course. Can’t have you contacting the world to let them in on our little secret, right? You will have dinner with me every day to give me the opportunity to know you better and discover more about your gift. After time has passed, you will see that I have arranged for a wonderful life here for you. There is nothing for you to do except use your gift when necessary. I hope you are settling in comfortably.”
The video faded, replaced by a screen filled with icons.
Summer wanted to pick it up and throw it through a window, but that would accomplish nothing.
A door in one wall opened to a type of closet. But this one had a built-in refrigerator and freezer, as well as shelves stocked with every kind of snack. If nothing else he expected her to be well fed.
The bedroom had more revelations. A walk-in closet was filled with clothing in her size, like the drawers containing lingerie and sleepwear. The bathroom, which had both a tub and a large shower stall, yielded enough cosmetics to fill a small store.
Summer sat down on the vanity bench and dropped her head into her hands. This had been no sudden move on Olberman’s part. He’d researched her, studied her, and put into motion a plan that he had the resources to execute. He’d brought her here and obviously expected her to live here for—how long? Until she was of no further use to him? Or maybe until she was dead? The hopelessness of her situation smacked her in the face, and she gave in to the tears she’d been forcing back.
Please, Troy. Please find me. Soon.