Chapter Twelve
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David had only one thing on his mind. He knew where Jada was working from the last list Gabe provided before he’d taken off on the last mission. David planned it perfectly, and when he got off the plane, the chopper ready and waiting to take him to Atlanta, Georgia. It was out of character for him, but David stopped at a florist shop specializing in exotic flowers. Jada was rare so he wouldn’t take her something ordinary. It wasn’t as easy as he’d thought but eventually he found something that reminded him of Jada: a Tigridia pavonia from Chili, rare like her and gorgeous when it bloomed. There wasn’t anything better than spontaneity when asking a woman to dinner or a movie. But he wouldn’t leave anything to chance for what he needed to tell Jada. Talking from the heart didn’t come easy for him. If anything, it was nearly impossible. Jada deserved to hear it from him at least once. He’d rehearsed exactly what he would say to her. I just have no idea how she’ll receive my little speech though.
David knew it was wrong to think about this as a mission. But it was the only way he could function, and it was how he anticipated results. That didn’t mean it was the correct approach with a woman. What the hell am I thinking? I have no idea how to make this happen. Not with someone like Jada. She’s . . . perfect. What would she want with me?
David knew things had changed in Jada’s life. Anyone who learned what she had about Peckham and his ill intentions would need time away to deal with it. Everyone dealt with things differently, but to miss a scheduled event? To not return any calls or messages? He wasn’t convinced it was because of the way he left things. Making love to her and saying goodbye in a note. David knew he wasn’t the best person for her; she could have any man she wanted. There was no reason to settle for a stubborn jackass like him. Maybe she agrees. Perhaps it was his years of training and expecting trouble that caused his unease. They needed to talk and if Jada wanted nothing to do with him, he’d honor her request. He refused to leave things as they were. To do that, he needed to find her first, and her next event wasn’t for another two days.
David reached out to Paul to see if he had a clue where his lovely daughter was hiding. He was surprised Paul answered on the first ring.
“David, you disappointed me, young man,” Paul said, sounding gruff.
I’m known for that. “Sorry about that, sir.” So, Jada had told him about their little get together in Las Vegas and how he’d abruptly left. I’m ready. Let me have it. I deserve it.
“You struck me as a man of his word. But I shouldn’t blame you. I know my daughter.”
He hadn’t promised Jada anything except to protect her. “This isn’t Jada’s fault.”
“Of course it is. She knows my number. I understand young love is magical, but that doesn’t mean she should forget her old man either. She usually calls me to wish me good night. Guess that’s gonna change.”
This gruff tone wasn’t about David sleeping with Jada. It was about David coming between him and his daughter.
“Are you saying you haven’t heard from her?” David wished his voice had shown a bit more respect and less bark as he spoke.
“You sound like you don’t know. Why is that?”
David moved past worried. If he hadn’t been so concerned he might have taken a moment to appreciate how observant Paul was. Right then he decided what and how he was going to tell Paul. David didn’t want to divulge too much information without having any facts yet. But Paul was the best person to help him locate Jada. He would know her little hideaways. So he let him know what had happened, without providing any personal details.
Paul’s tone changed by the time David stopped talking. “David, Jada isn’t out trying to deal with anything. Something is wrong. Very wrong. I wasn’t worried when I thought she was with you, but I’m . . . David, you have to find her.
David could hear the panic in Paul’s voice. It wasn’t the first time Paul had worried about Jada, but this seemed more intense.
“Paul, it’s possible she is off relaxing somewhere.”
“No. You don’t understand. Jada is gone. I know she is,” Paul’s voice shook as he spoke.
Gone? “Why do you believe that?”
“Because the same day you said Dennis Peckham was apprehended another threat came in.”
Shit! “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“I thought it was a timing thing. Dennis sent it, and then you nabbed him. It didn’t seem important after he was in custody.”
Everything is important. That was a mistake on his part as well. David should’ve asked and not assumed that all was quiet.
“What exactly did it say?”
“Something about Jada being too beautiful to share with the world. I can take a picture of it and send it to you.”
“Good. And I’ll have someone come by to pick it up.”
“Why?” Paul asked.
“I want to see if there are any fingerprints or anything that can confirm if it was from Peckham.” David wasn’t going to rule anything out until he knew for sure. Even now he wasn’t sure whether Jada was off somewhere, pissed at him, or indeed missing. But he was going to do some serious digging and wouldn’t rest until he had his answer. And Jada is safe.
“I want to help. What can I do?”
“Let me know immediately if you hear from her.”
“David, I have a question. Speaking as a father.”
David had no idea what that meant. “Yes?”
“Do you think she’s . . .” Paul couldn’t even finish the question. No. Shit. No.
“We’ll find her. You have my word on that.” He never made such promises and wasn’t sure if he said it for Paul or himself.
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch,” Paul said before he ended the call.
And hopefully, I’ll have good news. There wasn’t evidence that Jada was missing. If she had been, her scheduled events would have her down as a no-show instead of a cancellation.
Time for Gabe to do more digging.
Within minutes, they were on the SAT phone, exchanging all the information they had. Paul snapped a picture of the last note, and it looked identical to the others. It could be Peckham or someone else who had access to the other notes. Like any member of the media.
While hacking into Jada’s manager’s computer once again, Gabe said, “I’m telling you, David, nothing has changed in her itinerary. You’re telling me she cancelled, but the schedule said she should have been there.”
“That makes no sense, Gabe. I went to it, and they said she’d backed out.”
“Then she didn’t tell her manager.”
That was not possible. Jada had told him everything was scheduled almost a year in advance, and all she needed to do was show up. Christof, her manager, handled everything else for her. No way did Jada call to cancel personally.
“Then he didn’t update the information, because there is no way she didn’t show and her manager not have a clue,” David snapped at Gabe. He didn’t want to believe something was wrong, but they were missing something. If her phone hadn’t been turned off, they could at least track her. Was it off because she chose to do so? I sure as hell hope so.
“David, I just confirmed with the hotel in Las Vegas. Jada never checked out. I’ve sent one of my buddies who works there to use his master key and check her room.”
“Tell him to fucking make it fast.” David felt his chest tighten with anxiety. Nothing about this looked good. If Jada needed time away, he couldn’t picture her spending it in Las Vegas. She struck him as a beach or bungalow type. Please, Jada, be okay. He closed his eyes, slowed his breathing, and hoped Jada was soaking in the Jacuzzi and the battery on her phone had died.
“While waiting, I confirmed Peckham is still behind bars,” Gabe said.
That offered little comfort right now. David had no idea what they were dealing with and hoped they wouldn’t hear they’d found her body in that room. How the hell has she been MIA for a few days and no one noticed? That door better fucking have Do Not Disturb on the handle.
“Any credit card use?” David asked, knowing damn well Gabe would have already checked that.
“Nothing for the past three days.”
Fuck. That’s when I left. I should’ve stayed. That wasn’t realistic. David’s job took him away frequently, and usually to sketchy places where he was unreachable.
“Just got word. Jada’s belongings are still in the hotel room. There is no sign of any struggle or forced entry. I’m trying to access the security footage.”
“Start with the day I left. Jada was supposed to meet with numerous people throughout the day. I want to know if she actually met with them, and who the hell they were.” If she attended those meetings. God, something could’ve happened to Jada before I left and I didn’t know.
“On it.”
“Gabe, get me the name and address of her manager. I have a few questions for him.”
“Sending you the information now. David, do not go alone.”
“I’m not afraid of that guy,” David replied angrily.
“I’m worried about what you’re going to do to him. You sound like Rafe did when Deanna was in danger. You know the voice that says, I’ll kill anyone who stands in my way.”
David couldn’t deny that. It had taken all his control not to injure Peckham. If there was someone threatening Jada now, he’d rip his fucking head off if it meant saving her. “You’re not coming, Gabe.”
“I was thinking more like Josh or Renzo. On second thought, go with Renzo.”
“Why?”
Gabe couldn’t resist and had to give one last jab. “Josh is a ladies’ man. Do you honestly want him rescuing your woman?”
Not funny. That didn’t mean David was going to take Josh, but not for the reason Gabe provided. Josh had just lost a member of his team. Renzo was top-notch when it came to dealing with local law enforcement. His contacts as former LA SWAT came in handy. I don’t want to need it now.
“David, she was in the casino before leaving.”
“Where did she go?”
“I’m trying to access the security cameras on the street. They’re tied into the police station and not the hotels. It’s going to take a bit longer.”
Longer didn’t mean impossible. Not when it came to Gabe. He’d written most of the codes for such systems, which meant that within minutes if not seconds, he’d get through whatever firewall they had up. David wished he was closer to the hotel, but he was still on the East Coast because Jada was supposed to have been in Atlanta. Getting in the air without a destination was foolish.
He wracked his brain thinking of people he knew locally who might be able to assist. Off the top of his head, no one came to mind. That didn’t mean there wasn’t someone. Within minutes, Gabe had footage from the street and sent it to David’s SAT phone. Two sets of eyes were better than one, and David knew Jada better than Gabe. Hopefully enough to see what Gabe misses. He saw Jada walking the street, carefree. What did I teach you? I warned you about this. She shouldn’t have exposed herself like that, but she was walking like a woman who had her mind set on something. God, how he hoped it might be the link to her disappearance.
When he saw her come to the end of the strip, Jada stumbled and fell. She didn’t appear to be hurt, and he watched in slow motion as two men approached her, one stopping to assist Jada off the ground. Friend or foe? Jada’s body language said she was tense, but she didn’t seem to be afraid or trying to flee. Had she gone there to meet with them? They were barely in range to be picked up by the camera, but their images were not clear enough to see any details. There appeared to be some type of exchange before Jada headed back toward the hotel. Shit. One of them is following her. “Zoom in on him. I want an ID.” Gabe did as David directed. No matter what, the image wasn’t clear enough to make out a face, but David knew a military fatigue jacket when he saw one. “We need to talk to that guy. Find him.”
“I sent over the photo, and my friend will see what he can find. That alley has a bunch of homeless vets.”
David hated hearing that. Coming home from serving was challenging enough without having lost everything, including shelter. Anytime he could, David tried to help out by finding them employment. They need healing and restoration of faith in humanity and a sense of purpose. That’s all most really want.
He didn’t need to hear back to know the vet followed Jada to ensure she made it back to the hotel safely. They’d never have let a lady walk those streets alone. That didn’t mean he didn’t want to talk to the guy. If not now, when I find Jada. I think I owe him a thank you. And given where he was, maybe a job too.
“David, he never entered the hotel.”
“Keep tracking her until she’s in her room.” There was a pause when David heard Gabe swear under his breath. It was a rarity, which meant he found something he didn’t like. I’m sure I’m not going to either. “What is it?”
Gabe shared the video clip with David. Right before Jada entered the hotel, a man put up the closed sign on the elevator. He lingered until Jada took the stairwell and then removed the sign. Someone fucking set her up. As he continued to watch, he saw them ambush her. They must’ve used chloroform on her as she was out cold. These guys knew what they were doing. One took off his ski mask and slipped on a black suit coat. So when he carried her out of the hotel, it only appeared as though his date had drunk too much. Even the way he held her and pretended to be loving, caring, and gentle, made it appear Jada left willingly. Fuck.
“Trace that vehicle. I want to know where they took her. And find out where Christof, her manager, is,” David growled.
“What does Christof have to do with anything?” Gabe inquired.
Gabe couldn’t function on gut instinct, he needed hard facts before moving on something. That was great when sitting at a desk, but in the field, it was what could save a life. Right now, David was banking on Christof being the link to Jada. And so help me if I find out she’s hurt . . .
“Nothing goes on in Jada’s life without Christof having his hands in it. I can’t think of any reason why he’d be involved, but I know he isn’t clueless about her being MIA.”
“Based on the GPS on his cell phone, Christof is a few hours’ drive outside of Las Vegas. I’ll send you his location.”
That was what he thought. Christof’s office was in New York City, so why was he still in Las Vegas? The satellite image confirmed he was in an old part of the town, which looked abandoned. It was far enough that no one would come across it unless they were looking. A perfect place to hide out. But what could you be hiding from, Christof? The only things that occupied that area now were tumbleweeds and wild critters. But what concerned him were a few vehicles, which they were obviously trying to keep on the down-low.
“I’ve got the chopper with me. It’s time Christof and I meet in person.”
“Don’t go in alone,” Gabe said, his voice full of concern.
“Did you see that time stamp on the video? Jada’s been gone three days. Three fucking days, Gabe, and this asshole didn’t even notify the police. If he didn’t do it, he knows who did. Either way, I’m getting the information from him. Since Paul hasn’t heard anything, this isn’t a kidnapping. At least not one for ransom.”
“And if you’re wrong?” Gabe asked.
“Then I’ll pat him on the back and tell him I’m sorry,” David responded sarcastically. I have a feeling I’m going to be knocking his fucking head off. “Tell Renzo to grab my team and be ready. We’re going after Jada.”
“Will do. I’ll have them on their way within the hour.”
For the entire flight David battled whether he should reach out to Paul and give him a status update or not. There was nothing Paul could do to assist, and if he did react, he could jeopardize the rescue. He’d let Jada reach out once she was safe. Given she was taken almost seventy-two hours ago, she would be awake by now. Fuck, she’d be terrified. I’m coming for you, beautiful. Stay strong.
David couldn’t wait to talk to Christof. He had answers, and David had a shitload of questions. Hours later, David’s chopper was approaching the abandoned town. Gabe informed him that Christof had moved into the city and was now in one of the hotels in Las Vegas, the same one Jada had never checked out of. Christof was in the penthouse. Feeling full of yourself are you, Christof? A bit confident? David had no idea what would bring someone like Christof out of the lap of luxury, but he had every intention of finding out. Hope you’re in the mood for talking.
David informed the pilot of the change of plans, and it wasn’t long before he was in the hotel’s private elevator on his way to the penthouse. He had to admit it was handy having Gabe’s buddies around. The penthouse was a secured floor, and without them he would’ve had to use unconventional ways to get in.
“I told you I didn’t want to be disturbed,” Christof said as he answered the door. His expression quickly changed from irate to shock. “What . . . what are you doing here?”
David was glad Christof knew who he was. He looked panicked. As you should. But David needed to tone it down. Make Christof feel less threatened. At least for the moment.
“As you’re Jada’s manager, I thought we could talk about what the media has written about me. Maybe you could teach me what I need to do and tell me what you want me to say.” David knew the hotel camera would capture anything that took place in the hallway. He needed to get inside before he revealed his true agenda.
It worked, and Christof stepped aside. “We can talk, but I have no control over what the media prints.”
I highly doubt that. Once inside, David shut the door behind him and leaned against it. “Nothing at all? A man like you who can drive Jada’s career to the top can’t handle a few reporters?” David stroked Christof’s ego. And looking at Christof, David knew the guy was going to eat it up.
“Well, they do speak to me first in most cases. You know, I make sure they get the hot stories and photos, and they make sure Jada is visible all the time.”
Christof walked over to a bar and asked, “Would you like a martini?”
David wasn’t there for pleasure and would never touch a martini. He shook his head and said, “I can’t remember a day going by without hearing or seeing something about her. Funny that it’s been three days now, and nothing. Don’t you find that strange?”
Christof’s hands trembled, and some of his newly poured martini splashed over onto the counter. “Well . . . I guess . . . she wanted some time . . . alone.”
“Wow. That doesn’t seem like a wise choice to make. I mean, Jada was booked so far in advance, and now she cancelled events because she wants to be left alone. I would think that would ruin her career.” David shook his head as though he was disappointed in Jada. “Guess that’s why I haven’t heard from her either.”
Christof seem to relax a bit. He was going to play right into David’s hands. Too easy.
“That’s how it is in this business. Here today and gone tomorrow.”
“What does something like that do to you as her manager?” David asked. “I mean, taking off and leaving you here to clean up her little . . . emotional mess must not be easy.”
“It hasn’t been easy at all.”
“How have you avoided having anyone find out?” I really want to hear your excuse.
“No one has asked.”
“Not even her clients?” David asked.
“I don’t know. Jada handles that herself.”
And the lies continue. “Really? Jada having that much control must drive you crazy. It’s like she’s trying to tell you she doesn’t need you anymore.”
That got to Christof as he choked on his drink. “That’s ridiculous. She would be nothing without me.”
“And you without her,” David added through gritted teeth. “Why don’t you tell me where she is? It would save us both a lot of time and pain.”
“I . . . I don’t know what you mean. Jada is on vacation.”
“I saw the video. I know she was taken from this hotel against her will three days ago.” Stepping closer to Christof and glaring directly into his eyes, David continued, “And you know where she is. If you want to see tomorrow, I suggest you tell me where she is.”
“I . . . I . . .” Christof began to sweat, and David thought the man was going to pass out.
David reached out, grabbed him by the front of his dress shirt, and practically lifted him off the floor, escorting him out onto the balcony and up against the railing. “I don’t ask twice, so I suggest you tell me the truth the first time.”
“What the hell are you doing, David?” Gabe asked in the earpiece. “You can’t kill that bastard no matter what you think he did.”
David ignored Gabe. “Is she alive?” That answer would determine if Christof went off that railing immediately or not. Christof couldn’t even speak, only nod. “That’s a start. How are you involved?”
“I—”
“It’s a long way down, Christof,” David said pushing him even further over the railing.
“Renzo, get your ass in there before David sends that asshole off the balcony,” Gabe roared.
There was no risk of that. Not yet at least. David had questions. He needed to know who else was involved. “Are you the one who was behind all the death threats?”
“Only the last one, after I learned you caught the guy who sent the others.”
It actually was ingenuous of Christof. Paul thought it was the timing of the letter received, and most people wouldn’t have looked into it any further. But I’m not most people. And Jada means more to me than anyone knows. Even her.
“And what were you going to do? Kill her?” David’s grip tightened, and Christof’s face reddened.
“No. Just keep her long enough for me to hire someone to find her.”
Three fucking days. That’s enough time.
He could see the fear in Christof’s eyes. Christof was many things, mostly a greedy coward. But David didn’t see him as a killer. “So all this was so Jada would think you were indispensable?” All that seemed too fucked up to be true. But David didn’t understand anything about this type of business. Nothing about it seemed real. That’s why he never believed anything he read. There was always an agenda behind it. Jada seemed different. She was the beauty queen who didn’t fit in. David would’ve informed Christof how his sick, cruel plan never would’ve succeeded, but the only important thing was finding Jada so he could straighten all this shit out. No way was Christof going to be viewed by the world or by Jada as anything more than the sick bastard he was. And if she’s not okay, neither will you be.
“I think it’s time you take me to see her. And in case you think the three goons you hired to keep her there will be able to protect your ass, you’re mistaken. If I don’t get them, my team will. Got it?”
“Two.”
“Two what?” David growled.
“I only hired two. . .goons.”
“There were three in the stairway,” Gabe stated.
“Why are you lying, Christof? I know there were three men. Do you think I’m playing games with you? That I won’t toss your ass off the balcony?” David warned.
“I. . .know you will. But I only hired two. I . . .I was there when they took her.”
“You?” That wasn’t what David had expected. “Why?”
“I didn’t want anything to go wrong. If it got out what I did, then I’d be ruined. The only way to make sure they didn’t double cross me was to be there,” Christof said as though it was a logical resolution to his problem.
I promise you Christof, ruined is only the start of what you are. “Then it’s good that you’re coming with me to make sure it all goes smoothly.
Christof nodded. “I promise there won’t be any trouble. They are there to make sure no one stumbles upon her. Not before the planned rescue is supposed to take place.”
The plan has changed. David knew Christof only had so much control over the situation now. The men holding Jada captive were facing prison. That meant they were desperate and unpredictable. It’d be nice if it all went as smoothly as Christof proclaimed, but his gut told him otherwise.
“We’re on it, David,” Gabe announced.
“Roger.”
Jada could hear yelling as one of the men shouted, “There’s no fucking way I’m going back to prison.”
Another replied, “Well, I’m not looking forward to a grave either, but those guys look like they fucking mean business. I don’t care how much that weasel is paying us; she’s not worth it.”
The men might not have been friendly, but they’d never exhibited anger before. Jada wished she knew who they were talking about and what was happening. So far all they’d done was humiliate her. There was no physical harm except for a bit of swelling on her wrists from the handcuffs. Thank God they’d kept away from her. If they set her free now, there would be no signs she’d been held captive after a good bath.
Her hands began to shake as she clung to the bars, straining to hear everything she could. It beat the option of hiding underneath the sleeping bag. They weren’t expecting whoever they saw coming, and it appeared to be a formidable adversary. Whatever came next, she was going to face it head-on. Boy, if David could see me now. I’m about to put his little training session into practice. No longer frozen and afraid.
At the first sound of gunfire, all her nerve vanished. Jada wasn’t surprised. She wasn’t the big, bad, brave woman she wanted to be, no matter how hard she tried. Jada let go of the bars and pressed herself against the wall. Bringing her hands up she tried to cover her ears to block out the sound, but her fingers couldn’t reach to block out the sound no matter how hard she tried. The popping seemed to echo throughout the room.
Blocking it out wouldn’t change the fact that they were under attack. Someone wanted in badly, and her captives were fighting hard to prevent it. If the police had arrived, Jada would’ve heard them announce themselves, giving her captors the opportunity to surrender. At least, that’s what she’d seen in the movies. But this wasn’t a movie, and those weren’t blank shots for sound effects. Why can’t this nightmare be as pretend as the rest of my life?
With her back against the brick wall, Jada slid down, scrunched up her knees, and hugged them close to her. She buried her face in her lap. When will this nightmare end?
The shots continued to ring out for what seemed like hours, then suddenly there was an eerie silence. Jada wasn’t sure which side won, if either. But no one was coming for her. Maybe no one knows I’m here.
Jada debated calling out so someone would realize she was there. But if it wasn’t the cavalry that showed up to rescue her, she didn’t want to attract unwanted attention. So she decided to remain exactly as she was.
Several minutes later she heard a strange voice state, “Clear.” She knew it was an echo coming down the hall, and before long he’d arrive at her cell. Jada’s insides shook as severely as her hands did. She knew she needed to do something. Struggling she got to her feet, she knew she needed to hide as best she could. Jada picked up the tray she’d used earlier for her supper. Raising it high above her head, she swung until it contacted with the dangling light bulb. The sound made a loud popping noise but ultimately left her in the dark.
She couldn’t move as shards of broken glass were now scattered all around her as they had taken her shoes from her before placing her in the cell. But from where she stood the light in the hall gave her a perfect view of anyone who approached. They might think this cell is empty.
It wasn’t long before she had her answer. She could see a man, but he didn’t appear to see her. Jada remained motionless and held her breath as a man in a camo vest peered in her direction. He looked menacing with long hair and biceps like tree trunks. Keep moving, please. Nothing to see here.
The man had other ideas and raised a hand toward his head, and then a green light blinked. “David, I found her.”
David? He’s here? Jada’s legs wobbled. Within seconds David was at the entrance. “Jada, hold on. We’ll get you out.” She nodded as David rattled the bars as though he could rip them off with his bare hands. When they didn’t budge he barked, “Where are the fucking keys?”
“They’re not hanging anywhere in sight,” the second man answered.
“Then go check those assholes for them. They can’t be far.” David turned back to Jada and said, “Hold on, honey, it won’t be long until you’re out. We’ll find them.”
Jada remembered that the taller of the two always opened the cell door. “Check the tall one.” Her voice gave way to the fear and anxiety that had built up within her.
“You heard her, Renzo. Get those keys, so we can get Jada out of there.”
“On it,” Renzo replied.
With Renzo gone, she and David had a moment alone. She broke down. Everything she’d been holding in came to a head. Tears streamed down her filthy cheeks.
“How . . . how did you . . . find me?”
“We can talk about that later,” David said, reaching his hand through the bars to hers.
“There’s glass and I’m. . .barefoot.”
He brought his hands back angrily.
“Since we’re waiting, you might as well tell me. Was it Dennis Peckham? Did he do this?” Jada asked. She really couldn’t picture anyone else wishing her harm.
David shook his head. “It was Christof.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re saying my manager did this to me? He’s not a violent man.”
“No. He’s a greedy bastard.”
“He’s losing money every day that I’m not attending events. What you’re saying doesn’t make sense.” Christof was paid a percentage for each of her appearances, as well as each photo shoot and contract signed. I work so damn hard, which means he’s making some serious money off me. That made what David said even less plausible. “You must be mistaken.”
“I know it’s hard to imagine someone you trust doing such a thing.”
“Trust? No. Respect? No. But Christof has connections.”
“Jada, I spoke to him. He admitted doing this,” David said softly as though his tone could ease the pain.
She knew David wouldn’t lie to her. And he’d come to her rescue. She’d spent many hours lying on that cot, praying for him to come. She never actually believed he’d show. “Christof?”
“He said you were going to fire him. Is that true?” David asked.
Jada had no idea Christof knew. She’d grown tired of being controlled all the time, and after all the years in the spotlight, she wanted something different. When she’d told Christof her plans, his response was to increase her schedule even more. Almost where she had no free time at all.
“I didn’t think he knew. It was something I planned on doing after the show in Las Vegas.” She felt sick to her stomach but needed to know. “Was he planning on . . . killing me?”
David shook his head. “Thankfully not. He wanted to be your hero so you’d worship the ground he walks on. It was all about him, and you were the means to make an even bigger name for himself.”
“You mean Christof meant to sell the story. The pictures of my capture and rescue would be worth—”
“You got it, honey. He’s one fucked-up individual. But I promise you he’s never going to hurt you again.”
Although Jada hated the man, she didn’t want him dead. “You didn’t—”
“No. But I think he shit himself when the goons he hired started firing at us. The last thing I heard from him was a high-pitched scream before he started crying. Christof is a real piece of work, but he’s no killer. However, he’s going to spend the next twenty years behind bars for kidnapping.”
I’ve known him since he discovered me when I was eighteen years old. He said he’d make me famous. We were partners in this. Why would he do this to me? Did he really believe I’d want to continue modeling if my life was at stake? Oh God. I can’t . . .
Renzo returned; David unlocked the door and had her in his arms. She wanted to wrap her arms around him, but all she could do was place them on his chest because of the handcuffs.
“Honey, it’s all over. He can’t hurt you.”
Jada sniffed. “He can’t. Dennis can’t. Who is next?”
David brushed away some of her tear-soaked hair and said, “Jada, I wish I could tell you he was the last but—”
“But you can’t because this is the lifestyle of the rich and famous. And it comes with a price. Freedom.”
“Jada, I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe,” David said with his hands on both sides of her face. She knew he meant it too.
“David, you can’t leave your job and become my personal bodyguard. But that’s what it would take, wouldn’t it?” David didn’t answer, and she knew she was right. “I can’t ask you to do that, and honestly, I wouldn’t want you to.”
“Jada, what are you saying?” David asked.
“I’m done. I think it was over a long time ago. I was too stubborn to quit. This, all this violence and evil, helped me realize I want more.”
“More what? Fame?”
Jada smiled at David. “No. More of this.” She put her head on his shoulder, and David tightened his hold on her. It wasn’t realistic that she could spend the rest of her life in David’s arms, but the concept and the feeling she had while in them was what she was searching for. For however long she’d been waiting in this cold, dirty cell, her thoughts had turned to him time and time again. She wanted him. She wanted carefree moments that weren’t scheduled. What had her glamourous lifestyle gotten her? Cold, lonely, empty nights. She wasn’t sure how she would find it, but the house with a white picket fence, a dog, and a flower garden sounded like heaven. People are going to think I’m crazy, but I want to be ordinary. Blend in. Fade away.
David kissed her forehead. “I couldn’t agree with you more.”
“Hate to break this up, you two, but the police are on their way. We probably want to be outside when they arrive. If they see bodies, they might come in shooting.”
“Bodies?” Jada asked.
She watched David give Renzo a warning look before turning his attention back to her. “There was no other way, Jada. We weren’t leaving without you, and they weren’t willing to let you go.”
If she hadn’t been sure before, knowing people died because of her made up her mind. There would be no more photo shoots. No more runway shows. No more paparazzi either.
Jada said solemnly, “I know you only did what you needed to do.”
David looked into her eyes and said, “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to keep you safe. I love you.”
There was no way she’d heard him correctly. They were standing in a rundown cell, she hadn’t bathed in several days, and this was where David decided to profess his love? Jada wanted to tell him how she felt too. But if the police were on the way and what she had to say wasn’t going to be quick, it had to wait.
Without thinking it through all the way, Jada said, “Maybe we can continue this conversation later.”
David’s arms tensed for a moment then dropped from around her. “You’re right. We’ll need to give the police our statements, and I’m sure they’ll have a lot of questions for you.”
Jada tried to stop David, but he walked out the door, leaving her standing alone with Renzo. Her heart was breaking, and there wasn’t anything she could do right now to stop it. Does he really love me?
“I didn’t mean to—”
“I know. And so does David. Give him time. When you guys are out of here, tell him. But right now, if I’m right, we have company.”
Jada nodded and followed Renzo outside. She wasn’t going to wait. She planned to catch up to David and run right into his arms and tell him how much she loved him too. Yet, once she went outside, her eyes had to adjust to the bright sunshine. As soon as they did, she saw David standing by the police and pointing not far from where she stood. She looked in that direction and realized that bigger things were going on right now that were more important than her feelings. There was no mistaking the two bodies lying just feet away from her were dead.
Renzo put a hand on her back to steady her as they made their way to the patrol car. They passed by a vehicle, which Jada assumed had brought David and Renzo there. She peeked inside and saw Christof sitting in the back, still sobbing. She couldn’t bring herself to speak to him. You’ve taken enough from me. You’re not getting any more.
Jada walked over to David and stood by his side. He held up the keys to the handcuffs, and she put her arms out to him. She couldn’t believe how wonderful it felt when they dropped from her wrists. “Thank you,” Jada said in a soft voice as emotion was overtaking her.
She made sure her arm leaned against him. There wasn’t time to express what she needed to, but she needed him to know she wasn’t going anywhere without him. If you’ll do anything for me, do this. Don’t pull away.
David must’ve sensed her need and pulled her into his arms. This time her hands were free, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. There was so much that wanted to spill from her lips, but all she spoke was his name. “David.”
It wasn’t going to be easy to explain everything that had transpired—she doubted she was ready—but she knew it would be much worse if she didn’t have him here with her. I’m so grateful you came. So thankful you didn’t let me go.