I’m not going to argue with you.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“I’ll get you some iced tea.”
“Thank you.”
Gayle was being calm and rational, and that’s what he needed right now. He hated to think he was so weak he would collapse if something happened to Abby. Something had happened to his daughter and he was falling apart. That wasn’t easy to admit. He was an indoor, quiet guy, a retired banker. He was good at numbers. He often wished he was a rough and tough outdoorsman, but that just wasn’t his personality.
As Gayle handed him a glass of tea, the doorbell rang. “That’s probably Doug,” she said. “Please remain calm.”
“I will.” Taking a sip, he set the glass on a coaster. He knew the dangers and he wasn’t risking his health. He had to stay strong for Abby and Chloe.
Doug and a policeman followed Gayle into the den. Doug’s eyes went to the windows and Chloe and Holly playing in the pool.
“What’s Holly doing here?” Doug demanded.
Gayle bristled. “I didn’t realize we needed your permission to invite people over.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. Holly hates me and fills Chloe’s head with nonsense.”
“They’re playing, Doug,” Gayle told him. “So relax.”
Doug moved toward Everett. “I’m here for Chloe.”
“I know,” he replied. “She’s swimming as you can see. I had no right to try to keep you from your daughter.” Those were the hardest words he’d ever had to say and it was killing him to let go of his link to Abby.
“I’m glad you see that. I’ll get her.”
“If that’s all you need, I’ll be on my way,” the policeman said.
“Yes, yes, and thank you.” Doug headed for the pool.
“I’m surprised at you, Doug.” Gayle crossed her arms over her breasts.
Doug swung back. “What are you talking about?”
“I thought you’d be more concerned about Abby.”
“I am. I’m worried out of my mind.”
“No. I meant when they find her. She’s going to need love, support and a shoulder to lean on. I’d assumed you’d want to be that person. But Everett and I are more than happy to be there for Abby. Under the circumstances, it’s probably best, too.”
By Doug’s stunned expression, Everett could almost read his thoughts. This was his opportunity to be there for Abby. To prove how much he loved her. Everett shook his head in disgust.
“You’re right, Gayle,” Doug said. “I’ve been so worried I hadn’t thought about Abby needing me.”
“You seem to forget about Abby a lot.”
Before Doug could respond, Chloe ran in from the sunroom. She climbed into Everett’s lap. “Did you see me swimming, Grandpa?”
“Yes, I did.” He stroked wet curls from her face. “You swim like a fish.”
“That’s what Holly said.”
Holly walked in with an oversize towel wrapped around her waist. Her eyes zeroed in on Doug. “I didn’t know rats came out of the sewer at this time of day.”
“Your daddy is here,” Everett said quickly before heated words could start.
“Hi, Daddy.” Chloe raised a hand, but she made no move to go to him.
Doug squatted by Everett’s chair. “Do you want to go to Daddy’s house?”
Chloe shook her head. “I have to stay with Grandpa. Mommy’s coming to get me.”
“Okay, sweetie.” Doug leaned over and kissed his daughter’s cheek. “Daddy has a lot to do, but I’ll come back for you.”
“No, Daddy. Mommy’s coming.” Chloe’s little face scrunched up in worry. Even at three she sensed something was not right.
“C’mon, cutie,” Holly said. “Time to get dressed.”
Chloe gave Doug a hug and ran after Holly.
Doug left without another word.
Everett looked at his wife. “I knew you were crafty, but you’ve taken devious to a new level. Doug didn’t even catch on.”
She shrugged. “You didn’t want Chloe to leave and I figured out a way to accomplish that.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m not a monster.”
“I know, honey. I said things this morning I didn’t mean.” He raised his eyes to hers. “Did you mean it when you said we’d take care of Abby?”
“Yes. I’m not the motherly type, but I will try.”
“Don’t try, Gayle. Let it happen naturally.”
She kissed his forehead. “I’ll make us a nice dinner.”
“Chloe—and Holly, too?”
“Of course.”
His cell buzzed and he quickly pulled it out of his trousers. “Hello.”
“Mr. Baines, this is Detective Logan.”
“Yes, I know. Have you found my daughter?”
“Sorry, Mr. Baines, no. But a SWAT team and the feds have arrested Devon Williams at his girlfriend’s.”
“And Abby wasn’t with him?”
“No. He said the van broke down and he left it on the side of the highway in Houston. He called his girlfriend and she picked him up and they traveled to her apartment in south Houston. The girlfriend verified his story. He said he doesn’t know anything about a bank robbery.”
“You believe this?”
“Not for a minute. He’s being transported back here and I’ll get a crack at him. I’ll stay in touch.”
“Thank you.”
Everett stared at his phone and suddenly threw it across the room. It landed with a soft thud on the large Oriental rug.
“Everett!”
He told Gayle what the detective had said. “My daughter is probably lying dead in a field somewhere, and he just didn’t want to tell me.”
“No.
