Daniel’s death. Daniel had dragged her to a dinner party at Josh’s, hoping to set her up with another guest. The man, Les, worked in the D.A.’s office, if she remembered correctly. He’d been nice enough, but she hadn’t been interested.
She’d also met Josh’s then-girlfriend: a buxom blonde who’d come across as deeply insecure, clinging to Josh as if she’d been afraid someone would steal him away from her. Serena never wanted to be that kind of woman.
The door to Josh’s apartment was ajar. He’d known she’d follow him.
Jerk? Or good partner?
She sighed, accepting whatever God had in mind for her, and gently pushed the door open. She walked into the apartment, surveying his domain. An old leather couch, a huge forty-eight-inch flat-screen television and a stack of books made up the living room. The kitchen showed signs of a hasty breakfast. A loaf of bread sat on the counter. A jar of peanut butter sat out with the lid screwed on crooked.
Josh came out of the bathroom carrying a toiletry bag. He glanced up. Surprise widened his eyes, then he gave her a crooked smile. “You startled me. Didn’t really expect you to follow me in.”
She swallowed her pride and ego to say, “I’m sorry I was so harsh with you. I don’t think you’re a monster.”
His expression softened, but wariness remained in his eyes. “That’s good to know.” He nodded and disappeared into his bedroom.
Serena sighed, hating the dejected feeling spreading through her. There was no reason for it. This was work, not personal.
Her gaze landed on a framed photo hanging on the wall, and her breath caught. It was a photo of Josh, Daniel and her from a few summers ago. They’d attended a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. The first baseman had hit a home run into the stands. Josh had caught the ball and promptly given it to her. In the photo Serena was holding the prize while her brother and Josh flanked her. They looked so happy and carefree.
She missed Daniel. Missed the easy camaraderie among the three of them. And, she realized, she missed Josh, too. He’d been a good friend. And she didn’t have many of those.
When Josh came out of the bedroom carrying a suitcase and garment bag, she quickly gathered her composure; no sense in him seeing her getting misty and sentimental. Taking the garment bag from his hand, she retreated out the door back to the car.
Tense silence filled the car on the drive to Serena’s condo. She sought something to say but no words formed. The next few days, weeks—she blew out a sharp breath—months were going to be long if the tension didn’t ease between them.
When they arrived, Josh opted to wait by the car while she packed her cosmetic case and her essential garments into a small travel bag. She also grabbed running shoes and yoga clothes. She might be portraying a stay-at-home wife, but that didn’t mean she would let her exercise regimen go by the wayside. Staying both physically and mentally prepared for any situation that might arise was an important requirement of the marshals.
When she came out, Josh eyed her two small bags. “That’s it?”
“Did you not catch the part about my needing to buy clothing appropriate for this charade?”
“I didn’t think you were serious,” he replied, taking her bag from her hand and tucking it behind the driver’s seat. “We can hit the Galleria on the way.”
“Perfect.” Three major retailers had stores in the Richmond Heights area mall. Definitely places the affluent wife of a bank executive would shop.
“We’ll also need rings,” Josh said.
Her stomach dropped. She’d forgotten that part.
Two hours later, with shiny rings, enough clothes to last for the duration of their pretend marriage and two brand-new BMWs, they pulled into the driveway of the detached garage behind the Compton Heights home that would be their base of operation.
Serena climbed out of the small sports utility vehicle they’d decided would be a good mom car. Josh had chosen a roomy four-door sedan. Something unfamiliar fluttered in her tummy. The thought of being a mom stirred places inside her heart she’d not known existed.
Entering the house, Serena was struck by the grandness of the old historic home. Period woodwork throughout, golden oak floors and an ornate staircase leading to the second story took her breath away. The furnishings left behind by the previous occupants matched the historic feel of the place.
“You’re here,” a woman said as she exited the kitchen. Compact and tiny, with graying hair and a wide smile, she grasped Serena’s hand. “I was beginning to worry. I’m Linda.”
“Serena.”
Linda raised a gray eyebrow. “Susan,” she corrected.
Serena flushed. “Yes, Susan.”
Patting her hand, Linda said, “You’ll get used to it.” Then she moved to Josh. “You’re as handsome as ever, Jack,” she said, using Josh’s alias.
Josh smiled and hugged Linda. “You haven’t changed a bit, either, Aunt Linda.”
“Retirement suits me,” Linda said. “However, I have to say, I couldn’t resist coming out of retirement to help take down a baby-smuggling ring. The very idea of babies being stolen and sold chaps my hide.”
“We’re glad to have you.” Josh set his luggage on the stairs. “Before we do anything else, let’s set up our initial meeting with Matilda Munders.”
Anticipation churned in Serena’s stomach as they followed Linda into the office. An antique oak desk dominated the room. On top of the desk was a recording system attached to a phone. Josh consulted the file on the Perfect Family Adoption Agency and dialed the number, putting the call on speaker. A moment later the receptionist answered. Josh asked for Matilda.
“One moment, please.”
The sound of ringing filled the office. After the third ring, a woman answered.
“Perfect Family Adoption Agency, Matilda speaking. How may I help you?”
Josh met Serena’s gaze as he spoke. “I hope you can. My name is Jack Andrews. My wife and I recently relocated to St. Louis. We were told your agency was the one to call. We are desperate to adopt a baby.”
“You have called the right place,” Matilda said. “Let’s schedule an appointment. When can you and your wife come in?”
“This afternoon?”
“Three would be perfect. We’ll see you then.”
Josh disconnected. “Are you ready, Susan?”
Serena inhaled and let it out slowly. “I’m ready, Jack.”
Ready to take down Fred Munders and the Perfect Family Adoption Agency.
Unease slithered down her spine. So many people had died trying to keep the authorities from bringing Munders and the adoption agency to justice.
Serena prayed there would be no more casualties.
