refused to react to his mother’s criticism, or discuss Kristen’s young age or lack of memory. “Someone has breached the compound and taken them,” he reasoned. “I’m certain Kristen didn’t leave on her own, Mother.”
“I hope you’re right, darling. But the sailboat is gone. For what purpose would kidnappers steal the boat?”
“As a diversion, of course.”
“That’s possible, yes.”
They walked on.
“I saw the bruises yesterday, darling. The ones on Kristen’s arms. I only thought she may have left because—”
“She bruises easily, Mother.”
“I’m not criticizing you, darling. Some women need a strong hand. I suspect your young bride is one of those women.”
Salva refused to believe Kristen would leave over a few silly bruises. And yet, they had searched the entire island without gleaning a single clue.
“The yacht is ready,” Miandera supplied in her husky voice. “All Porter needs is a destination. Where will you search first?”
“I have a phone call to make, then I’ll decide.” Salva stopped and reached into his pocket for his cell phone. Seconds later he heard the voice of a man he had hoped never to talk to ever again.
“Crawford’s Boat Tours.”
Salva didn’t identify himself. All he said was, “She’s missing.” It was a long shot, but he needed to ask anyway. “Have you seen her?”
“No. Don’t tell me the bitch is on her way back here?”
“I don’t have a confirmation on that just yet, but she is gone.”
“Still empty-headed?”
“Yes.”
Salva turned away from his mother’s questioning gaze. He didn’t want to think about what would happen if Kristen stopped taking her medication and started to remember. He only knew for all concerned, he had to get her back before that could happen. And he had to do it while keeping Miandera on a short leash. There were things he hadn’t told her. Things his mother must never find out.
“What about your kid?”
“Gone, too,” Salva answered.
“In your line of work it doesn’t pay to have weaknesses, Maland. The bitch is your weakness. You should have had your fun with her, then killed her.”
Salva didn’t want to hear what he should have done. Three years ago he had simply taken what he had wanted and damned the consequences. It had always been the Maland way. His little princess had, indeed, become his weakness. But he wasn’t prepared to give her up—not at any cost.
“She’d only come here if she started remembering. Let’s hope Little Krissy stays stupid.”
“You have my number. Day or night, call me if you see her.” Salva disconnected the phone and slipped it back into his pocket. Facing his mother, he said, “Tell Porter we’ll hold one more day. If I haven’t received a ransom note, and Kristen still doesn’t turn up on the island, I’ll head for St. Petersburg.”
“And the Blu Devil? What of our plans for him?”
“We put them on hold for the time being.”
“On hold? But we’ve already done that too many times. You promised—”
“Be patient a little longer, Mother. A Maland’s promise is his honor. I give you my word that the Blu Devil will die. But first, I will see that Kristen and Amanda are brought back to the island. And, if there is punishing to be done, I will see to that, too.”
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