Ransomed Dreams (8 page)

He wouldn’t be too late.

Not this time.

T
he Assistant US Attorney’s office buzzed with activity early Monday morning.

Steven drummed a pen on the huge mahogany meeting table. The familiar room hadn’t changed since the last time his team had met with Kenneth Marks. Deep green plants and expensive framed family pictures separated the floor-to-ceiling collection of reference books on built-in bookshelves surrounding the room.

His team and two of the Kensingtons’ Secret Service detail flipped through notes and talked shop. He should have called this first organizational meeting to order ten minutes ago. More like two days ago. If he had found Olivia Saturday they wouldn’t have needed this meeting.

But that hadn’t happened.

At least Clint knew not to include him in any light conversation today Working on little sleep and two days of futile leads in a kidnapping case left Steven a little short on pleasantries.

And even shorter on time.

Kenneth strode into the room and stationed himself at the head of the ornate table. In a flash, the room grew quiet and male and female agents took their seats around Steven. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming today. Court ran late, as the DC system is wont to do. But I assume you’ve all reviewed Agent Kessler’s extensive case notes so we can skip to the next step in protection, pursuing Olivia’s kidnapper, as well as establishing a solid case for prosecution. The president is following this case with interest.”

Steven hoped the white-haired attorney wouldn’t harp on the lack of quality leads the Rapid Start Team was still researching. Ken had always shown great respect and professionalism in his work with federal agents, even with pressure from the Oval Office. But everyone knew their window for success in this case was closing.

Fast.

Pen in hand, Ken locked eyes with Steven. “Agent Kessler, your team’s circulating a physical description. Any updates there?”

The question of the hour. “Brown-haired, dark-eyed men wearing black suits are a dime a dozen in DC. Many at the Baltimore club had noticed our perpetrator leaving with the two girls, but most were too intoxicated or too caught up in their own world to provide useful clues.”

But every interview lead and called-in or e-mailed tip had to be followed up, regardless that it was most likely wasted time. Valuable resources detained on rabbit trails. Steven wanted to curse. He had to find Olivia and Jordan soon.

“The Crimes Against Children team has been working all leads throughout the weekend.” Steven fought back a yawn. “My interviews with Sir Walter and his staff have given us a few promising suspects. We’re bringing two in for questioning later this afternoon when their planes arrive from London.”

“Any indication Olivia is still alive? Have ransom demands been received?”

“A few calls to that end, but they’ve been invalidated.” Steven took a deep breath. “Given the clean abduction site, no murder weapon, physical evidence left at the embassy and no contact with the ambassador, I believe this is a small operation and personal in nature. The two men coming in today could shed some light on those theories.”

Ken nodded. “Good. Make sure my office is notified immediately of any case developments and transcripts sent afterward.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ken turned to the Secret Service Special Agent in Charge at the other end of the conference table. “Agent Adams, I understand the Kensingtons are applying pressure to place their youngest daughter in a protected school next month and to increase her security detail.”

Steven braced for the reaction. David Adams despised interference in his protection details. Especially by unpredictable diplomats. Or FBI agents. Steven had gone toe-to-toe with the middle-aged agent on enough cases to steer clear whenever he could.

David clenched his jaw Brown eyes blazing, he straightened the papers in front of him. “Yes, sir. I’ve allocated four agents for Victoria Kensington’s around-the-clock coverage and met with Lady Kensington.”

“Are her requests unreasonable?”

Agent Adams backpedaled at Ken’s directness. “Not entirely, sir.” He looked at his planner. “She’s requested that her detail be removed, which won’t happen. And the fixation on this school in Alexandria is a bit extreme.”

Steven sat up straighter. This could get interesting.

David continued. “I have an appointment at ten today with the headmistress of Hope Ridge Academy, Janice Hall, and the first-grade teacher who will have Victoria in her class the beginning of September.”

Clint raised his eyebrows and nodded at Steven.

“Hope Ridge Academy is perfect placement for Victoria.” Steven leaned forward. “She’ll be in my son’s class, and according to the headmistress, the teacher is one of the best in the school.”

Steven met Agent Adams’s surprised stare. “Janice Hall is former FBI, and she runs a tight ship at the school regarding security protocol and academics. I met with her a number of times before registering James.”

Ken cleared his throat. “Then maybe you should accompany Agent Adams today.”

David stiffened and kept his eyes locked on Ken. “Agent Grivens and I can handle things at Hope Ridge.”

The seasoned attorney chuckled. “No doubt about that. But given agency stickiness at times, I think having the lead FBI agent brief both the teacher and the headmistress on his investigation would be good PR.”

Agent Adams swallowed hard. “If Agent Kessler has the time, he’s welcome to join us.”

Clint grinned across the table like he’d won a Texas-sized seed-spitting contest. No doubt his partner would torment him over this turn of events. So what? Steven would get to see his son’s attractive teacher and get away from his desk for a few short hours today.

No harm in that.

Maria Grivens walked the quiet halls of Hope Ridge Academy, her uncomfortable two-inch heels clicking in step with the vice principal. She noted every escape possibility on the schematics in her hands. A thorough report with all manner of details would be the minimal requirement of her supervisor, David Adams.

Mr. Perkins stepped into her personal space. “Interesting work, guarding a six-year-old?”

Maria bristled. She’d take her licks from coworkers who thought calling her “Teach” was a riot. But she wouldn’t accept a slighting comment from some spindly assistant principal. “This is a high-priority diplomatic assignment. I’m honored to be part of Victoria’s detail.”

The man’s warm smile irritated her. She’d been hit on by worse, though. Just not often enough to know how to respond without making everything awkward. “With your black hair and tan skin, I’d guess you’re of Hispanic heritage, yes?”

Maria stopped walking and faced Mr. Perkins. “Is that a problem?”

“No. Not at all. You’ll fit right in with our multicultural student
body.” He offered a wide grin. “Except for the weaponry of course.” Perkins started back toward the main office.

Why some men couldn’t handle a woman with a gun still riled her. She was a natural-born American, had excelled at every one of her performance ratings during training at Glynco, and had conducted herself with complete professionalism during the meetings with Hope Ridge staff.

One hundred and eighty degrees from the vice principal’s behavior.

As she hurried in the opposite direction of the main office, Maria thought back to Perkins’s interaction with his mother, the headmistress. Okay, maybe unprofessional was a tad harsh. He’d been perfectly poised at every point except for his tense jawline when Mrs. Hall spoke. Family baggage must run deep.

Knocking on the first-grade classroom door, she watched Gracie jump. Maria smiled. She’d liked Gracie Lang from their first handshake. Even if the sparks between Gracie and Agent Kessler made the green-eyed monster come alive in her thoughts.

“Do you have a minute, Mrs. Lang?”

Gracie held a hand to her heart. “Maria. I mean. Agent Grivens. I’m so glad it’s you.”

“Maria is fine. But wouldn’t you rather it were Agent Kessler at your door?”

Gracie’s face turned bright red. “Was I that obvious?” She sat on a plastic chair and motioned for Maria to join her. “I feel like a schoolgirl. Especially considering the gravity of what brings you all to Hope Ridge. I’m so sorry.”

“I don’t think any of the men noticed.” Maria lowered herself into a chair and shielded her paperwork on her lap. “And I can relate. From what I’ve heard on the Bureau grapevine. Agent Kessler has that effect on most females.”

“You too?”

“Yes, but it came to nothing.” Maria laughed. “First time I
met Agent Kessler, one of my partners told him I was new to DC and could use a tour guide.”

Gracie’s eyes grew wide.

“I stammered on about not having time to date, and he just smiled.” Maria wondered if getting this personal was a good idea. But Gracie’s open communication style drew her. She could use a trustworthy female friend not on Secret Service’s payroll. Besides, being comfortable around each other would make her classroom assignment more pleasant.

“So my off-the-wall questions and dropping my notebook at the meeting today didn’t make your boss wish he’d chosen a different school? Or at least a different teacher?”

Maria shook her head. “You’re fine, Gracie. Agent Adams is very pleased with everything concerning Hope Ridge.”

“Will you be here often preparing for the first day of school? Maybe we could grab some lunch one day.” Gracie glanced around the room. “I’ll be here for a little while most days, getting the room and my lessons ready.”

“While I can’t discuss protection details beyond what Agent Adams covered, it’s safe to say I’ll be seeing you here a good bit in August.”

A male cough made them both turn toward the door.

“If I’m interrupting a meeting, I can come back later.” Agent Kessler’s megawatt smile still made Maria pull in her abdominal muscles. At least Gracie hadn’t mentioned wanting to sleep with Steven like other agents Maria’d had the misfortune of overhearing.

“No, you’re not. Mrs. Lang and I were just getting better acquainted.” Maria and Gracie stood at the same time. “But I need to finish my schematics and meet with Agent Adams soon.”

She smiled at Gracie. “I look forward to working with you.”

“See you soon, Maria. And thanks.” Gracie smoothed her straight tan skirt and white blouse, slipping a shy glance at Steven as she spoke.

Maria chuckled to herself and closed the classroom door on
her way out. Someone needed to have a little fun during this assignment.

“Hello, Agent Kessler. How may I help you?”

Steven adjusted his blue silk tie and walked farther into the room. “Steven, please. I wanted to apologize for my abrupt exit last time I was here.”

“I’m sure you had important things to do.” Gracie moved behind her neat desk.

He noticed the small group of family photos. Including one of Gracie with a man and children. Disappointment derailed his plans. “Is this your family?”

“Yes. Mark, Elizabeth, and Joshua.” Gracie fingered her gold locket and stared out the large classroom windows.

“Now it’s my turn to ask if you’re okay.”

Her eyes returned to the silver-framed picture. “Sorry. I’m never sure how to introduce them.”

He stepped closer for a better look. “Why is that?”

“They died over two years ago.”

Steven froze. “I’m sorry.”

Gracie sighed and sat on her simple oak chair. She motioned toward one of two other adult chairs nearby “If you have a minute, your question actually reminded me of something I’ve wanted to ask you since our first meeting.”

He pulled a chair to the edge of her desk.

“My family was killed in an automobile accident, and I want to find the man responsible. I was wondering if you had any suggestions that could help me.”

He studied her face. Time might have given her some perspective and distance, but her hazel eyes held unshed tears. Maybe he’d misread her interest in him. “Did the local police confirm that another car was involved?”

“I watched the accident. And I believe the person in the
truck that hit Mark was drunk. He belongs in jail. But local police couldn’t find him.”

Gracie’s eyes ignited. If a drunk hit-and-run driver had escaped prosecution after killing three people—including two little children—he needed to be found. And if anyone could do that, his friend Justin could.

“I have an old college buddy who’s a local PI. I don’t have his contact info with me, but I could e-mail it to you if you’re interested.” Steven pulled a pen and paper from his suit coat. “What’s your address?”

“[email protected].”

He scribbled a quick note. “Great. I’ll send that info this evening.” He looked up to see her watching him.

Gracie’s face flushed. It had been a long time since he’d made a lady blush. Or cared when a female looked him over. But this time it felt good. Too good. Though the timing stunk.

“Thank you for helping me.” She smiled and tapped a pencil on the desk. “Where did you graduate from college?”

The whiplash switch to personal information amused him, but he held back a chuckle. “The University of Louisville. Criminal Justice.”

Gracie leaned forward. “And you’re wearing a blue tie? I thought Kentuckians’ blood ran either Cat blue or Cardinal red and a true fan didn’t wear the rival school’s colors.”

She knew college ball? He couldn’t help but grin. Holding out his tie, he cleared his throat and affected a professorial tone. “This is most certainly not a Kentucky blue tie. On the contrary it was a gift from my stepmom. She said the color matched my eyes and that a Cardinal fan could wear light blue. Just never dark blue.”

Gracie laughed.

He enjoyed the sound. “Would you like to watch a game sometime? My partner and his wife catch a few hoops with James and me when we get the chance.”

“Mark and I watched college sports all the time. But I’m a little rusty now and never did cheer at the right time.”

She glanced out the window again for what felt like an hour. But this time, no tears. Maybe she had enough distance to date, but he’d obviously mistaken her friendliness for something more. Waiting for her polite rejection made his mouth dry. He hadn’t asked a woman out in years, and it looked like his one shot was going to be an air ball.