The Innocent Witness (7 page)

Together they picked up as much as they could.

“Time to move.”

Anthony went out first to make sure it was safe before waving Viv to follow. Viv had her hands full coaxing Mikey down the stairs. Anthony urged them to the back of the parking lot where he'd parked the van. Once they'd stowed their stuff and gotten in the van, Viv started a DVD for Mikey.

Anthony didn't fire up the engine. Instead, he held up the device he'd taken from the assassins. “They have
some way of tracking you that led them straight here. We can't make a move until we figure out what it is.”

Anthony grabbed Viv's bag from the floorboard at her feet. He dug around inside. He pushed aside the leather wallet, a bottle of perfume, and a pack of gum and a handful of hard candy. His hand closed around a small Taser.

Wary surprise rocketed through him. He held the Taser up. “You didn't tell me you had this.”

She shrugged. “You didn't ask.”

Doubts filtered through his mind. What else was she hiding?

He set the Taser aside and reached back inside the bag.

He brought out a four-by-four-inch rectangular black unit with an LED screen showing a tiny green blip. “What's this?”

“The monitor for Mikey's Wanderer Alert ankle bracelet.” She twisted around to reach back and tugged Mikey's pant leg up to reveal a white strap with a square head that glowed green. “He's escaped from the house a few times.”

Frustration beat a bass drum behind Anthony's eyes. “Didn't think to mention that either.”

No wonder they kept being found. Until this very moment he hadn't realized how afraid he was that he'd lost his edge, his ability to protect.

“No one knows he wears it,” she stated.

Arching an eyebrow, Anthony said, “Someone does.”

She frowned. “Well, of course a few people do. I
meant the public at large. Steven was careful to keep Mikey's autism out of the media.”

“Then who?”

“The staff. Mikey's teachers, a few close friends and associates of Steven's, but none of them would… I mean, I can't believe…” Her complexion lost even more color.

“Believe it. Someone not only knows Mikey wears the bracelet, but has the capability to hack into his signal.” And the means to hire assassins.

Anthony grabbed the scissors from the console tray where he'd placed them. “The bracelet has got to go.”

Distress pinched the corners of her mouth as she wrestled with his proclamation. Finally, she nodded. “You're right, of course. I'll distract him while you cut.”

Anthony slipped out of the driver's seat, opened the back panel door and scooted next to Mikey.

“Honey, are you hungry?” Viv said. “Would you like a snack?”

Mikey pointed at the screen. “Watching.”

Leaning in, Anthony snipped the strap attached to Mikey's ankle. It fell to the floor. Taking the strap and the monitor, he retreated, shutting the door firmly. He looked around the parking lot, his gaze landing on the big rig a few feet away. Quickly he darted to the truck, worked the tie holding the tarp over the cargo bed until he had a corner lose enough to slip the monitor and bracelet inside. He retied the tarp down tight and jogged back to the van.

Once they were on the road, he said, “I need you to
write down every person who knows about the Wanderer Alert bracelet.”

Her shoulders sagged. A tear crested her lashes. “I hate thinking someone I know and trust could have killed Steven. It just doesn't seem possible.”

Feeling her pain as acutely as if he'd been the one betrayed, Anthony said, “We can never be sure what lies in another person's heart.”

“I know you're right,” she replied and wiped at the tears. She dug into her bag and produced a notepad and pen. “It will be a short list.”

“Easier to find who's behind your husband's murder and who wants you and Mikey dead.”

“Now do you believe me that I had nothing to do with Steven's murder?”

Her voice dropped to a whisper on the last word, but the note of hope in her tone and the plea in her big baby-blues were clearly identifiable.

Anthony's gut clenched. Was he ready to believe in her innocence?

A
nthony searched his heart. Though he'd only been with Vivian a short time, he was sure she wouldn't do anything to deliberately put Mikey in harm's way. Her love for her son was undeniable.

And he liked that about her. In fact, he really liked her. He admired her faith, admired her sacrifices for the sake of her child, admired her intelligence and her quick thinking. He was attracted too, but that didn't weigh in on the realization he no longer considered her a suspect in the senator's murder. She was as much a victim as her husband.

“I do believe you.”

“About time.” She visibly straightened her spine and proceeded to make the list of possible suspects. Respect for this tough lady spread through him. He would make sure she didn't end up dead, too. And not just because it was his job.

 

They stopped at a roadside diner. While Viv and Mikey stayed within the safety of the van, Anthony ordered their breakfasts to go. They ate in the parking lot, behind a big rig so no one would see the van.

Pancakes, eggs and bacon. All of Mikey's favorites. Viv ate, but her appetite wasn't big. She noticed Anthony wasn't particularly hungry either.

Probably still upset with her for not mentioning the Wanderer Alert. She hadn't considered that whomever was after her would know about the monitoring device, let alone be able to circumvent the security of the Wanderer Alert company's computer system.

At least Anthony no longer doubted her innocence. Having him fully on her side bolstered her confidence that they would arrive in Boston safely.

And the delegate from Kashmir probably had been just as confident that he'd be protected. Viv pushed away that unsettling thought as she pushed away her half-eaten plate.

She had to trust that God would keep her and Mikey safe. Through Anthony.

As they finished up their breakfast and stored the containers in the back, Viv could tell Anthony needed to rest, but he shook off her offer to drive.

“I'll be fine,” he insisted. Though he'd ordered a large coffee to go, as well.

Stubborn man.
“You'll be no good to me or Mikey if you push yourself to exhaustion,” Viv argued.

“We'll stop again in a few hours. I want to put some more distance between us and…”

She nodded knowing exactly who he meant. The two men sent to kill her and Mikey. A shiver ran down her spine. “Did you…”

“Kill them?” He shook his head. “No. Just flesh wounds.”

She was impressed by his restraint, his mercy.

Four hours later, Anthony slowed the van down and turned into the parking lot of a large mall. “We need new clothes.”

“You'll get no argument from me on that,” Viv said, adjusting her ball cap.

She promised Mikey a toy so he would cooperate by wearing the ball cap and sunglasses as they entered a large department store. Time flew as Viv, with Anthony's help, collected a few comfortable outfits for her and Mikey. If anyone thought it strange that they were in their hats and shades inside, no one commented. In the toy department she'd found a few puzzles and a Rubik's Cube for Mikey, things that would keep him busy during their trip.

She stopped by the cosmetic department where she picked up a few toiletry items and then led both Mikey and Anthony to the men's department.

She helped Anthony gather a couple of outfits—soft-looking jeans, graphic T-shirts and a nice polo shirt. Clothes Steven would have sneered at. When they took their armload of clothes to the checkout counter, Anthony stopped Viv from using her credit card.

“Too easy for someone to trace,” he murmured as he removed a card from his own wallet and handed it to the clerk.

Concern arched through her. When their transaction was completed and they were headed back toward the car, she asked, “And they couldn't trace your credit card? Surely whoever is after me knows about you.”

“It's a loaded cash card,” he said. He opened the back of the van and stowed away their packages. “Trent gives
each of his operatives one. There's no way to trace the user of the card.”

“That's good to know.” Her father had been right to hire Trent Associates. Competent, smart and worth every cent.

She started back toward the passenger seat when Anthony snagged her elbow. His big hand warm on her skin. She lifted her gaze and met his. Dark circles rimmed his rich chocolate-colored eyes.

He held out the keys. “I'll take you up on that offer. I need a half hour of downtime.”

Thrilled to be of use, she held out her hand. Steven never let her drive when they were going anywhere together. He always had to be in control. “Thank you.”

Placing the keys in her open palm but not releasing his hold, he said, “A couple things. I want you to be aware of the cars behind you. If you even think we're being followed, you let me know.”

“Okay.” She bit her lip as nervousness vied with excitement. His trust meant a great deal. “Uh, how will I know if a car is following us specifically? I mean, we'll be on a freeway and I can't imagine I'll know a bad guy from anyone else.”

He closed his hand over hers, the pressure sending little tingles up her arm that heightened the nervous excitement playing havoc with her system.

“If a car stays in position behind you for any length of time, change lanes,” he instructed. “If they change too and stay the same distance behind you, they're most likely following. It could be nothing. It could be something. Trust your instincts. If you feel funny about anything, pull off and I'll take over.”

“Okay.” Squaring her shoulders, she said, “I can do this.”

“I know you can.”

The confident smile he gave her filled her with pleasure. She really appreciated being treated like a competent person.

Behind the wheel, Viv maneuvered out of the mall and onto the interstate. Mikey went back to watching a video while his hands worked the Rubik's Cube. She was so proud of him. He'd handled all the stress better than she could have imagined. Of course, allowing him so much television went against everything she believed, but considering the situation, having videos to occupy him made the trip bearable.

As did the man reclining in the passenger seat.

He was on his cell phone giving someone named Simone at Trent Associates the names from the list she'd made of people aware of Mikey's Wanderer Alert bracelet.

Though the thought of one of those people betraying her and Mikey made her heart hurt, affection for the man trying to keep them safe soothed the ache. His compassion and kindness to both her and Mikey in the face of danger said a lot about his honor and integrity.

He could have easily belittled her for not realizing the Wanderer Alert was a means of tracking them, but he wasn't a man who abused his power. He was a man worthy of admiration and respect. Of caring.

She told herself not to let herself get too attached or put too much weight on the emotion spreading through her. His heart was already spoken for and she…she didn't want anyone. Ever again. Right?

They stopped for the night in Nebraska. Instead of connecting rooms, this time Anthony got one room. Since he'd managed to catch a few z's on the road, he sat in a chair by the window standing guard while Viv and Mikey slept. In the quiet of the night, he found himself talking to God. Not praying, necessarily. Just silently conversing like he used to as a kid. The one-sided conversation kept him alert but also eased something in his soul.

Knowing it was better to leave while the other hotel guests were still asleep, he awoke Viv before sunrise. Less likely for anyone to remember seeing them that way. He carried Mikey to the van while Viv brought their things. Halfway to the vehicle, Mikey stirred. Lifting his head, his gaze touched Anthony's face before averting off to the side.

Anthony braced himself, expecting the kid to scream to be let go but amazingly, Mikey reached up to touch his face before laying his head back against Anthony's shoulder.

Tenderness inundated Anthony, making his throat burn. He met Viv's tear-filled gaze. She radiated trust and fondness.
Uh, oh. Not good.

The last thing he wanted was her thinking of him as daddy material. Even though she'd vowed she wouldn't remarry, he knew enough about her to know she'd do anything for Mikey. But Anthony wasn't ready to be a father. Or a husband, for that matter.

And that realization gave him pause. Was that why he hadn't chased after Becca?

Stowing the question to the back of his mind, he strode
to the van. After securing Mikey in the back, Anthony rounded the van and found Viv by the driver's door.

“That was amazing,” she said in a soft voice. “He likes you.”

Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Anthony reached for the door. “He's getting used to me, is all.”

Skepticism flashed in Viv's blue eyes. “If that's what you want to believe.”

He didn't want to think about it. “We should get going.”

She blew out a breath before going around to the other side of the van and getting in. Silent tension filled the van as the miles went by. Anthony couldn't help noticing how cute Viv looked in the jeans and the flowered long-sleeved blouse she'd bought. He forced his gaze back to the road. He couldn't fix it because he didn't know what to say, how he could explain why he wasn't the right guy for her or Mikey. Could never be even if he wanted to, because he didn't have what it took, what she needed, what a woman like her and a kid like Mikey deserved.

When they hit the state of Iowa around noon, Viv asked if they could stop for lunch.

“Sure, we'll find a drive-through up ahead,” Anthony said as he took the next exit.

“Okay, but can we eat in a park of some kind? I need to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. And so does Mikey.”

“If there's one close,” he promised. The fast-food clerk gave him directions to a nearby park in a residential neighborhood. Anthony parked at the curb.
Wearing their hats and sunglasses, they climbed out of the van.

As soon as Viv released Mikey, he squealed with delight, “Play!” He took off across the grass toward a solid wooden play structure complete with slides and swings.

Viv watched him with a soft smile. “He loves swings. I should go after him.”

Anthony's gaze swept the park, looking for anyone who might be a threat. The oblong park was flanked on all sides by picturesque homes. A few other children played on the structure while their mothers or nannies sat on a bench, talking. A couple played Frisbee in the middle of a lush green lawn, a woman walked a toddler in a stroller along the sidewalk that rimmed the park at the far end and an elderly man with an English bulldog on a leash crossed the street to enter the park. The neighborhood appeared safe enough. And if anyone entered the park they would be easily spotted.

“He should be okay for a moment.” He gestured toward an empty picnic table. “Let's set up over there.”

They walked to the table. Viv laid out several napkins like a tablecloth. Anthony took out the hamburgers and fries and set the drinks on the table.

“I'll get Mikey.” Viv walked away toward the play area, leaving her sunglasses on the table.

Shifting his attention away from Viv, Anthony's gaze swept the park once again. He popped a fry into his mouth and could feel the grease congealing in his veins even before he swallowed. He longed for some of his mother's home cooking. Manicotti bursting with ricotta cheese and a zesty tomato sauce, vegetable frittata
loaded with fresh veggies from her garden boxes or her tiramisu with rich chocolate and mascarpone over espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

“Anthony!”

Viv's desperate cry tore him from his thoughts. She stood near the structure. Even from this distance he could see the panic on her lovely face. Dread slashed through him. Something was wrong. He jumped up and ran to her.

Taking her by the shoulders, he stared into her eyes. “Steady now. What's the matter? Where's Mikey?”

She could barely get the words out. “He's gone.”

Anthony's stomach dropped. “He's got to be here somewhere.”

“What if they got him!” She yanked out of his grasp. “I should have kept a closer eye on him. I just thought we were finally safe.”

Feelings of failure, of inadequacy, reached up to choke Anthony. Could he have missed a tail? Had the bad guys found them again? No. He would have seen them. They would have drawn his attention.

He forced himself to think clearly, calmly. “Maybe he's hiding in the play structure or went to the restroom.” He gestured toward the building at the other end of the park, the only blind spot.

They searched the structure. Anthony asked the women sitting on the bench if they'd seen Mikey.

“I didn't see where he wandered off to,” one of the women said. “We'll help you look.”

The three women gathered their children and then spread out, calling for Mikey. Viv and Anthony ran to the restroom. He wasn't there.

“Mikey!” Desperation rang in Viv's tone.

Anthony winced, but knew that at the moment, it was more important to find Mikey than keep a low profile.

Movement near the porch of a house across the street from the park caught Anthony's attention. For a split second he was sure he'd seen Mikey. Taking Viv by the elbow, Anthony steered her toward the yellow house with its wide front staircase and wraparound porch. A noise drew them to the right side of the stairs. Mikey had wiggled halfway under the porch, his legs and feet pushing against the ground. Relief crashed over Anthony. He couldn't decide if the kid was trying to wedge himself in farther or was trying to get unstuck from the tight space between the wood and the ground.

Viv rushed forward. She squatted beside the boy and tugged him free. “Mikey, what on earth are you doing?”

When he came out, he was holding an orange tabby cat. Mikey smiled triumphantly. “Kitty!”