Page 43 of Missing Marcus

“We can extend it if you’re having second thoughts. It’s rare in this market for someone to pay in cash. I advise you to jump on it. If they feel you hesitate, they may rescind the offer and search for another home.”

“No. It’s fine. When do I need to return?” Knight asked as he glanced in the mirror again.

“I’ll email you the information as soon as I get the confirmation. If you’re flying in, I can make it for later in the day,” she suggested.

“Early afternoon works best,” he informed her as he turned into the accounting firm and hung up. His eyes wandered over the prestigious building and pride for his wife filled him. She worked hard for her degree and he missed it. He felt the disappointment of missing her special day.

He entered the building and walked to the receptionist. “I’m Marcus Hutchins. My wife, Gabby, asked me to pick up some items from her office.”

“Hello, Mr. Hutchins. I’m sorry to hear of Gabrielle’s accident. Let me take you back.” The woman led him to an elegant office and returned to her desk.

Knight walked around the room, seeing Gabby’s personality in the décor, classy with a hint of sass. Walking behind her door, he pulled out the bag. He went behind her desk and pulled open the drawer containing the files, finding it empty. He sat down in her chair and opened the middle one, removing her prenatal vitamins and wallet. Then, he saw it. A picture from their wedding day sat in a sterling silver frame. Beside it, an ultrasound image sat in a small white frame. Their child sucked its thumb. His heart beat faster as he snagged both frames and added them to the tote.

“Hello, Mr. Hutchins, I’m Mr. Wilkinson. I happened to walk by and saw you here. How’s Gabrielle?”

He rose and shook the older man’s hand. “She’s healing.”

“You must tell us the address where she’s staying. We want to send her flowers.” Mr. Wilkinson sat down in one of the soft leather chairs. “Do you plan on staying in town for long?”

Knight smiled. “My wife’s accident brought us a new perspective. I plan on staying with my family.”

“Good. I’m glad you’ve come to your senses. We felt concerned about her living situation, especially since our positions pay exceptionally well. She insisted on staying there another six months.”

“I’m sure we’ll find a place soon. Gabrielle seems anxious to get settled before the baby arrives. I’m determined to keep her safe.” Knight stared at the man, wondering what he knew. “Gabrielle asked me to pick up the files in her drawer, but it’s empty.”

The man appeared surprised by the news. “I’ll check to see if her temp removed them. I highly doubt it, considering it’s his first day and Gabrielle didn’t request them from him.”

“Great. I’ll continue gathering the items from her list. As you can imagine, I’m in a hurry to return to her.” Knight rounded the desk and picked up the sweater she requested.

Mr. Wilkinson rose from the chair and left the office. A few minutes later, a tall lanky man with black glasses entered.

“I’m working as Mrs. Hutchins assistant. I’ve only answered calls and taken messages. Since she didn’t come in, I had no reason to enter the office. I can access her files from my computer.”

Knight paused. “All of them?”

“Yes. I’ve worked on the list her assistant left.”

“May I see the list? It might be something my wife might need while she recovers.” He didn’t want to appear too eager.

“I can make you a copy and put it on a flash drive,” her assistant offered.

“Thank you. I don’t know how she sits and stares at numbers all day, don’t you get bored?”

The assistant smiled. “Luckily, I send files, take messages and copy stuff. I can’t imagine a more boring job.”

Knight grinned as if they shared some private joke, but it helped him rule out this dude. They walked to his desk outside Gabby’s office and the assistant opened a mirror image of Gabby’s computer. An image of him and Gabby filled the screen. They sat on their couch, his arms wrapped around her and his face snuggled into her neck, both of them smiled as she snapped the picture. He’d forgotten how she liked to snuggle and watch scary movies. It almost made him chuckle out loud. No, she loved them until they scared her and he held her all night after reassuring her nothing hid in the closet or under their bed. Those nights always ended up with them making love as she tightly clung to him as if he represented her knight in shining armor, ready to slay her dragons. When did he stop?

“Here you go. Please let Mrs. Hutchins know I’m here if she needs anything else.” The assistant held out a flash drive and Knight took it, placing the drive inside his pocket. He walked to his truck while covertly scanning the parking lot. It took him a hot minute to see Saint’s vehicle as he hopped into his. Starting the engine, he pulled out. They didn’t make it three blocks when Saint’s number showed on his dash. He answered the call.

“Knight.”

“You’ve got a tail. Let’s send them on a little tour of Seattle before losing them. I’ve already called in the plate to Matthew. Stop at a pharmacy and we’ll see if they follow,” Saint commanded.

He drove a couple of blocks before turning into a parking lot. Entering the store, he went toward the pharmacy and roamed the aisles, waiting for word on what to do next.

A text popped up.

Your friend followed you in. Act as if you’re picking up prescriptions and return to your vehicle.

---