Page 75 of Evidence of Secrets

“Tell me about how you met?”

“Daddy and I met at a fair. He was so handsome. We played all the games and talked all night. Then we fell in love and had you.” Her mommy ruffled her hair. “I love you, Jaimie.”

“How come I don’t have a sister? Or a brother?” Jaimie wanted someone to play with dolls. Her mommy worked a lot, and Mrs. D next door watched her after school. But Mrs. D was old and didn’t like to play with dolls. Or games. Or swing outside.

The doorbell rang, and Jaimie was startled awake.

Her father left and never came back. Years later, when she was old enough to look up her birth records, she traced her father to a previous family. One who had a daughter a couple of years older than her. Laura Clark.

Jaimie wondered how Laura would feel when she found out she had a half-sister. She liked Laura and hoped they could become friends. Truthfully, more than friends—sisters.

She wondered what growing up in a single-parent household was like for Laura. Was it as stressful as hers? Mom worked long hours, and they lived comfortably. When did her father leave them? Why?

Jaimie found out her dad had died when she was ten. Had he found another woman to live with and knock up?

Did Laura ever find out he had died? Did she ever look for him? Jaimie’s mother never knew he had a wife and child before knowing her. Actually, Jaimie found out her mother and father never married, hence her last name—Walton. Her mother’s last name.

* * *

Ryan returnedto the hotel to look at the old papers and plans again. He hadn’t stayed at Jaimie’s long. Just long enough to get his rocks off. He liked Jaimie, but she didn’t fit into his plans.

Rocco called again. They heard he was in Black Pointe and wanted him to come back to Atlanta immediately. He didn’t give a reason. Ryan wasn’t listening. He was never going back. He hoped they wouldn’t be visiting him in Black Pointe.

Another plan had to be made to find the secret room.

It wasn’t a big room. Ryan thought maybe about six by eight. Just enough room to hide something or someone—nothing more. He still had to try that other wall he hadn’t touched and the wall with the shelves attached to the brick. This time, he’d make sure he had tools with him. The timing had to be exactly right. He couldn’t afford to strike another person. Besides, Laura was smart enough to add cameras. Something he’d need to consider when he returned.

If he couldn’t find the cash and bonds, Ryan knew he could live on what he had for a while, but it wasn’t enough for the rest of his life. At least, the life of luxury and fun he planned for himself.

He wondered if he could have Jaimie help him. Nah. She was a goody-goody and liked Laura. No way Jaimie would help him. He hadn’t quite figured out why she was even at the bistro. She claimed it was for a piece she was writing, but things didn’t add up. Jaimie was curious, too curious. What was she looking for?

It wasn’t the secret room. Ryan had checked the plans. It was added after the drawings were made and hidden so no one could find it. He wondered how his father had gotten hold of the plans. Maybe he did a favor for some old-timer? Ryan shrugged. After all this time, he didn’t care.

Ryan yawned. His stomach growled. When had he eaten last? This morning or last night? Didn’t matter now. He dialed for room service and decided to take a shower while waiting for the food to be delivered.

He walked into the bedroom and emptied one pocket. Wallet and keys he placed on the dresser. Ryan reached into his other pocket, the pocket with the diagram in it. Nothing. He pulled the pocket inside out. Shit. The diagram was gone. Where? He shook his head.Please don’t tell me I dropped it at Jaimie’s apartment.Where else had he been? Nowhere. After he ate, he’d check his car.

If it wasn’t there, a visit to Jaimie’s apartment was in order. He had to find it.

CHAPTERFIFTY-THREE

Laura wanted to do something nice for Hank. He and the guys had installed a more sophisticated security system. At first, she was angry that Hank paid for it, but he convinced her that he couldn’t function knowing she didn’t have the best equipment. And he kept his promise about keeping her informed. Laura understood Hank’s concern that he didn’t want anything to happen to her as it did to Levi.

She finally relented and thanked him. It was nice feeling more secure. Since the bistro wasn’t open on Monday, Laura decided to bake Hank an apple pie. He let it slip a little while ago that it was his very favorite. Her grandmother had a special recipe for apple pie.

Hank had a meeting at the office until noon so she had plenty of time to bake it.

Laura pulled into the bistro’s lot around 10 a.m. It was good to be behind the wheel of a car again, even if she didn’t own it. Mark wasn’t using his SUV since he mostly drove his truck to work and was more than happy to lend it to her, claiming it was taking up garage space. She didn’t believe him, but the temptation to have wheels again was too strong.

The weather was iffy. Sunny and cool one moment, overcast and cold the next. Laura hoped to get in and out in case it rained. It called for long sleeves and pants. A pleasant change from the shorts and tees she usually wore.

Her bistro was closed on Monday, but there was plenty of activity with touristy shops and coffee shops open. Jake’s Tiki Bar was on the marina side, and he was open.

She punched in the code for the bistro and walked into the air-conditioned kitchen. Last night, Jeff had tried a new recipe for salmon with lobster risotto. The faint smell of seafood tantalized Laura’s nose. Her stomach growled. She opened the refrigerator, hoping some was left over. Score! It was never too early for risotto.

While the risotto was warming up, Laura got her pastry supplies and apples and butter. She made the crust and set it aside while she peeled the apples. Oh, she couldn’t forget to turn on the oven. The risotto was ready. She pulled down a plate and ate it standing up.

When she finished and washed the plate, Laura peeled the apples, melted sugar and butter in a pan for a caramel sauce, rolled the dough, and filled the pie plate. It would take about an hour to bake and a little while to cool before she could leave. Bills were waiting on her desk, and Laura went into her office to catch up.

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