Page 37 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
The female host looked mildly uncomfortable.
“Don’t get me wrong.” Mr. Thompson smiled into the camera. “I love her little doodles, as did my son. He loved her, which is why we are so desperate to find her and the grandchild she is carrying.” He held up a photo of Kimberly, and the camera zoomed in.
“We’d like to remind our viewers of the tip line. Kimberly Thompson, widow of Jeremy Thompson of Thompson Investments, is missing.” Several photos, including a wedding shot, rotated across the screen. “Law enforcement does not suspect foul play. However, her family is very concerned, especially now that Kimberly’s mother, Marsha Benoit, was admitted to a San Francisco hospital in critical health after a fall and we’ve yet to hear anything from Kimberly.” A 1-800 number and a text code filled the screen. “Now, for a word from our sponsors.”
Alex took the remote from Kimberly and clicked the mute button. “What else did they say?”
“My mom fell. I don’t know how that was possible. She hasn’t been out of bed for weeks. I think they did something to her to make me come out of hiding. I knew this was a possibility, but I didn’t think he’d do something so soon.” Kimberly leaned into him.
Alex adjusted his position so he could hold her and let her recline.
“Don’t worry, I will not be stupid and call her. Mom hasn’t recognized me for the last several visits, so there isn’t much point. She has insurance through her retirement, and I set up a fund to supplement it. I can only pray she passes quickly if that is what is happening. I knew when I went into hiding that she might die in the next few months. I’ve said my goodbyes.”
Alex debated acknowledging the tears he saw in her eyes. The way she blinked and turned her head he guessed he would embarrass her.
“What else?” Alex asked Alan, who was typing faster than should be humanly possible into a tablet.
“The same as last time mostly. I’m mentally unstable. FBI wants to talk to me. They found my pen name. I used Leigh’s credit card for a few of the tickets. I probably should contact my lawyer and my agent.” Kimberly reached for her phone, but Alex covered it with his hand.
“That can wait.” He looked to Alan and Elle standing in the doorway. Alan still tapped away at his tablet. Elle’s mouth hung open.
“You are really Leigh Benz?”
“Yes. That’s why I didn’t change everything to my married name and I’ve filed my taxes separately. Jeremy knew I made ‘a little,’” Kimberly made a one-handed air quote, “from my illustrations, and he told me not to invest it with the firm or commingle our accounts. About three years ago, he asked me not to tell him anything about my “side business,” as he called it. He always played it down to his father as my hobby.”
Alex looked to Elle for guidance.
“Not that I am prying, but aren’t you making a few million a year?” asked Elle.
Alex tried not to react. He’d suspected she had some money and even a secret, but he hadn’t calculated over a half million.
“Only ten last year, but it’s hard to get to now. It would require going into a branch bank and showing ID, which my father-in-law has made impossible. Before my escape, my bodyguards watched my every move. I didn’t self-insure because Jeremy had such good insurance. So that is how I ended up here, with only $10,000 to my name. I haven’t used my business credit cards so my accountant doesn’t have to lie.”
“When you told Candace you’d pay her back, you were serious.” Alex wanted to be sure he understood.
“I was, and she knew it. But my measly millions mean little to her.” Kimberly smiled and rolled her eyes.
Alan looked up from his computer. “Did you take a shuttle bus from the Indy airport?”
“Yes.”
“I think we need a new plan. I have no idea how long it will be before they get to the tip someone just posted on the social media page saying you got off at the college.”
Kimberly was shaking now, and Alex pulled her tighter to his chest. He looked at his brother. “Give us a minute?”
* * *
Kimberly rested her hand against Alex’s heart. It wasn’t racing as fast as hers was. “Sorry about the surprise. I was going to tell you about my job before I told the FBI.”
Alex moved again and settled Kimberly into the bed, then slid off and knelt by the side so they were face-to-face. “Anything else I should know?”
“I’m hungry?” She touched his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I was going to explain better last night, but then your brother showed up, and your parents called, and I came in here and hid. Even though it was technically our wedding night, I didn’t think Alan would approve of you coming in here for a talk.”
“He’s probably annoyed I am in here now.” Alex tucked the blanket around Kimberly’s shoulders. “But that isn’t your problem. Do you think you can survive a ride to Chicago? The front seat reclines some, and I can put a box under your feet.”
“Could I lie down in the back seat?”
“You could, though it isn’t the safest way to ride, and I’m afraid it will be more uncomfortable.”
