Unwitting Alliances - Hunter Blake Series

Chapter Eighteen

  Betty sat staring at the television aimlessly flipping through channels. With no word from the police on their investigation, she’d spent the past two days cooped up in her room. Both dazed and depressed she spent much of her time either crying, eating, or sleeping restlessly. She walked to the window and stared out toward the lake.

  The sun had set behind the mountains, but not without vividly signaling its departure. It first created a warm yellow and gold glow before painting the sky in striking hues of pink, lavender, orange and red, each yielding to the next, eventually giving into deep indigo and finally black. Gentle swells on the lake danced in the evening breeze capturing those last transforming colors. In the distance, scattered dots of light began to line the remote shoreline. Short and narrow squiggled lines of light stretched out from each across the water. “Where are you, Sam?” she whispered.

  For no apparent reason, she wandered up to the front door and checked the peep hole. Just as she was about to step away, someone quickly walked past. For a moment, her gloomy mood was replaced with idle curiosity. Although still concerned for her own safety she took another peek before opening the door very slightly to look out into the hall and listen. Some very quiet conversation drew her further out where she could peek around the corner of her recessed entry. She caught a brief glimpse of a man and woman just stepping into the next room.

  Checking the hall in both directions, Betty quickly reentered her room and latched the door securely. Standing with her back to the door, she sighed deeply as her gloomy mood quickly returned. The sound of a plane flying overhead provided another brief moment of curiosity so she hurried to her balcony and stepped outside to look, expecting to see one of the float planes, based on the lake, returning. Scanning the sky, she finally saw the wingtip lights and watched as it continued to fly south and away from the Resort. A gentle breeze ruffled some loose hair and she shivered involuntarily rubbing her arms before deciding to go back inside. She stopped, however, when she heard voices from the neighboring room’s balcony.

  A privacy wall prevented her from seeing anyone but it was clear that a man and woman were conversing. Straining to hear what they were saying, she was able to pick up words here and there, ‘stay here, trust him, worried,’ then she nearly fell over the balcony rail when she distinctly heard, ‘Samantha’.

  Without thinking, Betty let out a gasp and immediately clasped her hand over her mouth. Standing perfectly still she held her breath and waited, hoping to hear more but catching only, ‘back inside’ followed by a click indicating a door had closed.

  “Darn!” she whispered, hurrying back inside her own room. She desperately wanted to know who the people were and what they were talking about. “They said Samantha. I know they did. They said Samantha!”

  Pacing anxiously, she stopped in front of the window. “Okay, but what if they weren’t talking about my Samantha? What if they were talking about someone else named Samantha?” She stopped herself. “Oh, for crying out loud, I’m making up a whole lot of nothing. I don’t know what they were talking about. I just want it to be about my Samantha so we can get some answers.” She paced some more. “But what if it really is about Sam? She disappeared here at the Resort. Maybe they saw something?” She furrowed her brow. “What if they took her?”

  Tired of pacing she finally sat down but continued to talk to herself. “I don’t know what to think. It’s probably nothing. I’m just making things up.” She exhaled. “I need chocolate. I need one of those yummy sundaes.” Picking up the phone, she called room service and ordered something for dinner, including a chocolate sundae for dessert. Although still despondent, she decided to take a quick shower then wait for her meal to arrive hoping it would somehow perk her up and clear her mind.

  Forty-five minutes later, there was a knock at her door. Checking the peep hole, she could see the attendant standing outside. She slowly opened the door enough to see he indeed had a cart with her order on it. A member of the security staff had accompanied him as well.

  Opening the door fully, Betty allowed him to push the cart in. He hesitated a moment then turned to leave when she stopped him. “Just a minute.” She hurried to her purse and came back with a couple of bills. “It’s not much, I’m afraid, but here you go and thank you.”

  The young man smiled and started to leave.

  “Oh, wait a second.” She stopped him. “I don’t suppose you would happen to know who’s staying in the room next to mine, would you?” she pointed.

  The young man glanced at the security officer then quickly said, “No, ma’am.” He and the officer walked back to the elevator just as a ding announced another elevator car had arrived. With her curiosity now piqued, she paused long enough to notice another attendant delivering a similar dinner cart headed in her direction.

  She waited and watched and the young man walked on by. “Dinner time,” Betty said cheerfully. She waited to see where he was going then excitedly watched him stop at the room next door where the man and woman were staying. Hesitating for a moment, she listened, hoping to hear any conversation, but all she heard was a woman’s quiet, ‘Thank you.’

  Desperate to know who was in the room, she tried to think of a good reason to go knock on their door. Noticing a large dinner roll on a separate plate, she picked up the plate and headed out into the hall, hesitating for a heartbeat then took a deep breath and marched up to the neighboring suite. With another deep breath, she tapped on the door trying to compose herself and quickly rehearsed what she would say.

  Nervously, she tapped again.

  The door finally opened slightly and a young woman peeked out. “Yes?”

  “I’m sorry to bother you but I think this dinner roll might have belonged with your order. I noticed we had room service delivered at the same time. Ordinarily I’d have kept it, only because I love bread, but...well, my best friend, Samantha is always telling me I should stop eating so much bread.” She smiled awkwardly.

  “You can keep it,” the young woman said pleasantly. “We have plenty.”

  “Are you and your husband staying long?” Betty attempted to keep the conversation going.

  “My husband?”

  Betty immediately realized her blunder. “Oh, well I thought I heard a man’s voice earlier, that’s all. I’m sorry. I just wish my friend were still here. She usually keeps me out of trouble.” Betty stepped back. “I-I’ll just go back to my room. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

  “Not a problem,” the young woman said. “Have a nice evening.”

  Betty hurried back inside her room and closed the door firmly. “I’m so stupid!” she lamented. “Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! That was a stupid thing to do!” She chastised herself and sat down. Taking a bite of the dinner roll she immediately began to cry. “Where are you, Sam?”

  A few minutes passed before she was able to regain her composure. Taking a taste of her meal, she smiled sadly. “Sam would have loved this.” Eying the sundae, she pulled it in front of her and began to savor the confection, remembering the first one she had had with Samantha not too long ago. Tearing up again, she sat back and stared at nothing in particular, letting her thoughts drift and the tears flow.

  She was suddenly startled by a knock at her door. Trying to pull herself together, she wiped her eyes and went to the door. Taking a peek through the peep hole, she was surprised and opened it. “Hi,” she said to the young woman, wiping a stray tear. “Sorry, I think I got an eyelash stuck in my eye.”

  “May I speak with you?” the young woman asked.

  “Of course.”

  “May I come in?”

  Not following the instructions given to her by the police, Betty let her in and closed the door, securing the extra lock. Both women sat down and stared at each other for a long moment, until Betty finally spoke up. “Can I get you something?” She glanced at her dinner cart. “There’s another dinner roll, and...”

/>   “No thank you,” the young woman said. “I... I need to ask you a question.”

  “Okay,” Betty said with some reservation now.

  “You said you were waiting for your friend.”

  “Yes.”

  “You mentioned her name... Samantha, I think.”

  “Yes.”

  “What’s her last name?”

  “Why do you want to know? Who are you?”

  “My name is Janet and I...” she stopped when her new phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen she quickly answered. “What,” then listened. “We just started talking... yes... I’ll ask.” Janet looked at Betty, “Would you feel comfortable coming next door to our suite?”

  “No. Why?” Betty was now on her guard. “Why can’t we talk here?”

  “My... companion... would like to ask you some questions... about your friend.”

  “Who’s your companion?”

  “I’d rather not say, but you can trust us. I promise.”

  Betty was instantly on her guard. “How do I know you’re not one of the people who took her?” she blurted out then realized her gaffe. “What I mean is...”

  “It’s okay. We know she’s been kidnapped, if it’s the same Samantha we’re both talking about. We’re worried about her too.”

  “You are? Why?”

  “If you would just come next door. It would explain everything. Just... just stand at the door. Just stand at the door so my companion can ask you a question. You don’t have to actually come into the room.”

  “Well, I... I guess I could do that,” Betty said still with uncertainty. “Can I ask someone from Security to come with me?”

  “I’d rather you didn’t.”

  “Well then I think I’ll stay right here.”

  Janet’s phone rang again and she answered. “No. Well can you blame her?” Janet listened. “You sure? Okay.” She hung up then found some pictures on her phone to show Betty. “Do you recognize this person?” she asked holding her phone where Betty could see the image.

  “That’s Hunter Blake and it looks like he’s flying his plane,” Betty said staring at the image. “But how...?”

  “I took this picture this morning on our way here.”

  “Okay, but what does that prove? Are you telling me he’s your companion? Like, I’m going to believe that.”

  “How about this one?” Janet showed her a different picture. “I took this a little while ago from our room.”

  Betty looked at the second photo of Hunter leaning on the rail of his balcony overlooking the lake.

  “He didn’t know I took that one.” Janet smiled.

  Betty stood up. “Okay. But if this is a trick, I’ll start screaming my head off.

  Moments later Betty stood in the doorway of the neighboring suite staring at Hunter Blake who smiled and motioned for her to come in. “Why don’t you come in and sit down so we can all talk?”

  “Okay,” she responded awkwardly, still awestruck. “I think I’ll sit down. Wow. It’s really you,” she managed to say.

  “You must be Betty from Missouri.” He smiled again. “The Wesleys told me about you. Glad to meet you.”

  “I’m glad to meet me too,” Betty replied, still staring.

  Janet giggled. “It’s okay, Betty, he’s just a goofy guy.”

  “I beg your pardon,” Hunter said, pretending to be miffed.

  “Can I touch you?” Betty asked.

  Hunter laughed. “Come here,” he said. Betty stepped over to him and he gave her a big hug. “How’s that?”

  “Oh, my gosh,” she giggled into her hands. “You hugged me.”

  “Anything for Samantha’s best friend,” he grinned, “but now we need to get serious.” He looked her. “Why did you come to our room with that line about the dinner roll?”

  Obviously embarrassed, she looked at them both. “I... uh... well...” she felt sheepish then took a deep breath. “Okay, I was out on the balcony of my room trying to see a plane flying overhead a little while ago when I thought I heard voices... both of you, I guess. And then I thought I heard you say, ‘Samantha’ and I gasped, of course, because I’m so worried about her and then I heard your door close. Anyway, just hearing Sam’s name made me crazy and my imagination got away from me, so I made up that stupid story about the dinner roll... which I realize was a really stupid story, but...”

  “It’s okay,” Hunter reassured her. “It worked. You got our attention. So, can you tell me what happened? I mean, how was she taken?”

  Now more relaxed, Betty shared the same story she told the police trying to remember every detail she could. “I’m so scared for her,” she finally said, tears rolling down her cheeks once again. “But the police think her kidnapping is maybe somehow connected to you,” she added. “Well, mostly, I guess, because I told them that you and Sam met a couple of times.

  Hunter glanced at Janet. “That’s true, we did, but I’m still trying to figure out why I’ve been targeted. But now, with Samantha missing... I don’t know what to think. I just don’t see how she fits into any of this at all. I hardly know her.”

  Janet sat up. “Although,” Janet began, “maybe someone else thought you knew her better and that maybe...”

  “I see what you’re saying,” Hunter said nodding thoughtfully then shook his head. “But I still don’t understand how I fit into any of this!” He was exasperated. “So what you’re thinking is if they grabbed Samantha, thinking she and I were seeing each other, that they could use her to leverage me somehow?”

  Janet shrugged. “Maybe. That seems the only logical answer, if, in fact, someone thought she was an important person in your life.”

  “But I only saw her two times,” he said. “And the only others who knew were Jim and Diane.”

  “And me,” Betty said. “And maybe...”

  Hunter looked at her. “And maybe what?”

  “Well,” she made a face. “Sam and I had an early dinner at the Resort Monday. Afterward we took a walk around the Marina... on the boardwalk and we were standing out at the area where you can sit and watch the lake.” She paused.

  “Alright.” Hunter motioned for her to continue.

  “Anyway there was this woman sitting there listening to us and we started to chat with her. It turns out she lives in the same area as Sam. So I suggested they exchange contact information. So they did. Then her husband joined us. He had been on the phone. We told them about Sam’s house and the repairs... but we did not mention you for any reason. I’m sure they wouldn’t have believed us if we said anything about you and Sam running into each other at the Home Center or having dinner together. I mean, I didn’t even believe Janet when she said you were right next door!”

  “So your point is?” Hunter was trying to understand why she was sharing all these seemingly unrelated details.

  “Oh, I don’t know. I guess it has nothing to do with any of this. I’m sorry.”

  Hunter smiled. “It’s okay. We’re all upset and trying to figure things out. You never know. Some little piece of information could be just what we’re looking for.”

  Betty looked dejected.

  Hunter looked at Janet then attempted to make Betty feel a little better. “So, can you describe these people?” he asked.

  “I guess, but what good will that do?”

  “You never know. Like I said, every little piece of information could help.”

  Janet followed his lead. “He’s right. So try to describe them.”

  Betty nodded. “Okay. Let me think. His wife... I think her name is Karen, is about your height, Janet, but much older, closer to my age and Sam’s. She had short hair that’s starting to gray. Very nice looking and pleasant.”

  “Karen?” Hunter asked.

  “Yes. I’m pretty sure that’s what she said her name was. Then her husband... he was dressed in nice clothes. Like a business suit, you know. A nice tie
... and neatly trimmed hair. He just seemed very professional.”

  “What was his name?” Hunter asked.

  “Ahh... I don’t remember. I’m sorry.”

  “That’s okay. It’s all good information.”

  Betty let out a laugh. “I don’t know what for. They were just a couple of nice people we talked to for a couple of minutes.”

  Janet had a thought. “Did the man get back on his phone for any reason after you all met?”

  “No,” Betty said shaking her. “Well, not that I noticed. We just talked and then Sam and I decided to come back here.”

  “This is all good,” Hunter said. “All of it.”

  “If you say so,” Betty said. “I wish I could tell you more or think of something else to help the police.”

  Janet sat down next to her. “You’re doing great, Betty. They’ll find your friend.”

  Betty leaned back against the sofa and closed her eyes. Janet and Hunter quietly chatted about a few things when Betty suddenly sat up.

  “What is it?” Janet asked.

  “This couple we talked to also know the Wesleys.”

  Hunter was instantly intrigued. “I don’t suppose the man’s name was Frank, was it?”

  Betty’s mouth gaped open and she looked at him wide-eyed. “Yes! That was it! Frank!” She stared at Hunter. “Is that important? And how would you know his name?”

  “Very important,” he said, and because I know them.

  “You do? Wait!” Betty looked at both of them. “Are these people involved, do you think?”

  “We don’t know,” Hunter said.

  Betty stared at him. “But they could be. That’s what you’re thinking.”

  “I don’t know what I’m thinking.”

  “Oh no.” Betty suddenly looked horrified. “If they are involved... then this means that maybe...” she sat back again. “This means that it might be my fault.” She started to cry. “It’s all my fault!”

  “No, Betty,” Janet said. “How can any of this be your fault?”

  “Because we practically told them everything they needed to know about Sam.”

  “But you didn’t know that,” Janet insisted.

  “She’s right,” Hunter said. “How would you have known what was going to happen?” He also sat down next to her and put his arm around her. “Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault.” He pulled her close. “Don’t be so hard on yourself,” he said. “We don’t know for sure if they had anything to do with Samantha’s disappearance.”

  She looked up at him, her face covered in salty tears. “But you just said it was significant. About the Wesleys.”

  “Okay, yes. I did but you still cannot blame yourself for any of this. None of it is your fault.” Hunter smiled at her. “Besides, you said you did not mention my name, right? And how could Frank have possibly managed to be in more than one place at the same time, huh? He’s out walking with his wife while the two of you are back in the Resort. I mean, he would have had to contact someone, don’t you think?”

  Betty nodded.

  “And you said you didn’t see him make a call. And you and Sam came straight back here, right?”

  “Yes, but he was on the phone before we met.”

  “But you hadn’t talked to him yet.”

  “Oh, yeah,” Betty agreed and sniffed. “But he still could have called someone right after we left.”

  “Which means he would have had to make sure all those bad guys were standing around waiting for a last minute call. You really think that’s what happened?”

  She shook her head. “I guess not.”

  “Okay. So, wipe your tears and go see if you can get some sleep. Janet can stay with you tonight if you like. Do you mind Janet?”

  “I don’t mind.”

  “Yes. I think I would like that, if you don’t mind, although I still don’t really know you.” Betty sat wiping away tears.

  “Well. It’s up to you, but I don’t mind.”

  Suddenly there was a soft tap at the door. Everyone was startled, but Janet got up to see who it was. Excitedly, she whispered. “It’s the Wesleys and their friend.”

  “Let them in!” Hunter said and stood up.

  Janet opened the door and their guests quickly stepped inside. Hunter happily greeted all three as did Janet. Betty wiped her face again and stood up then gasped.

  “What?” Hunter asked.

  “It’s her!” She pointed.

  “Her?”

  “Karen! The woman Sam and I were talking to,” she kept pointing.

  Jim held up his hands. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but before anyone jumps to any conclusions, you all need to hear what Karen has to say.”

  “Karen?” Hunter asked. “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know for sure, but Frank’s involved in something and I’m scared.” She looked faint.

  “Come sit down, Karen,” Diane said kindly. “Do you want something? A glass of water?”

  “No. I just need to collect my wits for a minute.” Her hands trembled as she wiped away a few tears then looked at Betty. “I am so sorry about your friend. I wish I had some answers for you, but I don’t.”

  Hunter sat next to her. “Tell us what’s going on,” he said, “but take your time.”

  Karen let out a heavy sigh. “The other night I heard Frank talking to someone on the phone in his office downstairs. I had gone to bed then forgot to pull some clothes out of the dryer to hang up. I don’t like wrinkles,” she said then apologized. “I’m sorry. Anyway I almost wish I had stayed in bed.”

  “Why?” Hunter asked. “What was he saying?”

  “I couldn’t understand most of what he said... his voice was too low, but the tone suggested something wasn’t right.” She took another deep breath before continuing.

  “He seemed angry or at least upset and then I heard the name Samantha. I remembered your friend’s name is Samantha.” She looked at Betty. “The news story had just come out about her kidnapping. I froze and didn’t know what to do but must have given myself away because Frank’s office door suddenly opened and I nearly jumped out of my skin.”

  “What happened?” Betty asked.

  Karen’s hands shook as she ran them through her short-cropped hair. “Frank looked at me angrily and demanded to know what I was doing. I said I was headed for the laundry room but he told me to get to bed and worry about the laundry in the morning.” She shook her head. “That was not my husband speaking... not the man I married. He’s suddenly become someone else and I was very frightened. So I did what he said and about an hour later he came to bed but I couldn’t go to sleep. He mumbled some kind of an apology... but it just wasn’t him. I knew something wasn’t right and I could hardly wait for morning to come. As soon as there was some light out, he got up and said he’d be late for dinner. That was two days ago.”

  Everyone looked at each other and then at Karen.

  Hunter spoke. “Have you seen him since or heard from him?”

  “Not until tonight, but now he’s gone again. But I have this feeling that I’m being watched. The phone rang twice today, but when I answered no one was there and the caller ID was restricted.”

  “You think the calls were for him?” Hunter asked, “And when you answered they hung up?”

  “I don’t know. He has a private line in his office at home. If someone wanted to talk to him, you’d think they’d use that phone number. I never answer it.”

  “It sounds more like someone was making sure you were staying home, if you ask me,” Janet said. “You need to stay with us. You can use my room. I’m going to keep Betty company tonight.”

  “Thank you, because I can’t go back home. I’m so scared.”

  Hunter stood up and impulsively closed the window drapes. “Now what do we do?”

  “I’m not quite sure,” Jim said rubbing his forehead.


  Hunter looked at Betty. “You said you mentioned the Wesleys when you were talking to Karen and her husband.”

  “Yes,” she said.

  He looked at Jim. “That means the two of you probably aren’t safe either. Maybe you both should stay here too.”

  “But we can’t all sleep here tonight,” Diane said.

  “Sure we can,” Janet replied. “I’m going to be with Betty so you and Diane can use my room and the guys can be in here.”

  Hunter liked the idea. “Yeah, it sounds like a plan. Okay with everyone?”

  All agreed.

  Pulling Janet aside, Hunter whispered, “Good job.”

  “Thanks. You know, I’ve seen so many different sides to you Hunter, mostly in the characters you portray, but I really like who I’m seeing right now. Tonight. There’s more to you than the persona you tend to project.”

  “Persona?” He laughed. “And how am I any different right now than at any other time?”

  Janet shrugged. “I guess what I’m trying to say is you’re a good man. Really good.”

  Hunter checked his watch. “It’s getting late,” he said to everyone. “Is there anything else we should talk about?”

  No one said anything.

  “Then let’s see if we can get some sleep.”

  Janet excused herself and went to her room, then came back with a plastic bag. “Ready Betty?”

  “Yes,” she giggled. “That sounded funny to me.” She stood up. “And thanks. I haven’t been sleeping well since all this happened. I think having you with me will help a little.” They walked to the door.

  “Hold on a second,” Hunter said. He made sure the hall was clear then motioned for them to come out. “Don’t leave your room for anything,” he counseled.

  Once Karen and Diane were settled for the night in Janet’s room, Hunter and Jim sat down to talk. “So, Hunter.” Jim looked at his friend. “You really think Diane and I might be in danger?”

  “I don’t know for sure, but why take any chances? Whoever is doing this seems to be targeting people I know, so what’s to stop them from including the both of you now?” He stared at a wall. “Samantha... the Allensbys...”

  “I see your point,” Jim agreed. “It certainly would help, though, to know why all of this is happening.”

  “Yes, it would.” Hunter continued to gaze across the room. “If we could just pinpoint some common denominator... beside me, it would help.”

  “Well... what about Frank?” Jim asked. “I realize he’s a friend, but it seems like he’s done a one-eighty all of a sudden.”

  “I know. And that bothers me,” Hunter sat back to mull over the timeline. “Let me think. Monday afternoon, Janet and I flew to Arizona and all that crap hit the fan. On that same day, Samantha was abducted and then in the early hours of Tuesday morning the Allensbys were murdered. Janet and I ended up in Canada but someone found us and now we’re back here.” He shook his head. “Three days. It’s unbelievable.”

  Jim let out a laugh. “Yes, and when was it that Karen said Frank was so upset? You know, the conversation she overheard?”

  “I think she said either Monday or Tuesday and that he seemed very upset and agitated for some reason.”

  “And Karen said she heard him say Samantha’s name,” Jim reminded him.

  “Yeah. Samantha. Why would he be talking about her?”

  “It’s no coincidence,” Jim said. “How would he even know about her?”

  “Me,” Hunter replied. “Remember? The funds for fixing up her house are being handled through his firm. We didn’t want her to know I was paying for everything.”

  “You’re right. I forgot.”

  “Yeah, but he could have been talking to someone about something else that was similar to Samantha’s disappearance, you know?”

  “I think that’s unlikely.”

  “He’s just my attorney!” Hunter sputtered. “He lives and works here in northern Idaho while this whole mess has been going on all over the place, not just here. You know... Arizona, California... heck, now I wonder about that little episode in Wyoming... and the one in Canada! But why would he be involved in any of it to begin with?”

  Hunter was stumped then stiffened. “Canada. Canada!” He stood up. “I called Frank while we were in Canada to ask for some help. He was very interested in where we were. In fact, he demanded to know. At the time I didn’t think anything about telling him where we were. Like you said, he’s been a friend, in addition to one of my attorneys.”

  “Okay,” Jim said. “But what if... in spite of what you just said... what if Frank is the common denominator, as unlikely as it may seem to you or as much as you don’t want it to be him.” Jim left his thought hanging.

  Hunter frowned. “Well, if he is, that would mean...” he began and stared at Jim. “If he’s involved in any part of this...”

  “Then maybe there’s more to Frank than we both realized,” Jim said, finishing Hunter’s thought.

  “Yeah,” Hunter agreed. Both men continued to talk quietly before finally deciding to turn in.

  “Just a warning.” Jim said with a grin. “I snore.”

  “That’s okay,” Hunter said. “So do I.”

  Suddenly Karen rushed from the adjoining room, followed by Diane, and held out her phone to Hunter. “It’s Frank,” she whispered anxiously. “He texted me.”

  Hunter took a look. The message read, “Where are you? Been trying to reach you.” He looked at Karen. “Text him back and say the Wesleys invited you to dinner and you’ll head home soon.”

  Karen looked confused. “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “Yes, then give me your phone.”

  Karen did as he instructed then gave Hunter her phone. He promptly removed the battery.

  “Why did you do that?” she asked. “What if he tries to reach me again and I don’t answer?”

  “If he hasn’t already done so, he would have tracked you here using your phone’s GPS. But in case he hasn’t yet, we can’t take the risk of being discovered.”

  Jim was concerned. “If he thinks she’s with us, won’t he go to our home to check?”

  Hunter grimaced and rubbed the top of his head. “Where’s a good script when you need one,” he mumbled.

  Suddenly Jim’s phone rang. His eyebrows shot up. “Now he’s calling me.”

  “You might as well answer,” Hunter said dismally.

  Jim did so. “Hello?” He listened briefly then responded. “No problem. I usually stay up late.” He listened again and smiled. “Well we hadn’t seen both of you for a while and thought it might be nice to have dinner together. But Karen said you were going to be out of town so we decided we could at least have dinner with her.”

  He listened. “Yes, if you like. Sure. She was getting ready to go home but, we’d love to have her stay with us. How long will you be gone, not that it matters, but I’m sure she’ll wonder.” He listened. “No, that’s fine. Not a problem. Okay. We’ll wait to hear from you.” Jim ended the call with a look of surprise then said, “Frank asked if Karen could stay with us for the next several days until he gets back from a business trip.”

  The four of them stood looking at each other. Finally Hunter spoke up. “Didn’t expect that. In fact, it puts a whole new twist on things.”

  “I’ll say,” Jim agreed.

  “Did he say where he was?” Karen asked. “I’m worried because he’s never expressed any concern about me staying home alone before.”

  “He did not say where he was and you make an interesting point,” Jim replied. “I thought I could hear voices in the background and he lowered his voice when he asked about you staying with us. It was as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear him.”

  Hunter took a deep breath and blew it out. “I’m completely at a loss as to what we should do.” He stared at Karen’s phone then replaced the battery and hand
ed it back. “Don’t want to raise any suspicions,” he said then sat down on the sofa and stared straight ahead again.

  “I guess the next question is whether Diane and Karen and I should go home,” Jim said.

  Hunter didn’t look up. “I suppose that would be okay,” he said. “Yeah. Might as well.”

  Diane wasn’t so certain. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

  Hunter shrugged. “If Frank wants his wife to be in the company of you and Jim, he’s likely going to make sure you’re all safe.” He stood up and walked the Wesleys and Karen to the door. He hugged the women and shook hands with Jim. “Hope you all sleep well,” he said.

  “You too, my friend,” Jim replied.

  “Pray for us?” Hunter asked with an awkward grin.

  “We always do,” Jim replied.