Conned by You Read online

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  The next morning, Justin arrived at the police station to show Detective Gray everything Blake had found during his investigation. Days ago, the detective had called to state he’d officially opened a missing persons case for Ava. That was news Justin had been waiting to hear because before he seemed not to take her disappearance seriously.

  “I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” said Detective Gray, rushing into his office, closing the door.

  “My emails kept me busy.” Justin put away his phone.

  “When we spoke, you said you had information for me.”

  “Yes. I have a private security team working on a different angle, and they’ve come up with information I feel you can use.”

  “Before we get into that, Mr. Harrington. I have a few questions for you.”

  Justin straightened his posture in the chair. “Sure. What would you like to know?”

  “When was the last time you and Ava spoke?”

  “As I said before, we spent the morning together the day I left for a business trip to Seattle. I received a text from her later that day. I didn’t respond right away because I was in the middle of a meeting.”

  “That should be easy enough to verify,” said the detective.

  “Now that’s out of the way, I have information concerning her disappearance.”

  Detective Gray pushed his chair away from his desk and stared at Justin. There was a hint of suspicion in his eye. “You said she was under stress and suffering from anxiety. Did that stress and anxiety spill over into your relationship?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Did you argue because of her inability to deal with the pressure of the upcoming trial?”

  “No! We don’t argue.” Justin’s lips pressed together from a rush of frustration.

  “Come on, Mr. Harrington. Every couple have arguments.”

  “What’s your point, Detective Gray?”

  “In my experience, when a young woman disappears, usually it involves a spouse, significant other, or a partner of some sort.”

  Justin maintained direct eye contact with the detective. “In this case, you would be wrong.”

  Detective Gray leaned forward with his arms balanced on his desk. “You have the means and opportunity. Before you say you were out of town, you could’ve paid someone instead of getting your hands dirty.”

  If Justin weren’t so pissed off, he would laugh at the suggestion. It was a waste of time relying on the police, but the more eyes he had searching for Ava, the sooner he could find her. He reminded himself to remain calm and not cast more suspicion on himself. “What motive would I have to harm Ava?”

  “That I haven’t figured out.”

  “Detective, I understand you have a job to do, and if it’s necessary to investigate me to rule me out. By all means, have at it.” Justin rose from his chair. “Meanwhile, I’ll continue my search for my fiancée with my team.” He tossed the folder onto the detective’s desk. “Here’s what we’ve found so far.”

  As expected, the detective wasn’t interested in finding Ava. It’s apparent he wanted to nail another wealthy person to the wall. Justin left more frustrated than when he arrived. By the time Detective Gray finished following his haunches, Brandon could be long gone with Ava.

  When Justin reached his car, he called Blake to instruct him to put as many people as possible on the street searching for Ava. Blake agreed and promised to have another update in the next few days. Before he put his phone away, Justin texted his mother to get an update about his father. She responded by stating Dr. Brookes had his blood thinner medication evaluated and found he had taken an increased dosage. Dr. Brookes stated either the pharmacy made an error by filling his prescription incorrectly, or it was an accidental overdose. Regardless of the reason, the medication could’ve contributed to his internal bleeding.

  Lindsey! Justin threw his phone onto the passenger side and sped to that witch’s house. He pounded the steering wheel as he drove, angry he’d given her the opening to wreck his family.

  He turned into her driveway. With the car barely in park, he jumped out and banged on the door. No answer. He called her phone. Voicemail. Two cars were in the driveway. Her white Porsche and a silver Bentley. The same car Ava said she had seen. Damn it! Every lie and deception was right in front of his eyes, but he refused to see it. No more and never again!

  Justin jumped into his car and sped to the hospital. He had to collect his father’s medication for safekeeping. It could serve as potential evidence against Lindsey. He arrived at the hospital twenty-minutes later, running into Tom Meyers, at the elevator bay.

  “Tom? Are you here to see my father?”

  He turned with a crinkle in his forehead. “Chris is here?”

  “Yes. He had emergency surgery for an intestinal bleed.”

  “I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware. We brought Lindsey in about four days ago.”

  “Why?”

  Tom gestured him away from the scores of people getting on and off the elevator. “For days, her mother and I couldn’t reach her, so we drove to her house. When she didn’t answer the door, we used our key and found her on the floor unconscious. She barely had a pulse.”

  Justin’s eyes widened. Stunned. “How is she?”

  “Stable. The doctors expect her to make a full recovery.”

  “Is she awake?”

  “She’s on powerful drugs that helps her sleep through the pain.”

  As angry as he was with Lindsey, he didn’t wish her harm by the hands of Brandon. “Do you mind if I see her? Just for a minute.”

  “Sure. Follow me.”

  Tom led Justin to the fourth floor, and when they entered the room Lindsey’s mother, Elizabeth, sat bedside. Her face lit up with a wide smile. “Justin! I’m sure Lindsey will be happy to see you.”

  He gave her a quick hug and rested his eyes on Lindsey. She had her head bandaged and an oxygen tube underneath her nose. Although he’s raging inside for what she’s done to his family, he had to play it cool in front of her parents. It’s the only way to get the information he needed.

  “She looks peaceful,” he said, it was all he could muster.

  “If you return this afternoon, I’m sure she’ll be up for a visit. She sleeps through the morning.”

  “Maybe tomorrow. I have somewhere I need to be.”

  “She hasn’t had many visitors.” Elizabeth’s eyes drifted towards Lindsey as she squeezed her hand. “I thought maybe her new friend would’ve stopped by.”

  “What new friend?” asked Justin, hoping she was referring to Brandon.

  “She has moved beyond your father and started dating someone new.”

  Tom stepped forward. “Liz, do you mind speaking to Justin outside? We should keep the noise level to a minimum to allow proper healing.”

  Elizabeth smirked. “Yes, doctor.” She grabbed her purse. “Justin, would you walk with me to the lounge for a cup of tea?”

  “Sure.” He and Elizabeth moved out of the room. “So, who’s this person Lindsey is seeing? Anyone I know?”

  With a slight tilt she shook her head. “I don’t believe so. I never saw him before the day we met or know who his parents are.”

  “What did he look like?”

  She paused and gave him a look of curiosity. “Why all the questions?”

  “The last time Lindsey and I spoke she seemed to be in a good place. I would hate for her to get mixed up with the wrong person.”

  Liz smiled with her hand on her hip. “After everything, you still care about her.”

  Justin forced a smile and pulled out his phone. He typed in Brandon’s name in the internet search bar and his mugshot filled his screen. “Is this the guy you saw with Lindsey?”

  She grabbed Justin’s phone and zoomed into the picture. “That’s him. Is this a mugshot?”

  “It is. If you see him anywhere near the hospital, call the police.”

  “Who is he? What did he do?” />
  “He’s Ava’s crazy ex-boyfriend.”

  “The one…?”

  “Yes. Lindsey mixed herself up with him.”

  Elizabeth appeared frightened. “She said they were friends.”

  “He’s no one’s friend. I have to go.”

  Justin made his way to his father’s floor. He didn’t give a damn about Lindsey. He just didn’t want Brandon to cause anymore harm. He ran into Dr. Brookes when he exited the elevator. “Doctor, do you have a moment?” he asked.

  “Sure.” She eyed her watch. “I have a few minutes. What can I do for you?”

  “I spoke with my mother, and she mentioned your concern about the dosage of my father’s blood thinner medication.”

  “Yes.” She nodded with a bleak expression. “I reviewed your father’s medical history, and I suspect a side effect from his medication caused his intestinal bleed.”

  “Because of the increase dosage?”

  She nodded her head as if she didn’t want to say too much.

  “Do you believe the pharmacy screwed up or could they have been tampered with?” he asked.

  She released a sharp exhale. “Here’s what I know. Your father’s doctor prescribed a dose of five milligrams, but the pills you provided were ten milligrams. More than likely, your father didn’t notice the difference in the pills because there’s just a slight color variation. The ten milligrams have more of a blue tint than the lower dose.”

  “I see.”

  “There are many possible contributing factors that could’ve caused his condition,” the doctor continued.

  “Dr. Brookes, you seem to be someone who seeks answers beyond the obvious. I’m asking what you believe?”

  “Once your father recovers, I will write him a new prescription. A different brand with a lower dose.” She smiled. “I have a patient to see.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Ava sat up at the sound of Brandon running down the stairs. It felt as if days have passed since she last saw him. He appeared seconds later, his face flushed and beads of sweat on his forehead. He inched closer towards her and threw his black bag on the floor. She was afraid to ask him if he had found Justin.

  “I brought clothes.” He knelt to unzip his bag. He pulled out a black sweatshirt and a pair of denim shorts. Brandon threw them on her lap. The clothes had a unique smell, like worn clothing from a thrift store.

  “What did you do, Brandon?”

  He swept his hand across his forehead and wiped the sweat on his jeans. “Nothing. I knew you needed something to wear, so I stopped at Goodwill. It’s not your usual style, but I’m low on cash.”

  “I don’t care about the clothes. What did you do to Justin?”

  “Nothing.” He shook his head. “I circled your house several times, but he wasn’t alone. Your mother was with him.”

  Ava froze as her hand covered her gaping mouth. “My mother? She’s here?”

  “Yeah.”

  She retreated into her thoughts. They’re searching for me! Ava was careful not to smile. Having confirmation that Justin was out looking for her and her mother was there to provide comfort, gave her hope.

  Brandon knelt beside her and removed a key from his bag. “Go into the bathroom and change.” He unlocked her ankle restraint. He’s done so before whenever she had to use the toilet or freshen up. As always, he kept a strict eye on her which prevented her from running. It still felt good to move around.

  “Why do I have to change?”

  He stood and towered over her. “You don’t want to?”

  “Yes,” she blurted. “I’m just wondering why now?”

  “Because I need you ready for tonight. We’re leaving.” He grabbed her arm to help her up.

  “Leaving? Where are we going?” she asked, her voice panic-filled.

  “Nevada. From there, you and I are leaving the US behind.”

  “We’re leaving the country! How?”

  “I’ve made all the arrangements. I just need money, and your boyfriend will help us out with that.”

  “In what way?”

  He shot her a menacing look. “Too many questions, Ava.”

  Her stomach dropped as tears formed in her eyes. Brandon placed the shirt and shorts into her hands. He gripped her arm and pulled her into the tiny bathroom that lacked a shower or tub. He closed the door behind her.

  Think Ava! They couldn’t leave. She couldn’t allow him to take her out of the country. Ava sat on the closed toilet lid and thought of any way she could escape. Nothing. He watched her like a hawk, and when he left, he chained her.

  Bang! Bang! “Dressed?” shouted Brandon.

  She put on the smelly sweatshirt and denim shorts she could barely zip up and exited the bathroom. Ava remained silent as she moved past Brandon with her clothing balled in her hand. As she moved towards his bag, fat tears fell from her eyes like a constant rainfall. She bent down to place the clothes inside, and that’s when she saw it. Hope. In an outside pocket sat a cell phone. Ava rose to her feet as Brandon moved behind her. She turned around and met his eyes. In return, he stared at her. He lifted his hands and stroked the hair that hung down the sides of her face. “You need a hat. Soon your picture will be everywhere. A hat and sunglasses.”

  “When exactly are we leaving?”

  “After midnight.” He placed the ankle restraint around her leg and locked it.

  Ava kept her eye on the cellphone, kicking herself for not noticing it before. Her heart raced as Brandon dug into the bag. Breathing a sigh of relief when he handed her a prepackage sweet bun. “Eat this, and I’ll be right back.” He lifted the bag onto his shoulder. On his way out, he dropped it onto the floor and went into the bathroom.

  Ava mentally counted the number of steps it would take to reach the duffel bag.

  Twelve.

  She took a deep breath. This was her one and only shot. Ava moved forward one step at a time. She tried hard not to make any noise and move at a quick pace. She counted the steps in her head.

  Seven.

  She turned her head, noticing there wasn’t any more slack in the chain. She fell to her knees and extended her arm. Her eyes darted towards the bathroom door at the sound of the flushed toilet. Her heartbeat thrashed in her ears as her fingertips met the face of the phone. Thank goodness for long nails. She eased the bag towards her to force it in reaching distance.

  She’s so close… almost there.

  Ava jumped to her feet when she heard Brandon cut off the sink. She dashed towards her cot. Brandon opened the door before she could sit.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  She paused, closed her eyes, and turned to face him. “You still don’t know my size, do you?”

  “A small.” He hunched his shoulders up and down.

  “The shorts are too tight. It makes it uncomfortable to sit.”

  He frowned and lifted the black duffel bag from the floor. “I’ll search for something else when I pick up a hat and sunglasses.”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  “Not long. Eat.” He pointed towards the sweet bun on the cot before disappearing up the stairs.

  Her stomach engaged in nervous somersaults as she counted his movements. After counting nine steps above her head, she knew he had left out the door. With a tremble in her hand, she removed the phone from her waistband. She pressed the button to view the screen. Ava’s eyes moved to the upper right corner. The phone had a full battery life. She opened the keypad and punched in Justin’s number. Her pulse raced, and her foot tapped the floor as she listened to the trill of the phone ring.

  Pickup!

  Pickup!

  Tears fell from her eyes.

  Justin, please answer.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Justin sat in Blake’s office to bring him up to speed on Lindsey’s involvement with Brandon. He advised him of his theory that she tampered with his father’s medication. He also suggested to Blake that someone from his team should reach out to Dr.
Calhoun. He’d explained she was complicit in the lie about Lindsey’s pregnancy and had to have given her the drugs. In his gut, he believed Lindsey’s plot involved the unscrupulous doctor. “Is the detective aware of Lindsey’s possible involvement?” asked Blake.

  Justin shrugged. “I believe the detective is too busy trying to build a case against me.” Detective Gray has been a ghost since Justin last spoke with him. He had no idea if he reviewed the information Blake has uncovered or if he has followed up on any leads. So, while the detective continued to drag his feet, Justin and Blake have moved ahead with locating Brandon.

  “What’s our next move?” asked Justin.

  “Cameron will set up a time to speak with Kai Samuels.” Blake leaned back in his chair with his hands interlocked behind his head. “Let’s break from the strategy for a moment. Chris isn’t able to tell you what you need to hear, so I’ll do the honor.”

  “You always treated me as a son, so I expect you to dish out a heaping of fatherly advice.”

  Blake relaxed his arms and leaned forward on his desk. “Don’t beat yourself up for allowing Lindsey to con you into accepting her apology. You guys were once friends, so no one would fault your actions. But here’s the deal, she has a vendetta against Chris and would have carried out this plan without your cooperation.”

  “I hear you, Blake.” Justin crossed his arms against his chest. “As angry as I am with Lindsey, I’m more upset with myself. I lacked the foresight to provide security for Ava the moment we received word Brandon had changed his plea.”

  “What’s important is you’re taking charge now. We will find this guy, and Lindsey is the key. I know he switched vehicles at least twice, but he doesn’t have an unlimited amount of cash.”

  Justin’s eyes shifted towards his ringing phone.

  Unknown number.

  “I’m sorry a call is coming through. It says unknown.” He placed his phone down. “I’ll let voicemail answer it.”

  Blake gave him a stern look. “Now isn’t the time to ignore calls. Answer it.”