Conned by You Read online

  Chapter Nineteen

  A fluorescent light pierced through the slits of Ava’s eyes as she struggled to open them. Her eyelids fluttered and by the third try her eyes shot open. Disoriented, she shifted her gaze from left to right. Nothing looked familiar. Except for the dangling bulb above her head, the room was nothing but pitch-black darkness. She laid on what felt like a mattress with her arms bound above her head and cuffs on each ankle. Ava jerked her arms and legs in a futile attempt to free herself.

  “Aargh!!!” she screamed.

  She laid still and replayed her last memory. She’d just wrapped a meeting and was on her way out. Tess called! The call was spotty and hard to hear. Think Ava! Her brain refused to cooperate.

  The sound of a door slam in the distance disrupted her thoughts. Ava swallowed hard as the rhythm of her heartbeat thrashed in her ears. She jerked her limbs as she once again tried to release herself. An ominous figure in the distance moved closer. The face was hard to make out. Tears fell from the corner of her eyes as the figure moved closer.

  The face soon became clearer. Even with a dimmer of light, she recognized those sleepy brown eyes and dimpled chin.

  “Brandon?”

  He stroked her face with the back of his hand. “I apologize for hurting you, but I had no choice.” He brought his face closer and puckered his lips, but before he could make contact Ava spat in his face.

  Brandon grimaced and wiped himself with the sleeve of his shirt.

  “Stay away from me!” she screamed.

  He dragged a chair near where she laid. “You need time.”

  Ava shook her head as she shed more tears. “I knew it was you. Stalking me and driving by the house. Why aren’t you behind bars?”

  “I made bail.”

  “How? I was told your family couldn’t afford to.”

  “Who said anything about my family?”

  “It was Scott? Wasn’t it? He’s the one person left who believes you deserve a second chance.”

  He extended his hands to move the hair that covered her left eye. “Don’t be afraid. I had to knock you out to get you here, but I promise not to cause you anymore harm.”

  Ava took a moment to calm herself by counting to ten in her head. If she wanted to walk out of here, Brandon must be convinced. He hadn’t told her why he abducted her, but she already knew. He wanted her back and away from Justin.

  “Can you release my arms from the restraints? My shoulder joints are hurting.”

  “I will when I’m confident you won’t try to run.”

  He pushed his chair back and stood. Her eyes followed him as he walked towards the wall and flicked a light switch. Suddenly, recessed lighting lit up the room. She scanned the space for anything that could tell her where he’s stashed her. Windowless white walls surrounded them. She darted her eyes upward and exposed pipes and HVAC lines from above came into view. On the opposite side of the room were two closed doors. An old refrigerator was to her right and a standalone farmhouse sink lined the left wall. Brandon opened the refrigerator and retrieved a bottle of water. He twisted the cap and placed his hand beneath the back of her head. He lifted her and brought the bottle to Ava’s lips.

  “Drink,” he said.

  The cold water was as refreshing as an ice glacier in the desert. Her lips were dry, and her mouth was parched. Ava tried to take as much as the water in as possible, but it was difficult due to her given position.

  Brandon removed the bottle from her mouth and replaced the cap. He sat in the chair beside the cot.

  “How long have I been here?”

  “Six hours. I brought you here straight from your job.”

  Ava replayed her last memory. Her mind has cleared, and she recalled speaking with Tess and felt someone approach from behind. Someone had to see Brandon take me and notified the police. “So, it’s about ten or eleven at night?”

  Brandon nodded his head. “They won’t find you. I moved your car. A Mercedes AMG coupe, that’s a pretty sweet ride. That’s not something you would’ve chosen, so I know it was his idea.” He looked at her like he wanted a response.

  Ava stared at him instead.

  “That shows he doesn’t know you. Money and expensive cars are not the way to your heart. It’s the small gestures you love.” He shifted his chair closer to her cot. “I dumped your purse.”

  Panic washed over her. She didn’t care about her handbag, it’s her phone she needed. Without it, she had no way to call for help. “What did you do with my phone?”

  “Phone?” He looked confused. “I didn’t see any phone.”

  “It was in my purse,” she lied.

  “I could’ve overlooked it. None of it matters because I dumped your bag where no one will find it.”

  Ava turned away. Her thoughts lingered. Her phone was in her hand, and it must’ve fallen somewhere. Hopefully, it’s found and turned into security.

  “What’s your plan, Brandon? Somehow you convinced someone to bail you out, so you could come all the way to San Diego to find me. What happens next?”

  His fingers stroked her forehead.

  “You belong to me. I’m not leaving here without you.”

  Chapter Twenty

  After a day of back-to-back meetings, exhaustion hit Justin hard. A buddy of his, who he doesn’t see often, had asked him to attend a gathering of businessmen at a cigar bar in downtown Seattle. He passed. One, because cigars weren’t his thing. Two, he wanted to speak to Ava before he fell asleep. She’d texted him earlier after she met with Elijah, but he hadn’t had the time to call her back. So, when he reached his hotel room, he’d called her, but her phone went straight to voicemail. Justin knew it was because she’d forgotten to charge her phone. He can’t recall how many times she would allow her battery to drain down to one percent before she recharged it.

  The loud ring tone from his phone woke Justin from his sleep. He turned his head towards the clock. 2 am.

  Expecting it to be Ava, he turned on the lamp and sat up in the bed. He reached for his phone and glanced at the screen. Mother?

  “Hello.”

  “Justin, thank God you answered!” Panic filled her voice.

  “What is it?”

  “It’s your father. The paramedics are here… he collapsed… oh, God!”

  “Mother, calm down. Is he on his way to the hospital?”

  “Yes,” she whimpered.

  “I’m in Seattle. I’ll get there as soon as I can. Text me with the name of the hospital they’re taking him to, and I’ll call Ava, so you won’t be alone.”

  “Okay.”

  He hung up and called Ava. Shit! Voicemail! Justin left a message and jumped out of bed. He gathered his suitcase and checked out of the hotel.

  Three and a half hours later, he arrived at Scripps Hospital. Corrine greeted him as soon as he reached the waiting area.

  “What happened?” he asked.

  Corrine’s eyes were red, and her face was full of worry. “I don’t know. I was on my way to my bedroom, and something told me to check on your father. I’d left him earlier in the library reading a book. When I entered, he was in his chair bent forward holding his stomach. I’d asked him what was wrong, and he didn’t answer. Instead, he placed his hand on his walker like he was trying to stand and…” She wiped her nose with a napkin. “He fell over, Justin. I screamed for James, and he called 911.”

  “Come here.” He wrapped his arms around his mother. “Have you spoken to his doctor?”

  She removed herself from his embrace and shook her head. “Not really. A nurse said they had to rush Chris into emergency surgery. That was two hours ago.”

  “He’s strong. Whatever it is, he’ll be okay.”

  Corrine nodded her head and wiped her eyes.

  “Do you need anything?” asked Justin. “Something to eat or drink.”

  “No. You’re here, that’s all I need.”

  He smiled and looked past her shoulder at the empty chairs in the waiting area. “W
here’s Ava? Did she step out for a moment?”

  “Ava?” Her brows knitted together. “I assumed she was with you.”

  “I haven’t spoken to her. I called, but her voicemail answered.”

  “It’s still early. Could she be asleep?”

  Justin glanced at the time on his phone, realizing he hadn’t spoken to Ava since before he’d left for his trip. “It’s almost six in the morning. I’m sure she hasn’t awakened yet to check her messages.”

  Corrine placed her hand in his. “Let’s sit. Perhaps you can help erase the what-ifs racing through my mind.”

  “I can try.” They each sat in a chair against the wall. “How is it living in the family home again?” asked Justin.

  She smiled. “Is that your subtle way of asking if your father and I are reuniting?”

  “No.” He shook his head with a slight grin.

  “We’re not.” Corrine sat with her hand clasps together, legs crossed, and a nervous swing in her foot. “Your father refuses to hire an in-house caretaker, so I fell into that role. I ended up looking after him before and after work. I thought it would be easier to move in. Between myself, James, and his part-time nurse he’s covered.”

  “You can’t live the rest of your life taking care of dad.”

  She patted his hand with a thin smile on her face. “After all he’s put me through, he certainly doesn’t deserve it, but we’re in a good place. Next week we will narrow the list for a permanent CEO of Steele Pharmaceutical. Chris wants me to stay on because he insisted the CEO must be family, but it’s time I take a step back.”

  “Do what’s best for you. Dad will understand.” Justin glanced at his phone when he received an incoming text notification. It was Paige notifying him she had rescheduled his upcoming meetings. He searched through his recent messages thinking he missed one from Ava.

  Nothing!

  “Mother, I need to reach Ava. Will you be okay for a moment?”

  “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”

  Justin rose to his feet and moved towards the hall. Just as he was about to exit the waiting area, a female doctor passed by him.

  “Mrs. Harrington?” The doctor stood over Corrine.

  Justin rushed back to his mother’s side. “How is my father?” he asked.

  The doctor’s eyes shifted between him and Corrine. “I’m afraid I don’t have good news.”

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Dr. Brookes was correct. The news wasn’t good. She’d explained his father had suffered an intestinal bleed. The doctor questioned if he had a shortness of breath or vomited blood, neither he nor Corrine could say for certain. The doctor continued by stating they’d repaired the affected blood vessel, and for now, he’s in critical condition. They will allow them a brief visit before they transfer him to ICU.

  Corrine sat in a chair, while Justin stood by her side. They remained silent as they stared at the man who many in the business world once viewed as a powerful force. He now had to use that same power to pull himself through another fight for his life.

  “I should have kept a closer eye on him,” wept Corrine.

  Justin rubbed her shoulder. “You did more than anyone would’ve expected.”

  She patted his hand. “It wasn’t enough.”

  “Excuse me.”

  Justin and Corrine both turned around and found Dr. Brookes behind them. She was a young doctor, who appeared barely out of medical school.

  “When the paramedics brought Mr. Harrington in, they gave us a current list of his medications . Can either of you verify the medications once more?”

  “Why? Is there a problem?” asked Justin.

  “No. I just prefer to be as thorough as possible,” said the doctor.

  Justin glanced at his mother. She opened her mouth to speak, but only tears flowed. He turned his attention back to Dr. Brookes. “His doctor prescribed medication for his cholesterol. Forgive me, I can’t recall their names. I can provide you with his physician’s number who can release a comprehensive list of his meds.”

  “Did his physician prescribed a blood thinner?”

  “Yes.”

  She frowned and shifted her eyes as if she had a sudden thought. “Is it possible you can gather your father’s medications and bring them in?”

  “What is it you’re not telling us? Is there something else wrong with him?”

  “At the moment, I prefer not to speculate. However, it would be helpful if you can bring his prescription bottles to me.”

  “Sure, it’s not a problem. I’ll run by the house now.”

  Dr. Brookes exit the room. Justin turned to his mother. “Will you be okay alone?”

  “Yes, you go ahead and get what the doctor needs.”

  “I’ll call James, so he’ll have the medications ready. On the way back, I’ll stop by my house to pick up Ava.” He placed a kiss on her cheek and left.

  As he walked through the parking lot, he pulled out his phone to call Ava once more. No answer.

  Why isn’t she picking up?

  He shoved the phone into his pocket. This isn’t the first time he’s gone hours without hearing from her. Because of their busy schedules, they can go an entire day missing each other. But if they can’t call one another, they at least communicate through text.

  Justin rushed to his father’s home. He gave James an update and left with a bag of medications. He then sped South on the interstate towards his house. He parked in the driveway and rushed through the front door.

  “Ava!” he shouted from the foyer. No response. He checked the kitchen. Nothing. He roamed the entire first floor, and she was nowhere in sight. Justin remained calm, he’s sure there was a perfect explanation for her not answering his calls. She loved to fall asleep with earbuds in her ears.

  That’s it! She’s asleep.

  Justin jetted upstairs, taking them two at a time.

  It’s nearly nine in the morning. I’m sure she overslept.

  He reached the top of the stairs and turned the corner to their bedroom. He stood stunned in the doorway. His eyes swept the room. The bed hadn’t been slept in. A small surge of concern developed in the pit of his stomach. Something wasn’t right, but he refused to allow his mind to go there. Justin checked the garage for her car, and as expected it was not there. He called her again. Damn it!

  Justin locked up and drove five minutes to the office. Her car wasn’t in VIP parking, and he now knew something was wrong. He rode the elevator to the executive floor and found her door closed and Kasey out front at her desk.

  “Good morning, Mr. Harrington. I didn’t expect you to come in today. Miss Sinclair said you were out of town until next week.” She placed a bright smile on her face.

  Justin raked his hand through his hair as he tried to remain calm. “Has she come in this morning?”

  “Who?”

  “Ava. Have you seen her?”

  “No, and I haven’t been able to reach her, either. She missed her seven am conference call, but don’t worry, I rescheduled it.”

  That confirmed his fear. Ava never missed a meeting; she was punctual to a fault. “Kasey, when was the last time you saw Ava?”

  “Yesterday,” she said without hesitation. “After she met with Mr. Norris, she gave me the rest of the day off.”

  “Did she leave with you?”

  “No, she stayed behind. Is Miss Sinclair okay?”

  Justin forced a smile. “Yeah, I’m sure our wires crossed somewhere. She didn’t expect me to return from my trip early. Can you do me a favor?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Cancel all conference calls and meetings for the rest of the week. If anything imperative turns up, forward it to Paige, and I’ll take care of it.”

  “Sure thing.”

  “Thanks.”

  Justin turned his attention to security. He had to determine what time Ava left. He made his way to the lobby and stopped at the security station. “Hi, Diana. I need your help.” Diana was a stern guard who
never smiled. She worked in the building longer than he had leased the space.

  “What do you need, Mr. Harrington?” she asked. Diana wore a buttoned-up uniform with her neck tattoos on full display.

  He expelled a heavy breath. “I need this to remain between us…”

  Worry filled her face. “What is it?” she asked, lowering her voice.

  “I can’t find Ava. I’ve been out of town, and we kept missing each other yesterday. She’s missed her morning meeting, and she’s not at home.”

  “Is it possible she’s at an off-site meeting?”

  “No, she isn’t. Can you tell me what time she badged out yesterday?”

  “I wasn’t here, but I can check the computer log. It’ll take a moment to access the information.”

  “I’m grateful for whatever help you can provide. Thank you.”

  Diana stepped away and began clicking away on her computer. While she sat with her back towards him, he took the time to text his mother. He mentioned nothing about Ava, only that he had got the medications from James and will bring them to the hospital soon.

  Diana turned in her swivel chair towards him. “Sorry to keep you waiting, they changed the password. It’ll be another moment.”

  “Take your time, Diana.”

  She opened the drawer beside her and retrieved a piece of paper. She then typed characters into the computer. Justin’s gaze lingered into the opened drawer. His eyes focused on a pink casing. “Diana, what is that?” He pointed towards the drawer.

  She reached in. “This?”

  Justin closed his eyes as his heart dropped. “Can I see that, please?” He extended his hand forward.

  Diana walked over and placed the phone into his hand. He recognized the rose-colored case anywhere. It was a custom-made bedazzled Iphone case with Swarovski crystals.

  “This is Ava’s phone. Where did you find it?”

  “I didn’t. Someone on the landscaping crew found it in the parking lot and turned it in.”

  He turned over the phone. The screen was cracked as if someone had run over it. He tried turning it on, but it was dead. “Did you get the information I needed?” His voice deflated, and his heart heavy with worry.