My phone pinged with a message from my head cleaner, Bryce.The job is done. Identities revealed—private security for the father.I quickly typed back that I would let him know when the package was securely hidden.
“Can you tell me what happened?”
She nodded. “Uh, Daddy, could I have more of that tea you gave me earlier, please?” I quickly made her tea, a little less whiskey this time, and sat patiently, waiting for her to begin. “I was headed to my last class but received a text from Jacki as I was walking.”
“Jacki? The redhead?” She looked at me quizzically, probably wondering how I knew, but continued her story.
“Yes, she texted that something came up and asked me to meet her at my place. As I passed the last building, I received another text telling me to take the shortcut because a guy was following her, and she was terrified. Jacki had mentioned to Maddie and me that she had a stalker, and I didn’t wantanything to happen to her, so I sped up and took the shortcut. As soon as I entered the woods, I knew I’d made a mistake; someone else was there. I called out Jacki’s name, but no one answered, and before I could take another step, those two men you saw grabbed me. Did you kill them?”
I needed to keep her focused and chose not to answered. “Cheryl, think. Did they say anything to you?”
She took a sip of tea, looking thoughtful. “They talked as if they knew me and said I was a worthy prize, but I have no idea what they meant.”
It was as I feared. Cheryl’s daddy dearest was making his move sooner than expected. I wondered what provoked it and if he’d found out about me. Maybe his wife’s encrypted network had been compromised?
“I will explain everything later when you’re safe, but right now, you are a sitting duck, and I’m only one man. Pack a bag and let’s get out of here. I also need your phone and laptop while you’re packing.”
“Yes, Daddy.” Cheryl stood and moved into the second bedroom, which I assumed was her office, and returned with her laptop and phone.
“Thank you. Now pack enough for a week.” Her eyes widened, but she didn’t question my instructions. I dismantled her phone, removed the chip, broke it into pieces, and flushed it.
I grabbed her laptop and deleted all apps not directly related to her school courses. With the computer clean, I installed a secure internet connection and a series of encrypted servers, so it would appear she was in Australia when and if she used it.
I canceled her credit cards and home security, then set up a system only my team and Cheryl could access. I quickly texted Bryce to monitor Jacki, as she might be in danger. Just as I finished, Cheryl came out of the bedroom looking ravishing in aminidress and heels. We needed to discuss her public attire, but now wasn’t the time.
“Ready?”
“Yes. Should I take anything else? I feel naked without my electronics.”
“You can take your laptop; it’s safe. I have a burner phone waiting for you. We’ll discuss how to use these devices when we arrive. But Cheryl, keep this hidden, and once you’ve memorized it, burn it.”
“What is it?”
“Here’s the new code to your apartment. If anything goes wrong, I expect you to come here as a last resort. Only my team, you, and I will have this code.”
Cheryl took the paper, studied it, and handed it back. “Okay, Daddy, it’s memorized.” She surprised me with how quickly she absorbed information.
“You sure, baby?”
“Yes, Sir,” she answered.
I went to the kitchen and burned the note in the sink. Once it was nothing but ash, we left the apartment. Bryce had my INKAS Mercedes G63 AMG out front. It wasn’t the most expensive tank on wheels, but its bulletproof glass, armored skin, and grenade-proof floor gave me extra protection.
Two of my guys stood casually by, doing an excellent job of not looking like ex-military. “Cheryl, see that man over there?” I pointed to a jogger.
“You mean the one in running shorts?”
“That’s right, baby. He’s one of mine. And that guy?”
“In the car with the real estate sign? Yes, I see him.”
“He’s also one of mine. Because your street is on one side of the park, circling the perimeter is tough. If you ever have to come back alone, circle several times. If you don’t see my men, look for others doing similar things, trying to blend in. It willhelp you see if your place is being watched. Don’t ever park if you see activity; keep circling or leave.” Cheryl looked surprised, but nodded. She was quiet on the ride to my apartment.
I reached across and gripped her knee. “Everything okay, little girl?” She offered a wan smile.
“I just don't understand, who the hell would want to kidnap me?”
We pulled into the secure underground parking. “Hold that thought. I’ll explain everything soon.”
