Chad stood. “Do you want some coffee, or tea, maybe? You look like you’ve been to a frat party.”
I smiled. “I feel like it as well. Coffee sounds good. I may make something to eat…MaryAnne, are you hungry?”
“Starving,” she replied as she slipped onto a stool. “But the idea of eating makes me want to hurl.”
Billy chuckled. “Why don’t we head on upstairs, you take a shower, and I’ll make you half of a sandwich.”
“How about I do all of that and you find some crackers and bring those to me and water. Lots of water.”
Krista giggled and made her way into the hidden pantry. She reappeared and handed Billy a box of saltine crackers. “This should help.”
MaryAnne pointed to Krista. “I already like you. New bestie.”
Krista beamed and nodded. “Okay!”
Billy took the crackers and guided MaryAnne out of the kitchen and through the house to take her upstairs.
I turned toward the refrigerator and looked around for something to make.
“I’ve got coffee cake in the oven, and if you’d like, I can make you up an omelet. Chad needs to talk to you about some stuff.”
Turning to look at Chad, he gave me a soft smile. “We can talk here while Krista makes that for you. She likes to cook when she’s nervous.”
My eyes went back to Krista, who was already busy getting veggies and eggs out. “I do as well.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “That’s what Liam said.”
Chad cleared his throat. “Um, while you were, um…sleeping.”
I laughed. “You mean passed out from too much scotch?”
Grinning, he said, “Yes, that. Liam asked me to come over to talk about you. He told me everything, and we discovered a few things.”
Sitting on the stool I asked, “Like what?”
“The guy who kidnapped you, the one in the picture.”
I nodded.
“I’ve met him before.”
My entire body went stiff. “What?”
“He’s a friend of Jonathon’s.”
I blinked a few times as I replayed the words in my head. “Wait. What?”
Chad cleared his throat. “I’m making a mess of this. I’m still in a bit of shock myself. I’m sorry.”
Reaching for his hand, I said, “It’s okay. Just take a deep breath and start at the beginning.”
After Chad was finished telling me everything, I sat there, stunned. “Do you think they’ve taken other women from Chicago?”
Chad shrugged. “I don’t know. It wouldn’t surprise me. Nothing would right now. I still honestly can’t believe that Jonathon would be involved in something like this. I’ve known him since school. He was my best man at my wedding.”
Krista walked over and placed a plate filled with fruit and an omelet in front of me.
“This looks amazing. Thank you, Krista. You have to be exhausted. Are you staying here? Please tell me you’re not driving home this late.”
