SEAL of Approval (12 page)

Chapter Seventeen

Ali felt the eyes of a dozen men on her as she walked into the Brassy Saloon. Her dress, a full-length, backless, black and white floral print, hugged her curves. And to ensure Mike got the message, she wore bright red lipstick, three inch, open-toed heels, and her hair hung loose across her bare back.

As she approached the bar a handsome black man in a well-tailored suit flashed a friendly smile.

She ignored him and took a seat.

“What are you having, gorgeous?” asked the bartender.

She smiled. “I’m waiting for someone. I’ll order when he arrives.”

He winked. “Lucky guy.”

She felt her phone vibrate in her purse and fished it out. It was Mike. Here we go, she thought as she answered.

“Hey, babe. I haven’t been able to get away from work yet. I’m going to be at least another forty-five minutes.”

Ali shook her head. He actually sounded disappointed. “You know that’s when the show starts?”

“I know, I’ll meet you in the foyer. I promise I’ll make it.”

“OK, I’ll see you then.” She tossed her phone in her bag.

The handsome man moved to the seat next to her. “Your date running late?”

“It seems that way.” She gestured for the bartender.

“Mine too. It sucks to be the dependable one. Seem to spend half your time waiting around.”

“Tell me about it.” The bartender appeared and Ali ordered a Manhattan.

“Make it two and let me get it,” the man said.

Ali smiled. “No, I can’t let you do that.”

“Sure you can. You get the next one. I mean we’ve got an hour to kill till the show starts.”

She managed a smile. “You’re going to see the ballet?”

“Yes, I am.” He extended his hand. “My name is Richard.”

“I’m Alison. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Richard.” As she shook his hand she noticed how well he was dressed. He wore a finely cut gray suit with a light blue shirt, opened at the collar. On his wrist was an Omega, similar to the one Mike wore.

“So Alison, are you a local or a visitor to our fine town?”

“A local, I run a small veterinary clinic out at Iron Canyon. What about you?”

“I’m in banking. Well, I used to be in banking. I’m semi-retired now. I sit on a few boards, but most of the time I write.”

“Really, what sort of writing?”

The drinks arrived and Richard paid for them. “Oh, a bit of poetry and the like. Nothing serious. Just dabbling really. Do you have any artistic pursuits?”

“Not really, my work takes up most of my time.”

“I guess when you have a job as important and fulfilling as helping heal animals you don’t need a hobby.”

Ali smiled. She was enjoying talking to Richard, not that she believed he was a retired banker. She’d joined the dots quickly, the coincidence of him being at the bar, the Omega watch and the name Richard. On Mount Otay Mike had blamed his illness on his team-mate, Rick. This had to be another stupid test. And if that was the case then she was going to run with it. Plus, even if he was acting, Rick was a good listener and seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say. They ordered a second round of drinks and before they knew it forty-five minutes had passed.

Ali rose and made to leave. “I guess your date hasn’t made it either.”

“She’s notoriously unreliable. A good friend, but not one for timings. Do you mind if I walk with you?”

“That would be lovely.” The idea of arriving with the handsome Rick appealed to her. It was a short walk from the bar to Spreckles Theatre, where the ballet was showing. The Chicago-style building was over a hundred years old. A marquee over the entrance displayed the performance name in bold, black letters on a white background.

As they reached the doors Richard smiled. “Would you like me to wait with you?”

“If you like, it would be nice to introduce you to Mike.” She pulled out her cell and checked the time. He was already ten minutes late. The phone buzzed as a text arrived.

I’m so sorry I can’t get away. Enjoy the ballet and we’ll grab a bite to eat after.

Glancing up she saw Richard watching her. “Bad news?” he asked.

“Mike can’t make it. I guess I’ll be watching the show alone.”

He checked his watch and frowned. “No, we can’t do that. Look, Clarissa is clearly not coming and I’ve got director’s circle tickets. Join me.”

“Thank you, but it wouldn’t be right.”

“Alison, I simply wish to enjoy the ballet in the company of a new and interesting friend.”

“Alright, but first let me send Mike a reply.”

Richard waited at a respectful distance as she typed a response.

Don’t worry. I’m going to head straight home after the show. I will see you tomorrow.

The performance lasted nearly two hours and Ali watched in rapt attention. Her gaze never left the dancers as they twirled to the notes of a full symphony orchestra. When it was finally over she sighed and slumped back in her chair.

“That was amazing,” said Richard.

“It was, wasn’t it.”

“I think it was made even more enjoyable due to the company. You should have seen your face.”

“It was delightful. I really wish Mike could have been here.”

“His loss, I’m afraid.”

They waited for the crowd to thin before leaving the theatre.

“Would you like to get a nightcap? There is a great little bar not far from here.”

“No, I’m afraid I’m feeling a little worn out. I’m going to head straight home. Thank you so much for a wonderful evening, Richard.”

“My pleasure. Look, Ali, I wouldn’t usually do this but I was wondering if I could give you my number.”

“Richard, you’re an amazing guy but I’m already seeing someone.”

“I understand. Well, I have had a fantastic time. Thank you again, Alison.” He pecked her on the cheek.

Ali smiled as she turned and walked away. It had been a lovely evening despite Mike’s absence. That thought reminded her. She still needed to fail the test. Turning she chased after Rick. “Richard!”

He turned. “Yes?”

“Your number. I changed my mind.”

She registered the look of surprise on his face followed by what could have been a glimmer of sadness. Then he managed a smile. “That would be fantastic. He took a card from his wallet and handed it to her. Give me a call anytime.”

She took the card, found a pen and scribbled her number on the back. “How about you call me tomorrow.”

Rick watched her walk down the street and hail a cab. Then he turned and strolled slowly in the opposite direction. A block further along the road he ducked into a pub and sat next to Mike. He placed the business card on the bar.

Mike stared at it for a few seconds before he picked it up and crushed it in his fist.

***

Ali sat in the back of the cab staring at her phone.

A few minutes into the trip the driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You don’t look happy, Miss,”

“I’m not. I just found out my boyfriend has been secretly testing me to see if I’m worthy.”

“And that upsets you?”

She narrowed her eyes at him in the rear-vision mirror. “No woman would be happy with that.”

“That’s the difference between men and women. A man would see it as a challenge. Whereas, a woman might see it as a man not loving her for who she is.”

“Exactly.”

“So, did you fail on purpose?”

Ali frowned. “How could you know that?”

“Lady, I’ve been married for thirty years and that’s exactly what my wife would do.”

“Yeah, well that is exactly what I did.”

“And now you’re hoping he’ll call you anyway.”

She sighed. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Well, if he loves you he will. Now, this is you.” He pulled the cab up in front of her home.

She paid and tipped him before stepping out onto the grass curb and kicking off her heels.

“Good luck,” said the cabby through the window as he drove off.

As she was about to walk up her drive her phone vibrated and she glanced at the screen. It was a message from Mike.

Hey, I’ll be around tomorrow to pick up Axe.

“Message received loud and clear, Michael Saunders,” she murmured fighting back tears as she began to write a text.

Mike, sorry your little tests didn’t go to plan. I will see you tomorrow.

She didn’t see or hear the grey minivan as it stopped on the street. Staring at her phone she reread the message, wondering if he was as hurt as she was. Maybe she should let him stew on it for a few more minutes before she hit send. Fumbling with the lock she opened the door as she heard footsteps on the gravel behind her.

Turning, she called out in a loud voice. “Who’s there? Mike, if this is another of your stupid tests…”

She caught a glimpse of two masked men then suddenly they were on her. A hand clasped her mouth as she was lifted from the ground by strong arms. The keys slipped from her grasp, as she struggled. Her heels fell off. A hood was slipped over her head plunging the world into darkness.

Chapter Eighteen

Mike
sat in his truck outside the clinic, contemplating how best to handle Ali. He felt betrayed, but also disappointed. She had fooled him. She was just like all the other women he had dated, always looking for a better deal.

Now, he had to decide how to end it. Hell, she hadn’t even replied to his text about Axe. Finally, he climbed out of the truck and entered the clinic.

The assistant behind the counter greeted him with a smile. “Are you here to see Axe?”

“Yeah, I’m here to take him home.”

“Oh, in that case I’m going to have to call Ali.”

Mike checked the clock on the wall. It was nearly ten in the morning. She should have been at work hours ago. “Does she have the day off?”

“No, she just hasn’t been in yet.” She lifted the phone to her ear. “That’s weird, it’s not connecting.”

“Try her home number.”

She dialed again and waited. “No one’s answering.”

Mike frowned. Was it possible she’d taken his text to heart and was avoiding him? No, that wasn’t like Ali.

“Hey, how about I take Axe and go around and check that she’s OK?”

The assistant shrugged. “I can’t see a problem with that. I’ll grab him for you.”

As Mike waited, he tried using his cell to call her number. It immediately went to voice mail.

The assistant handed him Axe’s lead. “Here he is.”

The dog barked loudly and immediately sat next to Mike’s leg. “Good boy. Hey, can you email through my final bill.”

“Sure, I’ll do it now.”

As they left the clinic, Mike was amazed at Axe’s strength. He moved as if he had never been injured. No matter what he thought of Ali, her skill as a vet was undeniable.

Axe jumped into the truck with ease. A moment later, they drove through Iron Canyon and headed to Ali’s suburb. As he pulled into her driveway, he spotted the open door. He sprinted from the truck and almost tripped over a pair of heels. Her keys and purse were next to them. “What the hell.”

Checking the garden, he found no sign of her. He slipped inside and quickly searched every room. Nothing. She wasn’t avoiding him. Someone had taken her.

***

Ramirez
sat at a desk in the quarry office, drumming his fingers against the chipped laminate surface. His kidnap team had returned with the bait. Now he needed to set the trap.

Eduardo stuck his head through the doorway. “Boss, she’s ready for you.”

“About time.” He followed the fixer into the equipment shed through to one of the quarry’s storerooms. Inside the woman was tied to a chair on a sheet of plastic facing a camera on a tripod. Ramirez gestured to the armed guards. “Is she really that dangerous?”

“She keeps trying to escape.”

Chuckling, he stood in front of her and tugged the hood from her head. What greeted him was not the terrified victim he expected. Instead, he faced the fierce glare of a woman enraged.

“Where is Mike?” she snarled.

“Your boyfriend? You will see him soon enough.”

Her eyes darted around the room. “What are you guys supposed to be, Mexican gangsters?”

Ramirez frowned. “We are not supposed to be anything. I don’t think you understand the gravity of this situation.”

“I don’t think you understand the gravity of this situation, buddy. I’m over this shit and I’m over Mike. Get him in here now and I’ll tell him myself.”

Ramirez dropped the hood back over her head and gestured for Eduardo to join him outside. “What the hell is she talking about?”

He shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter.” He took his phone from his pocket and dialed Barbosa. The cartel boss answered after a few rings. “You wanted to know when we had the girl.”

“Excellent, call me once you have the SEAL and I will make sure I’m at the computer.”

He terminated the call. “Are the men in position?”

“Yes, they are ready.”

“And her phone?”

He reached into his pocket and produced Ali’s cell phone. “They turned it off like you asked.”

“Good, but now we want Mike Saunders to know exactly where she is.” He powered up the device, stepped back into the storage room and tore the hood off his prisoner’s head. “What’s your password?”

“Why don’t you ask Mike? I’m sure he already knows it.”

He clenched his fists. “I’m not screwing around. Give me the password.”

She laughed. “Why, so you can see if I called that guy from last night? Is this some final test to see if I’m worthy? You know what, fine. The code is two-three-six-seven. Oh, and Mike, if you’re listening, I think you’re a pathetic, misogynist asshole.”

Ramirez unlocked the device. On the screen was a text message. He smiled as he read it out loud. “Mike, sorry your little tests didn’t go to plan. I will see you tomorrow.”

Ali cocked her head to one side. “See, I worked out your little game.”

“I guess you won’t mind if I hit send then.” He transmitted the message as he left the room and waited. Seconds passed before the phone rang. The name Mike was displayed on the screen.

“Ali, I just got your message. Look, I want to apologize.” The man’s voice was edged with concern.

“Listen to me very carefully, Mike Saunders,” Ramirez growled.

“Who is this? Look if you’ve–”

“Shut up and listen. We have the girl and if you want to see her again come to the Atlas Quarry, alone. If you bring anyone with you, she dies. If you call the police, she dies. If you are not here within the hour, she dies. Come alone and she will live.” He terminated the call, turned off the phone and handed it to Eduardo. “The trap is set.”