Kasey closed her eyes and focused all her energy on Jake. Her hands trembled. If this helped, it was worth every bit of the fear that consumed her.
Lala’s low voice broke the silence. “When the tea is cool enough, sip it. But don’t drink it all. Leave the last sips and tea leaves in the bottom.”
Kasey steadied herself and took a sip.
Is this tea making me lightheaded? Relax! You’re doing this for Jake.
She drank most of the tea. Lala took the cup, then swirled the contents with purpose. She picked up a square paper napkin from the tray, placed it in center of the saucer, then flipped the cup upside down on top of the napkin.
Kasey wondered how long this would take, and if her courage would sustain.
All my hopes are trapped under a china cup.
Lala righted the cup. She inspected it. Slowly. Methodically. Then she scribbled on a paper at her side. She never uttered a word.
Kasey leaned in, trying to decipher what Lala had written. The scribbles made no sense.
“So much here,” Lala said, her voice louder, confident—almost vibrating “A lot of emotion in your life.”
No kidding.
“There
is
an answer to your problem. The answer is in your circle, but yes, new friends are coming your way to help.” Lala twisted the cup and drew another symbol on the tablet. “Does the letter L mean anything to you?”
Kasey looked up.
L?
“No. I don’t think so.”
“It’s a strong L. Lee perhaps? Any connections to a Lee? Place, person?”
“No.”
“It’s in front of you, so perhaps you haven’t intersected just yet. But soon.” She nodded and twisted the cup again. “Good news is coming your way.”
I can’t believe I fell for this.
Lala pointed a long finger into the cup and tipped it toward Kasey. “This egg and the smaller one near it represent success or perhaps a business opportunity.” She pointed to the side of the cup near the handle. “See here, this is the anchor—the answer to your problem. It’s close. And here, the angel. She’s good news.”
Everything from that point forward was a blur. Kasey’s mind clung to those words.
The answer.
Good news.
As Kasey drove home, she realized nothing the mysterious Lala had said was specific.
Smoke and mirrors.
Why had she let herself fall for such a scheme? She knew better. Clutching the steering wheel, she looked into the starry night and hoped she hadn’t just done something that would backfire on her with some kind of bad karma.
God, please forgive me. I’m desperate.
Exhausted by the time she got home, she went straight to bed.
She closed her eyes to the images Lala had scribbled across that page. Hieroglyphics inspired by clumps of messy wet tea leaves that looked like nothing to her told Lala a story. Or was it just what Kasey had wanted to hear?
Kasey prayed that dreams of Nick would soothe her worries during the night.
* * * *
The next day was a long one, but Kasey promised herself she’d put last night behind her. When the phone rang, she tripped over Dutch as she lunged for it.
“Hello?” she said as she steadied herself.
“It’s me.”
Riley’s voice was a welcome one, but not the one she’d hoped to hear. “Hi.”
“Sorry. No more news. Von’s still working on every angle and so are the police.”
“Why does everything take so long? I mean, you can get almost anything on the internet in mere seconds. But when the information is important, it takes so long. It doesn’t seem right.”
“I know. I thought I’d come do a sleepover tonight, if you want. Might make the waiting easier. Or heck, maybe we’ll have news by then and we’ll be celebrating.”
Kasey smiled. “Von won’t mind?”
“Not at all. Are you kidding? He’ll be happy to have all the pillows
without a fight.”
“That would be great. Thanks, Riley.” Kasey’s jaw dropped.
Riley—Lee. Maybe that was the “L,” the Lee, Lala had referred to?
“I’ll be over as soon as I finish cooking dinner for him. I’ll bring you something.”
“Don’t bother. I can’t eat,” Kasey said.
“Well, you need to. You need your strength. I’ll see you shortly.”
Kasey hung up the phone and curled up on the couch. Dutch sat in front of her, resting his chin on her leg. She stared out the picture window at nothing until the daylight started to dim.
No lights out here in the country.
No neighbors.
No family.
No life.
* * * *
Headlights streamed into the now dark living room where Kasey still sat huddled on the couch next to the house phone and with her cell phone in her lap. She turned on the lamp when Riley stepped onto the porch.
“It’s me,” Riley said, as she let herself in.
Kasey responded with half a smile. Her stomach growled in response to the familiar smell of home cooking. “You made chicken and dumplings.” Riley knew it was her favorite.
“Comfort food. Lord knows we deserve it.” Riley dropped her purse in the corner and put a paper sack on the coffee table. She retrieved two covered bowls and spoons from the bag, handed one to Kasey, and snuggled next to her on the couch with the other. “At least try.”
Kasey swirled her spoon in the bowl. “Any news?” She lowered her head and blew across the top of the piping hot broth.
“A little, but don’t get excited. Whoever sent the pictures went to some trouble. They’ve traced the package back through two couriers to the origination point, but they didn’t ask for any identification at origination.”
“Great.”
“It gets better. You won’t believe who the paperwork says the pictures were sent by.”
Kasey raised her eyes and held Riley’s gaze. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”
“You. It says they were sent by Kasey Phillips.”
“Why would I send those pictures to myself?”
“You wouldn’t. This is a case of bad record keeping or a good cover up. They put your name in both the
To
and the
From
blanks on the shipping form.” Riley took a bite of chicken and dumplings, then set her bowl on the table. “There’s one other thing.”
“What’s that?”
“The package originated in Nashville.”
Kasey blinked as she realized the connection. “That’s where I was headed to pick up Cody’s tour.”
“I know.”
“If my baby is in Nashville....” Kasey set her bowl next to Riley’s. “Do you think Jake is alive and in Nashville?” She shook her head. “This doesn’t make sense. Why would he end up so far away?”
“Don’t get your hopes up. I mean...wait...I know that sounds awful. I want you to have hope. We all want to find him, but this doesn’t mean....”
“I know. I know. I could drive myself crazy. Or maybe I am, and I printed bad unfocused pictures and sent them to myself.”
Riley put her arm around Kasey and they shared a laugh. The first one in a long time and Kasey wasn’t sure if the tears were from how good it felt to laugh, or how anxious she felt about Jake at the moment.
Kasey’s cell phone rang.
Riley reached for it. “Want me to get it?”
“Would you?”
Riley snagged the phone and answered. “Kasey Phillips’s phone. May I help you?” Riley’s eyes went wide. She mouthed ‘Cody Tuggle’ to Kasey, and Kasey nodded in response. “Yes, she’s right here. No, I think she’d want to speak to you. One moment.”
Kasey took the phone and filled him in on the latest details.
“Nashville? Then I
can
help. We can get the word out. I have promo spots on radio and television in every stop on this tour. We can post a picture. What Amber alert can’t do, maybe the Tuggle country music fan club network can.”
“I wish.”
“No. I’m serious. I can slip that in on every stop. What are they going to do, tell me to shut up?”
“Maybe.”
“It’s a risk I’ll take. Come on out to Nashville as scheduled. If your son is anywhere near there, you’ll be that much closer when they find him. I’ll jet you wherever you need to go.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. And if it’s not a good lead, the tour will be a good distraction for you.”
He was right. “I can’t thank you enough.” Kasey hung up the phone, feeling hopeful and more confident in her plan.
Riley raised a brow and smiled. “Is the trip back on?”
“It is.”
Chapter Eleven
When Kasey landed in Nashville, she headed for baggage claim. The rush of being on a schedule again was a welcome diversion. As soon as she stepped off the escalator, she spotted her driver. The black-suited man was as short and stout as the capital letters that spelled out her name on the sign he held in front of him. She introduced herself.
He nodded. “Schaffer, ma’am. I’ll be your driver while you’re in town. How many bags do you have?”
“Four,” Kasey said, then felt the need to explain. “Four in all. One for clothes, and three full of equipment and supplies.”
He grabbed a cart and headed to the baggage carousel just as the belt started chugging and an array of bags eased past. Cody’s road manager had sent special stickers for her luggage which made the four cases easy to spot.
The driver grunted while lifting her equipment onto the cart. Kasey cringed.
“Ready, ma’am?” he asked, as he lifted the final one into place.
“Thank you,” Kasey said, then followed him to the limousine, trying to figure out how to ask for a favor.
He opened and held the door of the stretch limo. She slid onto the fine leather of the back seat. The car shifted from the weight of her bags when he loaded them into the trunk. He rounded the limo and got in.
“I know you’re supposed to take me to the hotel, but would you mind stopping at this address?” Kasey handed the driver a piece of paper noting the address. “I don’t know if it’s on the way.” She watched for a response.
“Not a problem, miss.” He punched the address into the GPS, then eased into traffic.
A few minutes later, he parallel-parked the car in front of
Victory Courier Service
.
“Thanks. I’ll be just a few minutes.” Kasey opened the car door, but the driver was around to her side before she stepped out. She felt herself flush.
He held the door. “Take your time.”
She got out and stood there for a moment.
What do I think I’m going to find out that the cops didn’t?
The thought froze in her brain. While on this tour, she’d do everything she could possibly do to find Jake. If she rattled a few cages along the way, so be it.
Neon signs indicated that the shop was open for business. Filled with determination, Kasey walked to the door. Three giant bells on a single piece of twine jingled as she entered the small shop, then stepped to the counter.
A balding white-haired man looked up from his newspaper and peered at her over the top of his glasses. His plaid western shirt had seen better days, but its rosy orange color matched his cheeks.
“How can I help you today?” he asked with a warm smile.
“Are you the owner?”
His long wiry brows seemed to dance above his eyes. “Yes, ma’am. Is there a problem?”
“Oh, no, nothing like that. You spoke to the police earlier this week about a package.”
His smile faded. “Yes. The one the lady sent to the courier in Virginia?”
“That’s the one.”
Thank God, he remembers.
“Do you remember what she looked like?”
He studied her. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
Her heart raced, and she prayed she wouldn’t screw up anything the police had already done. Was he going to answer?
His face softened. “I remember her because, you see, she was wearin’ one of them fringy coats. Kind of looked like a hippy from back in the sixties. She’d have been a looker back then, but you’re too young to know what I mean by that. She was tallish. Long, straight brown hair. Said she was just passing through.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Why do you ask?”
“I’m Kasey Phillips. The package was sent to me.”
He wagged a crooked finger toward her. “No, young lady. You are
not
the lady that sent that package.”
She nodded. “Oh, I know. Do you think if I sent an artist over, you could describe her well enough for them to sketch a picture?”
He tapped his finger to his temple. “Mind like a steel trap. I can do that.”
“Excellent,” she said, her voice jumping as high as her hopes.
“You seem pretty excited about that. Mind me askin’ what this is all about? Police wouldn’t share much.”
“No, sir. I hope you can help me.” She told him the story of the accident and Jake’s disappearance.
He reached across the counter and patted her arm. “I’m so sorry.”
“Me, too. I pray for any lead that might help me. Mr.... Where are my manners? I’m sorry. I didn’t get your name.”
“Lightner.”
She grabbed a business card off the counter. “I’ll have someone call and set up a time to come by as soon as possible, Mr. Lightner.”
“That’ll be fine. I hope I can help.” His brows wiggled again. “I bet you’re a wonderful mother.”
She pressed her hands to her heart. Her eyes welled. “That’s a nice thing for you to say. Thank you.” She shook the card his way as she backed out of the store. “I have someone waiting on me, but we’ll be in touch.”
He waved goodbye, shook the paper open, and turned his attention to the morning news.
* * * *
Back in the limo, Kasey couldn’t contain her excitement. She thanked the driver so many times for stopping that he rolled up the window between them.
She dialed Von and passed along the news. Once he finished fussing at her for going to the courier service, he agreed to arrange for a sketch artist to visit Mr. Lightner and follow through with the lead.
A newfound sense of strength came over her. She relaxed against the fine leather, basking in the knowledge she was doing everything she could think of to find Jake.
The driver looked at ease as he maneuvered through the traffic, then parked in front of the hotel. Kasey was greeted by a concierge who escorted her to Cody Tuggle. As they passed through the lobby, the concierge introduced himself as David Allen. He was so proper she didn’t dare ask if those were his first and middle names, or first and last, though she wondered. He told her the bellman would retrieve her bags and deliver them to her suite. She hadn’t expected this level of opulence in décor or service.
David Allen led her to a private elevator and punched in the code for the penthouse. When they reached the top floor, they stepped into a marble sitting area with a skylight overhead and faced a set of huge double doors. David Allen pulled a gold key from his suit pocket and twisted it in the lock.
Kasey entered the grand room. White marble floors glistened as bright as fresh Aspen snow. Carpeted areas sectioned off the space with pile so deep her high heels sank, making it hard to keep balance. She followed through the huge space toward the hum of conversation. An impromptu interview area had been arranged at the far end of the room—two large black leather chairs and stage lights that burned so bright she sensed the sizzle from yards away. Near the interview area, Cody sat with a paper cape tucked into the collar of his white shirt. A pretty blonde dabbed his forehead with a sponge.
“You made it.” Cody said, leaning to dodge the woman who was now coming at him with a huge makeup brush. “I was getting worried.”
Kasey hadn’t considered that her little detour would be noticed by anyone but the driver.
Cody spoke to a dark-haired woman who then crossed the room to greet Kasey.
“He’ll wrap up in just a little bit. I’m Annette. I run the publicity campaign for his tour.” She extended her hand.
Kasey accepted the handshake and introduced herself.
Annette’s dark hair swung across her shoulders as she spoke. “Cody filled me in on your son. I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine....”
“Thank you.” Kasey took in a deep breath.
“He’s getting ready to do an interview with the local TV affiliate. You’re just in time. He said you’d have a picture. We’ll get them to show it at the end of the interview, and Cody will explain the situation. I hope it helps.”
“You don’t know how much this means to me.” Kasey took a manila envelope out of her shoulder bag and handed it to her.
“It won’t hurt Cody’s reputation any either. I have a hard time getting him to do interviews. He’s always hell bent on staying off camera, but then paparazzi just make up stuff about him. That’s never good. You’re in the biz. You know.”
“All too well,” Kasey said.
Annette tugged the photographs out of the sleeve.
“They’re all the same. I made fifty copies.” Kasey had taken the picture after a long day at a picnic. Jake had been sweaty and dirty—all boy—and clutching his Bubba-Bear to his chest.
Annette took in a quick breath and her eyes went glassy. She rubbed her fingers under her nose. “He’s adorable,” she said in a compassionate tone.
Tears teased the rims of Kasey’s eyes. She couldn’t let that start. Not here. Not now.
“Thank you for all your help.” She excused herself before she lost control.
Kasey poured herself a glass of water and filled a small plate with food from the huge spread that had been laid out for the crew. She took a seat and watched Cody and the television host. Cody looked nervous. Stiff. He’d been the same with her on the photo shoot at first.
Once the interview got going, he loosened up and the real Cody came out—charming and full of humor. Toward the end of the interview, Cody asked the host if she would do him a favor.
“Of course,” she gushed. “Anything for you, Cody.”
Cody shifted gears—from playful musician to sentimental man.
He cleared his throat and leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees and forming a steeple with his fingers. Kasey guessed that the cameraman was zooming in on him.
“Bad things happen all the time. Usually to really good people. I have a friend, a real nice lady; she’s had a rough time. Long story short, her son is missing. We’re going to flash a picture for you. If you’ve seen this child, please call the toll-free number below, or contact the station here.”
Kasey held her breath. She might as well because her throat was suddenly so tight that no air could pass through it.
Cody looked her way, then repeated the phone number and the description of Jake.
She tilted her head and mouthed the words, “Thank you.” A dormant strength awakened inside her, a welcome feeling that she really wasn’t alone in all of this.
“If your tip brings this little man home to his momma, I’ll pay a generous reward for the lead.”
Why hadn’t I thought of that?
The producer called from the side, “Aaaaand, that’s a wrap.”
Cody thanked the interviewer, then the entire crew, appearing much more relaxed since the camera had stopped rolling. He made his way over to Kasey.
“The segment will air across the Nashville area on the six o’clock news,” Cody said. “Don’t worry about the reward. I’ll pay it.”
“You’re doing enough just getting Jake’s picture out there,” Kasey said, still amazed by his generosity.
He grabbed an Orange Crush from an ice bucket and twisted off the top. He took two long swigs. “Those lights are hot.”
“You’re changing the subject.”
“Yeah. I’m the star. I get to do that.” He winked. “Did you want to change before we go over to do the sound check?”