Careless Rapture (32 page)

He took her arm. “Come. They saw us. We might
as well say hello.”

They approached the table and everyone
introduced themselves. Jackie glanced at Kevin but managed to keep
up the charade. After a light chat and appetizers, Faye excused
herself and went to the restroom.

“Don’t you women usually do that in pairs?”
Clay asked, once Faye had gone.

“Not tonight,” Jackie said. She looked at
Kevin accusingly. “I thought you told me you wouldn’t donate. You
said you didn’t like her shoes.”

“I changed my mind when I thought about her
face.”

“This had better be about business.”

Kevin raised a brow. “It is. I consider all
women my business.”

Jackie shook her head, determined. “I won’t
let you do this. I can’t let you toy with her. She’s a kind woman,
just as dedicated to HOPE Services as I am. She is committed to its
success.”

Kevin grinned. “Tonight I
hope
to see
how committed.”

“Don’t you dare.” She turned to Clay,
exasperated. “Say something.”

Clay sipped his water. “Remember to wear
a—”

“That is not helpful!” She scowled at
him.

“What is the worry?” Kevin said. “I am just
enjoying the company of an attractive woman. I may have misjudged
her and I am interested in donating to your company. Is that a
crime?”

She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not sure. What
are you up to?”

“Ooo, this sounds like a heated debate,” Faye
said, returning to her seat. “What have I missed?”

“Jackie was just sharing all the good HOPE
Services has done over the years,” Clay said.

“Yes, she’s very devoted to our mission.”
Faye smiled kindly. “I knew she was perfect from the first
interview and we have so much in common. We both lost our parents
and are devoted to helping other people. We balance each other out.
I tend to think one way and she thinks another. She is definitely
my right hand. I’m thrilled to have her as part of our little
team.”

Clay nodded. “And things have been running
smoothly?”

“Yes.”

“Except for a few cancellations.”

Jackie stiffened, wondering what he was up
to.

Faye merely shrugged. “Yes, a few clients
have chosen not to continue with our program, but that is to be
expected.”

“It is my understanding it happened in a
quick succession and has tapered off rather abruptly.”

Faye thought for a moment, then said, “There
seem to be two times a year when people make big decisions. First,
the New Year brings a lot of change. People make resolutions to
change their lives, sometimes in little steps and sometimes
dramatically. Second, spring is also a season of renewal. I can’t
explain why there was a sudden pattern, but I can only guess that
clients decided to make life changes for themselves.”

“HOPE Services, I assume, is made up of more
than you two.”

“Yes, we have a psychologist, counselors,
social workers, and health educators that help with the design of
the program. And of course we have the food service team that
delivers to our homebound clients. Our office handles the
administrative aspect. Most of the work is done out in the
field.”

The waiter approached with their various
dishes. Clay took a bite of his curry shrimp and said, “You have an
administrative assistant, correct?”

Faye nodded, liberally spreading soy sauce on
her rice. “Yes, Patty Jayson is a great help to us. She was there
when Latisha was in charge.”

“So she knows the organization well?”

She hesitated. “Yes. Very well.”

“Why did you hesitate?”

She sighed. “Patty has good intentions, but
sometimes she doesn’t know the proper decorum.”

“She told me that a client, Claudia Meeks,
had committed suicide.”

“Yes, that’s what I mean. A disclosure like
that is unsuitable behavior. I’m not surprised she told you about
that. However, I prefer to keep things like that within the
office.”

“How did you feel about it?”

“It was a tragedy.” A flash of sadness
crossed her face. “The lives of our women are hard and at times
their despair leads them to desperate acts.” She managed a smile.
“It’s not common, fortunately.”

“Jackie told me your clients may have been
targeted by a cult.”

She glanced at Jackie. “I admit to
disregarding that theory until one of our clients was heavily
entrenched in it. It seemed Patty wanted to improve the lives of
our clients by relating a message from the cult to them. I am
pleased to share that we have not heard of any other such
cases.”

“Can we talk about something more
interesting?” Kevin said.

“I thought you wanted to know more about the
program,” Clay said.

“Yes, but I am feeling neglected.”

“Donate a nice amount,” Jackie replied, “and
you’ll never feel neglected again.”

“His donation is important to you?” Clay
said.

“Donations are key to a nonprofit.”

Faye agreed. “But especially after Mr.
Hamlick’s death.”

“Yes, his passing hurt us.”

“Both emotionally and financially,” Faye
said.

Kevin said, “Stop being a reporter for a
moment so we can enjoy our meals.”

“I am enjoying my meal, but I can’t ignore
this opportunity.”

Faye frowned. “Opportunity?”

“If I can garner sympathy for this Claudia
woman, I can work an angle that may tug a few heartstrings and open
a few pocketbooks. Perhaps I could write that due to a cut in
funding, HOPE Services had to face the possibility of reducing
services, which lead to the death of Claudia Meeks.”

“But you could get into trouble,” Jackie
said.

“Why?”

“Because that’s not true.”

“How do you know that?”
Jackie lowered her gaze, wishing she hadn’t said anything. “I spoke
to Claudia’s mother.”

Faye looked at her, startled. “Her mother? I
thought her mother was dead.”

“I’m sorry, I mean her aunt. She raised
her.”

“I still don’t understand. Why you would have
an exception to Clayton’s story?” Her eyes widened with eagerness.
“Think of the publicity. We could use something like that.”

“Her aunt may see it and not agree with what
is printed. Couldn’t she sue for libel or something? She said
Claudia didn’t sound depressed, that she had sounded hopeful. We
can’t write a story and say she was otherwise.”

Faye looked so unhappy, Jackie felt bad for
dashing her hopes.

“I could work on a different angle,” Clay
said.

“Don’t worry about an angle at all,” Kevin
said. “I’m here now and I am seriously interested in donating. Woo
me.”

***

“I think it went well,” Faye said as she and
Jackie touched up their makeup in the ladies’ room.

“I’m sorry about Clayton.”

She waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, don’t
worry. That’s how reporters are. Always seeking a story, and he
only meant to help us. I’m very excited about this, I think he can
give us the right amount of publicity. And if not, with Mr.
Jackson’s help we wouldn’t have to worry anymore.” She powdered her
nose, then dropped the compact in her purse. “He’s taking me
home.”

Jackie tried not to grimace. “I don’t know if
that’s wise.”

Faye looked at her, surprised. “You sound
worried.”

“He has a reputation.”

“I know about his reputation.”

“Then be careful.”

Faye suddenly grinned. “You sounded like a
big sister just then. I never had one.”

“Me neither.”

She hesitated. “You know, your sister-in-law
gave me an idea. I know we went to the funeral together and we’re
here now but we’ve never gone out just to have fun.” Her gaze fell.
“I’m not saying I’m the most exciting person around, but why don’t
I take you to that estate sale I was talking about? You could get
some great clothes. It would be fun and, to be honest, I would love
to give you some tips. You could come by my place for lunch. I
always go on a full stomach, ready for the hunt, and then we’ll
drive over together. What do you say?”

Jackie smiled, thrilled with the idea.
“Sounds like fun.”

***

“Why are you grinning like that?” Clay asked
Jackie in the car.

“I think I’ve made a friend. Faye and I are
going out.”

“Remember to take a bouquet of roses and a
bottle of wine.”

Jackie playfully hit him. “This is serious.
My first female friend outside of the family. That’s a big
step.”

“Hmm. I liked her.”

“You sound surprised.”

He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.
“I am.”

“I’m glad you like her. Most men don’t seem
to.”

He frowned. “Why do you say that?”

“Because it’s true. She doesn’t date much and
when I mention her name they seem less than enthused. Her date with
Nicolas went only so-so and when I mentioned her to William he
nearly shuddered. I think she’s just awkward with men.”

“Or perhaps she doesn’t like men.”

Jackie thought for a moment, then her mouth
slowly fell open. She vehemently shook her head. “No, that’s not
it.”

“How do you know?”

“I just do,” she said firmly.

He grinned. “You just don’t like that it
doesn’t fit your fairy-tale world.”

“That’s not true. Faye is very reserved,
that’s all.”

“Kevin will loosen her up. If he
doesn’t—”

“That doesn’t mean she’s gay, that means she
has taste.”

Clay raised a brow. “I thought you liked
Kevin.”

“I do. But I don’t care if he does donate, I
don’t want them together. He’s terrible for her.”

Clay shrugged.

She rested her arm on the door frame. “Why
did you mention Claudia?”

“I was being a reporter.”

“You played the role too well. I nearly
revealed too much.”

He patted her on the knee. “You were perfect.
We work well together.”

She beamed at the casual praise. “Thank you.”
She glanced out the window. “How is your mother?”

“I wouldn’t know. I hardly see her. Nothing
new there.”

Jackie didn’t reply, knowing it was best to
leave that topic alone.

***

At work the next day, Patty shoved letters
into envelopes, slammed cabinet file drawers, and hit the stapler
as though she were killing flies.

“What’s wrong?” Jackie asked.

“I wish that woman would stop telling me what
to do.” She whacked the stapler again.

“She is the boss.”

“She’s Ms. Nosy, that’s what she is.” She
patted her hair. “I can tell people about our clients if I want to.
Suicide isn’t our fault. Besides, I don’t see the-harm in telling
people the truth.”

“You have to be careful when talking to the
media.”

Her neck began to move like a snake. “Are you
going to tell me off too?”

“No, personally, I appreciated you telling
me.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She stood and grabbed her
handbag. “I’m taking a break.”

Jackie shook her head and went to her office.
She sat at her desk and began to clean up a mess of files and
papers when the phone rang.

“I had expected more of a challenge,” a
familiar chilling voice said. “I thought you were supposed to
protect people. To look out for them.”

She gripped the phone, fear clawing its way
up her throat. “I do.”

“Not very well, it seems.”

Her tone turned sharp. “What do you
mean?”

“You lost one.”

“Who? What are you talking about?”

“You lost one of your family.” The line went
dead.

Jackie dropped the phone. It clattered to the
desk, unnoticed. She knew who he targeted—the disadvantaged,
lonely, or sick. Who in her family could fit that profile? With
trembling fingers, she called Eric.

“Hello?” he said.

She nearly wept with joy at the sound of his
voice. “Eric. I’m so glad you’re there. Are you okay?”

“Yes, of course,” he said impatiently.
“What’s wrong?”

“I was just a little worried about you,” she
said, barely able to keep the phone steady. “Umm, is Adriana at
work?”

“No, she’s here. Do you want to speak with
her?”

“No, that’s okay. And Nina’s okay, too?”

“Yes.” His tone sharpened. “What’s going
on?”

She didn’t want to worry him. “I just wanted
to make sure you’re all doing well.”

He paused, then said, “You’re lying to
me.”

“Try to give your mind a rest. I was just
checking in on you. Oh, there’s another call. I have to go. Bye.”
She hung up.

Jackie called Cassie next and got the
answering machine. She called her cell phone. Still no reply. Would
Emmerick target her? It was possible. She was so open and friendly,
he could trick her by pretending to be a fan. What if he’d
scheduled to meet her somewhere and abducted her? But why? Why? She
grabbed her bag. She couldn’t worry about why right now. She had to
make sure Cassie was all right.

A few minutes later she stood in front of
Cassie and Drake’s house. She knocked and rang the doorbell. She
waited. And waited. Jackie took a deep breath. She wouldn’t panic.
Just because Cassie wasn’t home didn’t mean she was in danger. She
had to calm down and think. Oh, why couldn’t the nanny be at home?
Then she’d know Cassie’s schedule. But she’d probably taken the
children out to the park. Perhaps she had a performance. Jackie
paced the front step, rejecting the idea. Cassie hadn’t scheduled
any until the autumn. She took out her mobile and called Drake.

“Have you heard from Cassie?” she asked once
he’d picked up the line.

“No, should I have?”

“I guess not,” she said, trying not to alarm
him, though her stomach felt it had been squeezed to the size of a
pea. “I thought we had an appointment today and she isn’t here. Did
she tell you she was going out?”

“No, but when she’s not writing she sometimes
meets with people. She has her own schedule.”