“We’re so sorry about Ashlyn. Of course, we want to do everything possible to help find her.” The headmaster took the offering and a twinge of jealousy nipped at Clara when the two made contact. She shoved the unproductive thought aside. It’s just that it had been a long time since she’d felt safe with anyone. Daniel Damon had a quality about him that told her in no uncertain terms that nothing would happen to her on his watch. Clara was a strong, independent woman but it was nice to have someone else have her back for a change, someone capable of dispatching any and every threat imaginable. He was dark, dangerous and had a past. An annoying voice reminded her that he was sexy too, and the kiss they’d shared was still causing aftershocks of electricity and heat to course through her.
He was also Clara’s best hope at finding Ashlyn.
“Wait right here.” The headmaster motioned toward a pair of nestled leather sofas. The soft lighting gave the aura of an intimate conversation space. The area felt more like a living room than a school lobby.
Clara flashed eyes at Daniel. He placed his hand on the small of her back and walked with her to the waiting area.
She ignored the frissons of heat the contact caused. And when his fingers flexed she wondered if she was having the same effect on him. Gasoline poured
on a blaze would be the best way to describe the out-of-control forest fire they’d set if it went further than this.
Mrs. Rutledge wasn’t headmaster without reason. She was well-spoken and well-educated. The woman was sharp and an emotion passed behind her eyes at the mention of Ashlyn that sent a warning flair.
As the headmaster disappeared down the hallway, Clara repeated a silent prayer that the woman wasn’t slipping into her office in order to double check their story with the FBI.
Makayla stalked into the waiting area, a look of surprise lighting her eyes when she saw Clara, and then confusion when her gaze landed on Daniel.
Clara stood and embraced the teen before motioning for her to sit down. Makayla perched on the armchair rather than join Clara on the couch and then her shoulders slumped forward.
From somewhere down the hall, Daniel heard the faint beating of a drum.
The teen had long brown hair pulled to the side in a ponytail. She had big brown eyes and a make-up free face. Her white oxford and navy blazer over a plaid skirt made her look the part of a prep school kid. She slumped forward as Clara took the girl’s hands in hers. Her face was sullen.
“I can’t believe this year has already started without her.” Makayla hiccupped and a tear broke loose, streaming down her cheek. She glanced at Daniel. “Who’s he?”
Daniel had noticed how in-the-moment kids were with Ruthie but was reminded of it now as he watched Makayla. One minute his daughter could be crying and miserable and then something would happen to distract her and not two minutes later she was laughing and having the time of her life. Nothing seemed to stick and he figured that was the reason kids slept so well at night.
Living for the right-now also made for a lot of bad decisions when they didn’t evaluate the consequences of their actions. But then just-like-that the moment would be over and life would move on.
The drum thumped louder.
“This is Daniel. He’s a friend of mine.” Clara’s voice was smooth and soothing. It seemed to have the desired effect on Makayla and he figured there was a purpose to her approach. The shrink was probably good at her job. Hell, she’d gotten more out of Daniel than he’d said to anyone in two years, longer than that when he really thought about it. He didn’t want to evaluate just how far back that would go.
Daniel nodded and Makayla’s gaze dropped to the carpet.
“Did she come home?” Makayla asked, glancing around like Ashlyn would jump out and yell, “Surprise!”
Daniel was quick to notice her word choice. Not, “Did they find her?”
Interesting.
Clara shook her head.
“Oh. I just thought that’s why you were here.” Makayla seemed to think what was on everyone’s mind. That Ashlyn had run away and would turn up when she was good and ready. Daniel hoped that was true but his gut said it was too hopeful.
“No. I’m sorry.” Now it was Clara’s turn to slump like a deflated balloon. “Daniel wanted to ask a few questions about the trip.”
“I already told the policeman everything I knew. It feels like it was so long ago even though it was only two weeks,” Makayla admitted on a dramatic sigh.
“Why did you tell the police you thought Ashlyn ran away?” Daniel made sure to say her name in order to remind Makayla that her friend was still a real person.
“She kept talking about how nice it was in Jamaica. The people. The weather. The beach. Her mom and Timothy had been arguing even more than usual,” Makayla said. “Timothy would have a couple of drinks after work and then pick a fight with Ashlyn.”
Clara tensed so slightly that it was almost imperceptible. Daniel noticed.
“Did they fight about anything in particular?” he asked.
“Yeah. Her. Mrs. Re—” Makayla flashed her eyes at Clara. “Sorry…Mrs. Durango wanted to keep Ashlyn at Brighton but he thought it was a waste of money. Her dad was freaking out over still having to pay child support even though he paid for, like, everything for Ashlyn
