Good Deed Bad Deed, Marcia Morgan [summer beach reads TXT] 📗

The words jumped out at her, and she was instantly gripped by fear. She didn’t get up to go to the door, just yelled to Ben. The door opened immediately, and in a trembling voice she said, “There’s another email—just a few words. It’s about Olivia—from someone named Clive Warren. Come and read it!”

Ben went to the computer, Ana close behind. They both leaned over Paris’ shoulder and read the words aloud. “Olivia and friend—Pamplona Spain—captives—much danger…” He stopped talking, put his hand on his mother’s shoulder and squeezed gently. Ana did the same. Paris was still as a statue. All three were silent, thoughts racing. “Mum, this could be the break we need to start looking for her.”

Paris spoke, her voice almost a whisper. “Maybe it’s just to give us false hope. Maybe they’re playing with us—just being cruel.”

Ana had been quiet, not wanting to interfere, but it was time to share her thoughts. Very gently she said, “Or it could be a Good Samaritan—or someone who no longer wants to be a part of whatever is going on or is meant to happen.”

Ben began to pace around the room. “There are any number of possible reasons for this. It could be a ruse, or a cruelty, but just in case it isn’t, I have to do something. I’m going to Pamplona—as fast as I can get there.”

Ana could see a fury building in Ben. He would be a loose cannon in Pamplona, and if by some chance he encountered her abductors, his emotions would likely get him killed. There had to be some sort of order to the undertaking. She knew it was imperative that it appear as if Paris was doing just exactly as she had been ordered. The telephone call with instructions had not come yet, but it could at any minute. Nothing should be done until then. Ben was Olivia’s protector and it would be beyond difficult to keep him at bay until the right time. She had made one decision that was irrevocable: He would not go to Spain without her.

Ben was still pacing when the phone rang. Paris startled, sat up straight, and reached for the phone. She hesitated and let it ring three times before answering. Ana saw her lick her lips and breathe deeply before speaking.

“Hello. Paris McKinnon here.” She waited for the voice on the other end to respond.

The caller spoke through a device that disguises the voice, although she could tell that it was a man. “Did you get the email?” he said.

Paris thought quickly about the fact that she had received two emails, but assumed correctly that this call was about the threat, her task, and nothing else. “Yes, I have it. Is my daughter all right? Could I speak to her?”

“Not a chance. Do as you’re told and we’ll see about it.”

Even with the strange sound of the disguised voice she could hear the underlying tone that suggested he was enjoying her distress. “Tell me what I have to do. Tell me that if I do as you say you’ll return my daughter to me unharmed.”

“You’ll get no assurances until we see that the instructions have been carried out. And don’t put me on speaker. I’ll be able to tell. That wouldn’t be a wise move.”

Paris looked worried, saying nothing while she listened to what followed. Ben and Ana hovered over the desk, both trying to hear what they could of the man on the other end. Several minutes passed before she said she understood and hung up the phone.

“I only have two days—two days—to set this up. It could be impossible. And how can your father put an Interpol team in place that soon. Whoever these people are, they could be watching any or all of us.”

“Two days to do what?” Ben asked excitedly. Ana looked at him, shook her head and walked around behind Paris to place supportive hands on her shoulders.

“It’s about the security company who will transport the exhibit. The man I’m replacing left without locking in a contract with anyone. It’s up to me to hire it out, and the whole key to this terrible situation is that I’m ordered to hire a fake company and provide all the appropriate paperwork to them for their purpose. Their truck will meet the exhibit at the airport, supposedly to bring it here to the museum. But of course that won’t happen. It’s to be a well thought out robbery.”

Ben sat on the edge of her desk and folded his arms across his chest. His expression was one of tension and anger. He spent a few moments in deep thought before he said, “Someone with a lot of knowledge about how this all works has to be at the bottom of it. A bunch of thugs couldn’t plan something like this. They just do as they’re told.” The women nodded their heads in agreement and Ben continued. “We have no way of knowing whether the person who sent the second email is involved or not. He could have overheard something. But whatever the case, I’m going to Pamplona.”

Paris’ worried expression deepened as she contemplated Ben’s impulsive reaction. “Wait for your father. He and his friends must have some ideas about how to handle this.”

“While they’re deciding what to do, I’m going to be on a plane—actually doing something. I want to be in place when the authorities get there to look for her.”

Ana broke the uncomfortable silence that followed his words. “I know you feel you should go. I understand. But when you get there, you’ll have no idea what to do or where to look. Two pairs of eyes will be better than one pair. I’m coming with you—no arguments.

Before Ben could counter Ana’s declaration, he heard the office door open behind him. He turned to see his father walk briskly into the room. Paris rose quickly from her desk chair and hurried to him, throwing her arms around his waist