Smiley(58)
The phone on the counter had a dial tone when she tested it. She dialed Elvis’ number after getting it from information and was relieved when Beth answered on the first ring.
“It’s me.” Vanni was glad to hear her voice. “You’re safe. I was so worried.”
“Well, I’m still worried. Where are you?”
“At Homeland. I took your advice.”
“Should I come there? Mickey could drive me.”
“No. I’m okay.” She glanced around the spacious home. “They are treating me really good and have put me up in a house. It’s nicer than a hotel.”
“They didn’t blame you for drugging that Smiley guy?”
“No.”
“Is he there with you?”
“I haven’t seen him yet but I will tomorrow. I don’t have any clothes so he’s going to take me shopping.”
Beth’s voice lowered. “Are you okay? Seriously?”
“I’m fine. Seriously. They were really nice and picked me up in a helicopter.”
“Wow. You got to ride in one of those?”
“It wasn’t that much fun. Trust me. I felt a little motion sick. They fly faster than I thought they would. I did get to meet Fury North.”
“Seriously? Is he as cool as he seems? Was Ellie with him?”
“I didn’t get to meet her but he was really nice.”
“I should come to you,” Beth stated. “You’re alone. I’d be terrified in your shoes.”
“Everyone is being super nice. They even brought me lunch. I’m really okay. I just called to make sure you made it to Elvis’ okay and that Gregory’s guy didn’t get you.”
“The cops came and checked out the apartment. They blamed the paparazzi creeps, thinking one of them might have tried to break in to take pictures. They escorted me out to my car after I told them I didn’t want to stay there anymore. I did exactly what you said. I had Mickey meet me in a parking lot and he drove me here. I left my cell phone locked in my glove box instead of at home. I wanted to make sure my family didn’t freak out if they couldn’t contact me. I called them while I waited.”
“I didn’t think of that.”
“You had other things on your mind like how damn fucked-up Carl and his father are. Did those bastards hurt you?”
Vanni debated going into detail but dismissed it. Beth would flip out if she heard she’d been Tasered or if she repeated Bruce’s threats. “I’m fine. Really. I just plan on sleeping. I’m exhausted.”
“You sound it.”
“I only got a few hours sleep last night and the floor was uncomfortable.”
“They made you sleep on a floor? Those bastards.”
“There was a bed but it’s a long story. I wasn’t going to touch it.”
“Okay.” Beth hesitated. “I can come to you if you want me to. I don’t mind. I’d actually feel better.”
“Stay there. I’m really okay. I’m just going to sleep. There’s no point in you driving all this way to watch me snooze.”
“Give me the phone number. The caller ID didn’t reveal one.”
Vanni studied the phone. It wasn’t marked. “I don’t know it.”
“I guess I could call Homeland and they could connect me to you, right?”
“I guess so.” Vanni wasn’t sure. “I need to get off here though because I don’t know if they have call waiting. Justice North promised to send someone to Mia’s and Count’s homes to make sure their families are safe. I didn’t want Gregory sending thugs after them. Someone is going to call me to let me know.”
“I really hate that rat bastard.”
“Me too. Have you heard from Mom and Dad?”
“They took off in their RV. Your dad was fit to be tied after I told him what was going on. They are on their way to the cabin but we knew that’s where they’d go. They are either home or up there. Period.”
“I figured.”
“They had me give them Mickey’s number and your mom keeps calling every time they stop for gas. They ditched their cell phones. I’ll tell them you’re at Homeland.”
“Please don’t. They might show up here.”
“That’s true.”
“Just tell them I’m safe. They can buy one of those inexpensive cell phones with the minute cards. Talk my dad through it and have him give you the number. Tell them I’ll call them tomorrow. I just don’t want to deal with them right now. You know how they can be.”
“Boy, do I. Your mom asked me if you go to bars often and pick up strangers.”
Vanni cringed. “Great. They think I’m a slut.”