Vanessa: The Billionaire's Bride

Chapter One

“He did not stand me up!” Vanessa cried. Her heart plummeted to her feet and a constant pounding at the temples made it hard to think.

Instinctively, Vanessa lifted her hand to the side of her head and massaged it. She could not bear to look at the guests’ faces anymore. Some appeared sad, others appalled, while a few had no expression at all. Even though Nash was late, she’d told the wedding party to walk down the aisle. Not doubting him for a moment, Vanessa smiled as she pictured him primping in the mirror or Beau, his best man, pinning a flower to his lapel last minute. But to not show? Vanessa shook her head. Never.

Vanessa inhaled the ocean air and gazed at the Atlantic Ocean. She dreamed of marrying Nash on the beach of his seaside home. They’d planned each aspect of the wedding together, choosing a tropical theme for their day. Her good friend Mia, an up-and-coming fashion designer, created her mermaid-style gown and the emerald dresses her sister and other bridesmaids wore. White tiger lilies, roses and frangipane tiar filled her wedding bouquet surrounded by deep green monstera leaves. Everything was perfect, even the weather. She tightened her hold on the spray of flowers in her hand.

Hold your head high, Vanessa. Walk down the aisle. Nash will join you once you reach the pergola. He’ll give you a sheepish grin and apologize. She placed a sandaled foot on the white linen runner and felt the sand give way from the weight. Now the other. The next step seemed easier and before she realized it, Vanessa had reached the priest who stood waiting to start the ceremony. “Father.” She nodded, then glanced down the row of her attendants.

Rosa, her older sister and matron of honor, stood closest. Her caramel brown eyes appeared watery, and the smile she gave Rosa seemed forced. Rosa had always taken Nash’s side whenever Vanessa complained of the relationship. She’d tease Vanessa and say, “He’s a hot billionaire. What’s not to like?”

Vanessa needed a Rosa pep talk to get her through the next few agonizing minutes of waiting for Nash. The Alverez sisters always supported and defended each other since they were small. Nothing had changed, and Vanessa needed her encouragement now. Rachel and Adrian clung to their mother’s side as if they knew something was wrong. She remembered her eight-year-old niece’s excited reaction when asked to take part in the wedding. Adrian, only six, stepped right into the job of ring bearer. Now their little confused faces said it all. Will there be a wedding?

The bridesmaids, Mia, Grace, Tess, Charlotte and Lily, gave her looks of encouragement. Their smiles made Vanessa feel better. They know Nash. He likes to joke around, pull pranks. Well, Mr. Gill, if this is your biggest practical joke of the year, I’m not finding it funny. She tried to send the women a message with her eyes and facial expression. He’d never do something like this. Right?

Mia slightly dipped her head and lifted a corner of her mouth. She understands. Mia supports me.

The seconds ticked by slowly as they watched for Nash to make an appearance. Vanessa heard the priest clear his throat. She glanced in the other direction and saw Beau had joined the groomsmen. He lifted his shoulder and grimaced. No! His best friend thinks Nash won’t show. She studied the faces of the rest of his friends, Chase, Finn, Kade and Gabe, yet couldn’t read them. What are they thinking?

Her brother-in-law Leo stepped out of the groomsmen line and walked towards her. “Vanessa? Perhaps we should let the guests mingle until we find Nash. I’ll personally go look for him.”

“No!” Vanessa threw her bouquet to the ground. She heard voices around her, but not the words they said. Her blood rushed through her veins at lightning speed and her heart crashed against her chest. The sound of the waves hitting the shore filled her head and the setting sun blinded her vision. “No! No! No!”

The pergola toppled to the ground, wood splintering everywhere. Vanessa only realized she pushed it over when she felt a palm frond prick the inside of her hand. She gripped it tightly as she heard a loud gasp come from the guests. A rush of movement caught her attention. People filed from their seats in an orderly fashion, sending her a message. There’d be no wedding today. Vanessa sank onto the white linen covering the sand and sobbed. Her sister appeared at one side, Mia at the other.

“Van,” Rosa whispered. “Everything will be okay. Come on, stand up. I’ll get you out of here. I never thought the bastard would do something like this. To think of all the years, I defended him! Dios mío!”

Mia crouched in front of Vanessa. “Let’s get you out of here. We can think more clearly in the house.”

Vanessa looked up into Mia’s kind brown eyes. “You’re right. Make sure all the girls come.”

* * * *

Nash’s body spasmed, and it jolted him awake. Disoriented, he blinked to focus. The room was dark with a slither of pale light coming in from under a door. Every muscle ached and his jumbled thoughts didn’t help. His senses heightened as he inhaled the scent of chlorine. “Where am I?” he shouted, yet only heard a muffled sound. After wiggling his mouth, he felt something sticky. Who taped my mouth shut?

Anger turned to strength as Nash did a quick check of the rest of his body. Hands behind my back. Feet bound together. What the hell? Is Beau playing a practical joke on me? He tugged and pulled on the tape, yet it wouldn’t budge.

The last thing Nash could remember rushed into his mind. He and Beau had walked through the sunroom to get to the backyard, passing Pepita’s cage. The lovebird had become his pet, too, and Vanessa teased him nonstop about how much he cared for the tiny creature when he used to roll his eyes at the mention of her name. He’d glanced down at the water dish and noticed it needed changing. “Beau,” he had called to his friend. “Go ahead without me. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Beau had given him a confused look, so Nash pointed to the cage. “The girl needs fresh water.”

“Ok, bro.” Beau said with a laugh.

Beau left the room. I didn’t see him again. He didn’t do this. Think! What happened next?

The bird had chirped with delight as Nash came closer to the cage. With his back turned, he saw no one approach. A pinch! I felt something on my right side. It’s the last thing I remember. Did I pass out? Or did someone knock me out?

Nash rolled to his side and banged into a wall. I can hit this until someone hears me. He lifted his bound feet and found he was shoeless. It sounded like a dull thud as he threw his legs against the wall. Damn! He squeezed his eyes shut, which enhanced his other senses. Why am I smelling chlorine?

Rolling the other way, Nash collided with some plastic containers. I know where I am. The pool shed where we keep supplies. Someone will find me.

Nash kept banging his legs against the wall until he tore the seam of his pants. He used his feet when he grew tired of slamming his knees into the wood and was sure he had holes in his socks. He kept track of the time by watching the light under the doorway. It grew dimmer until it left Nash in darkness.

* * * *

Hanna O’Donnell stared at the pile of wood entwined with tropical flowers and dark green leaves. Oh, that beautiful wedding arch. Her heart ached for the poor woman who’d crumbled to the ground in front of it. She watched her niece, Mia, crouch beside her friend, encouraging her to stand.

“Something’s not right,” Hanna whispered to her mother. “Nash would never do this.”

“I agree,” Nina Takeda said under her breath. “What are you going to do about it?”

“Me?” Hanna gestured at herself.

“It is the reason I made you head of the Initiative, dear daughter. We solve problems, go after grifters and help those in need. Isn’t that our motto?” Nina paused. “I’d say our lovely Vanessa needs your help.”

Hanna focused on the bride again and noticed Mia helping Vanessa to her feet. Proud of her effort, Hanna tried to catch her niece’s eye to nod her approval. Instead, Mia waved for Hanna to follow the wedding party out the side entrance.

“Go.” Her mother nudged her.

A flurry of white and green filed into the sunroom, then through a doorway to the main house. The guys hung back until the women made it safely inside. Hanna stopped in front of them. Working with these men for more than a year, she’d come to know and trust them. “I have a few questions. Do any of you think Nash planned this? Or did he get cold feet at the last second?”

Each man shook his head and mumbled words Hanna had to strain to hear. “No? Fine. Then does anyone have an explanation?”

“Hanna,” Beau said. “I was with him until the very last second. Nash stopped to talk to Van’s bird. Well, you know what I mean.” He tried to give her a smile. “Her water dish needed changing, so he told me to go on without him. He’d be there as soon as he took care of Pepita.”

“Pepita?” Hanna pulled her brows together. “Oh, right. The bird. Obviously, we can’t question her.”

“I took my position in line and figured Nash would show any minute.” He lowered his voice. “Clearly, something happened to him.”

“Come on, man,” Chase replied. “This is a wedding. How would anyone get on the property? Besides having us as backup, Nash has great security. Why would someone mess with him?”

“A grudge, perhaps?” Hanna asked. “If you think about it, a wedding is the perfect time to steal onto someone’s property.” She made eye contact with each man. “Let’s think back to his mission. The one the Initiative gave him a year ago. It included a shootout, a kidnapping and a defection. Many people were involved, and Nash pissed off quite a few of them.”

“I stayed in Miami to help Nash,” Gabe answered. “You’re right. Many people might want revenge.”

“Revenge?” a familiar voice responded.

“Mother.” Hanna exhaled after the surprise of seeing her. Nina had a habit of sneaking up on her. “Do you have any ideas?”

“I am only here as a consultant,” Nina replied. “I suggest we go inside and discuss this as a group.”

“Before we do,” Chase said. “Renata, Rosa and Van’s mother, is in there. I hope it’s all right. We’ll never get her to leave but I promise she’s trustworthy and will stay in the background.”

“It’s fine.” Hanna nodded. “I know she works for you, Chase. She’s no innocent, I’m sure.” She chuckled.

“Van’s sister and brother-in-law are also in there,” Beau added. “Perhaps we can send them on an errand? Check on the guests or food?”

“Good idea,” Hanna answered. “Should we go in?”

* * * *

“I refuse to be a victim,” Vanessa announced. “All those people out there.” She flung her arm out and pointed toward the beach. “Can’t wait to give me their condolences.”

“Why don’t you send Rosa and Leo out there,” Beau said, strolling into the living area where the women had congregated.

“Would you?” Vanessa gave her sister a pleading look. “Regardless of what happens, there won’t be a wedding today.”

“Sure, anything you want. Leo and I will take care of everything.” Rosa patted Vanessa’s arm, waved to her kids and took her husband by the hand. “We’ll speak to the caterers, too.”

“Thanks, sis.” Vanessa blinked to fight back the tears. “Well?” She glanced around at the remaining group. “Seems like old times. The Initiative is back together again. Only it’s not that old, is it? The Initiative helped when the kidnappers took the girls and me in May. Because of you, we joined the effort. We fought to bring our captors to justice with no luck in June. Now Nash is missing in July. Do you think there’s a connection or it is bad luck?”

“Actually…” Hanna took in a breath and slowly let it out. “Yes, and no.”

“What does that mean?” Vanessa’s heart pounded. She didn’t think she could take much more.

“If you want my opinion,” Hanna replied. “This might have something to do with Nash’s original mission. We need to go over every detail of his assignment until we have an answer.”

“If we’re going to do that…” Vanessa grabbed onto the skirt of her wedding gown and shook it. “I need to get this off before something happens to it. I’m sure we’d all like to change.”

“We’ll do whatever you want,” Mia replied. “I’ll help you with the dress.”

“Everyone, please take care of your suit or dress. We will wear them again,” Vanessa said with conviction.

Loud voices stopped the group before they could leave the room. Vanessa wrinkled her brow and walked toward the sound. “What is going on?”

“Sorry, Ms. Alverez,” a security guard answered. “This guy was trying to get in the house. He says he knows you and has information.”

“Step aside,” Vanessa commanded. Nash’s head of security moved away to expose two more guards holding Roberto Dodaro by his arms. “Robbie!” she exclaimed. “Let him go.”

Roberto “Robbie” Dodaro was the son of Victor Dodaro who worked for Gill’s Gym. Nash had helped Robbie defect to the U.S. from Cuba last summer. At the time, Vanessa had no idea the Initiative had given Nash a secret mission and thought he’d fallen into the deadly game by accident.

Once she discovered Nash had received the assignment from the Initiative, Vanessa pumped him for every last detail. He’d told her a criminal element had edged their way into Victor’s exclusive boxing gym in Cuba. The man had a reputation for teaching someone how to box. Not just fight, but to become the best they could be. A champion.

These mobsters forced their own fighters on Victor, ones who’d throw a fight, so their backers would win. They were mere puppets, and finally Victor could stomach it no more. The only boxer they left alone was Robbie, Victor’s son. They saw his potential and growing popularity. Robbie had worked hard to become the lightweight champ in Cuba. They planned to keep it that way.

Victor knew these men would eventually push him out of the gym and perhaps kill him for good measure. He’d found a way to escape yet hesitated. How could he leave his family behind? His wife and son worried for his safety and encouraged him to go. With Robbie’s success, Victor realized the mob would never let him leave. He swore he’d bring his family to the U.S. one day. Unaware of Nash’s mission, Victor was shocked when Nash offered to help him. Nash set up a charity match between a Gill’s Gym fighter and Robbie last summer, giving Robbie and his mother an opportunity to defect.

Oh, Nash, you’re one of the good guys. When you heard Victor’s story, you helped him. Robbie is standing in our house because of you. Vanessa dismissed the security guards so she could speak with Robbie in private. “Follow me.” She waved him into the other room. “Go ahead, Robbie. Whatever you tell me, you can say in front of them.” She turned to see her group of friends looking their way with curious expressions.

“I think I know who has Nash, Vanessa,” Robbie said. “I’m willing to help you find him any way I can. Even if it means going back to Cuba.”

Chapter Two

Robbie turned to Chase and said, “You can fly me there, right? I am positive those evil bastards took him.” He clenched his fists. “As revenge.”

“Whoa, let’s hold on there.” Beau put up his hands. “You’re getting ahead of yourself. Let us do some recon first.” He turned to Hanna. “Agree?”

Before Hanna spoke, she walked to Vanessa and took her hand. “We’ll do whatever Vanessa wants. She knows Nash best.”

“Thank you, Hanna.” Vanessa fought down the scared, angry feelings that haunted her and said, “Beau’s right. We need to check the grounds, go to his favorite places and the gym. We’ll need to split into teams. But first things first.” She turned to Mia. “Will you help me with my dress?”

“Of course.” Mia nodded.

“We’ll reconvene in an hour,” Vanessa said and headed for the bedroom hallway. When she got to her and Nash’s bedroom, she froze. “I can’t go in.”

“Then where?” Mia gestured to Nash’s home office.

“That’s fine. Would you mind going to my closet for a robe?” Vanessa took Mia’s hand. “I am not going to cry. I refuse to let one tear fall from these eyes.”

“If you want to cry, Vanessa, that’s okay. I’ll be right back.” Mia left the room and returned within minutes. “I hope this is all right?” She held up Vanessa’s favorite terrycloth robe.

“Anything was fine, but you choose wisely.” Vanessa spun so her back faced Mia. “Please, unbutton? I love this dress you designed, Mia. I will wear it again.”

Vanessa stood perfectly still so Mia could concentrate on unfastening the buttons that ran down the back of her dress. The heart-shaped bodice showed just the right amount of cleavage, then curved under her arms and sloped under her shoulder blades in the back. She’d been given a Goddess body as her mother liked to call it. Large breasts and back end. She’d never be a svelte model, but she had to admit she looked great in the dress.

Daydreams came and went as Vanessa stared at the office wall. She thought back to the day she’d met Mia. Freshman year at Florida State, paired as roommates. The two couldn’t be any more different. Vanessa had an outgoing personality, and Mia hesitated to speak. She’d gently coaxed the girl from her shell, only to see her leave after the first year.

A prestigious design school had accepted Mia into their program, and she did not return to Florida State the following year. Sadly, the women lost touch, only to be reunited again when Mia met Kade, one of Nash’s friends. Then, just last month, their bond grew stronger. The women joined the men in a secret operation called The Initiative.

The Initiative. We help those who cannot help themselves. Stop con artists from taking advantage of people. We’re in this together. All six couples. Vanessa blinked back tears. Nash had met the guys in college and over the past year, each man had found “the one”. As the months passed, the girls had bonded and, besides her sister, they’d been the only choices for bridesmaids.

“There. I’m finished.” Mia let out a breath. “The dress fits you perfectly. I was going to ask the photographer to take extra pictures of just you. I wanted to hang one in my wedding gallery.” She sniffed. “Sorry, I was thinking aloud. I should never have said that.”

“No, querida amiga,” Vanessa said as she stepped from the gown. Proud of her Puerto Rican roots, she loved to use the language. She hoped Mia knew it meant ‘dear friend’. “You said nothing wrong.” She glanced down at her white lace underwear and silky garter. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Will you be all right?” Mia asked. “I can sit in the bedroom so you’re not alone.”

“No, I can manage.” Vanessa shook her head. “You need to change, too. Go to Kade’s suite. He’s probably waiting for you.”

Nash had built an oceanfront compound with pool, dock and yacht included. Plush landscaping made a person feel like they were at a private tropical island. He’d fashioned the sprawling ranch to his needs except for the wing designed for visitors and friends. The guys got to choose their décor.

“Okay. Love you.” Mia placed a kiss on Vanessa’s cheek. “Remember you have us, your friends. Not that we have special powers or anything.” She lifted a corner of her mouth. “But we’re a team. The Initiative. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t.”

“Good. You know where I am if you need me,” Mia said and left the room.

Vanessa closed her eyes and inhaled the air in Nash’s office, almost believing he was there. His scent has permeated from every corner. If she turned, he’d be sitting at his desk. Do not look. Pretend he’s there. She exited without looking back.

Once in the bathroom, Vanessa concentrated on her shower. She wiped her mind of all thought, thinking of nothing but the water which would soon hit her bare skin. Her hand automatically wrapped around her favorite body wash, Peaches and Cream, as tears sprung to her eyes. Nash liked to call her Peaches since the smell lingered long after the shower. Well, I use the lotion and body spray, too.

The scent of peaches soon filled the shower, and Vanessa drifted to another place as the water soothed her weary body. Daydreaming while showering had become a favorite ritual. She pictured herself lying on a chaise, soaking up the afternoon sun. Nash swam laps in the pool as she watched. He emerged from the water, dripping wet, and shook his body to remove the excess liquid. He flung his head back to remove the water droplets still clinging to his wavy brown hair. They, in turn, formed a halo around his head. The muscles on his arms tightened as he grew closer, and the tattoo running down his bicep made her shiver with pleasure. Soon she’d be in his arms, feeling loved and protected. His lips landed on hers the second he was close enough, and “I love you” said with such sincerity it made her heart ache.

“Damn!” Vanessa slapped the shower wall. “Stop daydreaming. Go find him.”

Vanessa wrapped one fluffy white towel around her hair, and another on her body. She padded out to the bedroom, noticing the evening sky had turned to night. Staring out the window, she fought for composure. I should get dressed. They’re waiting for me. But instead, Vanessa dropped onto the king-sized bed, curled up in a fetal position and pulled the towel from her head. She stuffed part of it in her mouth so no one could hear the screams which came from the deepest part of her soul.

* * * *

How long has it been? It’s been dark for hours. They must be searching for me. Nash squeezed his eyes shut. The pool storage shed. This is the last place they’d look. He tugged at the restraints with no success. Why am I here? What do they want?

Struggling to stay alert, Nash guessed it was close to midnight. He strained to hear a voice or footsteps, prepared to bang the wall with his legs when he did. Van, my beautiful Van. He wondered where she was and if she thought he’d stood her up at the altar. No! I’d never do such a thing.

Nash rolled to his side and thought back to the day he asked Vanessa to marry him. He’d just rescued her from the clutches of a Cuban cartel that had invested heavily in Roberto Dodaro’s boxing career. Nash promised Victor, Robbie’s dad, he’d help the kid defect. Things went from bad to worse when the perpetrators surprised him and his friends in the reception hall’s parking lot after the boxing match. Luckily, the car taking Robbie and his mom to a safe house had gotten away.

During that same moment in time, someone had kidnapped Vanessa. They’d whisked her away to an empty warehouse to await her fate while Nash thought she’d gone home after a silly fight at the venue. After the boxing match had ended and the police arrived, he rejoiced she was safe. But he’d soon find out differently.

Forgive me, Peaches? Nash rolled onto his back, wincing as he landed on his hands, then labored to get in a sitting position. Sliding his body toward the wall, he leaned into it for support. Now, where was I? Ah, yes. The proposal.

Nash recalled the wind blowing through his hair on the drive to the Keys. He’d driven his red Ferrari with the top down, and he and Vanessa laughed and talked the entire time. She didn’t know I was going to propose. Van thought we were visiting my parents.

After supper with his mom and dad at a seaside restaurant, the couple had gone for a stroll on the beach. Nash had timed it perfectly. As the sun set, he got down on one knee and asked Van to marry him. He chuckled at the memory. She had said no.

Shocked, Nash dropped to his other knee then collapsed onto the sand. He covered his face and laughed. “Really?”

Vanessa slid down next to him and said, “I’d love to marry you, Nash, but before I do, I need you to answer a question. One that’s bothered me for a long time.”

“O…kay.” Nash realized she was serious and stopped laughing. “Ask away.”

“You are a great boss. You hire minorities and put women in positions of authority. Case in point. Missy. We couldn’t live without her at our gym.”

Nash closed one eye. “That’s your problem? A little surprising since you’re Puerto Rican and a woman.”

“No! Let me finish.” Van poked him. “Your business has expanded beyond what we expected. Franchises are popping up all over Florida. But.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Not one is run by a woman. Why? You are generous beyond belief. The last two franchises went to an Army vet and a Black physical education teacher. Both men.”

“I gave you the gym,” Nash whispered.

“Because I begged for two years, and you didn’t want to lose me!” Her temper flared, making her brown eyes shine with anger.

“Okay, you want an answer?”

“Yes.”

“I never thought about it. Most people who applied for franchises were men. I chose people who deserved it. Men who needed a chance. I thought you were proud of me.”

“I was. I am.”

“I’m stupid sometimes, Van. That’s why I need you by my side. You aren’t afraid to point out my faults. You challenge me. We’re good together. In fact, I’ll let you pick the next franchise owner. A woman.”

“Only if she deserves it.” Vanessa looked at him from the corner of her eye.

Nash let out a joyful sound. He laughed from the pit of his belly. “I love you, Van.” He playfully wrestled her to the sand so they both lay side by side.

“I will marry you, Nash Gill,” Vanessa said in a sultry voice.

“Thank you.” Nash brushed her lips with his.

Vanessa pulled him so close, their bodies had no space between them. If they hadn’t been on a public beach who knew what would have happened.

Did I hear something? Nash let go of his memory and perked up at the sound of voices. His breath hitched as the noise came closer. I’m rescued. They found me. He listened closely, trying to pick out Vanessa’s from the others. No women’s voices. Only men.

The door swung open, and Nash saw four silhouettes before one raced in and slipped a bag over his head. He didn’t tighten it, so Nash had room to breathe. Should I resist? Four against one? I’m bound and gagged. Pretty low odds of winning this fight.

A loud voice yelled in Spanish for everyone to get moving. Nash recognized the tone, having a soon-to-be mother-in-law who spoke the language. She’d call the sound of this voice American Spanish. No rolling r’s or correct accents. Nash had lived in Miami Beach all his life and understood the language better than he could speak it. Something he’d never tell Renata, Van’s mom. Yet, he agreed with her assessment of this voice. Not his first language.

Nash felt muscled arms slip under his armpits and jerk him to his feet. “Vamos!” He heard the same American Spanish and assumed this person was the leader.

Shoes pounded on the wooden floor, and the unknown assailants dragged Nash’s body with them. His feet hit grass, then stone. He knew exactly where he was. On the path to his boardwalk. They’re heading for the beach. These are private homes. How did they get in? It’s difficult to get through security.

Sand kicked up around him, and Nash swore he heard a motor. He longed to resist but felt overwhelmed. His head bobbed up and down as they pulled him over the sand. His sock-covered feet became wet, and water splashed up onto his pants. Four pairs of hands lifted him up and out of the ocean, dropping him with a thud over the side of a wall. The scent of gasoline filled his nostrils. “Boat?” he whispered. Confusion took over as the motor revved and they sped off into the darkness.

* * * *

Hanna checked the time. “It’s after one a.m., Mother. Why don’t you and dad go to bed?”

“Not until I hear the plan,” Nina answered. “Kal and I have a vested interest in Mr. Gill’s whereabouts.”

“Oh, really.” Hanna smirked. “Because we put him through something like this before? Don’t worry. I’ve alerted the Initiative members at the home office and put them on standby. The special ops team is on its way here. Can you think of anything else?”

“Yes,” Vanessa said, walking into the room. “I want to take charge of this mission.” She paused. “With your help, of course.”

“Vanessa.” Hanna rose from her chair and met Vanessa as she came into the room. “I told you before, we’d do whatever you want.”

“Where is everyone?” Vanessa scanned the living area.

“I told them to go to bed. Get a good night’s sleep. Everyone, except Beau and Chase, are in their rooms. The guys are outside with Nash’s security searching the grounds.”

“You don’t need to stay,” Vanessa said looking at Hanna then Nina. “You live in San Francisco and the Initiative’s home base is at The Pearl. We’ll stay in contact.”

“It’s not the same as being here,” Nina answered. “Besides, I’m enjoying the weather.”

Vanessa almost smiled at her comment. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. I’m happy to have you. That’s not the point. You have a business to run.”

“Nonsense.” Nina waved her hand. “My two nephews Ken and Koji do a fine job running the day-to-day operations of the hotel. I am just a figurehead.”

Hanna fought back a smile and shook her head. “Mother, you’ll never be a figurehead. At the hotel or as part of our covert operation.”

“The Initiative is more important, Hanna.” Nina gestured toward Vanessa. “As you see, Vanessa needs us.” She made eye contact with Vanessa. “tell us. What is the next step?”

“My brother-in-law texted me from Nash’s favorite hangout. He and my sister went there after sending the guests home. In fact, they’re still there, hoping Nash will show up.”

“Did they ask if he’d been there?” Hanna questioned.

“Yes, they did. Everyone knows him, and no one has seen him.” Vanessa’s shoulders slumped. “Besides checking the grounds and the local scene, there’s not much more to do tonight. I’m going to work in the morning. Nash might come there, knowing he’ll find me. Hopefully, he’ll have a killer hangover and ask me to forgive him.”

“And will you?” One of Nina’s eyebrows rose.

“I…”

“We found something!” Beau burst into the room followed by Chase.

All eyes went to him. “Tell us!” Hanna commanded.

“Footprints on the beach. Three or four sets. It’s hard to tell in the dark. In the middle of the prints are long marks as if they dragged someone between them.”

“Nash?” Vanessa gasped. “Someone took him?”

“Maybe.” Beau rubbed his face. “Probably. Yeah. I think so.”

Chapter Three

Sleep didn’t come easy, yet Vanessa willed her body to relax. Beau insisted everyone get some rest before reconvening in the morning. If someone took Nash, they headed for the beach, hindering the investigation until morning. She needed a couple of hours of sleep before starting the day and hoped to drift off if she cleared her mind. It must have worked since the alarm she set startled her awake. Vanessa jumped from the bed and headed for the bathroom.

A quick, cool shower drove the tired from her bones. Afterward, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Wet, dark hair clung to her skin. “You can do this,” she told the person gazing back at her.

Vanessa had planned to wake early, but not in time to open Gill’s Gym. She’d set her alarm for six a.m. and Gill’s opened at five-thirty. “I’ll be late today,” she said under her breath as she went to her walk-in closet.

Vanessa looked through her athletic wardrobe, searching for work clothes. I always have a spare outfit at home. Finding what she needed, Vanessa slipped on a light gray short-sleeved polo embroidered with Gill’s Gym in bright orange. Next came the gray gym shorts with orange strips and orange Nikes. Once her hair dried, she made a high ponytail and wrapped an orange band around it. “Orange, our signature color,” she said to the mirror.

Nash’s friends always stayed at the house in their own rooms, so she’d put in a breakfast order late last night. Emilio never had a problem with feeding a crew of people, yet she didn’t want to surprise him this morning. Along with their girlfriends and Hanna’s family, there’d be almost twenty people at the table. They’d need a good meal before they started the search for Nash, and Emilio’s breakfast never disappointed.

“Good morning, Ms. Alverez,” Nash’s cook nodded when she entered the kitchen.

“Do you need any help, Emilio?”

“No, we’re fine. You entertain your guests.” Emilio wore a strained smile on his face.

“say it, Emilio. It’s okay.”

“I am sorry about yesterday. Nash will turn up soon.” Emilio turned away and acted busy at the stove.

Even you think he stood me up! Well, I can prove he didn’t. Or can I? Vanessa huffed and walked to the main dining room to discover one person at the table. “Hanna? You’re up early. Working already?”

“Yes. My mind is racing with ideas. I tossed and turned so much Patrick finally told me to get up so he could sleep.” Hanna lifted the corners of her mouth.

Vanessa loved Hanna O’Donnell and her story. The first to marry outside the Japanese culture, Hanna had met Patrick, an Irishman, in college. They’d fallen in love, and he proposed the summer they graduated. Her parents, Nina and Kal Takeda, would not turn their back on their daughter as Hanna’s maternal grandparents requested. Nina had a stern talk with them. If they chose not to speak to Hanna, it was their choice. She and Kal would not be swayed by their opinions. The grandparents were old and set in their ways. Nina assured her daughter they’d eventually see the error of their ways.

It didn’t take long to break through the grandparents’ defenses. Once Hanna’s son, Sean, came into their lives, things changed for the better. A few years later the couple had a baby daughter, Erin, to complete the family.

“Sit.” Hanna tapped on the table. “We can get a quick outline done before the others arrive. Tell me who you want as teams and where to send them.” She lifted the lid of her laptop.