Beyond the Consequences (Book 5 of the Consequences Series)(52)

Their conversations weren’t one-sided. Although he thought he’d learned all there was to know about Taylor Walters before he authorized her hiring, he hadn’t. Her backstory was as messed up as his. Getting shot was a pivotal point in her life. The rehab was hell and she hated working behind the scenes. Neither one of them had been married or even in a relationship in recent history. Neither one believed another person could be trusted enough to be let in, especially let in on secrets. In some way, it was when Phil realized that he fully accepted and trusted Taylor to protect the Rawlingses that he could also trust her with his own story.

Perhaps that’s how it was meant to be, just like the saying goes: birds of a feather.

Romantically, Taylor had been the first one to make a move. Truthfully, if it had been left up to Phil, they’d probably never have made it out of the friend/coworker stage. Thinking about last night, the blood returned to his cheeks and a smile floated across his lips. They’d definitely moved beyond.

Reaching for the handle, Phil opened the door. His smile quickly disappeared at the sight of Eric. His friend’s somber expression spoke volumes of unuttered concerns. Finally Phil broke the silence. “Hey man, what’s happening?”

Eric’s worried eyes met Phil’s. “Can I come in?” He paused. “I mean, you’re alone, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Phil said, stepping backward, and opening the door farther. “Come in. What’s happening? You look like someone just killed your dog, and I know for a fact you don’t have one.”

Eric closed the door behind him. “I just pulled up your surveillance on Patricia.”

Phil had a program that continually monitored her virtual presence in her new identity. From her work presence, to her personal interaction, any time Patricia Miles logged into the world of cyberspace, it was duly recorded and catalogued. Though the program ran continually, Phil didn’t check it every day. He’d had his eyes on it more frequently at first, but lately it had been about once a week.

“You did. Why?”

Eric shrugged. “I know you check it regularly. I guess, with Nichol’s birthday and the anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings’ first marriage all coming up, I had a feeling.”

“A feeling?” Phil didn’t like the vibe he was sensing. “What did you find?”

“Nothing.”

Phil waited for more as he contemplated Eric’s answer. Finally, reaching for his tablet, he said, “Fuck. What do you mean nothing?”

“I mean nothing. There’s no record of her doing anything for the last four days.”

Since Phil’s last check had been less than a week ago, four days would make sense. Bringing the program to life, Phil asked, “Have you mentioned this to anyone else?”

“No. I found it earlier today. I ran some tests to see if maybe it was the program. When I couldn’t get anything definitive, I waited until you were alone to see if you could learn more. I’m hoping it’s some kind of glitch or malfunction with the surveillance.”

“Have you mentioned anything about Patricia—at all—to Rawlings?”

“No. With the new baby coming, he’d lose it. And I sure as hell wouldn’t say something to Mrs. Rawlings without telling him first. It’s just us. I wanted to run this by you. I wasn’t even sure how you felt about Taylor knowing.”

The two men sat across the table from one another as Phil searched his tablet, typing furiously. “Stupid bitch.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “She couldn’t let it go.”

Eric nodded toward the tablet. “Can you verify her location?”

After a moment, Phil nodded. “The last time I checked, her virtual presence was still in London. Her login information was active from her place of employment and her home.” He continued to type. “I see here where she applied for a new credit card.” The blood drained from his face as his heartbeat intensified. “Shit. You’re right. She hasn’t logged in from work in the four days. The new credit card isn’t under the same name we gave her, but it’s here. She was dumb enough to use her work computer to complete the application.” The two men sat in silence as Phil read his screen. “Shit. Here’s an airplane ticket. She probably thought that if she bought it at the airport using the new credit card we wouldn’t know.”

Eric’s head moved slowly from side to side as he watched Phil.

When Phil looked up, his hazel eyes narrowed. “She’s f*ck’n stupid. By tracing the card I can even see the hotel where she’s staying.”

Eric leaned forward. “In the States?”

“In Cedar Rapids.”

The air in the room dissipated as the sound of their breathing echoed. Finally, Eric asked, “Can you tell the room number?”

Phil swallowed as their eyes met. “Yes.”

“We gave her a chance—two really.”

Ignoring the exorbitant pressure, Phil clenched his teeth harder. “That was two too many. Don’t say a word to anyone—anyone. I’ll be back by morning.”

“I’m going with you,” Eric declared.

“No, you’re not. You’re staying here.” Phil didn’t wait for Eric’s response. He was in order mode. “Watch the gate, watch the monitors. There’s no guarantee she’s sitting in that hotel room. Fuck!” Phil’s voice rose. “She’s been here for three days. What if she’d—?”