No Fault of Mine

Chapter Thirty-Three

I had another terrible night's sleep. My mind, like a tornado, swirled as I tried to make sense of what was going on in my life. The murder of my husband marked the beginning of my nightmare, and each day, another horrible specter stepped out from the shadows. I couldn't get my mind around Thad embezzling from the company. He had the balls to intimidate me as having embezzled from the company while he had intimidated Betty with the threat of exposure if she failed to do what he wanted. I had lived with Thad's controlling behavior, but I never would've expected he'd break the law.

I was exhausted physically and fatigued mentally. I was relieved Brant did his morning routine without much encouragement from me with the exception of putting his cereal bowl into the sink. Normally, I'd have called him back to the kitchen to take care of his cleanup responsibilities, but this morning, the effort wasn't worth it. I left his bowl on the table and would have him take care of it when we got home.

Brant talked nonstop about the train project on our way to Aunt Bea's. He seemed most excited about the track layout and the mountain tunnel they would build.

Aunt Bea opened the door and waved as Brant jumped out of the car and sped toward the house.

"I wish I had that energy," Aunt Bea said as I joined her at the door.

"You and me both," I said. "I placed the first order for the train project. You'll probably get delivery in about a week."

"That's perfect," Aunt Bea said, "We're still going through the book of sample layouts. Brant will have to make a decision today."

"Do you want me to get a sheet of plywood for the project?"

"No, I have plywood in the garage we can use," Aunt Bea said. "I'll get it out tomorrow, and we'll get some idea as to where the track will go."

"Brant is looking forward to the project. I think he's already planning where the Christmas tree and train will be in our house."

I noticed Aunt Bea glance down the street, and I looked in that direction, too, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

"I may be a little edgy," she said. "There was a pickup parked toward the end of the block yesterday. It's probably nothing."

"It could be anybody's," I said.

"No one on this street owns a white pickup of that brand," she said, "but you're right; it could be anybody's."

"You know you can always call me if you're uneasy," I said.

"I know, and I have 911 on speed dial."

She already knew she could call me anytime, but my motherly instincts were activated because of recent events. As I was driving away, I chided myself for being silly. Danger only hides behind every corner in nightmares. My problem was that my nightmares have bled into my daytime life.

After greeting my staff and pouring a mug of coffee, I stopped at SueAnn's desk and asked if she had found out what her husband was up to.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I found out my husband is crazy," she said disdainfully. "All three of those men are crazy and are on a wild goose chase."

"So, it's not the catastrophe you thought it might be?"

"Oh, it's a catastrophe, alright," she said. "It's a catastrophe in the making. Barry, Art, and Stuart—that's Liam's son—were best buds in the Navy. Liam is here to support the friends as they try to help another bud in trouble."

"That explains a lot," I said with relief. "So, who's this friend who's in trouble."

"Well, that's the thing. Apparently, there's a difference of opinion among them, but Barry thinks he's involved in something shady."

"Are you relieved?" I asked.

"Relieved? Yes, if it's not an affair," she said. "But here's the rest of the story: Barry said Eddy's specialty is system security."

"No way!" I exclaimed and impulsively covered my mouth with my hand. "And he's here...I mean, he's in Compton Hills?"

"Barry thinks so," SueAnn said. "I don't know why they believe that, but they say he's involved with a group that does cybercrime. They believe that he may even be held against his will, but they don't know that for sure."

"Have they talked with him?" I asked.

"Barry said that Eddy is held on a short leash, so no," she said. "Barry said he and Art have gotten brief messages, cryptic for sure, but with a vague reference to their military experience."

"And here we are, the subject of cybercrime," I said.

I entered my office and closed the door behind me. I plunked down in my chair and tried to breathe my way out of a tailspin. I was dizzy, for sure, and I needed to fight my way out. There were things I needed to do—had to do. One was to call Melanie. A few more long, slow breaths, and I thumbed in her number.

"Hi, Mia, is all well?" she asked. "I got a call from SueAnn, and it sounds like my husband is in your town."

"That's what Barry says," I said, "and Liam, Arthur, and Barry are looking for a Navy buddy who may be detained by a criminal who uses his computer knowledge to steal from small companies like ours."

"Why would he just leave?" I asked. "I don't have all the answers. Has he called you yet?"

"I got a message on my social media account. He said just enough so that I wouldn't worry myself to death, but he didn't say much."

"It may be the same group behind the thefts from our business accounts," I said. "I wish them the best. They hope to find their buddy and have a conversation with him."

"I hope they don't do something stupid," Melanie said. "I want Liam to come back home and not in a casket."

I understood her concern. My husband was not that lucky. I sat back in my chair, wrapped my hands around my mug, and sipped the bitter liquid.

My phone burst to life, indicating an incoming call. I glanced at the screen and saw Stan's name. I groaned and answered.

"Mia, we have to talk," Stan said in a strained voice. "Aunt Bea and Brant are missing."