Betrayal - Fern Michaels [17]
Kate couldn’t believe this was happening around her. Police, her studio, and worst of all, Alex and the girls, nowhere to be found. She said a silent prayer that it was all some kind of sordid joke and she’d laugh about it later. Dear God! What would she do if something were to happen to Alex? And the girls as well. She’d promised Don and Debbie she’d take good care of them. What would they think if they knew Sara and Emily were missing? She would have to contact them soon. She had Don’s cell number and would make the call. Later, when she had some news of Alex and the girls.
The sound of laughter caused her to look over her shoulder. Coming up the drive was Alex’s old Ford pickup, Alex at the wheel, Gertie riding shotgun, and Emily, with three other children, in the back! Laughing. A white Lincoln Town Car followed them up the drive.
She dropped the knife and ran toward the moving truck. “Alex! Oh my God, you’re alive! Where were you? What happened to the girls? The studio is destroyed!” She said this so fast, she knew it would take a few seconds for Alex to absorb.
He shifted his battered vehicle into park and jumped out. “My God, Kate, why are the police here?” He nodded toward the three patrol cars.
“There was a break-in. My studio, someone destroyed all of the earthenware I’d made for the showing in Asheville. I called Gertie, she wasn’t there. Then I realized you and the girls were missing. I . . .” Her words faltered as she realized what a fool she’d made of herself. Standing in the bed of the truck were Emily and three small children. The car behind them had shut off its engine. A couple in their early thirties emerged from the car with looks of bewilderment on their faces. “Ivee, Ashleigh, Edyn, come over here, please.” Three girls, all with bright red hair and freckles, slipped over the bed of the truck, dropping to the ground.
Kate looked at them, then back at Alex. “The Taylor family?”
Alex nodded. “They were lost. They called, and I told them I would meet them at the base of the mountain. I guess I should’ve told you I was leaving. Gertie and Emily went along for the ride.”
Kate glance at the couple. “What about Sara? Where is she?”
Alex looked at Emily, who looked at Gertie. Gertie was the first to speak. “Sara said she wasn’t feeling well and went back to the house.”
“We thought you knew,” Emily added.
“I went to the house. She wasn’t there, or if she was, she must not have heard me calling.” Or, Kate thought, she just didn’t answer.
Alex motioned to the couple still standing alongside their car. They walked over to where Kate stood. “We’re the Taylors. I’m Kathy, and this is my husband, Fred.” Kate shook Kathy’s hand and nodded to Fred.
“You all must think I’m crazy.” Kate laughed.
“Not to worry. We all have ‘those’ days now and then. We got lost. I kept asking Fred to stop for directions.” Kathy offered Kate a conspiring smile. “You know men and directions. Before we wound up in Outer Mongolia, I called and asked Alex to meet us.”
Kate smiled at the younger woman. “That seems reasonable to me. I bet you all would love to see the new addition to the family.”
“Yeah! C’mon, Mom, we want to meet Rosie.” All three girls bounced up and down, barely able to contain their excitement.
“Rosie?” their parents asked in unison.
“That’s what they’ve decided to call the new puppy,” Kathy informed them.
“I like that name,” Emily said.
Kate motioned for Alex to step aside. “Where do you think Sara is? I’m sure she’s not at the house. I just hope to heavens she’s . . . Ohmygod! Alex!”
“Kate, what is it?”
“What if whoever broke into the studio took Sara?” Kate’s heart was beating so fast, she was sure it would explode from her chest any minute.
“Calm down. I’m sure there’s an explanation for all of this. Let’s wait and see what the police suggest. I’m going to take the Taylors to meet Rosie. Emily, wait here with Kate.”
Emily nodded. The Taylor family got back into their car and followed Alex’s truck to the kennel.
“Aunt Kate, do you think Sara’s okay? I mean,