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  “Because I’m a complete idiot and didn’t know what else to do,” he replied. “And I didn’t give you the benefit of the doubt by telling you the truth, and I deserve to be publicly flogged for behaving like a moron.”

  Layla sighed. “I’m probably the biggest fool on the planet for this, but…you’re forgiven.”

  “Really?” Jay questioned, a huge smile forming on his face.

  “Really,” Layla stated, rolling her eyes at her weakness.

  Jay crossed the room in a flash and gathered Layla into his arms. “Thank you,” he muttered before kissing her on the lips.

  “Yippy!” Issy blurted out, clapping her hands. “I’m so glad you’re friends again.”

  “Okay, so who’s ready for breakfast,” Jay said, pulling back from Layla. “Or lunch, rather, at this stage.”

  They sat around the island for breakfast, talking casually. Layla was baffled at how this guy, who had his own corporate empire, could be so down to earth and carefree like any typical high-school senior, especially when his life was in danger. The conversation even drifted toward the latest superhero flick that Jay was anxious to see, and that Ben had already been to. How typical eighteen-year-old is that?

  “Want to go see it?” he asked, turning to Layla.

  “Sure, but is it safe for us to leave here?” she questioned. “And also I don’t have anything to change into, obviously.”

  “I have a whole wardrobe full of clothes upstairs,” Issy said. “We’re practically the same size. You can take anything you want.”

  “We could go tomorrow or the day after. We could take a couple of body guards with us,” Jay suggested.

  “So why didn’t you do that all along?” Layla questioned. “Why didn’t you just go about your business here since you have body guards, instead of fleeing to your house in North Carolina?”

  “I hate that whole life-style,” Jay answered. “I never wanted to have to be protected twenty-four, seven. I’ve gone to a great deal of trouble to make sure that no one outside my close circle of friends and trusted associates know what I look like, obviously not as well as I thought I had. I always wanted to lead some sort of a normal life. Truth be told, the whole money thing doesn’t really impress me. Vallen Enterprises was never supposed to be about money…technically.”

  “With a house like this?” Layla asked dubiously.

  “I have to spend the darn money on something,” he answered.

  “So do you have a plan, then?” she questioned.

  “Over the summer, we thought about confronting those men, despite the fact that we have no clue who they are, whom they work for, or what they even look like,” Joey answered.

  “How were you going to do that?” she queried.

  “It was a very flimsy plan, but all we had at the time,” Ben butted in. “Jay was going to act like bait, going out a lot on his own to try to lure them to him. In the meantime, we would be flanking him secretly, along with those bodyguards whom Jay is so fond of. Once they tried to snatch Jay again, we would burst out of hiding and do battle with them, or at the very least, try to get some sort of DNA of at least one of them. We have enough equipment at Vallen Enterprises to analyze DNA and come up with a profile of who it belongs to.”

  “Jay said he would only go through with the plan if the three of us weren’t involved, though,” Issy added. “He feared something would happen to one of us. But we were reluctant to completely trust hired help to get the job done correctly. While Rick and the others seem trustworthy, for a job of that nature, one that could potentially be deadly, we couldn’t be sure if they’d be willing to risk their lives to get the job done right.”

  “And I am not willing to lose one of these three,” Jay piped in. “So while I saw their logic in the argument, I decided to just axe the whole thing and leave town. Joey is a computer genius and Issy isn’t far behind him. They stayed up here to try to find some information on this small group, while Ben ran the corporate side of things and continued with our research.”

  “But you found nothing?” Layla questioned Joey

  “Not one iota,” Joey replied regretfully.

  “All three times they tried to kidnap me, they were masked. And every time, I was alone,” Jay added.

  “Wow,” Layla mumbled. “Why North Carolina though?”

  “An ancestor of mine, also named Arthur John Vallen, owned a tobacco farm in that area over a hundred years ago. When he died, the land went to his eldest son and so on, until our family trust fund sold the land for development some years back. The house that I own there is built on that very land. It has some sentimental value, I suppose,” he explained. “And it’s the one residency I own that’s modest enough that I can pass for a regular middle-class kid if need be. The problem is that I bought the house under the name John Logan, which is an alias I’ve used from time to time, as did my father before me. I was under the impression, incorrectly, that the name wouldn’t come up with any ties to the Vallen name, which is what makes this all the more dangerous.”

  “How so?” Layla asked.

  “An average band of thugs would not be in possession of the technology, nor the funds, to do an investigation that thorough to uncover that information. I’m convinced that this group has been hired by another corporate empire, or maybe even a government. And if I’m correct about that, then they have untold resources at their disposal to finally find me…or one of you,” he said, looking around the small group.

  “So those masked men were hired by a larger organization, maybe?” Layla asked.

  “That’s what I think,” Jay said, nodding.

  “But if that’s the case, then there could be hundreds of them beside the four from last night. Couldn’t an organization have hired loads more?” she questioned.

  “Yes, and that’s what’s baffling me,” Jay admitted. “All three times, well, four counting last night, it was the same number. And while I haven’t seen their faces, something about their statures makes me think it’s the same men. And the worst part is, they know you and, unfortunately, you are somewhat disposable.”

  “What do you mean by that?” Layla asked.

  “They need me alive to get the information they want, supposedly,” Jay started, “but they can’t risk hurting Ben, Joey or Issy either, on the off-chance that they have played an active role in the research. At this point, I’m thoroughly convinced that they know almost all there is to know about me, so they must have already uncovered the fact that these three own a large portion of Vallen Enterprises and are as involved as I am in the research. They would be fools not to consider that maybe each one of us plays a different part in bringing that research together.”

  “But I don’t,” Layla said quietly. “So if they got their hands on me, they could basically torture me to get you to hand it over.”

  “Correct,” Jay said apologetically. “Our only hope is that they haven’t figured out just how much I care about you, and that they assume I’m a cold-hearted jerk who would rather protect my secrets than go out on a limb for another person.”

  “Wasn’t it kind of a bad idea for someone at your company to report you missing?” she questioned.

  “No one at the company reported me missing,” Jay explained. “That was done by none other than the people who were trying to snatch me. I’m pretty convinced that was done to force me out of hiding. As you saw a couple of weeks ago, our stocks started taking a serious hit because of my prolonged absence, or because someone has been feeding the media with stories about my prolonged absence. The only reason it didn’t happen sooner was because Joey has been vigilantly working to prevent a stock melt-down, but the one weekend he was away, it finally happened when trading opened in Japan.”

  “Which was the reason that Joey and I had to leave in a hurry the Monday after we met you,” Issy explained. “We needed to get back as quickly as possible to rectify the situation as best we could.”

  “I don’t understand one thing, though,” Layla said
. “If those men know so much about you, why would they not give a picture of you to the media? They obviously know what you look like.”

  “But why would they?” Jay replied. “It’s not like they really wanted me found and returned to my position. If it got out what I looked like, anyone could have spotted me and called the police, which would be counterproductive to their plans. It was more to their benefit if I stayed missing so that when they got hold of me, no one would be the wiser.”

  “I remember thinking that in all those news stories I saw regarding your disappearance, not once did the media ever show a picture of you,” Layla reflected.

  “I don’t allow anyone to take my picture…well, except these three,” he said, nodding toward Issy, Ben and Joey.

  “Why not?” she questioned.

  “Look at me, Layla,” Jay said. “I hardly look old enough to run one of the most successful companies in the world. If our shareholders got a look at me, they’d more than likely lose confidence in my abilities.”

  “True,” Layla replied, seeing the logic.

  “And there is also the threat of kidnap for ransom and that kind of thing, which, unfortunately, has already been realized.”

  “So what’s the plan, then?” she questioned. “I can’t stay here forever. As it is, I have to call James in a little while to let him know I’m okay, and I don’t really know what to say.”

  “Can you call James and tell him you decided to stay with Julie for a couple of days?” Jay asked.

  “I suppose so, but what about long term. What can you do about those men?”

  “I think we should go back to the plan we had in the summer. While I didn’t like it then, now that there’s an innocent girl involved, it seems like our only option. I dragged you into this, Layla, so I think it’s the least I can do to ensure your safety.”

  “No,” Layla said firmly. “Jay, that’s a crazy idea. You could get hurt.”

  “Like I said before, they won’t hurt us, or at least I don’t think so. If I’d known in the summer that they were already familiar with Ben, Joey and Issy, I would have had no problem with the plan. I didn’t know at that time that these three wouldn’t be risking their lives, but judging by how easily they found me in North Carolina, those men definitely know more about me, and them, then I originally thought.”

  “So you’re just going to parade around until someone tries to grab you?” Layla queried.

  “It’s the only option that’s looking more and more reasonable,” he answered. “In the meantime, why don’t you go up to Issy’s closet and get a change of clothes, then I’ll show you around my house.”

  Chapter 16

  Issy led Layla up to the bedroom she kept in Jay’s house.

  Like the room Layla had spent the night in, it was more of a suite than a bedroom. The walls were covered with what looked like real gauze of wild sage and white tones, matching the wheat colored carpet. The bed was decked out in pristine white linen that accented the whitewashed wooden frame and floor. There was just a touch of sophisticated gilt trimming on the furniture to give the room an elegant, yet simple ambiance.

  Issy led Layla past another set of French doors that led to a small balcony overlooking the same view from Layla’s room, to a nook at the far side of the wall. Pulling open the doors that were tucked away, they entered the biggest closet imaginable, much larger than Layla’s living room and dining room combined.

  There were racks laden with clothes everywhere. One whole wall displayed more shoes than a shoe store.

  “Oh my God,” Layla gushed. “This is unbelievable.”

  Issy shrugged. “Take anything you want,” she said casually. “You’ll find sweats and jeans in those drawers over there along with T-shirts.” She pointed to the right side of the enormous room to where rows and rows of drawers sat under the impressive shoe display. “Just root around and take whatever you want. Oh, and do you see those white bags at the back?” Layla nodded. “They’re filled with every kind of under garment you can imagine. All brand new, still with the labels on.”

  “I can’t believe you live like this,” Layla said, eyes wide as saucers.

  Issy shrugged again. “It’s just stuff, nothing of any real value.”

  “That’s easy for you to say,” Layla argued.

  “Believe me, Layla, if it doesn’t breathe and can’t love you back, it’s basically worthless,” she replied.

  Layla smiled at Issy appreciatively. It was refreshing to be with someone who was so down to earth and wise when they had every material comfort in the world.

  The two girls spent the next twenty minutes rummaging around the giant closet. Despite Issy’s proclamation, and as much as Layla saw the truth in it, there was something wonderful about a free shopping experience, which was exactly how it felt, since most of the stuff in Issy’s closet still had labels attached, not just the under garments. Layla, who wasn’t typically a lover of shopping, couldn’t help enjoying every minute.

  “Take a few outfits,” Issy suggested. “There’s a possibility that you could be here for a few days. Oh, and grab a swimsuit, so we can have a little pool party later.” She gestured toward another rack filled with bikinis and one-pieces on hangers.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Layla asked dubiously. “It’s freezing outside.”

  “There’s a heated indoor pool on the basement level,” Issy answered, rolling her eyes as though that was the most obvious thing in the world.

  “Of course there is,” Layla responded, shaking her head.

  When she had chosen about five outfits, Layla decided that she’d probably overstayed her welcome in closet heaven and decided it was time to shower and dress.

  She walked downstairs after, feeling refreshed and oddly relaxed considering the danger she was in. Something about this enormous house made her feel secure. She realized that was probably a false sense of security, but none the less, decided to bask in the sensation anyway.

  Jay met her at the bottom of the stairs. “Have fun in Issy’s closet?” he asked, smirking.

  “You have no idea,” she replied. “I can’t believe how much stuff she has.”

  “For the most part, Issy isn’t a shopper, but every so often she binges, and when she does, it’s to the extreme,” he said, chuckling.

  “I can imagine,” Layla replied.

  “So what do you want to do?” he asked, taking her by the hand.

  “I thought you were going to show me around your house,” she answered.

  “”Yes, I’d like to,” he responded.

  “I think I should call my mother first, though,” Layla stated. “She’ll be expecting me, and I haven’t seen or heard from James in two days.”

  “Really?” Jay asked. “Where was he?”

  “I have no idea. I guess I forgot to tell you about that last night,” Layla said. “I didn’t see him at all yesterday. When I got home from having my nails done, there was broken glass on the kitchen floor, and the front door was slightly opened, but there was no sign of James. The strangest part is that his car was still in the garage. That’s how I found my new car; I went to the garage to see if his car was there. And then when I got home last night, there was still no sign of him.”

  “Is that so?” Jay replied, a crease forming between his eyes. “That’s really strange.” He looked at Layla pensively for a long moment. “Listen, why don’t you call your mom while I take care of a work thing, and I’ll meet you back here in five minutes, okay?”

  “Okay,” Layla agreed.

  Layla pulled her cell phone from the pocket of her new gray sweatpants and dialed Julie’s number, deciding that it was best to get her cover story set before calling her mother. She sat down on the bottom step. Thankfully, Julie answered and was all too happy to comply provided that Layla filled her in on all the details when she returned home.

  When she finished her call with Julie, Layla tried James’ phone again only to have it go straight to voicemail, causing concern to
wash over her. It wasn’t like James to ignore his phone at all, let alone for two days in a row.

  She dialed her mother’s number next. Cheryl was delighted to hear all the news about the dance and that Layla had a great birthday, but didn’t bother asking her why she wasn’t home. She did, however, question the whereabouts of James, having been unable to reach him for almost two days.

  “I’ll have him call you when I see him,” Layla promised before hanging up. She turned to face Jay, who had just walked across the foyer toward her. “Well, that buys me some time anyway. I just wonder what’s going on with James.”

  “No answer from him yet?” Jay questioned.

  “He’s still not answering,” she confirmed. “And my mother hasn’t heard from him either. I’m starting to worry that something’s happened to him.”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing,” Jay tried to assure her. “Can I see your phone?” he asked out of the blue.

  Layla handed over her phone and watched Jay tap on the front. After a few moments, he put the phone to his ear and shook his head.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Something that I should have done sooner. I’m trying to see if I can access the phone number that called you last night.”

  “And…?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing,” he answered. “It’s probably a pay-as-you-go.”

  “Oh,” Layla muttered.

  “So do you want to see my house?” Jay questioned, his mood suddenly brighter.

  Layla smiled up at him and nodded.

  He reached out his hand for her to take then led her around the corner into the formal, transitional living room that had components of both contemporary and traditional design styles—a living space so cavernous it dwarfed any room Layla had ever seen, and the cathedral ceiling gave it even more expansion. A balcony off the second floor landing overlooked two large, tawny, sectional couches set stylishly in front of green trees. A genuine art sculpture floated on a pedestal in the furthest corner, and the floor to ceiling windows provided a stunning view of the back of the property. “Wow, it’s lovely,” Layla said breathlessly. “How do you clean those windows?”