Page 48 of Special Agent Isabella

Stacy nodded and waved her hand as if to say, go for it. She’d never want anyone to suffer needlessly. After all, hadn’t he strained himself saving her?

ChapterThirty-Eight

The next morning in the governor’s house, Bella sensed an emptiness that she hated. She listened to Tanner’s accounting of the commotion reported from the night before. “At a Greek restaurant? How did they know it was about the governor?”

“Everyone sees her with the mayor, sitting in the same place every week. The men who approached went directly to that table, demanding to know where she was. In fact, they made such a huge fuss, the police were called.”

Bella put her thoughts into words. “Of course, the restaurant had no idea that she’d been kidnapped.”

“Exactly. And it seems, neither did the idiots who made the scene.”

“The protesters are getting more brazen, Tanner. They have no right to upset a business that way.”

“Yeah, tell that to the unethical dissenters waving their flags and screaming vitriol.”

Just then, Tanner turned away to listen to a call, leaving Bella alone to make up her mind about her day with Abbie. Aware of the potential danger, she didn’t want to take Abbie to school, but at breakfast, the girl had begged her. “You know Mommy wants me to go there, Bella. She thinks I need to be with other kids.”

Not aware of the underlying reasons for Bella’s hesitation, Abbie fought for her right to be in a place she loved.

“I know, honeybun, but it’s kind of hot today. Maybe we should just stay here.” Bella knew her argument sucked but she couldn’t think of a better lie so quickly.

Fighting to get her way, Abbie stamped her foot and pointed an index finger at Bella. “You’re scared to drive. It’s okay, Bella. You don’t need to be. Collin can take me.”

“Hey, kid, I’m not scared of anything. And if anyone drives you, it’ll be me. Got it!”

Smiling now, Abbie said. “Okay. I’ll go get my yellow hair fixed and my snack. We need to leave soon so we’re not late.”

Stopping Abbie’s escape, Bella voiced her opinion. “You just want to show off your wig to the other kids.”

“Yep.” Scampering off in the direction of her room, she left Bella feeling totally scammed. She turned to Tanner who’d watched the byplay. “Why didn’t you step in?”

He pretended to be afraid and held both hands against his chest. “Me. Stand up to the little tiger. No way, ma’am. You’re on your own.” He laughed at her sour scowl. “Besides, I want to nudge forensics about the fingerprints from the car with missing license plates. The quicker we have a name, the better I’ll feel.”

“Let me know as soon as you hear.”

“Will do. But you know you must stay with Abbie, right?”

“Of course, unless things heat up, and I need to get involved. I can always take her to Demi to look after her… right? She’ll be safe there, and I’ll be free to help you with the search.”

“Yeah, I suppose Demi’s place is alright, and she’d love the cookie monster.” He shrugged. “Good luck getting her away from her school before the bell rings. Besides, I’m just as glad for you not to be anywhere around that crazy who took Stacy.”

Stunned, Bella pointed at herself and began to tease. “Me? You talkin’ about me!? A decorated FBI officer!?”

She watched levity replace his original anxious expression. Then she looked into his warm eyes and the truth waiting there did her in.

“Dumb, aye? I can’t stand the thought of you in danger… you or Abbie.” A noise at the door made him stop his intention of kissing Bella. “Hey, sweet-pea, ready to wow the kids with your new hairdo?”

After Abbie hugged Tanner, she turned to leave, heading for the kitchen and the back door. Bella started to follow and felt Tanner approach from behind. With his mouth close to her ear, he whispered, “Don’t take any chances, baby. Be safe.”

Refusing to turn around, she left him with a silly finger wave. “Yeah,Babe. You too.”

* * *

Deciding that it wouldn’t be a good idea to follow their normal directions, Bella took an out-of-the-way route to the school. Glad that Collin had agreed to follow behind in the Governor’s vehicle, she felt if there were any protesters waiting, they would circle him rather than her black SUV. Driving slowly, she made it easy for him to follow.

When they arrived in the parking lot, her heart dropped to the bottom of her stomach to see the group of demonstrators waiting for the governor to arrive. Not disappointed, they flocked around Collin’s car which let her guide Abbie into the school unhindered.

“They didn’t recognize me, Bella. I think it’s my hair.” Abbie chortled with glee. “I knew it would be a good thing to wear it today. See, I told you so.”

---