“No, but I’m sure forensics will figure it out. The guys who replaced us got a video of her being dropped off and going inside the orphanage the next morning. After the car drove off, another black car with a different driver pulled up across from the orphanage and stayed until the young woman came out again at five. Obviously she is under a constant watch.”
Luckey whistled. “Her ‘handler’ is making a ton of money off her and won’t let her out of his sight, even during her legitimate day job. Did the routine change at all?”
“No. She was driven to the same spa after work. This morning they got video of her being driven to the orphanage again at eight. Sid and I took over and got video of her leaving at five and getting back in the car. We followed it downtown to the same spa. We’re still here. How long would you like us to keep this up?”
“I’ve got everything I need. Great work! I’ll take it from here.”
Halfway through the videos Phil had sent, Luckey stopped watching and phoned Ally.
“I’m so glad you called.” She sounded anxious.
“I’d like to come over, if it’s all right with you.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I think I can’t wait to see you. I’ll be there soon.”
He showered and dressed as fast as he could. Before leaving the house, he put the videos on a flash drive and took it with him. En route to the Duncan ranch, he phoned Art, the teenager next door who took care of Persey when Luckey couldn’t. He asked him to walk his horse around and make sure he had food and water.
With that taken care of, he pulled up in front of Ally’s house and raced to the porch. She stood in front of the door waiting for him, looking beautiful in a soft blue sweater and jeans.
He crushed her in his arms and kissed her long and hard. “I needed this tonight.” One kiss grew into another as their mouths communicated, until he lost complete track of time.
“Thank heaven it wasn’t you shot in the line of duty,” she said at last.
His lips brushed over her delectable features. “I don’t want to talk about that tonight, Ally.”
“Then we won’t. Did you get some sleep?”
“Enough. How was your day?”
“Normal.”
“I need to solve this case ASAP so I can have a normal life with you.”
“Does that mean you have to leave again tonight?”
“I never want to leave, but there’s been a development I’d like to discuss with your parents. Are they here?”
She nodded. “Does this have something to do with the orphanage?”
“Yes.”
“Can’t you tell me?”
Luckey took a quick breath. “I thought I’d explain everything to the three of you at the same time. The surveillance team I sent to watch the orphanage has emailed me some videos I want you to see. They’re on a flash drive.”
She grasped his arms in alarm. “Are you saying Shan is involved?”
“That’s right. I saw signs when I met her.”
“What signs?”
“Bruising on her arms. She wouldn’t look me in the eye. There’s a manner these victims portray that reveals they live in fear. I felt then she was a victim.”
“Oh, Luckey...that’s so horrible.”
He drew Ally close, rocking her back and forth. “We can do something for her, but we have to proceed with great caution, and your father needs to be on board if we’re going to ask for her help.”