Stolen Identity Page 18

  “What do you want me to say?” Kate’s fingers played with the hem of the sheet. “Ian and Garrett are dead, and I’m going to prison. I didn’t exactly plan on things turning out this way. What about Lauryn?”

  Danielle bit back the anger. “We found her. She’s going to be okay.”

  “I swear I never thought he’d do anything to her.”

  “From what I know, I don’t see how you could have expected it to turn out any different.” She glared at the other woman. “You helped steal my identity, tried to ruin me financially, didn’t try to do anything when you knew my daughter’s life was in danger…and that doesn’t even begin to explain Garrett’s death. Did you know he had a sister and a niece and a nephew? He was close to his parents. Their lives will never be the same again.”

  Kate turned away, but Danielle wasn’t finished. “The police told me you confessed. The least you can do is tell me why you did what you did.”

  Kate let out a slow breath. “Ian was family. We grew up together. He’s the one who taught me how to live two lives. Showed me how online I could become anyone I wanted to be.”

  Danielle gripped the handle of her bag and waited for Kate to continue.

  “From the beginning, Ian…he promised no one would get hurt. I suppose I never should have believed him, but I loved the adrenaline rush of running a con. And it was easier to believe that it was the insurance or the banks that always took the fall.”

  Danielle struggled to understand her motivation, realizing how little she knew about the person sitting in the bed beside her. “Why take the risk to begin with?”

  “You don’t get it, do you?”

  “Get what?” she asked through narrowed eyes.

  “You’re the one who had everything.”

  Danielle shook her head. “What do you mean?”

  “You were the one with the supportive family, trips to Europe, the rich boyfriend who married you and now the thriving business. I, on the other hand, had my grandmother as family, and couldn’t even find a job after graduation. You hired me because you felt sorry for me.”

  “That’s not true. I didn’t hire you because I felt sorry for you.” Danielle’s mind spun. So many secrets. So many lies. How could she have missed what Kate felt? “We were friends. I needed help at the store, and you needed a job. Hiring you was an easy decision, and one I always thought you were happy about. Was all of that a lie, too?”

  Snippets Kate had told Danielle over the years began to resurface. Raised by an alcoholic mother, then later by her grandmother, Kate had grown up in one of Portland’s lower income neighborhoods. Having a difficult childhood wasn’t an excuse, but somehow everything Danielle had done to help had instead pushed her away.

  “Ian taught me how to run a romance scam.” Kate pressed down the tape of her IV. “At first, Garrett was just another victim. I played it like any other romance scam. I got to know him online, pretended to be interested in him romantically, eventually started asking for his help financially. I knew what to say to get him to trust me and it worked…until I fell in love with him.”

  For the first time, Kate smiled. “Garrett was different than anyone I’d ever met. Funny, smart, a bit nerdy. We spent hours chatting over the internet. We had so much in common.”

  “If you really cared for him, why didn’t you just walk away from it all?”

  “I didn’t know how. By that time, Ian had found out Garrett was writing a security program that could be worth a fortune on the black market. He was tired of the typical online scams and came up with a different plan.” There was a long pause. “Instead of simply draining Garrett of his savings, I was supposed to be the distraction. He wanted me to meet him in person and get close enough to get passwords and other sensitive information from his computer.”

  “Did Ian know about your feelings for Garrett?”

  “Not at first. How could I tell him I’d fallen in love with our mark?”

  “What about Garrett? Did you ever tell him the truth?”

  Kate nodded.

  “And he believed you?”

  “Not at first. I begged him to believe me. Told him I wanted out. Eventually he promised to help me.”

  “How?

  “By gathering evidence against Ian. But Ian was good at covering his tracks, and I knew he had evidence he could use against me if he needed to. The plan was to use the information as leverage to get him to leave us alone.”

  There was still one more question Danielle couldn’t ignore. “Why target me?”

  “Ian suspected something was wrong when I started giving excuses about not being able to get the information he wanted. Targeting you was his way of making me prove I was still loyal to him…so I decided to play along with him until Garrett had collected enough evidence.”

  Danielle’s temples pounded. Could she ever trust a person who’d spent her life conning people?

  Kate seemed to sense her doubts. “I wanted out, Danielle. You have to believe me. Jealousy—plus the rush—played a role at the beginning, but part of me wanted freedom from playing these games. I thought I could have that with Garrett.”

  “Why did Ian kill him?’

  “Killing Garrett was an accident. Garrett went to Ian to confront him. I begged him not to, but by this point he believed he’d gathered enough incriminating evidence against Ian to take to the police. Garrett just wanted his confession to secure a conviction, but Ian panicked and shot him.”

  “And the breakin at the store?”

  “That was me.” Kate’s voice was steady, almost emotionless. “I needed to erase the footage of when Garrett had come to visit me at the store. I didn’t want you to connect the two of us together. Not until I figured out what to do. I…I wanted to make things right. I am sorry. For everything.”

  Danielle stood up and slung the strap of her bag across her shoulder. “Sorry for betraying me, or sorry you got caught?”

  Kate’s gaze dropped at the question.

  Danielle swallowed hard. There was nothing more to be said. “Goodbye, Kate.”

  Danielle walked out of the hospital room, wondering if she’d ever know whether Kate had told her the complete truth, or if she was simply trying to run another con.

  *

  Danielle knelt beside the south tower of the sandcastle in order to secure the tiny red flag, then rocked back on her heels to take another look at their masterpiece. She rested her forearms against her thighs and cocked her head. So maybe it wasn’t exactly a masterpiece, but the medieval-styled structure did have a drawbridge, gatehouse wall and four circular turrets. Not bad considering they’d made it from a pile of sand.

  She turned to Lauryn who was busy filling the moat with water. “What do you think?”

  Lauryn splashed a bucketful of water into the moat and giggled. “It’s beautiful, Mommy.”

  “I agree.”

  “Just like a little girl I know.” Danielle tugged her into her arms, tottered for a moment on the uneven ground, then tumbled backward together onto the sand.

  “Do either of you want this last piece of chocolate cake? We can’t have any of this food going to waste.”

  Danielle glanced back at Jason and shook her head. “Dessert is definitely going to someone’s waist.”

  “Very funny.”

  Danielle turned her attention back to Lauryn while they lay against the damp earth, watching the feathery white clouds pass by, thankful for the sun bathing them beneath its warm rays. The sea began tugging at the western wall of the castle they’d spent the past hour and a half building. Danielle moved to grab her camera from her beach bag still sitting out of reach from the tide, so she could snap a photo before the surf knocked the wall down.

  Danielle looked up at Jason who stood over her and smiled. She let him help her up as Lauryn started running across the sand ahead of them, with her red bucket full of sandcastle toys. Jason’s arm tightened around Danielle’s waist. For the first time in a long time she felt at peace. Like today’s
clear sunny skies that had swept in unexpectedly after the week’s rain.

  “It’s been a while since I’ve heard you laugh,” he said.

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve really felt like laughing. I don’t think everything has sunk in yet, though.” She leaned into his shoulder as they started walking. “I can’t help but wonder how long it will be before I stop looking behind me. Or before I’ll let Lauryn out of my sight for more than a minute.”

  “She’s done amazing for all that has happened to her over the past few days.”

  Details had continued to emerge slowly over the past couple of days as the police worked to put the final pieces of the puzzle together. As far as Danielle was concerned, God had miraculously intervened in a situation that could have ended much worse. It was going to be a long time before she was able to forget the images of where Lauryn and her mother had been kept. She shuddered, unwilling to let her mind try to imagine what could have happened to both of them.

  Jason pulled her closer against him. “You doing okay?”

  “Just trying not to think about what could have happened if we hadn’t been able to find them. I’m thankful the bank was able to sort out the stolen money from my home equity account, but even more thankful that I have my family back.” She turned to look up at him, tiredness reflected in his eyes. “What about you? I’m not the only one who’s been through a lot. You lost a close friend and are facing some potentially serious security breaches for your company.”

  “I spoke on the phone with Garrett’s parents again last night. It was good for me to be able to share with them and to just listen. I promised I’d stop by later this week. They would like me to help make the arrangements to clear out Garrett’s apartment.”

  “They’ve still got a tough road ahead of them. How are they coping?”

  “As best they can. They’re still working through the shock of his death…and it’s going to be a challenge for his mom, in particular, to let go of him. The healing process is going to take time, but they are going to a counselor and are blessed with a good support system with their church.”

  She understood all too well from her own life what it was like to lose a loved one. Some of it only time could heal. And even then, the hole left by losing someone never completely went away.

  “Maybe the fact that Garrett died somewhat of a hero will help. He might not have always done things the way he should have, but he did try to make things right and in the end was able to protect you and the company. Plus, he went out of his way to warn me.”

  “I think it will make a difference. As for the company, I think we’ve managed to weather the worst of it. Ensuring Donavan didn’t get a hold of the password was crucial.” Jason drew her closer against his shoulder. “Like you, I don’t want to think about what could have happened if they’d gotten their hands on that information. The damage could have been extensive.”

  Danielle paused to stare out across the sea. Lauryn had plopped down in the sand and started digging again. The breezy afternoon had just enough sunshine to take the chill off. While the grief of Garrett’s death in particular still hung heavy, things could have been so much worse.

  All I know how to do, God, is thank You for bringing resolution to this situation. And for bringing Jason into my life again.

  “On a more positive note, I understand that my dad and your mother are going out tonight on a date.”

  She looked up at him. “Dinner and a movie, I believe. Sounds…promising.”

  She’d had a long talk with her mother last night about Eddie Ryan who had somehow managed to sweep her mother off her feet. She was still surprised at the relationship that had sprung up between them so quickly. And while neither of them knew where things might eventually lead, for Danielle it was enough to see the smile in her mother’s eyes.

  “I’m sure we’ll have plenty to discuss regarding our parents, but there are some other things I’ve been thinking about.” Jason stopped and rested his hands against her shoulders. “About you and me, in particular.”

  Danielle nudged him with her elbow. “Thinking about what that makes us if our parents decide to tie the knot?”

  Jason smiled. “That is an…interesting thought, but no, that wasn’t what I was thinking about.”

  “I know.” She looked up at his familiar features and felt the growing desire to continue discovering more about him.

  “A lot has happened the past few days,” he began. “Any regrets now that things have settled down and we’re away from the emotion of the situation?”

  She smiled back at him. “Are you asking if I regret kissing you?”

  He chuckled. “That is part of it.”

  “No.” It only took Danielle a moment to formulate the rest of her answer. “And if you’re asking if I regret thinking there was room in my heart for you? No. None at all.”

  Wind whipped at the waves crashing against a row of rocks at the water’s edge, but all she could see was the man standing before her.

  “That was what I was hoping to hear. Because I definitely feel the same way.” He brushed his thumb across her jawline, his gaze intensifying. “You’ve helped me overcome any barriers I was holding on to from falling in love again.”

  “Love?” Danielle felt her heart trip at the statement.

  “Yes. I love you, Danielle Corbett.”

  “I love you, too.” Any remaining doubts she still harbored vanished as she caught the emotion in his expression. She reached out and grasped his hand. “But there are some things we are going to have to work through.”

  “Like?” he asked.

  She rested her hands against his chest and felt his heart pounding. “Like the fact you live an hour and a half away, for one.”

  “So you’re not interested in a long-distance relationship?”

  She shook her head. Neither was she ready to lose him.

  “I might have a solution to that,” Jason said. “I found this little beach house up the road for rent.”

  “When did you have time to go house-hunting?”

  “All it took was a few inquiries via the internet.”

  She arched a brow. “What about your job?”

  “I happen to be able to work at home. I’d need to drive into Portland once a week or so, but since I am the boss, I don’t see it being much of a problem.” He tilted up her chin. “Am I throwing out too much too quickly?”

  “No…it’s just that I never imagined you and me at this place.”

  “So what about it, Danielle? Are you willing to give us a second chance?”

  “Yes.” She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, anticipating his kiss. “And I have a feeling that this time around we’ll get it right.”

  EPILOGUE

  Danielle breathed in the scent of saltwater mixed with the fragrant hint of roses. Deep purple-and-ivory bouquets had been scattered throughout the outdoor reception area. In the background, Celine Dion sang “Because You Loved Me” while Danielle’s mother greeted guests in her simple, white wedding dress beside her new husband.

  Her mother had insisted on a quiet wedding at a friend’s home that was set atop a bluff that looked down across the ocean. Above them, the soft glow of paper lanterns swung gently in the breeze as the sun began to set against the water, leaving a trail of oranges and yellows across the horizon.

  “Can I have another piece of cake, Mommy?” Lauryn tugged on the tea-length skirt of Danielle’s purple satin dress and held up her empty plate.

  “One more, but that’s all.” Danielle bent over and straightened the lopsided silver hair bow at the back of her head. “If you go to the cake table, Felicia will help you get another slice.”

  Danielle smiled as Lauryn skipped across the lawn toward the decorated refreshment table. It had taken weeks after the kidnapping for her to feel comfortable in letting her daughter out of her sight. The prayers and encouragement of friends and family had slowly begun to erase her fears that something horrible was going to h
appen again, but it hadn’t been easy. Seeing firsthand how God could bring good out of evil had helped in the healing process. And in the end, she’d discovered a stronger conviction and renewed reliance in God.

  A deeper faith wasn’t the only thing that emerged over the past few months. Jason’s move to Pacific Cove had allowed them time to spend getting to know each other again, something that had Danielle thinking past a dating relationship with Jason to something more permanent. But while they’d spoken of marriage, they both had decided they needed to take it slow, giving them the time they needed to build a relationship.

  Jason grabbed her from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist then nuzzled his chin against her neck. “Have I told you how beautiful you are today?”

  She turned around until she was facing him, his arms still wrapped tightly around her. “You clean up pretty nice yourself, Mr. Ryan.”

  Which was true. He’d picked her up wearing a black tux with gray trim and looking handsome enough to cause a girl to swoon.

  He kissed her on the tip of her nose. “Did you enjoy the ceremony?”

  She worked to rein in her wandering thoughts. “Yes, though it’s going to take a while for me to get completely used to the idea that our parents are married to each other.”

  “I agree, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen my dad so happy. It’s been a good day.”

  She nodded, content with his nearness that left her feeling beautiful and protected. Since they’d finished the last toast as the sun began to set against the blue waters of the Pacific, Danielle hadn’t been able to stop thinking of her own wedding dreams. A ceremony on the beach with a bonfire in the background. Simple. Rustic, yet elegant… Love had blossomed into something more than she’d ever expected between them, and for the first time she knew she’d found something worth holding on to.

  Eddie’s voice rose above the soft murmur of the guests. “If I could get your attention one last time. Today is a special day for Maggie and me, and we are grateful for your presence. But the festivities aren’t quite over. I’d like you all to give your attention to my son, Jason, who has something to say before Maggie and I head off on our honeymoon.”