Flagentio's: Anthony Stone Series, #2

By Taabia Dupree

Adult Language & Sexual Material in this story. All characters are eighteen years old and older.

When Ambrosia McKenna disappeared without a trace in 1994, Anthony Stone was brought into police headquarters for questioning. Failing to convince the detective of his innocence, Tony was warned to remain in town for as long as the case was under investigation. 

Despite those orders, Tony boarded a plane headed east, unaware Jessica watched his plane through the airport’s bay windows. “You can't get rid of me that easily Anthony Stone. No matter where you go, I will find you. Ambrosia is no longer in my way, and we can finally have our happily ever after." 

From the Author Taabia Dupree: 

"Haunted by his past, Anthony 'Tony' Stone does his best to make a life for himself in New York. His "friend" Jessica from Book I Jessica's Obsession is back, and all grown up. In book one, the young Jessica went through heartache and pain. In the second book of the series, Jessica brings the pain."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Taabia Dupree
• Release date: Jan 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507006603

Book preview

Chapter One

Bridget Davenport, 1994

Bridget knew everyone called him Tony, but when her niece Jessica talked about him to her, he was Anthony Stone. That gave Bridget pause for thought. Jessica, she’s different from all the rest. She found that out as soon as Jessica proclaimed her love for Tony and their lifetime plans together.

Concerned, Bridget listened to her niece’s delusional thoughts. Then she found Jessica began to talk about Tony constantly. She feared when he told Jessica he wasn’t interested, she would become a danger to her, to others, and maybe even to herself.

It wasn’t long before the bottom fell out. Tony explained to Jessica that he liked her as a friend. Jessica didn’t want to hear that; she wanted a relationship of love, and forever.

The emotional upheaval happened right after her birthday party. Anthony had done none of the things he had promised her, Jessica had told her aunt. The incident before church when his sister came in his place to take Jessica to church had Bridget frightened for herself and Jessica’s well-being.

Bridget was used to Jessica’s emotions that started at one end of an angry spectrum and ended at a Mach ten explosive reaction.

Jessica usually got what she wanted because of her emotional state, but this was different. Her aunt could not give her Tony. So, she waited for the bomb to drop.

But to Bridget’s surprise, the breakdown had been short-lived. Jessica calmly told her aunt that things would work out, and she would be okay. Although she knew her niece lied, she allowed Jessica to walk away without further discussion.

In Bridget’s mind, she knew Jessica’s state of emotions was unstable. According to doctors, without psychological treatment, Jessica could eventually become deadly. When she first heard the news her niece could be unstable at any time in her life, it frightened Bridget. She ran away from the truth. Moved to another state just to get away from those who suspected her little one.

She’d never spoken to anyone about her niece’s behavior, until recent events; teen Ambrosia McKenna, known girlfriend of Anthony Stone, had disappeared.

Her gut told her she should not keep her fears to herself any longer. Overwhelmed with the thought Jessica could be involved somehow in Ambrosia’s disappearance, Bridget confided in her boyfriend, Peter.

She goes after everything she wants and never gives up until she has it. Please, Peter, I have never been so afraid in my life, but I can’t tell the police what I fear; she’s my family. I’m all she has left in the world. What should I do?

In earnest, Bridget began to cry. Her body shook, and Peter held her.

Listen, honey. She needs help. No matter what you tell, or don’t tell, Jessica sounds unstable. But, honey, I have to tell you, I really think you need to call and talk to one of those detectives. Your suspicions could be spot on. No, no, listen to me, don’t interrupt. You’re a wreck. Later, it will only get worse. Especially if you find out she did have something to do with that girl’s disappearance. Suppose you can prevent something horrible happening to her . . .

Bridget put her fingers over his mouth to hush him. Stop, please, she said exasperated. Peter, you don’t understand. If she finds out that I said anything, I’m afraid for myself! Snot started to run from her nose. She’d said the one thing aloud she had always been afraid of—Jessica harming her.

Oh, come here! He hugged her tightly and rocked her in his arms.

For the first time since having Jessica in her life, Bridget admitted to herself that she was afraid of Jessica. Ever since the day she came into her room with a knife.

She thought she had gotten over it. Thinking that maybe that little girl would grow out of her own abandonment and anger issues. She knew better. The doctors had warned her, and she had ignored everything. She suppressed the fear and showered Jessica with all the love she could muster. Bridget cried out, What have I done? What have I done?

Time pressed on as he held her and contemplated how he could get away unscathed.

She sniffed and sat up away from Peter. She excused herself while she went to clean her face and blow her nose.

Bridget walked into the hallway, turned, and smiled at Peter. Thank you for being here with me and listening to my babble. I know you’re right, I should talk to someone at the station about Jessica, but I can’t. Not because of fear for myself, but because I promised her I would always be here for her. She’d feel betrayed if she ever found out I talked to you or anyone about her. So, Peter, please try to understand. Okay?

Peter stood, walked over, hugged Bridget, and told her to go clean up. Everything will be fine, he said.

She turned, and walked the distance to the bathroom. She didn’t close the door, and Peter could hear the water running in the sink. He took that opportunity to grab his shoes and clothes. They’d made love earlier, and all of his things were on the floor at the foot of the bed.

He didn’t stop to put anything on but his underwear. He tiptoed out into the hallway. He took a quick glance towards the bathroom, made a beeline to the steps, and down he went without a second glance.

Bridget stood in the hall and listened as Peter stumbled over himself and whatever it was he tripped over downstairs. She could hear him shuffle to put his clothes on. The gruff sounds he made while he shoved his feet into his shoes were the last she heard of Peter Sherrington.

~-~

Jessica came home and found her aunt sitting outside on the steps.

Auntie? She asked her as she came closer.

Bridget looked up with a slight grin.

Auntie, what happened? What’s wrong?

Her aunt searched Jessica’s face.

Jess, do you know Ambrosia McKenna?

Jessica glared at her aunt. Why are you asking me that?

In a tremulous voice, Bridget said, She’s missing, Jessica.

She watched Jessica intently for a telltale sign that she may have already known. Jessica’s facial expression was priceless. Her anger clear. A squeal of crazed disapproval was yet to come, her aunt thought, so she waited.

I hate her. I hate and . . . Jessica stopped mid-sentence and puffed out her cheeks. Then she said, Auntie, I think I want grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner. Do you think you can make it like you did when I was very little? I love hot cheese and how it runs over the sides of the bread. Come on, Auntie let’s go, you can tell me how your day was, and I can tell you how mine was, okay? Jessica scooted passed her aunt, ran up the stairs, and into the house.

Bridget stood on the steps for a few extra minutes and thought about Jessica’s reactions. The idea that her niece could be involved in Ambrosia’s disappearance disturbed her. Then she said in a frightened whisper, My Lord, she did it.

She took a long deep breath, blew it out, and did her best to control her nerves. She wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans. Then she walked up the steps to go in on wobbly legs.

Jessica watched from the hallway. She noticed that her aunt took calculated steps inside. When Bridget detected Jessica in the hall as she walked inside, she feigned a smile and shut the door behind her. So, did you get the internship?

No, Auntie.

Hmm, come in the kitchen with me and talk about your day.

You first, Auntie, Jessica said slyly as her aunt walked past her.

Bridget knew if she took too long to answer Jessica would begin a full-on attack of questions about her mood. She told herself she needed to know how involved Jessica really was in the disappearance of Ambrosia. Hmm, my day, oh, nothing significant. Just watched the news earlier about that poor girl disappearing. I know you said you hated her, but, sweetheart, her parents, they miss her terribly. You know I would be crazed if you just up and disappeared on me. Don’t you, Jess?

Jessica grinned. Yes, Auntie. She ran over to her aunt and hugged her. Thank you.

Bridget tensed up when she ran up towards her but quickly adjusted her thoughts and tried to relax her shoulders. Thank me? For what, sweetie?

For taking good care of me. Now can you make the soup?

Taken aback by the quick dismissal of her questions, but not missing a beat, Bridget nodded and moved around the kitchen to prepare their food.

Great! I’ll go wash my hands. Jessica whistled through the hallway and up the stairs to her room. She closed her door and grinned like the Cheshire Cat.

Down in the kitchen Bridget did her best to get her emotions under control. She knew Jessica’s barrage of questions could give her thoughts away. As difficult as it was, Bridget pulled herself together and began her preparation for the tomato soup.

It wouldn’t be long before Jessica came down to see how much progress her aunt made, so she quickened her steps around the kitchen. Bridget now knew she had become afraid of Jessica more than she thought. She can never know what I suspect. Never! Lord, and if she found out what I told Peter.

Auntie, where is Peter?

Bridget jumped and cut the tip of her index finger. Dammit! Jessica, you scared the crap out of me. I cut my finger dicing these tomatoes. She hurried over to the sink and let cold water run over the cut. She glanced behind her and could have sworn there was a huge smile on her niece’s lips. Don’t just stand there, silly girl, get me a Band-Aid. Ow, this smarts.

Jessica smirked and turned away to run upstairs to get a bandage for her aunt. She giggled in the bathroom. Suffer a little, Auntie, it makes us all stronger.

Bridget wanted to cry. The way Peter left, she thought it a possibility she would never see him again. She stood at the sink as the cold water ran over her finger. She thought of their first date. He had been a gentleman.

Peter had taken her to a well-established restaurant in the Bay Area. He treated her with such care that evening. She reflected on how it felt to have him show his desires for her that first night. A soft smile played on Bridget’s lips. They sat in