Till Death Do Us Part: Annie

By Andi Pray

Kidnapping, fraud, and removing evidence from a crime scene are all federal offenses, but Cody Damez will stop at nothing to know the truth locked inside the mind of his Little Orphan Annie.
Annie wakes up in a hospital with no memory, identification, or anywhere to go. She is told she is married to one man, but her nightmares haunt her of another.
Lives will be in danger when the truth comes out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781613090664

Book preview

Found

Margaret Beaudean poured the large bag of potting soil into the raised garden bed as mounds of weeds surrounded her. Her hands shook in anticipation as the last two months had passed without incident. She moved with her two daughters from house to house to fix up the landscaping for her landlady, Mrs. Warrick, and hid from her deadly nightmare. It felt so good to be free, but something in the back of her mind kept wondering how much longer it would last. Would everything truly be over in just a few days? Could this freedom become permanent?

Long, red scratches covered the girls’ thin arms as they stuffed the thistle weeds in the large black garbage bags. Maggie watched them help as she picked up a sagging bleeding heart bush.

This poor thing’s roots are so cramped, it’s dying. Watch, Tami, she encouraged the older of the girls, as she slid the packed dirt out. The thin white roots hugged the soil molded in the shape of the pot.

Wow! Tamara said and took hold of her sister’s hand to direct her attention to the amazing sight. Look, Audie. That’s how the plant drinks the water. When Mom puts the roots in the ground, they can unfold and stretch out.

Audra stared to let her eyes focus for a moment on the yellowing leaves that started to hang. The poor plant did not look good, and Maggie knew how it felt—cooped up for far too long with the sensation of suffocation and dying. With gentle hands, Maggie placed the molded dirt into the open hole and then covered it with more fresh potting soil.

Is Mrs. Warrick joining us for dinner tonight? Tamara asked.

No, Maggie said with a fearful sigh. Her sister is very sick and Mrs. Warrick is staying with her. She plans to return tomorrow to see how well we’ve progressed. So let’s keep gathering these weeds and make her proud.

Maggie picked up another large bag of potting soil and started to dump it as a car pulled up at the end of the walkway. A blue Camero with tinted windows revved its engine, and Maggie could see a figure in the driver’s seat turn its head toward them.

Go inside, girls. Go to your room and don’t come out until I say, she whispered. Remember the plan if something happens. Tami, promise Mommy you remember.

Something was wrong, terribly wrong. She stood with slow and careful movements. Her hands busied themselves around her oversized sunglasses and floppy garden hat used to keep the sun off her face and hide her. With a deep breath and without another look back, she walked to the house, fighting every instinct to run and draw unwanted attention.

After Maggie shut the door, she grabbed her small denim purse and dug around inside. She needed to find the emergency cell phone, and the sight of the car stopped in front of the house screamed, Danger! As soon as the small burn phone cradled in her hand, she stepped to the window and allowed one side of the closed drapes to move just enough to see someone get out of the car and walk up the steps. Her hands trembled and she tried to still her fingers long enough to use the camera. She managed to snap two shots of the man and his car before he made it to the porch.

A light knock came to the door and her breath froze in her chest. She forgot how to exhale as she stayed in her corner.

Maggie? a voice asked through the door.

No visitors; no one was supposed to know where she and the girls were. The thought that someone had found her sent her stomach into a spin cycle as she saw Tamara peek out the door of her room. Maggie waved for her to shut the door, and the knock came again. The simple sound caused her to jump, and she dropped the phone.

Mags, please open up, the voice pleaded with her. My name is Jason Cole and I would like to speak to you, please.

Again, the knock came. This man would not give up, but he did not sound as if he would break down the door as she feared. She could not leave him out on the porch either; it would cause attention, and she could not afford that. She cracked open the door to look at the strange man who towered over her.

May I help you? she asked as she kept the phone in her hand ready to send the distress call that, supposedly, would have the police there in a heartbeat.

Mommy, is he going to hurt you like the other men?Tamara asked in a whisper behind her.

Shh, she said with a gentle raised finger to her mouth before she turned to the newcomer again.

Mags? he asked as he rotated his head to try to see more than the eye she peeked out the door.

Who are you? she asked without confirmation to any name.

You probably won’t remember me. You were only a baby when I last saw you, and I wasn’t much older. He stood nervously on the broken cement porch and kept switching his weight from foot to foot. Can I come in? This would be easier to explain in person.

Who are you? she asked again as her eyes squinted at him and the overstuffed manila envelope in his hands.

As I said, I’m Jason Cole. I’m sorry, that doesn’t really explain much to you. I’m your older brother.

She just stood there for a moment in shock and stared at him.

Mommy, I didn’t know you had a brother, Tamara said with an innocent giggle. He’s cute.

Tamara, close the door please, she said in a way that told the girls what to do.

With a sulk on her face, the older daughter did as asked. Just before the door shut all the way, Audra’s precious freckled nose turned to the man walking into the opened entrance. She fought for the barrier to open a little farther.

Are you an angel? she asked around her thumb, the nervous habit she displayed as her tiny finger swirled her streaked hair.

I’m sorry, Jason said, as though not sure she spoke to him.

Are you an angel? I asked God to send one to stop Mommy from crying...

Audra, Maggie interrupted her daughter with a soft voice. Close the door. I’m sorry, she said in a nervous tone and offered him a seat in an old, rusty lawn chair. It suited her needs for the time she would spend at the house. She is just a child.

She’s darling, he said and looked at the door to their room.

A moment of awkward silence passed between them before she spoke up. Can I get you something to drink? I have some fresh sun tea in the fridge.

I would love some. He smiled.

Maggie gave her own forced grin and went into the kitchen with her cell phone. She paced for a moment to decide what to do. You said your name is Jason?

Yeah, he called back.

What do you know about a Jason Cole? she sent in a text with one skilled hand as her other took out the pitcher, ice and two tall glasses.

Do you take sugar in your tea? she asked and looked to make sure he stayed where she could see him.

No, thank you. Would you like a hand? he asked over the loud bang of the ice.

The cell phone vibrated in her pocket. No thanks.

Nothing. Why? the message asked.

Visitor, is all she sent back with the picture she had taken of him outside of his car. She put a couple of glasses on a tray for the girls and filled them.

Are you okay? came the next text.

Stand by, she returned before walking out to the living room. With a knock on the bedroom door, she handed the glasses to the girls and shut it again.

Jason stood to take his glass from her trembling hands before the tea sloshed out, and gave her the packet. You are Margaret Cole...

That’s what the birth certificate says. She gave a nervous answer and hid the hand that no longer wore her wedding ring. She had taken it off some time ago and did not plan to put it on again or use the last name that went with it. If he wanted to call her by the last name of Cole, she would let him.

These are papers from the girls’ orphanage you grew up in, and the state one I was sent to.

What exactly are you here for, Mr. Cole? she said as she looked through the papers and kept a nervous watch on the window.

It’s Jason, he said with a kind smile. And I’m here in hopes of a reunion. I tried a few years back, but you kept moving and so it took a while to track you down. You have two beautiful girls.

She smiled her pride and looked back to see them sneak a peek out of the door again.

They’re my princesses. But I’m sorry to say, I have no family outside of my daughters.

I know that this may sound awkward, but I promise, if you will please just keep reading, things will come together. I have brought a lot of evidence of who I am and how I have tried to find you.

One article caught her attention. It was about a lost teenage girl last seen in the mountain area she used to love to frequent. She could not hide her fear as her hands shook out of control and she dropped the envelope. I’m sorry, she apologized as she took a moment to hide her face in her hands and breathed deeply. This is not a good time.

Why are you so scared? he asked.

Scared? Why do you say that?

Jason did not answer, nor did he push the subject. He reached beside her to pick up the envelope and help her sort through the documents. There were copies of their birth certificates, newspaper articles with his picture about his triumphs through school, and some of her that were not so glorifying. He knew she was in trouble, but there was nothing he could do.

Habit kept her watching out the window for something she feared would happen as she offered the stranger... long lost brother... a little time and listened to his story. He weaved a long tale of how he had promised to keep them together, but he was too young at the time and they were separated. He became the lucky one and was soon adopted by a pastoral family who respected his wishes not to change his last name so it would become easier for them to find each other.

Maggie, on the other hand, lived in one foster home or another until she came across a lawyer’s family and her true nightmare began.

Why did no one believe your claims of being molested by your foster brother? Jason asked as he stacked the newspaper clippings.

No one ever charged John Matters, or his family, of doing anything against the law. He is a very influential lawyer and on the surface, you’d think him a saint. The picture perfect family led by the idealistic family man.

But there’s more than what the eye is allowed to see? Jason asked.

Once you’re in the family, there’s no way out - even when social services steps in. No one believed me, but John Matters could not have someone near his family trying to damage their reputation, so he ‘let them’ take me back. It was just a cover-up. There was no escape.

I can help.

No, she said without a second thought. Tears stung her eyes as she imagined the worst happening to the man in front of her. You can’t. No one can help me. I am in over my head. Right now, I’m just trying to jump through some hoops so my daughters are taken care of.

A car door slammed outside and she jumped out of her skin and chair to give a look outside. I’m sorry, she said handing him back the papers. This is not a good time. Maybe you could come again ... soon... and we’ll have lunch together.

She could not hide her nervousness, nor could the family resemblance be denied between the two, but she couldn’t have him there.

What’s the matter? he asked as he took her arm to stop her from escorting him to the back door. The girls shut the door to their room with a quick thrust.

Please. You can’t be here right now.

I’m not leaving, Jason protested. I just found you. Please, let me help.

Margaret looked through the crack in the drapes again, and closed her eyes with a deep sigh and silent prayer. She could not afford an argument.

Stay! Margaret ordered after she pushed him to the hallway and took the phone from her pocket. Without looking at the buttons, she sent the quick text. 911.

Harsh pounding came to the door. Margaret, get out here right now! I know you’re in there! You can’t hide!

Maggie started to hyperventilate as a string of foul name calling streamed from the intruder’s threats and Jason made a step toward the door. She put her hand on his chest, and with a vigorous shake of her head, her eyes sent a silent plea not to move.

A short, high-pitched warning sound came from outside, and through the small crack in the curtains she saw the blue and red lights flash.

Her hands flew to her ears in an attempt to block out the argument outside. The accusations and explicit language stormed, but they only lasted a moment. Jason gave a low whistle with wide eyes as he watched the front door in anticipation. "I thought I had anger issues."

Soon, Jason’s soft hand took a hold of hers and turned her around to him. It’s over, he said as a knock came to the back door.

Stay here, she whispered and made careful movements to look to see who it was.

Relief flowed through her as she recognized the man standing outside and unlocked the door.

I’m sorry, Margaret. I don’t know how he found you, Detective Scott Hill’s deep voice said as he followed her back in.

I can’t take this anymore! she cried and paced with her hands over her face to try to trap enough air to breathe. I can’t testify for you. I’m sorry. It’s over.

You can’t give up now, Detective Hill said as he walked toward her. We only have a few days and the judge will dissolve the marriage.

Maggie shook her head and saw Jason enter the small kitchen area from her peripheral vision. She waited for Hill’s reaction.

"We agreed to no visitors, and you let him in?" Hill accused.

This is Jason Cole, she stammered as she tried to stand up straight with her hands on her hips. He’s my brother.

Brother? Last I heard, you didn’t have any family. Hill surveyed the man as Margaret handed him the envelope. After a quick scan of the documents and mementos, he crumpled it all in his giant hand.

Did you bring Eddie Beaudean here? Hill asked as he backed Jason against a wall.

Who? No! Jason protested and shoved the man off him.

What are you saying, Hill? Margaret asked

"That it’s possible he’s a pawn in Eddie’s game of control. It’s too coincidental that Eddie finds you here after he shows up."

That’s ridiculous! Jason said. I came here to find my sister. I want to help. What can I do?

Go home, Hill responded without hesitation and started to scan the papers again. Margaret, now who all knows you and the girls are here?

Just you, Mrs. Warrick, and currently Jason, Maggie said as she wrapped her arms around her stomach to try not to vomit. I won’t put my girls through this anymore. Audra is withdrawing farther and farther into herself from the stress. They can’t live like caged animals. We need fresh air and to be outside. We’re dying here, even though we don’t stay in one place long, and we get to work outdoors fixing up the properties.

Margaret, it’s been two months and the court date is Friday. That’s three days away. You can make it until then. The emergency phone worked.

He shouldn’t have been here in the first place. As soon as he’s free, he’ll be back with his bloodhound friends to pick up our scent. Even worse, he’ll bring JJ.

I need to make arrangements for you to be moved, Hill said as he took out his phone.

There’s nowhere left to go, and I can’t keep uprooting the girls, Margaret protested. You know John will drag this out until we are all dead. There’s not a judge out there that will defy him, and there’s nothing you can do, Hill. Face it. John Matters and JJ will not let me go. And neither will Eddie. If I end up like Summer, who will take care of my girls? I’ve said I won’t testify. Just go. He’ll return with friends soon enough and it will all be over.

Then you have to leave now, Jason protested.

And where will I go? Don’t you see? There’s a leak and Hill can’t fix it. As soon as he finds one, another is paid off.

My place in Bradenton, Jason said. No one knows about me, except Hill. I can make arrangements for you to go to my place. I have friends who have personal security and they will do anything for family.

You don’t know what you’re saying. What are you going to do that Hill hasn’t already tried? Wave a magic wand and make this all disappear?

Bibiddi-bobbidy-boo! Jason mocked her challenge and mimicked the swish and flick with an invisible wand.

Margaret wanted to admire his fearless attitude, but it would only dig her grave deeper. I’m sorry you had to see this, but you should leave. Margaret tried to push him out the back door.

I just found you, Jason pleaded. Mags, please let me help you.

She took a moment to stare into his eyes and saw the plea for trust she could not give. She could not risk her daughters’ lives, nor could she bring another innocent person into the whirlwind of disaster. If you are who you say, thank you for finding me, but right now, you can’t be here. Please understand, I’m protecting you. she pleaded, but the girls rushed from their hiding place and pushed their way to stand on by the tall strange man.

Mom, please listen to him and let him stay. Tamara tried to convince her as she took hold of Jason’s hand. Audra just stared at Jason with blank eyes as she sucked on her fingers and held tight to her sister. He may be able to help us. Bradenton is some place we haven’t been. No one would know. No one knows you have a brother.

The innocent words of her older daughter, and the fear in both their eyes, pulled at her heart. Maggie stared at the man who held Tamara’s hand. The child never trusted men, never had a reason to, and now she took to a stranger whom she had known for less than an hour.

I can stop your crying, Jason said as he held out his empty hand. Please, come with me.

I'll think about it, but you have to leave, now, she pleaded and stared at him for a brief second before her instincts kicked in. Out, out, he had to get out or he would be sucked into her nightmare, too. What she feared worst would be back.

Please believe me, he said and pointed to the envelope in Hill’s hand. The detective was on the phone shouting for answers and did not pay attention to them.

I’ll think about, Maggie repeated. Now, please leave. You’re in danger here. I wish we could be together under better circumstances, but right now that’s impossible.

I don’t believe in impossible, he said. Come with me. Now. I’ll drive my car around back and you can pack. I’ll give Detective Hill my information. I’ve talked of nothing but finding you for a long time to my friends. They’ll be happy to have me shut up and see you in the flesh.

Right now, anything is better than here, Margaret, Hill said with a sigh to say he ran out of ideas. She had never heard him sound so tired. However, being on the run had taken a toll. You said it yourself. Eddie will be back with friends. The sooner you’re moved, the better, so I can find out how he found you this time. She did not miss the side glance of suspicion at Jason. For the moment, you’ll have to be under guard at a hotel.

You promised you would never suffocate me like that.

It’s only until I have a look at this so-called personal security or make other arrangements. We’re running out of hiding spots.

He turned to Jason with a venomous glare that was shot right back. If as much as a hair is out of place on any of them, you will deal with me. Margaret, go pack. Let me hold on to the box...

No, we agreed it was safer with me. Until you find who your current leak is, I’m the only one who is to know where it is. That was the agreement, Hill.

No, that was your condition. I don’t like it. It makes you a bigger moving target. Your testimony is damaging enough, but your box is a time bomb. Let me take it. I can keep it safe.

I don’t have it, Maggie stammered and looked down.

What box? Jason asked.

That’s not for you to know, Hill bit. Where is it?

Safe, just not here. I’m not handing it over until I sit in the witness stand and have this nightmare dissolved.

I thought you weren’t going to testify, Hill caught her in his trap. He did not miss a beat.

None of us will if we stand around here arguing, she said and fought to control the tears brimming and distorting her vision.

Hill sighed and rubbed his temples. Let’s get you moved. Where are you staying, Mr. Cole?

The Four Seasons in Miami, Jason said and then knelt down to Tamara’s height from his six and a half foot stretch. You’ll love it in the suite. The bed is huge and the people sharing the entire floor with me are real nice. We’ll be there a few days for a community benefit and a few other things before our tour kicks off at the main arena.

Hill’s eyes almost escaped their sockets as he looked at Maggie who seemed to have forgotten how to breathe.

Tour? Who are you sharing the floor with? Hill asked.

Boondock’s crew, Jason said as he took a couple of backstage passes out of his back pocket.

Well, you just made Tamara’s day, Maggie muttered as she kept her stare on Hill.

I didn’t know who I was going to find here today, if anyone, but if you two princesses would accompany me, I can get you a sneak peek at what happens backstage.

Mommy? Tamara asked with a glowing smile.

That’s too much, Jason, Maggie stammered. We don’t need anything but a place to hide until this whole thing blows over. We can go to another of Mrs. Warrick’s rentals. I have keys to the vacant ones.

Nonsense, Jason said. You’re family. Besides, that’s how I found you. The last three addresses where I tried to find you were owned by her. I have a list of her properties and started down it to check out if by chance you were at any of them.

Margaret’s heart dropped. She knew it was dangerous to have anything in common with any place she bounced from and how clever others were who wanted what she held. She could not breathe and the pressure in her ears pounded with stress.

Boondocks, Mommy! We have dreamed of a mother-daughter day at one of their concerts. Please! Tamara gave all that her big blue eyes could pull in the effort to win her mom’s permission.

Please! Audra asked and ran into her room. In just a few seconds, she ran back out dragging her duffle bag with all her possessions. I’m ready!

Jason gave a laugh and looked over at Maggie. He had to clear his throat at her wide-eyed look. I’ll go pull the car around back. Good girl, Audra.

Maggie was not mad or irritated. She stood shocked. Her daughters had never acted like this. She waited until Jason walked out the front door before she looked at the two children in front of her. We don’t know if we can trust him, girls. And the Four Seasons? I’d be lucky if I could get a job in their laundry room, let alone afford to be able to spend one night in a five-star hotel.

Miami is a ways from here, Hill mentioned. I don’t like it.

It’s the fastest idea we have, Tamara said and Maggie looked into her seven-year old eyes.

He had you at Boondocks, Maggie accused.

No, he had me with the fact he’s your brother. Come on, Mom. If he’s related to you, maybe he’s a lot like you. Not everyone can be like... them.

Tamara turned and went into the room while Audra jumped up and down.

Is the hotel pretty, Mommy? she asked, taking Maggie’s hand.

I don’t know, sweetheart. I’ve never been there. I’m sure any roof over our head is pretty. Maggie turned to Hill and gave in. You know I don’t care where we go, as long as the girls are safe. And I know what you’re thinking. We know nothing about this man, and here he is waving around backstage passes to a very popular band, and has a suite at the Four Seasons. I don’t even know what he does with the band. But with their success, they need good security, and I have the phone and emergency cash. If anything happens, we grab the first cab available and head to a rundown motel.

Do you even know your way around Miami? Hill asked.

Are you kidding? I couldn’t find my way out of a paper bag. That’s what they pay the cabbies for.

I hope you have enough emergency cash. Keep your phone on and charged. It has a GPS. As soon as you sent your text, I started a background check on this guy. If any red flags show up, or anything doesn’t feel right, there will be hell to pay. We can’t afford for you to be in debt to the devil anymore.

The girls, Hill. Don’t forget this could be a way for them to be taken care of. The chances of me living twenty-four hours after that court date are very small. We have to make sure the girls are kept safe. That is all that matters to me.

Two

One Happy Day

The sheer curtain from the balcony window swept over the soft floor as Maggie dug through her large duffle bag and fought the hysterics that wanted to surface.

Tami, where’s Mommy’s journal? she asked as she dumped everything she dared to carry around all over the plush cream-colored carpet.

You let Audie draw in it while we waited for the bags of dirt delivery, Tamara answered as she bounced on the bed in her pajamas and flipped through the chAnniels on the television.

Audra, Maggie asked in a voice that tried not to alarm her five-year old, who was enjoying her chocolate milk in a large crystal goblet. What did you do with Mommy’s journal when you were done making pretty pictures for me today?

It’s in the box, Mommy. Where you keep all your pretty books. I put it away. She beamed the brightest smile Maggie had ever seen on her child’s face. The light brown milk mustache around her tiny lips melted Maggie’s heart and she took a mental snapshot of that rare moment.

Sweetie, how did you get into the box? Maggie asked as she scooted behind Audra and started to brush her long blond hair.

I climbed in the attic when you were talking to Uncle Jason. That’s our hiding place. Did I do good?

Yes, sweetie. You did a good job. Thank you.

Maggie remembered the bunk beds next to the closet where the girls could climb to the entrance of the small square hole in the ceiling. The door was almost invisible as it melded with the wood-paneling.

How did you know the box was up there? Maggie asked as she started to braid the thick mane both girls inherited from her.

Mrs. Warrick was up there the other day. She said she was checking the insulation, Tamara said as she chose an animated movie and snuggled under her blankets.

How’d you get into the box? Maggie continued to keep her voice calm although her heart raced in her chest. When Jason had described how he found her, she feared Eddie found a pattern also.

Mrs.Warrick put the key on a necklace and hung it on a nail, Audra said in a quiet pout.

Audie, Maggie kept her voice low, but it came out firm. Where is the necklace now?

Both girls looked at each other with wide eyes.

Girls.

Audra lifted a silver long chain from under her too-long, paint-stained t-shirt and her small hands held up the shining deposit box key. Footsteps sounded outside the room’s door, and Maggie could hear Jason’s voice.

Speak of this to no one, Maggie said as she finished the braid and hid the chain back under Audra’s shirt. I mean no one.

Mom, Uncle Jason is nice, Tamara whispered as she smelled the fresh linens.

"Uncle Jason is still a stranger. I mean it, you two. Keep the pretty necklace hidden for now. When I ask for it, please hand it over with no questions, okay?" Maggie whispered and started to braid her own hair as Jason came in.

Hey there, pretty ladies. Sorry about that. I hope you had time to settle in. I have such a long day tomorrow I wanted to make certain everything was in order so I’m not dragged away at every little emergency. I’m glad you came. Jason sat on the end of the bed on the opposite side from Tamara and smiled. Oooh. You found a classic movie.

Tamara smiled back and crawled out of the blankets to sit beside him. I’ve never seen it.

Never? Jason asked shocked and put a hand to his chest. Well, you’re in for a treat. This movie is one of the best.

Maggie allowed a small smile to break from her nervous tension as she finished her braid and then sat with Tamara. As soon as Audra saw she was alone on the bed, she bounced her way to the other side of Jason and snuggled in.

Thank you, Uncle Jason, the two girls said together as they wrapped their arms around his.

You okay, Mags? he asked turning around.

"Fine. I’ve been cooped up too long and I’m just not used to this." She raised her hand to the immaculate large room and tried not to show her awe.

"We usually don’t stay in this grand a hotel, but we’re participating at the Awareness Benefit tomorrow, and it was the closest. I do know a little bit about security measures. You should come. It would be a great way to get to know the guys, since you didn’t want to join us for dinner tonight. And I can get to know you three a little better."

Jason, this is too much. We should have made arrangements to stay at the less expensive hotel where Hill kept us while he checked out your security here.

You mean the one you climbed the walls at because the windows were welded shut with bars on the outside? Yeah, that was much better. What do you think, Tami? Jason asked as he nodded toward the open window and then looked at his niece. Want to see Boondocks sing a few songs, mingle with a few people, and help out with a booth or two?

When Tamara was unable to speak, Maggie gave a small laugh. You do realize that’s like asking a starved mouse if he’d like cheese. She sings along with all the songs on the store speakers.

"Do you think they’ll sing ‘The Child in Me?’ That’s my favorite!" Tamara asked.

I’ll put in a special request. Jason winked at her. And I brought you guys something special to wear for tomorrow.

You really don’t have to, Maggie started as he stood up, but Jason already disappeared out the