An Agent for Zennia Read online

  “Amanda. Yes, she has missed some of my classes. She sat in the back.”

  “Thank you, perhaps the girls sitting next to her might know where she is.”

  The professor frowned. “You can ask them, but I am afraid Amanda keeps to herself. She’s a very private person.” He paused. “It is against school policy to tell about the students. I would hate to divulge private information about her.”

  “I understand. Thank you. I look forward to hearing more of your lectures.” She smiled at him and then went toward the girls who sat next to the empty chair. Professor Biggs had an odd attitude about Amanda, but then professors often acted oddly.

  Zennia turned to see if the two girls were still in the room. One of them was gone, but the one to Amanda’s left was still gathering her things. Zennia climbed the steps to the back of the room and stopped her.

  “Hi, I’m Zennia Fields. I was wondering if you’d seen Amanda lately. I’m a distant cousin of hers and wanted to meet her.”

  The young woman smiled. “I’m Julia Watkins. No, I haven’t seen Amanda lately, but I saw her the other day near the Grand Hotel. I tried to get her attention, but she didn’t see me. I was meeting my mother for a shopping trip.”

  “Oh, how nice. I was staying at the Grand. It’s a lovely hotel. And I did shop at that little dress shop inside and got some beautiful dresses.”

  “I know. I love that little shop. If you’re around, maybe we can have lunch.”

  Zennia grinned. “I’d like that.” She stopped. “You said you saw her a few days ago?”

  “Yes, let me see, it was Wednesday. I hope you find her. She’s missed classes this week, so I was surprised to see her. I thought maybe she was traveling. Once, she talked about family that lived out of state. Her mother, I think.”

  “Thank you, Jennifer. I hope to see you again.”

  Zennia left the campus and went back to her dorm room. She wondered what to tell Kyle. His almost fiancé was a mystery. She dropped off her things and then stepped into the hall, making sure no one else was around.

  She went to Amanda’s room and looked to see if the things she’d put by the door were still there. Sadly, they were. No one had disturbed the door.

  After a look at the watch pinned to her blouse, Zennia left the campus and found a taxi to take her back to the hotel. She hoped Kyle had found something out.

  She entered the hotel. It was still early, and Kyle wouldn’t expect her back for another hour, so she sat on the couch and decided to watch people again. It puzzled her that Julia had said she saw Amanda here at the hotel Wednesday. That was right after she’d sent the telegram to Kyle.

  Zennia’s intuition told her that there was more to Amanda than Kyle understood. She wouldn’t confront him about it until necessary. One thing she wanted to know was what Amanda’s family had done to gain their wealth.

  After looking at the clock on the wall, Zennia sighed and rose. She was about to go to the elevator when she stopped. The woman she’d drawn this morning entered the hotel. Zennia sat back down and decided to watch her.

  Kyle had looked at her drawing with more interest than the one of the man. Then again, Kyle was a man, and women would interest him. But her instincts told her to watch. Zennia sat back down and pulled out her sketchbook.

  The woman went to the front desk and asked the clerk something. He disappeared in the office and came out with a package. With a smile, the lady left and went to the elevator. Zennia followed and waited to see what floor the woman stopped at. The third floor.

  Zennia waited for the elevator and then let it take her to the third floor. She stepped out and looked about. No one. She walked down the hall and listened to see if she could find what room the woman had entered.

  Then she walked the other direction down the hallway. Again, nothing. Feeling a bit foolish, Zennia found the stairs and walked down a floor. She opened the door and stepped into her hall.

  Up ahead, she saw the woman stop at the door near Zennia’s room, look around, and then enter. The door clicked shut as Zennia walked past. She would have stopped and listened if another couple hadn’t been walking down the hall.

  Zennia stopped at her door and then thought better of it and walked across the hall and knocked on Kyle’s door. She wasn’t sure if she should expect him in or not.

  The door opened. Kyle looked about the hall and pulled her inside his room.

  Breathless at the surprise of seeing him and that he’d grabbed her to him and hadn’t let go yet, Zennia finally took in a deep breath.

  Kyle let her go and stepped away from her. “Did you find anything out?”

  Staring at her partner, she swallowed and gathered her thoughts. “Not really. The girl who sits next to her in history said she thought she saw her Wednesday here at this hotel. Is it possible she stays somewhere else?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck and stepped to the window, moving the curtain to look out at the scene below. “I’m not sure.”

  “Are we going to visit her parents?”

  He turned and stared at her. “Yes.”

  Zennia watched him. Kyle was disturbed about something. She debated about telling him of the woman she’d drawn but changed her mind. I did mark her door in the dorm, so I could tell if anyone entered or not.”

  “Good.” He said the words, but his attention was outside.

  “Do you see someone you know? Like that woman I drew downstairs?”

  He whirled and faced her. “I don’t know who she is?”

  “Don’t you?”

  “I met her once at one of the parties Amanda took me to. She’s the British Ambassador’s wife or was. Her name is Lady Jane Haversham.” He stopped talking as if to say that was all she needed to know.

  Zennia didn’t push him. If he wanted to tell her more, he would. “Lady Jane is staying a couple of rooms down from me. I saw her as I was coming to my room.” She folded her arms. “Did she know Amanda?”

  Kyle nodded. “Yes, she did.” Again, his information wasn’t forthcoming, and he wasn’t looking at her.

  “Did you find anything else out about where Amanda might be?”

  He shook his head. “Let’s pay her parents a visit.” Kyle faced her and grinned that boyish look he had when he wanted to please her.

  Not wanting to start an argument, Zennia nodded. “I’d like to change first.” She left his room and went to hers. Things were not adding up, and she was having a hard time trusting that Kyle was telling her everything.

  ***

  Kyle watched Zennia go across the hall and shut the door. She was a good detective. Young and inexperienced or not, she was observant, asked the right questions, and wasn’t fooled one bit by him.

  Somehow, he’d let on about knowing Lady Jane. He must have looked too long at the picture Zennia had drawn. Anyway, his partner had picked up on it and had the instincts to remember and tell him about her.

  He ran a hand through his hair, grabbed his hat, and waited for Zennia. Kyle wasn’t sure about why Lady Jane was hanging around the hotel or if she had anything to do with Amanda or not. But he’d never liked Jane or her husband. And he often got the sense that Amanda wasn’t fond of her either.

  Kyle walked across the hall and knocked on Zennia’s door. “You about ready?”

  She didn’t answer, just opened the door and stood there with a pleased look on her face. “I wanted to freshen up. If we’re going to see a wealthy family, I don’t want to show up like a schoolgirl, but I think you should stick to the cover that I’m your little sister. I did tell the school I was a distant cousin of Amanda’s. Just so we have our stories straight.”

  Kyle stared at her. He was going to have to take notes to keep up with her, and he was the senior agent. She did look pretty in her new outfit. Her hair was neat and not sticking out like usual.

  “Let’s go.” Zennia rushed past him.

  A waft of sweet aromas turned his head, and he followed her. Whatever perfume she put on was heavenly. He caught her at the elevator and held out his arm. “A proper lady should have an escort.” He winked at her.

  She put her arm in his. “So, what do you know about Amanda’s family?”

  “Later. I don’t want anyone to hear.”

  “Like Lady Jane?” She looked at him, her eyes serious.

  She’d picked up on that too. He nodded. “Yes.”

  Chapter 6

  Zennia took in a deep breath as the carriage drove up the long drive to the Vaughn estate. Amanda was rich, all right. Was that what had attracted Kyle to her? Then again, Zennia didn’t believe Kyle was shallow like several of the young men who had wanted to woo her

  If she loved a man, she’d never leave him, and if he had to go somewhere, she’d follow. Why hadn’t Amanda? Perhaps after visiting her parents, Zennia would have some answers. First, she just hoped they were home.

  Kyle hadn’t let them know he was coming. The wealthy didn’t take to surprise visits as they were often an inquiry about money. Father had warned her about it, and she’d seen too many instances to prove his theory correct.

  Stopping in front of the elegant house, Kyle jumped down and then helped her from the carriage. He was nervous. She could feel it in the way he took her arm, his furtive glances, and the tenseness in his voice.

  She patted his hand. “Relax.” Then she realized what she’d said. If he truly loved Amanda, he had to be worried about what had happened to her. Yet, Zennia was beginning to wonder if anything had happened to Amanda. Why would Julia see her at The Grand just the other day? And Amanda’s classmate hadn’t mentioned that Amanda looked worried or scared.

  Zennia wasn’t sure why she felt that way, but something wasn’t right. Even the telegram sounded amiss to her. She stared at Kyle as he fiddled with the tight collar of his suit. He was handsome. She should have told him so.

  Now, as the wide door opened, it was too late. A man, who she thought must be the butler, opened the door.

  “Yes?”

  “Kyle Logan and my sister to see Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn.” He waited, looking straight ahead.

  In a few minutes, the butler came back and gestured for them to follow. Zennia saw places on the wall that showed missing pictures. Tables with nothing on them. And only the butler in the house.

  Soon, they were in a quaint parlor that was filled with statues and pictures, looking as if it had been the last room to be ransacked. The one kept to entertain unsuspecting visitors. Mr. Vaughn was sitting on the divan puffing on a pipe as if he had not a care in the world.

  Zennia saw right through him. Things were not at all well in their world. Mrs. Vaughn, was dressed in an exquisite gown that was at least several years old. The hem frayed. Few pieces of jewelry. This couple was in dire straits money-wise. Yet, doing everything they could to hide it.

  She and Kyle sat across from them in older chairs covered in worn fabric. Zennia decided she’d keep quiet and pretend to be amazed at the lavish furnishings of their house. No reason they needed to know that she could tell their predicament.

  “What a beautiful home you have?” Zennia looked around, forcing a look of awe about her.

  Kyle nodded. “I think you might remember me. Amanda and I were almost engaged. She sent me a telegram, and she asked for help. Do you know where she is?”

  Zennia watched them closely. The father didn’t flinch at all, but the mother’s eyes darted to her husband. They were in on something together.

  The father cleared his throat. “She told us someone was following her. I thought it best if she went to our family home in the country. But she had other ideas. As you know, she’s rather independent. She told us,” He looked at his wife. “a week ago that she might stay in a hotel?”

  Mrs. Vaughn nodded.

  Mr. Vaughn turned back to face them. “We had an argument, and Amanda stormed out of the house. We haven’t seen her since that day.”

  Kyle shifted in his chair. “Then where is she? I’m worried.”

  “No need to worry. Amanda is capable of taking care of herself.” Mr. Vaughn smiled as if to show he didn’t have a care.

  Zennia kept her attention on the mother. She was worried. Zennia could see it in her eyes and the furrow on her brow. Something was wrong. And Zennia wasn’t at all sure it was with Amanda. The tension in the house was thick, but it wasn’t with worry about a missing daughter.

  Kyle shook his head and stood. “Mr. Vaughn, something has happened to Amanda.” He pulled the telegram from his jacket and threw it at the man. “Read it.”

  Zennia knew the words by heart. Help. I’m in trouble. Amanda.

  Mr. Vaughn stared at the words, then stood, and handed it back to Kyle. Never giving his wife time to read it. “She’s high strung. I am sure she is fine. I’ll have my men look into her whereabouts and get back to you.”

  “You do that and do it quick. If I don’t hear from Amanda before Monday, I’m going to the police.” Kyle reached a hand to Zennia.

  She took it and felt his sweaty palm. He pulled her up and guided her to the door. “Remember, by Monday.”

  Mr. Vaughn followed him. “Really, Mr. Logan. This is none of your business. She never agreed to marry you. She told me she didn’t want to be unequally yoked and was relieved when you moved away. I’ll try and get in touch with her. Where are you staying?”

  Kyle kept Zennia moving toward the door. “The Grand Hotel. You can leave a message. I’m showing my sister around the city.”

  Mr. Vaughn kept in front of his wife, almost as if he were keeping her from talking. “I hope you enjoy your trip. I’m sorry Amanda has caused you trouble. I don’t know why she would send you such a telegram.”

  Zennia went outside and waited for Kyle. He said a few words to Mr. Vaughn and then came out toward her. Anger shown in his eyes as he took her by the hand and nodded to the cab driver.

  She started to say something, but Kyle shook his head.

  Zennia climbed into the carriage and tried to get a look at Mrs. Vaughn. She would be the one to get answers from.

  Finally, they were on their way back to the hotel. She touched Kyle’s hand. “I think we need to have a meeting in our room. Away from ears.”

  He nodded. But put a finger to his lips.

  Zennia considered the trouble with Amanda. Her parents were in trouble and needed money. What did Amanda know or do? She glanced at Kyle. He looked troubled. How much did he know about his almost fiancé? And did he still have feelings for her?

  Kyle glanced at her, and their gazes met. Zennia’s cheeks warmed as she had to admit she liked his attention. Apparently, he was having similar feelings because he turned away.

  Zennia looked forward and wondered what they would find out about Amanda. Then she smiled and wondered what she’d find out about Kyle and herself.

  ***

  As soon as they reached the hotel, Kyle swept his gaze over their surroundings. For some reason, he was on edge and felt the need to protect Zennia. He had hoped to hide his feelings from her, but she saw right through Amanda’s parents.

  That Amanda was all right, that’s what mattered. He didn’t get the feeling that her parents were worried about her. So, what was going on?

  He walked Zennia into the hotel and then to the elevator. Kyle could see she was looking, watching for anything out of the ordinary. She was going to make an excellent agent, and he hated to see that.

  She was a sweet young woman who needed a man to love her. He sensed a loneliness about her. As if she’d been by herself too long, and she needed to know someone cared for her. He wondered about her family.

  She’d not said much other than her father was wealthy, and she had older brothers. Kyle had to admit, he really didn’t know her at all. He went to the elevator and gave the number. Soon, they stood in front of his room.

  “Do you mind having a meeting in my room?” He unlocked the door.

  “Not at all. We’re partners. Nothing more.” She entered and went to the chair by the window.

  Kyle nodded and followed her, taking the other chair and placing it in front of her. “What do you think of Amanda’s parents?”

  Zennia took in a deep breath and nailed him with a hard gaze. “Something is amiss. The mother was worried. The father tried not to be worried. And they are either broke or getting there quickly.”

  “Broke?”

  “Pictures missing. Tables bare. Her dress was beautiful but at least five years old by the fashion and the worn hem. That family is not as they wanted to seem. And Amanda, what exactly do you know about her? I don’t recall seeing any family pictures. Nothing to show Amanda was their daughter.”

  Kyle sat back, not wanting to let her in on what he knew, but saw he had no choice. “I was supposed to follow her on assignment. I never knew why, but I was told to write down whoever she met with. Where she went. And then I fell in love with her.”

  Zennia’s gaze hardened. “Think back. Do you recall if she suddenly began to pursue you? Did she want you to notice her? Get you to fall in love with her?”

  He stood and paced the room. He’d like to think that he noticed Amanda and went after her. But was that the truth? Kyle rubbed the back of his neck. That first night. He’d been watching her.

  Before, she never turned to smile at him. Never acted as if she knew he was following her, but this time, she sat at a table near his, turned to him, and smiled. So friendly that he couldn’t miss her attention. That had been the beginning. Soon after the smile, she’d risen and asked to join him.

  “She pursued me.” He stared at Zennia. “How did you know?”

  “Because things aren’t right. What did Amanda do? She went to school, but why? What did she want to do with her life? Did she ever say?”

  Kyle shook his head. “No, she never really told me what she wanted out of college. Said she liked the history class. I know she had several meetings with her professor.”

  “And her friends? Men or women?”

  He shook his head. “I didn’t notice any. Not really.”

  “Are you sure the Vaughns are even her parents?”