Chapter 19

Candace was in no mood for this. “I don’t accept calls from salespeople. Can’t you get rid of him?” People who didn’t have her direct number were cold callers and no better than parasites.

“This caller sounds real angry and keeps calling back. Please take it,” the receptionist begged. “He says it’s an urgent query regarding Savannah Page and he can’t get hold of her.”

Candace sat up and pressed the phone piece close to her ear. She closed the screen images she’d been looking at during her lunch-hour. Images of the two of them on vacation in Miami. “Put him through,” she said, sucking her breath in irritation. “Candace Oakley. How can I help?”

“About bloody time too,” the male caller sounded annoyed. “I want to speak to Savannah Page.”

“I’m afraid Ms. Page is away until Monday,” Candace replied, testily. It should have been her in Miami, not that bitch.

“Monday?” The man’s voice had a rough edge to it, and she wondered what he was after.

“Is it something I can help you with?” Candace asked, sensing this wasn’t a normal cold caller.

“It’s personal.”

“A personal matter?” Her ears pricked up. “Do you have her cell phone number?”

“I’ve tried, but she ain’t answering. Could be ‘cos I’m her ex-husband.” She heard a coarse laugh.

“You are?” Candace sat back in her chair and rubbed her fingers together. Her day had instantly brightened.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Candace’s voice melted, and she smiled. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I’m not sure.” The man’s voice suddenly dimmed, as if hope was lost. “I was in town and I was hoping to meet up with her and my son.”

“Unfortunately Ms. Page is away with Mr. Stone. I could let her know you called.”

“I was looking for her address. You wouldn’t happen to know it, would you?” He asked. Candace laughed at the suggestion.

“Her address?” Her fingers trembled as she clicked the mouse and retrieved Savannah’s personal file, something that only a few people outside of HR had access to. “Why of course,” she stared at the details on the screen, her heart pitter-pattering away. “This information is strictly confidential, you understand, don’t you?”

“I swear I won’t tell anyone. You’d be doing me a huge favor, Ma’am. I hitch-hiked for over ten hours just to come and see them.”

Hitch-hiked? She wrinkled her nose in disgust. “I hope you understand what a huge risk I’m taking.”

“I’d be mighty obliged and thankful to you. My ex-wife won’t even let me see my son. Do you know if Jacob’s gone with them?”

Candace couldn’t believe her luck. She cleared her throat. “I believe it’s a personal vacation they’ve taken. Again, I’ve already said more than I should have.”

“Who the hell’s she left my son with?”

Candace smiled at the anger in his voice. “I believe Ms. Page’s parents are here. Again—I’ve said too much.”

“Thank you, Ma’am. I ain’t heard nothing from you. If you could give me the address.” Candace lowered her voice and read it out to him.