Free Nanny by Christina Skye Page A

in front of our families and closest friends, then disappear somewhere and make love to her until neither of us can stand up and walk.”
    She closed her eyes. “Don’t. This is already hard enough.”
    â€œThen talk to me, damn it.” Tate gripped her shoulders, turning her to face him. “Tell me what you’re afraid of, Cara. We’ll work it out together, whatever it is.”
    â€œNot this time.” The words were a whisper.
    Tate heard the sound of regret—and terrible pain. In that moment, he realized he was losing her.
    Her cell phone pealed twice from inside her purse. She still insisted on using the tune from
Gilligan’s Island
so she could recognize her calls amid all the others in public places.
    â€œHello?”
    Tate watched her face change.
    â€œWhen?”
Blindly she grabbed for the door. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
    â€œWhat is it, Cara?” He put a hand on her shoulder, another on the door. “Damn it, tell me.”
    Her fingers trembled as she slid the phone into her pocket. “It’s Audra. Today’s her docent day at the aquarium.” Her voice broke. “No one can find her. She’s gone.”
    Tate pushed her into a chair and grabbed his shirt. “I’ll drive you to Monterey.”
    â€œThere’s no need. My car’s parked outside.”
    â€œDamn it, I’m driving you.” Tate worked hard to hold back his anger. “There’s no further discussion.” He tucked in his shirt while he looked for his shoes. “I’ll get a police escort to save time.”
    This time she didn’t protest his interference.
    â€œMy car will be waiting in front by the time we get downstairs.”
    She nodded jerkily. “They’re searching the aquarium now.” Her hands locked. “What if they don’t find her? What if someone—”
    â€œDon’t.” Tate pointed to the nearby phone. “Call Margo and tell her what’s happened. Tell her I’ll be in touch when I can.”
    He was dialing his cell phone as he disappeared into the bedroom.
    Â 
    â€œNo sign of her on the third floor, Ms. Mulvaney.” A guard with thinning hair met them at the stairwell outside the kelp tank. “I checked with people at all the exits, and no one saw her go out.”
    â€œWhat about the front?”
    â€œThat could be a problem.” He looked down at Sophy and lowered his voice. “The regular guard was sick today. The replacement worker just left ten minutes ago, and no one’s been able to reach him.”
    â€œKeep trying, please.” Summer studied the floor plan. “What about the rooms over here?”
    â€œPrivate offices, ma’am. Administration mostly.”
    â€œHas anyone checked them?”
    â€œI don’t believe so. I’ll get someone on that right away.” He turned away, his radio squeaking.
    Sophy tugged at Summer’s arm. “Why are you so upset? Audra’s probably in the cafeteria sneaking a cup of coffee or flirting with that cool new boy who started working there.”
    Summer motioned to the guard. “Maybe you should check the cafeteria. Try the restrooms, too.” She tapped on the map. “Meanwhile, we’ll start here and work our way clockwise, room by room.”
    â€œYou think Audra’s hurt or something?” Sophy’s eyes were huge and unblinking.
    â€œDon’t worry, honey. She was probably confused and went to the wrong place.” Summer checked her watch. “I have to phone your mom again.”
    â€œShe’ll be so frightened,” Sophy said gravely. “She worries a lot lately. She tries to hide it, but we can still tell.”
    So much for fooling the kids,
Summer thought. As they crossed the corridor, she dialed Cara O’Connor’s cell phone.
    Cara answered on the second ring, sounding breathless.
    â€œMs. Mulvaney here. We’re