Chapter 38
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Adalyn spread out the train, the scalloped edging looking like tiny flowers against the pale blue carpet. It was a masterpiece, and a warmth infused her heart. The bride fairly glowed, gushing about how much she loved it.
Adalyn grinned at her. “I’m glad you like it.”
She heard the jingle of the bell over the door, but she didn’t bother to see who had just come in. Amy was up front; she’d let her take care of it.
Adalyn gave Macy a quick hug. “Why don’t you go take this off, and we’ll steam it before you take it home?”
Macy beamed at her, then headed into the dressing room to change. Amy appeared at Adalyn's shoulder, and she turned to her. “Did you see how well Macy’s gown turned out?”
“Oh, um… yes.”
The concern on Amy’s face finally registered, and Adalyn turned to fully face her. “What’s wrong?”
Amy wrung her hands together. “There are two men here to see you.”
“Oh?” Adalyn couldn’t imagine who it could be. Every once in a great while, guys would wander in looking for tuxedos or suits for special occasions. “Send them back.”
“It’s… they’re…” Amy trailed off and threw a look over her shoulder toward the front of the salon. “They’re officers.”
Adalyn jerked back. “Like the police?”
She nodded shakily. “They want to speak with you.”
“Okay.” Adalyn floundered for a moment. Was this about the break-in last week?
Or, worse, maybe Caryn? Caryn had contacted a lawyer about her contract, but Adalyn had shut him down, explaining that it was a done deal.
He’d agreed that there were no loopholes, and Adalyn thought they’d let it go.
Was Caryn trying to force her hand on something?
She let out a sigh. “Send them to my office, please, then take care of Macy.”
Amy bobbed her head, then hurried off. Macy strode out of the dressing room a moment later and handed over her gown. “Thank you so much,” she gushed.
“Oh, it was my pleasure,” Adalyn assured her. “I’m going to have Jenn steam your gown, and Amy will settle your bill.”
With a parting hug, Adalyn hauled the dress back to the alterations room and passed it to Jenn. “Could you do a quick steam on this? Macy’s waiting, and she wants to take it with her.”
“Sure.” Jenn slipped the dress from Adalyn's fingers and hung it on the rack.
“If you could take it to her when you’re done, I’d appreciate it. I have a meeting in my office.”
“Of course.”
Adalyn met Amy and the two police officers as she exited the alterations room. “Hello, gentlemen. Follow me, if you would.”
She entered the office and gestured for them to follow. Once the door was closed, she leaned a hip against her desk. “What can I help with?”
“Are you acquainted with a Mrs. Wendy Henderson?”
“I am. Is everything okay?”
“She sustained a head injury this afternoon and is currently being transported to the medical facility for further examination.”
“Oh, God. Is she okay? I mean…” It hit her then. “She has my daughter. Wendy watches her during the day and… What hospital did you say they were at? I need to get over there.”
Adalyn immediately moved to grab her purse, but the officer stopped her with his next words. “Actually, miss, we’d like to speak with you about that.”
“What’s that?”
“You said you left your daughter in Mrs. Henderson’s care?”
“That’s right.” Unease slithered down her spine. “She watches her during the day while I’m here. She’s my next-door neighbor and landlord. She’s become kind of a grandmother figure for Jaclyn—my daughter.”
“Is there anyone you might know that would want to hurt Wendy or yourself?”
“Me?” Her hand fluttered to her throat. “N-no, I don’t think so. And I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt Wendy intentionally. She’s the sweetest person I’ve ever met. She’d give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.”
The officer nodded. “There was a break-in here last week, is that right?”
Adalyn folded her hands to keep them from trembling. “Yes, but I don’t believe they took anything. Everything we inventoried turned out to be correct.”
“We believe you may have been the primary target. I’m sorry to tell you this, but your daughter was taken from the scene.”
What did that mean? Panic and fear crawled up her throat. “So they took her to the hospital, right?”
“No, ma’am.” He shook his head hesitantly. “We believe she was abducted.”