Fatal Charm
by
Aimie Thurlo

. Hamez Springs

SANTA~

Gal]steo To Albuquerque To Karen Fiss-There are no bats in her belfry,
but there are most certainly rats in her basement Prologue Lynn Ramos
heard the screen door slam behind her as she walked outside onto the
moonlit porch.

She'd meant to adjust that annoying spring latch many times, but had
never quite gotten around to it.

Quickly, she glanced down at the soft bundle in her arms.  The baby
stirred, yawned without opening her eyes, then drifted back to sleep.

Lynn smiled, relieved.  Six-month-old Carmen could sleep through most
anything.

Lynn drew her daughter closer, protecting her from the winter evening
as she walked around the Bureau sedan to their own car.  She fastened
the baby into the car seat, then glanced back through the kitchen
window.  Tony was still on the phone.  Everything in their lives always
seemed to take a distant second to his career in the FBI.  As usual,
that had been the focus of their argument tonight.

Lynn drove down the narrow two-lane highway, tears stream Jag down her
face.

She wondered if Tony had even noticed she'd left.  The thought that he
might not have noticed cut deeply.  She stared ahead stubbornly,
turning onto the mountain road that led toward her sister's house.

As she followed the sharp curve in the road, she heard something shift
on the floor of the car.  Lynn glanced down for an instant and saw a
paper sack jutting out from beneath the front passenger's seat.

Without taking her eyes off the road, she reached down.  As she picked
it up, a small stuffed raccoon fell out of the sack, tumbling onto the
seat beside her.

Lynn recognized the toy she'd meant to pick up for the baby.  Her
throat tightened as she realized Tony had made time to go by Toy Mart
and buy it for Carmen.  A rush of warmth swept over her, dissipating
her anger.  Tony's dedi' cation to his job was infuriating at times
but, in her heart, she knew that he loved her and Carmen deeply.

Lynn took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  Her hair-trigger temper
had certainly been working overtime tonight.  What on earth had she
been thinking?  She watched the snow flurries pile up on her
windshield, then get swept to the side as the wipers kept up their
steady rhythm.  She should have never gone out on a night like this.

Hearing the soft gurgling coming from Carmen, she turned up the heater
a click, making sum the car stayed warm enough for the baby.

"Okay, little girl."  She smiled, looking at her daughter in the
rearview mirror.

"More blew a gasket, as usual, but we're going back home now."

Lynn began searching for a place to turn the car around.  Narrow
shoulders plagued this mountain highway east of Santa Fe.  She slowed
down, pumping the brakes carefully on the icy road as she rounded a
switchback curve, careful to avoid picking up more speed than was safe
for this stretch of pavement.

Suddenly, out of the gloom ahead she saw a pair of blinding headlights
coming straight at her.  The driver was on the wrong side of the
road!

Lynn pulled the wheel hard to the right, barely missing the other car
as it shot by.  She fought the steering wheel and brake, trying to
bring her car back under control on the glaring ice covering the
road.

Lynn screamed as the car skidded off the pavement and hurtled down the
hillside into a darrc abyss.  Something smashed against the windshield,
and she was instantly covered with chunks of glass.  The car plunged
into a steep ravine, flipping end over end.

As the car finally came to a stop, Lynn struggled to hold on to
consciousness, but it was a losing battle.  One by one, her senses
began to fail.  First, she couldn't feel anything, not even the cold.

Then silence enveloped her as if her ears were stuffed with cotton.

As her sight gave way, surrounding her with a soupy blackness, she
tried to reach out and touch the car and panicked as she realized her
arm wouldn't move.

Then, suddenly, the darkness lifted, and a sense of peace filled her.

There was no reason to fear'.  Her child would be all right.  Freed,
she surrendered to the light.

FLASHLIGHT IN HAND, the solitary man staggered drunkenly down the
snow-covered slope toward the car.  What had he done?  The cold wind
stung his face, sobering him up.

Though he didn't want to climb down into the arroyo, something
compelled him to keep going.  He slowed down, trying to stay on his
feet, but the going was icy and rough, and he kept slipping and
falling.

If there really was a hell, he was sure the Almighty had reserved a
special spot for him.  He should never have taken that first drink
tonight, much less the fourth.  Or was it fifth?  He knew better.  But
it was too late to think about that now.  He had to concentrate on
damage control.

Maybe there was still a way for him to get out of this mess without
losing everything.  One thing was clear, there was no way he could
report the accident.  The police would smell the whiskey on his breath
three miles away.

They'd jail him, and he'd be mined.

As a sliver of moonlight edged out from behind the clouds, he saw the
car clearly for the first time.  Dear God, nobody could have survived
that!  It was right side up, but the top was caved in like a soda can
that had been stomped by a heavy boot.

 10 He ~turned around, ready to climb back out, when he heard a soft
mewling cry.  A cat?  He glanced around, trying to clear his thinking,
but his thoughts seemed strangled by the thick cobwebs the liquor had
left behind.

He stood motionless and listened, still not wanting to approach the
car.  If the driver, by some miracle, was still alive, he'd phone in
and report the accident anonymously.

Hearing the soft cry again, he forced himself to go closer to the
wreck.  The body of the driver was slumped to the right of the steering
wheel at an odd angle.  One look told him she was dead.

His attention shifted as he heard the cry again.  It was coming from
the back seat.  Aiming the flashlight beam, he saw an infant in a car
seat.  An embroidered blanket lay on the floor beside her.  The child's
pink-and-white sleeper was covered with tiny cubes of glass, but she
appeared unharmed, except for a few slight scratches on her face.

His gut tightened.  This was the last thing he needed.  Unless he got
the kid out of there, she wouldn't have a chance.  The cold would
finish what the accident had started.  He went to the rear door,
grabbed the handle with both gloved hands, and pulled hard.  His feet
slipped on the frozen ground, sending him sprawling backward.  He fell
hard into the snow.

All he wanted to do was get out of this place, but he couldn't leave
the baby.  He staggered back to the door and stared at the child
inside.  The baby's gaze seemed focused on the beam of his flashlight,
and strangely enough, she'd stopped crying.

He glanced around.  No help was in sight; it was up to him.  The driver
was dead, and the snow was intensifying.  It would be hours before help
could arrive.  What the hell was he going to do?

Almost as if guessing his thoughts, the baby reached out with one tiny
hand, her fingers opening and closing, seeking contact.  He watched
her, avoiding her touch, trying to decide on a course of action.  As if
suddenly impatient, the baby let out a long wail.

"Shut up, kid."  He held his hands over his ears.  His head felt as if
it were exploding, and the high-pitched crying was torture.  Why did
this have to happen to him?

Then abruptly the child stopped crying and stared at him,
expressionless.

That scared him into action.  He pulled at the broken window and
managed to break away most of the remaining glass.  As he brushed the
baby's face with one finger, he realized the child was ice-cold. 
Leaning through the opening, he quickly freed her from the car seat.

The infant made a soft, gurgling sound and then smiled.

"You're a smart little cookie, aren't you?"  he muttered, picking her
up and maneuvering her through the window.

The child's eyes closed, but he knew she'd be okay.  All she needed
right now was to get warm.  The heater in his car would take care of
the problem.  His gaze drifted to the body of the woman behind the
wheel.  He couldn't help her, but he'd take care of her baby.  He owed
her that much.

He reached into the car one last time for the baby's blanket and
wrapped it around her.  Then he placed the child inside the folds of
his jacket and began to plow back up the hill, ignoring the torrent of
snow stinging his eyes.  There was only one way for him to protect
himself and still keep the kid safe.  He knew exactly what to do, and
he would do it.

Chapter One May.  -7- Three years later Amanda Vila stood by her
window, watching the children playing outside in the shade of the large
cottonwood.

The bells of St Francis Cathedral, in the heart of Santa Fe, mingled
with the happy squeals and laughter' of the preschoolers outside.

Starting this day-care center had taken all Amanda's savings, and then
some.

But it had been worth it.  She was finally back home, her business was
thriving, and for the first time in over a year, she felt on top of the
world.

She watched her own daughter outside, playing with the other children
under the watchful eyes of her staff.  She was proud of Los Tesoros Day
School.

When she assured parents that her day-care center was the best around,
she knew it was no idle boast.  She'd worked hard to make it a place
she felt safe entrusting with her own treasured child.

Hearing her door open, Amanda turned around just as her assistant and
friend, Bernice Goldman, came into the room.

Bernice was fifty-five.  Her salt-and-pepper hair made her look
slightly older, but she refused to color it, stubbornly maintaining
she'd earned each and every one.  of her gray hairs.  Life hadn't
always been kind to Bernice, Amanda knew.  A lifetime of struggles had
imprinted a certain harshness on her features, but that always
disappeared in a burst of warmth the second she smiled.

"Mail came," Bernice said.

"All of it is routine~ except this," she added, placing a padded
envelope on Amanda's desk.

"It was marked Personal."

Amanda glanced at the hand-lettered envelope, noting there was no
return address.

"Strange," she said and started removing the staples that sealed the
edge.

"I hate things like this that come out of nowhere.  I'm always certain
it's going to be bad news."

"I've known you all your life.  I even baby-sat you when you were your
daughter's age.  You're pretty tough.  You'll handle whatever life
throws at you."

Amanda extracted a small white sheet of paper and a cardboard box, the
kind inexpensive jewelry comes in.  Scanning the typed note quickly,
she glanced up.

"We've got trouble, all right," she said, brushing back a strand of her
shoulder-length brown hair.

"You know Tony Ramos?"

"The guy who got fired from the FBI after his daughter was kidnapped a
few years back?"  Seeing Amanda nod, Bernice shrugged.

"Of course.

Everyone does.  He's some sort of self-appointed vigilante nowadays.

Wasn't he thrown in jail recently?  " " He's been released.  He must
have come by here last week," Amanda said.

"I saw the updated computer-generated image of his daughter on our
bulletin board, which means he found a way to get in again.  You'd
think he'd understand why I left word for him to simply marl the flyers
and not drop them by in person.  We can't have someone like him coming
around when children are here.  Parents would get worried.

Let's face it, he was fired from the Bureau for excessive force, and
now with that arrest for brawling in a bar, it's obvious he's living on
the edge.  His
reputation is gone.  " " Maybe it's just a matter of his wanting to
pin it up there himself to make sure it's done," Bernice SUggested.

"He goes to all the area day-care centers personally, I'm told."

"I only wish I knew how he's getting in here.  Our staff categorically
denies helping him, and I believe them.  On the other hand, there are
never any signs of a break-in, so that's not the answer."  Amanda
sighed.

"Now I've got to contact him.  Fate's having a laugh at my expense. 
Can you bring me his latest flyer?"

Bernice left the office and came back a moment later.  "Here it is.

What's going on?  " " I can't tell you yet, but I will as soon as I
can. Count on it.  "

Amanda waited until Bernice had left her office, then dialed Tony
Ramos's number.  Ramos's voice was gruff.  From the sound of it, she
was willing to bet she'd awakened him even though it was almost noon.

Amanda quickly told him about the packet she'd just received.  "The
note says they have news of your child, and I was to contact you but
say nothing to the police.  That'sexactly what I've done so far.  I
figured you'd want to handle things yourself."

"Correct assumption."  His voice had changed and was now completely
alert.

"I'll handle it my own way.  Anything else?"

"There's a small box that came in the envelope: Shall I open it?"

"No, I'll take care of that.  I'm on my way over now," he said.

"No.  Let me meet you elsewhere."  Amanda's thoughts were racing.

Trouble seemed to follow Tony Ramos, and her bus' mess didn't need his
kind of publicity.

"I'll meet you in the little park north of the cathedral.  How much
time do you need?"

"Fifteen minutes."

"I'll be there."

Amanda leaned back in the chair, trying to collect her thoughts.  Why
was she being used to contact Ramos?  The only connection between them
that she could think of was the flyer that he left here every few
months.  But he left an identical one at every other day-care center in
the city, as well as many other places.  Perhaps none of the other day
care centers could match the reputation for excellence hers had
acquired.  Or maybe it was just that hers was the largest ad in the
Yellow Pages.  At this point, it was just too hard to venture any
reliable guesses.

Ten minutes later, Amanda picked up the envelope on her desk.  As she
started toward the door, the buzzer on her desk sounded.  Ignoring it,
she continued out to the reception area.

"Whoever it is will have to wait, Bernice.  I've got to leave right
now."

"No, you Don't.  I've come to you," a deep, masculine voice said.

Amanda saw the tall, dark-haired man stride around Bernice and come
toward her.  Nothing could have prepared her for the raw, muscled
masculinity and vitality this man exuded when seen up close.  For a
moment, all she could do was stare.

"I was about to tell you," Bernice said, "that Mr.  Ramos had
arrived."

"We should talk privately," Ramos said, then, maneuvering past Amanda
led the' x4ay into her office.

As Amanda watched, Tony stalked across the room and sat in the chair
across from her desk.  Anger and disbelief mingled disturbingly inside
her.  With great deliberation, Amanda walked around to face him but
didn't sit down.

Trying to look as intimidating and commanding as he did, she leaned
against her desk and regarded him boldly.

Instinct told her that he was a man who was used to getting his way.

He lived in a world of violence where his wits and his fists were his
two best allies.  Amanda couldn't afford to let him get the upper hand.
 She
fixed him with an 16 unblinking glare, and he gave her an arrogant
half smile, as if he knew precisely what she was doing.  Every inch of
her body began to tingle.  She felt as if lightning were about to
strike.

"Mr.  Ramos."  She forced herself to use that special tone she'd found
particularly effective against people who challenged her authority.

"Please, sit down and relax," he said cordially.

"I'm re.  ally quite harmless."  Ramos's voice was surprisingly soft. 
"You said you had something for me?"

"Mr.  Ramos, I asked you specifically not to come here."

"I was in the area, and I wanted to save your valuable time," he
countered evenly.

"I appreciate that, but you should have respected my position."  She
slid the padded envelope over to him.

"Here's what arrived in our mail today."

Ramos read the note, then pulled out the small package inside the
envelope.

As he opened the box, an infant-size gold ID bracelet slipped out.  His
hand shook briefly, then stopped.

Thetiny bracelet had affected him, but he brought himself under control
in the blink of an eye.  Amanda couldn't help wondering what kind of
life would' require that a develop such complete emotional control.

"Exactly when did you get this?"  His gaze was shut~ as he glanced up,
his voice low and steady.

"I.ess than half an hour ago.  I called you right after I read the
note."

Amanda looked away from the coal black eyes that were now trained on
her.

Ramos's attention made he~ feel nervous and self-conscious.  She
glanced back at him furtively, noting the way his shirt clung to his
broad shoulders, accentuating his muscular build.

Sensual awareness flickered to life within her.  The unexpected
reaction took her by complete surprise.  She couldn't remember the last
time she'd felt the primitive surge of desire.  She suppressed it
quickly.  This kind of hormonal rush was the last thing s needed now.

"Has anyone called you and followed up on the note sin we spoke?  I
expect someone will call to confirm whether, not you received it."

"I haven't heard from anyone."  She could feel the ang he kept in check
with his iron will.  She suspected it would~ take much to have it come
crashing to the surface.

He studied the closed box.

"This bracelet belonged to ~ daughter.  I recognize the little nick
over the letter C, My father inscribed it for her.  His hands shook at
the time.  P~ kin son he added, glancing up, His gaze drifted down 1:
body, lingering for a moment on her throat, then ~ breasts, searching
and gaining knowledge far too intima for strangers.

On impulse, Amanda used the silence stretching out b tween them to
study him as thoroughly as he'd done her.  She had to fight 'not to
smile when she saw the glimmer of st prise on his face.

Ramos quickly drew back into himself, growing somN

"After all these years, the kidnappers finally get in touc But the real
bottom line is that they've chosen to contact x through you.  Why do
you think that is?"

"Maybi~ they want someone less... shall we say, unpr dict able to deal
with?

I'm known in this town and have very solid reputation as a business
person and an active c: izen.  "

"Meaning I don't."  He smiled, but it never reached t eyes.

Amanda shrugged.

"You asked for a guess.  I gave y~ one."  Tony's eyes were as dark as a
summer storm.  Fiaally moved over to the window and glanced at the
children playing outside.

"I hope you're playing straight with n Amanda."  His.  tone made his
words
half prayer, half threa The way he said her name made a shiver course
up her spine.

"I am."

An unspoken challenge charged the air between them.  She tried to
appear in control, but her heart was racing with excitement.

"I've told you all I know."

"Good, because I can be very unpleasant when someone crosses me."

Ramos turned and trapped her gaze.

"Given a choice, that's not the way I'd like things to be between you
and me."

Amanda forced herself to remain very still.

"Tell me, Mr.  Ramos, which part of that was a threat, the first or the
second?"

The corners of his mouth twitched, but he didn't crack a smile.

"You don't rattle easily."

"Ican't afford that luxury.  I run a day-care center filled with
toddlers,"

she said, reminding herself to stay cool.  Despite his charm and soft
voice, he was a man of violence.  She couldn't allow herself to forget
that.

"I wish I could tell you that I know precisely what being around
toddlers is like, but I can't.  My child is gone, and that's a
situation I intend to rectify, no matter who I have to walk over or how
long it takes."

Amanda heard, as well as felt, the steel-hard determination in his
voice.

She was a good judge of character and, right now, all her instincts
were telling her that Ramos meant trouble.  He would do whatever was
necessary to get his child back, regardless of the consequences.  She
could understand that, even support it, but she had to make sure he
didn't run roughshod over her and jeopardize everything she valued in
the process.

Tony eased the note and the box back into the envelope and picked it up
by the edges.

"I'll be back after I run this by a few of my sources."

"No, you won't.  You can call me here, but I do not want you coming by
again.

Is that Clear?  I won't refuse to help you, though yours reputation
precedes you.  However, I cannot afford to have the parents of the
children in my care getting nervous.  "

"The more people I make nervous, the sooner I get my little girl back,"
he said' coldly After Tony left, the room felt oddly empty.  His
intensity and rough manner should have repelled her, yet she couldn't
remember ever feeling so drawn to a man.  Her body was still trembling
with excitement.  Tony Ramosexuded an aura of supercharged maleness
that practically took her breath away.

Bernice knocked and came into the office without a pause.

"Well?"

"He's a bit cool and very forceful, but not as bad as his reputation
makes him out to be.  But then again, in his profession, I'm sure he's
learned to wear many masks.  In this particular case, too~ he's
fighting to get his child back.  I'm sure he's prepared to become
whatever he needs to be to get her back.  If Hope was ~taken from me, I
know I would."

Bernice gazed at her speculatively.

"I know a bit about him, but it's mostly from newspapers and gossip
I've picked up.  Are you interested?"

Amanda nodded.

"His wife was involved'in a terrible accident three years ago, killed
almost instantly.  Ramos was the one who found her, but by the time he
reached the accident site, his daughter had already been taken.  A
massive search got underway, but the accident took place during a
winter storm so there were almost no clues.  Heavy snowfall had
obscured the tracks of the person who took his child."

"He lost his wife and daughter at the same time?"  Amanda's stomach
tied itself in knots.

"That certainly explains a lot about him."

"But not everything.  There have been questions about Tony Ramos for a
long time.  He's been more or less unemployed for the past three years,
but his
style of living hasn't noticeably changed.  He's never short of money,
it seems.  And he hangs out with real scum--crooks and cutthroats of
all sorts."

Bernice exhaled softly.

"He comes in a nice package, but he's bad news from what I've heard."

"I don't doubt it for a second.  I still feel for him, though.  What
mother wouldn't?  I'll do what I can to help, but I've got my own
daughter to think about.  I intend to keep my association with Tony
Ramos as brief as I can--and as far from Hope as possible."

Bernice stood as the phone on Amanda's desk began to ring.

"Amanda, one more thing.  I'm not sum exactly what's going on here, but
I gather it has something to do with his daughter.  If that's the case,
I wouldn't wait for him to call the police if I were you.  He may not,
and you need to protect the center on this.  If then~wspapers ever get
hold of this story, you're going to want it known that you took all the
proper steps."  .

Tt-m REST Or THE AFamRNOON went by with agonizing slowness.  Amanda had
expected to get a call from the police.  The fact that none came made
her think Bernice had been right to suspect Tony wouldn't tell them. 
Uneasiness spread through her and she began to regret her agreement to
let him handle things his own way.  Tony was obviously unafraid to take
the law into his own hands.  The thought of him acting on his own,
answering to no one and perhaps giving in to his violent side,
frightened her.  Foreknowledge meant she'd share responsibility for his
actions.

Amanda picked up the phone ready to call the police, then set it back
down.

She wanted to give him a chance to play it his way.  Any parent
searching for his or her child deserved that much.  More important, at
this point, he was only checking with his sources.  The police
certainly hadn't helped~ him much, judging by the results.  Her gaze
fell on the photo of Hope on her desk.  She couldn't even imagine being
without her daughter, living in that uncertain limbo Tony had dwelt in
all this time.  She'd give him a chance, but if by tonight
she hadn't heard from the police, then she'd step in.

Several more hours crept by before Amanda finally cleared her desk,
ready to leave.  It was almost five, time to pick up Hope in the
nursery and go home.

The time she spent with her daughter in the evenings was her favorite
part of the day, and thanks to Bernice, she now had even more time. 
Bernice had taken over the job of staying late and locking up after all
the children were gone.

Amanda stepped into the outer office and spoke to the older woman.

"Hope and I will be going now.  We'll see you tomorrow."  As she
reached the door, the telephone rang.  Amanda stopped and waited,
wondering if the police had finally decided to call.

"It's for you," Bernice said, putting the caller on hold.  "The voice
sounds funny somehow.  It's a woman, I can tell that much, but she
won't identify herself.  She says it's urgent.  I tried to put her off,
but she says she knows you're still here."

"I'll take it in my office."  Puzzled, Amanda returned to her desk and
reached for the phone, identifying herself quickly.

"I'm the' one who sent you the bracelet," the woman answered, her voice
pitched higher than ordinary, like an audio tape playing at the wrong
speed.

"Now listen carefully, because I won't be on long.  Tell Ramos I know
where his kid is.  I }viii give him the information, but first I have
certain chores for him.  He can start by going to the FBI office here
in town and getting a copy of the file on the Henderson case."

"But he's not an agent anymore," Amanda countered, wondering how any
local person could be unaware of that, as she wrote the woman's demands
down on a notepad.

"He's still got connections.  He'll manage.  Just tell him he's got two
days to meet my first demand, or he can kiss his kid goodbye
forever."

 "Why don't you deal directly with him?  Why are you telling me?"

"You're our ace in the hole in case we need someone to' put a leash on
Ramos.

You see, we know all about you, too, Ms.  Vila.  You're the perfect
choice, because you have a secret.  and something to lose.  "

"What do you mean?"  Amanda silently denied the words had any
connection to her life as she struggled to understand the woman, whose
strange voice was clipped and harsh, probably because it was being
electronically disguised.

"We know your daughter was adopted, and that you've tried to keep that
from everyone.  If you don't do whatever we say, we'll make sure you
regret it.

We can alter adoption records, even make sure that the age-progression
software Ramos is using starts producing an image that looks just like
your kid.  We can set it up so that there'll be no doubt in his mind
that she's his little girl.  Once he's convinced, it won't matter what
anyone else thinks or says.  Official approval or not, you know he'll
stop at nothing to take her away from you.  "

That threat had the ring of truth.  Having met Tony, Amanda couldn't
deny it.

She felt her blood turn to ice.  "Breaking into the state's computers
can't be easy.  How do I know this isn't just some kind of bluff?"

"Check it out.  We've set up a LITTLE demonstration.  There is no
longer any computerized record of your daughter's adoption.  We've
eliminated it from the data banks completely."

"I still have the original documents," Amanda answered, unable to
suppress the fear that came through in her voice.

"Nothing exists in the computer's memory to back them UP.  Ramos could
claim they were phony."

"You've obviously been digging deeply into my life.  Why?  What do you
want from me?"

"Just do what you're told and don't go to the police, not unless you
want to be responsible for the death of his child, and the loss of your
own.  And don't even think about running.  If you do, we'll make sure
Ramos tracks you down wherever you go.  In the end, we'd be off the
hook, he'd have your child, and you'd have nothing."

"Blood tests would prove my daughter isn't his," Amanda argued back
angrily.

"And not yours, either.  Are you willing to give up the girl to a
welfare agency while the courts decide the case?  That could take
months, years maybe.  I'll bet the press would like to know about it,
too.  Imagine how a story like this could affect your business.  Who'd
trust an accused baby snatcher with their own precious darlings?"

"You're bluffing," Amanda uttered in disbelief.  "Check the state
computer for the adoption records if you doubt us.  We're very capable
of backing up our threats."  The line went dead.

Bernice walked into the office and gave Amanda a startled look.

"You're white as a sheet!  What's going on?"

Amanda's hand shook as she hung up.

"Does your friend still work for Social Services?"  Amanda asked.

"Sure.  She's been there for years."

"I need a favor.  I was hoping to keep this story from you.  In this
situation, knowledge is.  dangerous but I need your help and you have a
right to know."  After telling her friend about the kidnapper's threat,
she dropped back into her chair.

"How could they know Hope was adopted?  The only ones who knew were
Ron, his sister, you and I, and a few clerical workers at the agency
who handled the adoption.  If I remember correctly, Ron made you
promise never to tell anyone.  He was always afraid that the child's
father would return to harass his sister about giving up Hope for
adoption.  Did you change your mind and confide in anyone else over the
years?"

Amanda shook her head.

"Of course not.  I would never have risked it."

"Maybe the birth father is behind this scam, or at least in league with
the people responsible.  Somebody obviously talked to the woman who
called."

"Maybe.  First things first, though.  Get hold of your friend and have
her search the computers.  See if the adoption record is still there.

I have to know if it's just a bluff.  " Bernice glanced at her watch.

"I may still catch her.  She usually works late.  I'll be back in a
minute."

Amanda sat down to wait, then, on impulse, decided to call Ron.  She'd
need to know if he'd told anyone about the adoption, and also to find
out all she could about Hope's birth father.  It would definitely be
tricky.  She couldn't afford to tip her hand.  If Ron knew the whole
story, it was possible he would insist on getting involved.  Yet she
knew he'd be doing it out of pride--not love for his daughter--and that
meant he would be willing to take the kind of risks she'd never
condone.  He'd likely complicate things rather than solve them.

Gathering her courage, she dialed her ex-husband's office.  Katrina,
his longtime paralegal assistant and secretary, answered the phone.

"Hello, Katrina?  This is Amanda.  I'd 11kc to speak to Ron, please.

It's important.  " " He's with a client, Amanda.  I'll take your number
and have Mr.  Vila return your call.  " Katrina was cold and
excessively polite, as she had been ever since the divorce.  She made
it a point to be difficult whenever Amanda called.  Katrina was
undoubtedly acting on Ron's instructions.

"Sorry, Katrina, this can't wait.  Tell Ron it's about Hope, but it
doesn't concern his money or his time.  That should put his mind at
ease."  Amanda couldn't understand why Katrina was so loyal to Ron.  It
certainly wasn't because of a romantic attachment.  In two years of
marriage, Ron had proven to be the most unemotional man Amanda had ever
known.

Katrina put her on hold without another word.  After five minutes, just
when Amanda was getting really angry, Ron picked up the line.  As
usual, Ron seemed more annoyed than pleased to hear from her.  After a
curt greeting, he urged her to get to the point.

"I need to get in touch with your sister," Amanda said,"

"but I don't have her telephone number."  - "Why do you want to talk to
Louise?"

"Hope has a little friend who's adopted, so Hope is now filled with
questions of her own.  I thought this was the per-feet time to start
introducing Hope to the idea that she's adopted, too.  But I don't want
to do it if there are still problems with her birth father."

"Louise hasn't heard from that guy in years.  In fact, last Christmas
when I saw her, she said he'd moved to Mexico.  Louise is married now,
so don't go calling her and dredging up the past.  Her husband doesn't
know about the baby.  Besides, don't you remember that you and I agreed
not to tell anyone Hope was adopted?  Try to keep your word for the
sake of my sister, and leave me out of it, too.  I've got important
work to do."

She heard a click, then a dial tone.  Some things never changed.  To
Ron, Hope had never ceased to be a reminder of his inability to father
a child.

Frustration and anger rip-pied through her, making her insides tie into
a knot.

When Bernice finally came into Amanda's office twenty minutes later,
Amanda scarcely dared to breathe as she waited for the news.

"There's no record of the adoption," Bernice said in a muted voice.

"Everyone was gone, so Jenny was able to access several different data
banks.

She checked everything she could think of, but the adoption records are
just not there.  They must have been erased somehow.  "

 Amanda felt the blood draining from her face.

"Then it's not a bluff.  They've tampered with the state records."

"So what now?"

"I call Tony, pass on their demands, and keep quiet about the rest.

For now, that's the only thing I can do.  I don't want to risk losing
my daughter, even if it would only be for a while.  " -" You're a
fighter, Amanda.  You won't be able to stand this for long.

When your patience runs out, what vefll you do?  " " I'm not sure, but
I do know I can't just sit back and trust this caller to keep her end
of the bargain.  I'll need some leverage of my own sooner or later. 
"

Amanda managed to keep her hands from shaking as she finished dialing. 
To her disappointment, she only reached Tony's answering machine. 
Frustrated, she decided to leave a sketchy message and wait to give him
the details later.  They were in this together now, though for
different reasons; allies, yet not.

As she finished speaking to the machine, she considered giving him her
unlisted home number, but then decided against it.  She didn't want him
calling her at home, possibly frightening Hope.

"I'll call again later so we can discuss this at length," she added.

Bernice watched her.

"You've got to talk to someone... the cops or a lawyer.  You can't
handle this by yourself."

"I can't go to anyone yet.  And you can, t say anything, either.

Promise me.  I've got to have something on these people in order to
safeguard Hope and roy selL The only way I can get that is to play
along for now.  " " I understand, but" -- " No, no buts.  This is the
way it's got to be.  "

Bernice nodded.

"I'll do everything I can to help you.  I don't know how much good I'll
be, but you won't go through this alone."

Amanda toyed with a pencil on her desk, trying frantically to get a
handle on the situation.

"Wait a second.  Did you tell me the caller knew I was here?"

"That's what she told me."

"How could 'she know that--unless she's watching?"  Amanda walked over
to the window and pulled the curtain aside to glance up and down the
street.

Finally she allowed the curtain to fall back into place.

"There are cars parked all the way down the street as usual, but I
didn't see anyone sitting inside one."

"Maybe they know your car."

"I suppose that's possible."  She took a deep breath and let it out
slowly.

"I'm going outside to take a look around.  I don't want to leave here
with Hope and have someone follow me home."

"I'm going with you."

Amanda nodded then Cl~anged her mind.

"Maybe I'm overreacting, but I'd rather you stayed here on guard.  I
don't want to take any chances with the children."

As she walked out of the building, she looked around cautiously.

There were plenty of people just getting off.  work.  She'd be safe.

The narrow cobble stoned streets adjacent to the Santa Fe Plaza made it
difficult for anyone to hide.  She passed a mural of Saint Francis of
Assisi painted on the crumbling wall of an old adobe building, The
saint's ability to talk to the animals was a link between Pueblo
beliefs and the mod-em-day Santa Fe natives, who saw their.  city as
one in perfect harmony with nature.

Trouble of any kind here seemed impossible, but the facts were
inescapable.

As she headed back, Amanda noticed an off-white sedan parked in the
shadows of a narrow alleyway.  From there, the driver would have a
clear view of the day-care center.  Amanda allowed herself a furtive
glance.  There was
deft-nitely someone in the car, but the driver's face was masked by
long, 'sculpted shadows that made it impossible to distinguish facial
features.

Amanda slowed her steps, trying to get a better look.  Suddenly, the
vehicle sped out of the alley, heading north, away from the center.

The license plate was from New Mexico, but Amanda couldn't make out the
letters or numbers.  She hurried back to the center.

She pulled Bernice into her office.

"That person was definitely watching us," Amanda said.

"I wish I'd managed to get a look at the driver's face."

Maybe you're safer not knowing who it is," Bernice said slowly.

Amanda felt her skin prickle.  What on earth had she been drawn into?

She thought of Hope and her heart began to hammer.  No matter what
happened, she had to find a way to keep her daughter with her, out of
danger.

Amanda went directly to the phone and called the police.  She reported
the car she'd seen watching the day-cam center, but she avoided
mentioning anything concerning Tony or the kidnappers.

Bernice shook her head as Amanda hung up.

"You should have told them' the whole story."

"I can't.  But this way at least, the police will keep an eye on the
center, and make sum that creep stays away from here."  Amanda took a
deep breath and gave Bernice a worried look.

"It's getting late, but I'm still not sure it's safe to take Hope
home."

Bernice moved to the window.

"You'll be okay.  That cat's long gone.

Go'home.  Just remember my house is less than a mile away.  If there's
a problem, come over immediately.  Win stoWs the best guard them is.

He'll make sure everyone's safe.  " " Winston!  " Hope, a small
dark-haired girl with large brown eyes, ran through the open doorway
and launched herself into Amanda's arms.

"Are we going to see Winston, Mommy?"

"Hello, Peanut."  Amanda gave Doris, the nursery attendant, a nod,
assuring her that Hope's unexpected entrance was okay.

"I like Winston, Mommy!  He's my friend."

Amanda smiled.

"Yes, I know."  Winston was Bernice's gargantuan bullmastiff.  When he
stood on his hind legs, he could see over the top of Amanda's head. 
Nobody ever gave Winston a hard time.  Though the dog rarely growled,
he had a habit of standing directly in the path of anyone he didn't
know and licking his chops, as if making dinner plans.

Amanda glanced at Bernice.

"I may ask to borrow Winston before this thing is finished."

"Yippee!  Winston can sleep over."

Bernice laughed.

"You're welcome to him anytime."

AS AMANDA DROVE HOME, her eyes continually darted to her mar view
mirror.

Nobody was following her, she was certain of that.  She soon let Hope's
incessant chatter divert her fears and began to relax.

As her daughter sang a nursery rhyme, Amanda's thoughts strayed to
Tony.

She'd be calling him tonight after Hope fell asleep.  The prospect sent
a rush through her.  Although she told herself quickly that it was only
the product of all the extra adrenaline still pumping through her, she
knew there was more to it than that.  Tony's appearance in her life had
reminded her that she'd suppressed her womanly needs far too long,
concentrating solely on being a morn.

That aspect of her feminine side she'd so neglected was starting to
demand her attention.

Forcing Tony from her thoughts, she focused on enjoying the drive with
her daughter.  This was their time, and she wouldn't let anything
encroach onjt.

As they left the city behind, Amanda felt more of her tension melt
away.  " She liked country living.  Her house was on the southern
outskirts of Santa Fe, nestled in a rural area dotted with small,
territorial-style ado he
houses.  Here, prices were more reasonable, and she could afford to
give Hope a huge yard to play in.

"Mommy, look!  We have company!"  Hope pointed ahead.

Amanda felt her breath catch in her throat.  A pickup was parked in the
shadows of the Russian olives that grew wild along one wall of her
house.  If the driver's intentions had been good, he wouldn't have been
hiding there.

Sensing danger, she made a sudden change of plans.

"Hang on, Peanut.  We're not going home after all."  Amanda stepped on
the gas pedal, shot past her house, and sped on down the road.

Chapter Two Amanda's car responded instantly, but the dirt road made
high speed precarious, and the rear end of the vehicle fishtailed
before Amanda brought it back under control.  Fear slammed into her as
she raced toward Bernice's home.  Phil, Bernice's husband, would be
there and so would Winston.  "Wow!"  Hope squealed.

"This is fun, Mommy!"  Despite the thick cloud of dust she left behind,
she could see the pickup had shot out after them.  She wasn't sure what
was going on, but there was no way she was goihg to let anyone catch up
to her, not with Hope in the car.

Amanda followed the bend in the road, staying away from the edges where
she knew the sand would be soft.  She hoped the pickup would get bogged
down, but the other driver stayed right with her.  For the first time
since she'd purchased her home, she regretted the distance between
houses.

Suddenly, Ernestine, her nearest neighbor's miniature goat, stepped out
into the road.

"Hold on tight, sweetie!"  Amanda pumped the brakes and turned the
wheel sharply to the right, narrowly missing the animal.

Just then she saw a motorcycle ahead going her way.  Amanda raced to
catch it, recognizing the driver as Ricky Biddle, who lived about two
miles farther down the road.

He'd help her out.  Shehonked the horn his head, then start slowing
down.

She came up behind Ricky, pulled over to the right and stopped, far
more confident now that she wasn't alone.  As Ricky halted his
motorcycle a short distance in front of her, the pickup pulled up
alongside.

Amanda's temper flared as she saw Tony step out of the pickup and walk
around the front of the vehicle toward her.  "Are you okay?"  he
asked.

"Mr.  Ramos?"  Amanda got out, anger spiraling through her, robbing her
of breath.

"I should have expected something like this from you!"

Ricky, a sandy-haired young man in his late twenties, headed toward
Amanda, removing his red motorcycle helmet as he walked.

"Is this man bothering you?"

Towering over Ricky, Tony transfixed the younger man with an
uncompromising stare.  Ricky took a step back, realized what he was
doing, then held his ground.

"It's okay, son.  The lady's safe with me."

"I'm sorry, Ricky.  I made a mistake.  I didn't recognize Mr.  Ramos
for a moment.  I can handle this."

Ricky looked at Amanda.

"Do you want me to go find a cop?"

"No, that's not necessary," Amanda said, noting Ricky hadn't offered to
stay.

Not that she blamed him.  Tony's face was set and he looked about as
friendly as a stone gargoyle.  I'll explain later, okay?  " Ricky
glanced at Tony, then at the ground.

"Urn, okay, Amanda.  Call me later.  Do you still have my number?"

"Sure.  It's right by my phone," Amanda said.

"Thanks for stopping."

"I'll be home the rest of the evening.  I'll stop by later to check on
you."

"No, please don't bother," Amanda said, hating what she'd started.

Ricky was a nice guy, but she didn't want him hovering around, which he
had a tendency to do.

"I'll be talking to you soon, okay?"

As Ricky restarter his motorcycle and rode away, Amanda glanced to make
sure Hope was still safely in her car seat, out of earshot, then glared
at Tony.

"You owe me an explanation.  What were you doing by my house?  I don't
recall giving you my address."

Tony looked at her and smiled.

"I took it upon myself to find it."

"You're a pain in the neck, Mr.  Ramos."

"Call me Tony.  Once you call down, you'll see you have no reason to be
angry.  We do have some very important business to discuss, and this is
away from your day care center.  You said you didn't want me going
there."

He was being so reasonable--and so polite--she felt outclassed as she
struggled to keep her temper in check.  I'll meet you back at my place.
 "" Mommy, aren't we going to go play with Winston?  " " Not now,
honey.

Mayhe later.  " Amanda tried to get her pulse to slow down.  He was so
charming, it was hard not to trust him.  Yet no matter how controlled
and well mannered he seemed to be, his reputation told a different
story.  She had to be eanfful around this chameleon-like man.

She drove home slowly, postponing the inevitable confrontation.  By the
time she pulled into her driveway, Tony was already there.  She had no
idea how he'd found her address, but she had to make sure he didn't
feel free to stop by whenever he wanted, bringing his problems here to
her home.  He was a man with a cause she.  could respect, but she would
not allow him to compromise her daughter's safety.

"I have to talk to thl.q gentleman, Peanut," Amanda said, taking Hope
inside.

"Will you go to your room and play for a bit?"

"Can I take some cookies?"

"Two?"

 "Ah, you're learning all about counting, atom you?"  she said,
smiling.

"Well, I suppose two, but that's it."

Amanda took Hope's hand in hers.  Glancing back Tony, she gave him the
look, a warning for him to keep quiet.  To her surprise, it worked as
well on him as it did on the kids at the day-care center.

"I'll get my daughter settled, then you and I will talk she said in a
glacial tone.

As Amanda poured a cup of milk and fished two cookies out of the jar in
the kitchen, Tony walked up to Hope and crouched down beside her.

"Hi.  I'm Tony.  What's your .  name?"

Hope smiled.

"I'm not supposed to talk to strangers, and I don't think Mommy likes
you,"

she said.

"You're absolutely right on both counts, Peanut, but I need to talk to
this stranger myself.  Now here are three mini chocolate chip cookies
for you to take to your room."

Hope's eyes gleamed as she noted that the cookie count had suddenly
been increased.

"Yeah!"  She took the cookies and followed her mother out of the
room.

Tom' GraUq~ AV, Ota~ the living room while he waited for Amanda to
return.

The woman had Spartan tastes.  Everything was meticulously clean, but
there wasn't much in the way of fumitumm.  A simple wood-framed sofa
with plain off-white cushions stood in the center of the room.  Two
straight backed chairs that looked like something left over from the
Spanish Inquisition had been placed across from it.

He turned around, hearing Amanda's returning footsteps on the
baked-tile floor.  Steely anger was clearly etched on her features.

"Mr.  Ramos, how datum you show up here at my home?  The fact that I'm
willing to help you does not give you that right.  And while we're at
it, how did you get my dress?"  she demanded, searching his face with
all the warmth she'd reserve for an insect that had
crawled out of her cupboard.

"I have friends who help me from time to time."  He summoned his best
smile, hoping to thaw her.  Most women considered him handsome, and he
wasn't above using his looks to get Their cooperation when the
situation called for it.

Considering how angry Amanda was, he certainly needed any edge he could
get with her.

"I'm not as impossible to deal with as you might think," he said.

"Why don't you give me half a chance?"  He kept his gaze steady,
penetrating, and locked on hers, a gesture meant to disarm.  He'd been
told before that it packed a sexual wallop that made it particularly
disconcerting to the fairer.

sex.

Amanda continued to glower at him, apparently unaffected.  "Oh, I
see.

So you obtained my address behind my back and that's supposed to be
okay with me?  " So much for sexy looks.  -" Well, no, not exactly.  "
Toiiy gave her a chagrined half smile, and quickly changed tactics to
reasonable concern and an apology.

"I'm sorry if I've upset you, but after your last call, I felt it would
be best for us to talk in person.  I came by, saw that your home was
secluded, and figured it would be okay for us to meet here.  Everything
would have worked out fine, too, if you hadn't panicked."

"So it's my fault?  You have a lot of nerve!"

Tony looked at her admiringly.  She was beautiful in a girl-next-door
kind of way, all gentle curves and softness.  Right now, fury made her
look radiant.

Her cheeks were flushed and her hazel eyes sparked with life.

"I don't know how to make you understand," he said in a conciliatory
tone, or as close to it as he could ever come.

"It's obvious how devoted you are to your own daughter.  Think how
awful it would be for you if our positions were reversed."

He deliberately moved closer to her, standing near enough to hopefully
shake some of her self-assured ness He knew he had to play on her
emotions, because
if she backed out now, he'd lose his only lead to Carmen.  With that
in mind, he glanced around.  He needed ammunition.  Spotting what he
was searching for, he walked over to a shelf and picked up a Christmas
photo of Amanda and Hope.  He smiled sadly.

"Hope looks just like you.  She has your eyes ... and your smile.  I
envy you."  He saw her start to thaw.

Amanda moved to the sofa and motioned for him to take a chair.

"I

will help you, Tony, but if you continue to act like a Neanderthal,
I'll treat you like one, even if it means beating you over the head
with a club to prove I mean what I say.  Is that clear?  " He blinked. 
No one had spoken to him like that since Mrs.  Trujillo in sixth
grade.

"Er... sure."

Amanda gave him the details she could afford to divulge about the call
she'd received, then told him about the car she'd seen near the
day-care center.

"I called the police to ask them to stay on the alert for that vehicle,
but I didn't tell them about you or the messages from the kidnappers. 
I just told them someone was watching the cefiter."

He nodded thoughtfully.

"The kidnappers--and I think it's safe to assume we're dealing with
more than one person here--left you no other option.  You did what you
had to do to protect the children in your care."

"Right.  So what's next?  Like it or not, we're in this together Is
there any way to stop them?  My life, by your standards, might be dull,
but I like it.

I want it back.  " Amanda was determined.

"So you want to go on the offensive?"  Tony asked, surprised.

,

"I didn't pick on them, they picked on me.  I don't want any trouble
with these people.  They scare me.  But if we go strictly by their
rules, they have no incentive to keep their word, I don't think we can
afford to put any faith in their assurances."

Tony watched Amanda carefully.  Something about her had changed and
instinct told him that it had something to do with the reason she'd
been chosen as intermediary.

"This goes beyond your trying to protect the reputation of your
day-care center.  You're holding something back."

S'Don't underestimate how much my day-care center means to me.  By
encroaching on it, they declared war.  " Tony watched Amanda.  From her
expression, especially her eyes, he could tell she was terrified of
something.  Yet she was not about to tell him what it was.  He wouldn't
get answers by asking, either.  Good thing he still had several tricks
up his sleeve.

"Their primary interest isn't your day care center.  That stakeout was
focused on you.

I'd bet my last dime on it.  " Amanda shrugged, nervously searching for
an answer.  " It's not your money you're betting.  That day care is
part of me. The question remains.  What are we going to do?  "

"I want to attach a tape recorder to your phones, here and at work.

If the woman calls again, I want to hear her voice, disguised or not. 
"" All right.  "

Tony studied her telephone.  What he needed in addition to the recorder
was one well placed bug hidden right in the middle of her living
room--one she'd know nothing about.  He had one in his surveillance kit
in the ear.  A little gem like that would allow him to hear anything
Amanda said, either here or in the adjacent room.  A receiver and tape
recorder hidden outside in the hedge would ensure it.

He turned around abruptly and caught the unguarded expression on
Amanda's face.  She was frightened and trying hard to keep the lid on
her fears.  She was doing a pretty good job Of it, too.  He wondered
what was going on inside her head.  He had to know what secrets Amanda
was keeping locked away--the stakes were too high to allow her any
privacy.  At the first opportunity, he'd set up his equipment and lay
her life bare before him.  As he
contemplated the thought, it twisted in his mind. 
Passion sent a furnace blast of heat flashing through him.

Forcing the distracting thoughts away, he took out a tape recorder from
his pocket and made a show of setting it up.  He felt Amanda coming up
behind him a few minutes later.

"What good will it do to use that little tape recorder?  Surely you can
come up with something more sophisticated?"

"Not without getting the phone company and local law enforcement
involved."

"You've decided not to do that, I take it."

"I have a friend in the FBI, my former partner.  He'll help me and keep
it unofficial."

"Good."  She knew that there was no way he could elicit official help,
but this way at least there would be someone there in case the
kidnappers turned ugly.

"You're too close to this emotionally, and I have no experience with
this kind of thing.  It was a bad idea for us to try and handle this on
our own."

Tony sat down in one of the chairs.

"I've dealt with this kind of animal before.  Bringing the FBI or the
police in officially ismwhat will blow it.  Believe me, that's what
happened before."  He remained silent, his bitterness hanging between
them.  Finally he continued.

"After my daughter's disappearance, the kidnappers contacted me within
a day.

The woman asked me for quite a bit of money.  I didn't have it, but I
knew I could raise it one way or the other.

"While I was getting the money together, I continued to go after them
through official.  channels.  I was one hundred percent certain that I
would succeed in getting my daughter back.  I was well trained, with
all the Bureau's resources at my disposal.  But something must have
scared them away.  They never called me back with instructions for the
drop-off, and this is the first time I've heard from the woman
since."

"Did you ever find out why?"

"I always suspected a leak at the Bureau, though I never did find
evidence to support it."  Tony shook his head, then met her gaze.

"All I know for sure is that my daughter and my wife, everything that
really mattered in my life, vanished.  Carmen was only a baby, and it
was snowing and very cold that March.  I have no idea if Carmen is even
alive.  There's no evidence one way or another.  This is the chance
I've been waiting for, and I won't blow it this time."

"I'm fighting for everything I value, too, Tony.  If this situation
became public knowledge, people would start wondering why the
kidnappers chose me as go-between.  You certainly did.  I'm blameless,
but the implications alone would ruin me.  Without my income from the
day care, I'd have nothing except debts.  How could I support my
daughter?  We need trained people on this job, people who can be
trusted and who can find answers fast.  We can't cover all the
possibilities alone."

"I understand you're trying to safeguard your livelihood.  But what
about your husband, if you don't mind me asking?  Wouldn't he take care
of his own daughter?"  As he watched Amanda, Tony sensed a battle going
on inside her.

She wasn't-just afraid of bad publicity.

"I don't need Ron, and it's a good thing.  He never comes to see Hope,
and he pays only minimal child support.  He's barely spoken to me since
the divorce.

You see, he didn't want us to split up.  It wasn't because he loved me
or Hope, or even because he wanted us to stay together as a family.  It
was just that he couldn't stand the thought of publicly failing at
anything.  I was the well-dressed, attractive woman he kept on his arm
to show off.  Not having me there like a trophy hurt his pride.  "

Tony watched her speculatively.  She wasn't asking for his sympathy,
despite her bitterness.  She was a strong woman.  It would take one
heck of a man to claim her heart now--she'd encased it so protective
lying steel.  Yet
something told him that she'd be worth the effort.  But he had other
priorities now.

He had to make sure he remained focused on finding the kidnappers.  He
needed all the information Amanda had, not just what she chose to give
him.  ~ Amanda stood and paced restlessly around the room.  Finally she
turned around and looked at him directly.

"You frighten me, Tony.  You want to find your daughter so badly,
you're not going to allow anything to get in your way.  I won't let
everything I value become a casualty."

Tony nodded.  She was right to protect herself.  The more he got to
know her, the more he liked her.  Under different circumstances, they
might have been one helluva team.  But he couldn't afford to be a team
player.

"I will get them, " Amanda.  I won't rest until I do.  " " How about
this old partner of yours?  How much can he help us now?  "

"He's going to be involved soon enough, one way or another.  I can't
get the file they asked for without his help."  Amanda walked to the
portable phone on the wall and 'handed it to Tony.

"Call him right now.  Ask him to meet you here.  if he's going to get
involved, I want to meet him.  While you're doing that, I'll go check
on Hope."

Tony dialed Raymond's number as Amanda walked out of the room.  The die
had been cast.  There was no turning back now.

AFteR AN HOUR OF PLAY~O with Hope and putting the whole kidnapping mess
out of her mind, Amanda left Hope with her favorite video, a hot dog
and fruit salad.  This was usually their time together, and she hated
leaving her daughter to her own devices.  Yet, although she felt
guilty, she knew this was the best way to handle the situation.  After
meeting both men, Amanda had decided she didn't want Hope to spend much
time around either of them.  There was a darkness about them that spoke
of a side of life where despair and sorrow were always the victor.  She
was determined to shield her daughter from people who might give her a
glimpse into a world no child should know.

"Sorry to keep running out on you," she said, returning to the
kitchen.

Tony'sex-partner, Raymond Atcitty, a Navaho, appeared almost cherubic,
with his round face and slightly protruding belly, but his eyes were
hard and cold.

"There's a state-of-the-art voice-activated tape recorder attached to
your phone now," Raymond said.

"All you have to do is PiCk up the phone, and it will start recording. 
We'll do the same for the one in your office.  I'll also get hold of
one of those calrer ID machines.

Once we find the woman who's contacting you, your part in this will be
over.

We'll take it from there.  " Tony studied the recording device, then
stepped over to join them.

"We have your word that you'll keep this out of official channels?"

Raymond met his gaze and hesitantly nodded.

"For now, I'll let you call the shots.  That's all I can promise."  ~
Tony shot him an icy glare.

"For as long as it takes."  Raymond didn't answer.

Amanda watched the Navaho.  She had a feeling Raymond would blow the
whistle if he felt that either Hope or she was threatened.  She took
comfort in that thought.  Where Tony had an edge that came from his
lawlessness, Raymond was methodical and, from all appearances, a
careful man who did not believe in taking unnecessary chances.

Protecting and serving the public seemed to be far more than mere words
to him.

"We'll be leaving now, Amanda, but don't worry," Tony said, "I've left
a card on your counter with my home number and address, my pager number
and my cellular.  If you need to talk, just pick up the phone."

Raymond walked back into the room.

"Let me show you one more thing.

You need to know where I placed extra tapes in case you need them.  "
He
glanced back at Tony.  " I'll be with you in a minute," Raymond
reached into the drawer beneath the phone and showed her the tapes.  "
You're all set.

Just remember one thing," he said, dropping his voice.

"Be careful how you play things out.  My old partner has had to contend
with more pain than most of us.  He's on the edge.  He's been there for
a long time.  Just make sure he doesn't get pushed out of control."

As Amanda walked with Tony and Raymond to the door a car pulled up.

Bernice quickly opened the rear door and Winston catapulted out.  The
bullmastiff bounded to the front door and stopped less than three feet
in front of Tony.

Tony froze.  Raymond backed up a step, but hearing the ominous throaty
growl that came from the dog, stopped dead in his tracks.

"He doesn't like either of you," Bernice said pleasantly, walking up to
the porch.

"He always blocks the path of people he takes a dislike to.  I wouldn't
do anything too quickly right now, gentlemen," she added pleasantly.

"And for your sakes, please don't even think of sneezing.  He might not
understand."

" It's all right, Bernice," Amanda said quickly, trying not to laugh.

Both men appeared to have stopped breathing.  She crouched and called~
Winston, but the animal continued to stare at Tony.

"Winston, heel!"  Bernice said.  The dog went to Bernice's side, but
his gaze stayed fixed on Tony.

"I'm sorry, but as I said before, he doesn't like you."

"Occupational hazard," Tony muttered, then edged around the dog, never
turning his back.  Raymond followed.  "See you later," Tony said.

Bernice waved at them sweetly.

"Goodbye, gentlemen."  As the men drove off, she quickly turned to
Amanda.

"I came by to make sure you were okay, but I didn't expect to find
Ramos here with a friend.  What the heck was that all about?"

As they stepped inside the house Winston loped past them running
straight to Hope's bedroom.  The little girl squealed with delight. 
Used to this routine, and certain the child and dog would be safely
occupied for some time, Amanda and Bernice went into the kitchen.

Amanda gave Bernice the latest news as she brewed a fresh pot of coffee
and made a bedtime snack for Hope.  "I'm terrified of going up against
these people, but I can't just sit tight and do nothing.  If they make
good on their threat I have no doubt I'll have to fight Tony.  If that
happens, the more I know about him, the' better off I'll be."  ~
Bernice shook her head.

"Amanda, listen to me.  Ramos is nobody's fool.  The kidnappers
wouldn't be able to trick him into believing Hope was his for long.  A
simple blood test would establish the truth."

Amanda placed two Cups brimming with hot coffee on the table, then sat
down.

"The problem is, he would want to believe them.  Given the lack of
documentation at the state level, thanks to the kidnappers, he might
not even stop to question it.  At that point, he could do anything.  He
might even take off with my child.  He's already proven that the law is
something he's willing to bend to suit his own purposes."

"But surely that's a bit drastic, even for him," Bernice said.

"Mayhe, maybe not.  He's desperate to find his child.  Who knows?  And
if he makes the authorities suspect I obtained Hope illegally, even if
he didn't take her, it might take months of legal action and cost me
everything to get her back.  And if word leaked out to the press, the
publicity could damage my credibility as the owner of a day care
center.  Even if that didn't happen, there could still be a problem.

When Ron and I took custody of Hope, we promised never to reveal that
she was really his sister's child.  There could be problems in the
family, especially since Louise's husband knows nothing about the baby.
 And even though Ron told me his sister hasn't heard from the father
for quite a while, he could turn up and claim he wants her back, if
only as a way to extort money from
me?  " " Amanda shook her head.

"I won't risk it.  I've got to stay one step ahead of everyone else."

The quiet that descended over them was interrupted only by enthusiastic
squeals from Hope, who was still happily playing in her room with
Winston.

Amanda rose to take her empty coffee cup to the sink, when suddenly a
monstrous crash erupted from the front of the house.  As a gust of wind
blew through the kitchen doorway, Amanda heard Hope scream.  Spikes of
fear pounding through her, Amanda raced to her daughter.

Chapter Three Tony sat sipping a cup of black coffee in the corner
booth of the small car Though most other people couldn't read Raymond,
years of practice had made Tony proficient at it.  He knew without a
shadow of a doubt that Raymond was really ticked off.

"Buddy, I wouldn't have asked if there was any other way, but I really
need that file.  It's payback time."

"Don't pull that crap on me.  You and I have been through a lot of
close calls.  I think the score's about even," Raymond answered through
a clenched jaw.

"That's true while we were both agents.  But I wasn't an agent last
year, and if it hadn't been for me, the perps you ran across in the
parking lot of Santiago's would have killed you."

"Do you really think I'd be doing you a favor by loaning you that file?
Think about it," Raymond snapped back.

"You, of all people, should know that it doesn't pay to negotiate with
kidnappers."

The words hit him as hard as Raymond meant them to.  Tony swallowed,
but maintained his confrontational gaze.  "Don't become my enemy on
this."

"I'm not your enemy, you jackass."  Raymond leaned over and lowered his
voice to a growl.

"I'm only telling you what you already know.

You need a few cards up your sleeve, and the only way you'll get them
is if we talk to the

SAC.  "

"The special agent in charge?"  Tony looked at Raymond as if he'd lost
his mind.

"No way.  After that fight we had right before I quit, he wouldn't give
me a glass of water if I were dying of thirst."  He leaned back.

"You're either with me or against me, buddy.  That's the way it's got
to be.

I've never been convinced that it wasn't a leak somewhere within the
Bureau that made the kidnappers bolt.  "

"I looked into that.  You're way off base there."  Raymond stared at
him for several long moments.

"I'll get you something that looks real, but not the genuine thing. 
The substitute will have to be altered.  Deal?"

"Okay, but I'll have to see the original file."

"I can arrange that, but you'll have to come to my office tomorrow
morning at six before anyone else gets there.  The SAC.  is at the
Albuquerque office, but I still don't want you to show up while the
support staff is present."

"I'll be there."  Tony felt as if a great weight had landed on his
shoulders.

He knew what he had to do.  Although he'd never betrayed a friend
before, he had no choice now.  He wouldn't risk blowing everything by
giving the kidnappers false information.

"By the way, once I get you inside, remember to duck your head.  I
don't want your mug showing up on the surveillance cameras.  All I'll
have to say then is' that you're one of my more nervous informants."

"No problem."

Raymond stared pensively across the room.

"Have you considered the possibility that pursuing this lead could take
you someplace you don't want to go?"  Raymond asked quietly.

"Are you prepared to face the worst, if it comes to that?"

Tony met his friend's gaze, using all the willpower he had to shutter
his emotions.

"You still don't believe she's alive."

"No, I don't.  If she were, they would have used her
before now."

Recognizing the grain of truth in Raymond's words made his gut clench,
but he knew.  he had to see it through.

"I've got to know either way."

Tony stood up.

"One more thing.  I'd like you to do a full background check on Amanda
Vila."

"Good idea.  I was about to suggest it myself."

As they reached the door, Tony's pager went off.  He glanced down.

"It's Amanda's number."  Tony spotted a public phone near the cash~
register and went directly to it.  Amanda picked up the phone on the
first ring.

"Did you get a description of the car?"  " Tony asked after hearing her
story.

"Okay, don't worry about it.  Sit tight.  I'm on my way."

Tony glanced back at Raymond.

"We've got trouble."

ToNY ARRrVED ALONE at Amanda's less than fir teeth minutes after her
call.

Raymond would come by shortly after handlihg a few necessary details. 
As he glanced around the living room, he measured the damage.  The
center of the wood-framed picture window that faced the front yard had
been reduced to a pile of glass shards scattered over the tile floor. 
A large rock lay near the wall, where it had come to rest.  The rough,
porous surface of the volcanic rock left him convinced no prints could
be lifted from it.

Tony glanced up at Amanda.  Her face was gray, as if someone had dusted
it with ashes, but she was still very much in control of herself.  His
admiration for her grew.  "Do you ever have any vandalism in your
neighborhood?"  Amanda shook her head but remained silent.

"Well, actually we do, but nothing like this," Bernice volunteered.

"What do you mean?"  Tony's gaze fastened on Bernice.  "If you know
something, don't hold back now."

Bernice nodded, then continued reluctantly.

"Last week someone slashed my tires.  Right in front of my house, too. 
I thought it was Jerry, my neighbor's son, since he and my husband had
argued about his speeding down the lane."

"Does he know you and Amanda are good friends?"  Tony asked.

"Yes, but'I doubt this had anything to do with that," Bernice said.

"It's just too far a stretch."

Amanda put her hand on Bernice's arm.

"I think the same would' apply to us linking this to the kidnapper.  It
doesn't make sense, not in that context,"

She started to say more, when a knock sounded on her open door.

"Are you okay, Aman~da?"  Ricky Biddle came into the room.

"I was out for a run, and I saw all the cars and the broken window."

"Hello, Ricky."  Amanda forced a thin smile.

fine.  Thanks for asking.  " " You're going to need help fixing that,"
he said, glancing at the smashed window.

"I can call my brother's hardware store.  It's late, but he'd open up
for me.

I'm sure I can get everything you need delivered, and we'd have a new
window up in no time.  "

Amanda looked tempted by his offer, but she hesitated.  Tony watched
her for a second, then his gazed shifted to Biddie.

Tony could sense the guy was interested in Amanda and wanted to get her
attention.  Though it was perfectly obvious to Tony that Biddle wasn't
her type he' decided to step in anyway.

"Don't worry, Mr.  Biddle.  Amanda will have plenty of help here this
evening."

Amanda shot Tony an angry look.

"I can speak for myself~' Tony clamped his mouth shut realizing he'd
made a tactical error and hoping she wouldn't invite Biddie in spite
him

Amanda glanced back at Ricky and smiled.

"I appreciate your offer, but it's really not necessary.  I can tape
something over the opening for tonight.  There'll be time for a
thorough repair tomorrow, during daylight.  I'll have someone come and
fix it."

"But..."

Tony approached Ricky, eyeing him carefully.  The guy bugged him.  His
neat blue jogging suit had been chosen more for style than
practicality, and if the guy had ever actually worked up a sweat in it,
Tony would have been surprised.  "Do you always go jogging at this
time?"

"Oh, yeah.  I work mainly in the mornings and goof off in the afternoon
and evenings."

"What do you do for a living, Mr.  Biddie?"

Ricky gave him a suspicious look.

"Who are you?  The IRS?"

"It's okay, Ricky," Amanda said.

"He's a friend."  Ricky's shoulder sagged slightly.

"I develop and program computer games.  Have you ever played Cannibal
Cafeteria?"

Tony stared at the guy, wondering what, exactly, he found so irritating
about him.

"No, I'm not much into games."

"Well, Cannibal is one of the most popular simulations on the market,"
Ricky said with a shrug.

"Did you happen to see someone hanging around here earlier, or maybe
notice an unfamiliar car speeding down the road?"

"No, I wish I had."  Ricky glanced at Amanda.

"I'll come by and check on you every once in a while, if that will
help."

"Thanks, but it's really not necessary, Ricky," Amanda answered.

"I'm sure this was an isolated incident."

Tony watched Biddle.  He was continually glancing around, unable to
stand still, like some hyperkinetic kid.  Tony schooled his face into
polite neutrality and used his best authoritative tone.

"Everything's under control here, Mr.  Biddie."

Amanda led Ricky back toward the door.

"Thanks for stopping by, Ricky.  I'll make sure to call you later,
okay?"

"Do that."

"Okay.  It'll be just as soon as I have a free moment."  Once Ricky
left, Amanda went over to Tony.

"What exactly were you trying to pull?  Didn't you think I'd have
enough sense to know that Ricky would be in the way if the kidnappers
called?"

"I was taking charge of the situation before any problems cropped up." 
That was only a partial reason.  The fact was he didn't want Biddle
around Amanda, though he was at a loss to explain why he'd taken such
an instant dislike to the guy.

Bernice began working pieces of glass loose from the window frame in
preparation for covering the hole.

"Ricky makes me nervous every time I see him."

"He's okay," Amanda said with a thin smile.

"He just tries too hard.

The poor guy works and lives all alone.  All he seems to have for
company is that rottweiler of his.  He's probably just lonely.  " Tony
shrugged.

"Does he come by your house often?"

Amanda shook her head.

"Not that it's any of your business, but I haven't encouraged that."

Tony nodded, relieved to hear it.  His possessive feelings surprised
him.  He certainly had 'no personal claims on Amanda.  Yet somehow
she'd managed to get under his skin in a way no one had for a very long
time.

As Bernice left the room to find a broom and Hope came into the room. 
Amanda smiled at her reassuringly.  "It's okay, Peanut.  I'll be in
your room in just a few minutes.  Will you wait for me there?"

Hope nodded wordlessly then ran down the hall.

da's gaze stayed on her as if she was torn between her home safe for
her daughter or rushing to her side.

Tony placed a hand on her shoulder, and as their eyes met, blood
thundered in his veins.

"Go take care of your daughter.  I'll clean up the glass."

Tony bent down, gathering the pieces into his palm.  He needed to put
some distance between himself and Amanda.  He was finally starting to
hope he'd get his daughter back and his brain was going soft from the
strain.  The last thing he needed was any complications.  He needed to
stay focused on Carmen.

That was all there was to it.

As Raymond's car pulled up outside, Amanda returned and met him by the
front door.  With a wave of the hand, she invited him in.

"I stopped at a friend's house and borrowed his caller ID device,"

Raymond said.

"Let me get it set up for you, okay?"

"Sure."  Amanda showed him to the phone in the living room.

Hearing footsteps and the clicking sound of a dog's nails against the
tile floor, Amanda turned around.  Hope was standing in the hall
wearing her pajamas, hanging on to Winston's collar.  The dog stared at
both Tony and Raymond, then took a step forward, positioning himself in
front of Hope.

"Mommy, come back.  I'm scared," Hope said, big tears running down her
cheeks.

Amanda hurried over to put her arms around her daughter.  . "Don be.

There's nothing for you to be frightened of," she said softly.

"We're okay, Peanut."

As Tony looked from Amanda to her daughter, a knot formed in his gut,
Amanda and Hope belonged together.  The love they shared marked them as
a family.

They shared something he would have given everything to
have--some-thing he'd quite possibly lost forever.

A slow ache continued gnawing at his insides as he heard Amanda
comforting Hope.  To his surprise, he found himself walking
around the dog, despite a throaty warning growl, and crouching down
beside them.

"Hope, honey, please don't cry," he said gently.

"Sometimes bad people act mean, but there are always good people around
to make things come out okay."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Raymond's surprised face and
Amanda'sexpression~ of disbelief.  Even Bernice had stopped looking for
glass and was watching him.  Well, what the hell.  They could think
whatever they pleased.  Hope had stopped crying.

"You're a good guy?"  she asked, looking up at his face.

"Yep, I sure am.  Though sometimes people don't know that right
away."

"Why?"  Hope moved away from Amanda and toward Tony.

"I guess it's because I'm not always polite and nice," Tony said
softly.

"B~at if they look past that, they find I'm okay to have around."

Hope smiled at Tony, then gave him a hug.

Tony saw Amanda's jaw drop.  He felt as stunned as she looked.

"We're friends?"

"I like you, Tony."  Hope disentangled herself and looked up at
Amanda.

"He's not a stranger anymore.  And he looked like he needed a hug. 
It's okay, right?  You told me that grownups need hugs sometimes, too."
 Amanda smiled.

"It's okay, Peanut."

"Can we play?"  Hope looked at Tony.

"In a little bit all right?  Let me fix this window for your mom
first."

Bernice moved next to Tony as Amanda took Hope back to' her room,
Winston by their side.

"You may have convinced Hope and Amanda," she whispered, "but I'll be
watching you, mister."

No longer needed, Raymond excused himself and left.  Bernice, on the
other hand, seemed determined to remain as long as Tony was there.

They worked side by side,
ing every trace of glass and
taping together pieces of cardboard shoe boxes to repair the window.

Tony finished the section he'd been working on, aware of the way
Bernice was watching him out of the corner of her eye.  When he glanced
past her, he noticed Amanda was standing by the phone, lost in
thought.

"What's wrong?"

"I think I should report this incident to the police.  It'll make it
easier to file a claim with my homeowner's insurance."

Her unspoken question came through to him clearly.  She didn't want to
jeopardize the situation if he thought this was connected to the
kidnappers.

But it was more than that, too.  She was being careful around him, like
someone would be around a ticking bomb.  The.

knowledge knifed at him.  It didn't seem so long ago that people had
turned to him for assurance.

"Go ahead and call," he said.

"It can't hurt anything at this point, though I don't think the police
will be able to do much except file a report."

Tony continued working with Bernice as Amanda called and answered
routine questions over the phone.  The bright patchwork of cardboard
they had put together effectively covered up the hole.

"Well, it's colorful, that's for sure.  I wish I had found some
sturdier cardboard, but the shoe boxes will do for now," Bernice
said.

Amanda finally hung up the phone.

"They said they'd be here in thirty minutes to take a report, but the
officer said that they ~don't genera fly have much luck tracing acts of
vandalism."

"That's the same response I got when my tires were slashed," Bernice
said, shaking her head.

"I guess all these cuts in the city budget are beginning to take their
toll."

Amanda saw Bernice glance at her watch and knew what was on her
friend's mind.

"Why don't you go home, Bet nice?  I know Phil's going out of town
tomorrow, and you've got things to do."

"It's just one of his overnight business trips.  Why don't you and Hope
come over and keep me company?"  Bernice asked.

Amanda shook her head.

"I can't.  I've got things to do here."  She gestured to the front
window.

"Then let me take Hope with me.  She can sleep over.  You know how much
Phil and I like having her.  And she loves having Winston sleep with
her."

Amanda laughed.

"I can't really say that's a selling point with me, but okay.  It'll
give me a chance to make sure I find all the pieces of glass."

It only took a few minutes to pack an overnight bag Hope.  The little
girl gave Amanda a hug and a kiss, then turned to Tony and gave him a
hug, too.

"Take care of my mommy, even if she's crabby.  She's really nice, once
you know her."

Tony laughed.

"I'll do that."

"You just mind yourself," Bernice said, her glare icy it focused on
Tony.

Tony nodded, his expression neutral as he watched Hope, Bernice and the
big dog walk out to the car.

"That woman obviously doesn't like me," Tony said to Amanda as soon as
they were alone.

"Do you blame her She's protective about me."  Her gaze strayed to the
tape recorder next to her phone.

"You ~, should come with a warning label."

"The choice to have you involved wasn't mine."  Thorn words brought to
mind the one question that continued to prey on his mind.  Tony didn't
believe in coincidences, he never had.  Amanda was tied into all this
somehow didn't have much lime to figure out what her was: Maybe the bug
he'd decided to plant just as soon had time alone would reveal what he
needed to know.

As Tony helped her search for stray pieces of glass, his eyes scanned
the room, always vigilant.

"You have a terrific kid," he said, hoping to make Amanda relax.  Maybe
then she would lower her guard and reveal more about herself.  He
needed to get a handle on her that didn't involve the one weak point
he'd seen--her daughter.

He and Amanda had one thing in common--their determination to keep
children safe.  He just didn't bother to pretty things up with a lot of
fancy, useless rules and regulations.

"Hope is a wonderful little girl," she answered, "but she's so very
vulnerable.  She needs protection and love.  I intend to see that she
gets both."

She was warning him off, like a lioness protecting her cubs.  She'd do
whatever was necessary to keep him away from her child.  In that one
respect, they were more alike than she knew.

"Hope is one very lucky little girl."

"I think you better be going, don't you?  The police will be arriving
soon."

"I can handle them.  I'm here with your permission."

"Yes, but I'd rather not have anyone link you and me, particularly with
you here at this hour.  This police department is a small one and
rumors travel fast.  Two of the parents at the day school are cops, and
I don't want them to get wind of this."

Amanda's telephone rang just as she finished speaking.  Tony felt the
hair on the back of his neck stand on end--a sure sign he'd learned
never to ignore.

"Remember to write down the number that flashes on the caller ID," he
said, automatically moving toward the extension.

"The system will store the number in memory, but it's better 'to have a
hard copy."

She glanced at the number marked Pay Phone that appeared on the LED
display.

She jotted it down.

With a nod, Tony picked up the extension at the same time Amanda did.

The electronically altered voice had the same effect on him as
fingernails on
a chalkboard.  He heard  Amanda argue briefly as the woman
moved up the deadline they'd given him to get the file.  Now she wanted
it by the end of tomorrow.  Amanda protested, but the woman hung up
abruptly.

Amanda gave the phone a hostile glance, then slammed it down.

"So much for trusting them to keep their word."

"I had a feeling she'd call tonight and find some way to keep the
pressure up.  These variations of routine and changes of plans are
meant to keep us off-balance.  This person knows what she's doing."

"Can you get the file they want?"

"I think so."  Tony dialed Raymond's direct number.  "Track this
pay-phone number, will you?"  he said without identifying himself.  He
read out the number, then added,

"Use my cellular when you call back."  Tony hung up and glanced at
Amanda.

"I'm going to take the tape with me~" Flashing red lights suddenly
could be seen through smaller side windows that hadn't been broken. 
Amanda's eyes grew wide.

"It hasn't been twenty minutes!  What a time for them to become
efficient!

Now what?  "

"I'll duck into your garage and wait there.  My in your driveway, so
with luck, they'll assume it's yours,"

he said, deciding to leave the tape where it was for now.

Through a crack in the door, Tony watched Amanda greet the officer and
usher him inside.  The officer stepped in, looked around, and then
asked her a few routine questions meant to give him some leads.

Getting nothing useful, held out the report while she signed it.

"I'm afraid that we have very little to go on," he said.

"Our chances of catching the person or to this are slim."

"I know," she admitted.

"We'll increase patrols in this area~ and if you have more problems,
give us a call."

Tony waited until Amanda closed the front door before coming out.  His
patience was strained to its limit.  Glancing out the front door to
make sure the officer was gone, he went to his ear and retrieved his
cellular phone.

He joined her back inside a moment later.

Amanda gave him a worded glance.

"What if Raymond already called you?"

Tony shook his head.

"It takes longer than that to track down a number, particularly at this
time of night.  We have a few minutes more to wait."  He walked to the
tape recorder and rewound the message.

"Help me listen for background sounds.  See if there's anything
significant."

In his own mind, Tony blocked out the dialogue, concentrating.  Finally
he shut off the recorder.

"All I could hear was what sounded like traffic," Amanda said.

' Same here,"

His cellular phone rang just as he finished speaking.

Raymond.  confirmed that the number matched a pay phone and gave him an
address.

"Let me go over there," Raymond said.

"Maybe I can dust for prints and get something."

"No, no way.  They may be watching the booth, waiting for my next move.
 They expect me to have some contacts.  Finding out I traced the call
shouldn't come as too big a surprise.  Seeing me there won't be,
either.  On the other hand, having my former partner show up might
scare them off.  I don't want them to know you're involved.  And,
again, don't tell anyone at the Bureau about any of this.  We don't
know who might feed information to these bastards," Tony said, writing
down the address.

"I'll take care of this.  All I need you to do is meet me tomorrow so
we can go to your office, as we agreed."

Once again, regret flooded over him.  His planned betrayal could cost
him the best friend he'd ever had.

"I'm going, too," Amanda said, looking at the address he'd written
down.

"Why?  There's no reason for you to come."

"That address is about a block from my day-care center.  If someone's
throwing rocks at my house, they.  might have done something worse at
the center.  Don't try to talk me out of it.  I'm coming," she answered
flatly.

Tony decided against arguing.  The lady had a mind of her own.  If he
said no, she'd probably just follow him.  He didn't really have a
choice, and at least this way he could keep an eye on her.  He'd find
out nothing useful unless she relaxed.  Maybe pretending to confide in
her would help.

As they got underway, he glanced over at Amanda.

had to find some way of getting her to lower her guard around him.

"I

don't think we're being followed, and that's a good sign.  I don't
expect to find anything at the booth, but I've got to make a show of
going there to look around and dust for prints.  These people will
expect me to have a few tricks up my sleeve and connections to check
things like fingerprint records.

If I don't act as they expect,~ they'll get nervous, thinking I've got
some master plan in the works or something.  " " I wonder how they'll
react to my coming along?  " Amanda's voice was hesitant, as if she had
suddenly become unsure of herself.

"How else could you keep an eye on me?"  Tony gested, watching her
reaction carefully.

Amanda glanced at him, startled.

"Does an ary do that?"

"Sometimes."

Tony gave her an appraising glance, then focused his tenfion back on
the road.  He could see the lines that sharpened her face in response
to the thoughts keeping hidden from him.  Amanda seemed determined keep
him at arm's length, though he was doing his best disarm her.  He knew
women found him attractive, always managed to get what he wanted. 
Until now.  He fought the urge to pull over to the side of the road and
kiss her until she went soft in his arms, her reserve shattered.

The thougltt suddenly gave way to another realization.  That impulse
had nothing to do with finding a key to making Amanda more cooperative
with his investigation.  Exasperated with himself, he clenched the
steering wheel tightly.

"You don't allow yourself to need anyone, do you?"  he asked.

She shrugged.

"Certainly not people I don't know."  "Like me?"

"All I know about you is that in one day you've turned everything in my
life upside down."

She had a point.

"If you want to know anything about me, ask."

He saw the questions crossing her face.  Ske studied him for a moment,
then with a more guarded expression, shook her head.  He couldn't be
sure, but her reluctance made him think that she'd decided making him
angry was not to her best advantage.

"You're a man of secrets," she said.

"I know the type, believe me.  I could ask you a million questions and
never get any genuine information."

"Your ex was like that?"  he asked, neither confirming nor denying her
accusation.

Amanda nodded.

"After we'd been married a while, I realized we never really talked
about things that mattered.  He never shared anything that was
important to him or wanted to talk about what was important to me.  His
job was far more interesting to him than I ever was."

That last line, so close to what his wife, Lynn, had said to him so
many times, stung, flooding his brain with bitter memories.

"Some men don't always know how to show or even talk about what they're
feeling.  It doesn't always come to us as easily as women want."

 Amanda gave him a long, guarded look.

"Well, at least you've told me something about yourself, though in a
roundabout way," she said.

Tony realized that, if anything, his being open had made her more
suspicious of him.  Regret filled him as he acknowledged that, had
circumstances been different, he would have wanted her to know him,
just as he would haw wanted to know her--in every possible sense.

Aware of the danger of entertaining those thoughts, he drew back into
himself.  Nothing could get in the way of his finding his daughter and
punishing the creeps who had taken her away from him.

Tony pulled up next to a public phone beside a convenience store.

"Wait for me here."  Tony retrieved a fingerprint kit from the back
seat and walked up to the booth.

~ Though he went over every inch of it, there were no prints.

It had been wiped completely clean.  As he turned to look back at her,
he saw Amanda coming out of the convenienee store.  Muttering an oath,
he rushed up to her.

"What are you doing?"

"Making myself useful.  I went inside to talk to the clerk, thinking he
might have seen something."

Tony transfixed her with his coldest glare.

"You know absolutely nothing about questioning a witness!  You have
ruined any chance we had."

"He didn't see anything," Amanda protested.

"And I supposed you asked him really nicely?"  he scoffed.

"Of course I did.  I wanted him to help me, not call police!  Being
polite doesn't hurt," she argued.

Tony stared at the ground, trying to control his tern peri

"Intimidation works better, particularly with a reluctant witness."

Though he forced his tone to remain calm, he saw the cautious look that
flickered in Amanda's eyes.  Her ability to predict his reactions
seemed to frighten times, though she tried to hide it.  The problem
was, Aimee Thudo 61 didn't particularly like having her treat him like
a wild animal, afraid of the violent nature that so many believed was
part of him.

"Calm down, Amanda.  I know what I'm doing."

The young man inside seemed annoyed when Tony forced Him to put down
the mystery novel he was reading.  Unable to elicit any satisfactory
answers, Tony slammed his fist down hard on the counter, picked up the
novel, and tossed it across the room.  The startled clerk sat up
abruptly.

"Now that I've got your attention..."  Tony purred.

"Look, man, I don't know nothing.  I've been reading.  An entire army
could have used that booth."

Tony leaned toward him menacingly.

"Try harder.  From what I can tell, you have a clear view of the
booth."

The young man slid off his seat.  and took a step back.  "Look, I'm
just here to pick up some extra cash in the evenings.  It's quiet, so I
use the time to read and relax.  I'm not concerned with what happens
outside unless it disturbs our customers."

Amanda followed Tony as he stalked back to the pickup.  "I gather you
found no fingerprints?"  ~ "They cleaned the booth until it shone," he
growled, disgusted.

Tony glanced around.  After business hours, this neighborhood was like
a cemetery.  There were two cars parked inside a privat~ parking area
next to a government building ahead.  One, a cream-colored four-door,
reminded him of his first Bureau car.  He smiled, recalling its habit
of breaking down.

Silently he wished the owner of the sedan better luck than he'd had.

"Let's go try the front doors on that building," he said.

"They'l/probably be locked, but it's worth checking out."  After
finding the building sealed up, they walked back to the pickup.

"I~t's drive around the area a bit."

"What are we looking for?"

 "Basically I'm going through the motions in case they're watching,
but who knows?  We might get lucky.  Keep your eyes open.  Maybe we'll
find a street person who caught a glimpse of our caller.  Anything."

"Go by the day-care center, too, okay?  I need to make sure eve~ thing
is all right there."  She glanced at the cream-colored sedan.

"That reminds me of the car I saw watching the center," she said, then
explained.

"There are thousands of cream-colored sedans in this area.  That's not
much of a lead."

He drove around the Plaza, hoping he'd pick up he needed was one
break.

Amanda glanced in the side mirror.

"That same sedan back there.  But I can't tell if it's following us or
not.

It's several car lengths behind us.  "

He spotted the light sedan behind them, weaving traffic.  It was the
same car he'd seen next to the merit building.  He slowed down, hoping
to draw it close,~.  The car, however, persisted in keep' rag its'
distance, allowC ing other cars to slip between them.  Whoever was back
was either trained in surve'filance or a natural.  He ered the
possibility of a Bureau-trained agent, who'd gone bad.  Tony speeded up
slightly, causing the car to lag behind.

Then, as they reached the corner, stopped for the light.

"Is your seat belt on?"

"Sure.  Why do you ask?"

Not waiting for the green light, Tony looked then stepped on the
accelerator.

He rounded the next net with a screech of tires, leaving behind the
stench burning rubber.

Amanda's breath came in short gasps.

"What are doing?"

He glanced in the rearview mirror.  His tail wasn't them anymore.  He
wheeled down a narrow alleyway, doubled back.

63 "Hang on."  Tony made another sharp turn, heading up a deserted
street.

"We'll catch the guy tailing us in a moment.  Then he's going to have
to answer a few questions."

Amanda gripped the dashboard tightly.

"But first, we have to survive this ride."

Chapter Four The driver of the cream-colored car noticed them seconds
after Tony burst out of the narrow street adjacent tel.  The car shot
away from them, heading toward an old~: residential area where there
were no streetlights.  Only their headlights probed through the
darkness.

The sound of a hymn from a church organ could be heard in the distance,
and Tony tightened his grip on the wheel.  "Wednesday-night services
are about to end.  Traffic should pick up again soon, and he'll have a
better chance " It's too dark here.  You can't see where least not
clearly.  Let him go,"

Amanda urged.

"Not a chance."  Tony called her attention to the ometer.

"See for yourself.  He's slowing any better than we can.  But look just
ahead.

parking area?  " He pointed down the street.

"I'll lay he ducks in there to hide."

Suddenly the red taillights they'd been following to disappear.  Amanda
leaned forward, straining through the soupy darkness.

"Where is he?"

"He's gone into the church parking lot, where he blend in with the
other cars and leave with them sexatice lets out," Tony said.

65 "That's that then.  You certainly can't follow him in there without
having someone call the police."

"Sure I can.  Look for yourself," Tony said as he slowed the vehicle
and pulled into the lot.

"Nobody's out here yet.  They're still inside."

"What if he went inside, too?"

"Doubtful.  He wants to get away, not deal with a lot of citizens who
would notice a stranger.  He's out here somewhere, hoping to give us
the slip."

Tony parked beside a large van.

"Stay inside.  I'm going to take a look around."

"You can't be serious!  There are no lights back here.  I can't tell
one light-colored sedan from another, and there are at least fifty cars
around us."

"I'll handle it.  Just stay put."  Without waiting for an answer, he
stepped noiselessly out of the truck and disappeared into the
shadows.

Amanda watched for a moment, wondering what she should do.  Tony was
like 'a loose cannon where the search for his daughter was concerned.

She really wasn't at all sure they'd been tailed in the first place,
though the car they'd followed did look like the one she'd seen earlier
outside the center.  But pulling up behind someone in a light colored
sedan, and then wildly chasing after them, just might have scared the
life out of some innocent person, frightening him into making a run for
it.

Amanda opened the pickup door and looked out.  Tony's aggressiveness
left a lot of room for error.  As she searched for some sign of him,
she caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure moving inside one of the
parked cars near where she'd last seen him.  The realization that he'd
been right hit her like a bolt of lightning.  She had to tell him what
she'd seen.

Amanda left the vehicle quickly and walked in the direction Tony had
gone.

She found him a moment later.  "Tony, wait!"  she whispered harshly.

He turned around, still in a crouch, and motioned for her to get
down.

Suddenly, the car door next to him flew open.

 It slammed hard against Tony, hitting him squarely in the head and
knocking him to the ground.

Amanda rushed toward Tony as she heard the car's engine start up.

Grabbing his arm, she dragged him between two cars, narrowly avoiding
being run over as the vehicle backed up with a screech of tires.

Crossing the sidewalk, the sedan hurtled over the curb and bounced into
the street, making a clean getaway before Amanda could spot the license
plate.

Tony rose to his feet, rubbing his temple.

"Hard pavement.  Good thing I've got an equally hard head."

"No argument there," she muttered, trying to catch hex breath.

"What the beck were you doing out here?  I told stay in the car."

"I came because" -- Amanda stopped abruptly.

was no way now she could tell him that was terrorizing an innocent
person.

Even in the dim light, she could see that the bump on the side
beginning to swell at an alarming rate.

"I came saw someone lurking inside one of the cars.  I figured needed
my help."  ,

"Yeah?  Well, you didn't exactly save the day, did you " It could have
been worse.  I kept you from being over, didn't I?  Let's face it.  You
were right next to him, you had no idea he was there.  " " That's why I
was being careful," he snapped.  Tony gerly touched his temple with his
fingertips as they back to his truck.

"Now we're back to square one."

As they reached the pickup, Amanda walked to the er's side and nudged
him out of the way.

"Let me don't give my passengers heart failure."

"Of course not.  You have your own finishing them off," he grumbled
sourly.

She looked at the angry red bruise on his temple.

"Maybe I better take you to the hospital.  You should have that
checked."

"Forget it.  I'm fine and I'm driving."  Tony stepped around her and
slipped behind the wheel.

"I don't see double, and there's no gushing blood.  I'll live.  Do you
still want to go to the day-care center like we planned?"

"If you're up to it."

"As I said, I'll be fine."

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the center.  Amanda searched the
exterior of the building, then breathed a sigh of relief to see
everything was intact.  She left the pickup, rummaging in her purse for
the keys, but after several seconds, Tony edged in front of her.

"Let me help.  If the cops are patrolling this area, they're going to
spot us here.  I don't feel like answering half a million questions and
as you said, you don't want to be seen with me."  He slipped a skeleton
key in the lock, then using something that resembled a nail file,
jiggled the mechanism.  A second later, the door swung open.

Amanda's mouth dropped open.

"I don't believe you.  Is that how the photo of Carmen kept showing up
on the bulletin board even though nobody ever knew how it got there?"

He gave her a quick half smile.

"Hurry and do your check," he said, not answering her.

"That's my truck out there, and a patrol car might run the plate and
come in to see what's going on."

Five minutes later, satisfied that nothing had been disturbed, Amanda
returned to the pickup with him.

"I don't want you to ever use that key to get into my day care again. 
Or my home," she added quickly.

"Sorry.  I onlx make promises I'm sure I can keep."

Amanda thought of Hope and the other children.  Anger gave her
courage.

"If you get caught in here, I'll press charges.  If you're in a jail
cell, you're not going to be much use to your daughter."

He remained quiet for several moments, then finally nodded.

"All, right.  But that means I'll have to bring in the
computer-generated image of Carmen when, ever there's an update on it. 
I know you understand how important that is to me."

She sighed.  He was being so perfectly reasonable about it; she was the
one who sounded unreasonable.  Yet what was so unreasonable about
asking someone not to break and enter?

"Mail it, then check the following day.  You can ways call me.  I
guarantee that if it doesn't arrive twenty-four hours, I'll go get it
from you myself."

"All right."

As they drove back to her home, Amanda's raced in a multitude of
directions.

There were so questions, and so few answers!

"What's in that file caller wants so badly?"

"I'll know by tomorrow."

"Tell me as soon as you do."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea.  The more you more of a threat you'll
be to them.  You'd be better ting me handle that."

It would have been wonderful to be able to trust enough to feel
confident l~p Hope and her safe.  Only ority was his daughter Carmen,
not Hope--and not her.

"No, we're both involved, so we'll mat ion We may be working together,
but our totally different.  There's no way ity for my well-being or
that of my daughter to you."

He stiffened as/f she'd slipped h/re.

"You have~ mistrust my abilities."  He glanced at her, his face tam
expressionless.

"I wasn't good enough to protect my wife or child.  But I'm tougher and
smarter now than ] 69 back then.  Life's taught me the hard way.  I'm
the best ally or the worst enemy you could ever possibly have.  Believe
it."

"I don't doubt your abilities, just your priorities."

Tony pulled into her driveway.

"Well, at least we each know where we stand."  He switched off the
ignition.

"What do you think the ~dnappers will do now?"

"They want the file, so I don't think they'll do anything providing I
deliver it."  He gestured toward her front door.  "Come on.  I'll walk
you to the door, borrow some aspirins, then be on my way."

"You ought to come in for a few minutes and clean up those cuts and
scratches all over your face," she said, depressed by the unbridgeable
gap that separated them.  "All right."

She opened the front door and let him in.

"The bathroom is down the hall to your right.  After you wash up I'll
put some disinfectant on those cuts," she said.  Then, with a tentative
grin, she added what she always said to her daughter, "Don't worry. 
I've got the ouch less kind."

"That makes me feel infinitely better," he countered in a tone that
left little doubt he thought she'd lost her mind.

As Tony disappeared down the hall, Amanda picked up the phone and
called Bernice, needing reassurance that Hope was fine.  That
accomplished, she retrieved the first-aid kit from the kitchen
drawer.

She tried to tell herself that she'd only extended hospitality to Tony
out of courtesy, but she knew that wasn't the truth.  Every time she
saw his cold, withdrawn expression, she felt the need to reach him
somehow, find a way to ease his pain.  She shook her head, exasperated
with herself.  She was much too old for these fantasies.

She didn't believe she could kiss a hurt and make it better, and she
definitely didn't want to be Tony's mommy.

Hearing Tony step into the room, she turned around.  Her pulse began to
race as her gaze fell on him.  He looked uncompromisingly strong, his
face set as
if it had been chiseled from the hardest stone.  Yet it
was that very that seemed to cry out for a woman's tenderness.  Her
tenderness.

"Have a seat."  ~ Standing beside his chair, Amanda carefully dabbed
the~ scratches just below his bruised temple with disinfectant.  Tony
held himself still.

"You have gentle hands."

"Thanks."  His words made her melt inside, arousing all impossible
longing to touch him eveqavhere, to soothe, then excite him.  Chiding
herself for the sudden turn of he~: thoughts, she forced herself to
concentrate on the job at hand.

As she leaned forward slightly, taking special his eyes, her breast
brushed against his shoulder.  nerve ending in her body was suddenly
jolted awake.

glanced down at Tony, wondering if he'd even own obvious reaction stole
her breath away.

Amanda fought the tremor that spiraled through Tony captured her gaze. 
He grasped her wrist and her toward him, and it seemed as if' the world
shifted into slow motion.

He gathered her into his arms and held her

"You're playing with fire," he whispered.  gets through her hair, he
brought her mouth down to his.

His kiss was like the man he was, filled with determination.  He urged
her lips apart, then stroked tongue with the length of his.

Excitement arose her, like curls of flame that spread out, sparing no
her.

She couldn't think, she couldn't breathe.  Her became a kaleidoscope of
fire and velvet.  Tony eased hold to allow himself greater access, then
buried the nape of her neck, tasting the soft flesh there.

A war raged within Amanda, torn between wanted and what she knew she
must do to protect and her daughter.  As her eyes flashed on a photo of
Hope on the wall, she pushed away from him and stood up.

"I shouldn't have let this happen."  Amanda questioned her sanity.

This wasn't the time to lose control.

"Something special is happening between us, Amanda, despite the
situation we're in.  Don't deny it."

~ Amanda wondered why he was so eager to convince her.  Still, evasions
seemed pointless.  There was no denying the truth.  But for once she
didn't have a ready answer.

Tony obviously took her silence as denial.

"I better go," he said, standing up.

"If you need me, I'm only a phone call away.  I can be back here in no
time at all."

"I won't need you," she said quietly, mostly for her own benefit.

"And Tony, I really don't think you should come here again.  It's
likely we'll lose any advantage we might hope to gain if the kidnappers
think we're working closely together.  It'll be far better if they
believe they're in total control and have us pitted against each other.
 I'm sure they're counting on your resenting having to go through me,
and my resenting being put in this position."  At least she had been
truthful about that part of it.

"You may have a point.  I'll give it some.  thought and see if I can
find a way we can work around it," he said.  He looked at her
searchingly for a moment before he left.

His answer infuriated her.  Of course her idea was sound.  What was
there for him to think about?

Amanda watched the path his pickup truck traveled long after the
taillights had disappeared into the night.  Longing inexplicably filled
her.  She turned away from the side window and went back into the
kitchen, feeling more alone than she'd ever felt in her life.

SHORTLY AFTER SUNRISE, Tony met Raymond outside the large commercial
building containing the local Bureau office, as well as half a dozen
independent real-estate and legal firms.

 Tony had made careful arrangements for this meeting.  With any luck,
Raymond would never know for sure had happened right under his nose.

He'd suspect, but never~ be able to prove anything.  That suspicion
could well destroy their friendship as trust vanished between them, but
it was the only way he knew of not risking his chances of get~ ting his
daughter back.

Raymond watched Tony, studying his bruised face as they walked around
to a side entrance.

"What happened to you?"

"It's a long story."

"Then it'll wait.  Come on.  I want to get this taken care, before the
rest of the staff gets in.  I'm of my informants to the security guards
on the monitors, so whenever we pass a hall camera, remember to duck
your head."

"No problem.  And thanks."

Raymond led the way to his office, a tiny partitioned within a large
room.

He walked to the file cabinet and out a thick file.

"This is the Henderson file.  Henderson still a fugitive.  After he
pulled off that armored truck five months ago, he went underground able
to flush him out.  He's still in the area, though.  sure of that." 
Raymond took off his jacket and hung it the hook near his desk.

Tony noted the act with satisfaction.  Old

"Question is, how does Henderson tie in with my daughter's kidnapping?"

"He may not.  You know as well as I that they using him as a red
herring to cover up something el sen they could be asking you so they
can blackmail you later on and increase their Tony studied the file,
biding his time.  The phone ring soon.  If his informant let him down,
he'd kick his butt to the border.

A moment later, the phone on the desk began to ring, and hi sex-partner
picked it up.  Raymond'sexpression changed, then he glanced at Tony.

"It's one of my contacts.  He's a block down the street.  I need to go
talk to him.  It's urgent."  Raymond pulled out another file from his
bottom drawer.

"Here's the copy I've made for you.  It's virtually the same, except
for the leads we're currently following up on.  It'll pass a civilian
inspection, I'm certain of it."

"Give me a moment to compare them, okay?  Go talk to your contact.

I'll stay right here.  " Tony saw the flicker of suspicion in Raymond's
eyes.

"Come on, buddy.  Copying this would take more than a few minutes,
that's if I could make it past the surveillance cameras in the hall and
come up with a valid user code for the copier."

"I'm going to trust you on this one.  Don't screw with me."

"Go.  I'll be right here."

As soon as Raymond left, Tony pulled out a miniature camera.  He
focused carefully, then snapped photos, one after the other.  The
entire process took less than thirty seconds.  He then slipped the
camera inside Raymond's jacket.

Tony had returned his attention to the file and was comparing the
duplicate to the original when Raymond walked back in.  The agent's
eyes mirrored distrust.

"I'm going to have to frisk you, buddy.  I'm sorry."

"Go ahead."

After searching Tony, Raymond stood back.

"I really regret doing that.  But I couldn't take a chance you'd pulled
a fast one."

"You better escort me out of the building.  I've got an appointment in
a half hour I have to keep."

"Anything I should know about?"

"It's with a lawyer who works for me," Tony said.

"A little matter about a guy whose face I rearranged in a local tavern.
 It made the newspaper."

 Raymond shook his head as they headed out the side door.

"You were a good agent once.  You've thrown it all away."

"That's your way of looking at it.  To me, nothing is more important
than finding my kid."

Tony opened the driver's-side door and, as he stepped into the pickup,
purposely allowed the edge of his jacket to get closed in the door.  As
he raised his arms to the steering wheel, the fabric was torn
lengthwise in a jagged line.

Tony muttered a curse, throwing the door open again in disgust.

"I'm about to try to convince a judge that he shouldn't throw my butt
in jail, but I'm going to go in looking like a total loser.  Some days
it doesn't pay to get " Here, take mine," Raymond said, shrugging off
his jacket.

"I don't want to see you in jail.  I can't afford you out."

"Thanks, buddy."  Tony slipped off his coat and tossed it onto the
seat.

"I'll bring this by your house later."

As Tony slid behind the wheel, he caught the look Raymond's face.  It
was impossible to tell for sure, could have sworn his old partner had
just realized what happened.  No.  That was just his guilty
conscience.

known, Raymond would have stopped him.  He engine, preparing for a fast
getaway.

"Good luck," Raymond said calmly and stepped from the truck.

Tony watched him for a second, then nodded, sure.

"VII catch you later."

As he drove away, he had the feeling first steps down a very dangerous
road.

And thi~ time would be no turning back and no friends who'd him at the
finish line.

Next, he planned to hide electronic bugs at Amanda'si rice and home.

If she found them, it would  mean losing any trust he'd
gained from her.  But it had to be done for Carmen's sake.  It was
certainly his day for betrayals.

Tony was halfway to his home when his cellular phone began to ring.

He expected it to be his contact, demanding the rest of his money, but
it was Amanda.  A sudden chill enveloped him as he heard her voice. 
There was trouble.

"You're going to have to come over.  It can't be avoided this time.  I
was just getting ready to go to work when I got a message, but not by
phone this time: I need you to see this for yourself.  Bernice will
take Hope to the center.  I'll wait for you here."

"I'm on my way."  His heart went cold at the irony of the situation.

His first chance to betray Amanda had come when she needed his help,
Tony Ampere) AT/~VaaaNIDA'S a short time later.  As he pulled up, she
opened the door and stood at the entrance, waiting.  She was wearing
slacks and a soft-looking, formfitting white pullover.

Desire, strong and urgent, tightened his body.  His hands clenched and
unclenched as he struggled to bring himself under control.  A moment
later, he stepped out of the pickup.

As he walked toward the door, Tony saw fear in Amanda's eyes.

"Are you okay?"  he asked quickly.

Wordlessly, she led him to the backyard, then pointed to Hope's
sandbox.

Someone had written in the sand with a stick or other sharp object.

Tony crouched to read the block letters, "" Don't play games~ You'll
lose.

""

"That's got to be from the kidnappers," she said, her voice taut.

"When did you find this?"

"Right before I called you.  I came out to hang Hope's quilt on the
clothesline.  I always wash it after Winston comes over, because he
gets on the he'd with her.  He sheds."

 Tony studied the writing in the sand.

"It looks like the wind's started to fill in some of the letters.  But
there was no breeze to speak of last night."

She glanced down, following his gaze.

"It's clear enough," Amanda snapped.

"What can't you read?"

"No, you don't understand.  This message may not have been left last
night.

When were you out here last?  "

"Two days ago, I think.  We've had long hours this week at the
center.

If I remember correctly, I was out here Tuesday morning with Hope, and
there was nothing unusual then.  " As much as he hated to alarm her,
Tony couldn't discount the possibility that this had nothing to do with
his case.

"Is it possible you may have made an enemy, one you're not aware of? 
How about a non custodial who hasn't been allowed to pick up his child
at day care, an old boyfriend, or anything else along those lines?,"

"The parents and my day-care staff have always closely together.

Noncustodial parents haven't been i leto for us so far, though I know
from reading per that they can be.  And I have no boyfriends.  " shook
her head.

"This is from the kidnappers," can feel it.  " : " What you feel is
fear.

It's natural, but you to jump to conclusions because of it," Tony
calmly.

"Do you have a camera?"  He'd used up film: "I'd like a photo of this."
 Tony watched her side the house.  She was still too close for him to
be plant the I~ug.  The windowsill would pick up side noise and
interference.

She came out a moment later holding a

"Morns always have cameras, but never are two shots left."

Tony snapped off the shots.  He slipped the prints jacket pocket trying
not to notice the bug he 77 there, waiting to be placed in her house at
the first opportunity.

"Why don't you go on with your morning schedule?  I'll follow up on
this and do some investigating on my own this morning."

'et me know if you find any leads to the creep who did this, okay?  " "
You've got it.  "

Tony left her home," headed down the street, parked behind some trees
and waited.  Moments later, Amanda drove by.  Tony followed her into
town, staying well back so she wouldn't notice him.  Once Amanda was
inside the day care center, he turned around and wheeled the truck down
an alley.  Hidden from view, he stepped into some gray overalls marked
with the logo of a courier service he'd invented to complete the
disguise.  After posting a sign on the side of his truck with the
service's name, he drove down the street from the day-care center and
settled back to wait.  The only lead he wanted to pursue right now was
Amanda herself.  Instinct told him she was somehow the key to all
this.

He made himself comfortable, leaning back against the seat.

Surveillance.  It had been a while since he'd done this type of work,
but he had no intention of letting Amanda out of his sight.  Sooner or
later, someone would tip his hand.

~A Ogv'm~ F~OM her office window at the toddlers playing outside, but
found her thoughts drifting to Tony.  He was so alone and desperate in
his search for' his daughter!  That made him vulnerable.  But when that
happened to a man like Tony, it generally only served to make him more
dangerous.  Although it was difficult for her to think of him as a
violent man, judging from what she'd heard and from what she'd seen of
him, she couldn't afford to lower her guard around him for even a
minute.

Leaving the confines of her office, Amanda walked outside.  Every once
in a
while, she really needed to get away from the paperwork and
be with the kids.  As she entered the playground, a little blond-haired
boy with big blue eyes walked up to her, dragging a small athletic
bag.

Amanda crouched as he approached.

"Hello, Brian," she said softly.

He smiled broadly.

"Hi!  I found this, and Mrs.  said to bring it to you since it has your
name on it."

"Really?"  she said, her curiosity piqued since she had never owned an
athletic bag.

"Let me take a look."

As Brian pushed it in front of her, Amanda saw the Strangely enough, it
did have her name on it, neatly lettered in capital letters.

"Where did you find it?"

"Over there," he said, pointing toward the swings.

the tree.  If you don't want it, can I have it?  "

" We'll see, okay?  "

Brian glanced over his shoulder, hearing one of dren calling out to
him, then smiled at Amanda.

"Gotta ~ okay?"

"Have fun!"  Amanda picked up the bag, noting light it was.  It wasn't
hers, and she couldn't recall ever i ing seen it at the center.  With
so much going on these days, there was no way she was going~ it in
front of the kids.

Carrying it by turned to her office, trying to ignore the priekl3 the
back of her neck.

Amanda set the blue-and-white bag on her desk, to decide whether or not
to call the police, when'a soft: captured her attention.  Leaning
forward, she heard a fie king coming from within the bag.

Just then, Bernice came into her office and jumped.

"Hi.  Sorry I surprised you.  I just" -- "Have a fire drill right
now!"

Amanda

"Make sure all the kids are out of the building!"

"What" -- "Just do it!"  Amanda stepped away from the bag, grabbing the
phone simultaneously.  Fear gripped her as she dialed the emergency
number: "I may have a bomb on the premises," Amanda said quickly.

"Send someone over to Los Tesoros Day School trOW!"  Chapter Five From
his vantage point in the pickup, Tony saw children being led quickly
out of the day-care center.  Picking up the binoculars beside him, he
noticed the anxious expressions on the adults' faces.  This was no
ordinary fire drill.

He hurriedly left the truck and jogged down the street.  As he reached
the crowd of preschoolers and staff gathered in the parking lot, Tony
glanced around for Amanda.  She was nowhere to be seen.

Anxiously he rushed past the children and adults and made his way to
Amanda's office.  He found her there seconds later, pushing a tall file
cabinet toward the window.

"What's going on?"

Amanda noted his uniform, but there was no time to comment.

"A bomb," she replied, and gestured to the athletic bag on the desk.

"I have no idea how powerful it is or how long we've got, but I intend
to block the window with everything I can find.  This is a crowded
neighborhood.

It's not just my kids I'm worried about.  "

: I'll take care of it.  Go.  " She looked at him with a determined
gaze.

"I'm not goa " ing'anywhere.  Help me or get out of my w y. ~ If it is
a bomb, you could be turning that file cabinet into a missile.  Leave
it where it is.  " Tony sl~pped around the file::i cabinet, maneuvered
past the corner of the desk, 81 stopped in front of the athletic bag.

"Where did it come from?"

"It was discovered outside.  One of the kids brought it to me.  My name
is on it."

Tony peered inside a portion of the zipper that had worked open.

"It doesn't seem to have any obvious booby traps, like a wire attached
to the zipper.  I need a flashlight and a small mirror."

Amanda reached into her purse and retrieved her compact and a
penlight.

"Will these do?"

"Perfectly."  Tony slid the light inside the bag, then angled the small
compact mirror.

As he studied the contents of the bag, a man wearing an armored vest
and helmet, visor up, came into the room.  The bomb-squad officer, with
a name tag announcing he was Baca, glanced at Tony in surprise.

"Ramos, what the beck are you doing here?"  Baca demanded in a gravelly
whisper.

"And what's with the getup?"

"I was on my way to a costume party, when I was suddenly invited here,"
Tony answered sharply.

"He's helping me," Amanda added.

Tony stepped away from the bag.

"Relax, Baca.  It's a hoax."

"Since when did you become an expert?"  Officer Baca snapped, moving
around Tony to take a look for himself.

"It's obvious, unless you think an alarm clock, threo wooden dowels
painted red and a hand-lettered sign that says " Boom' is the real
thing.  "

After studying the bag's contents with his own curved mirror, the
officer removed his helmet.

"You're right.  But you shouldn't have opened the bag.  You're not the
Burcau's golden boy anymore, Ramos.

Far from it.  " Baca glanced down at the athletic bag.

"I hate crap like this.  We've got better things to do with our time. 
What's your part in this?"

 82 "I'm working for Ms.  Vila on an unrelated matter," Tony replied,
wishing Amanda would stop glowering at him.  It wasn't his fault Baca
had recognized him.  He'd tried to come anonymously.

Baca stared coldly at Tony.

"I won't have you interfering with my investigation of this incident. 
If you do, I'll throw you in jail.  Is that clear?"

"Get the answers the lady needs, and I'll be glad to stand back,"

Tony said smoothly.

Officer Baca met Amanda's gaze, holding it.

"We'll take this athletic bag to the lab so the techs can check it for
evidence.  But that'll take several days.  You could help me out a
great deal by answering some questions."

"Let's go outside to my reception area," Amanda suggested.

"I'd rather not sit next to that bag, harmless or not."

Baea smiled, nodding his understanding.

"Not a bad idea?!  at all."

Amanda led the way to the adjoining room.  After reaching it, Tony and
Officer Baca stood glaring at one another.  "Don't you have something
to do.

Baca demanded sharply.

"If you're questioning my client, I should be here.  I may?"  be able
to give you answers she can't.  " " No doubt, but I'm only interested
in the truth.  "

Tony glanced at Amanda.  She was okay now, though furious that his
involvement in something connected to tim day-care center would now be
known.

With a stone-cold:!  look at the cop, Tony strode out of the room.

AMAm)A A~S~ Baca's questions as calmly as could, but the phony bomb had
rattled her.  Although was certain the kidnappers were behind it, she
figure out why, and that worried her even more.  But ~ she couldn't
mention them to the police.

"Someone wanted to frighten you, Ms.  Vila.

only two possibilities.  You have an enemy, despite 83 may think, or
someone is trying to create a diversion.  Our records indicate you've
had other problems lately.  You reported a suspicious car here
yesterday and there was vandalism at your home last night.

Are you sure there's nothing else you can tell me?  " " What would all
this divert me from?  "

"The real target.  Maybe a non custodial parent did this hoping he
could snatch his kid in the confusion, or that his kid might be moved
to another center where security isn't so good."

She jumped to her feet.

"I never considered that, but I'm going to take a head count right
now."

"TH go with you."

All the children, including Hope, were soon accounted for, and Amanda
felt a flood of relief.

"Everyone's here and safe."

"I'd still advise you to stay alert," Baca said, taking her aside.

"The watcher in the ear that you reported yesterday could be tied in to
this.

I'll ask for patrols to be increased in this area.  "

"I appreciate that."  Amanda considered telling him about the sandbox
message, but uncertain if the kidnappers were behind that, decided to
remain quiet.  For now, she'd trust Tony to follow up on it.

"Is there anything else you need?"

"I'd like to speak to your staff members individually.  Is there
someplace private where I can interview them?"

"The staff lounge is at the end of the hall, I'll have my assistant
arrange to have each of them meet you there."

"Excellent idea."

Amanda made the arrangements with Bernice, then went into her office.

Tony was there, standing by her desk, waiting.  "How did it go?"  he
asked.

"He thinks it may be the work of a non custodial parent," she
answered.

"But you and I know differently."

 84 "I'm still not convinced this has anything to do with the
kidnappers,"

Tony said.

"They have nothing to gain from drawing attention to themselves."

"In that case, maybe I should tell the officer about the message in the
sandbox."

Tony considered it.

"That's up to you, but I'd advise against it.  The more they poke
around, the more there's a chance of their spooking the kidnappers."

"All right.  I'll keep quiet about it, providing you'll keep digging
into it."

"I will.  Don't worry.  This type of thing is meant to annoy, not to do
any damage."

"Oh, it'll do damage," she argued.

"This kind of publicity can ruin my business."

"You have an enemy, Amanda, whether you like it or not ."

"Maybe someone hates the fact that you're around.  Officer Baca
certainly did."  Amanda returned to her desk.

Tony stiffened as if she'd struck him, but his voice remained calm and
controll~.

"If i'm the reason this happened, I'll get to the bottom of it.  But
this time I don't think

SO.  " '

"This time?"  Amanda repeated, puzzled.

"What happened before?"

"Some officers had a theory that my wife's accident and my daughter's
kidnapping were caused by someone who wanted to get back at me."

Amanda felt her stomach tighten.  This man carried enough nightmares
for a lifetime.  But any sympathy she might have felt vanished when she
saw the dark, deadly intent in his eyes.

"You're hiding something important, Amanda," he said,

"We can't find the truth until you start to trust me."

"The police don't trust you, and according to community members, you're
a vigilante.  You can't deny your lifo-style lends itself to more
questions than- answers.  And every time we've met so
far, it's been disastrous for me.  How can you expect me to have faith
in you?"  She shook her head.

"You'll do what you think is right, but there are a few more things for
you to consider first.  Your precious day care center is being
threatened in a major way, and unless you're straight with me, I have
no chance of stopping whoever is doing this to you.  There's also
another matter to take into account.  If I'm right and these incidents
aren't related to the kidnappers, the ones making the demands are bound
to get nervous and tighten their grip when they hear what's been going
on.  Then we'll be at war on two fronts, with everything to lose.  By
being honest with me, you'll at least give us a fighting chance."

"I've been honest," she said.

"I have no idea who's behind any of this.  If I did, I'd tell you.  I
want this to be over just as badly as you do."

"Maybe, but you are keeping something back, and' I'll find out what it
is, with or without your cooperation."  Tony turned and strode from the
room.

Amanda watched Tony leave, then gathering her courage, she went into
the reception area to meet with Bernice.  All the phone lines were
ringing.

Bernice glanced at her.  "The backlash has already started.

News travels fast.  " " I'll split the calls with you," Amanda said and
returned to her desk.

Time dragged by as parents and members of the press called in for the
story.

By the time five o'clock came, Amanda was exhausted but satisfied that
she'd managed a fair amount of damage control.  Only one student was
being withdrawn from the center--the other parents were reassured, at
least for now.

"I'm going to pick up Hope and go home," she told Bernice at last.

As they drove home, Amanda noticed that Hope seemed undaunted by the
events of the day.  To her, it had only been one of many games she'd
played.  A fire
drill was routine, nothing to get excited about.  Amanda found herself
envying her daughter's innocence.

After a quiet dinner and an hour playing together, she and Hope settled
in front of the small television set in Hope's room, and Amanda held
her daughter as they watched a cartoon.  She closed her eyes and
started to drift off to sleep, when the sound of a vehicle pulling up
startled her into alertness.  Leaving Hope still enthralled with the
cartoons, Amanda went into the living room, turned on the front light,
and pulled back the curtain slightly from her newly repaired window.  A
van with a TV repair sign was parked in her driveway, and a man wearing
blue cove rails and a baseball cap was walking up to the front door,
toolbox in hand.

"Company, Mommy?"  Hope had come into the room her pajamas and turned
to run toward the front door.

"Don't open that," Amanda warned quickly.

"It's a repairman, but I didn't call one."

Amanda had recognized the name of the company blazoned on the side of
the van, but the impromptu arrival made her nervous.

"Go back to your room, Peanut.  I'll be in shortly to finish watching
cartoons with you."

"Mommy, can he fix my TV?  People look green."

"I'll take care of that myself.  Now go on, please."

Amanda placed the chain on the door, then opened it just a crack.

"Can I help you?"

"Sure you can," said a familiar voice.

Amanda stared at the low-slung bill of the baseball cap~ that obscured
his face.

"Tony?"

"The one and only.  Now let me in, and let's make this look good.  I'm
playing your handy-dandy TV repairman."  ~ i Amanda took the chain off
the door and let him

"What on earth do you think you're doing?"

"We both decided that we shouldn't be seen together, member?  But we
still have things to do.  After today, in particular we need a chance
to have an uninterrupted talk."  ~ "Hope came out to the hall, paused
uncertainly, then smiled broadly and ran to Tony.

"Hi, Tony!"

Hope took Tony's hand.

"Are you really a TV man?  Will you make the people not green?"

"Sure," Tony said, allowing HOPe to lead him by the hand.

A shadow passed over Tony's face as he thought of his own missing
daughter.

"You're a lucky woman, Amanda."  Tony crouched by the TV set and opened
his toolbox as Hope ran out into the hall to pick up a doll she'd left
on the floor out there.

"You know, every time I look at Hope, I can't help wondering what
Carmen looks like today."

Amanda felt a chill run through her and, with effort, suppressed a
shudder.

Grateful that Tony's attention was on the TV controls, she struggled to
gather her wits.

"No, that's even worse!"  Hope wailed, running back into the room.

"Now they're orange!"

Amanda walked around Tony, pushing him to one side.  "Allow me, Mr. 
Fix-It."

A moment later, the colors were correctly adjusted.

Tony gave her a sheepish smile.

"I've never been good with television sets."

M'Do you ~ popcorn?  " Hope asked Tony.

"Maybe ommy would fix us some, then we can watch cartoons~"

"I love popcorn,"

Tony said, laughing, then glanced at Amanda.

"You just had dinner!"  Amanda smiled at Hope.

"How can you be hungry again?"

Hope shrugged.

"Popcorn's good."

"Okay, I'll fix some.  Then after the cartoons, it's time for you to go
to sleep.  Agreed?"

Hope nodded.

"Okay, Mommy."

Tony picked up a bear puppet and began to talk to Hope in a deep voice.
 Hope squealed with laughter as Tony pretended to have the puppet hoard
her toys and hide them beneath the bed.

 Amanda watched them for a moment.  Her child was safe with Tony. 
She'd never have imagined him so gentle and loving as he was right now
with her daughter.  Confident she was leaving Hope in good hands, she
stepped out of the' room and returned a short time later holding ~
small bowl filled with popcorn.

"Here we go, you two."

Tony made the hand puppet tickle Hope as she reached for the snack, and
the little girl tried to tickle him back laughing and squirming.  Tony
picked up Hope, then lay back on the floor, holding her aloft while she
giggled and tried to reach down to him with her tiny arms.

Amanda watched them, unsure of her feelings.  She should have been
happy that Hope was having but she'd never realized until now how much
Hope missing by not having a father around the house.

never roughhoused with Hope, nor even suspected daughter would enjoy
it.

Amanda sat down to watch them, and her eyes cused on Tony.  The muscles
of his chest rippled as he Hope up in the air.  Longing ribboned
through her.

forced her gaze away immediately.  This was Tony was the last person on
earth who should able to rekindle her desire.  She wanted the of tional
family life she'd never known as a child, was a perfect example of what
to avoid in a potential ent and mate--unpredictable, potentially
dangerous, altogether too good at concealing his true feelings.

As Tony rolled to his side and gently a thick roll of money fell out of
his pocket.  in shock at the rubber-banded stash.  If the bills were
hundreds like the one on the outside of the roll, he thousands in that
bundle!

Tony noticed the look on her face and quickly money back into his
pocket.

"I hate writing checks.  I ways deal in cash."

As Amanda remembered what Bernice had told her, questions rose again in
her mind.  Tony seemingly hadn't been employed for a long time.

Where would he get that much money just to carry around?

When Hope settled in before the television, popcorn in hand, Amanda
quietly led Tony down the hall.

"Now tell me what you wanted to discuss with me," she said, waving him
to the sofa.

Tony leaned back, stretching out his legs.

"Although I don't expect a repeat of the bomb incident, I think you
should consider hiring a security guard.  He wouldn't have to be in
uniform if you're worried about how the parents will react."

Amanda weighed the suggestion for a moment, then nodded.

"You're right.  I have to make sure no one threatens the safety of my
kids.

Can you recommend somebody?  " Tony nodded and wrote down a number.

"This is the man's home phone.

I've known him for years.  I can't remember his firm's name, but he's a
former cop and he'll give you the best for the money.  Joey's got an
excellent reputation with both law-enforcement people and the business
connllunity.  " " I'll call him later tonight, after spending some time
with my daughter.  We both look forward to our evenings, when I can
read to her or we can play.  "

"I didn't mean to interfere with your family life," he said quickly.

"I'll tell you what.  I'll make the phone call for you right now and
set it up.  You can work out the details with Joey later tonight or
tomorrow."

"Fine.  I better go check on Hope now.  I get nervous when she's too
quiet,"

she added with a ghost of a smile.

Tony's cellular rang as Amanda started down the hall.  She stopped and
turned around, but he smiled and nodded, letting her know everything
was okay.

Amanda stopped in a doorway just out of sight.  She hated nosy people,
but circumstances were forcing her hand.  She needed to know what Tony
was up to.

Amanda heard her name, but Tony's voice was too low for her to make out
the rest.  Edging out, she crept back down the hall.

"She lived in California?  That's interesting.  So it may not be local
talent at all," he said.

Amanda felt her temper rise.  He was checking her out?  How dare he! 
He should be concentrating on the kidnap-pets, not wasting his time on
her.

Tony suddenly turned around and caught sight of Amanda.  Trying to act
casual, she shrugged and walked past him to the kitchen.  She would
never have made it as a spy.

He came to look for her moments later.  Hearing his footsteps, she met
him in the hall and returned with him to the living room.

"If you want to know what I'm doing," he said, taking a seat across
from her on the~'sofa, "why don't you just ask me instead of trying to
eavesdrop.  It would be simpler and far more effective."

"Only if you told me the truth," Amanda countered.

"That doesn't seem to come easily to you."

"You're the one holding back."

"And that's your excuse for inva~ling my privacy by checking up on
me?"

"Why does that bother you?  Do you have something to hide?"

"No.  It's just a colossal waste of your time.  There ate far more
important things you could be doing."

"I'd be a feel not to find out all I could about you.  And I'd be
willing to bet you've asked someone about me."

Remembering her talk with Bernice, Amanda looked away.

"I didn't go to such major lengths as you apparently did."

91 "Probably because you didn't have the right source."  Tony smiled.

"Ease up, Amanda.  I'm on your side even if you aren't sure you want me
there.  I play to win and that'sexactly the kind of ally you need.

We will win, Amanda, believe that.  " The timbre of his voice sent
vibrations throughout her body.  He reached out, caressing her face
with his palm.  His tenderness wound past her defenses, melting away
her resistance.

"I'm not the monster you think I am," he said softly.  Amanda felt the
warmth of his palm searing through her.  His eyes seemed to be pleading
with her for understanding.  Instinctively she leaned into his palm.

He sucked in his breath.

"You're so incredibly beautiful."

When he pulled her into his arms, she didn't resist.  She wanted to
lose herself in the warmth of his embrace, to take comfort from his
strength.

"Mommy?"  Hope's voice echoed down the hall.  Hearing her daughter's
voice, Amanda jumped back.  What on earth was she doing?  Dear heaven,
the man could scramble her thinking in no time flat.

"I've got to take care of my daughter."

She strode quickly down the hall hoping he wouldn't no-rice that in
reality she was running away from him.  She didn't want to deal with
the questions her own feelings continued to raise in her mind.

Amanda stayed with Hope for more than an hour, playing a favorite game,
then reading bed lime stories to her.  When she went out to get her
daughter a drink of water, she heard Tony on the phone with the
security guard, arranging for his services.  When Amanda finally turned
the last page, Hope's eyes were heavy and she blinked sleepily.

"Mommy, will I ever have a daddy like other kids?"

"You have a daddy, Peanut.  But he works very hard and that's why he
doesn't come to visit very often."

 "My daddy's not like Angie's daddy or Teri's.  He doesn't like to
play.  I like Tony better.  He even likes to dress up funny."

Amanda almost burst out laughing.  She could just lana inc the sto~j
going around that Tony liked to "dress up funny and play pretend."

"You mustn't tell anyone that Tony came here dressed up like a
repairman, Peanut, okay?  It's got to be our secret."

"Mommy, are you in trouble?"

Amanda felt her mouth go dry.  She'd never lied to her child before.

"Don't worry, Peanut.  There are some ~rownup things'I have to take
care of.

Everything's okay.  "

"Will Tony help?"

"I hope so."

"After you finish, can he be my daddy?"

"Now that's an idea," said a masculine voice from the door.

Amanda turned around and glared at him.

"No, but Tony could stay our friend, providing he learns to behave
himself."

"Is Tony naughty?"

Tony grinned.

"I can be.  But your morn sets me straight real fast."

Amanda stared at Tony.

"Do you mind?"

"Good night, Hope."  With a chuckle, Tony turned and went back to the
living room.

Hope looked at Amanda.

"Mommy, you do like him!  I can tell.  You're just teasing."

Amanda smiled at Hope.

"Let's keep that our secret, okay?"

"Okay."  Hope buried her head deeper into the pillow.  "" Night, Mommy.
"Amanda met Tony back in the living room.

"In the future, I'd appreciate it if you didn't interfere when I'm
talking to my daughter in private."

Tony felt a stabbing pain somewhere.  around his heart.  If she only
knew how little privacy she'd have from now on.  He'd left a listening
device just beneath the molded edge of her kitchen cabinet.  With that
in place he'd be able to hear any conversations she had in either the
kitchen or the living room.  Earlier today, after the bomb threat, he'd
placed one on the bottom of her office desk.

"I guess I'd feel that way, too, if she were mine.  Some things are
meant to be shared only by family."

"Did you get in touch with your friend who owns the security
service?"

Amanda asked, obviously anxious to get down to business.

"He'll have someone there tomorrow.  They'll cover the day-care center
as long as you need them.  The man he sends will leave a list of
references for you, so you can check out their firm."

"Thanks."  Amanda sat down on the sofa.

"Now what?  Did you figure out a way to get the file the kidnappers
wanted?"

"I have it already."  He looked away, unwilling to meet her gaze.

Amanda liked playing by the rules, and that was something he seldom
did.

"What have you done?"  she asked softly.

"What I had to," ~he said in a clipped tone.

"I'm not trying to pass judgment on you.  I just need to know.

Everything you do impacts me directly as long as I'm involved.  " Tony
took a deep breath.

"Let's just say I made' the necessary moves.

No matter what my relationship with Raymond is, I can't afford to work
with the FBI.  What I'm doing is more in line with working around them.
 I've always suspected a leak," he said, explaining briefly.

"I

can't afford to risk it now.  " " Yet you still miss being an agent,
don't you?  " Amanda observed.

"It seems like you invested a lot of yourself in your
career.  It couldn't have been easy for you to walk away."

"I didn't walk away.  I was forced out," Tony admitted, his voice cold
and hard.  Amanda could read more into him than he believed possible.

That knowledge bothered him.

"I called in sick often, following up leads in my search for Carmen. 
Finally the Bureau chief gave me a choice.  Either stop searching for
my daughter or leave.  That discussion got out of hand fast.  Let's
just say that he lost face in front of quite a few agents.  When I
quit, he took my resignation gladly."

"Maybe someday all that can be straightened out."

"No.  There's no turning back.  Not anymore."  Tony glanced at his
watch, then the phone.

"I really you'd be contacted again tonight, but it doesn't look like
that's going to happen.  I better go now, otherwise my cover as TV
repairman won't hold."

After a quick goodbye, Tony lantly as possible, bent over and activated
a receiver recorder inside the thick hedge bordering her home.  He did:
in one smooth motion and simply The black demons from his past were
always molding him, fore frog him along paths he would walked down on
his own.  He glanced in the rearview mirror at the warm lights of
Amanda's home as he drove He was tired of being alone, of having to lie
and trick people all the time.

But he'd been doing this for so long first in undercover work, then on
his own--that he sure he could be any different.

Slamming his hand against the steering wheel, welcomed the night that
crowded in around him.  Amanda of the day, a woman who thrived in he
was more comfortable in the shadows of darkness.  there he belonged.

AMANDA SAT ON HER SOFA, working absently on a crewel design she'd been
giveu two Christmases ago.  Someday she'd finish it.

Hope was asleep.  The house was quiet.  And for once, she shut out all
the disturbing thoughts that circled in her mind.  Then a car turned
into the driveway.

Hearing Bernice's familiar knock, five quick raps followed by two,
Amanda answered the door.

"Come in.  Is everything all right?"

"When I was driving to the supermarket, I saw a TV repair van pulling
out of here.  If your set's on the blink, you're welcome to borrow my
portable.

Shah I bring it over after I put my groceries away?  "

Amanda started to tell Bernice the truth, but then stopped.  The more
Bernice knew, the greater the possibility that someone else could find
out that Tony had been here.  Amanda decided to protect Bernice as
~best she could.

"It's okay now.  It wasn't a big deal.  Hope was kind of upset be~
cause the people were green."

Bernice laughed.

"Well, I can see how that could get annoying."

Amanda led Bernice to the kitchen.

"How about some cocoa?"

"Sounds good to me.  The groceries will be okay for a little longer."

Bernice opened her purse.

"By the way, I went to the library today.  I looked for stories about
Tony Ramos written at the time his daughter was kidnapped.  One article
in particular caught my attention."  She slid it across the table
toward Amanda.

Amanda read the headline.  Local Fed Fired--Excessive Force Charges
Dropped.

She scanned the article quickly, ,awa~ that the.  r~port conflicted
with what Tony had told her.

"I pound e story claimed Tony had attacked a fellow agent and been
fired from the Bureau.

"This doesn't sound right," Amanda said.

"In what way?"

"It seems to be more innuendo than anything else.  No-rice how the
reporter fails to mention any names except Tony's?  And while he says
that his information came from reliable sources, it's not confirmed by
anyone in an official capacity."

"The reporter was protecting his informants," Bernice answered.

"Don't you think it sounds plausible, though, knowing what you do about
Tony?"

Amanda didn't answer.  Tony was unpredictable and stubborn, but he
didn't seem the kind who used violence unless someone used it on him
first.  But if the article was accurate, then it raised other important
questions.  If Tony had lied to her about that--something said in
conversation and really not that important in the overall scheme of
things--what else was he lying about?

The more she learned about Tony's past, the harder it was to trust
him.

Still, just being around Tony made her feel more alive, more of a
woman, than she had in years.

With a heavy heart, Amanda slid the article back to Bernice.

"Thanks for showing this to me."

"Keep it.  I have a feeling you'll need it as a reminder from time to
time."

Bernice rinsed out her cup.

"I better go."

Amanda walked her friend to the door and said goodnight.  After locking
up, she went down the hall and tened to the soft breathing coming from
her daughter's room.  Amanda peered inside, and saw that Hope was still
sleeping peacefully.  She was exhausted after a full day of playing at
the day-care center and then with Tony.  opo?  } bering her daughter's
words, Amanda wondered if H was starting to get too attached to Tony.

The danger is ted--for both of them.  As nice as it would have been
Hope to have a real, stay-at-home daddy, couldn't be a man like Tony.

He loved his own daughter seemed good with hers, but he wasn't a
domesticated, ily-man type.  Ignoring the protests of her heart, went
to her empty room.

Chapter Six Amanda stood at the kitchen counter, struggling to come
awake as she filled the small coffee machine with water and then turned
to stir Hope's oatmeal.  Nightmares had kept her up all night.  Now it
was morning and time to get breakfast for her daughter.  Unfortunately,
all she wanted to do was crawl back into bed.

Hearing the telephone ring, she walked into the living room, bypassing
the phone in the kitchen.  It was probably Bernice needing a ride to
work.  Her car was, at best, temperamental.  Amanda glanced down at the
caller ID.  The screen indicated a private caller.  That meant it
wasn't Her-nice.  Steeling herself, she picked up the phone.

Amanda immediately heard the electronically altered voice.  Perhaps it
was the early morning hour or the silence of the house that made the
voice even more ominous, but it took all her willpower to keep her own
voice steady.

"I know it's early, dear, so you better take notes," the caller said,
as if speaking to a child.

"We've decided you're going to be our courier."

"Me?"  Amanda's mouth went dry.

"That's right.  You.  Now listen carefully.  You're to get the file
from Ramos and bring it to Las Tiendas Mall at noon today.  Go to the
west side.

There's a corridor right next to 98 the rest rooms.  Bring Ramos's
cellular phone with you and wait there.  We'll contact you.  " The line
went dead.

Amanda placed the phone back on the cradle just as Hope' ran ifito the
room.

"Good morning, Peanut," she managed, trying to sound cheerful.

~"Mo~my, a pretty lady said I can have a new daddy."  Amanda groaned
softly.

It was just a dream, Peanut.

No, Mommy!  She's my angel.  She said it when I was sleeping.  " Amanda
smiled.  A few months ago, Bernice had given Hope Ja print of a
guardian angel guiding two children over a bridge.  For a while, Hope's
interest in angels had soared, but then, like most children, she'd gone
on to other interests.

"She likes you, Mommy.  She told me,"

"I'm glad."  Amanda worded that perhaps this was Hope's way of coping
with what had been Maybe her daughter wasn't as oblivious to the
dangers surrounding them as she'd thought.  daddy will be?  " Amanda "
Did she tell you who your new almost hated the trick question, but if
Hope mentioned Tony, then she'd know her daughter was using her nation
to deal with the situation.

"No, Mommy, but she said we would be happy."  Amanda breathed a sigh of
relief and went into kitchen with her dhughter.  It had just been a
dream after She placed a bowl of oatmeal on the table in front of

"It's the way you like it, with fresh strawberries."

Amanda picked up the phone.  She would have to careful what she said in
front of her daughter, but she to call Tony and let him know what had
happened.

Tony's groggy voice greeted her.

"Ramos here."  "Good morning," Amanda said.

"Hope and I are having breakfast, but I wanted to let you know that I
ceived a call this morning.  The number had been though."  .

99 "So much for tracing it, then.  Any instructions for the drop?"  he
asked, instantly alert.

Yes.  Noon at Las Tiendas Mall.  They want me to bring it," she
answered, measuring her words carefully.

"You mean they want you to deliver the file?"

"Yes.  We'll have to meet.  I'll call from work to discuss it."

' "Take the tape with you.  I'll want to hear.  it Did the caller ID
come up with a number?"

"No.  It just said private number, that's all."

"Okay.  See you shortly, then."

"Who was that, Mommy?"

"Just business, Peanut."

Amanda replaced the tape with a fresh one and slipped the used one in
her purse as she watched Hope finish her breakfast.  Looking forward to
another day at school, Hope began chattering about the games she'd be
playing today with the other kids.  More determined than ever to
protect her daughter from danger, Amanda mentally prepared herself to
face the day.

BY THE TiME AMAndA arrived at the day-care office, Tony was already
waiting, disguised as a maintenance man.  His hair had been powdered to
look almost white, and he was wearing blue workmen's pants and shirt
with a tool belt and harness.

Despite his change in appearance, his demeanor hadn't altered.  He was
pacing back and forth in the reception area like a caged tiger.

Bernice gave Amanda a frustra fed look.

"Look what the ill winds blew in," she said, cocking her head toward
Tony.

"The maintenance man."

"We're wasting time," he growled, staring at Amanda.  As Amanda's gaze
drifted over him, her pulse began to race.  Despite his change of hair
color, he looked spectacular.  His broad shoulders and flat stomach
were accentuated
  by the military-style shirt, making him look fit and
ready for physical action.  His day-old beard gave him a rugged look
she found appealing.

Forcing herself to ignore her body's instinctive reaction, Amanda
unlocked her offi~ door and led him inside.  "What kind of plan have
you come up with?"  she asked, shutting the door as he crossed the
room.

"First, I'd like to hear the tape."  Tony placed a small tape recorder
on her desk.

"I brought this in case you don't have a player here at the center."

Amanda took the microcassette from her pocket and placed it into the
machine.

They both lister/ed to the exchange that had occurred earlier.

"I've got to telkyou, I wasn't prepared for that at all,"

she admitted after the recording ended.

"I could hear it in your voice."  He exhaled softly.

"Do you have a speakerphone?"

' SUre.  " " I think we need to have Raymond in on this, and it'll be
easier for us to coordinate if he's on the speaker while we talk.  "
Amanda dialed the phone number Tony gave her, then when Raymond
aaswered, pressed the button to put him on the speaker.  Tony quickly
recapped the situation.

"I was afraid something like this would come up," Raymond said.

"I'm~about to leave on another case.  I've got to back up another agent
when he makes an arrest today.  I'm sorry I can't help you.  If you'd
agree to let me tell the boss what's going on" -- ~"You know that won't
work.  Forget it.

I'll handle this on my own.  "

"If you change your mind, let me know.  I'll do whatever I can to find
someone else to.  give you backup."

"No chance."

Amanda hung up the phone when their conversation abruptly ended.

"Do' you think it'll be safe to handle this ourselves?"

"It's not the ideal situation, but we'll be okay.  There's no way I'd
want anyone else but Raymond involved.  We can handle this if we work
together.

I'll give you my cellular and be your backup.  We'll play it by ear,
but I'll be the one who gets.  let's say creative, if it's necessary. 
Agreed?  "

"I don't know."

" " I've got more to lose than you do if something goes wrong, so
believe: me, I won't take unnecessary risks.  If I blow it, they won't
be back.  I think this is a test of sorts, a trial run.  They want to
see if we'll both play by their rules.  They'll be watching, giving you
last-minute instructions and seeing how we handle it.  "

"No ways are you planning to play by anyone's rules except your own,
Tony.  I know you that well already.  What have you got up your
sleeve?"

Tony reached into a pouch of his leather tool belt.

"This is a two-way radio.  I have another one.  We'll stay in touch. 
I'll follow you to the drop site and when they show, I'll tail them. 
With luck, your part in this will be over by this evening."

"Even if you catch the kidnappers, they still may not tell you where
your daughter is."

His eyes turned the color of a moonless night.

"They'll tell me everything, Amanda.  Believe me."

She did.  Tony'sexpression was now cold and deadly, and she 'fought to
suppress the shiver she felt building at the base of her spine.

She almost pitied the kidnappers when Tony finally got his hands on
them.

"You won't see me again this morning, but if anything comes up, call my
pager number.  I'll get to a phone.  And I'll be at the rendezvous
point.  You can count on it."

 Amanda glanced down at the cellular and the two way radio.  Fear
slammed into her.

"I wasn't cut out for this kind of work.  I'm a teacher, not a spy."

"Are you frightened?"  he asked softly, reassuringly.  "Terrified," she
admitted.

He gave her a quirky half smile.

"I think what you Reed is a distraction."

Without warning, he pulled her into his arms, then lowered his mouth to
hers.

His kiss was hard and hungry.  Her body turned into molten wax and her
knees threatened to buckle.  She could feel the barely leashed power in
him.  Need, powerful and primitive, demanded she yield to this man. 
She had to fight to keep her willpower from shattering under the gentle
assault.

"I won't let anything happen to you.  These fire my enemies.  I'll deal
with them,."  he whispered in her ear.

Amanda stepped away, suppressing yet another that this time his heated
breath had sent spiraling through her.  The steel-hard determination
she'd come to with Tony alarmed her.  She'd always hated violence, but
the underlying darkness she sensed within Tony was the closest she'd
ever really come to it.

Up to now, the violence in her world had consisted mostly of
three-year-olds fighting for a toy.  ~ She took a deep breath.

"I can do whatever's necessary,"

she said, trying to bolster her own courage.

"I know you can, Mandy."

Amanda was startled by the nickname.

"Myraother was the last person to call me that," she said, smiling,
remembering better days.

"It suits you somehow.  Do you mind if I call you " No," she
answered.

"Good."

As he started out the door, she heard him whisper words.  A special
warmth ribboned through her, making heart race.  There was no way to be
sure, but she could have sworn he'd said "My Mandy."  AMANDA AInu rED
at the shopping center a bit before noon.

Walking confidently--she'd read somewhere that to appear weak invited
being victimized--she entered the corridor the kidnappers had
selected.

Minutes ticked by slowly.  Tense, she kept alert, but she didn't spot
anyone who looked particularly interested in her.  Amanda walked back
into the recesses of the narrow hall, wondering how long they planned
to make her wait.  She leaned back against the wall, grateful that at
least for now her own child was safe.  As the noon crowd grew in size
and volume, she heard the cellular ring.  Amanda opened the handset
quickly and answered it.

"You've done well," the electronically altered voice told her.

"Now go to the east side of the mall.  There's a noisy group of people
gathered around a karaoke singer.  In the corner to the singer's left
is a big planter containing a phony fie us tree.  When you're sure
nobody's watching, set the file beside the tree trunk and walk away~
Don't look back."

"But what if" -- "We'll worry about the what ifs.  All you have to do
is follow our instructions Amanda heard a click, then the dial tone. 
She fought the urge to yell in anger at the caller, who was issuing
orders like a drill sergeant.

Composing herself, she quickly threaded her way through the Crowd.

ffonly Tony would catch these sick people and get them out of their
lives!  ' The music led Amanda to the singer, who was belting out the
worst rendition of an old Beatles tune she'd ever heard.  Despite the
off-key wailing, everyone around Amanda appeared to be having a good
time.  For one brief moment, Amanda smiled, envying their carefree
attitudes.

Slipping through the gathering, she approached a realis-tic4 looking
ten-foot
tree nestled in the corner.  Praying that a synthetic leaf blight
would be passed on to the kidnap-pets, she laid the file in the
planter.  Though sorely tempted, Amanda resisted the urge to glance
back.  She simply walked away.  Now it was up to Tony.

Amanda walked into the nearest store, then headed for the ladies' room,
a small cubicle designed for only one person.  She locked the door and
waited for Tony to contact her.  Only a few minutes had passed before
she heard the heep on her radio.

"I need-your help," Tony said quickly.

"Two women walked by the planter at the same time.  Either one could
have n~ade the pickup.

One's heading your way now.  Come to the front of the store and follow
her.

She's about your height, with short black hair and a floppy haVShe's
wearing a light blue windbreaker and jeans.  She's carrying a big tote
bag.  Stay well back, but don't lose her.  Of course, if you see
anything that indicates she's the one who made pickup, contact me
immediately.  " " I'm on my way.  "

Amanda left the rest room and stopped outside the store entrance,
pretending to examine the window display.  A/~ moment later, the woman
Tony had described hurried past, moving around the shopping carts
lining the center aisle.  Amanda stayed with her, alert and cautious,
ignoring the way her stomach did flip-flops.  If this was the person
were after, Amanda wouldn't let her get away.

TONY kept HIS EYES on the woman ahead of him.  She'd been closest to
the planter and was juggling three large plastic clothing sacks.  Any
one of them could easily conceal the file.  If she was the woman who'd
made the pickup, as he suspected, the kidnappers had chosen well.  The
lady was about as nondescript as anyone could get.

As the suspect stopped by one of the store windows hung back.  He
didn't want her to see his reflection glass.  Just then someone bumped
him from behind.

turned his head for only a second, but when ~he glanced back, the woman
was gone.

Tony hurried toward the small Shoe store with the display she'd been
looking at and wandered inside as if browsing for bargains.  After a
brief moment, he found his suspect in the back.  She was alone, still
carrying the three shopping bags.

The woman turned around, coolly met his gaze, and then walked right
past him.

He'd been made.  He followed, giving her plenty of room, but she kept
glancing back, searching for him in the crowd as they walked through
the mall.

Knowing the game was up, Tony hurried forward, ready to force a
confrontation.  Just then~ the woman whirled and raced into the largest
store in the mall.

Tony shot after her, losing sight of her for a moment.  As she
proceeded into the women's-wear department, a security guard suddenly
stepped out from behind a column.  The man grabbed Tony's arm and,
twisting it, threw him against the wall.  Assume the position, buddy,"
the burly guard snapped, taking Tony's grin.

"Whoa.  Carrying a grin too.  You're in a heap of trouble, mister."

"I don't have time for this," Tony said, pushing abruptly back against
the guard, a move meant to give him room to disengage himself, but the
guard countered with a quick hand-to-hand combat maneuver that sent
Tony against the wall again.

"I'll crack your head open on that wall if you don't settle down,"

the guard said, his tone low.

"Now we don't want to alarm all these nice people by getting blood
everywhere, so chill out."

The woman he'd been following stepped out from behind the counter.

"Thank you, officer.  He been following me all around the mall."

"I'm on a stakeout," Tony mumbled, aware of the cautious crowd
gathering around them.

"You're blowing it sky-high for me."

 "Yeah, you're a cop, and I'm Prince Charles," the guard retorted.

"Why else would I be carrying a two-way radio and, a gun?"  Tony
countered.

"Look in my jacket pocket."

"You're a thief working with a partner," the guard accused, glancing at
the radio Tony had indicated.

"If you'll look in that woman's bags, you'll see an unmarked manila
envelope.

Inside is a file taken from the FBI.  "

The woman's eyes widened.

"That's just not true."  She quickly opened all her bags and showed
them to the guard.  "And look, my purse only has a hairbrush, my wallet
and some keys.  See for yourself."

"She's telling the truth," the guard said, cuffing Tony and turning him
to face the woman.

Tony's gut clenched as he realized that he'd either followed the wrong
woman, or ~he'd somehow passed the file on to someone else.

The lady stepped forward, an angry frown on her face.  "I'm not who you
think I am," she said.

"My husband is the manager of this store.

Why would I steal a file from the FBI?  " The woman's indignation
seemed sincere and Tony decided he believed her.  He turned his head
toward the guard, who stood like a rock wall behind him, holding on to
one of his arms.

"That means my partner is following the right person.  She'll need my
help.

You've got to let me go.  Reach' into my pocket.  My ID and gun permit
are in my wallet.  "

The guard extracted Tony's wallet from his pocket.

"All I see is a business card for some PI.  agency that anyone could
have made up and your driver's license, and a permit that's so creased
and worn, it could be a forgery.  We're going to the security
office."

"It was an honest mistake," Tony told the woman, ing her an apologetic
look and his best smile, hoping he could charm her.

"Believe me, I'm after some very dangerous people."  Tony saw the doubt
that still lingered in her eyes.

"If you delay me any longer, you could cost me the chance to find the
people who have threatened a family."  Sometimes the naked truth worked
better than anything else, and at the moment, he could t~Think of
nothing else to try.

"I don't want to press charges.  That would just create bad publicity
for the store," the woman said calmly, then shifted her gaze to the
guard.

"But I don't want him to follow me anymore."

"No problem, ma'am.  He's coming with me.  Even if you don't press
charges~ the mall might."  He led Tony out ~of the store, toward the
maws security office.

"Give me a break, will you?  My partner could be in deep trouble,"

Tony insisted as they walked past curious shoppers.

' No chance.  " " At least let me use the two-way radio.  " Itwas a
risk--the beeper could go off at precisely the wrong time--but Tony had
to let Amanda know that she was following the right SUSpeCt.

- "If your partner's in danger, tell me where she is.  I'll send
help."

Tony shook his head, knowing that his' intervention could alert the
kidnappers and insure even more trouble.

"That's what I thought you'd say."  The guard smiled.  "Now sit down
while I run a make on you.  I'm not taking the cuffs off until I check
you out.  Make yourself comfort~ able.  We may be here a while."

Tony shifted, contemplating making a run for it, handcuffs and all.

The guard smiled mirthlessly.

"You're tough, but so am I. Before you reach the door, I'll have you
down on
the floor."  Tony remembered the combat moves he'd learned at
Quartrico, the Bureau's training sehoo!  Even with his hands 108 in
cuffs, he could do the guard some serious damage.  But then he'd face
charges that would put him in jail.  He'd been there before, but he
didn't have the time for that now.

Tony remained seated, realizing it was his only logical option.  "Get
to it, then.  Don, t waste my time or yours."

AMANDA DIDN'T DARE USE the two-way radio to caI1 Tony.  The woman was
still 'ahead, but staying with her was taking all the ingenuity she
had.  She was certain the woman hadn't spotted her, but at this rate,
she wasn't sure how long it would be before the woman disappeared in
the crowd.

The woman moved as if she'd been trained to dodge people.  She was very
careful, stopping abruptly from time to time and checking the area
behind her, but so far was holding her own.  She didn't think the woman
'~ was following her.

Amanda threaded her way through the coat and sweaters section of a
large clothing store, keeping her suspect in sight.  Suddenly, the
woman turned and sprinted out the side entrance.  Amanda rushed after
her, but as she neared door, she slowed down.  She could see the woman
standing on the sidewalk directly outside.

Amanda moved cautiously, slinking along the wall beside the glass door.
 She peeked out the door just in time to see a large blue van pulling
up.  The woman climbed in, and before Amanda could get outside for a
look at the plate, they had wheeled behind a row of cars.

Amanda ran ac~ss the street, but the van disappeared around the
corner.

Mumbling a rarely employed curse, Amanda hastened to follow, in an
effort, to relocate the hide, but the search was fruitless.  She knew
then that the matter was far from settled.

Amanda walked back through the mall, i for Tony.  Not seeing him
anywhere, she tried to raise him the two-way radio.  An unfamiliar
voice answered.

Amanda shut it off quickly.  Something had gone very wrong.  If she'd
been following the person who'd picked up the file, what had happened
to Tony?

They had decided to meet at his pickup if they became separated, so she
headed to the prearranged spot.  If he was all right, he'd find his way
there eventually.  If he didn't show up soon, then she'd call Raymond. 
He'd know what to do.

Amanda walked across the parking lot.  Within minutes, she'd located
Tony's pickup.  She walked briskly toward it, then suddenly froze
abruptly.  A shadowy figure was crouching by the front fender.

Chapter Seven Amanda stood and watched for a moment, trying to figure
out what the person was doing to the truck.  She started forward,
staying behind other vehicles as much as she could while she
approached.

She needed to get a clearer look before doing anything drastic, but it
was definitely suspicious behavior.  Gathering her courage, she edged
forward slowly, trying to make out the person's face or determine his
actions.

Amanda grabbed the shoulder strap of her purse firmly.  If he was up to
no good, she'd swing the bag right at his face.  As heavy as it was,
that would at least buy her some time and, of course, she'd let out a
scream that would have people rushing to her in seconds.

She crept even closer, ready for action.  Then, as if warned by some
sixth sense, the figure spun around, reaching underneath his tan
jacket.

A heartbeat later, she saw "Tony's face.  Relief swept through her, and
the sudden release of tension almost made her knees buckle.

Amanda gratefully eased the death grip she had on her purse.

"Relax, it's just me," she said, then glanced down to see the flat tire
on Tony's car.

~Tony pulled his hand out from under his jacket.

"Things got really fouled up."  He explained his run-in with the
guard.

"I have a license for my weapon, otherwise, I would have still been
cooling my heels back there."  Tony's gaze shifted to the tire.

"Then, as soon as he released me, I came out here to this.  Looks like
my tire's been slashed."

"Are you sure it's not just a flat?"  she asked.

"Look for yourself."  He pointed to a long slice in the tire's
sidewall.

"A knife did this.  It's a good cautionary method on their part.  They
found my pickup, and disabled it just in case I planned to follow them.
 They expected me to do more than just meet then: demands.  This is
getting to be like a giant chess game."

"Between equals?"  Amanda asked.

"Like two FBI agents?"

"No.  If I'm right about the leak within the ranks of 'the Bureau, this
sure doesn't have the Bureau stamp.  These people aren't with the
Bureau.  They're not cops, either, unless I miss my guess.  They're
just very good at reading me.  They did exactly what I would have done
if the roles had been reversed."

Amanda felt herself begin to shiver, but she took a deep breath and
then proceeded to describe her pursuit of the other woman and the
escape in the blue van.  Tony reached out and covered her hand~ with
his own.

"You did your best.  No one can ask for more."

Amanda felt the warmth of his touch reach into her soul.  Des'we as
intoxicating as it was foolish spiraled through her.  She struggled to
finish her story' but didn't pull back her hand.  The tenderness of his
touch was too powerful a temptation to resist.

"Don't be afraid of them.  I will beat them at their own game."  There
was a deadly calm in his voice.

His certainty frightened her.  Tony was a man so intent on finding his
daughter that he would never stop to consider the damage he might do
along the way.  At this moment, she was more afraid of him than of
them.  The kidnappers had only one real hold on her, If they could
convince Tony that
Hope was his child and not hers, it would threaten the very meaning of
her life.

"What's on your mind?"  Tony asked.

"I'm worried about the next step.  They will take one, won't they?"

Tony looked more d~t~mined than ever and assured her he'd be ready,
whatever that next move was.

Feeling more confident, Amanda allowed herself to relax' somewhat.

"Shall I drop you off someplace?"  she asked.

Tony glanced at his watch.

"I'd appreciate it if you'd give me a lift to the Palace of the
Governors.  I have some ness to do near there and I'm already late. 
I'll call a garage and have them bring a tire and change this one.  I
punctured my spare a while back, and I haven't gotten around to Twenty
minutes later, Amanda pulled up next to the curb, dropping Tony off
where he'd asked.

"Here we are."

"Thanks for the ride," Tony said, then walked away.  Amanda watched
Tony in her rearview mirror as he strode away, heading into the midst
of the crowd around the Indian Market.  Trying to find a way around a
stalled car in the Plaza, she cut through a narrow street behind two
government buildings.

Two figures standing in the shadows at the end of an alley caught her
attention as she passed slowly by.  Her gaze drifted over the pair, and
she suddenly recognized man with him was dressed in a well-cut Western
suit.

Stetson shielded his face.

Amanda watched the man hand Tony a large envelope.  Tony placed it in
his jacket pocket and walked away with~ out looking back.  Questions
filled her mind as continued down the street.  What kind of business
did conduct in an alley with someone that well dressed?  what was in
that envelope?

Of course these questions made her realize j she knew about Tony. 
There were so man3 them!  The reality of the situation left her feeling
lonely and more than a little frightened.  Whatever comfort she might
derive from Tony's touch was, at best, a fleeting pleasure, because
they lacked what was the foundation of any good relationship--trust. 
And who was to say that if the secrets were all divulged, they wouldn't
find even more insurmountable barriers separating them?  Tony was
certainly capable of being charming, but the real Tony might be someone
she would despise.

By the time she entered' the rex~ption area outside her office,
Amanda's spiritswereat rock bottom.  She went past Bernice's desk,
aware of her friend's speculative glance.

"I gather things didn't go all that well," Bernice observed, rising and
following Amanda into her office.

"They sure didn't.  What's been happening here since our big scare?"

She motioned Bernice to take a seat.

Three more parents withdrew their kids.  They're sending them to Casa
de Los Amigos now.  " Amanda tried to maintain a confident front,
despite the tightening in her chest " Well, it's their loss.  This is
the best center in town.  "

"I'm afraid more parents are going to follow suit."

"Has it been that bad?"  Amanda forced back the disappointment that
showed in her voice.

"I've been getting calls all morning.  I kept telling everyone that the
phony bomb was just some crank's idea of a joke, but the parents are
still very disturbed about it."

"I can't blame them."

Bernice went to the window and glanced outside.

"Nothing else can happen here at the center, Amanda, or we're in for
big problems."

"I know that.  Did you talk with the plainclothes guard I hired?"

Bernice nodded.

"He came in this morning, introduced himself, and left a list of
references before he started pa trolling the grounds.  I put his
personal information on top of the file cabinet."

The phone on her desk rang, and Amanda picked up the receiver
automatically.

The now-familiar, electronically altered voice greeted her, and she'
froze for a moment.  Recovering immediately, Amanda started the tape
recorder Tony had attached to her office phone.

"I'm listening," she said, noting Bernice's raised eyebrows.

"Tell Ramos not to try to match wits with us again.  It's pointless.

We know how he thinks.  " " Is that all?  " Amanda said coldly. 
Betraying fear to people like this was like inviting them to use it
against her.

"Tell Ramos we want the names of all the agents and informers involved
in the Gage forgery investigation.  Tell him to use his own network of
informants if he can't access information from the Bureau directly. 
And as payback for his little games at the mall, we want this in two
days.  give you a time and a place later.  You might remind him that'
we are now in possession not only of information about daughter's
whereabouts, but of a Bureau file he stole, well.  We won't hesitate to
send a copy to the newspapers credit him with the theft.  If he's in
jail, he'll have a time finding his kid or us.

You might keep that: in mind it concerns you, as well.  "

"What do you mean by that?"

The electronically distorted laugh sent a chill up her sp~;!  ~ "By
delivering the file, you're an accomplice to his crimer:j)~ wonder
where your daughter will stay while her mommy~y .,/i~ in prison?"

Amanda stiffened as if ice water had suddenly poured down her back.

"I've done what you want.

have no need to threaten me.  " " Just member, we have several ways of
insuring you'll lose your daughter for good.  "

"You've made your threats abundantly clear," Amanda snapped.  She heard
more distorted laughter and then, abruptly, the dial tone.

"What on earth did they say to YOU?"  Bernice came around her desk and
placed a hand on Amanda's shoulder,

"You're as white as a sheet."

"I don't think I should tell you this.  I'd be placing you in jeopardy,
legal and otherwise."  Amanda shook her head, seeing Bernice start to
protest.

"All I can tell you is that they've threatened to use Tony to start a
chain of events to insure that Hope will be taken from me."

"Amanda, think it through.  Nobody could do that.  Public sentiment
would be on your side if all this came out."

"But look at what they've done already.  The callers knew Hope was
adopted, even though I've kept it a secret out of deference to Ron and
his sister.

They said they would convince Tony that Hope was really his daughter by
manipulating the adoption records.  I pointed out that a blood test
would prove otherwise, but they said any publicity could still result
in my losing my daughter for weeks, maybe months, and they proved their
clout by erasing.

Hope's adoption records.  " Amanda couldn't keep the 'fear from her
voice.

"I know it would be a tough battle," Bernice acknowledged, "but Tony
wouldn't get your child."

"The publicity could bring Hope's birth father into the picture,
however.  He might fight for custody if he thought there was money to
be made.  Even if he hasn't been heard of for some time, he could
become a big problem.  He/s her father."

"The courts would never award Hope to him!  He wall~ out on Hope's
mother before she was even born."

"I don't want to gamble on what the courts may or may not do.  They've
taken children away from loving couples who've raised them from infancy
and given them to strangers who'd abandoned them."

 "Amanda, you've got to go to the police.  This-is getting more
complicated by the minute."

"I've already broken the law, Bernice.  These people have got me over a
barrel.  The only thing I can do is fight them if I get a chance... and
make sure none of this touches Hope."

Amanda dialed Tony's pager number to ask him to call her, then sat back
in her-chair to wait.  It wasn't easy for her to face the fact that her
only ally was a vigilante with a tragic past and a shady future.

TONY WALkED THROUGH the doorway a short time later.  He was dressed in
the brown pants and shirt of a deliveryman, and he was carrying a
parcel.  She was astonished at the easy way he adapted to each
disguise.  It made her wonder how much of what he'd said she dared
believe.

He set the parcel on the floor and sat down across from her.

"Are you okay?"  he asked when she remained silent.

Amanda shrugged.

"You need to listen to this tape," she said, depressing the Play
button.

After the recording ended, he looked at her thoughtfully.  "What else
have they threatened you with?  The woman said something about 'several
ways' of making you lose your daughter.  Do you know what she's talking
about?"

"If this day-care center goes down, and we're already losing kids, then
I won'f be able to support my daughter.  I'd probably lose custody of
her to my ex-husband, or worse, i'd be so broke I wouldn't even be able
to afford food for Hope.  I couldn't bear that," she said, her voice a
mere whisper.  For now, that was all she could tell him.

Amanda watched Tony pace, moving like a predator searching blindly for
his prey in the dark.

"I can't access this forgery information they want me to deliver.

Snitches are protected, revealed only on a need-to-know basis.  Even if
Raymond could steal that information, which he won't; the most he'd
find would be code names totally unrelated to their identities.  Yet,
somehow, I've got to do what they want.  " " Are you sure it's wise to
give them any information at all?  " Amanda said cautiously.

"Innocent people could get hurt."

His dark eyes, always so disturbing, now shone with a turmoil that was
frightening in its intensity.

"The agents on the case are trained to confront trouble, and the
informants are in the business of selling people out for money.  There
are no innocents involved, except my daughter," Tony challenged her
with a stony gaze, then turned and walked out of the room.

A dark despair filled her.  She was struggling to keep the child that
was rightfully hers, and Tony was fighting for the daughter that had
been taken from him.  Yet in order to keep her own child safe, she had
to withhold information that might lead Tony to his.

Confused, miserable and frightened, Amanda stared ab-sen fly at her
glass.

In her heart, she felt as cold as the layer of crushed ice floating at
the top of her tea.

AMAro>^ STAg TED to straighten up her desk in preparation for the end
of the day.  As soon as Bernice came back, she'd pick up Hope and head
for home.  As she placed the files for the children who were being
withdrawn back into the cabinet, Amanda heard a knock on her open door.
 She turned and saw Raymond standing there.

"Your receptionist is gone; Mind if I come in?"

"Not at all.  Is something wrong?"  Amanda couldn't read the man's
expression at all.

Raymond shook his head.

"I was planning to meet Tony in another thirty minutes at his home. 
He's on the way there now, but I can't get a hold of him to cancel. 
He's not answering his pager."  He set a file on her desk.

"It's important he look at this tonight, so I can have it back
tomorrow.

 It's a collection of mug shots and rap sheets of women con artists.

He asked for it after your run-in at the mall.  A positive IX) could
give him a solid lead.  " " This is more than a con, though," Amanda
said.  " Yes, but we need a place to start.  The kidnappers we have on
file are either behind bars, or they have nothing ostensibly to do with
this case.  Tony's already familiar with all that information.  "

Amanda took the file and slipped it inside her tote as Raymond drew a
small map showing how to get to Tony's home.

"It's a bit tricky.  Some of the street signs are missing, but this
should help."

"Thanks.  I'll see that he gets the file.  You want it back
tomorrow?"

"First thing, if possible.  He can meet me b~fore work at my place.  If
he wants to talk to me sooner, tell him I've gone to Taos on a case,
but I should be back by midnight or thereabouts.  Okay?"

"No problem."

Amanda couldn't deny feeling a rush of excitement at the prospect of
seeing where Tony lived.  A home always re-yea led quite a bit about
the person who lived there.  She knew very little about the things that
really mattered to Tony, and this seemed like a golden opportunity.

After picking up Hope, she followed the directions Raymond had given
her.

Hope sang "Three Blind Mice" over and over as Amanda drove.  She smiled
at her daughter, comforted by her presence in the car and not the least
bit annoyed by the singing.  No matter what happened, Amanda knew she
couldn't allow anything to separate the two of Her thoughts drifted' to
Tony.  The kidnappers really had him in a stranglehold.  Worst of all,
he was acting with her knowledge so she would share his guilt if they
were caught.

"Mommy, can Tony and I play at his house?"

"No, Peanut.  We won't be there long.  I just have to give him
something."

"Oh."

Amanda took two wrong turns but finally found the gravel road on
Raymond's map.

"After passing a rundown garage and.  laundry she arrived at a
wood-frame and-stucco apartment building that, from the looks of it,
had seen better days.  Hope had finally tired of her song and was
slumped in her booster seat, chin on her chest, asleep.

Amanda was just pulling in when she noticed a tall, skinny young man
with gang colors standing by the side of the building.  The garish
headband contrasted sharply with his black T-shirt and baggy pants.

As Amanda slowed down, she saw Tony come around the corner .  He
grabbed the surprised youth by the collar, then threw him backward
against the wall.

Tony hit the stunned kid in the stomach, then stepped back and tossed
what appeared to be a roll of bills at him.

Then, as the young man lay there on the ground, moaning, Tony strolled
casually away.

As soon as Tony was out of sight, the young man got to his feet, ran to
a low, rider sedan parked nearby, and sped away.

Amanda stared, unable to believe her eyes.  The boy had been no match
for Tony.  Did he coerce his informants, paying them only after he'd
roughed them up in order to get the information he wanted?

Amanda drove down the street, rethinking her visit.  She glanced down
at the file sticking out of her tote, then at her sleeping daughter.

No matter what her personal feelings were, there was no denying that
her child's welfare was at stake.

Needing time to compose herself, Amanda circled the block twice, then
finally returned to Tony's.  By the time she arrived, Tony was standing
alone by the
rear of his pickup, tools in hand.  From the dust all over his jeans,
she surmised he'd just crawled out from under the vehicle.  She studied
the tan T-shirt he wore.  His sun-darkened skin contrasted with the
paleness of the material, and the hardened planes of his body
were-barely sheathed by the thin mate~ rial.

Feeling the jolt of a large pothole in the parking lot, Hope stirred
awake, and Amanda's attention focused back on her daughter.

"We're at Tony's, Peanut.  This won't take long."

Hope looked out her window and waved at Tony, who came over to join
them as they got out of the car.

"This is a surprise," he said with a pleased grin.

good timing, too.  I just put my spare back into my truck.  " " Raymond
left something with me for you and asked that we go over it together
tonight.  He wants it returned first thing tomorrow," she said, not
explaining in too much d~i~ tail because of Hope's presence.

"Come in," Tony said, leading the way down a Ion hail way apartment was
meticulously clean, if small.  The guess she ~ ings were old and
tattered, and at a they'd come with the apartment.  The whitewashed
impersonal feel ~/) were barren, giving the place an .

"You could a hanging plants," she aid.

"This is just someplace I eat and sleep.  Without daughter, I haven't
got a reason to make any place helm~,7!"  ~ Aware that Hope was getting
restless, Amanda glanced around and noticed a small, portable
television set.

"Do mind if Hope watches TV?"

~an~!  / Tony switched it on as Hope settled on the

"Would you like to select what she watches?"

Amanda turned the dial until she found a rerun of a favorite--the film
about the little house.  " Amanda pulled a coloring book and
a small box of crayons out of her tote bag.  ."  Here You can do some
coloring, too.  " Leaving Hope occupied, Amanda walked to the table and
set the bound folder down.  Tony offered her a chair and sat next to
her, looking at the file's contents.

Amanda could feel the warmth of his body searing through her clothes,
making her vibrantly aware.  His breath tickled her neck each time he
commented on a photo, and she had to fight to suppress those telltale
shivers that started at the base of her spine.

"Nothing here," he said at last, closing the folder.

As his hand brushed hers, Amanda held her breath.  Needing a
distraction, she stood and wandered 'around the living room, looking
for clues to the man.

She could feel Tony's gaze on her, but she tried to remain
nonchalant.

"Would you like to see the rest?  Not that there's much to see, but you
seem curious.

"Of course I am," she replied with a smile.

"In that case, let me give you the grand tour.  It should take about
twenty secofids."  He went to his right and pushed open a door.

"This is my bedroom."

The words made a flush of heat spread through her, but with a burst of
will,.

she curbed her thoughts and walked inside.  The room was imprinted with
the masculine essence' he wore.  It seemed to surround her, filling her
senses and weaving a spell of seduction.

She'd avoided looking at the bed, but as she turned, the intricate
quilt that covered it captured her attention.  It had a delicate,
feminine touch that told her it was handmade.  She walked over to it
for a closer look.  The patchwork formed a motif for each month of the
year.

"This is gorgeous."

"It was a gift from my grandmother.  She made it the same year I joined
the Bureau."

"Does your family live here in Santa Fe?"

 "I come from a small farming community in southern New Mexico.  Just
a wide spot in the.  road my father always said."

She walked to a tiny silver framed photo he kept on the dresser.

She'd almost missed it altogether in the shadows of the one low-powered
light bulb.  The photo showed Tony standing with an older man who
shared Tony's eyes, square jaw and handsome features.

"Your dad?"

"That was taken the day I graduated from the FBI Academy.  My dad was
so incredibly proud of me!  Of course, that all changed."

Amanda set the portrait back down.

"When you left the Bureau?"

He shook his head.  '"When I lost my family."

She glanced once more at the man in the photo, then at Tony.

"I don't understand.  Why?"

"I come from a very traditional Spanish background.  Above all else, a
man is expected to protect his family.  It's a matter of honor.  Yet
even with all my training, I failed.  In their eyes, I was less of a
man because of that.

My father died last year, asking to see his granddaughter.  My mother
will never forgive me for that.  "

"What happened to your wife and child wasn't your fault!"

"My fsraily was my responsibility.  That's the truth of it."  He walked
to the doorway, silently urging her to continue the tour.

Amanda followed him out.  She'd never known what it was like to grow up
in a real family, but after listening to his story, she began to
suspect that her life had been far simpler because of it.

"This is my study," Tony said, opening the other door off the living
room.

For the first time, Amanda caught a glimpse of world.  This room
mirrored his personality.  A black silhouette target of a human torso
was taped on the far wall.

the rounds were clustered tightly in the center of the head and the
heart.

He followed her gaze.

"I'm a good shot, always have been, but that target was one of my best.
 I kept it as a souvenir.  I have marksman status.  Or I did anyway."

Amanda walked to the cork bulletin board over an old wooden desk.

Snapshots of young children filled it.

"I keep track of any child in the state of New Mexico who is reported
missing.  Most of these eases are attributed to non custodial parents,
so I concentrate on the ones that seem to have no explanation.  I'm
convinced that one of those will furnish a lead to Carmen someday."

"This last photo, the snapshot of this mother and child isn'r very
detailed."

Amanda looked at him and saw the haunted look on his face.

"Your wife and child?"

"We never had time for proper pictures," he answered in a taut voice.

On a small table between two file cabinets, she saw a large, blue,
stuffed brontosaur us with a bright red bow tie.  She stared at it in
mute surprise.

"I saw it in a store last Christmas, so I bought it.  The day I find
Carmen, I'll have a present for her, ready and waiting, to welcome her
back."

Amanda heard tiny footsteps rushing toward them and turned around.

Hope rushed into the room, saw the stuffed toy, and ran right up to
it.

"Oh wow!  Mommy, can I play with it?"

"No, dear, not now.  It's time we went home."

Tony took the dinosaur off the shelf.

"Here you go, Hope.  Consider it a present.  You can take it home with
you."

"Oh, thank you, Tony!"

Amanda looked into Tony's eyes.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes.  It serves a more useful purpose making a child happy now."

 Amanda watched her daughter race to the living room, hugging the blue
toy to her chest.

"You made her day."  "Good."

Amanda couldn't resist another glance at the practice target.  Tony was
a man who played by his own rules, a trained man hunter who no longer
operated strictly by the law.  He had kept that target as a
reminder--maybe even as a motivator] She couldn't afford to let down
her guard with him.  She looked up at him and realized he had been
watching her.  His eyes were alive with desire.  She glanced away.  A
sense of sorrow filled her as she accepted the inevitable.  She would
never know what it was like to stay in his arms, or to be loved by
him.

"Thanks for coming by, Amanda."

"Raymond did seem eager to get that file back."  She paused.  "Speaking
of files... Have you decided what to do about the list the kidnappers
wanted?"

"Yes.  I've uncovered some of the names of the investigators, but FBI
informants are deep cover people.  If anyone ever found out who they
were, they'd be corpses, not snitches.  All I can give them are
possibilities gathered from rumors.  It's not reliable, but it's the
best I can do."

Amanda felt her chest tight~.  So here was her proof that Tony was
willing to risk other lives.  This man would stop at nothing, using the
law only when it was convemient for him.

A f~w minutes later, Amanda walked to the door, Hope's hand in hers.

Her mind still e~hoed with unanswered questions.  From what she could
tell, Tony needed a considerable amount of money to keep his
informants, but he had no job that she could s~.  Where and how was he
getting the mon~ to support himself and his search?

Tony helped Hope and her brontosaur us buckle up.  "There.  You can
share a seat belt."

"Thank you," Hope answered, her arm wound tight around the toy.

The gesture pierced Amanda's heart.  Them was one thing she was one
hundred percent certain about.  When Tony found Carmen, that little
girl would be showered with love.

Amanda started the engine just as another car pulled up.  Tony's gaze
shifted over to it.

"Go.  Now!  It's risky for you to be seen with me here."

Another time she might have satisfied her curiosity, but Hope was with
her now.  It seemed as if even her minor urges were destined never to
be satisfied.

Amanda quickly drove away from Tony's place.  Sneaking one quick glance
in the rearview mirror, she saw a tall, well-dressed man get out of the
other car and walk toward Tony.  She couldn't be sure, but from his
clothing and height she thought it might have been the same man she'd
seen with Tony in the alley.

As Amanda turned the corner, confusion clouded her thoughts.  How could
her heart yearn so strongly for Tony's love and his touch when she knew
so little about him and when what she did know frightened her half to
death?  Amanda shut out the whispered longings of her heart.  Wishing
would not change what could.  not be.

Chapter Eight Amanda sat in the living room, the open book on her lap
still unread.

So much had changed in her life.  Tension and fear had become her
constant companions.  Even in her moments alone, she could never be
sure-what would happen next, or how safe either Hope or she would be,
The ringing of the telephone startled her out of her musings.  She
glanced at her watch, her heart racing.  It was only nine-thirty in the
evening.  Maybe it was Bernice.

Amanda walked to the phone, glancing at the caller ID display.  It was
not Bernice.  The screen indicated the caller had blocked the display
of their number.  Picking up the phone, she took a deep breath.

Braced for the electronically altered voice, she was surprised when a
recording began playing what sounded like a line from an old movie.

"I'll be watching you," came the message, over and over again, from an
actor who sounded vaguely familiar.

"Who is this?"  she demanded.

The message continued to repeat itself in an endless loop.  Amanda hung
up, shaken.  P~rhaps this was the kidnappers' response to her visit
with Tony.

Yet the indirect threat somehow seemed out of character for them.  She
stared at the telephone, uneasiness seeping into every pore in her
body.

Amanda dialed Tony's number and was relieved when he answered
immediately.

"I'm glad I caught you.  I just had the most peculiar phone call, and I
don't know what to make of it."  She gave him the details.

"It doesn't sound like the kidnappers.  This seems more likely to be
from the person or persons who placed the phony bomb and threw that
rock through your window."

"What if the kidnappers hired someone todo this to keep me on edge?

That makes a lot more sense to me than my~ having a second enemy.  " "
Unlikely.  These attacks seem to have a more personal nature about
them.

But don't worry.  In either case, I'll take care of it.  "

Too restless to sit still, Amanda walked to the window and glanced
outside.

If anyone was watching her now, they needed an infrared scope.  It was
pitch-black out and the street seemed deserted.

The quiet in the house began to grate on her nerves.  She took a deep
breath, trying to force herself to relax.  Maybe a long hot bath would
help.  Amanda walked down the hall, stopping by the doorway to listen
for Hope.  Her daughter's breathing was slow and even.  Taking a peek
in the room, she saw Hope curled on her side, fast asleep beside the
blue dinosaur.  Amanda smiled, feeling a little envious.

A few minutes later, she watched the tub fill up, then stripped and
lowered herself into the water.  The lavender-scented bubble bath
wrapped her in a warm cocoon.  She closed her eyes and leaned back.

A sharp rattle joltext her into awareness, and Amanda realized she'd
dozed off.  She wasn't sure how much time had elapsed, but the bubbles
had disappeared and the water was uncomfortably cold.

She waited for a moment, trying to figure out if she'd dreamed the odd
noise, but then she heard it again.  It sounded like someone was
throwing pebbles at
her bathroom window.  , Amanda stood up carefully, revealing only her
head, and opened the frosted-glass pane.

"It's me" came a muted masculine voice from somewhere close by.

"Tony?"  Her robe was hanging on the door, just beyond hera reach "I'm
by your back fence.  Answer the front door, will you?"

Amanda grabbed her robe and quickly covered herself as she padded
barefoot to the door.  Opening it, she came face-to-face with Tony
wearing gas-company cove rails "What on earth are you doing here?"

"Don't worry.  The gas-company truck and my uniform should look legit
enough.

The van is the real thing.  I borrowed it from an old contact.  "

Amanda let Tony in, shaking her head.

"I never know what to expect from you."

"With any luck, neither do my enemies."  He walked to the recorder and
ejected the tape.

"The only thing recorded is that one line I repeated for you.

Couldn't this have waited until morning?  " " If it's from an old movie
like you said, maybe they rented it and I can track the user down.  I
know someone who's a fill buff.  I'll find out if she recognizes it. 
But I needed the recording now because I can 'only get hold of her at
night.  "

A twinge of jealousy swept over Amanda like a dust devil coming out of
nowhere.  She forced it aside.

"She may not be in a mood to help you if you burst in on her at this
hour."

"She won't mind.  She does most of her business at night."  : Amanda
blinked.

Was he talking about a video-store owner or a prostitute?  She decided
not to ask.

His eyes devoured her slowly.

"You're not jealous, you?"

He was undressing her with his eyes.  Suddenly, the robe that covered
her seemed impossibly thin.  The hunger in his eyes left her feeling
weak in the knees, but she was determined to hide that from him.

Amanda glared at him haughtily.

"You're delusional."  "Am I?"  He chuckled softly.

"Just so that everything's clear in your mind, Stacey's in charge of a
crisis line.  I met her when I was in the Bureau.  She helped me on a
case, and she's remained one of my best contacts."

"How so?  I wasn't aware.  you worked other cases.  I thought you spent
all your time trying' to track down your daughter."

"I have other work, but it's mostly confidential.  When people go to
a

PI.  "

it's generally because they don't want to involve the police.  I assure
them anonymity.  " She looked at him with what she considered to be
admirable call.  He had told her just enough to make her even more
nervous.

"Don't be afraid, Amanda.  Only my enemies need to fear me."  As Amanda
saw herself reflected in his eyes, fire began dancing in her blood. 
She felt as if she were standing before him naked and open to his
hungry gaze.

"Come here, my beautiful lady," he murmured and drew her against him.

"There's nothing that can happen between you and I that should cause
you fear."  His lips brushed the nape of her neck.

Amanda shuddered, mesmerized by the softness of his kiss and the
gentleness of his embrace.  Though a tiny voice within her urged her to
move away, she couldn't will herself to obey.  She desperately yearned
to lose herself in the fiery whirlwind of pleasures he was offering
her.

Tony rained moist kisses down the column of her neck, and slowly parted
her robe, branding her skin with his' touch.  His caress was kind, yet
demanding,
and she couldn't help but respond to the tender assault.  Drizzly,
sensual feelings ribboned through her leaving her aching.  She needed
everything he wanted to give her.  She'd been alone for so very long!

Longing tore through her, enticing her to yield completely to him.

"Don't deny your own feelings.  Listen to your heart.  The love that's
touched both of us is too rare to let slip away."  He pushed the robe
completely away from her shoulders.

Amanda felt it fall around her feet, but it didn't seem nearly as
important as the wonderful feelings he was wrapping her in.

Entwining his fingers around her hair, he pulled her gently back, his
arm still around her waist, holding her steady.  "We belong together,
you can feel it," he managed breathlessly and lowered his mouth to kiss
the very tip of her breast.

Amanda felt his lips encircle her nipple, his tongue teasing it with
its velvety softness.  An exquisite heaviness centered between her
legs.  She fcit more alive, more intoxicatingly feminine with each bit
of herself she surrendered to him.

Her cares dissolCed and the wonder of sensations re-placa/d all
thought.  As if sensing her readiness, Tony lifted her into his arms
and started to carry her to the couch.

Suddenly, she heard the ear-piercing shrillness of her smoke detector. 
Fear shot through her, removing the sweetness of emotions that had
almost swept her away.

"What the beck?"  She looked around as she urged Tony to set her
down.

Then above the din, Amanda heard her daughter's terror-for-filled voice
calling out to her.

"Mommy?"

In a heartbeat, Amanda turned, pulled on her ran down the hall toward
Hope's room.

Tony followed Amanda into the child's room.  Seeing Hope's fright was
only a reaction to the w~ he ran back down the hall to check the rest
of the 131 while Amanda grabbed her daughter.  The kitchen was the most
likely source of a household fire, but there were no open flames or
smoke anywhere when he arrived.  Nevertheless, the unmistakable smell
of smoke filled the area.

He lifted a small kitchen fire extinguisher from its hook, and then
grabbed the plastic flashlight beside it.  Ready for action, he renewed
the search.

Just then, Amanda appeared, carrying Hope in her arms.  Hope was crying
softly, holding on tightly to her mother.

"Did you find the source?"  Amanda yelled.  The back rooms are clear. 
" As Tony glancf.  xt toward the wooden door leading to her garage, he
noticed thin tendrils of smoke coming from beneath it.

"Call the fire department, then go outside with Hope."

"Don't open the door.  You have no idea how bad it is on the other
side," she warned,

"Your car--is it parked in there?"

"No, it's in the driveway."

Tony placed his hand on the door.

"It's still cool to the touch.  The fire's not out of hand yet."

Once Amanda and Hope were in the other room, Tony opened the door and
stepped into the garage, turning on the lights by a switch next to the
door.  The stench of charcoal lighter fluid filled the air, and smoke
hugged the ceiling where the smoke alarm was positioned.  It didn't
take him long to find the fire.  A bunch of rags on the concrete floor
had been ignited, and the fire was pouring out thick gray smoke.

Aiming the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames, he began to
spray.

The contents came gushing Out in a thick mist for a. moment, then
sputtered and.  trickled to a few drops.  Tony grabbed several towels
Amanda had placed on top of the washing machine, soaked them in waler
from the adjacent utility
sink, and began to smother the times.  Seconds later, he heard the
sirens of emergency vehicles approaching.

Ricky Biddie abruptly appeared at the kitchen door.

"The fire department is almost here.  Can I help?"

"No, I've got it under control," Tony said without turning around.

"Just wait outside."

"Is it a gas fire?"  Biddie asked, not recognizing Tony, but obviously
noticing the gas company's logo on the back of the uniform.

"No, just make sure the fire department knows where the fire was," Tony
ordered,

"No problem, man."

Tony stood back after he'd extinguished the last of the flames.  So
much for the low-profile visit he'd intended.  At least his hidden
transmitter had been spared.  Later, on his way out, he'd stop by the
recorder in the hedge and pick up the tape of any conversations Amanda
had at home.  It was necessary, yet spying on Amanda, particularly
after what had happened between them tonight, made him feel like a
snake.

"He stared at the charred clump of rags, lost in thought.  He was a
snake, all right, but he could be a useful one.  He'd concentrate all
his talents and cunning on finding out who was doing this to Amanda.

Then he'd stop them--permanently.  He owed her that much.

~A, NOW W-EAg~G 'a long raincoat over her robe, stood outside as Ricky
approached her.  She wasn't sure he'd recognized Tony, so she decided
to play it cool.  There was no sense in broadcasting Tony's presence.

"I saw the gas man in the garage," Ricky said.

"He it's not a gas fire, but he sure didn't want me around.  you smell
a gas leak or something and ask them to send one of their men over?"

Amanda tried to think of a response that wouldn't blow i?

leak Tony's cover.

"I called them, but he couldn't find any " Then how did the fire get
started? " " I'm not sure yet.  We better let the experts have a look. 
" Amanda watched two of the firemen talking to Tony.  They'd pulled up
her garage door and were sifting through the smoldering rags with metal
wrecking bars.

"Is Hope going to be okay?  She looks awfully scared, and tired,
too."

Ricky looked down at the child nestled in Amanda's arms, wrapped in one
of Amanda's thick sweaters,

"I imagine she's both," Amanda conceded.  Hope had stopped crying, but
she still clung tightly to Amanda, her face buried in her mother's
neck.

Amanda shifted her attention to an approaching fireman.

"Is this your residence?"

Amanda nodded.

"Is it safe to go back in now?"

"Oh, sure.  It wasn't much really, as far as fires go.  But there's
something you need to know.  That fire was deliberately set.  Someone
poured charcoal lighter fluid on some rags and then set a match to
them.  I've called our arson investigator, and he'll be by first thing
tomorrow morning.  Don't clean up the garage until after he's had a
chance to gather evidence."

"I need to ask you some questions, but I'd like to put my daughter to
bed first.  Would you give me a few moments?"

Bernice came up behind Amanda.

"I rushed right over when I saw the emergency vehicles driving by. 
Your place smells so smoky, it'll give Hope nightmares.  Let me take
her to my place tonight.  She can play with Winston for a while before
she goes back to sleep."

"I can't just keep sending her over to your house," Amanda protested
weakly.

"Sure you can!  Winston loves it.  He thinks Hope belongs to him.  He
even pouts when she's not around."  Bet 134 nice gave Amanda a quick
hug, then took the little her arms.

"Call me later."

Hope went with Bernice without protest, settling easily into the older
won~ an arms.  Bernice had been Hope's favorite baby-sitter ever since
Amanda had moved back to town, but Amanda found herself resenting how
easily Hope turned to someone else for comfort.  As Amanda watched
Bernice taking her child, a cold emptiness filled her; then came the
anger.  Her daughter deserved to be safe in her own home.  Whoever was
doing this had ~not frightened her They had only renewed her courage
and determination.

She turned to the fire chief, her gaze suddenly cold want you to give
me all the information you have.  someone was trying to burn my home
down?  " " No, ma'am, that's not what I said.  A fire unlikely to
spread.  There was nothing flammable rags, fortunately.  In my opinion,
whoever set this precisely what they were doing.  It was meant but not
to do any structural damage to your home anyone inside.  "

As Tony came up, pulling his cap down low over the fire chief glanced
at him.

"Is there a problem With gas lines we don't know about?"

"No.  I'm just a friend of the lady's," he voice gruff.

"I'm not here on a call."

"Good.  I hate surprises."  The chief turned Amanda.

"We've done all we can here tonight.  You'll from our investigator
tomorrow."

As the firemen began packing up their gear, moved to one side with
Tony.

"We havre to talk leave," she said quietly.

Tony stopped halfway up her driveway, then went to the gas-company
van.

After attache case, he returned to ing room and took a quick look out
he~r 135 street had cleared quickly and a solemn silence had descended
over the area.

"What's that?"  Amanda asked as he stepped to the center of the room
and put down the case.

"There's someone I want to run a check on while you and I talk.  I
den'f know if you noticed, but Biddle showed up out of nowhere.  He
seems to have a habit of doing that."

"So?  He lives right down the lane."

"How would he have seen the smoke in the dark, Amanda, unless he'd been
searching for it?  He was here before the fire department arrived. 
Doesn't that strike you as odd?"

"He jogs," she answeredl "Remember?"

"He wasn't wearing jogging clothes.  He was in jeans."

"If you think Ricky is behind the kidnapping, you're crazy.  If nothing
else, he doesn't have the time.  It might seem as if he doesn't do
much, but that's just not true.  He works his tail off.  I've driven
past his home late at night and early in the morning.  He's always in
his office.  That's usually the only light on in his house."

Tony sat down next to a phone jack, then brought out a small laptop
computer.

"This has got an internal modem.

I'm going to use your phone line for a bit.  "

" To do what?  "

"I want to know who Biddle's been in contact with lately."

"How can you do that?"  she asked, not even trying to hide her
skepticism.

Tony chuckled.

"I have a code that will let me access the phone company's computer us'
rag a back door, so to speak."  As Tony connected, columns of
information appeared on the computer screen.

"What time did you say that weird phone call came in tonight?"

"It was around nine-thirty."

"Well, it wasn't Biddie who called.  Or set the fire, for that
matter."

 Amanda looked over his shoulder.

"How do you know that?"

"He was on the phone at the time.  See.  He pointed a number on the
screen.

He was talking long dxstance for over two hours.  "

"I told you it was a waste of time.  You didn't have to check his phone
records.  Doing that is probably illegal ar~y~ " Of course it is," Tony
admitted.

"But I'm not in the Bureau anymore, where I have to get warrants and
permission.  I use any avenue I can."

Amanda tried to squelch h~r uneasiness.  Tony was impossible blend of
threat and comfort, olence.  She yearned for his touch even now, mind
fought to suppress that longing.

She practically pushed him out the door.  I'll call tomorrow.  " " If I
could, I'd stay.  But right now it could harm than good.  "

Amanda nodded.  For a moment, she pictured herself in his arms,
greeting the new day fearlessly, secure in promise of his love. 
Instead, she watched him leave.

Amanda walked back inside, then with one last toward the garage,
continued to her bedroom~ She'd with that problem tomorrow.  For now,
she had to get~ sleep.

MORmNO CAM~ MUCH SOON ira than she'd as if she'd only just closed her
eyes when she heard ing at her front door.  She glanced at the clock on
her stand.

It was past eight.  She'd overslept.

Grabbing her jeans and a shirt from the flooring as she went, she
hurried She was halfway through the living room when the began to
ring.

Amanda glanced at it, then opted to answer the phone first.

"Just a second," she yelled to whoever was standing outside.

Amanda glanced at the caller ID display, recognized the day-care
number, and picked up the receiver.  Bernice's friendly voice greeted
her a second later.

"I brought Hope with me to the center this morning.  You hadn't called,
so I figured you were sleeping late.  Hope is fine, so don't worry
about anything.

She's settled in the nursery playing and has all but forgotten about
last night.  "

"Thanks, Bernice.  I'll be in before long, but I've got to hang up now.
 I've got someone waiting at the door?"

Amanda rushed to the door, wondering if it was the arson investigator. 
She opened it and saw a plainclothes policeman holding up his badge.

"I'm Detective Sanchez, Mrs.  V'da," he said.

"May I come in?"

Amanda checked the photo ID next to his badge, then glanced at his
face.

Satisfied, she stepped aside and waved him in.

"Can I get you a cup of coffee, Detective?  I was about to make some
for myself."

No, thanks, Mrs.  Vila.  " He followed her into the kitchen and sat
down at the kitchen table.

"From the looks of things on your driveway, I'm guessing you had some
excitement here last night."

"You could describe it that way."  Amanda gave him a brief accounting. 
~ "Is that why you're here?  I thought an arson investigator was
supposed to come."

"He still might.  I'm not working that angle.  I came by to follow up
on the phony bomb incident, but what happened here might be pertinent
to my case.

Do you have any idea at all who might be behind it?  "

"No.  I wish I did."

"What does your PI."  Ramos, say, or have you told him yet?  " " Yes, I
have, but he has no leads.  " Amanda hotel the distaste on the
detective's face as he spoke of Tony.

 "You seem like a nice lady," Sanchez said slowly, "and from what
we've heard, you lead a decent, hardworking life.  I hope you won't
take this wrong, but I think I should warn you.  Ramos is bad news.  He
used to be an excellent agent~ but those days are long gone.  He's more
likely to break the law than he is to uphold it nowadays, and you have
to be very careful he doesn't drag you down with him.  Ramos

s: works both sides of the fence.  He's good at it, too.  He can really
manipulate people into doing whatever he wants.  If; you decide to keep
on dealing with him, remember that.  " Amanda felt a cold chill run up
her spine.  She away from the detective, hoping he wouldn't heart had
betrayed her.

Finally gathering her wits, she his gaze.

"What have the police found out that can Were you able to gather any
evidence from the that could lead you to a possible suspect?"

Sanchez'sexpression grew hard.

"The only we found were yours, Ramos's and those of the found the
athletic bag.  There were none on the The alarm dock and the bag are
both inexpensive carried at The Mart, which has six stores within a
miles of here.  We haven't given up, though."

"When you questioned my day-care staff, did you anything that might
help?"  ' "Do you think we should have?"  he brows raised.

"Don't play games with me, Detective Sanchez.  I had much sleep lately.
 I'm dead tired and in no tricks ."

"No, we really don't have any leads yet.

came here.  I was hoping you might have thought of something new that
would help us.  " tone was more apologetic.

"I suggest you join forces with the arson may discover evidence that
could help in Amanda heard another light rap at the door
and excused herself to answer it.

A man in a dark blue windbreaker stood at the door.  He pulled a badge
from his shirt pocket.

"I'm Investigator Perez from the fire department."

"Come in."  Amanda led him to the kitchen and was about to introduce
the two officers when they saved her the trouble.

"Hey, Sanchez."  Perez greeted the detective with a handshake.

"Morning, Perez.  Looks like you and I have crossed paths again,
Somebody has been doing a number on Mrs.  Vfla, it seems."

The arson investigator turned 'to Amanda.

"I need to take a look at your garage.  My investigation could take an
hour or longer.  I hope that won't be a problem."

"Not at all."  Amanda opened the kitchen door leading into the
garage.

"Please tell me if you learn anything useful, gentlemen."

"We'll keep you apprised," Perez said, then he and Sanchez left to
examine the scene.

Amanda went ~to her study and telephoned Bernice.  to let her know
she'd be late.

"Have any personal calls come in for me?  " The private line on your
desk hasn't rung today.  We did have two more parents come in to talk,
still nervous about the phony bomb incident, but I took care of them. 
No other kids have been withdrawn.  " " I really don't know what I'd do
without you. I can't thank you enough.  I should be handling all that,"
Amanda said.

"You will be soon enough," Bernice assured her.

It wasn't until close to noon that the investigators left her house and
Amanda was able to go to the center.  After having lunch with Hope,
she
walked into the reception area, 140 where Bernice was arguing with
Tony.

He was dressed as a maintenance man again.

"Now what?"  she demanded sharply, her attention cused directly on
Tony.

Tony started to reply, but suddenly his expression softened "You look
beat. How did it go with the arson investigator?"

"I don't know.  They were both really closemouthed."  "Both?"

Amanda filled Tony in while leading the way into her fice.  She shut
the door before continuing.  the delivery of that list the kidnappers
want is they haven't called.  What do you think is going on?  " "
They'll call.  " Tony rested a hip on the edge

"In the meantime, I've been doing ing.  You may he hearing from some
disgruntled people, he prepared."

"Like who?"  Amanda sa~d, instantly on you've made any trouble-for me
with the parents"-- " "No, nothing like that.  I've been following the
lead.  Your ex-husband."

"" Ron?  " Amanda stared at him aghast, then began to laugh.

"Boy, are you barking up the wrong~ The only thing Ron has time for is
his career.  He's behind on his child-support payments, but there's no
in his life for me or anyone else, including Hope."

"I had to check him out.  When women rassed, it almost always turns out
to be Ex-husbands and old boyfriends are at the top " Did you go see
him?  " " Yeah.  He threw me out and told his if I ever showed up
again.  Then he called her a hard time.  That's what we were arguing
about you came in.  "

Amanda closed her eyes, shook her head in disbelief, then opened them
again.

"Your capacity to create trouble never ceases to amaze me."

"You're right about him, though.  He's a money-hungry jerk.  Then
again, I've never been too crazy about lawyers on either side of the
bench.  It's a holdover from my days in law enforcement,"

"Ron has many faults, but he's unlikely to be responsible for what's
been happening to my business or my home.  He's just not that
passionate about anything."  The smoky fires mirrored in Tony's eyes
seemed to take the words right from her lips.

"But, then again, passion is never enough," she added hastily.

"Don't ever underestimate the power of fate, Amanda."  Tony walked to
her door.

"I'll be in touch."

Amanda stared at the empty doorway long after Tony disappeared from her
view.

He was a hardened, self-possessed man with a battle-scarred spirit. 
Yet none of that seemed to matter when he looked at her with an
intensity that made her feel as if she were the only woman in the
world.

When Bernice appeared at her door, Amanda managed a Smile.

"I really appreciate your holding down the fort this morning."

Bernice sat across from Amanda's desk.

"The more I'm around that man, the less I like him.  I wish I could say
the same was happening to you.  Nothing good can come from your
involvement with him, Amanda.

He'll just use you.  In fact, it's quite possible he, s been
manipulating you all along .  " " What do you mean?  " " He knows
you're keeping secrets, Amanda, and he.  wants to know what they are. 
You make it easy for him. Don't you see what's right there in front of
you?  All these' accidents--the
rock-throwing incident, the fire last night and even the bomb--nothing
like that ever happened to you 142 until Tony Ramos came into your
life.  Have you considered the possibility that he might be the one
behind incidents?  You know he'll use whatever he can dream get you to
lower your guard and start depending on and confiding in him.  "

Amanda stared at Bernice.

"He wouldn't" -- clamped her mouth shut.  She knew all too well that
was capable of anything when it came to the search for h~ daughter. 
Imagining that he could have done all wasn't too far a stretch.  Maybe
the enemy he'd about had been closer than she'd ever dreamed.

BY THE END OF THE DAY, the kidnappers and the tension had Amanda on
edge.

pen at this point.  " Bernice poked her head inside the office as
clearing her desk.

"Do you want Hope to stay tonight?"

"Uh... no," she said hesitantly.

"I really me, Bernice.  We'll be all right.  Thanks anyway."

Amanda left the office-quickly after that, afraid phone would ring and
new troubles would ing late.  The truth was that she was looking
peaceful night alone with her daughter.

When Amanda entered the nursery, Hope gave her a hug.

"Mommy, is it time to go home?"

"Sure is."  Taking her daughter's hand, they car.

The drive home was blessedly uneventful.  weary, just being with her
daughter made freshed.  Tonight she'd fix spaghetti and bake late chip
cookies, Hope's favorite.  It for them, be pounds re all this trouble
began.

When Amanda arrived home, she was grateful one was around.  Maybe, just
maybe, tonight normal evening.  As Hope went to her room to Amanda
stepped into her bedroom.  She would slip into her favorite pair of
jeans and an old sweatshirt and get ready for the kind of laid-hack
evening she enjoyed the most.

As Amanda bent down to open the dresser drawer, she noticed an empty
spot on the dresser corner: The small, framed snapshot taken of Hope
and her on the shore of Cochiti Lake was missing.

She glanced all around the base of the dresser, thinking she might have
knocked the picture onto the carpet.  After a fruitless search, she sat
on the edge of the bed, fighting to hold back tears of anger and
dismay.

Nothing else seemed to have been disturbed, but the photo was
definitely gone.  Someone had been in her bedroom--someone intent on
stealing memories and a priceless piece of her life.

Chapter Nine After making sure the windows were still securely locked,
Amanda walked to the kitchen, trying to figure out where she could turn
for help.  The police would probably do little more than file a
report.

Tony was in a better position to do something, since he knew about the
kidnappers, but if Bernice's theory was valid, it was possible he was
behind the theft in the first place.

Unable to come up with any clear answers, Amanda ~ecided to wait.  The
doors were locked, and for now at least, she knew she and Hope were
safe.

It wasn't until after she put Hope to bed that she decided to call
Tony, bring up what had happened, and see what his reaction would be.

Just as she reached for the phone, it rang.  On the display screen,
Amanda saw the now-familiar phrase Signifying that the caller had had
the number.

blocked.  Braced for trouble, she picked up the receiver.

Hearing the electronic voice greeting her was like having someone press
an ice cube to the small of her back.

"I'm ready to give you instructions for-the drop.  I'll only say it
once.  I want you to come to the Plaza del Sol Cinema at 6:00 P.M.
tomorrow and watch the new science-fiction movie.  Carry the envelope
with the information we asked for in a shopping bag.  You'll be
contacted there.  And one Yes?  " Something about
the sound of the woman's voice and the pause in instructions, which
Amanda knew had been for dramatic effect, made her skin crawl.

"Have your daughter carry the shopping bag."

"Bring Hope?  Absolutely" -- "How wonderfulV' the caller said,
deliberately interrupting her..

"I

knew we wouldn't have any trouble.  You wouldn't want Ramos to lose his
child forever or harm your own so very pleasant little family.  "
Before Amanda could respond, she heard the dial tone.  Her hands were
shaking as she hung up.  It wasn't a fair' request.  She couldn't drag
her daughter into this. If the kidnappers wanted the information badly
enough, they'd acc~t a change of plans.

She dialed Tony's number.  The second she heard his voice, she blurted
out the StOry including the part about the missing photo.

"I won't take her.  No way.  It's time we made a few demands of our
own."

"I'm coming over now.  I have to hear that tape.  Afterward~ we'll work
out the logistics."

"There's nothing to work out.  I'll take the information to them.  I'm
not having my daughter in any part of this."

"Okay.  Fair enough, but we need to plan this very carefully.  I'm
going to talk to Raymond and ask for his help.  Then we'll decide on
the best way to handle this."

Amanda replaced the receiver, then stared at the phone, lost in
thought.  Her worst nightmare had come true.  The kidnappers were
asking her to put her child in jeopardy in order to save another.

Thirty minutes late, Tony arrived, accompanied by Raymond.  They
quickly drove inside Amanda's garage and she shut the door behind them.
 Raymond's face was somber as he took in the remnants of the fire.

"I haven't had time to clean up in here," she admitted.

Raymond nodded.

"I heard about the fire from Tony, and also about this demand for
another drop.  My old part net has been doing a tap dance every time I
ask him what information is being passed to these people, but, for the
record, if they want a kid involved, it's time to call in the cavalry:
We should have a tactical team ready and give them one helluva
surprise."

"Raymond and I have already had a heated discussion over this," Tony
said, glancing at Amanda as they walked through the kitchen and on into
the living room.

"The kidnappers asked for Hope to come along with you just as
insurance.  No way they'll harm a kid with all those witnesses around. 
Besides, they know I'll be there to make sure nobody gets near Hope."

He was making sense, yet in Amanda's heart only one emotion
ruled--fear.

"I'm not bringing her, nor any other child."

"They won't hurt Hope, Amanda, believe me.  It's just their way of
insuring that there'll be no gunfire or double cross," Tony said.

"All you have to do is have Hope set the shopping bag down where they
tell you and then walk away as quickly as possible."

Raymond gave Amanda a level look.

"Their target isn't your daughter, but it foolish to deny that there's
a risk involved."

"We'll both be right there alongside Hope," Tony insisted.  "We'd put a
stop to any trouble in a flash."

Amanda's thoughts raced.  if she didn't comply, the kidnappers would
retaliate against her.  So really, the best way she had of keeping Hope
safe was to do as they asked.

"All right.  Hope will go with me under one condition.  I want you both
so close you'll hear our hearts beating."

"Done," Tony said quickly.

"Not so fast," Raymond argued.

"I want to hear the tape first."

After they'd replayed it, Amanda watched both men.  Tony's eyes shone
with-a dangerous edge, but Raymond'sexpression was hooded.

"I don't like this.  What did they mean about your harming your own
pleasant family?"  Raymond asked Amanda.  "To me, that didn't sound
like a threat against Hope.  It sounds more like you're being
blackmailed."

Somehow Amanda managed to control her voice and meet his gaze calmly.

"I have no idea what they meant.  Really."  Raymond said nothing for a
few moments, then finally spoke.

"This isn't a good time to hold back."

Amanda knew she had to think fast in order to convince both men.

"The conversation is all there in the recording.  I know nothing more
than you, but once before, they did threaten me.  They reminded me I
could be sent to jail for delivering a file that was stolen from the
FBI.  I think this is their way of telling me they can blow the whistle
at any time."

Raymond nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"They're confident they have total control over you because of your
love for your daughter.  The fact that you're not willing to play
completely by their rules and go without backup will give you a slight
edge."

Amanda glanced at Raymond, then Tony.

"Can I count on you two to work as a team?"

Raymond looked at Tony, who nodded.

"We'll both be there," Raymond said at last.

"What kind of disguises will.  you be wearing?"

"It's better if you don't know," Tony answered.

"I don't want you to look around for us, either.  Trust us to be there
and concentrate on following their instructions."  He stood up,
retrieved the tape from the machine, and placed a new one in it.

"We've got a lot to do before tomorrow.  We better get going: Will you
be all right?"

Amanda stared at Tony.  Nothing was all right.  What an incredibly
irritating question.

"I'll manage."

Raymond picked up on her tone.

"Just say the word, and both you and your daughter will be in
protective custody."

 "But for how long?"  Tony countered.

"You've got to see this through, Amanda.  You know that as well as I
do.  You can't afford to back out now."

"I'll see it through."

Amanda escorted the men to the door.  As soon as they pulled out, she
locked it tight.  The house was quiet.  After checking on Hope, Amanda
went to her bedroom.  A great heaviness settled over her spirit.  If
she ever lost her daughter because she'd failed to protect her, nothing
else would matter in her life.

Amanda lay down, staring into the darkness.  She felt cut off from the
one person she would have given anything to be able to lean on.  Tony
Ramos.  The one man who was, in reality, probably her worst enemy.

THE FOLLOWING EVENING, Amanda took Hope to the movie theater.  Hope,
oblivious to the danger, was excited and barely able to sit still.

"This is great, Mommy!  Aplay day!"

Amanda took Hope's hand firmly in hers and, keeping her close to her
side, stood in line to purchase tickets.  She wasn't surprised that the
line was long.  The new release had been highly promoted, and this was
the only theater in town showing it.

Hope clutched the small shopping bag tightly, eager to help with
grown-up things as she'd been asked.  Amanda glanced at the young
crowd.  No one seemed particularly interested in her or her~
daughter.

After waiting several minutes, she purchased the tickets and they went
inside.

Seats were quickly filling up, and with the crowd pressing in on them
from all sides, Amanda could barely sort out the faces surrounding her
and Hope.

Amanda selected two aisle seats near the middle of the theater.  From
here it would be easier to escape if necessary.  The crowd was noisy,
but soon the lights went down and the show started.

Hope fidgeted constantly" the shopping bag by her
side on the seat, Yet as the minutes dragged on, no one approached
them, not even passing along the row to go for popcorn.  Hope fell
asleep against her arm and Amanda began to relax.  Maybe the kidnappers
had underestimated the size of the crowd and had' decided the theater
was too full to make their move.

When the film finally ended, Amanda gently nudged Hope awake.  As she
stood up, she saw someone waving at her.  Ricky Biddle was directly
across from them on the other side of the theater.  She Waved back,
glad that the moving crowd would never allow him to cross over to them.
 He was the last person she needed near her now.

Hope clutched the little shopping bag as Amanda led her by the hand.

They could have waited, but Amanda wanted the safety of numbers around
them right now.  People pressed in on them, but her grasp on Hope's
hand was firm.

Amanda resisted the urge to pick Hope up and carry her, knowing how her
daughter disliked it.  A fussy three-year-old was just about the last
thing she needed to contend with at this point.  They were near the
exit doors when the crowd for the next showing suddenly swelled in,
forcing them apart.  As Hope's tiny hand slipped out of hers, Amanda
bent down, frantically reaching out for her daughter among the mass of
people.

"Hope!"  Amanda yelled.  A cold hand seemed to wrap itself around her
heart, and panic surged wildly from the depths of her soul.

An instant.  later, a tall bearded man wearing an old fatigue jacket
carried Hope back to her, setting her down beside Amanda.

"The pickup was made," he whispered.

Amanda recognized Tony's voice, but there was no time to talk to him.

In the blink of an eye, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

 150 Hope clung to Amanda's skirt, crying.

"Mommy, some man took away my bag!"

Amanda picked her daughter up into her arms, enmfort-hag her as they
quickly left the theater.  This was the last time.  No matter how many
promises anyone made, she would never bring her daughter along again on
something like this.  Each of her daughter's sobs pierced her heart.

"Hush, Peanut.  It's okay.  Are you hurt?"

"No, but I was mad, Mommy!"

"It's okay, Peanut.  The bag isn't important, and Mommy won't ever. 
let anyone separate us like that again.  That's a promise."

Amanda spoke with conviction.  It was a message meant for whoever was
Y~stening--from Tony arid Raymond to the kidnappers.

THmT~ Mmmrr~ ~T~m, as Amanda entered he~ home, she heard the phone ring
hag Once again, the caller's number had been blocked.  Ready to do
battle, she picked up the receiver.

"You handled things well tonight," the electronic voice said.

"Listen to me and listen well, "You witch!"  she Whispered hoarsely
into the phone.

"You think I'm not a threat to you, but you're wrong.

If you ever threaten my daughter again, or even come near her, I'll
hunt you down myself.  Without her, I'll have nothing to lose.  " As
Amanda slammed down the phone and turned around, she saw her daughter
had opened the door for Tony and Raymond.  Tony still wore the
fatigues, but he was no longer wearing the beard.  He was star hag at
her in surprise.  " That wasn't them, was it?  "

Amanda knew who he was referring to, though out of deference to Hope,
he hadn't specified.

"You bet."

Raymond passed by Tony and came ha wearing a shoulder-length wig in
keeping with the traditional Navaho style 151 and clothing several
sizes too big.

"I think you did the right thing.

You've shown them that there are limits to your cooperation.  They'll
rethink their approach.  " " Or not call back at all now that they have
the papers," Tony said, his voice taut and without emotion.  As Hope
ran down the hall to get a doll she left beside the bookcase, he added,
" You may have just cost me my kid.  "

"And protected my own," Amanda said defensively, her voice lowered.

"She's my first priority, just like Carmen is yours."

Tony nodded slowly, his anger still obvious, but under control.

"You're right.  I can't fault you for what you did.  But please, if
they call again, no matter what time it is, let me know immediately."

Without another word, he walked out the door.  Raymond stood in the
entrance.

"He'll work it.  out Amanda.  You made the right move."

Amanda watched both men drive away, then locked the door.  Hope was
sitting on the sofa, watching her.

"Tony was mad, wasn't he, Mommy?"

"Yes, but that's something he has to settle himself.  Right now I need
a promise from you, Peanut."

"Okay, Mommy."

"Never, ever, open this door to a stranger.  Only Bernice or me.

Agreed?  "

" Tony's not a stranger!  " the child objected.

"New rules, Peanut.  I don't want an argument.  Just do it."

Hope nodded.

"Okay, Mommy.  Now can we eat dinner?  I'm hungry!"

Amanda fixed Hope a potpie dinner and a dish of applesauce.  After
their ice-cream dessert Hope's eyes were almost closed.  It wouldn't
take long for her daughter to fall asleep tonight.

Amanda bathed her daughter quickly, and tucked her into bed.  Glad for
a
chance to sort things out in her mind, she walked to the living
room.

She'd just sat down on the sofa when she heard a soft tapping at the
door.

Recognizing Bernice's familiar knock, Amanda invited her friend inside
and waved her to a seat.  ~ "I've been worried about you, Amanda.  I
hope you don't mind, but I've been doing some investigating of my
own."

"What kind of investigating?"  Amanda asked quickly.

"I've been trying to find out more about Tony Ramos.  He's the heart of
all your troubles, you know."

Amanda smiled thinly, knowing there was more truth to her friend's
statement than she realized.

"What did you learn?"  "A few months ago, Tony dated a records clerk at
the police department.  He apparently talked her into compromising her
work because she started passing confidential information along to
him.

After she got caught and fired Tony never dated her again.  He cost her
her job, then dropped her the second she was no longer useful to him. 
" " Is that what you think he's doing with me?  "

"Amanda, his priority is his child, not you.  You can't trust anything
he says or does, no matter how badly you may want to."

"I know that, Bernice."

"Tell me you, re not falling in love with him, Amanda, and I'll stop
worrying."

"How could I possibly be falling in love with him?  I don't know him,
not really.  All I know about Tony is what he chooses to tell me, and
that isn't anywhere near enough."

"That's not an answer.  That sounds more like an argument you're using
with yourself."

"It is," she sighed.

"There's an attraction, sure.  But it's not love."

Bernice stood up.

"You've answered my question.  It's already too late for warnings."

Amanda walked her friend to the door.

"I know this can't ~o anywhere.

Tony isn't the type of man I'd want as a father for my daughter.  I
knew that right from the start.  But the heart doesn't always listen to
reason.  " Bernice gave Amanda a hug.

"You're a strong person, Amanda.  You'll be hurt, but you'll survive
and go on."

After saying good-night to Bernice and locking up, Amanda walked to her
bedroom and crawled into bed.  She'd never been so exhausted in her
life.

The pleasant coolness of the sheets and the soft weight of the summer
blanket soon wiped all thoughts from her mind.  Before she knew it, the
world of reality receded and she began to drift into dark oblivion.

Then, out of the darkness, an image of light came toward her.  A woman,
shrouded in mist, appeared, standing before her.  A blinding light
seemed to radiate from her, making it impossible for Amanda to see her
face.

"You don't have to worry.  Your daughter will be yours forever."  The
voice sounded like wind chimes dancing in the summer breeze.

"Who are you?"  Amanda heard herself sl~caking, yet no words came
out.

"I'm a friend, nothing more.  I came because you needed me.  I, too,
lost my daughter once.  I thought I'd failed, that I'd lost everything,
but I was wrong.  Love found a way."

Another scene unfolded before Amanda.  She saw a woman trying in vain
to reach her crying infant.  A veil of some kind stood between them.

Though the mother was desperately trying to comfort her baby, the child
seemed not to see or hear her.

Amanda felt the woman's anguish as keenly as if it were her own.  Then
the scene faded.

"The possibilities for good are endless," the soft voice said.

"For a trusting heart, sadness is never the master of joy."

Amanda woke up abruptly, the reassuring words still echoing in her
mind.  It was only a dream, yet it had seemed so real!  She felt tears
rolling down her
cheeks.  The anguish 154 of the mother in her dream lingered like a
cloud over her heart.

No good could ever come from having a mother.  separated from her
child.

What she'd had was some sort of crazy nightmare.  No mother could ever
think otherwise.

AMANDA WENT TO WORK as usual the next morning.  She hadn't heard from
the kidnappers since she'd hung up on them.  Perhaps they'd decided to
use someone else as intermediary, or maybe they were planning to let
her worry for a while.

Tony dropped by her office around ten, wearing his maintenance-man
disguise.

He closed the door behind him before he spoke.

"If you hear from the kidnappers, call my pager number.  I'll get in
touch with you."

His voice was low, like rumbling thunder, and the pain in his eyes was
too real not to wrap itself around her heart.  Up to now, she'd thought
that not hearing from the kidnappers would set her free of her worries,
but the possibility that Tony would walk out of her life now, filled
her with de spare "If I could call them and force them to deal directly
with you, I would," she said.

"I know."

Amanda swallowed the lump in the throat.  She wanted to step into his
arms, to somehow soothe away his pain, but she couldn't Will herself to
move and knew there was nothing she could do to comfort him.

"If I could only figure out what they're after."  Tony looked out the
window, as if searching for something.

"I've been racking my brains, trying to find some connection between
the Henderson file and the forgery case, but there isn't one.  My gut
feeling is that they're trying to hide what they're really after
because it'll give me a lead to them.  I don't think they've asked for
what they actually want yet.

If I'm right, they'll call back.  " 155 " I know I shouldn't have hung
up on them.  I just had to do it.  Please don't hate me for that," she
whispered as he started out the door.

Tony stopped in midstride, closed the door, then faced her again.

"If you truly want to know what's in my heart, come over here and I'll
show you."

Amanda should have stood her ground.  Heaven knew she'd meant to.  Yet
primitive forces she couldn't resist compelled her to do as he asked,
and she stepped into his arms.  His touch filled her with a delicious
sense of expectation.

"My Mandy, my sweet Mandy," he murmured, pulling her closer.  Long,
powerful fingers laced through her hair, cradling her head as his mouth
dipped down to take hers.  His tongue played on her lips until they
parted, then penetrated the moist recesses slowly and erotically until
her entire body trembled with desire.

Tony held her tightly, letting her feel the effect she had on him,
telling her without words what he felt.  As her intercom buzzed, he
released her.

"I am the man destined for you, Mandy, and you are the woman I intend
to make mine.  But first there are things we must accomplish
together."

The utter conviction in his voice excited as well as frightened her.

If it was only a line, it must have been a well-practiced one, because
she couldn't detect any hesitation or deception in it.

She moved toward her desk, but he reached out for her again, sweep' rag
her back into his arms.  His kiss, filled with hunger, was demanding. 
Her knees almost buckled, but he held her firm until fires too hot to
suppress raged within her.

"If you ever doubt what is happening between us, think back to this
moment, and you'll know the truth in your heart,- Tony uttered softly,
then left the room.

Amanda reached behind her, touching the bookcase to her right for
balance.

She couldn't stop trembling.  More so -than she had ever dreamed
possible, need pounded through her, making her feel empty and lonely.

As she dropped into her chair, Bernice poked her head inside.

"I'll be away from my desk for a while, helping out in the nursery.  I
have to cover while Doris has lunch."

"All right."

Amanda leaned back, eyes closed, trying to gather her thoughts.

Despite her best efforts R) deny it, Tony had carved a place in her
heart.

The knowledge that she'd have to walk away from him when the time came,
pierced her like a cold blade from a killer's hand.

The sudden ringing of the phone cut into her thoughts.  Amanda picked
up the receiver.  Her skin prickled as the electronic voice greeted
her.

"We have a new message for Ramos.  Tell him to get a blank New Mexico
driver's license for us.  We've got a plan worked.  out, but he'll need
your help."

"For what?  Getting arrested?  There's no way either of us can get
something like that without stealing it."

"You can get away with it, though, if you follow my directions.  An
elderly guard sets the forms out on a desk behind the counter each
morning, and puts them away at the end of the day.  If you distract the
guard and the counter workers by creating a diversion, Ramos will have
enough time to get around the counter and steal a blank form.

He'll have to work fast.

"Once Ramos is out of range of the security camera that covers that
area, he's to drop the form into your purse.  The guard behind the
monitor will probably see the theft.  As he goes after Ramos, you're to
leave the building.  Ramos will be arrested, but they won't be able to
hold him without the incriminating evidence."

"What am I supposed to do with the form once I'm outside?"

"Drop it through the opea window of the blue-and-white pickup that'll
be parked in front of the south door."

"I can't agree to this without talking to Tony.  You're asking him to
risk everything without giving him the information he needs to find his
daughter."

"I'll'contact you again in an hour."

The line was disconnected before she could a~k any more questions.

Relief and fear began pounding through her.  Relief because now Tony
would have to remain in her life, fear because she was once again in
the thick of things.

Amanda called Tony's pager number, then sat back to wait.  He would
return her call soon,.  then it would all start again--if indeed it had
ever ended.

Destiny.  Maybe Tony had been right all along.  Only, unlike him, she
couldn't quite see a happy ending for them.

Chapter Ten Tony saw Amanda's number blinking on his pager.  Gut
instinct told him the kidnappers had called.  He hurried back toward
the day care, still wearing his maintenance-man disguise.  He'd had a
feeling that the trail to the kidnappers might begin with the day-care
center.  That's why he'd staked it out for the past few days whenever
he'd had a chance.

Monitoring the bugs he'd placed in her office and her home had
confirmed one thing: Amanda was as innocent as he'd hoped.  And Bernice
'hated him as much as he'd suspected.  He grinned mirthlessly.

She had good reason to.

He rushed to Amanda's office.  She jumped to her feet and quickly
ushered him inside as he appeared at her door.  "They called, didn't
they?"  he asked.

"Yes, and with a new demand."  Amanda played the tape for him.

Tony listened to it, rubbing his neck with one hand.  "When they call
you again, tell them that before I risk jail to get this, I want proof
that they know where my Carmen is."

"All right, but I also think we should contact Raymond.  We've got to
cover ourselves on this."

"What do you think Raymond could do, besides bail me out?"

"I don't know, but I want someone else in our corner.  If things go
wrong, I want muscle there to give us backup or, at the very least,
substantiate that we were coerced into this.  I don't think they'll
carry out their threat of exposing our role in delivering the stolen
file to them, but this plan of theirs could land us both in jail.

Without some way of coveting ourselves, I'm not sure I have the courage
to go through with this.  " Tony considered it.  The kidnappers would
love to have him tied up with the police.

"Then, they could take off for good, leaving him high and dry like the
last time.

"I'll approach Raymond, but first I've got a few things I want to check
out.

This new request by the kidnap pen has given me a few ideas I want to
look into.  There's a definite connection with this and the information
they wanted on that forgery case the Bureau's handling.  "

"You think they're forging drivers' licenses?"

"Yes, and that could be only the tip of the iceberg.  They could create
whole new identities from that starting point."  He walked to the door,
then turned around.

"At least they didn't say anything about Hope or her 'possible
involvement in the future."

"No.  I think they've backed off on that, thank goodness."

"Good.  I'm relieved to hear it."

Tony walked out of the building and toward his pickup.  He'd have to
approach Raymond carefully.  He had a plan, but it entailed bending the
law, something he wasn't sure his friend would go along with.

What he'd need first was a bargaining chip, something that would make
things more palatable to his Bureau buddy.

AMANDA WATCHED THE CLOCK.  Forty-five minutes had passed.  She'd hoped
Tony would return before the kidnapper's contact called.  There was no
telling how
tiao caller would react when she heard that Tony had demands of his
own.

Tony arrived at her office just as the phone on her desk began to
ting.

Amanda glanced down at it hesitantly, then up at Tony.

"Answer it.  I'll grab the extension on Bernice'~s desk.  She's not
there to demand an explanation."

The electronic voice greeted her cordially, which made it all the more
revolting.  Amanda steeled herself to take as hard a line as
necessary.

Being tough had seemed easy when they'd threatened Hope, now she wasn't
sure she could carry it off.

"Does Ramos understand the plan?"

"Yes, but he wants proof that you really do know where his daughter
is.

Otherwise, he won't do it.  I won't, either.  "

"What kind of proof?"

Tony cut in sharply.

"I'm here.  Talk to me directly.  No more games, slime ball I'll make
this fast, Ramos.  We'll deliver convincing proof to the
day-care-center office by two this afternoon.  Be ready to move on our
plan for you to steal the blank driver's license from the Department of
Motor Vehicles by four forty-five today.  By then, the employees there
are tired, and they have a tendency to get sloppy.  That's the best
time to strike.  " Hearing the dial ton~, Tony hung up and went back
into Amanda's office.

"They didn't even hesitate about the proof.  They're the real thing,
all right.  They probably know where Carmen is tight now."

"They must want that form pretty bad," she commented.

"They have their own agenda.  This is what they wanted in the first
place.

False IDs on the real forms can be worth thousands of dollars.  "

Amanda glanced at the photo of Hope on her desk.

"I won't risk going to jail, Tony.  I just can't."

Aimge Thudo

"I've taken care of that.  Raymond's in on this and a plan's already in
motion.  You'll be in no danger."

"Can I talk to him before we get started?"

"No.  It's best if he's nowhere near you until after it's over.

Besides, he's got his hands full at the moment.  " " I want to know
exactly what you've got up your sleeve.  " He shook his head.

"Not this time, Amanda.  This in-volyes other people's secrets.

If you want, I'll sign a statement tight now saying that I've coerced
you into going along with a Bureau sting operation, and I'm solely
responsible for your involvement.  You won't go to jail, believe me.  "
Amanda walked to her computer, composed a short statement, then printed
it out.

"How's this?  It's mostly what you just said."

Tony read it over.

"Fine."

"Wait.  I want Bernice to witness the signature."

She called Bernice into the office, and after Tony signed the paper,
she handed it over to Bernice to place in the safe.

Amanda wasn't sure what Tony was up to.  His story about Raymond being
too busy was probably true, but she couldn't he sure Tony wasn't
pulling a fast one.

"You'll be back here at two to receive the proof, tight?"

"I'm shooting for one-thirty, just in case they're early.  In the
meantime, I'll try to get Raymond to give you a call if you think it'll
set your mind at ease.  I'll also ask him to tail the messenger.

We'll want him questioned, but not detained, in case the kidnappers are
watching our every move.  " " I'd appreciate that.  "

Amanda stayed at her desk long after Tony left.  She filled out
reports, then answered calls from parents and prospective clients,
trying to fight her nervousness by immersing herself in her duties.

Nothing seemed to work.  Bernice walked in a half hour later, holding a
sandwich and a cola.  "Here.  With all the pressure on you, I don't
think you should skip lunch.  You don't need to get sick."

 Amanda took the food from Bernice's hands, though she wasn't hungry,
and set it down on her desk.  As she did, her' sleeve brushed against a
cup holding pencils and pens, sending them crashing to the floor.

"Oh, great.  Typical of the way my day's going."  Amanda bent down to
retrieve them.

"I'll let some more light in here," Bernice said, opening the curtains
all the way.

Amanda reached under her desk for a pencil that had rolled there and
spotted something lodged under the desktop, near where the phone
rested.  At first glance, it appeared to be a wad of gum, but she had
no idea how it would have gotten there.

"Have any of the kids been in here?"  "Not to my knowledge," Bernice
answered.

After reaching for a Kleenex tissue in her pocket, she pried the object
loose.  It was a bit too firm to be gum.

Amanda rose to her feet and placed the object on top of her desk.  She
stared at it, comprehension slowly dawning.  Someone had been listening
in on all her conversations with a tiny microphone.

Putting a finger to her lips, Amanda stepped outside her office,
pulling Bernice along by the arm.  Then, just for good measure, she
walked out to the playground in the back, motioning for Bernice to
follow.

"Our conversations have been monitored," Amanda finally announced.

"The kidnappers?"  Bernice sounded shocked.  "Possibly, but that
doesn't seem right.  They were more interested in giving orders than in
listening to anything I had to say."

"But then... Tony" -- Bernice began echoing Amanda's thoughts, her
voice suddenly full of conviction.

Everyone had told her that Tony was manipulative, a user of people
who'd honed that particular skill to an art.  She hadn't truly believed
that, but now the truth stared her plainly in the face.  Tony had used
the device to gather information about her, making sure he was
employing all the right techniques to lower her guard.  The pain of his
betrayal pierced her soul.

"You have to confront him with it.  You have to make sure it was his
handiwork and not someone else's," Bernice said.

"I intend to do just that this afternoon.  Then he and I will have to
rethink a few plans.  Trust between us is no longer an option."  Amanda
turned and headed back to her office.

From now on, she wouldn't allow anyone to manipulate her, not the
kidnappers, not Raymond, not Tony.  It was time for her to start
calling her own shots.

FROM THe MOMent Tony walked into her office, he knew something was
wrong.

His gut tightened as he looked into Amanda's eyes and saw the pain and
anger there.

Unwilling to hazard any guesses as to the cause, a sure way to make
things worse, he took a seat, prepared to wait her out.  Then he saw
the bug he'd placed beneath her desk lying on top of some files
directly before him.

"Your doing, isn't it?"

Tony thought about denying it.  He could always blame it on the
kidnappers, but he'd always taken responsibility for his own actions,
and she deserved at least that from him.  His feelings for Amanda had
grown deeper than he'd,ever dreamed possible, and the time for lies Was
long past.

"I did place it in here, yes."  The anguish he saw etched on her face
knifed through him.

"It was necessary at the time.  Think back a few days, Amanda.  When we
first embarked on this I knew nothing about you.  And my instincts told
me you were holding back."

He watched her.  She wasn't really 'listening to him.  He had a feeling
she was trying to remember everything she'd said inside this office
during the past few days.  Then her expression suddenly changed, and
she glared at him, fire in her eyes.

"Is there another one in my home?"

He rejected the thought of lying.  He knew what was bothering her.

He'd learned the threat the kidnappers had used to keep her involved
and the real reason she'd allowed herself to be manipulated.  He'd
heard her discussing their tactics with Bernice, courtesy of the bug
he'd placed in her office.  He knew they had threatened to make him
believe Hope was really Carmen, and that Amanda, having decided to keep
Hope's adoption a secret, was especially vulnerable, though that threat
was without any basis.

Knowing the truth, he wouldn't have made problems for her that would
have resulted in anyone taking Hope away from her.  Of course, he
couldn't have predicted what the kidnappers might have done had she
refused to cooperate.

"There's one there, too," he admitted at last, "but I would never use
anything I overheard against you."

"Where did you put it?"  Her voice was the temperature of a frozen
lake.

"In the kitchen, underneath the trim on a cabinet."  He saw the pain
flashing in her eyes.

"And now you expect me to trust your word and believe you've really
contacted Raymond."  Amanda shook her head.

"I can't.  Your word, your honor, is questionable at best."

"You can trust the way I feel, and know I wouldn't" -- She held up her
hand.

"Enough.  Inmy heart, I once gave you the benefit of the doubt, but not
again."  Then a look of alarm crossed her face.

"Wait a minute.  If you placed a bug here, maybe the kidnappers did,
too."

He shook his head.

"Mine would have picked up interference.  At least it kept you safe
from them in that way."  Tony looked directly at her, trying to
convince her he wasn't the enemy.

"Don't judge me too harshly.  Remember that throughout all this, you've
chosen to keep your own se- " Yes, but my secrets couldn't harm you.  "
" Then why didn't you?"
The person I need the most
protection from/s you.  Were you also responsible for the phony bomb,
and the rock being thrown through my window, not to mention stealing
the photo of Hope from my dresser?

Was it all part of your plan to control me?  " Tony stood up, anger
surging inside him.

"Those accusations are beneath you.  Deep down, you know the answer." 
He walked around Amanda's desk and spun her chair around to face him.

"Do you really have so little faith in me?  I've protected you and your
secrets.  Face it, Amanda.  We were both at fault.  Neither of us
trusted the other."

"Then maybe neither of us is worthy of love," she said, an almost
numbing coldness settling over her.

"Love doesn't depend on merit to exist.  It never has and it never
will."

Tony strode through the door and left her alone in her office.

RAYMOND KNOiXED at her door a short time later.  He was dressed as a
janitor and she barely recognized him.

"I thought you and I needed a chance to talk.  Are you okay with Tony's
plan?"

"I'll be fine as long as I don't land in jarl," Amanda admitted.

"There's no chance of that.  Tony has uncovered evidence of a forgery
ting.

He's turned the information over to the Bureau and agreed to cooperate
with our operation.  His services are crucial to us if we're to catch
this gang that's been working our area.  The Bureau is on this case
officially, and I'm heading the task force.  "

"How is my involvement being explained, officially, that is?"

"You were contacted by the gang because you've been dating my old
partner.

When you were both coerced into agreeing to the theft; my ex-partner
notified the Bureau.  "

"I'm glad we'll be.  safe Amanda confessed.

 "I wouldn't call it 'safe."  Unless your performance is convincing,
the kidnappers will catch on, and Tony can effectively say goodbye to
his kid.

That trail's been cold for too long.  His chances of finding her are
next to none without a good tip.  " Raymond glanced at his watch.

"But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

Let's see what happens first, and what proof the kidnappers offer him. 
It's almost time for that delivery.  I better leave.  I've got to keep
an eye out for the messenger and see if we can ID the person.  " " I'm
glad you'll be there.  "

"So am Raymond replied.

"Remember one thing, Amanda.  My old partner's not the only one with a
few tricks up his sleeve.  I know him very well, and I'll take care of
him.

That's what friends are for.  "

She knew that he was telling her far more than his words indicated.

"I don't suppose you'd care to be more sped fie " I've already told you
more than I should have.  " Pushing a large carpet sweeper, Raymond
left her office.

Tony arrived moments later.  There was a fire in his eyes that nothing
could disguise.  He wanted action, she could see that plainly.

They sat across from each other and Amanda watched him.  She resisted
the urge to reach out and take his hand.  He could make her blood
simmer with desire with only one look.  She was tempted to try to
salvage the few things that were right between them.  But there were so
many confficting emotions racing through her, she wasn't sure which to
heed.

"I have no more secrets from you, but you still have some of your own,"
she observed.

"What good would full disclosures do now?  Telling you the truth has
cost me enough.  You refuse to believe me now, even when I do tell you
the truth, that I love you and will protect you."  '~ "I don't know
what to believe anymore.  I've run out of answers," she said wearily.

"You're scared, just as scared as I am."  Tony walked around to her
seat and pulled her to her feet.

"Yet, even now, despite it all, you respond to me when I'm close to
you, just as I respond to you."

She could feel the warmth of his body, but although he stood only
inches away, he didn't draw her into his embrace.  "Why are you doing
this?"  she whispered.

"To remind you that we're both just human.  We can be hurt, and we have
needs."  As a knock sounded on her door, he movedjaway.

Bernice came in and glared at Tony.  As she turned to Amanda, her gaze
softened.

"This came for you."  "Thanks, Bernice."

"I'll be right outside if you need me."

Amanda handed Tony the sealed eight-by-twelve manila envelope.  He
returned to his chair and extracted the contents carefully, setting
them out on her desk.

"Copies of a birth certificate and an adoption certificate," Tony said
pensively.

"If these footprints match the ones on Carmen's birth certificate, then
I'll know."

"You'll know what?"

"That they forged the papers for my daughter and placed her up for
adoption three years ago," he said, his voice so controlled it was
flat.

"Is the adoption certificate real?"

"The documents might be genuine, but if the footprints are Carmen's,
there's nothing legal or accurate about the information on them."  He
stood up.

"I have some things to track down in a hurry.  I'll be back later with
a final plan for us to carry out at the Department of Motor
Vehicles."

To~rt, M~r wrrH RAYMOND at a mall parking lot a short time later.  He
handed over the papers, then brought out Carmen's real birth
certificate.

"I want Joe Parker to take a look at these.  He's the best in the
state.

If these two footprints are off even slightly, except for size, he'll
spot it.  I have to know if this is for real, and this isn't my area of
expertise. "

"If I ask Joe, then the Bureau will get officially involved in the
kidnapping again.  Questions will come up."

"But not right away.  I know a way I can buy us some time."  "How?"

"State Senator Matt Miller owes me a favor.  I finally tracked down his
runaway daughter and only charged him for expenses.  I even managed to
keep the press off his tail and hers.  I met him.  in alleys and
parking lots, just so it would never be on the record.  He'd be willing
to ask the Bureau to loan him their fingerprint expert.

They'd honor his request, too, if he says it's official business, even
if he doesn't give them details.  " Raymond nodded.

"Miller's got a lot of clout.  He helped us solve a federal case
several months ago involving interstate fraud.  Without cooperation
from his office, we couldn't have done it.  It should work.  And we're
going to need to score a few points soon.  That messenger was a dead
end.  Someone dropped off the package with the exact cash for an
in-town delivery, like they'd used them before.  No questions were
asked."

"Let's get going, then.  I don't want to do one more thing for these
creeps until I know if they really are the ones who took Carmen or can
lead me to her."

AMANDA wAr rim at her office until she couldn't stand it any longer.

She needed to know the plan.  How was she SUl>-posed to effectively
distract a guard and the workers, as well as any patrons waiting in
line.  She had to get a look at the layout over at the DMV budding.

She picked up her purse and walked over to Bernice's desk.

"I'm going out for a bit.  If Tony comes by, tell him 169 I'm on my way
to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  I need to check out a few
things."

Bernice gave her a searching look.

"You're not going to tell me what's going on?"

"Not yet.  Believe me, it wouldn't help you to know," Amanda admitted
with a weak smile.

As Amanda drove, she kept glancing in the rearview mirror.  This whole
situation was making her extraordinarily paranoid.  She parked on the
north side of the building and tried to force herself to calm down and
act natural.

If she appeared nervous, the guards would know she was up to something
for sure, and they'd watch her like hawks.

Amanda took several deep breaths, then got out of the car.  As she
started across the parking lot, Tony came rushing up.  He was wearing
jeans and a drab-colored shirt.

"You're ahead of schedule.  What's going on?"  he whispered.

"I was only going to take a look inside.  My distraction's got to be
good, and I want to.  see where the camera's positioned."

"No, it's better if this is unrehearsed.  Let me tell you my plan."

BY THE TIME AMANDA walked inside, her palms were sweating and her knees
felt like rubber.  She needed to act more casual.  Learning from Tony
that Raymond had only told one official what they'd be doing frightened
her.  She'd understood why they'd wanted to minimize the risk of a
leak, but the operation had taken on a very dangerous edge.

If they didn't pull it off, Tony would be placed under arrest.  Though
neither of.  them would go to jail, the next few minutes could
determine whether Tony got his child back.

Amanda walked into the ladies' room, then opened the plastic bag filled
with dry ice that Tony had given her.  It wasn't much, but when it hit
the toilet
water, the room would fill up with what appeared to be smoke.  All she
had to do then was run out and yell "Fire."

Amanda dropped the ice into the toilet bowl, and within seconds, thick
white vapor began to fill the bathroom.  Amanda blocked the path of two
women who started to come inside.

"There's a fire in here!

It's everywhere!  " The women rushed out screaming, just as
photoelectric sensors triggered a smoke alarm.  The high-pitched wail
cut right through her ears.

Amanda hurried out, then stood with her back to the wall as people
shouted and rushed~ toward the exit doors.  In the midst of the
confusion, Tony passed by and shoved the stolen form into her open
purse.  Quickly, Amanda joined the crowd hurrying toward the south
exit.

As Amanda reached the doors, she glanced back.  Tony was several feet
behind her.  Maybe they'd be able to make a clean getaway.  She waited
outside the building, and as the crowd thinned, she spotted Tony
opening the door.

Suddenly, two guards built like small mountains appeared and pulled him
back inside, pinning Tony against a wall Amanda felt her heart twist as
she saw, Tony being manhandled.  She wanted to go back, but she had her
own task to complete.  Walking to the blue-and-white pickup parked near
the side door, she noted that the rear of the vehicle had no license
plate.  Amanda slipped the paper through the partially opened window
and continued across the parking lot.

Chapter Eleven Amanda returned to the center, barely managing to park
her car without hitting the vehicles on either side.  Thirty minutes
after the theft, her hands were still shaking.

"You look awful," Bernice said, rushing to her side.  "Are you okay?"

"I've been better.  Have there been any calls for me?"

"No."  Bernice studied her.

"I'm going to get you a glass of iced tea.

Why don't you go to your office and sit down?  " Once in her office,
Amanda turned on her radio, expecting to hear some coverage of the
incident as soon as the hourly news came on.

Just as Bernice came in holding a glass of iced tea, the news came on,
with the DMV story as the lead item.  Tony's arrest and the diversion
created by the dry ice were detailed.  The police, the broadcast said,
were looking for Tony's accomplice, possibly a woman.

Bernice stared at Amanda.

"Tell me that wasn't you."

"" If you insist.  It wasn't me.  Just don't hold it against me if it
turns out later that I lied.  " Bernice dropped down into a chair, took
the iced tea, and began sipping it herself.

"Well, at least Tony's in jail and out of the picture for a while. 
That hell is over."

Amanda thought about Bernice's words.  Hell was wanting what you could
never
have.  Right now, her worry for Tony kept her from fully concentrating
on even the smallest task.

"I hope that after this the kidnappers finally tell him where to find
his daughter.  He's put everything on the line to get her back."

Amanda glanced at the phone, dreading whatever would come next.  The
kidnappers probably hadn't expected Tony to be caught.  Amanda was
afraid that once they learned he-was in jail, they'd focus on her to
get what they wanted.  they reported her to the state authorities, and
no find Hope's adoption records, she was afraid that would start a
search for Hope's birth parents.  If Hope'.  " birth father came
forward, she might lose her daughterl to him or even the state.

It was almost time for Amanda to leave for the da~ Raymond came into
her office.  She felt her heart stop.  something gone wrong?  Where's
Tony?  " " He'll be out soon.  I'm just here to tell you that verified
the footprints, and except for having been take~ a later age, they
match Carmen's.  We tried to track the adoptive parents listed, but the
names and address phony.  "

"So the FBI is now officially involved?"

"Sort of.  As it turns out, Tony has made some friends over the past
few years.  By special request, loaned out to a state senator, and
through him I'm Tony's ease.  The Bureau doesn't know the specifics of!
 I'm doing, and won't for another few weeks.  deal that was cut."

"I'm glad to hear it.  Maybe this nightmare end, and the kidnappers
will tell Tony where his " Tony and I will see to it that they do. 
That truck placed the blank license form into could give duct lye
leads.  Unfortunately, we lost the driver in when he went through a red
light, but we have other tracking him down.  I'll let you know when we
things up.  " Raymond leaned back and thoughtfully.

"While I was searching the computer files, I came across something very
interesting."

Something in his tone sent a chill up her spine.

"What?"

"I never quite got a handle on why you were so willing to help Tony,"

Raymond explained slowly.

"They threatened my day-care center."  Amanda's mouth was as dry as the
desert sand.

Raymond shrugged.

"So you said.  But in the course of doing a background search on you, I
tried to find Hope's birth certificate.

There wasn't one filed with the state.  You said Hope was born here in
New.

Mexico,~ right?  " Amanda felt sick.  She grasped the arms of her
chair, but forced herself to meet Raymond's eyes.

"Am I under investigation now?"

"Not officially."

"Then why don't you concentrate on what you're supposed to be doing?

State employees have been known to produce bureaucratic bungles,
including misplacing records.  If you work at it yourself, I'm sure
you'll find those records.  But it's a waste of precious time.  If you
want to see my daughter's birth certificate, ask my lawyer, who is not
my ex-husband, by the way, and handle it through him.  " Raymond
regarded her unblinkingly for a long time.  ~ " That's not necessary.

For now.  "

As the federal agent stood up, Tony came into her office.  He wore a
cowboy hat pulled low over his face, along with a denim shirt and
jeans.  As he took off the hat, Amanda 'saw the bruise that covered the
left side of his face.

His eye was almost swollen shut.  Amanda gasped.

"What happened?"

"Oh, this?"  Tony winced.

"I used my eye to prevent the guard's fist from going through my head. 
I had to make it' look good, you know."

Raymond shook his head.

"You look better than the poor security guard you decked when they
tried to cuff you."

 "How did I know he wasn't trained in hand to hand?  He should have
blocked my move.  I telegraphed the punch."

"The other guy, the one who finally managed to get the handcuffs on
you, must have had a few moves of his own."

"Yeah, that's for sure.  I think he was feeling insecure after his
partner kissed the carpet."

Amanda stared at them, then threw her hands up in the air.

"What is it with you two?  That" -- she Tony's face "--has got to hurt
like hell, yet you're it as nothing more than a little macho game!" 
She shook head and returned to her desk.

"I think you both eat much red meat," she muttered.

Raymond laughed and Tony joined him.

"Catch you later, buddy," Raymond said and the door.

Tony sat down heavily.

"Forgive the male posturing.

a knee-jerk reaction.  If you want to know the truth, it hurt like
hell.  " He glanced at the phone.

"No news, I it?"

"Not yet."

He stood up.

"I'm going to see if I can help track down something on that pickup."

Amanda blocked his way out the door.

"Take yourself, Tony," she implored softly.  from him, she was
vibrantly aware of everything about She needed him, just as he needed
her.  Her gaze fell hard mouth, then drifted downward.  Her body needs
only he could fulfill.

I'll take care of both of us, Amanda.  " cheek with the palm of his
hand.

"Trust me.  I a lot to ask, but I need you to believe in me."

The plea came from his soul and was She was shaken by its impact.

"I'm not sure that anymore."

"You have to be willing to risk your heart.  If willing to do that,
you'll be risking even more."

She looked down the hall as a group of youngsters was being taken
single file to the playground.

"It's easy for kids to trust.  Once we're adults, we have more to lose,
and it takes longer for wounds to heal."

"Then reach for the little girl within you.  It's our only hope, my
beautiful lady."

The thought of being his "lady" wove a spell around her, and her skin
burned as if branded where he'd caressed her.  She wanted to be his, to
share in that world of gentle and fiery sensations they'd found with
each other.

She stepped back into her office as he left.  To accept Tony for
herself was one thing, but no matter how much her heart cried out for
him, she'd always have Hope to consider.  Hope needed a father who was
dependable and forthright.  Despite everything, she still knew very
little about Tony.

Amanda picked up her daughter from the nursery and began the drive
home.

Hope, oblivious to the actions that had such an impact on her destiny,
was in wonderful spirits.  She'd made a new friend and nothing seemed
more important to her than that.  She told Amanda everything about her
exciting day.

Then, pausing only to take a breath, Hope switched the topic of
conversation.

"Mommy, will Tony come over-to-'night and play?  He's nice.  I want him
to be my daddy."

Amanda's mouth dropped slightly.

"Peanut, that's not very nice.  You have a daddy."

Hope shook her head.

"Daddy Ron's not home.  He never comes home anymore, and he never wants
to play.  Tony wants to be a daddy.  He likes to play.  He likes you,
too, Mommy.  Can you ask him if he wants to come over and be my
daddy?"

"It doesn't work that way, Peanut."

"Why?"

Amanda stared at the road, trying desperately to think of something a
three-year-old would understand.

"Well, be cause for him to become your Daddy, he has to be married to
me and be my husband."

"But you like him, Mommy.  I can tell."

Amanda wished she'd changed topics right from the start.  Now it was
too late.  Knowing her daughter, she realized subjectw0uldn't be
dropped until she was satisfied with the answer.

"It's a grown-up thing," Amanda said, on a tried-and-true gambit.

"But he'd be a good daddy," Hope insisted then started singing a
nursery rhyme about making a wish.  ~ Amanda sighed.  Sometimes her
daughter was three going on thirty.

A short time later, as Amanda walked with Hope to the mailbox, Ricky
Biddle came jogging by.  Amanda petted he'd been waiting in some cool
shade for rive.  His hair was neatly combed, and despite the heat
didn't seem to have worked up much of a sweat.

"I saw you at the movie theater the other day.

like the movie?  " " It was exciting she answered, hoping Ricky expect
her to comment on specifics.  If her life pended on it, she wouldn't
have been able to single scene.

"I heard on the radio that Tony Ramos was arrested..  really glad
you're rid of him, Amanda."

Amanda gave him a sharp look.

"You shouldn't people you don't really know, Ricky," she said

"Rumors are notoriously inaccurate what someone's really like."  As she
said it, she much she'd been guilty of the same thing.  She'd judgment
on Tony before they'd really known each all based on innuendo and
rumor.

"Let's not get into an argument," he said came to ask you over for a
quiet dinner for two.  " Amanda stared at him, surprised he'd speak
that way in front of Hope.

"Ricky, we're friends, that's all.  I'd like to keep it at that."

"Then why have you been sending me all those signals, giving me all
those interested looks?"  he demanded, suddenly angry.

"What on earth are you talking about?  I've treated you like a
neighbor, that's all.  We hardly ever talk.  We both go our own way,"

she said, trying to soften the impact of her words.

"I'm not good enough for you to date, is that it?  Ramos, that rude
bully, is okay, but I'm not?  There's grafftude!"

"Gratitude for what?"

"I've always been there when you needed someone.  Not that you noticed,
or that I care.  I'm not anyone's doormat."

As he ran off, Amanda stared after Ricky in surprise.  Of all the
reactions she'd expected from him, that hadn't been one of them.

"I don't like Ricky," Hope said.

"We both agree on that, Peanut."

Hope tugged at her mother's hand.

"Come on, Mommy.  I'm hungry!"

Amanda smiled at Hope as they walked inside the house.  "Are you ever
not hungry?"

Hope ran to her room to get her toys, oblivious to Amanda's last
comment.

Amanda walked directly to the kitchen.  There was one bit of business
she intended to take care of before anything else.  Searching
underneath her kitchen cabinets, she found the bug Tony had placed
there.

Amanda stared at the tiny object for a long moment, then dropped it
into the garbage disposal and flipped on the switch.  There was an
awful crunch, then the whine of whirling blades.  So much for that.

Turning on the faucet, 178 she watched the stream of water flow into
the drain.  Then she began preparing dinner.

Two Hotms t~AT~~, as Hope played before her on the living room rug,
Amanda felt a sense of peace.  She glanced at the chair across from
hers and imagined Tony there.  How wonderful if they could have been a
real family!

Breaking the 'thought, she stared at the caller ID phone, forcing
herself to face reality.  With all the facing her, here she was
daydreaming about playing With her daughter, it was cute.  With
herself, it merited ' chotherapy.  i.

Hearing the phone ring, Amanda's heart leapt to throat.  She glanced at
the display and noted the call being made from a pay phone.

Just then, Hope, eager for something else to do, up at her.

"Mommy, can I play dress up?  I'll be promise!"

~ Amanda nodded.  As her daughter left the room, quickly picked up the
telephone.

The electronic voice that greeted her was not cordial time.

"Ramos is trying to find out who we are.

divert him.  Start interfering with his investigation.  " " Why should
I do that?  He's done everything you You're the ones who aren't holding
up your end gain.  "

"I've got a news flash for you, Amanda.  Hope gaily yours.  We didn't
erase the records.  They there."

"You're crazy.  I was married to an attorney.  He those papers."

"No, he didn't.  He was afraid of getting disbarred.  The adoption
papers your sister-in-law ~ contained the signature of Hope's birth
father.  But nature was forged, because he was never told or the
adoption.  Think back.

You'll know make sure that Hope's birth father will show up and
invalidate the adoption.  Then your daughter will be taken away from
you so fast you'll never know what hit you.  "

Amanda's stomach knotted and her flesh became covered with goose
bumps.

She'd never looked that closely at the adoption papers, trusting Ron to
take care of the legalities.  Searching her memory, she tried to
remember everything she could.  She recalled that Hope's birth father
had moved, but she'd assumed Ron's sister had located him long enough
to get the ~ignature.

If that wasn't the case, and the kidnappers could prove it, the entire
adoption might be in-validateql.

"I'll do what you ask," Amanda said weakly.

"Good girl," the electronic voice praised, then the line was
disconnected.

Amanda now understood more than ever why the kidnappers had chosen to
deal with her.  She was the ideal contact since they had the perfect
leverage.

As she erased the taped message, Amanda realized just how deep into
trouble she was getting.  She couldn't expect Tony to trust her if she
lied to him.

Yet the last thing she wanted was for anyone else to suspect Hope's
adoption hadn't been legal.

Amanda stared at the phone.  Although she had no wish to confront Ron,
she had to know the truth.  There were so many questions she needed him
to answer.  Had he forged that signature himself or taken it to someone
else?

Were some of the other papers forged, too?  She remembered how thrilled
she'd been when he'd brought Hope home only days after telling her
about the child.

She'd seen it as a blessing at the time.  Now, except for the love she
shared with Hope, it all seemed to have become a nightmare.

Amanda picked up the phone to call Ron, then set it down again quickly.
 She was terrified of finding out that Hope wasn't legally hers, that
it had all been a sham.  If that were the ease, and she confronted Ron,
he'd be sure to
try to 180 cover his tracks.  With everything else going on, and with
her life under such close scrutiny by whoever was behind the threats,
it was very possible things would break wide open.  Once others knew,
it would only be a matter of time before Hope would be taken from her,
and there'd could do about it.

Amanda Sat up when she heard the doorbell ring.

vously, she peeked out the window.  It was Ton} pair man disguise
again.  As soon as she opened he walked inside.

"What's been going on?"

Panic swelled within her, but she struggled to keep' thoughts clear.

She knew exactly what she had to say words came out automatically.

"Tony, of hand.  I need to trust you, but I'm not sure I can.  truth is
I know very little about you.  Do you realize I even know how you make
a living?  A few cases here there surely isn't enough to account for
the large takes to pay off informants.  Yet you always seem enough."

Tony sat down in one of her chairs and room, staring at the books on a
shelf, Finally he

"Most of the money I've been using comes from trust left to Lynn by her
father.  That fund should have to Carmen, but I've been using it to
stay afloat searched for her.  I've hated doing that, believe me, but I
had no choice.

All the money and time I've had has been searching for my child.  "
Amanda nodded.

"I can understand that, more know."  She picked up a photo of Hope from
her ble.

"All I ever wanted was a family.  I and my mother died when I was ten. 
I was raised homes.  I ~emember saving up and buying cottage.  In my
mind; I pictured all the rooms furnishings were like.  I knew some day
I'd have where I'd be needed and wanted, a place filled dren.

"But my dreams have never really come true.  Ron couldn't father a
child, and he only adopted, I think, in order to cover that fact.  Ron
never wanted Hope, or the real me.  He wanted a woman he could show off
at parties, one who would look good in a photo on his desk.  When all
was said and done, I had to accept that my daughter would also grow up
without a father.  But I found my own strengths and gave Hope a home
and surrounded her with love. She, at least, was mine.  Then after I
got that crazy phone call with a message for you, it turned everything
upside down."  Amanda shook her head.

"Nothing could ever have pre' pared me for that call.  I don't know ...
maybe dreams aren't meant to come true."

Tony came up and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"No one can take Hope away from you.  She's your child.  What's the
problem?"  Amanda realized the time for full disclosure had come. 
Halfway measures were no longer good enough.  When everything was at
stake, everything had to be given away.  She took a deep breath and
proceeded to tell him about the latest threat made to her.  She even
admitted erasing the tape.  "If you go after your child, I'll lose
mine," she said, mowing away from him.

Tony considered what she'd told him for a long moment.  "If they know
the adoption wasn't legal, they'll use that 'whenever it suits them.

You have to concentrate on the real threat facing you, Amanda, and I'm
not it.  If we work together, we may both end up with our kids.  "
Amanda met his gaze.  The honesty and courage shining there wrapped
itself around her, filling her and pushing away her fear.  A genuine
alliance with a man thought of as dangerous by his enemies didn't seem
so bad all of a sudden.  And even more importantly, for the first time,
she didn't feel so utterly alone.

"I don't know how to protect Hope," she admitted.

 "First of all, you've got to get her out of town, someplace where no
one would know where to find her."

"Out of town?  Are you crazy?  My daughter belongs with me!"

"Even if that's not the safest place for her?"  Amanda's shoulders
slumped.

"There's only one I'd trust with Hope.  Bernice."

"Too obvious."

"That's the best I can do."

"Then call Bernice," he said.

"Ask her to come Maybe she has a suggestion."

Amanda made a quick phone call and ten minutes Bernice arrived.  She
gave Tony a hostile glance, at Amanda with concern.

"What's going on?"

Amanda gave her the highlights quickly.

to think that Hope would be better off someplace now.  " Bernice nodded
slowly.

"Unlikely as it may seem, But I know of only one place where she'd be
as safe as is with you or me."

"W~There?"

"My sister Miriam's.  You and I took Hope she loved it.  She spent all
her time watching the horses ~

COWS .  " '

"I remember.  The farm's about an hour of Galisteo.  It's in a very
remote area, if I recall " You do.  It's a hard place to find, even
when you've there before.  " Amanda nodded.

"Even with a map, the middle of nowhere--twiceV' " It sounds perfect,"
Tony said, then turned " Do you think your sister would be willing to
for a few days?  " " She'd love it.  Miriam has no more kids at that
kind of place just eries out for children.

Amanda a hug.

"I know this is very hard for' will be safe there.  I'll even leave
Winston with her as added insurance.  That dog won't leave her side and
nobody will be able to get near her unless Winston knows them."

A wave of anguish engulfed Amanda.  What she'd feared most was losing
Hope, and now, in order to keep her safe, she had to send her baby
away.  Her heart was slowly breaking into a million pieces.

"All right," Amanda said at last.

"I'll tell her I've got to go away on business for a few days and we've
arranged for a special treat for her."

Bernice put her arm around Amanda's shoulders.

"I realize how hard this is for you.  I don't think you've been away
from Hope for more than a night since she was born.  But you're doing
the right thing.

She'll be safe at Miriam'S.  " " Yes, but it does hurt.  She should be
safest with me.  " Amanda's voice was barely a whisper.  Dread chilled
her soul as she thought ahead to the nights when the house would echo
with silence.

"It will all be over soon, Amanda.  I promise.  This will end," Tony
said, conviction in his tone.

"Shall I arrange for this tonight?"  Bernice asked.

"Yes," ~Tony answered.

"We'll smuggle Hope out of town immediately."

Amanda took a long, deep breath.

"I can sneak Hope out and drive her to the ranch as soon as Berm'ce
checks with her sister.  It won't take me long to pack up Hope's
things."

"It's a good plan.  We'll make sure it works," Tony said.  I'll follow
along well behind you, Amanda, but I'll be there to make sure nobody
tails you.

Give me about an hour, though, to get some different wheels.  In case I
need it, I want something with a more powerful engine than my pickup. 
" Amanda nodded her agreement.  So much had separated them in the past,
but this time they were in perfect accord.  Both were parents, fighting
for their
children.  Amanda saw 184 the understanding that flickered in his
eyes, and her heart reached out to his.

Bernice cleared her throat.

"I'll call Miriam now.  She'll be happy to take care of Hope, believe
me."

She headed for the kitchen.

Tony joined Amanda by the window.  Placing one hand on her shoulder, he
slowly turned her around.  that's going on, I may not be a good role
model for any child at this point in my life, Amanda, but I do care
about you, and I care about Hope.  You can trust in that completely.  I
know the streets, and I know criminals, maybe far too well for your
tastes.  But right now, that knowledge is exactly what you need in your
corner.  " She suppressed a shiver.  Tony could be ruthless, but to
fight the kidnappers, she'd need him there beside her.  S~ the day when
Ron had placed that tiny little girl in Amanda had stopped defining
herself as one person.

had claimed a place in her heart so thoroughly couldn't even imagine
how she'd ever gotten b3 A few times she'd entertained the thought of
second child, but Amanda wasn't sure she could ever second child as
much as she loved Hope.

Yet now she was being asked to send her little girl because she was no
longer capable of keeping her safe, heart breaking, she prepared to do
what she had to safety of her child.

AMANDA DROVE CAREFULLY as her daughter.  Once she hit an empty stretch
noticed a blue sedan in the distance behind her.  Tony guard them Well
As they traveled down the highway, Hope was questions.  Hiding the
truth from her child hardest task of all.

"Mommy, I want to go with you!  Why can't " Peanut, I'll be away a very
short time, and I'll call you often, I promise.  Besides, you're going
to love being at Miriam's.  " " Can I help feed the ponies?  "

Amanda swallowed back her tears, determined not to break down in front
of her daughter.

"I'm sure you can.

And you know what?  Winston will be coming out to stay with you, too. 
" " Yay!  "

Amanda sang nursery rhymes along with Hope, helping pass the time.

They arrived an hour later.  Despite everything, to Amanda it seemed as
if the time had sped by much too quickly.

Amanda took Hope to Miriam, who sat waiting for them on the porch
swing.

Hope suddenly spotted the horses in the corral and dashed to the end of
the porch for a better view.  "Mommy, look!  Big ponies!"

Miriam laughed.

"We don't have the ponies anymore, Hope, but we do have some mares. 
You'll like old Betsy, I'll bet.  She's the chestnut horse with the
white socks.

She'll happily carry you around the arena as often as you want.  "
Amanda glanced at Miriam.

"Are you sure it's safe?"

"Betsy carries my grandkids.  She's steady as a rock.  Of course, I'll
be leading her around.  It's not as if I'm turning the mare over to a
three-year-old," she said with a laugh.  "Don't worry, Amanda.  Hope
will be well taken care of."

Hope watched as a mare nuzzled her foal.

"Mommy, look at the baby horse!"

Amanda nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Make sure nothing happens to my little girl," she said, looking over
at Miriam.

"I will."  Miriam lowered her voice.

"Bernice didn't tell me much, except that you're in some kind of
trouble.

I'll make very sure Hope is safe.  Nothing will harm her here.  Don't
worry. "

 Amanda gave Hope one last hug and kiss and watched as her daughter
walked with Miriam to the corral.  Hope's attention was riveted on the
colt.

Knowing her daughter would be all right, Amanda left and reached the
highway a half hour later.  Glancing around, she searched for Tony, but
he was nowhere to be found.  Then, as she rounded a curve, she spotted
his sedan parked on the hillside opposite He'd chosen well.  From
there, he could see for miles.

Secure in the knowledge she hadn't been followed, Amanda returned to
the city.  As they approached a by the road, Tony closed the gap
between them.

The way was deserted as the shadows of evening area.

Tony came up from behind her vehicle and his left.  Amanda pulled in
next to a cluster of picnic and Tony followed her in.

"We have to talk," he said, sitting down beside need to get Hope's
adoption papers from you, Maybe I can track down some leads with them. 
Most t ers leave telltale signs that can be traced back to their' vie
us work.  Could be anything from the brand of inks and typefaces.  "
Amanda hesitated.

"I can give you any information need."

"I won't turn you in.  Surely you know that Mandy.  My concern is
getting Carmen back, not l Hope away from you."

Amanda nodded slowly.

"All right.  I'll let' but it's too late today.  I'll have to stop by
my box.

I don't keep those papers in my home.  "

"To the best of your knowledge, was Ron ever in anything illegal?  ....
" I truly don't know.  Ron never talked to me ness.  Tony looked at his
watch.

"I've got an a contact tomorrow.  She's learned of a that's operating
in this area, providing documents to anyone who can meet their price. 
If you can get the adoption papers while I'm talking to my informant,
we can meet afterward and I'll take them to be checked out by
experts."

"I'll let you see the papers, study them, and do whatever you need, but
I'm not turning them over to you.  Raymond is now involved in this
case.  If there/s something wrong with the adoption papers, he probably
wouldn't hesitate to set things in motion that could cost me my
daughter.  I can't risk that."

"I don't have to turn the papers over to him."

"Then you won't mind that they stay in my posses ion

It's non-negotiable, Tony.  "

" All right.  "

"You will need me along when you question people about the
counterfeiters, though.  I'm acquainted with those adoption papers.  If
what makes Hope's papers forgeries entails more than a phony signature,
something more along the lines of a certain type of seal, for example,
that means this was more than a one-shot deal with Ron.

If he's involved in a major way, then there's a chance I may have
overheard something I didn't consider important at the time, or I might
have seen something that could help you,"

Tony nodded.

"Sounds reasonable.  You're in, then.  I'll follow you back to your
place.

Try to get some sleep.  I,m going to take care of a few details, like
dropping by Raymond's to see if he's learned anything new, then hit the
sack myself.  I'll be by in the morning to pick you up.  We'll ride
together.  "

THE ~ MORN~O Tony drove across town with Amanda.  "This meeting is
going to be out in the open," he said.

"It's the only way I could get ICT.  to meet me.  K.T. is into a
variety of scares and always keeps an ear open to what's happening in
this town.  She's one of my best informants."

 "There's nothing on this road except an old cemetery," Amanda said,
looking around.

"I know.  She said that it was the perfect place.  It would remind us
both what people did to informants."

Amanda suppressed a shudder.

"How will she react to my presence?"

"She knows who you are.  That bomb scare at the day, care center got a
lot of attention.  I don't think she'll clam up: on me."

They parked just off the cemetery grounds, then walked in through an
old wooden gate in the long, low adobe Amanda noticed a small crowd of
mourners leaving graveside service.

"What's she look like?"

Tony gestured to his left.

"She's right over called Amanda's attention to a young woman dark hair
and sunglasses.

Her long black skirt and vative blouse made her blend in easily with
The woman took a step back as they glanced behind them.

"What are you trying to mosT' K.T. asked, her voice taut.

"You know who this is.  She's helping me."

"Yes, I know who she is," the woman admitted.  She Amanda a probing,
speculative gaze.

"From what I you've also got everything on the line."

"What have you heard?"  Amanda asked.

"Rumors mostly, that claim you were one clients."  She shrugged.

"But this was just gossip, more."

"Get to the point, K.T. We're pretty here," Tony growled, his gaze
darting around.

"Havo got something worth the price or not?"  He reached i pocket and
brought out a roll of bills.

"Oh, I think you'll definitely like this."  K. T. the pocket of her
skirt and brought out a sheet of folded paper.

189 Tony scanned it.

"It's a birth certificate and a social-security number for a Jeremy
Robertson.  So what?"

"Ask your former partner in the Bureau.  He'll know who Jeremy
Robertson is.

He arrested the guy last week.  "

"For what?"

"I'm not doing all your work for you, Ramos."  K. T. " smiled.

"Do you know Jack Lumet?"

"I've heard of him."

"He's started a new business.  It's in a room behind Pedro's Pool Hall.
 Go tell him you're looking for Hugo-that's the code--and he'll open
the door."

"What's happening there?"

"I've earned my money.  Go do a little work for yourself."  She took
the bills from Tony's hand.

"It's time for me to disappear for a while.  I'll be leaving town. 
It's been nice doing business with you."

She started to walk off, then glanced back.

"Don't try to follow me."

"Wouldn't think of it," Tony replied.

Amanda started to walk back to the car, but Tony touched her shoulder,
holding her back.

"Not yet.  Let K.T. get away first.

Otherwise, she'll get nervous.  Last time she got nervous, she put a
bullet in my front fire.  Both cars were moving at the time.  It was a
polite warning.  She always hits what she's aiming for.  " " She seemed
so nonviolent," Amanda said, surprised, " not the type to be a deadly
shot.  "

"On the streets, no one is quite what they appear to be," Tony said
softly.

Chapter Twelve Tony drove away from the cemetery quickly.

"I'm going to drop you off at your day-care center.  You probably have
work to do.  Then I'll go check this out."

She shook her head slowly.

"No.  I think it's best if I stay away from the center for now.  I
think it's too dangerous for me to be around the kids.  There's no
telling what the kid-nap pets are going to do next at this stage," she
said sadly.  l~irst she'd been separated from her daughter, now from
the work she loved.  She felt trapped in an endless nightmare. 
"Bernice is fully qualified to take care of the business for me until
I'm able to put in regular hours again."

"Then why don't you get the adoption papers from the safety deposit
box?  You agreed to show them to me."

"No.  Not now.  I'm seeing this thing through.  I'm going with you.

You're not cutting me out now.  " " Well, you certainly can't come with
me, not on something like this.

I have no idea what I'm going to be walking into.  Worrying about you
isn't going to help me at all.  " " Then don't.

I can take care of myself.  " He groaned.

"All right.  I don't want to waste time arguing.  K.T.

sometimes pulls a fast one.  I don't want her to warn Jack that we're
coming.

" Tony drove to the pool hall K. T. had told him about.  Motorcycles
lined the parking area closest to the building, and the
rest of the lot was occupied by oversize pickups.  Two heavily tattooed
men with bulging muscles stood by the front door, drinking beer from
long-necked bottles.

"Pedro's boys.  Will you reconsider coming in with me now?"

"And stay out here by myself?  Not on your life."

As they reached the entrance, one of the men suddenly blocked Tony's
way.

"You're not welcome in here anymore, Ramos.  Get back in your car and
take off while you still have all your body parts."

"Cut the formalities, Frankie.  I haven't got time.  I'm looking for
Hugo."

"Tough."

The man threw a right-hand jab, but Tony slipped inside the blow,
landing a heavy fist on the man's jaw, slamming him against the door
with a thud.

Suddenly, the second man blocked Tony's way, his fists up.  Now that
Amanda saw him close up, she realized the goon was a full head taller
than Tony and twice as wide.  Tony didn't stand a chance.

"Gentlemen, enough posturing!"  she enunciated in her best teacher's
voice.

"I'm here on business.  Mr.  Ramos is simply escorting me."

The big guy took a step back and looked down at her in surprise.

"You have bad taste in men, lady.  Next time, try to pick one who
doesn't have quite so many enemies."

Tony managed a smile for Amanda, then returned his attention to the two
men.

"You boys are still in the way."

"Don't push it, Ramos," Frankie said, folding his burly arms across his
chest.

Amanda stared at Frankie, who seemed to have recovered instantly from
Tony's punch.  He looked as if he spent his days bench-pressing
trucks.

"We're here to do business," she said briskly.

"We're not looking for trouble.  If you'll kindly introduce us to Hugo,
I would appreciate it."

 "Let them pass," a voice just inside the slightly open ordered.

Something about his tone indicated that this the person who made the
final decisions around here.

As they were led through a maze of sweaty men and tables to the back
room, Amanda's hands went cold and '. heart began racing.  She was
proud of herself for them this far.  Tony's fists would have only
resulted bruises and broken bones, possibly including his own.

"Your 'friend' will be in shortly," the man said, a door for them.

As Tony and Amanda entered a dimly lit storage lined with cases of
beer, the door was promptly them.  Amanda looked at Tony
questioningly.

Before Tony could say anything, a young man in his I twenties strolled
in.

"Hello, Jack," Tony said.

"The haree's Hugo.  What can I do for you?"

"I need some information."  Tony brought out the K. T. had given him
and placed it atop a case of beer.  your work?  " " What's in it for
me?  "

"I got you out of a jam once.  It's payback lime," answered.  ; The man
nodded and looked at the the carton.

"This isn't my work, but I wish it was."

"Let's see a sample of what you can do."  ~ "The score's even now~
Nothing's free from this on."

When Tony stepped forward menacingly, heard a shout, then the crunch
and thuds continued, then a gunshot blast echoed side the door.

Tony pulled Amanda toward him and dived with her.  Pushing her next to
the wall, he his body.

"Stay down."

"FBI," they heard a familiar voice yell.

"We're in a raid?"  Amanda asked, horrified.

"I can't afford to get arrested!"

A second later, Raymond burst into the room.  He glanced at Tony and
Amanda in surprise as they rose from the floor.  "What the" -- AS two
more agents rushed into the room, Raymond hustled Tony and Amanda out
into the pool hall.

"We'll square this later," he told Tony in a harsh whisper.

"You're lucky as hell that I'm in charge and that the senator is in
your corner."  He escorted Tony and Amanda past the line of officers
and the men facedown on the floor.  When they got to the parking lot,
Raymond turned to Tony.

"I want a full statement later, clear?  But just tell me right now.  Is
this linked to the kidnappers' forged documents?"

"My source led me here, but no, Jack isn't the guy we're looking for." 
Tony fished out the birth certificate for Jeremy Robertson.

"This is what I got from my source."

"Interesting.  Robertsoh's a known associate of Henderson, the
armored-car robber.  We arrested Robertson last week, but he had an
ironclad alibi.  He wasn't in league with Henderson.  The two had a
falling-out a year ago.

Robertson claims that he never dealt with Hugo, and that he knows
nothing about Henderson.  "

"I think he told you the truth.  Jack said these papers weren't done by
him.

Obviously my source knew of only one counterfeiter in the area making
phony documents and attributed a lot more to him than he was capable of
producing.

So there's somebody else out there taking up the slack.  And they're
better than Jack.  "

"What's next?"  Raymond asked.

"Do you have another lead you can follow?"

"I may.  I'll be in touch."

Once they were underway, Amanda leaned back against the seat and tried
to stop shaking.

"I've never been in a place like that in my life, much less been caught
in a raid; With any luck, I'll never have to go through that again."

  Tony raised an eyebrow.

"You stayed cool.  That's the important thing.

You've got guts, Mandy.  You stood up to those thugs and never blinked
an eye.  " " I just used my common sense.  Brawn wasn't getting us
anywhere.  "

"Sometimes it's needed."

"Maybe it is, but so far I'm the one who experienced leaS~ trauma."

She nodded toward his skinned knuckles.

Tony rolled his eyes but chose not to answer.  After eral minutes, he
finally spoke.

"I've got another idea to pursue, but I've got to act now.  You've seen
how things can' go wrong.  Do you still want in?"

"You bet.  Where are we going?"

"We're going to pay Bobby Serna a visit.  He and I met, but I know what
he looks like.  Bobby's served time I passing bad checks and has worked
for Jack in the possible he's involved in this scare, too.  But first
I've make a quick stop to change my appearance a bit.  I'm ling to play
the role of a high-stakes g creditors--the back room kind.  A mustache
and a em-cut jacket should do it."

Amanda glanced down at her long skirt and cotton

"Am I okay in this?"

"Sure.  It makes you look sexy, a man's mistress?"

She choked.

"A man's whaaat?"

"That'syour role.  Don't you like it?"

"Not particularly."

"How about if you pose as my wife?  That, I think, suit you far
better."  He smiled gently, as a secret from her.

A fierce longing assailed her.

"It'll do," Areand aged to reply.

Tony stopped at a gas station, "I'll be right out."

a small suitcase from the trunk ~f his borrowed went into the rest
room.

When he came out, he looked entirely different.

Amanda stared at him.  He looked good in a mustache, and the brown
jacket with the silver-and-turquoise bolo tie made him look wonderfully
male, yet elegant.

"I approve," she said with the ghost of a smile as he slipped behind
the steering wheel.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Don't get too attached to the look.  I want you to be prepared.  I may
have to get down and dirty."

"Where are we going?"

"The racetrack.  Don't worry, I never resort to violence unless it's
the only way."

"But you like the physical action," Amanda observed.  "That's why
you're in the business you're in."

"I enjoy the challenge, that's true.  Once I find Carmen, though,
that'll change.  I'll have to put in more office time than fieldwork.

I intend to make my agency the best in the Southwest.  It won't all
happen at once, of course, and it'll take hard work, but it will
happen.  " She believed him.  If there was one thing she knew ~bout
Tony, it was that he never gave up.

Once they arrived at the racetrack, Tony parked and led her toward the
crowd of racing fans gathered by the rail.  "Serna is short and in
excellent physical shape.  He's got salt-and-pepper hair and black
eyes.  He's a fancy dresser and tends to wear Stetsons."

Amanda's gaze passed over several men in hats and came to rest on a man
standing near the gates, watching the horses.  He was wearing an
expensive-looking light gray jacket and dark pants.  The brim of his
black hat covered his face, making it impossible to get a clear look at
his features.  "Like him?"

"That's our man, all right.  Let's go have a chat with him, but let me
handle this, okay?  If we push him too fast, he'll Spock on us and
we'll get zip."

Tony strolled up casually and took a spot at the rail
next to Serna.

"Number three looks good,"

Tony said casually.

"Know his best time on this~ track?"

"Check the racing form.  I prefer the long shots, so going with Sonny
Boy.

He's got a few good races in him yet; Maybe this will be his day.  "

"My luck's better when I stay with sure things.

the risk, the less they seem to pay off for me.  " " Lady Luck's
unpredictable.  That's what makes much fun.  "

Tony turned his back to the track and leaned backing at the stands.

"If you're who I think you are, mutual friend."

"Who?"

"Hugo."

"Yeah?"

"Unfortunately, just as I drove by to enlist his ... shall' say,
services, he had members of a government by unexpectedly.  I think his
shop's going to be for a while."  Tony deliberately avoided being too
If nothing incriminating was said between them, would be more likely to
give him the information he Serna's eyes grew wide.

"When did you say this pened?"

"Less than a half hour ago.  The guests are Serna glanced at his
watch.

"Thanks for the tip.

like a good tirade for me to go see how the horses are running out of
state.  " " I did you a good turn.  How about doing one Hugo's
unfortunate situation left me in a jam.  papers for me and my wife. 
Fortunately for us, no were included.  "

"You need another source?"  Serna turned Amanda an appreciative look.

Tony nodded.

"One who's good and can work fast.  We need to be somebody else right
away."

"Hugo was the best for the money.  There is another provider, but he
comes at a very high price.  And you can't deal directly.  Everyone is
screened."

I'll manage.  " Serna nodded.

"Okay.  Call Ron Vila.  He's a lawyer.  Cagey guy.  Does the screening,
I suppose.  Tell him Bobby sent you.  He won't deal with anyone who
doesn't come recommended."

Hearing her ex-husband's name, Amanda felt her heart leap to her
throat2 For endless seconds, the ground seemed to tilt and shift out of
focus.

As Serna walked away, Tony put his arm around her waist for support.

"You don't look so good.  Are you okay?"

"I'm fine.  It just took me by surprise.  I never thought Ron would be
capable of involving his law practice with something so blatantly
illegal.  I knew he would take shortcuts when it was to his advantage,
but nothing like this.  The person who's playing this game bears no
resemblance to the man I married."

"I know that the longer you walk the line between what's legal and
what's not, the easier it gets to cross over."

Amanda looked at Tony, tempted to ask him if he was speaking from
personal experience, but she didn't dare.  She wasn't sure if she could
take an honest answer, at least not now.

"To answer the question in your eyes," he said, "I still respect the
law.  It was my job to uphold it for too many years to lose that.  But
in order to find Carmen, I've had to spend my time cultivating a
network of informants and being, at least outwardly, one of them.  I'm
an honest man, Mandy."

"But I know you spent time in jail before I met you," she countered,
unable to stop the words.  The truth would demand courage from both of
them, but its time had come.

 "The creep I went after was in the business of runaways.  The police
had suspected him for years, couldn't touch him for lack of evidence.

Bythe time leased the girls he abducted, they were usually too ened to
testify.  Then he made the mistake of daughter of a friend of mine.  "
He shrugged.

"I '

him right away to tell me where she was.  That carried a price, and I
paid it.  " " Was that the only time you were in jail?  "

Tony didn't answer directly.

"I'm not telling everything I've ever done was right.  But when I've
the law, it hasn't been so I could make a buck.7 Amanda looked over at
Tony as he started the car.

now?  Ron will certainly not talk to you, no matter your disguise is. 
If he's involved in this, at even level, you can bet he knows precisely
who you are.  " " Yes, and that's why I'm going to need your helps have
to get me into your ex-husband's office.  If possible, then you're
going to have to go over there ~ a good look around.  "

"Ron wouldn't trust me now!-If I do go see him make sure I'm not left
on my own for more and .  That assistant of his, Katrina, is just as
bad."

~"You have to find a way to plant a bug in over something, drop your
purse, do whatever it you've got to leave one where they won't find
it.

chance we've got now.  " Amanda took a long, deep breath.

hesitated a moment.

"Do you have a listening little bag of tricks--the one where you got
your outfit?"  Seeing him nod, she added, "Then let's go ~ Ron's office
now.  I want to do this as soon as think about it too much, I may just
blow it off."

"You cannot do that.  Listen to me.  It's crucial that he doesn't know
you're really on to him.  If he suspects, we could lose our
opportunity."

"I know."  Her shoulders slumped.

"I'll tell him I must speak to him about discrepancies I found in
Hope's adoption papers, and that I won't take no for an answer."

"That sounds all right.  I'll wait for you in the parking area behind
the building.  He'll never know I'm there."

"Let's do it."

As AMANDA WALKED INSIDE Ron's plush, wood-paneled outer office, Katrina
Clark stood up and blocked her way.

"You can't just come in here without an appointment, Amanda."  The tall
blonde stared tit her with venom in her eyes.

"What are you doing here anyway?  You're not his client."

"And I never will be.  But I am Ron'sex-wife and the mother of his
child.

Either tell him I'm here, or I'll do it myself.  " " He's a busy man. 
You're not going to be able to see him now.  " Amanda met Katrina's
gaze squarely.

"Get out of my way.  I'm not here to cause trouble.  I just need
answers to a few questions.  If you push me, however, I'll create a
scene that will have every person in this office building rushing to
your door."

Katrina cursed, then sat back down in her chair.  ".I'll see if he has
a moment."

Ignoring Katrina, Amanda opened the adjoining door and went inside.

Ron was comfortably seated in a leather chair, talking on the phone.

As she walked in, he glared at her and abruptly finished his
conversation.

Clad in an expensive gray suit, Ron had almost achieved the look of old
money.  Now she knew how he'd earned it.

"You're always busy, Ron.  But so am I. I just have a few questions I
want
you to answer about Hope."  She took a seat across from his desk, the
tiny listening device in her cupped palm.

"Then it can wait.  Make an appointment and come back later."

"No, Ron, it can't wait, and I'm not moving."  She stood up suddenly
and gripped the desk.

Her she quickly stuck the bug to the wooden underside.  tired of having
you always put me off.  me, and I need you to answer one question.  How
Hope's birth father have signed those papers if he even in the state? 
" Ron shrugged and leaned back in his chair.

"Okay, so did a bit of creative writing.  You wanted the kid, you?"

"I still do, Ron," she said softly.

"Then take my advice and keep your mouth shut.  You your baby and
that's what matters.  Has someone questioning you about this?"

"No," she replied, keeping her expression neutral.  was just a
discrepancy I noticed while unpacking private papers.  " " Then un
notice it, unless you to find out and have her put in a decide who gets
her.  "

"How can you be so cold-blooded about this?"

stood up so fast her chair nearly toppled over.

"She was never my kid.  The adoption was arranged to make you happy.  I
did love you Amanda."

She felt the tears stinging her eyes.  They separate wavelengths.  He
would never

"With you, it's always the same.  Things are tant than people."  She
waved a hand over his dentally knocking over a photo.  Amanda

"Look what you keep on your desk.  The cabin in the not 'a person." 
She feel sorry for you.

If things are all you value, things are all you'll ever have.  " She
turned and left his office, pass' rag Katrina without a glance.

As Amanda stepped out of the building, she looked around for Tony's
car.  He was speaking to someone who looked like a street person on the
other side of the parking lot.  Then she saw Tony slip the man some
bills and walk away.

Amanda was waiting for Tony when he returned to the.  car.

"What was that all about?"  she asked.

"Wally's going to stay within range of the bug and monitor the tape for
me."

"Are you sure he can be trusted?"

Tony nodded.

"He was a cop once.  He dropped out after he was in a shooting
incident.  The exchange of gunfire claimed the life of an innocent
bystander.  It wasn't his fault, but he never got over it.  He sleeps
in a little apartment behind his brother's house, but he spends most of
his days on the streets.  He still works with law enforcement from time
to time as an informant for some bucks, and he's always been there for
me, particularly whenever I'm pursuing a lead on Carmen.  He knows me,
and he knew my family."

It seemed like Tony's friends were all people who lived on the fringes
of society, yet 'now she understood him well enough to know where he
stood and trust his judgment.  Tony had his own code of honor.  He gave
back what was given to him.  He was as protective of his friends as he
was lethal to his enemies.

"I hope the listening device pays off.  Ron is always so careful.  I
can't see him ever letting his guard down."

"That's why you had to do it.  Your presence would disconcert him.

He'd lose some self-control and have feelings like anger, or jealousy,
or both, without even being aware of it.  " Tony shrugged.

"By the way, where did you plant the bug?"

 Amanda explained what she'd done.

"I don't think ever suspected."

"If my gut instinct is right, he does periodic sweeps of his office
anyway.

He'll find it sooner or later, but hopefully it'll: be later.  "

They were pulling out of the parking lot when Wally, man Tony had
spoken to, came around the corner building and waved quickly at them.

"You may have stirred up more than you know, Tony said.

"I think we're about to get a lead."

Chapter Thirteen Tony drove into the alley across the street.  As he
came to a stop, Wally approached them.

"I've got something already.  Your subject called a guy named Lonnie
and talked about some kind of license form that turned dark when it was
put in a copier.  They're useless now, and Vila used some very
interesting adjectives to describe you."

"Lonnie?"  Tony mulled over the name.

"The name doesn't ring a bell."

"New talent," Wally said.

"Lonnie Sierra.  He's.into counterfeiting, but he's just a laborer, so
to speak.  LOnnie's definitely not the brains of any operation."

Tony shook his head.

"Any idea where I can find him?"

"He works for the state government.  It's a clerical job, but it lets
him access the paperwork and forms that become birth certificates and
such.  He walks off with blank originals and turns them over to his
boss, who's in the business of providing new identities.  Of course,
they also blackmail some of their clients, so the money' keeps
flowing--one way."

"Thanks, Wally."  Tony brought out his roll of bills, but Wally shook
his head and stepped back from the car window.

"Just find your daughter, man.  It's about time she came home."

 "You got that right."  As they got underway, Tony up his cellular
phone.

"We're close, Amanda.  I can feel I'm going to call Raymond.

We're going to need his this.  There's no way around it.  " He paused
for a " We're also about to find out if I was right the Bureau.  This
is not the way I would have deal with this, but we're under the gun
here.  We have other options.  " " We have to find one.  You can't call
Raymond.  If we him involved, he's going to find out that there are,
ancies in Hope's adoption records.  I'll lose my child.  "

"No, you won't lose Hope.  The papers may have to drawn up again, but
her birth mother did give her adoption.  There's no one to contest
custody."

"Except for the birth father."

"If he's still around," Tony countered.

"And if knows about Hope.

They've been threatenin turn up and make trouble, but he hasn't been in
the in what, three years?  Even if he it's not likely he'd try to
establish a claim after all that' "You're probably right, but this
whole thing uneasy."

"You're borrowing trouble, and your fears: against you.  Your child is
safe, and I'm getting finding mine."  He took a deep breath, then let
it out

"You can't have it both ways, Amanda.  don't approve of my vigilante
tactics, but now you~ circumvent the law and withhold evidence."  He,
several moments.

"There's another side to this, too, finds out you're trying to prove
he's pets, he may blow the whistle on Hope's to weasel out of it
somehow.  The problem is, knew about the forged signature, and you'd be
defensive trying to prove you didn't.  It could get That's why we need
to bring Raymond chance is to put all the crooks in jail at the 205 "
All right," Amanda agreed.

"Let's finish it."

Tony dialed Raymond's number at the Bureau.  After a brief wait, he
heard hi sex-partner's familiar voice.  Tony filled him in quickly on
what he and Amanda had uncovered.  "If Sierra's involved, we have to
smoke him out.

Unfortunately, what I'ye given you isn't enough for a search warrant,
because the bug was illegal.  "

"I wish you'd played this by the book."

"No time for that, even if I'd been able to get a warrant.  But I've
got an idea.  Why not pull a bluff?  Send a couple of your boys over
there and roust Sierra.  Then keep one guy near to see what he does
after your boys leave."

"I'still couldn't legally confiscate the papers."

"But you'd still confront the supplier and put the ring out of business
for a while.  And if you squeeze Sierra enough, he may cut a deal."

"I'll give it a try."

Tony placed the receiver down.

"I don't know how you want to play this, Mandy, but I'm going to find
out where Sierra lives and go over there.  I want to see this thing
going down."

"Then I'm coming with you."

"Somehow that's what I thought you'd say."

FolrrY-FIVE bfiNUTES LATER Tony parked uphill from a simple adobe
residence located in an isolated canyon.  Sierra's number and address
had been listed, so finding him had posed no problem.  He waited,
binoculars in hand, for the Bureau team to finish setting up Lonnie
Sierra.

Minutes dragged by as the agents remained inside.  After almost an hour
had passed, the pair of agents stepped outside, got into their car, and
drove off.  Once around a curve, the car slowed down and the passengers
jumped out.

One of them was Raymond.

"Now we wait to see what Sierra does," Tony said.

 Fifteen minutes went by.  They could see Raymond watching Sierra's
house from behind a stand of pit ion trees.

Before long, Amanda heard Tony mutter something under his breath.

"What's up?"  she asked.

"Sierra is on the move.  He's taking boxes out to his car: They've got
him now."

Tony and Amanda watched from their position as the FBI car returned and
the agents moved in.  Sierra bolted for his truck in a flash, firing
off a shot with a handgun in the direction of the approaching car.

"Good," Tony said.

"He's given them probable cause now."

Moments later, Tony's cellular began to ring.  Tony picked it up.

"Yeah, I've been watching the show.  I'm up kill from you," Tony said,
then chuckled.

"No way I was going to stay away.  What's the surprise?

You know me well enough to expect it.  " " I'Ve anticipated you, buddy
boy. Like you said, I know you too well.

I saw you and Amanda up there half an hour ago.  " Raymond sounded
amused.

Tony cleared his throat.

"What do you mean?"  he asked cautiously.

"Exactly when did you anticipate me?"

"You know exactly what I mean.  It's like the photos of that doctored
file I let you sneak out of my office.  The camera you hid in my jacket
pocket Was small, but not that small.  What you got was government
approved.  I figured that it was the least I could do to keep your butt
out of jail."

"You mean you knew all along I'd have to do a numb or on you?"  ~ "Knew
and preempted you.  You're not in deep with the Bunmu, not like you
thought anyway.  What you 'stole' from my office had been prepared
especially for you.  Things have hewn much more official than you
realized, all the way down the line.  You want to come down?"

"To throttle you, sure," Tony growled.

Raymond laughed.

"You can always try.  I could use a light workout."

Tony filled Amanda in as they drove down to meet Raymond.  To his
surprise, Amanda started laughing.

"I fail to see the humor," he growled.

"I hope you always remember this, Tony.  You don't always have to deal
under the table to get what you want or need.  You underestimated the
value of friendship from the very beginning."

His voice dropped to a deep murmur.

"Maybe.  But I never underestimated you, or the power of the feelings
that have grown between us?"  He reached for her hand and brought it up
to his lips.

The kiss sent a thrill through her, but before she could respond,
Raymond rushed over to meet them, and for once, he was smiling.

"On top of the boxes the suspect was hauling out, I found an
interesting list of names," he told them.

"Seems like the forgery ring has a number of 'friends' who have been
bribed or blackmailed to look the other way.  That's how they've
obtained original documents without getting caught.  We also found
several blackened copies of drivers' license forms.  Guess they just
discovered the paper you gave them doesn't perform well when exposed to
the heat of a copier."

Raymond grinned.

"So the people who know about Carmen will be contacting me again."

"With luck, yes.  We're going to try our best to keep this arrest under
wraps, but there's no telling how long it'll be before word gets
out."

"Did you find any leads to the others in the ring?"  Tony asked.

Raymond handed him Sierra's list of people associated with the forgery
ring.

"Anyone here whose name stands out for you?"

He nodded.

"Jeremy Purcell.  You know him, too.  He's the guy who Configured the
age-progression software the local police and the Bureau field 'office
here use.  He's been helping me generate the sketches of Carmen for my
flyers."

"He's not legit, not as of two weeks ago.  I just learned he's in the
base lockup in Albuquerque.  He tried to break into a government
computer, the Department of Defense's, no less, and they backtracked to
his home.  The DOD guys want him raked over the coals.  They're out for
blood."

"I'm going to have to have a chat with him," Tony said.  "He's not a
very talkative fellow."

"If he's being paid, I want to know by whom.  If it's blackmail, I want
to know why.  I have a bad feeling about this."

It wasn't until they were in the car that Tony noticed how quiet Amanda
had become.

"What's wrong?"

"Don't you see what's happening?  We never find answers, just more
questions."

"We found one answer.  Though it's very bad news, I'm glad to find out
now.

I might have been hitting my head against a wall for years.  "

"You mean because of the age-progression software?"  He nodded.

"There's no telling when this guy went bad.  I may have been handing
out an age-progression image of Carmen that has been tampered with."

"That doesn't seem likely.  Other children have been found using those
images generated by the same software, right?"

Tony nodded slowly.

"I may be borrowing trouble, but I've got to check it out."  Tony
dialed Raymond's pager.  "Before I try to talk to Purcell, I'd like to
have you check out that age-progression software," he told Raymond.

"Good idea.  Then we'll know exactly where we stand.  I'll meet you
over at the Bureau office," Raymond said.

"Because of your cooperation in the sting at the DMV, it's okay for you
to come openly."

"Good.  Let's just' hope like hell I'm wrong."

Tony gripped the steering wheel so tightly his hands began to ache.

The possibility that he'd wasted months or even years circulating an
image that didn't resemble his daughter filled him with rage.  The
kidnappers had managed to outwit him at every corner.  But that was
about to stop.  He was about to become their worst nightmare.

AMAh~A STOOD BEHn, n) Tony as the technician at the Bureau ran two test
photos.  Both came up reading negative for faults.

"I guess I worried for no reason," Tony said.

The three men relaxed visibly.  Raymond managed a smile.  "We were all
concerned.  The implications could have affected a lot of parents and a
huge number of cases still pending."

Amanda glanced at Tony, hating herself for-the thought she was about to
bring up.  She could see no other way of pointing it out, either,
except by being painfully direct.  "Gentlemen, I really don't know much
about this type of software, but is it possible to alter only a portion
of the program, or trigger a false image by entering a key word?  For
instance, I noticed that you enter the name of the missing child at the
beginning of the process, before the image is generated."

Tony looked at her, nodding.  H'm eyes grew dark and he, obviously,
understood where her conjectures were leading.

Amanda continued.

"Suppose the name, Carmen Ramos, initiated an altered image, while all
the other names entered created what they were supposed to do.  It
would allow your test images to come out right--and the altered one to
remain undetected."

Tony looked at the technician.

"Is that possible."

" The technician, a small blond-haired man with thick glasses, sat up
abruptly.

"It/s possible for an expert pro-gram met to alter software to do
almost
anything with the appropriate command.
Since our software requires a name entry, what you've suggested is
entirely possible."

The technician turned around as one of the administrative assistants
came into the room.

"Patricia, do you still have your daughter's baby picture?"

"Sure.  It's on my desk, along with the one that was taken of her this
year~ Samantha's in the first grade now, you know."  She smiled
proudly.

"We really need to borrow both those photos, if you don't mind."

"Will I get them back?"

The technician nodded.

"We only need them for a few minutes.  How about it?"

Patricia returned with them a few moments later.  Amanda and Tony
noticed that Samantha had beautiful blond hair and green eyes, just
like her mother.

"Damage them and it's your life," she said with only a trace of a
smile.

"They won't be damaged.  Promise."

The technician typed in Samantha's name and age, then fed the baby
picture into the computer's scanner.  The composite that appeared on
the screen moments later looked remarkably similar to the
first-grader's photo.

"Okay," Raymond announced.

"Now repeat the process exactly as before, except enter the child's
name as Carmen Ramos instead."

The technician nodded and began to type.

"Let's hope I'm wrong about this," Amanda whispered.

Raymond nodded, but Tony seemed not to hear.  His gaze was fixed on the
computer screen.

A few minutes later, a new image slowly came into focus.  A
dark-haired~ brown-eyed girl appeared on the screen, and to Amanda, she
looked just like the last image Tony had posted at the day-care
center.

"They undermined my search from the start."  Tony's voice mirrored the
savage and lethal anger boiling up inside him.

"It's not all bad news, buddy," Raymond said.

"Think about it.  If they went through all this trouble to keep area
residents from identifying your daughter, I'd say there's a very good
chance Carmen is still around Santa Fe somewhere."  Tony considered
Raymond's conclusion.

"It's a thought."

The technician glanced up at them.

"If you have another photo, a clear one we haven't used before with
this software, I can run it through under a different name.  We'll have
the genuine image then."

"I do have one, but not on me."

"Okay.  In that case, give me a day to run a file-by-file check on the
program.  Maybe I can find where it's been 'altered and correct it.

I'd rather not run anything else through it until I'm sure to what
extent it's been tampered with.  " Tony left the Bureau offices with
Amanda, clearly discouraged.  " I'm beginning to think that the people
who've been pulling our strings don't really know where Carmen is, at
least not currently.  They were even ready to make me believe, by using
forged documents, that Hope was really my daughter, just to keep me
spinning in circles while I did their dirty work.  In the light of this
new discovery, I'm beginning to think that they lost track of my child
a long time ago--if she ever survived the accident.  "

"You're exhausted and in no shape to think anymore."  You need some
rest, Tony.  How long has it been since you had a full eight hours?  "
" About three years," he admitted slowly.

"We both need some sleep.  I'm past thinking rationally at this point
myself."  The thought of returning to her empty house sent a chill
through her.

"Problem is, as tired as I feel, I don't want to go home," she
admitted.

"Not with Hope still away."

"I know what you're feeling.  Even the thought of being home when the
house
is totally empty makes your insides knot up, I went through that, only
it was a lot worse after Lynn and Carmen were... gone."

"I don't think I could have survived what you did."  "You would have.

You're very strong.  But the pain stays, no matter what you do from
then on.

It puts a shadow over everything in your life after that.  " " Time
didn't ease your pain, because 'the matter was never resolved.

You knew Lynn was gone, but Carmen's fate was and still is a big
question mark.  "" "What's eating me is that I still have to consider
the possibility that my child is gone forever.  All these years I've
purposely blocked that from my mind.  I just couldn't deal with it."

Amanda reached for his hand and covered it with hers.  "Don't give up
yet.

It's too soon.  "

"Or way too late," he finished, turning onto her street.  Tony pulled
into her driveway and parked.

"I'll walk you to the door, then you go get some rest."

"I don't want to be alone again tonight," Amanda whispered, her voice
raw.

His gaze locked with hers.

"Neither do I," he said, his voice a husky murmur in the confines of
the car.

"Then stay."

Tony's body shook as be walked to the front door with her.  He needed
to touch her, to lose himself in her warmth and softness, to' feel her
naked and vulnerable beneath him.  Fires danced through him as vivid
images formed in his mind.

As Amanda unlocked the door, his eyes strayed to her s'fik-y hair and
the way it drifted~ against the curve of her neck.  He thought of
brushing it aside and raining kisses on the soft flesh, then lower,
down her body, until she writhed wildly in his arms.

The fire in him grew hotter.  When she closed the ~door behind them and
turned, he saw the same vulnerability and need mirrored in
her eyes.  Her nipples had tightened into hardness, and the light bra
she wore under her cotton top did nothing to hide them.

Sensing the passion within him, Amanda wound her arms around him,
nestling her head on his shoudler.  He shuddered, desperate now for the
warmth inside her.

When he felt her lips nuzzling his neck, a charge of electricity surged
through him.  He tilted her chin upward and bent down to take her
mouth.  HIS lips pressed against hers, his mouth widening to take more,
needing her sweetness.  Her soft sighs drove him crazy.  He wanted
more; closeness wasn't enough.  He had to possess her.

Amanda wriggled against him, pressing the lower part of her body
against his stiffened manhood.  The movements drove him mad.

"We won't make it to the bedroom at this rate," he said in a raw
whisper.  " She continued to rub against him.

"I need... so much."  Tony lifted her skirt and felt the soft skin
beneath her panties.  Sinking to his knees before her, he guided her
undergarments downward, exposing her to him.

"Lean on my shoulders," he said, his voice a jagged groan in the
night.

He brought her to his lips and kissed her deeply, savoring her
sweetness as she cried out his name.  Passion ruled him, and he knew he
would possess her tonight.  She was his, body and soul.

When Tony sensed that Amanda could take no more, he lifted her easily
into his arms, carrying her to the bedroom.  He placed her gently on
her bed, the banked fires in him gathering force.  He wouldn't take her
quickly.  This was the time to show her his love, to make her feel
cherished and desired.  Every time she lay down in her soft bed from
this moment on, he wanl~l her to remember this night--the fires and the
ecstasy.

He unbuttoned her cotton top, then unfastened the front hook of her
bra.  Her clothing lay spread around her like flower petals unfurled.

He lifted her skirt, allowing its full Aimee 2~urlo ness to drape to
the side, while revealing all the intimate places that still glistened
with his love.

Amanda looked exquisitely vulnerable and beautiful.  The thought formed
and vanished as he surrendered to one driving force, the desire to be
one with her.

He stripped off his own clothing and settled himself gently over her.

Tony felt her readiness as her hips moved upward, seeking him.  The tip
of his shaft touched her opening, yet he forced himself not to enter
her.

"Say it, Mandy.  Tell me you love me."

The words frightened her.  She didn't want to say them out loud.  :"I
need you, Tony, with all my heart."

"No, Mandy.  Tell me you love me.  You feel it, I know.  It's there in
your heart.  Say it."  An urgency he couldn't contain impelled him to
sink a little deeper into her body, though he still did not penetrate
her fully.

"Tell me," he repeated.  She tried to arch against him to draw him
farther in, but he slipped one hand to her hips and held her steady. 
"Are you mine, Mandy?"  He shuddered with the effort his restraint was
taking, but made no move to complete their union.

"I love you, Tony.  I'm yours."  She arched her body again as he drove
down.

"Just as you are mine," she murmured.

He felt a shock of pleasure jolt through him as her body pressed hotly
to his.  His nerves were on fire, the flames centering in his groin.

Her body was open to him, and he plunged into its warm depths over and
over again.  Clasped tightly inside the velvet walls, he was consumed
by raw and desperate pleasures.

A flood of release lifted them high, then relief allowed their spirits
to flutter gently downward.  In that shining aftermath, there was only
one truth.  They loved each other, and no matter what life held for
them, nothing would ever erase what they'd shared.

He held her long after her breathing had evened and her body relaxed
with the peace that came with sleq want to sleep.  He wanted to enjoy
the warmth of her body against his.  Yet exhaustion took its toll, and
soon he drifted into the yawning darkness that reached out to him.

FROM THE DARKNFSS that encompassed her, Amanda heard a familiar voice
calling.  She turned around to see the Woman who'd visited her
before.

"Your heart has shown you the truth.  Now follow the path carved out
for you.

Your happiness lies there.  "

"All I'll find through my love for Tony is a broken heart.  He's used
to making his own rules, to getting whatever he wants at any cost.  I
need a man who'll want more children, who'll teach them about honesty
and love through example, not just words."

"The answers you need lie just ahead.  Don't give in to despair."

The vision vanished, though Amanda tried to call out to the woman to
wait.

"Wake up, Mandy!"

Startled, Amanda's eyes flew open.  She saw Tony's face and relaxed
back into his arms.

"These dreams..."  "Nightmares?"

"No, not exactly.  I keep having these dreams about a woman telling me
that everything is okay.  But I don't understand any of them."

"Dreams can he confusing.  The subconscious mind sometimes jumbles
everything together," Tony murmured soothingly, holding her close.

"The strange part is that the woman who speaks to me seems just as real
as you or me!"

"Hush."  He brushed her forehead with a kiss.

"No more dreams.  This is our time."  He touched her lips with his
own.

Amanda shut her eyes.  if the present was all they were destined to
share, then she'd treasure each precious second.  She snuggled deeper
into his arms.

Tony was solid and so very real.  She gave herself over to the love
he
offered and felt 216 his body harden.  The fever of wanting returned
and, ering strength from life, they found each other again.

Hours later, the ringing of the phone awakened them a jolt.  Amanda
reached for it, instantly alert when she heard:: Raymond's voice.  She
handed the receiver to Tony.

"Something break on the case?"  Tony asked quickly.  "We analyzed phone
records and something curious turned up.  Sierra never called Ron
Vila's office, dozen calls this past month went from Sierra to Clark's
private number.  Do you know who the woman is?"

"Ron Vila's paralegal and secretary."

"Correct.  We're doing a background check on her I'll let you know what
we turn up."

Tony hung up and gave Amanda the

"How' long has Katrina been working for your husband?"

"Since before he and I were married.  That's reason why she?s always
hated me, I think.  She designs on him, and I got in the way.  I trina
was much more his type.  Now maybe it right."

"I'm going to check with Wally.  Let's see what of yours turned up."

"Am I reading you right?  Do you heavily involved?"

~ "You tell me.  How much influence does she your ex-husband?"

"I've never really known that.  I've never been anything from her but
resentment, especially back to Santa Fe and Ron also decided to her and
open an office in town."

Amanda dressed quickly, following Tony.

out the bedroom door, she glanced back.  Many been said between them in
the heat of might never be said again.  An her as she
realized the pain of relinquishing a love never meant to be.

"You ready?"  Tony asked, interrupting her musings.  Amanda nodded and
hurried after him to the front door.  They were just about to step
outside when the phone rang.  She ran to pick it up and froze as she
heard the electronically altered voice.

"We're ready to turn over the information on the Ramos kid.  Can you
pick it up?"  the voice asked.

Amanda motioned Tony to the extension.

"Where and when ?  " It will be waiting just outside the Rancho del Sol
when you arrive if you leave right now.  Do you know the dude ranch I'm
talking about?  " " Sure.  It's south of Santa Fe, off State Route 14. 
" Amanda saw Tony pick up the extension carefully.

"Right.  Look for a packet on the large boulder that marks the turnoff
to the ranch."

Hearing the dial tone, Amanda replaced the receiver and repeated the
portion of conversation Tony hadn't heard.

"It looks like they're going to keep their word after all."

"I doubt it.  They could have mailed us the stuff.  This has all the
earmarks of an ambush, but I've got to play it out.  This time, though,
I don't want you with me.  It's going to be extremely dangerous."

"We could call Raymond."

"He'll want to take over, get a tactical team together and cover all
the bases.  I don't want to wait that long."

'"Well, you're not pushing me out of the way.  There's been danger all
along.

I'm going, even if I have to follow you ~n my own car.  I want whoever
threatened my little girl jail just as badly as you want whoever took
Carmen. " She picked up her purse from the sofa.

"Let's go."

They drove south out of the city.  In the early morning people were
heading toward Santa Fe, not out and they had almost no traffic to
contend with.

 218 Tony made the turnoff the freeway onto the almost deserted state
road, heading to the landmark the kidnappers had mentioned.  They
spotted the large boulder near the intersection of the pavement and a
long gravel road.  A thin pit ion forest began less than a hundred
yards away.

"There!"  Amanda pointed.

"But I don't see anything that looks like a package on it."

"Maybe it's on the other side."  He slowed the vehicle,~ down, glancing
around.

"Stay in the car.  With all and pitiohs for 'cover, this is a great
place for a sniper.  behind the wheel, keep the engine running, and
wait me."  ' Amanda's gaze drifted slowly over the hills to the east,
to the small mountain range beyond.  a beautiful summer morning, the
air still cool, and shining from a clear sky.

Everything was quiet ful.  Maybe they'd finally reached the end of the
line.

prayed for Tony, hoping he'd find the news he'd l searching for for so
long.

As she glanced saw Tony edging closer to the boulder in a crouch, on
the butt of the pistol at his waist.

She looked around, unable to see any cause for Then, the loud crack of
a rifle shattered the serenity rounding them.

Chapter Fourteen Tony dived to the ground, rolling behind the boulder
as another bullet ricocheted harmlessly off the limestone.  He couldn't
see the sniper, but from the trajectory of the bullets, he had a good
idea of where he was.

' Amanda stepped onrthe gas and pulled up next to him, shielding Tony
from the gunman's view with the ear.  As she reached over and threw the
passenger door open, he jumped inside instantly.

"Go!"  he shouted.

Amanda floored the accelerator.  The wheels spun on the gravel, spewing
clouds of dust and stones behind them as they sped back onto the
highway.

"Did you find the information?"

"There wasn't anything there.  It was a setup.  But it's a good sign.

This means we're getting close, and they're running scared.  " " Can't
Raymond arrest Ron and Katrina with what he's got now?  "

"No way.  There's not any physical evidence leading to them.

Besides, if Raymond makes a move on Katrina, Ron and the others before
I get whatever information they have on Carmen, I'll never find my
daughter.  I have no other leads.  And they do know something.

They had the brac el t.

"I*

 220 Amanda drove quickly home, hoping the kidnappers would try to
contact her again.  They found Raymond waiting for them in his car as
they pulled' up.

"What are you doing here?  Has something happened?"  Amanda asked,
looking around quickly.

"I came by to talk to your neighbor, Ricky Biddle, wasn't there,"

Raymond said, walking inside the house them.

"I never stopped digging into his background, know.  Well, I finally
uncovered something.

months ago, Biddle was accused of stalking an old friend of his.  The
charges were dropped.  That's why I find out sooner.  But this made the
guy interesting I took a hard look at everything he's told you.  " He
at Tony and rubbed the back of his neck.  time of the fire in
Amanda'sgarage is bogus."

"He wasn't really on the phone?"  Tony asked.  "No.  He was
transferring a computer file via that whole operation can be made
totally automatic.  could have been anywhere at the time."

"You said you just came from his place?"

mond nod, Amanda continued.

"Are you sure he your knock?"  Amanda asked.

"He's usually there thisi of day."

"The house was silent, except for a back.  The curtains were drawn and
there were I can only go by that if he doesn't answer the have enough
for a search warrant.  Not yet " I'll pay him a visit later on today,"
Tony he'll decide to talk to me."

"Go by the book, Tony.  Don't muddy the wateti get thrown out of
court."

"Wait a second," Amanda interrupted.

"Do think Ricky is the kidnapper, or that he's in any way?"

"One or the other," Raymond answered know Jeremy Purcell altered the
program, 221 had help.  Biddle's a good candidate for that.  He's paid
to write computer programs, and let's face it, the guy always shows up
when there's trouble.  " Amanda shook her head.

"I've always thought of Ricky as obnoxious but harmless.  I never
dreamed he'd turn out to be so twisted.  I'll tell you one thing.  I'm
never again taking people at face value.  Those days are overt" AFTER
RAYMOND LEFT, Amanda walked over to the phone.  "I can't stand it
anymore.  I'm going to call Hope."

"Don't use your home phone.  Use my cellular.  If they're trying to
find Hope in order to get more leverage, they may be accessing the
numbers you dial.

Considering the computer hackers we've linked to the kidnappers, that's
not such a reach.  At least with the cellular, you'll cut down on the
chances of their tracking her down.  They wouldn't be ex-~g me to call
your daughter.  "

Amanda walked outside to his car and dialed Miriam's number.  After
talking to Miriam and learning that Hope was outside brushing the
horses with Dean, Miriam's husband, Amanda relaxed.  Her daughter
hadn't been touched by the confusion surrounding them here.

As Amanda started back, she saw Tony come to meet her at the door.

"Let's get going, Mandy."

"Where?"

"You and I are going to pay Mr.  Biddie an impromptu visit."

They walked up the gravel road and arrived at Ricky's a few minutes
later.

Amanda glanced at the driveway.

"If Ricky was home, his motorcycle would have been parked by the door,
under the porch.  That's where he keeps it."

"Good.  Then we can take a look around at our leisure.  You never know
what we'll find."

"You mean peek through windows?"

"Sure.  If he's not here, it can't hurt."

 222 Amanda hurried after Tony as he walked toward the rear of the
house.

"Wait, Tony!  Remember, he's got a dog inside."

"What kind?"

" A rottweiler."

Tony stopped in midstride.

"That changes thingsY " But the dog's inside the house, not out.  " "
No problem, then.  Just be quiet when you window.  With any luck, he
won't hear us.  " Amanda hind him, Tony crept up to a side window and
looked i The living room was covered with stacks of printouts and file
folders.  Even the sofa lacked space to sit down.

"This guy doesn't have a lot of interests, does he?"  ,

"Tony, be reasonable.

We're not going to learn out here.  Let's just go back to my place and
wait returns.  "

"In a minute.  Don't be so impatient."

Amanda looked over her shoulder.  This was making nervous.  ~ The idea
of skulking around anyone's peeking in windows, invading their privacy,
was repulsive to' her.

"If he's as smart as you give him credit for, he'~, going to leave
evidence lying out in the open where can see it."

"You never know," Tony whispered, and kept walking toward the back of
the house, staying close to the outside wall.  The curtains were drawn
on the first set of windows they passed, but a crack between the
curtains had been left in the next.  Tony leaned forward, cupping his
hands on the pane to see in.

"Amanda, go back to the car and wait for me there."

"You don't actually believe I'm going to leave you here now, do you?"

She moved in beside him and glanced in, side.

"I" -- She staggered back, going pale all of a sudden.  "I don't
believe it."

Tony steadied her, gave her hand a hard squeeze, then
went back to the window.  He studied the interior, anger making his
muscles grow taut.  Photos of Amanda, obviously taken without her
knowledge, were plastered all over the walls.

"Should we call Raymond?"  she managed to say at last.

"Taking photos isn't against the law.  What we're.  doing is."

"But these..."  She shook her head.

"I walk with Hope to my mailbox every day.  I never saw anyone hanging
about."

"He used a big telephoto lens for most of these."

"He snapped a photo of me in my bathrobe through my window.  To do that
he had to have been in my backyard."

"None of them shows you undressed at least-.  It could have been
worse."

"This is bad enough," Amanda said, her voice shaky.  She felt dirty
somehow.

Her private moments, like playing with Hope in the baby pool in the
backyard, were there on the walls of some man's home.  She shuddered.

"I had no idea..."

Tony gave hera sympathetic look.

"There's a framed photo on his nightstand.  That wasn't taken with a
telephoto.  It's a snapshot of you and Hope at a lake."

Amanda turned back to the window.  and looked inside.  "That was taken
from my bedroom.  Itwas the one I kept on my dresser, the one I told
you had been stolen."

"Certainly that's evidence that he broke the law.  But it's not enough
by itself:' " What are you talking about.  9 He took it from my
bedroom[" " He could claim he found it out by the road after the
in-cideat with the fire, for example, and that he hadn't quite gotten
around to returning it to you. " " Ricky probably would say something
like that.  He's smooth.  I'll give him
that.  But now I'm convinced he really 224 did set that fire.  Maybe
he was jealous, I don't know.  I mean, he's obviously a full-fledged
creep.  "

Tony moved to the next window.

one of you in his study, but believe me, you don't want see it.  "
Amanda moved forward.  She caught a glimpse of herself in a wet
T-shirt, braless, playing under the sprinkler with her daughter.  Her
breasts showed clearly' accentuated by the~ water and thin material.

"That son of-- Suddenly, a dark beast slammed against the pane,
rattling frame.  Amanda recoiled from the glass.  wondered where he
was."

The dog barked furiously, sending a spray of the glass.  Then, to their
surprise, the animal suddenly ran out of the room.

"Why did he turn and run like that?"  Amanda asked~ puzzled.

"If Ricky had driven up, we would have heard cycle."  Tony considered
the mystery for a second.

"Tell me there's no doggie door."

"No," there isn't.  Ricky doesn't like them.  " Amanda hean~ a creaking
sound and looked around for its source.  A m?

sive snout was forcing up the sash of a partially ope~ win dew.

"Oh, great.  I never expected a doggie window!,"

Tony grabbed her hand thinking quickly.  If they headed toward the
front of the house, the dog, already halfway out~ would, no doubt, get
them as they went by.  With Tony pulling her by the arm, they ran
toward the old cottonwood farther along the side of the house.

"Climb!"

"I can't climb trees!  I haven't done this" -- She heard a thump as the
animal leaped to the ground, eager~ for the chase.  Without hesitation,
she jumped to the f'u-st branch and scrambled up.

Tony was right-behind her.  He'd just hoisted himself onto the branch
beneath Amanda, when the dog pounced, his jaws snapping inches from
Tony's leg.

"Forget it, boy.  I'm not a hot lunch."

The dog sat down at the base of the tree, eyeing them.  Its throaty
growl made Amanda's hair stand on end.  e can t go back down there.

He'll rip Us apart.  " After carefully assessing the situation, Tony
said, " We've got one chance.  We crawl over this branch, past the
trunk, to the branch on the other side that's just above the garage. 
Then it'll just be a matter of getting onto the garage roof, walking
across, and jumping down into the empty lot on the other side of the
wall.  "

Amanda glanced nervously at the dog, then at the branch.  She'd always
hated heights, and this wasn't improving her phobia.  ~"We could stay
here until Rick-y gets home.  After he puts the dog away, I'll take
care of Ricky.  You could look the other way while I punch him ri t on
the " As much as I would enjoy seeing that, god nose.  " think I better
warn you.  Ricky may not call' the dog off.  He may call the cops
instead, and have us arrested.  " Amanda closed her eyes, trying to
suppress the rage building inside her.

"The man is such a creep."

"Agreed.  But that know edge won't help us in our current situation."

' "All right," she said with a sigh.

"We'll do it your way."  She began crawling up toward the branch.  At
least the tree was easier to hold on to near the trunk.  The skin on
her palms and thighs, however, was being scraped off by the rough
bark.

"Remind me never to climb a tree with a skirt on."  Amanda stopped once
she got to ~he trunk.

"Hang on for a second.  I need a breather."

Tony gave her bare legs a teasing glance.

"So do I," he

"Don't get cute.  I'm in no mood."

"Yes, ma'am."  As he looked away, he got a glimpse of Ricky's garage.

"You didn't tell me a car."

 226 "I didn't know he did."  Amanda leaned down, angling for a
peek.

"It's an off-white sedan, like the car that tailed us that time."

"There's no license plate on it now.  Interesting.  Still, it's not
anything we can use in court," Tony answered.

Mumbling sourly to herself, Amanda continued across to the other
branch.  Her legs felt as if they were on fire.  Finally they reached
the top of the garage and stepped onto the roof below.

Walking across the flat roof to the other side, Tony climbed down and
then reached up to help

"Climb over the side and let yourself go.  I won't let you fall."

"Are you kidding?  If I let go, I will fall.  Gravity does that to
you."

"Okay, get technical."  Tony exhaled softly.

"You'll fall, but I'll be right here to catch you."

Amanda studied the edge of the roof.  It really wasn't that far to the
bottom--a little under ten feet, if she judged it right.  If she
climbed over, her feet would be more than halfway down before she even
let go.

"Step aside.  I'll on my own."

A second later, she released her hold on the she dropped, Tony reached
out and caught

"Put me down!  I didn't need help," she Amanda dusted herself off while
the dog ously on the other side of the wall.  Then he claws scraping
near the top.

"Let's get out of here before he finds a way to get that wall," Tony
said.

Silence descended as Tony drove to Amanda's.  It wasn't until he' he
finally spoke.

"Time's running out, Mandy.  nappers are going to holt like they did
before.

a way to force Ron to tell me what he knows, or find Carmen.  "

"What do you have in mind?"

"When Ron brought Hope to you, were there any personal effects that
came with the baby?"

"Just a blanket."

"Did you keep it?"

"Sure.  It was pretty.  It was all hand embroidered.  Hope uses it for
her dolls nowadays."  She led the way to Hope's room, walked over to
the toy shelf and pulled it out.

"Here it is."

Tony took it in his hands and stared at it for a long time.

"I don't see how you could use this 'against Ron," Amanda said, puzzled
by his behavior.

"I have an idea, but I need to talk to Raymond first.  I want him to
use some of his informants."  Tony placed the blanket back on the
shelf.

"I'll see you again in a few hours."

"I'll go with you," she said, accompanying him to the door.

He shook his head.

"No.  Not this time.  You'll have to trust me on this.  I'll explain
later, but right now I've got to get going."

Amanda watched Tony leave, uneasiness' spreading through her.  She
returned to Hope's room and brought out the blanket again.  He'd stared
at it with such an odd expression on his face.  Yet if the blanket
itself had been important, surely he would have taken it with him.  The
only assumption she could make was that it had somehow triggered an
idea for him.

Amanda sat on Hope's bed, staring at the empty room.  She missed her
LITTLE girl.  The childless house was filled with a silence so thick it
seemed to have substance.  She lay back on the pillows that still
smelled of Hope's baby shampoo.

All she felt right now was emptiness.  How had-things gone so wrong?

Amanda closed her eyes, and her body began to drift peacefully.  The
quiet enveloped her in a soothing cocoon.  Then an image began to form
slowly, like a photo being developed before her eyes.

 228 "You," Amanda said, recognizing her nightly visitor.  For the
first time, the image was dear and she could make out the details of
the woman's face.  Her green eyes danced and her auburn hair cascaded
softly around her shoulders.

"I came to say goodbye," the woman said.

"Tony will need you more than ever soon, just as you'll need him. 
You're on the brink of your greatest dream or your most haunting
nightmare.  In the end, the choice will be yours.

Just remember, some things come only once in a lifetime.  " " Wait! 
Who are you?  " The image seemed to flicker then coalesce once again. 
was drawn to you, Amanda, because as mothers we share a common bond of
love.  " The image faded, but the stone that hung from a chain around
the spirit's neck continued to glow.  The opal flashed with fire and
bathed Amanda in gentle flames filled with warmth and love.  Then, in
the blink of an eye, that vision was gone, too.

Amanda woke up slowly.  The woman had seemed so real, not just a
figment of her imagination.  She accepted that ~ - ality now, with a
certainty that came from the depths of her soul.

Just then the phone rang.  Amanda walked almost unconsciously to the
living room and picked it up.

"Amanda, it's time we talked."  Ron's voice was clear and unmistakable,
"And don't try to record this.  Believe me, you're go' rag to want this
conversation to stay private."  ~ "I'm not recording," Amanda said,
sure now that he had found the bug she'd placed in his office.

"What do you want?"  Fear for her child and herself suddenly grew in
intensity, touching a primitive level nothing had ever reached
before.

"Hope wasn't my sisl~r's child.  The papers I gave you are all
forgeries.  If Tony Ramos finds out, you'll owe the girl for sure,
Amanda.  Hope/s his child.  I rescued Carmen from the wreck.  I'd been
drinking, and Ramos's wife was already dead, so there was nothing else
I could have done.  I couldn't risk calling the
police, but if I'd left the baby there, she would have died.  We
couldn't have children together, and I knew how badly you wanted to be
a mother.  So Katrina kept the child while I forged the papers.  When
enough time had passed to make my story believable, I brought her home
to you."

Amanda's head was spinning.  She grasped the arm of the sofa, afraid
she'd fall, then lowered herself onto it.

"You're lying.  You couldn't have done something like that."

"You kept whining about not having kids.  I gave you a child, and you
never even had to lose your figure.  You should be grateful."

"Grateful.[" Her heart felt as if it had been caught in a vise.

"How can you live with yourself knowing what you've done?"

"The question is, are you going to Nay on our side now?  You've got to
sidetrack Ramos, Amanda.  He's getting too ose.  And if we go down,
you'll lose your kid, I promise.  the blood test is all it would take
to prove that Hope is really Tony's baby girl."

Hope was hers.  Amanda loved that child with every fiber of her
existence.

"I don't know what I'm going to do.  But whatever it is, it won't be
with you."

"You need my silence, Amanda, and it's for sale.  I want an answer."

"I have no answer to give you!"  she nearly shouted into the phone.

"It's your fault I've been living a lie all these years, and you've put
an innocent man through hell.  How could you have done something like
this?"

"To survive, and to earn a living for us, if you remember.  But my
actions aren't the question now.  Will you keep Ramos off our trail?"

"I need a chance to think this out."

"There's no time, Amanda.  I'll have to take your delaying tactic as a
no.

So be it.  You've made your choice.  Now you'll have to live with it. 
"

The next sound she heard was the dial tone.  Amanda began to
tremble.

Her world was coming apart at the seams.  Her ex-husband, the man she'd
once loved and trusted, had betrayed her and the little girl she'd
grown to love as her own.

Amanda thought of Tony and what he'd come to mean to her.  Anguish as
black as night filled her.  They shared a child.  and their love for
her would tear them apart.

Chapter Fifteen Tony met Raymond in the parking lot beneath the Bureau
offices.

"I

need another favor from you.  I want to run Carmen's picture through
the age progression.  Right now, if possible.  " " Sure.  Did you bring
a new photo of Carmen with you?  " Tony reached for his wallet and took
out the one he had retrieved from his desk at home.

"It's not big, but it's a clear portrait."

"We've worked with worse."  Raymond led him through the rear doors to
the technician's office.

"What's the rush all of a sudden?"

Tony told-Raymond about the blanket Amanda had shown him.

"It looks like the one Lynn bought for Carmen~ at a crafts fair.  I
member when she brought it home.  She'd just found out she was pregnant
and was so excited she'd started shopping right away."

"It's not conclusive," Raymond said.

"There could have been dozens of others sold that looked just like it,
if it was a popular pattern.

Can you positively identify that blanket as the same one?  " " No, I
can't. But Hope is almost exactly the age Carmen would have been.  "

Tony hesitated.

"The only problem with this theory is that I know this is what the
kidnappers
threatened Amanda with at the start of all this~ They told ~232 her
they'd make her life miserable by making me believe Hope and Carmen
were the same child.  They didn't pretend it was actually true.

It was more in line with putting one over on me, then letting me stir
things up.  " " Maybe they didn't want Amanda or you to suspect it
really was true.

Or maybe it isn't.  At this point, there's only one way to know for
sure.

You and Hope have to have blood tests.  " " I can't approach Amanda
with this, not yet.  I want to have more evidence first.  That's why I
want this age progression done.  "

Raymond handed the photo to the technician, and they waited as the
program was initiated.  Impatience tore at Tony's restraint.  The
possibility that Hope was his Carmen, that he'd finally found his
daughter, seemed almost too good to be true.

Minutes ticked by, turning into eternities, as the program finalized
the image.  Finally Raymond tore the sheet from-the printer.

"It could be Hope.  There are many similarities, but it's not an exact
match by any means."

Tony studied it.  His instinct, that tool he'd learned to rely on
throughout his life, now failed him completely.  He couldn't be sure,
not from this.  As he studied the image, he could see Hope's smile and
her eyes, but he couldn't be sure his perceptions weren't tainted by
wishful thinking.  Maybe this was what the kidnappers had hoped for all
along, and why they'd been so certain they could convince him.

"I'm still not sure," he said at last.

"And I won't approach Amanda until I am.  It wouldn't be fair to her,
or Hope.  That little girl has already been through the breakup of one
family.

She doesn't need news like this and a visit to the doctor's.  "

"I think we have to find out more about Biddle, too.  If he knows
something, we need to get it out of him," Raymond said.

Tony told Raymond about what he and Amanda had learned.

"The guy's a scumbag, that's for sure.  He's involved, but there's no
telling to what extent."

"Let's go to the source, then, and find out."

Raymond drove Tony over to Ricky Biddle's home.  Tony checked the porch
for the motorcycle, but it still wasn't there.  Something seemed
different about the place, however.  Tony glanced around.

"Hang back.

Something's not right.  "

" Like what?  "

Tony remained silent, trying to pinpoint the uneasiness he felt.

"The curtains in the front room.  Those were drawn, but now they're
open.

And remember the dog.  He would have heard the car.  With open
curtains, you'd think he would have been at least watching, probably
barking.  " Raymond reached back and rested his hand on the butt of his
weapon.

"We'll take it nice and easy."

They approached the front door from the side, making sure neither of
them became easy targets.  Tony stood off to the right as Raymond
knocked.  There was no answer, nor did they hear an~, sign of the
dog.

Tony crept up to the front window and glanced in.  "Doesn't look like
anyone's home.-I'm going to take a look around the back."

"We'll both go.  ~But try to remember we don't have a search
warrant."

"No problem."  Tony led the way to the bedroom, intending to peer
through the slit in the curtains like before.  Only this time he found
the curtains wide open.  The photos were not on the wall, and the
framed snapshot of Amanda and Hope was missing from the nightstand.

Wordlessly, Tony moved to the other side to get a look at the study.

"The guy's cleared out.  The photos are gone.  So are several boxes of
papers that were there before, as well as a whole lot of computer
equipment."

 234 "In that case, I'm going, to have the police put out an APB,"
Raymond said.

As they were making the ix way to the car, they heard a loud crash,
like wood splintering, at the front of the house.  Tony and Raymond
began to run and reached the driveway just in time to see a white sedan
racing toward them, shattered pieces of the garage door still flying
off the hood.

Raymond jumped to one side and rolled into the bushes, the car narrowly
missing him.  Tony crouched, pistol in hand, and fired off two shots.

The left rear tire seemed to explode, and the car veered sharply to
that side, crashing into a cottonwood tree.  The frightened rottweiler
jumped out the shattered rear window and was halfway down the block by
the time Raymond and Tony reached the car.

Biddie was scrambling out the passenger door when Tony grabbed him,
Raymond quickly cuffed the shaken man.

"I was only going to go after my dog.  My brother will look after him,
but I wanted to make sure he was okay."

"He was well enough to run.  No more games.  We know you're in this up
to your neck," Raymond snapped.

"I would never hurt Amanda.  I love her!"

"What's your connection to her ex-husband, Ron V'da?"  Raymond
demanded.

"Who?  I don't know what you' re talking about."

"Kidnapping is a~ federal offense," Raymond warned.  "Who's been
kidnapped?

Amanda?  "

Raymond gave Tony a look, then hustled Biddie to the Bureau car.

"You'd make it a lot easier on yourself if you come clean.  We know
you've been ~rrorizing Amanda V'fia for some time."

"I only tried to let her know how much she needed to be protected.  I
wanted her to come to me for help.  I would have taken care of her."

"Did you set the fire?"  Raymond asked.

"Yeah, but it didn't hurt anyone.  I was careful."

235 "And the phony bomb at the day-care center?"  Tony barked.

"Three sticks and a clock aren't a bomb.  I would never have hurt
her!

All I wanted was for her to need me, and maybe love me, too.  " As
Raymond placed Biddie in the rear seat of the Bureau car, Tony's pager
went off. Using Raymond's cellular phone, he dialed Amanda's number. 
Her frightened voice chilled him to the bone.

"It's Hope.  She's gone," she blurted, her voice unsteady.  "Somebody's
kidnapped her."

RAYMOND DROVE Tome down the road to Amanda's home while he used the
radio to notify the police about his prisoner and call animal
control.

"Do you think they're going to' use the girl to get more concessions
from you?"  Raymond asked finally.

"No.  They'll probably ~-peat their MO.  and vanish, just like they did
three years ago.  They'll use the fact they have her to stall for time,
and then split.  But this time they won't succeed in taking her away
from me."

"You're now convinced that Hope is really Carmen?"

"Not one hundred percent convinced, but I think the fact that they took
her tends to support that."

As they pulled up in front of Amanda's house, Raymond remained in his
seat.

"I don't think we should have the cops come here to take custody of my
suspect.  I'll meet them a mile down the highway."

"Good idea.  I'll call you just as soon as I've got the whole story."

As Raymond drove off, Tony rushed to the front door.  Amanda was
waiting, her face pale with terror.

"They've taken her.  They've taken my little girl."

"Who took herO."

"I'm not sure.  Miriam called me.  Someone lured Winston into a closet
and
locked him in there, then took Hope 236 out the~ back door.  She'd
been lying down for a nap.  Miriam had just gone out to the barn to
call her husband to the phone.  The only thing she knows for sure is
that Winston got in one good bite, because there were pieces of bloody
trouser cloth still stuck to his teeth."

"We've got to catch them before they leave the area," Tony said.

"Nobody's going to take my daughter anywhere," Amanda said, rage
filling her.

"I want to go to Ron's office.  He's involved in this, and I'm going to
make sure he rots in jail for the rest of his life."

"First things first."  Tony picked up Amanda's phone, dialed Raymond's
car-phone number, and gave him the details.  "Pick up Ron Vila."

"I'll do that.  I'll'also put out an APB on Katrina Clark and Hope.

I'll place the airport and bus stations on alert.  They won't get out
of the area.  " Amanda grabbed her purse and started to head out the
door.

"I'm going over to Ron's.  I have to talk to him alone."

"What's going on, Mandy?"  Tony grasped her shoulders and forced her to
face him.

"There's more to this than you're telling me."

The phone only rang once, but Amanda broke free of Tony and dived
toward it.

"Yes?"

"I don't have time to play games, Amanda.  Listen care~ fully."

"Ron!  Did you" -- "Shut up.  I've got Hope.  You thought you could
hide her at your friend's sist~r's house.  You forgot, I know all about
Bernice.

Tracing all her in-state calls was just too easy.  But don't worry, the
little brat is fine for now.  " " Why are you getting her involved in
this? Let her go.  You don't want her, you never did.  " She saw Tony
pick up the extension in the kitchen.

"You're right.  I don't want her.  Andjust as soon as I'm out of the
country, I'll tell you where to find her.  But if I'm arrested, Hope is
as good as dead.  She can't survive alone where she's at, not for long.
 Back off, Amanda, or you'll kill her.  Hope's the only family you've
got left.  Don't blow it for yourself."

"Vila, if anything happens to that child, I'll find you no matter where
you go," Tony snapped.

"Tell us where she is, glOW!"

They heard a click, then the dial tone.

Tony looked at Amanda.

"You know that we can't play it their way.  If they have time to get
away, we'll never learn where Hope is being kept."

"Ron won't kill her.  He doesn't have it in him.  He's no murderer."

"Maybe not, but what about the others he's allied himself with?  Are
you certain about them?"

Amanda swallowed back her tears.

"What do you want from me, Tony?"

"You know Ron better than anyone else.  Where would he hide if he knew
the police and the Bureau were after him?"

"I don't know!"

Think!  Does he have a hideaway place or a friend he-would stay with? 
" " Katrina and Ron have known each other for a long time.  Maybe he's
with her. "

Raymond walked in through the open door, picking up the last of
Amanda's words.

"You can count on that.  I sent some men over to their office.  Their
papers have been put through the shredder and they've cleared out.  We
do have one lead, though.  There was an impression left on one of the
pads with the name of a small charter airline.

We're tracking it down.  " The cellular phone at his waist began to
ring. Raymond answered it, then issued a few terse instructions before
turning back to Amanda and Tony.

 "A woman fitting Katrina Clark's description is waiting for a charter
flight at a small airstrip between Santa Fe and Taos.  She's alone and
the ID she's using doesn't match the name we have on the APB.  But, if
it is her, that's to be expected."

"I'm going over' there I'll be able to identify her for sure," Amanda
said.

"Good idea.  Sierra implicated both Ron and Katrina a short time ago.

They've been creating phony identities for criminals for years.  Their
latest client, Jonathan Henderson, was paying enough for them to
retire.  " " He'd certainly have the funds after that armored-car
heist," Tony said.

Amanda tried to concentrate on what Tony and Raymond were discussing,
but her only concern was for Hope.  "Do you think Katrina knows where
Hope is?"

"Yes.  But she may not tell us.  If she's that loyal to your
ex-husband, she may decide to take the fall by herself and give him
time to make his getaway."

Amanda's mind reeled with visions of her daughter, scan:xl and alone
someplace.

"Give me some time with Katrina.  I guarantee that witch will tell me
everything she knows."  Her voice was suddenly very cold.

"Let's get going, folks," Raymond said.

"Tony, you follow me in your car.  I hope to be needing my back seat
for prisoners."

Tony's finger's were clenched tightly around the steering wheel as they
got underway.

Amanda opened her mouth as if to speak, then shut it again.

"What's on your mind?"  Tony asked.

"We're caught in an all-or-nothing situation," Amanda said in a taut
whisper.

"There's something you to know."

"Go on," he said, his voice filled with emotions too to conceal.

Amanda swallowed back her fears, forcing herself to
go on.

"I

received another call from Ron earlier.  I erased it, because I was
afraid of what you would do.  " Amanda's voice shook.  She paused for a
moment, gathering her courage, then continued.

"I found out that Hope is not legally mine.  It wasn't just a matter. 
of forged papers, either.  Everything was a sham.  Hope is a kidnap
victim."

Tony never once took his eyes off the road.

"What are you saying?"  he croaked.

"My daughter, Hope, is Carmen."

Tony pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the small, private
airstrip.

"I've searched so long and so hard.  I never figured it would end like
this."

"And now?"  Amanda was afraid to speak above a whisper.

"You're afraid I'll take Hope away from you," he oh" Will you?"

"I need my daughter," he said slowly.

"I need her, too.  I may not be her birth mother, but I am the only
mother she's ever known.  And I love her with all my heart."

"I know," he said softly.

"But..."  Tony took a deep breath, then let it out.

"We'll have to deal with this later.  Right now, we should both be
concentrating on one thing only--getting Hope back safely."

"You're right."  Despair, black and suffocating, slammed into her.  As
Amanda walked through the doors of the small building, creating a brief
distraction, Katrina broke free from the police officer holding her and
grabbed the revolver from his holster.

Holding everyone at bay, Katrina stepped back, angling her way to the
entrance.

"Hate to disappoint you, people, but I'm not going to jail."

Amanda moved toward her.

"I don't care where you go, but I want my daughter back."

 Katrina glowered at her.

"Tough.  If you were drowning, I'd toss you a shark.  You've ruined
everything."  She pointed the gun at Amanda, gripping the weapon with
both hands.

"If you know any prayers, say them fast."

Suddenly, there was a loud pop, and Katrina was slammed against the
wall.

She crumpled slowly to the ground without a sound.

"Not" As Amanda ran to Katrina side, she saw a state policeman in an
adjacent hallway rising to his feet.  Smoke was still curling up from
his pistol.

Amanda knelt beside Katrina's still body.  A mass of blood had appeared
in the center of her chest.

"You've got to tell me!"  She shook the lifeless body as if trying to
will it back to life.

"She can't tell us anything now," Tony said, pulling Amanda up
gently.

Raymond crouched next to Katrina and felt for a pulse at her neck.

"It's over."

Amanda let out a tiny, anguished cry.

"It's not over!"  She turned to face Tony.

"You've got as much to lose as I have!  Do something!

Where's my daughter?  " Tony grasped her tenderly by the shoulders.

"Listen to me.  You're the only one who can help us now.  Think,
Amanda.

Where would Ron have taken her?  "

"I don't know!"

"Slow down, man," Raymond warned.  He took Katrina's purse from the
counter and dumped out the contents.  "There's a credit card receipt in
here dated yesterday.  It's from Jessie's County Store.  Mean anything
to you?"  he asked Amanda.

"No, I've never heard of it."

"I have."  The officer who had shot Katrina spoke up.

"I own a cabin a few miles from there.  It's near Jemez Springs."

Amanda stared pensively across the room, an idea forming in her mind.

"I remember Ron bragging once, after our divorce, that he'd bought a
cabin in the mountains.  He was fixing it up."

"where's the property?"

"I don't know.  I've never been there.  All I know is that he mentioned
a spring and a creek nearby."

"I'll have the state police check the real-estate records.  We have the
county records, so let's see what comes up.  In the meantime, maybe we
can find something else in the suspect's car that'll help us narrow it
down even more," Raymond said quickly.

"Let's go take a look."

Amanda hurried outside, following Raymond's lead.  When they reached
Katrina's car, Raymond opened the front door and reached into the glove
compartment.  It contained only the owner's manual, the registration
and a flashlight.

The state police officer came up to them.

"We have a location.  Ron V'da bought a real fixer-upper at the edge of
the National Forest,"

the officer said.

"Shall I get a team together and go check it out?"  ~ "No!"  Amanda
protested, looking at Raymond.

"You can't walk in there without jeopardizing my daughter!"

"She's right," Tony added.

"I have a better idea.  I'll go up by myself, the last part on foot. 
One man is hard to spot.  If Hope's being kept there alone, I'll get
her out.  If not, I can create a mild diversion, anything that will
make whoever's keeping Hope in there come outside to take a look."

"We have to check out the location first."  Raymond picked up the mike
from his car.

"I'm going to contact the Forest Service.  Maybe they know the layout
of the terrain around here."

As Raymond spoke, Tony made his' way back to the car.  Amanda noticed
what he was doing and followed him.  "You're not going there alone."

"I have to.  Two people will be a lot easier to spot than one."

 Raymond approached as they argued.

"If it comes to that, I suggest you both go.  A frightened child is
more likely to go to her mother than to someone she barely knows."

Tony's eyes narrowed with pain.

"I won't jeopardize Hope's life.  I'm just going to see if she's
there."

-If she is there, and you try to sneak her out, yo~a'll need me,"

Amanda argued.

"You're both getting.  ahead of yourselves.  First, we'll have the
rangers check out the place.  Maybe it's visible from one of the
watchtowers by telescope.  That could save time and effort."

"You do what you have to.  I'm heading up there now," Tony said
flatly.

"No one's going to go near that cabin until we know what we're up
against."

Raymond crossed his arms over his chest.

Amanda glanced at Tony.  In her heart, she knew that he'd never place
Hope in jeopardy, but at the moment, she was more worded about what Ron
might do.

"News of Katrina won't be on the radio, will it?"

Raymond shook his head.

"I've already taken care of that.  I can't suppress the story forever,
but we'll have a few hours delay."

Tony slipped into the driver's seat of his car.

"The least we can do is stop wasting time and start heading over that
way."

' Raymond nodded.

"Agreed.  But stay cool.  If I have to, I'll place you in custody,"
clear?  " Tony started the engine as Amanda joined him inside the car. 
She ~emained silent, watching the trees along the side of the forest
road.  If there was one time she wished she could have looked into the
future, this was it.

"She'll be okay," Tony said flatly, reaching for her hand and holding
it securely in his.

"Everyone keeps telling me that," Amanda answered wearily.

"Who's everyone?"

" The people most involved.  " Amanda gave him a wan smile.

"The woman I keep meeting when I'm asleep constantly assures me of it,
too."

"I'm talking reality, not dreams."  Tony shook his head.

"They're more than dreams.  I can't explain it, but that woman/.v
real."

"Did you recognize her?"

"No.  She said she'd come to me as one mother to another.  She'd lost
her child once.  I saw it in the vision.  She was reaching for her
baby, but a misty barder kept them apart.  It was so sad.  Then the
image cleared, and I saw the woman as she is now.  There was light all
around her.  As she started to fade, it seemed as if the stone on her
necklace, like an opal, glowed with a fire all its own."

Tony glanced at Amanda, a startled look on his face.  "What did the
woman look like?"

"She had soft-looking auburn hair and shimmering green eyes."

Tony slowed down slightly and, releasing her hand, reached into his
back pocket.  He flipped open his wallet and pulled out a photo of a
woman holding a baby.

"Does she look familiar?"

Amanda stared at the photo, as if transfixed.  Although the snapshot
was small and showed signs of wear and tear, she immediately recognized
the woman and the necklace.  "Yes.  Is she your wife?"

"The photo is of Lynn and Carmen."

Amanda nodded slowly.

"Of course.  I understand now.  Lynn never stopped watching over
Carmen.  No grave could conquer the love she felt for her child."

Chapter Sixteen Raymond signaled Tony to pull over to the side as they
neared the turnoff that led to the cabin.  Raymond parked on the
shoulder of the road and walked over to meet them.  "I just got word
from the Forest Service.  They can't see that cabin from the
watchtower, but one of the rangers hiked over to a hill near it and
took a look through his binoculars.

He spotted a blue Jeep parked a short distance downhill from the front
door.

"Ron drives a blue Jeep.  Did anyone see Hope?"  Amanda asked
anxiously.

Raymond shook his head.

"The ranger didn't stick around, but he's willing to take one of our
guys up there.  He said that someone with a high powered rifle should
be able to take Ron out if he came outside.

I've sent our best man up, but it'll be a while before he's in
position.  " Raymond leaned back against the car, a pensive look on his
face.

"We have another problem right now.  We need to draw the suspect out of
the cabin, while someone gets a look inside and checks for Hope.  It
looks like our man doesn't have any accomplices with him, but we can't
be sure of that.

So if the little girl cries out, things might get tricky.  "

Amanda stared up at the road.

"If the Jeep is parked on a slope, I have an idea," Amanda said.

Aimee Ihurlo

"From what the ranger said about the terrain, I think it's a safe bet,"
Raymond said.

"I had my car roll downhill one time when my emergency brake wasn't
quite set and the vehicle slipped out of gear.  Something like that
would certainly cause Ron to leave the cabin.  He would have to run
after it and stop his vehicle before it got damaged.  He wouldn't give
Hope a second thought under those circumstances.  Things have always
meant more to him than people."

Raymond smiled.

"Excellent idea.  Now we just have to figure out a way to get a man
close to his vehicle, unseen."

"Have two of our guys pick up some fishing equipment and walk by near
enough to the cabin for Vila to hear them," Tony suggested.

"Have them be joking back and forth, carrying a six-pack of beer. 
Something like that is perfectly normal out here.  While they've got
his attention, I'll sneak up on that Jeep and start it rolling.  After
our guys.  have Vila in custody farther downhill, I'll slip inside the
cabin."

"No.  We'll do it together," Amanda said flatly.

"If there's another kidnapper inside, someone will have to protect Hope
and keep her quiet while you take care of the threat."

Raymond considered it.

"I don't know about all this.  You two are civilians."

"But I know the child," Tony said, "and I've had training no civilian
ever had.  More importantly, the longer we wait, the more we risk that
the news of Katrina Clark's death will be leaked to the press.  Once
Vila hears that, there's no telling what he'll do.  We have to move
now."

"Let's do it," Raymond agreed after a brief pause.

ToNY CREPT TOW am the cabin, careful to stay behind trees or brush as
much as possible.  After all these years, he'd finally found his
daughter.  But she
was someone else's little girl now, and the bond-that existed between
Amanda and Hope was as real as any claim he had on Carmen.

He shook his head, forcing himself to concentrate on the matter a't
hand.

There would be time for decisions later.  Right now, the priority was
to get Ron Vila out of that cabin.

As he neared the Jeep, he glanced around carefully and settled low
behind a thick bush.  One false move now, and he'd blow the entire
thing.  When he heard Raymond's men passing on the opposite side of the
cabin, clowning around and laughing, Tony ran toward the Jeep in a
crouch, reaching it in seconds.  He had a slim-jim, a handy tool used
by cops to unlock vehicles, but it wasn't necessary.  Ron hadn't
bothered to lock his Jeep, certain it would be safe out here.  Tony
smiled with satisfaction.  After all these years, he'd finally nail
this jerk.

Tony slipped the Jeep out of gear and released the emergency brake.

The vehicle lurched, and he gave it a shove to keep it rolling.  Just
to make sure Vila heard it, he slapped the side of the Jeep with his
palm loudly, then quickly dived behind cover.

Tony watched Vila emerge.  He paused outside the cabin for a second,
looking around curiously.  Then, seeing his Jeep bouncing downhill, he
cursed loudly and sprinted after it.  Tony ran up and ducked inside the
cabin, gun drawn.

He glanced around, but the cabin was still.  No sound coming from
anywhere.

Tony moved toward a closed door in the back, kicked it open, and
entered in a crouch.  The room was empty.  He turned around to continue
his search and saw Amanda at the window, trying to force up the sash.

"You were supposed to wait," he whispered harshly.

"I would have called you on the radio in another minute or two."

"So sue me," she said, crawling inside.

"Where's Hope?"

"She's not in this room."

Suddenly, they heard a hollow scraping noise against the wall.  Tony
turned around, pistol ready, but Amanda grabbed his arm.

"No!"

Hope crawled out from under the bed and launched herself into Amanda's
arms, sobbing.

"Mommy, I don't want to stay here.  Take me with you."

"Shh, Peanut.  Who else is here?"  - "Just Daddy.  He hates me,
Mommy!"

"Your daddy doesn't hate you, Peanut.  Believe me."  She glanced at
Tony as she said it.

He lowered' his weapon and placed a hand on his daughter shoulder.

"Nobody hates you, sweetheart.  If only you knew just how much you are
loved."

Hope buried herself deeper into Amanda's arms, recoiling from his
touch.

Sorrow knifed at his gut.  He'd entertained dreams of taking Hope with
him, but what had just happened proved to him without a doubt how
foolish the idea had been.  His Carmen was lost forever.

Hope belonged to Amanda.

Tony watched them both for a few moments.  Maybe this was the best
thing that could have happened.  A little girl needed a mother, and no
one could ever love his daughter more than Amanda did.

He walked out of the cabin, leaving them alone, and met Raymond
outside.  Ron V'da had been handcuffed and stood to one side, another
agent beside him.

"Everything okay here?"  Raymond asked.

Tony nodded, then walked over and stood face-to-face with the man who'd
taken his daughter three long years ago.  The pain of irrecoverable
loss burned through him.  He reached out and grabbed Ron by the collar,
pulling him out of the agent's grasp.

"I could kill you for what you, ve sto~ len from me."

 248 At that moment, Hope and Amanda stepped out of the cabin.  Hope
saw Tony and ran up to him.  She tugged at his pant leg, pulling him
away from Ron.

"No, Tony.  He's mean.  He'll hurt you!"

Tony released Ron instantly, then bent down and touched his daughter's
face in a light caress.

"He won't hurt anyone ever again, sweetheart."

"Come home with Mommy and me.  I want to go home!"  He saw a tear roll
down Amanda's face and something stung at his own eyes, but he told
himself it was just glare from the sun.

"I'll take you back home right now, sweetheart.  You and your mommy you
will be safe there from now on."

Ho~s LATER, TONY S^T with Amanda and Hope in the child's bedroom.  The
little girl had finally fallen asleep, nestled between them.

He could hardly bring himself to leave, but he knew the time had come. 
With each minute he stayed, it only became harder.  Tony stood up
slowly, then bent down to kiss his child goodbye.

"You're not taking her, are you?"  Amanda asked gentlY" " No She's
yours.  I failed her once and forfeited my claim on her.  " He gazed
down at Hope, love shining in his eyes.  " You know, I spent years
dreaming of the day when I'd finally find my daughter.

But I never thought I'd walk out of her life without even telling her
who I was:' "Tony, she has a right to know you're her father."

"So she can say goodbye to me."  He shook his head.  "It's time for me
to step out of both your lives.  I love you, Amanda, but I don't know
if you would ever believe that my feelings for you are separate from my
wish that we all become a family.  Without that leap of faith, that
trust that perhaps I don't merit, I can't stay.  I don't want you to
live every day wondering if I'll change my mind and take Hope - away." 
Tony started to leave, but then turned back to pull Amanda into his
arms one last time.

"Goodbye, my love," he whispered, then took her mouth in a hungry,
soul-searing kiss.

Amanda staggered as he released her, her knees nearly buckling.

Before she could catch her breath, he was out the door.  She went after
him, but as she reached the porch, Hope suddenly ran past her.

"Tony, don't go!"  Hope launched herself into his arms as he turned.

Tony held his daughter tightly.

"I thought you were asleep," he said, his voice thick.

"Don't you love us anymore?"

"Yes, but I can't" -- Unable to tell his daughter he wouldn't return,
he looked at Amanda for help.

Amanda smiled gently.

"Hope needs you and so do I. We'd both like for you to stay. 
Permanently."

Tony held Amanda's gaze, and for one breathless moment, he could barely
speak.  He glanced down at his daughter.

"Looks like I'm already home.  Come on.  I'll tuck you into bed."

"Me, too?"  Amanda teased.

Tony smiled at Amanda, loving promises shining like fire in his eyes.

Scooping his daughter up in one arm, and wrapping the other around his
future wife, he brought them all back home.