Stolen Lives Read Online Free Page A

hurry, I haven’t told you who I am. My name’s Pamela Jordaan.”
    Pamela spoke with an accent so refined it made Jade wonder whether it was the product of elocution lessons.
    “How did you know where to find me, Pamela?”
    “Oh, I asked Dave. I called him earlier this morning and he gave me your details.”
    “Dave?” Jade frowned, confused.
    “Dave Patel. You know, the police superintendent.”
    Dave?
    “David recommended me?” Saying his name out loud made Jade’s stomach clench uncomfortably. She wondered how on earth this woman knew him, and what their history was. David had never mentioned Pamela to Jade, that was for sure.
    “Yes.”
    “What do you need?”
    Pamela took a deep, shuddery breath. “I need a bodyguard. He said you would be able to help.”
    Jade paused before answering, surprised by Pamela’s request. She’d protected women in the past, a number of them, but she had never once been hired by one directly. The job had always been assigned to her by a wealthy husband or boyfriend who needed close protection for his woman, but didn’t want another man moving in on his territory.
    In every single instance that Jade could remember, women who hired bodyguards for themselves wanted males, not females. Big, strong, muscular men to keep them safe.
    “I can help you,” she said. “Could you give me a few more details, Pamela? Is there a specific reason why you need a guard?”
    “My husband disappeared last night,” Pamela said in a shaky voice.
    “Disappeared? From where?”
    “From our home in Sandown, in Sandton.”
    So her guess had been right, Jade thought.
    Pamela cleared her throat, swallowed, and spoke again, gabbling her words as if she had rehearsed them. “His phone is switched off. I can’t contact him and I have no idea where he is. He was supposed to be at work this morning and he isn’t there. I’ve already reported him missing. I don’t want to start panicking unnecessarily, but until I know where he is and what’s happened to him, I want some added protection for myself and my daughter. Just somebody around to keep us safe.”
    “Your daughter?”
    “Tamsin’s grown up.” A small smile softened Pamela’s taut expression. Jade had noticed no such warmth when she’d mentioned her husband.
    “She doesn’t live at home anymore,” Pamela continued. “She doesn’t even know Terence—my husband—is missing yet. But she works for him, and if something’s happened to him then I’m worried for her.” She twisted her manicured fingers together, then stopped and adjusted one of her rings. Jade wondered whether the big diamond had been digging into her hand. “I’ve never had anything like this go wrong before, but we are involved in an industry where these things have been … well … known to happen.”
    “What industry is that?” Jade asked.
    “One that has a rather unsavoury reputation, I’m afraid. Adult entertainment.” In response to Jade’s questioning glance, she continued. “Terence owns a chain of strip clubs. You might have heard of them. They’re called Heads & Tails. They’re upmarket, totally legitimate and above board. He offers his patrons good, clean fun.”
    “I’ve heard of them.” Jade gave a small nod, struggling to keep her expression carefully noncommittal. Good, clean fun at Heads & Tails? But of course. Bring along the whole family for a jolly evening’s entertainment. Even Granny would approve.
    “The problem isn’t Terence’s business. The problem is the industry itself. It attracts more than its share of ne’er-do-wells; people looking to make quick money or who are simply obsessed by sleaze,” Pamela said.
    Jade nodded again. She couldn’t remember the last time anybody had actually used the term “ne’er-do-well”.
    “Tamsin’s not a dancer, of course,” Pamela added hurriedly. “She runs the admin office at the Midrand branch. But I’m still worried for her.”
    “I can see why you would be.” Jade