“I had no idea what he was talking about.”
“Where could she be?” she whispered. “She hasn’t been seen since Thursday.” Her gaze searched her brother’s face.
Tomi’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t know, but she’ll have to answer to me when we find her. She knows better than to worry everyone.”
“What if something’s happened to her?”
“You know how thoughtless she is. She’ll turn up.”
“We have to find her.”
“We will. I’ve got problems too, though.” He went toward the buildings, where Mano waited.
She followed him as he approached Mano. Her steps slowed when she saw the two men facing one another. Mano’s fists were clenched at his side, and his jaw was so tight she expected a growl to emanate from his teeth.
Annie joined them. She put her hand on Mano’s arm and found it hard and tense.
Mano didn’t seem to realize she was there. “I think we’re due an explanation,” he said tightly.
“Leilani isn’t with him,” Annie murmured. Mano cast a quick glance her way, and she felt his tension ease.
“I’m sorry. I know you were hoping to find her too.” He focused his gaze on Tomi again. “We’re still waiting on your explanation. Where have you been all this time? Why did you let us think you were dead?”
Tomi’s smile faltered. “I’d rather explain it to all of you at once. Let’s wait until we get home and have Father there too. Did you bring the bankbook?”
“I have it in the car,” Annie said. “In my handbag.” She bit her lip at the quick glance Mano threw her way. She hadn’t told him Tomi told her to bring it. “I’ll go get it.”
“We’ll all go.” Tomi held her hand, and they walked in step toward the parking lot with Mano trailing behind.
“You’re limping,” Tomi said. “Are you okay?”
“Just a little accident.” She’d tell him later. She could sense Mano seething, and her own emotions boiled with a mixture of elation, despair, and puzzlement. Tomi didn’t seem eager to explain what was going on. But the pain in his eyes tugged at her heart. Though he was older, she’d always taken care of his every need. She wanted to soothe away the little-boy-lost look in his face. She itched to get him home and fix him something to eat. He needed fattening up. She’d worry about Leilani later.
They reached the parking lot. “I’ll get my handbag.” She went to the passenger side. The window was shattered, and tiny bits of glass lay on her seat. “Mano,” she said in a faltering voice. “My handbag is gone.”
He joined her. “We should have locked it in the trunk.” He stooped and peered inside. “Doesn’t look like anything else is missing. All my CDs are here.”
Tomi pounded on the trunk lid. “No! Why did you leave it in the car?” The color had drained from his face. “I was counting on you, Annie.”
Annie had never seen her brother scared, but she saw fear in the perspiration on his forehead and in the way his Adam’s apple bobbed. His fear terrified her as well. “What’s wrong, Tomi? What kind of trouble have you gotten into?”
Tomi managed a smile that held a trace of his usual bravado. “We have to get that bankbook back. Then things will be fine.”
“Can’t you just call the bank and freeze the account?” Mano put in. “You’re making this harder than it has to be.”
Tomi sighed. “You don’t get it, do you, buddy? I can’t just waltz into the bank. I’ll be shot before I get to the front of the line.”
Shot. What was Tomi into? Annie was almost afraid to know. “I’ll call Sam. We need help.”
“No!” Tomi shook his head. “No cops. You’re going to have to help me.”
There was so much he wasn’t saying. “You’re scaring me,” she whispered. “What about that money, Tomi? How did you get it?”
He glanced around. “We have to get out of here. We’re too exposed.”
Annie began to panic. “What can we do?”
Tomi rubbed his forehead. “I don’t know, I don’t know.” He stared at her. “Help me, Annie. I don’t know what to do.”
Annie pressed her fingers to her throbbing head. “Let me think.” His expression paled as he watched her anxiously. “They won’t be looking for a woman,” Annie said. “Mother has an old wig in the garage. You could dress like a woman.”
“They’ll be looking for disguises.” Tomi’s eyes narrowed. “But not two women. You have to go with me.”
“Don’t involve Annie in your messes,” Mano interrupted. His dark eyes held deep worry.
“He needs my help,” Annie said.
Tomi nodded. “Right, and it’s her fault the bankbook is missing. Besides, no one will recognize us. It’s a perfect plan.” He frowned. “But we have to move fast before the thief gets my money. The bank is closed tonight, but I need to be there when it opens in the morning.”