Never Look Back

by Geraldine Solon

  Dana slipped out of her car and opened the trunk to pick up her grocery bags. As she closed the trunk, she froze as a man smoking a cigarette stood in front of her. "You scared me. Can I help you?"

  His dark eyes settled on her. "You know where the nearest gas station is?"

  She avoided eye contact and pointed south. "Two blocks, make a right on the first street. You'll find a gasoline station at the corner."

  He flicked his cigarette to the ground and went back to his pickup truck. "Thank you." His tires screeched as he drove off.

  Dana caught her breath, her heart still pounding.

  Rachel and Molly appeared moments later. Molly gave Dana a tight embrace and held out a picture of two dolphins. Rachel planted her hands stubbornly on her heavy hips while her plunging breasts looked like they were going to explode from her blouse.

  Dana wished she could take the lady shopping. She placed her hands on her chest to show how much she loved Molly's drawing. Facing Rachel, she said. "You guys came home early today."

  Rachel furrowed her eyebrows. "Tuesdays and Thursdays are early release days. Didn't you look at the calendar posted on the refrigerator?"

  "Right." What a bitch?

  "What's the matter with you? You look like you saw a ghost." Rachel peered inside the grocery bags. "What's all this? Is this what you're feeding Jake?" She shook her head. "Oh, let me tell you, he works hard at the construction site and this ain't going to feel him up."

  With one hand holding Molly and the other hand carrying the grocery bags, Dana gave Rachel her heart-stopping smile. "Oh, Rachel, I don't know about you, but in our home, we like to spice things up. Didn't Jake tell you about Thursday nights?" She paused. "Oh right, I should remind you that Thursday nights are when we try a new recipe. Perhaps I can write it down for you. Would you like a magnet calendar for that?"

  Rachel glared at her.

  Serves her right!

  ***

  Dana sipped her wine. Jake politely chewed two bites of the eggplant casserole she made and barely touched the quinoa. Molly stared at the food and refused to eat.

  Dana exited to the kitchen and pulled out a box of Mac and cheese and French bread from the cupboard.

  As she prepared the food, Jake squeezed her shoulders, touching her for the first time since they shook their hands. "I'm sorry."

  "It's all right." She put pressure on the bread knife as she sliced the bread into small pieces.

  Jake rested his hands on hers. "Let me."

  She watched his strong hands slice the bread and noticed how clean his fingernails were. They locked gazes. He flashed her a comforting smile, like the one her father used to give her mother when they would sit at the backyard during the summer listening to The Beatles song, Yesterday. It was her dad's way of telling her he would take care of her.

  After dinner, Molly leaned her head on Dana's shoulder while they watched SpongeBob SquarePants, Jake sitting beside them on the couch. Soon, Molly doze off.

  Dana broke the silence. "Jake, can I ask you a personal question?"

  He grunted. "Yeah, sure."

  "Did you see anyone after your wife died?"

  He didn't answer.

  Dana faced him. "I know you had something with Rachel."

  His eyes open wide. "Who told you that?"

  Dana crossed her legs, convinced that Jake and Rachel had an affair.

  "It happened only once. I needed someone to comfort me, and one thing led to another and then we were in bed." His eyes averted to the TV.

  "Why didn't you make it official? She seems to act like she’s Molly's mom."

  He shook his head. "It wouldn't be fair to her since I don't feel the same way as she does. But she's a good friend to us."

  "Trust me, she loves you," Dana said.

  "What makes you say that?"

  She shrugged.

  "If Rachel is giving you a hard time, please let me know."

  "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself." She smiled at him."Does it get easier Jake?" She wanted to probe further about being part of the WITSEC, but decided against it.

  Jake said, "As long as Molly and I are safe, I can't complain."

  Jake had Molly and now she was a part of their family. She hoped to be a good mom to Molly but after losing her mom at ten, what example did she have?

  ***

  Rob sat across Stanley's desk while his lawyer straightened his folders and pens. He had to inform Stanley about his plans and meeting with the FBI earlier that day. "Do you always need to do that?"

  "I can't work with a messy desk." He leaned forward. "Now where were we?"

  "Something ain't right. I don't believe Dana's in Europe. Did you talk to the reporters? It's probably a crazy rumor to divert attention. They still haven't found the killer of those four women. Rather suspicious, if you ask me, that they all were close to Dana's age and dress size. And how about Stacy's family?"

  "Slow down. How many cups of coffee did you drink today? You look like you haven't had a full night's rest."

  Rob sighed. He badly needed a drink or, better yet, a smoke. "I came here to tell you I'm leaving for Alaska tomorrow."

  Stanley dropped his coffee and wet the folder. "Shit." He gathered paper napkins and wiped his desk.

  "Sorry."

  "What the hell are you going to do in Alaska?"

  “I’ll be assisting the FBI with their investigation.

  "And you didn't bother consulting me about your plans?" Stanley gritted his teeth.

  "Either way, I'm still going to look for Dana. They're on my side, and I need all the help I can get. I know Dana's alive, and I'll never stop looking for her.”

  “You don’t know who you’re dealing with, Rob, you need to be careful.”

  “I came here to tell you that I’m leaving for Alaska first thing tomorrow.”

  ***

  Rob never dreamed of visiting Alaska, especially during the winter, but here he was, bundled in layers, shivering, and hoping the sun would rise like the morning dew and comfort him.

  He stayed at a motel close to Dana's family home. He was glad she gave her address to him before she visited her father. Checking his wire, he whispered, "I'm here."

  "Copy that," Agent Wayne said.

  He threw his bag on the chair and pulled out a map. Rob needed to make sure he covered his tracks. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would be helping the FBI, but this would bring him closer to solving Dana's disappearance. Both FBI agents gave him their word, and he was going to help them find Stacy Kestav.

  One of his clients owned a private plane, and he'd been able to hitch a ride. He'd rent a car to drive back. Rob brought enough cash to last him for three days, maybe more.

  Rob cocked his camera and unfolded the map of Anchorage. His motel was a mile away from Dana's house, and he had to think of a perfect excuse to go there.

  ***

  At Ginny's Delights, Agents Kerry and Felicia sat across the table from Mrs. Kestav.

  "This mango parfait is delicious." Felicia licked the tip of the spoon.

  Mrs. Kestav gave her a soft smile. "Baking these pastries is no longer the same without Stacy." A tear shed from her eye. "I could still hear her humming while she baked. I hope they find the person who did this to her. She's a diabetic, you know. How will she survive without her insulin?"

  "We're doing everything we can." Agent Wayne cleared his throat. "I'm sure you've seen the news about those four women?"

  "Yes, and also about that model who is in Europe."

  "That's correct," Felicia said. "Which means Stacy could still be alive."

  Agent Wayne pushed a Paris brochure toward Mrs. Kestav. "You mentioned, Stacy wanted to move to Paris. Do you think she left ahead of schedule?"

  The veins of Mrs. Kestav's neck tensed up. "We've been through this before. Stacy would never leave without saying goodbye. We are a close family."

  Chapter 16

  Dana glanced at her watch. Three more
minutes until the library closed. Dana wondered how Rob was and wished she could reach out to him. She hated that he was trapped in the spider's web like she was. Averting her gaze to her fellow librarian locking up, she said, "Hey, Sarah, just wanted to ask you if you know of a good clothing store aside from the Goodwill store in the area."

  Sarah eyed Dana's floral dress. "Where did you say you were from again?"

  Dana sighed. "Orlando, Florida."

  "Right." Sarah stacked books in a cart. "It must be difficult for you to adjust in this small town, but there's always online shopping."

  A smile spread across Dana's face. "Why didn't I think of that?" But then she frowned. U.S. Marshall Collins had said no calls, no social media, no texting or online chats. Hmmm, does shopping count? Perhaps it wouldn't hurt if she ordered just one dress. She was tired of wearing floral pastels. Surely vamping up her attire would make her feel better.

  A male customer with a thick beard entered the library.

  Sarah studied him. "I'm sorry, but we're closing."

  "I'll only be a moment."

  Facing Dana, Sarah asked, "Do you think you can help this gentleman? Dave and I have a Bible study meeting to go to."

  Dana approached the counter. "Sure, you go ahead. I'll take care of it." Then toward the man, she asked, "What can I help you with?" She opened the log book.

  He picked up a pen and signed his name. "I'm looking for a book for a seven-year-old."

  "Oh, a child. You'll find books to the second shelf on your left."

  "Here's the thing." He scratched his chin, avoiding her gaze. "She's deaf."

  "Oh." What a coincidence. Dana marched around the counter and toward the shelves. "Deaf children can still read books like other kids, but I think she would like—"

  "She wants me to borrow the Harry Potter books, but I'm not sure that's appropriate for her age." He shrugged. "She said she read the first book in two days."

  "Wow! She must be a prolific reader." Dana removed the Harry Potter books from the shelf and walked back to the counter.

  "She never ceases to surprise me. Her teacher said I need to continue stimulating her mind. Otherwise she gets bored."

  Dana scanned the bar codes and placed the books inside a bag. "I know what you mean. My step-daughter is deaf too."

  He was taken aback. "No kidding. Where does she go to school?"

  "Bernard's." She caught her breath. U.S. Marshall Collins had said not to divulge any information to strangers.

  "She must know my daughter. What's her name?"

  For a moment, Dana hesitated but then said, "Molly… Molly Mitchell."

  "Oh, right, Jake Mitchell's daughter." He showed her his library card. "I'm Pete Glascow. I didn't know Jake remarried."

  Dana's cheeks flushed. "I'm Da—I mean Lucy."

  Pete took the bag of books. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Lucy. I don't want to keep you, but you have a good evening."

  "You too, thanks." Dana had to keep reminding herself she lived in a small town now.

  ***

  After she finished up at the library, Dana returned home and entered with a bag of books.

  Rachel glared at her from the hallway. "You're late. I already fed and bathe Molly."

  Molly dashed toward Dana and gave her a tight embrace. Ignoring Rachel, Dana bent down and showed her the Harry Potter books. A smile was now plastered in Molly's lips as she pulled Dana to the couch.

  Rachel trailed behind them. "Harry Potter? You know those books are too matured for her. She's six years old."

  Molly flipped through the pages of the books.

  "I wonder if Jake will approve of this."

  Dana faced her. "You listen to me, Rachel. Not once have I snapped at you because I know you were a good friend of Jake's previous wife, but today I'm going to tell you that I don't appreciate how you treat me. Beginning tomorrow, I will take Molly to school and pick her up as well. I will be the one to feed and bathe her."

  "But Jake said—"

  "Jake and I are together, and this is my house, which means I get to decide how I want to handle this situation."

  Rachel stormed out of the house, murmuring, "I knew it. Jake made a big mistake."

  Dana followed her outside. "Really? I wonder why Jake never pursued a relationship with you."

  Rachel's jaw dropped. "You bitch."

  Dana gave her heart-stopping smile. Jake's car pulled up to the curb, and she dashed toward him and kissed him on the lips. "Oh, honey, I'm so glad you're home. You don't know how much I missed you."

  Jake awkwardly embraced her as Rachel watched.

  Rachel shook her head. "You're making a big mistake, Jake. This woman is no good for you."

  Jake held up his hand. "Rachel, I appreciate all that you've done for Molly and I, but I will not allow you to insult Lucy." He squeezed Lucy's hand. "Honey, let's go inside."

  Dana flashed Rachel one last smile before retreating inside. They shut the door, and the three of them settled in the couch.

  "I'm sorry about Rachel." Dana swallowed. "She's been rude to me all this time, and I told her that beginning tomorrow, I will be the one to take Molly to school."

  "What about your job?"

  "Molly is more important."

  Molly showed him the library books.

  "Harry Potter?"

  "Pete Klenow's daughter borrowed a set as well at the library today for his daughter, and I thought why can't I have Molly read them too?"

  "Makes sense. Thank you." He gave her that tender look.

  Jake was a keeper. No doubting that.

  ***

  Rob surveyed the humble two-story waterfront home surrounded by tall pine trees, no neighbors in sight. There was an old-fashioned mailbox, and a fishing boat with two fishing rods sat on the dock. He brushed snow from his jacket and snapped photos. Looking around to make sure nobody was watching, Rob slashed the two tires of the rented Range Rover. He whispered to the wired mic. "Wish me luck."

  " We have your back. Be careful," Agent Wayne said.

  He smirked as he approached the door and rang the bell. So this is where Dana grew up.

  A man in his mid-forties opened the door. "Can I help you?"

  Removing his beanie, Rob caught his breath. "Sorry to bother you. I'm David. I was taking a hike only to discover that somebody slashed my tires. Do you think you can give me a hand?"

  The man scrutinized him from head to toe. "Michael. Let me get my tools." He disappeared and came back moments later with a wrench and a black bag.

  The men worked on replacing the tires.

  "Nice play you got here," Rob nodded toward the lake.

  "Yeah, I bought it for a quite a steal." Michael grinned. "Very unusual for your tires to get slit. This place is pretty safe."

  "I was surprise myself."

  He eyed the plate number. "Seattle? How long was the drive?"

  "Three days, max. I stopped to get food and sleep in between. It's a good scenic route, but I should have done this during the summer."

  Tightening the screw, Michael said, "I'll be experiencing my first summer this year. I'm so looking forward to fishing."

  Rob glanced at the boat. "Where did you move from?"

  "Upstate New York. Still have my house there, but looks like I'll be spending more time here. How about you? What do you do?"

  "I'm a real estate broker. I'm trying to expand my network."

  "Really? Do you have a card?"

  Rob pretended to look at his wallet. "Shoot. Looks like I ran out, but if you give me one of yours, I can email you."

  Digging into his pocket, Michael plucked out a business card and handed it to Rob.

  Rob studied the card. "A boat dealer. Wow. Never met one before."

  Michael grinned. "It's pretty neat."

  "Hey, thanks for helping me out. Do you think I can use your restroom before I leave?"

  "Sure. As soon as you enter, make a right and you'll see the bathroom."

  Rob stepped in
side the house. The inside looked surprisingly modern compared to the outside. He pulled out his digital camera to snap photos real quick.

  After they exchanged goodbyes, Rob hopped into the Range Rover and sped away. To the mic, he said, "I didn't see anything unusual, but that doesn't mean anything."

  "How does he look?" Felicia asked.

  "Seems like a charming man, mid-forties, brown hair, average height and built. He can blend in with a crowd."

  "Thanks for cooperating with us, Rob," Agent Wayne said. "We'll let you know if we have any latest developments."

  "A pleasure working with you, but like I said, I won't stop searching for Dana."

  ***

  Kerry took a sip of water while Felicia peered out the window, which overlooked Michael Downey's house.

  "Remind me again why we're at this dingy motel?" She asked.

  Kerry mumbled, "If we find more clues about Downey, we can catch the next plane outta here. That will teach you to pack light."

  "Yeah, yeah. Didn't Rob say there weren't any clues?"

  Kerry groaned. "We need to double check."

  Kerry and Felicia stepped out of the rented Corolla across Sarah Winter's house.

  "Are you sure you got the right address?" Kerry asked.

  "For the tenth time, when are you going to stop asking me that?" Felicia rolled her eyes.

  "All right, I'll just let you do the talking."

  Felicia skipped up the steps and rang the doorbell of the house down the street from Michael Downey.

  A plump lady with dark hair popped outside. "Can I help you?"

  "My brother and I are here for a wedding of Sheila Downey." Felicia paused. "We just got in from California, and we're not sure we have the right address."

  Looking above, the woman said, "Not sure about a Sheila Downey, but we do have a new neighbor named Michael Downey who lives right there." She gestured her hand.

  Felicia followed her gaze. "Looks pretty empty to me."

  She shrugged. "I never met him. Seems to keep to himself all the time."

  "Really? You don't think he's related to Sheila?" Kerry interjected.