Doctor's Orders
Page 8
With a grin as big as Delmont’s junk, I drove back to office whistling Dixie to catch up on some paperwork that was due early next week. Several snowplows had lined the streets while their owners determined a game plan to tackle the latest early morning storm, so I drove around the building to take advantage of the back parking lot spaces.
A 20 something woman with spiky blond hair and knee high lace up boots was furiously hammering a ‘Have You Seen Me’ poster onto the telephone pole next to the entrance I had just pulled past. Tucked inside of her partially unbuttoned pea coat was a large stack of identical images.
She was so engrossed that she barely noticed when I stopped to check it out. She was offering a $3,000 reward for proof that could be validated.
“What’s going on?” I did a double take and noticed the picture on the poster was her.
“I’m not totally sure. About three months ago I woke up in a hospital room and couldn’t remember anything. A couple came in to claim me, they said I was their niece, that they saw a news clip about an amnesia patient.”
“You don’t believe them?”
“I don’t know, my instincts told me something wasn’t right but since I couldn’t remember anything I figured I wasn’t being fair. But then the hospital called and said that I’d never taken my purse so I went back to retrieve it. Obviously there wasn’t a driver’s license for identification, but in a hidden pocket I found a bank card and safety deposit box key from Northern Savings. ” She began shifting her weight between each foot in a nervous stance.
“Did you go there?”
“I gave it a shot, but it was tricky getting out here. They have been really adamant that I don’t leave their neighborhood unless I’m going to work. So I called in sick last Tuesday and took a cab here. “
“Where do they live?” My curiosity was soaring.
“In Brentwood, it’s two counties away. Anyway, shortly after I arrived this guy ran up to me. He was hysterical, hugging me and saying how worried he had been. He said he’s my boyfriend but I couldn’t place him. Then by the time I got to the bank, they were closed.” Her eyes began to dart about as if she was worried she’d been followed. “I decided to hang these posters here because if this is really where I’m from, someone should recognize me. Besides Aunt Bridget and Uncle David never come out this way as far as I know.”
I gave her my business card and best smile. “I tell you what, my office is right upstairs. Take your poster back down and let’s have a talk. For that same price I can save you the hassle of crank calls and bad leads, this option will also keep these so called relatives from catching wind of what you’re up to. What do you think?”
“I can’t believe you’re a Private Investigator!” She grinned broadly and trust shone in her eyes.
“Is that a yes?”
“Absolutely!”
Damn, I was getting good at this!