Joseph's Kidnapping
Page 22
I searched for something to say, wanting to find some way to reverse the tide. My mind was blank, doing its usual out-to-lunch routine when I needed it. I was sad, but I also felt relieved. I wanted to explain, I wanted Wanda to understand, I wanted Wanda to know Terri.
The phone rang, saving me. I turned toward it and heard Wanda say, “I’m leaving. Have a good life.”
I picked up the telephone handset, knowing it wouldn’t help to protest. The front door closed. It closed on an incredible chapter of my life.
“Hello.”
“Ace. Glad I caught you before you got away,” Chip said. “I’ve got Jake on the phone. He wants to talk to you. Hang on, and I’ll switch you over.”
There were several clicks on the line.
“Arty. Congratulations. Chip tells me you pulled it off. I told him you’d do it.”
“Thanks. Now why are you calling?” I switched my mind from the loss of Wanda to the machinations of Jake. There was no way I trusted he called to congratulate me. “Got a job for me?”
“Arty, Arty, Arty. Do I hear distrust in your voice? I called to congratulate you, and see if you’ve got time to help another old friend.”
“Who?”
“Johnny Nichols. You remember, one of our drinking buddies in college. We talked a couple of days ago, and he has a problem. I told him you’re the best PI in Texas, and he should give you a call. I’ll let him know you’re available. He’ll call during your normal business hours.”
“What do you—”
His laughter was the last thing I heard before the phone clicked in my ear. I knew what he meant—another three a.m. phone call.
CASE CLOSED
ABOUT AUTHOR RANDY RAWLS
Randy Rawls is a retired US Army officer. After spending twenty years in uniform, he became a civilian employee of the Department of Defense. During those years, he honed his craft as a writer in various leadership and administrative positions. After retiring, he turned his hand to writing fiction.