No Way Out

by Fern Michaels

  Households. That was another hurdle. He needed a job for that to happen. After his talk with Pete at the bowling alley, Mitchel had decided to go to his former boss and plead for his job back. He knew he was an asset to the shop, provided he showed up.

  After his workout, he jumped in the shower and began his grooming routine. He looked at himself in the mirror as he was shaving. “Who are you, man?” And then he laughed. He hadn’t had deep thoughts about much in ages. He looked intensely into his own eyes. Nice to see they weren’t bloodshot. Even the bags under his eyes, which were usually there, were starting to subside.

  He put on another nicely ironed shirt, compliments of Elaine. He thought she was helping out because she wanted him out of the house. He couldn’t blame her. He had been quite the jerk the first two weeks. Nonetheless, he was grateful. A clean, pressed shirt and a clean pair of jeans would convey a “new Mitch” to anyone who saw him. At least that was his hope.

  He took the steps two at a time. When he entered the kitchen, Elaine was standing with a coffeepot in her hand. “My, don’t you look nice.”

  “Thanks to you.” Mitchel gave a short bow in her direction. “Elaine, I know I’ve been a bit of an ass lately. Actually, for a while now, but I want to be a better man.”

  Elaine almost dropped the coffeepot. “You don’t say?” She was being sincere, in spite of her shock.

  “Yeah. The other day, when I was with Jackson and my mother, I realized how important it is to be a good father. A father who is present.”

  Elaine set the coffeepot down in fear she would truly drop it. “That’s wonderful news, Mitchel.”

  “And my mother? Boy, was that a turnaround.”

  “I know,” Elaine said.

  “When I saw how happy Jackson was coloring on the place mats, and my mother being so nice, I thought how good it would be if we could try to be a happy family.”

  Elaine cleared her throat.

  “Oh, I know that Colleen and I are over. I treated her like dirt, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be good parents.”

  Elaine walked over to Mitchel and felt his forehead. “You all right?”

  Mitchel laughed. “I’m fine. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”

  “The reason I’ve been a lousy father is probably because my dad died when I was ten. I had no role model. Greg did his best to fill in, but he was only two years older than me. No one could expect him to take that kind of responsibility.”

  Elaine sat down before she fell down. “Mitchel, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk like this before.”

  Mitchel grunted. “Probably because I never felt like this before. Or at least gave it any thought. I think because I was the youngest, everyone coddled me and tried to protect me. In some ways, I was spoiled rotten and allowed to get away with a lot of crap. Even Colleen gave me a lot of slack. But I guess what I really needed was some good old-fashioned discipline.”

  Elaine got up and returned to the coffee maker. “You want a cup?”

  “Yes, please,” Mitchel responded. “Looking back, I realize what a dumbass I’ve been to a lot of people. Colleen, Jackson, my boss, you, Greg. I’m lucky to have any of you even talking to me now.”

  Elaine poured him a mug. “Sounds like you’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”

  “Yes, ma’am. And I want you to know I acknowledge all the stupid stuff I’ve done and want to thank you for putting up with me.”

  “We’re family.” Elaine patted him on the wrist.

  “Well, some families disown jerks.”

  “We’re not that kind of family, Mitch.”

  “I know that now, and I’m truly grateful.”

  “So what are your plans for today?” Elaine asked, sincerely interested.

  “I’m going to the shop and beg for my job back.”

  “Really? What do you think Otto will say?”

  “I have no idea. I’m just hopin’ he’ll say ‘yes’ and maybe take me back on probation.”

  “You always were the best mechanic there,” Elaine said with encouragement.

  “I’m hoping that counts for something.”

  “I’ll pray it will.” She smiled at Mitch. “Want any breakfast before your big interview?”

  “If it’s no trouble,” Mitch answered sincerely.

  “No trouble at all. Eggs? Over easy? Toast?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Several minutes later, Elaine had the plate ready for Mitch. “Here you go.” She paused. “You know, I only want what’s best for you and Jackson. Colleen, too, but for now, it’s about you and your son.”

  “Thanks, Elaine. That’s what I’m focusing on.” Mitch dunked a piece of toast in his eggs. “I think if I can do good by Jackson, Colleen will come around. I don’t mean by taking me back, but by being a good parenting partner.”

  “That’s a great attitude, Mitch.”

  He wiped the plate clean with his toast and finished his coffee. He rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Another first for him since his stay at Greg and Elaine’s had begun. She watched him move across the kitchen in amazement. Maybe there’s some hope.

  “Thanks for the breakfast and the talk.” Mitch washed his hands and wiped them on a paper towel.

  “You’re welcome, Mitch. Glad we had time this morning.” She got up as he was walking toward the door.

  “Wish me luck!” He gave her a two-fingered salute. “Oh, and prayers are most welcome!” Prayers. Another word that rarely, if ever, appeared in his vocabulary. He hadn’t protested when Colleen took Jackson to church as long as he didn’t have to go with them. Maybe that might also change. One step at a time, bro. He smiled to himself.

  Mitch got in his truck and traveled to his former place of employment, silently asking the Lord to give him another chance.

  * * *

  He pulled up to the shop, recognizing most of the other cars. He checked his teeth in the mirror and took a swig of Listerine. But this time he spit it out in a cup. It wasn’t as if he was trying to hide the smell of booze. He wanted to come off squeaky clean when he spoke to Otto.

  When he opened the door, the bell rang in the back of the shop, signaling that a customer had arrived. Otto came out with a big smile, but it turned into a frown when he saw that it was Mitchel.

  “What are you doing here?” Otto asked, more out of curiosity than anger.

  “Hey, Otto. Can we talk a minute?” Mitch was close to fawning over him, but that kind of schmaltz wouldn’t work on the hard-nosed Otto.

  “What about?” Otto was wiping some grease off his hands with a towel.

  “Let me start out by saying I know I was a real jerk.”

  “You won’t get an argument from me.” Otto leaned against the counter.

  Mitchel snickered. “Listen, you know Colleen and I are going through an ugly time.”

  “So I’ve heard.” Otto wasn’t much for words.

  “Otto, I know you gave me a lot of chances to keep my job when I was screwing up.”

  “I ain’t gonna argue that either.”

  “Otto, I’m trying to get my act together. I’ve cut down on my drinking. I’m even trying to quit smoking.” He rolled up his sleeve to show him the nicotine patch.

  “I’m guessing you want your old job back.” Otto eyed him closely.

  Mitch looked down at his feet. “Yes. But before you say no, I want you to understand how much I need this. Not just for me, but for Jackson. I want to be able to pay good child support.”

  “You and Colleen gettin’ a divorce?”

  “Most likely. But I’m going to do my darn best to make it easy for Jackson. A broken home isn’t good for anyone.” Mitchel paused, trying to get a sense of what direction Otto was going. “I know you knew my pop, but I really didn’t. I was only ten when he died, so I don’t know much about being a father, and I don’t want to blow it with Jackson. He’s a really good kid and deserves some kind of stability.”

  Otto was nodding. Mitch
el thought it was a good sign.

  “Otto, I really need the job.” Mitchel was on the verge of groveling.

  “How’m I gonna trust you to show up?” Otto peered at him.

  “I know it’s a lot to ask, after all the bull I put you through, but I’d like to think I’m changing for the better. I know I did good work.”

  Otto interrupted and repeated the reminder. “When you showed up.”

  Mitch put his hands up. “I know. I know.” He took a deep breath. “I’ll tell you what. You take me back, and I’ll work overtime for regular pay.”

  Otto scratched the stubble on his face. “How many hours overtime are you talkin’?”

  Mitch was calculating in his head. “Ten? Twelve?”

  “A week?”

  “If necessary.”

  “For how long?”

  “Six months?” Mitchel figured he had nothing to lose at this point.

  Otto thought a minute, wiped his hands again, and put it out to shake Mitch’s. “You better watch your butt. When can you start?”

  A huge wave of relief came over Mitch. He thought he would cry. “Thanks, Otto. I promise, I will not disappoint you. I can start today. The only time off I’ll need is for court, but I’ll work late to get any of the jobs done.”

  Otto threw the towel at him. “Go suit up. Your old uniform is still in the back. I was going to burn it, but then I decided I didn’t want a grease fire.” Otto chuckled. He was glad to have his top mechanic back. He wouldn’t let on, but he had lost a couple of good customers, and now he could tell them Mitch was back.

  Mitch was walking on air. Obstacle one was out of the way.

  His court date for the hearing was in two days, then the custody hearing in a week. At least he was gainfully employed. He felt the urge to call someone. He decided it was Elaine. She had been good to him in spite of his bad behavior, and she was a warm, welcome ear earlier that day. He dialed her number.

  “Hello, Mitch?” She saw his name come up on the caller ID. “Everything all right?”

  “Hey, Elaine. Everything is fine and dandy. Otto gave me my job back.”

  “That’s great! When do you start?”

  “I’m here now. I just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for your hospitality, breakfast, and those prayers.” Mitchel’s voice essentially sounded upbeat. “I’m sure you were prayin’ for me to get out.” He laughed.

  Elaine knew it wasn’t far from the truth, but she was happy for him and Jackson anyway.

  Mitchel continued. “I’m going to have to figure out some kind of living situation for myself, so if you can bear with me for another couple of weeks, until the hearings are over, I would greatly appreciate it. And I’ll give you guys some cash for letting me stay there.”

  “That’s fine, Mitchel. We’ll try to help out as much as possible.”

  “Thanks, Elaine. It’s very much appreciated.” Mitchel was still trying to avoid getting choked up. “I better get inside before Otto changes his mind.”

  “Good idea!” Elaine laughed. “Good luck! See you later.”

  “Bye.” Mitch clicked off the phone and wiped the small tear at the corner of his eye.

  Chapter Thirty

  Ellie was pleased at how easy it had been to have Hector in the house. She had felt no anxiety or panic once she let him in. Their conversation was congenial and friendly. Not that she would have expected anything less, but it was a new experience for both of them. She was feeling emotionally stronger and decided to call Zach to share her progress.

  When she explained to the therapist that she had invited someone into her space and had coffee, he was thoroughly pleased at Ellie’s progress. “Do you think you’ll do it again?” Zach asked Ellie.

  “Yes. I want to invite Colleen, Jackson’s mom, over for tea. She must have invited me a dozen times, and I always felt I had to decline.”

  “How are the nightmares?”

  “I’ve only had one lately.”

  “What do you think brought it on?”

  Ellie sighed. “My friend Kara got in touch to tell me that Rick called her husband looking for a loan.”

  “What did he say?”

  “According to Kara, Rick wanted $5,000 to invest in a start-up company. But get this, he wanted it sent via PayPal.”

  “That’s an odd way to get capital for an investment,” Zach noted.

  “Exactly.”

  “When was the last time anyone heard from Rick?”

  Ellie paused. “It was around the time I was in the hospital.”

  “And no one has heard from him until this recent phone call?”

  “Not anyone I know of.” Ellie wasn’t aware of any contact.

  “So, after two years, he calls your friend’s husband to ask for a loan?” He waited, but it was clearly a rhetorical question. “Doesn’t that strike you as odd?” That one was not rhetorical.

  “Of course it does. I think that’s why I had a nightmare.”

  “Do you think he’s trying to locate you?” her therapist asked. The thought gave Ellie the chills.

  “As far as I know, he hasn’t contacted my mother, who would be the obvious choice if that’s what he was doing. And from what Kara told me, he didn’t ask about me.”

  “How does that make you feel?” The typical therapist question.

  “Honestly, I haven’t given it any thought until now.” Ellie wasn’t lying.

  “So, your friend tells you that your former boyfriend called her husband, asking for money, and didn’t check to see how you were?”

  “That pretty much sums it up,” Ellie said, matter-of-factly.

  “And you’re all right with that?”

  “I suppose. But I did have a nightmare that night.”

  “Do you remember any of it?”

  “The only part I remember is that I was falling down a dark hole. Then I woke up in a sweat.”

  “Do you think you’re falling down a dark hole?”

  Ellie snickered. “Am I not living in one?”

  “That’s up to you, Ellie. You made a lot of progress by inviting Hector into the house. You also let Jackson into your yard. Clearly, you’re beginning to allow more people into your life.”

  “Yes. It’s the rest of it I still can’t sort out.”

  “Remember what I’ve said, ‘Baby steps.’ But this was a pretty good leap for you. Do you think you’ll follow through with inviting Colleen?” Zach asked.

  “Yes. We’ve had several conversations on the phone. She is easy to talk to, and I think she needs a friend.”

  “Oh? What makes you say that?”

  “She is going through a messy divorce and child-custody dispute. The police were here a couple of weeks ago, and they arrested her husband for domestic violence.”

  “That does sound like a bad situation,” the therapist acknowledged.

  “Sometimes I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that sort of thing.”

  “Which part?” he prodded.

  “Having to compromise for another person, especially if that person has issues.”

  “Good point.” Zach paused before he asked the next question. “Are you still feeling anxious?”

  “Not as much as I used to. Getting to know Colleen, even if it’s over the phone, and having Hector help me have made me feel much more secure.”

  “But Hector will be leaving for college in the fall. Have you thought about what you’re going to do when he’s gone?”

  Ellie chuckled. “Baby steps. Remember?”

  The therapist also laughed. “I think you’re doing well, Ellie. Please keep me informed of your progress, or any issues you may have.”

  “Thanks, Doc. I certainly will. Take care.”

  “You do the same.”

  The call ended with Ellie feeling more lighthearted than she had in a long while. She knew she had made progress, and it felt good to be able to share that with someone. Someone who knew about the fears, even if she, herself, didn’t know exactly what she was afra
id of. After the call, Ellie wrote a note to Colleen:

  Hi, Colleen,

  It’s been way overdue, but would you like to have tea or coffee with me sometime this week? Perhaps one afternoon when Jackson is playing with Buddy? You can see them in action. Let me know. Kind regards, Ellie

  She clipped a note to it for Hector:

  Please deliver to Colleen. Thanks.

  Ellie finished up with the latest of her distressed online customers. She had three more hours on the clock. Finally, at midnight, she logged off and went to bed. It had been a draining evening. But in a good way.

  Somewhere around 2:30 in the morning, she shot upright in her bed. She had had a nightmare similar to the previous one, with her spiraling down a dark whirlpool. But this time there was something different. She could see Rick’s face at the top of the whirlpool. Her hand was reaching out for him to rescue her, but Rick just turned and walked away, leaving her to be swept into the abyss. There was something familiar and haunting about that image. She knew she couldn’t call Kara at that hour, so she scribbled down the bits and pieces she could remember from the nightmare while it was still fresh in her mind. She was trembling and had a fuzzy sensation in her head. It was almost like the buzzing of a mosquito. Was it simply from the nightmare, or was the nightmare a clue to what had happened to her?

  Ellie threw the covers back and got out of bed. Buddy gave her an odd look but remained in his nice warm spot. Percy did the same. “I guess I’m on my own, huh, guys.”

  Ellie made herself a cup of tea and went up to the loft. She powered up her PC and pulled up a search engine.

  Ellie wondered why she’d not done anything like this before, dozens of times. In the end, she simply chalked it up to pure laziness. Laziness—and fear of what she might find. Well, that was then and this was now.

  She found the website of the most likely newspaper in New York City to report on falls resulting in hospital stays and typed in the date the incident took place, hoping there would be something in its archives that would give her a clue. If there was nothing there, she would look at the archives of other newspapers.