by Jaden Skye
“We have a one-year-old little girl,” Sean mumbled.
“No one told me.” Olivia felt sad.
“Sorry about that,” Sean conceded. “There was so much going on when the baby was born. Anyway, you don’t happen to know Pietra, who organized the party, do you?”
“No,” said Olivia. She didn’t know any of the new friends Raine had made living in Florida, or anything else about her life. “Raine and I lost touch.”
“I know that you did.” Sean sounded disconcerted. “Raine talked about it from time to time. I actually told her to call you when we heard about Todd’s death. But Raine felt funny about it.”
Olivia cringed. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she replied.
“Listen, right now I’m nervous,” Sean repeated loudly. “I’m still waiting for Raine to come home. She’s not answering her texts, phone, or emails, either.”
Suddenly, it hit Olivia. “Are you saying Raine’s missing?” she asked in horror.
“I’m not saying that,” Sean responded. “I’m just saying she’s not yet home!”
“Which of her friends have you talked to?” Olivia picked right up on it. “Did she travel down to Key West with any of them?”
Sean’s voice grew edgy. “Raine actually went down earlier, a day before the party. As far as I know she was planning to stay a few hours extra after they were and fly back alone. The gals all tell me not to worry, that everything’s fine. Most think she’s just giving herself a few days off the grid. Raine likes going off the grid from time to time.”
Olivia felt better hearing that, but still uneasy. “Doesn’t Raine usually tell you when she’s going off the grid?”
“Yes, she does.” Sean breathed hard. “And with each hour that’s passing, I’m feeling worse.”
“Of course you are,” Olivia responded, now fully engaged.
“In fact, I’m freaking out, if you really want the truth,” he blurted out.
“I do really want the truth,” Olivia responded intensely.
“I thought you would.” Sean sounded somber. “I’m scared something awful’s happened to Raine, and I need someone on this with me. You did such a great job finding Todd’s killer. Please, will you come down and help? I’ll pay for your trip, your time, for everything.”
Olivia was shocked by the request and also completely mobilized. The idea of helping out excited her. And it would be wonderful to see Raine again as well. Without a moment’s hesitation she made up her mind.
“I’ll be on the first flight tomorrow, Sean,” she said.
“You will? Really?” He seemed thrilled.
“Yes, I will,” said Olivia. “See you then.”
CHAPTER THREE
Olivia was relieved to be leaving the city and it was good being back on an early flight first thing the next morning. Looking out the window in the plane, Olivia drank one cup of coffee after another. What would it be like to see Raine again? Olivia was eager to meet Sean again and see Raine’s daughter. Olivia was shocked to realize that Raine had a child and hadn’t told her. That wasn’t like her. It wasn’t the sparkly, fun-loving Raine Olivia remembered from college, who was always up for anything and made everyone laugh.
Before Raine and Olivia were roommates at college, they’d become best friends. Raine majored in visual arts, with a specialty in photography, and had posted her photographs all over their room. Raine loved taking photographs of everything she’d laid her eyes on. She had a hunger for life, always went where it took her. Olivia was always more naturally cautious, but greatly enjoyed Raine’s spirit of adventure. Raine enjoyed Olivia’s practical side and her ability to balance things out.
As Olivia thought about Raine’s life now, complete with a husband and young daughter, it was startling to realize that she herself was still single and alone.
The voice of the pilot over the loudspeaker suddenly interrupted Olivia’s reverie, announcing that it was time to prepare for landing. They would be arriving early, before the expected time.
*
Back in a cab once again, now leaving the Miami airport, Olivia headed toward Raine’s home. It was located in an established, upscale suburb of Miami, not exactly the kind of life Olivia would have imagined for Raine. Olivia would have thought she would be living in the midst of a city, exploring every nook and cranny, shopping, partying, and drinking coffee in outdoor cafes, even in the rain.
As the cab drew closer to the destination, Olivia tried her best to remember Sean. She’d only met him a few times briefly. He and Raine had just met at the end of senior year. Sean had attended a proper all-male school a few miles away and he and Raine had met at a year-end mixer. Olivia recalled that Sean had seemed older than his years, handsome, formal, and determined. He also wouldn’t leave Raine alone, pursued her for all he was worth. Raine had been flattered by the attention but Olivia remembered wondering if he was right for her. Sean was different from the guys Raine usually dated, stiffer and more demanding.
After graduation, Olivia moved home to Boston, and Raine moved to Chicago to be near Sean. After that, Olivia and Raine saw each other only occasionally. They communicated mostly through email and phone, but soon Raine became harder and harder to reach, always very busy, swooped up by Sean.
The cab left the main highway now and drove along the opulent, beautifully manicured streets. They passed one large, imposing stucco home after another with outdoor porches and verandas. Old trees and plants bloomed everywhere. The neighborhood was clearly for the well-heeled, those who lived orderly, sumptuous lives.
The cab drove Olivia to one of the most beautiful homes at the end of a flowering cul-de-sac.
“This is it,” the driver said, as he pulled up.
Olivia paid him and got out of the cab slowly. Was Raine back home yet? she wondered. Any word from her at all? Although Olivia secretly hoped to find Raine waiting there, she realized that Sean would probably have let her know if she’d returned.
The moment Olivia rang the front doorbell, it opened. A tall, attractive man in his mid-thirties, wearing khakis and an open blue shirt, stood there. It was definitely Sean, looking the same as when Olivia had seen him years ago, just older. He and Olivia looked at each other directly.
“You got here fast, thank you for that. Truly. Come in,” said Sean.
“No word of anything yet?” Olivia asked as she followed him into the large, open, sunny, beautiful home.
“Nothing, nothing,” he muttered, running his hands through his sandy hair.
Olivia was torn between wanting to calm him down and questioning him about every detail he could remember.
“Come sit down in the living room,” Sean directed. “I’ll have May bring you coffee and sandwiches.”
“Is that Raine’s mother?” asked Olivia.
Sean’s face briefly soured. “No, May is the housekeeper. Raine’s mother, Barna, is out walking with Clea. They’ll be back in a little while. You must have met Raine’s mother at one time or another?”
“Yes, of course,” Olivia replied, although it had been only briefly, in passing. Raine and her mother had never been close. It often took days before Raine even answered her calls.
“Barna’s been very good to us since Clea was born.” Sean quickly filled Olivia in. “She’s wonderful with the baby, too. And Clea loves her.”
“That’s good.” Olivia was glad to hear it, and also looking forward to meeting the child.
“Sit down,” Sean directed her again, “I’ll tell May you’ve arrived. We’ve all been expecting you. I told Raine’s friends you were coming, as well.”
Olivia sat down on the dark blue velvet sofa and wondered what was coming next. It was strange being here, but felt right as well. Certainly, much better than being cooped up in an office or in her apartment in the city. Olivia wondered how Raine would react to seeing her when she returned.
Sean returned quickly with May, a beautiful, slender Philippine young woman, who smiled at Olivia as she handed her a tray with coffee, salad
, and an egg salad sandwich.
“Thanks so much,” said Olivia, though she wasn’t at all hungry.
“It’s good of you to help, very good,” said May. “We’re all waiting for Miss Raine to come home.” Then she nodded at Sean and quickly skirted away.
Sean sat opposite Olivia as she ate a few bites of the lunch, watching her carefully. “Sorry about what happened with you and Raine,” he finally said as she put her sandwich back down on the tray. “She always spoke highly of you, felt bad about your friendship dissolving the way it did.”
“It happens.” Olivia nodded.
“Looks like you’ve had quite a life though,” Sean went on.
Olivia wasn’t exactly sure how to take that. “It’s been challenging,” she replied.
“You’ve become strong from it, Olivia, I saw that right away,” Sean replied. “And from what the news reported, you basically solved Todd’s case single-handedly.”
Olivia had never thought of it that way. “The police worked hard on it as well,” she replied, wondering why Sean hadn’t contacted the police himself by now.
“Have you contacted the police about Raine?” she decided to ask.
Sean shuddered. “No, of course not. Not yet.”
“Time’s of the essence in the case of missing persons though,” Olivia commented.
“And what if Raine just walks in the door?” Sean exclaimed. “If I contacted the police and word got out, it would upset our entire community. Raine and I are pillars of the community here, you know. We organize charity events, church attendance, bible studies, caring for the poor.”
Olivia had had no idea of that. She could not recall Raine ever doing that before.
“I’ve told Raine over and over that this is the right way to live,” Sean filled Olivia in.
“Very admirable,” Olivia murmured.
“Listen, I want you to speak to all her friends,” he went on. “One of them has to know what’s going on. Raine can play crazy games at times, you know that. It’s fun for her.”
Olivia did remember that Raine could be mischievous, enjoyed pranks and surprises. This was way more than a foolish prank, though. Or was it? Olivia needed some background immediately.
“How do you guys do together?” she asked. “What’s your relationship like?”
Sean got up and started pacing. “Of course I knew sooner or later you would ask that,” he replied. “It’s wonderful. It always was and always will be. Right from the moment we met we were happy.”
Olivia took a deep breath. She’d just said and thought the very same thing herself about Todd. Actually, it hurt to hear it.
“No rough spots?” she continued.
“A few little arguments here and there, of course,” Sean said. “That’s normal, isn’t it? It’s natural. Nothing much, though, at all.”
Olivia looked around at the beautiful home. Obviously Sean did his best to keep Raine happy. It seemed like he gave her whatever she wanted. Many women would die for a life like this.
“Tell me again about the weekend.” Olivia felt the need for more details now. “When did Raine leave exactly, when was she supposed to return?”
“She left by herself and planned to fly back alone,” Sean repeated. “It was a bachelorette party for one of her good friends, Sloane, who’s finally tying the knot. Sloane’s a fine woman, very fine.”
“Glad to hear that,” said Olivia.
“The girls decided to go down to Key West for the celebration,” Sean continued. “There’s lots to do there, great food, music, beaches.”
Olivia knew that only too well. It was also a romantic spot to celebrate in.
“There’s even a gallery down there where Raine sometimes sells her photographs,” Sean continued. “So, Raine wanted to get down there a bit early, give herself a little extra time. I expected her home right after the party, like the rest of her friends.”
“Did anyone know she was staying down there longer?” Olivia asked.
“Not that I know of.” Sean was quick on the draw. “Raine likes to take her camera and explore all kinds of neighborhoods and winding trails,” Sean went on. “It’s her form of relaxation.”
“I remember that well,” said Olivia.
Sean turned and looked at her intensely. “I’m glad you do,” he replied. “After the baby was born it seems Raine needed more and more relaxation.”
“A child can be demanding,” Olivia replied.
“I guess she can be,” Sean halfheartedly agreed.
“Is there any other reason Raine wanted to stay down there longer?” Olivia asked.
“None that I know.” Sean got nervous. “Why would there be?”
“I have no idea,” said Olivia, “none at all. But I have to find out.”
Sean’s voice suddenly got louder. “I know you can find her and when you do, please tell her I’m not happy about this! At all! Clea needs her! And her mother needs to go home. Tell Raine to remember that.”
“I will,” said Olivia, startled by his outburst. “But how do I find her? What’s the next step?”
“You find out for yourself. You have great instincts, I immediately felt it,” Sean replied.
Olivia was pleased by the comment. She also felt eager to jump into the case, to find her old friend and say hello again after all these years.
“Okay, so who should I talk to first?” Olivia asked.
“Speak to Pietra,” Sean responded instantly. “Pietra lives in Miami and runs a smart little boutique in the middle of town. She organized the bachelorette party, knows everyone who attended, exactly what happened, and probably also knows where Raine is hiding out.”
“Hiding out?” Olivia was startled. “You believe she’s hiding from something?”
“I don’t mean it like that.” Sean’s eyes suddenly narrowed. “I mean she’s not here, is she? No one knows where she is. To me, that’s hiding!”
CHAPTER FOUR
Sean rented Olivia a car and she drove straight to Pietra’s boutique in the heart of Miami. Sean told Olivia he’d been in touch with Pietra, who was now eagerly expecting her. Hardly knowing what to think, Olivia quickly drove out of the suburb and through the center of the city to Little Havana. The lively Cuban influence was reflected in the cafes and cigar shops that lined the colorful streets. Right in the middle of it all stood Pietra’s snazzy boutique, with large glass windows and loud, ringing chimes on the door.
Olivia parked across the street, got out of the car and straightened her skirt, and shook her long hair back over her shoulders. The day was growing warmer and humid and Olivia was hot and thirsty. As she crossed the street and entered the colorful, trendy boutique the lively chimes rang out, announcing her arrival.
Before Olivia knew it, Pietra, a striking young Latino woman with dark, curly hair, a flashing smile, and dressed in an orange print dress, came running up to Olivia.
“You must be Olivia, you’re beautiful.” Her words couldn’t get out fast enough. “It’s sooo sweet of you to come down here and give us a hand.”
Olivia warmed to Pietra immediately, delighted by her wide open manner.
“Come to the back room with me. We can talk privately,” Pietra bubbled on, taking Olivia’s hand and half pulling her through the sparkly store, filled with wonderful dresses, jewelry, handbags, and gifts of all kinds.
“You have a wonderful shop,” Olivia murmured as she followed her.
“I know, I know,” said Pietra. “Everybody comes here and loves it. Then they come back again. There’s something here for everyone.”
Despite herself, Olivia smiled. Pietra had a childlike, bubbly enthusiasm about her that was contagious. It made sense that Raine would have a friend like this.
“You and Raine are best friends?” Olivia asked as Pietra whisked her into the back room, closed the door, and pulled out a plush, embroidered chair for Olivia to sit on.
“Sit down here, darling,” she said. “It’s sooo comfortable.” Then Pietra plop
ped herself down right beside Olivia. “Of course we’re best friends,” she went on then. “All our friends are best friends. Do you want a cup of tea?”
“No, just some water, thanks,” Olivia answered, struck with a moment of sadness, wishing she could be part of these best friends as well.
Pietra jumped up to bring Olivia water. Not only was it startling to be here, it was wonderful, like a vacation from her life. Olivia pulled herself up quickly then. She had to remember why she was here in the first place. Something out of the ordinary had happened. Raine could be in danger. Olivia was here to help.
“Are you worried about Raine?” Olivia immediately asked Pietra, as she returned with a tall, blue glass of water.
“Of course I’m worried, very much worried.” Pietra popped back down on the little chair she’d placed beside Olivia. “We are all terribly worried. In fact, Nessa called me crying last night.”
That surprised Olivia. It wasn’t the impression she’d had from Sean. He’d told her the girls all thought that Raine would be back shortly.
“Sean said you all thought it was nothing, that Raine would be back in a little while,” Olivia responded.
Pietra stopped and looked directly at Olivia. “That was yesterday,” she said. “Or the day before? I can’t remember. Of course in the beginning we all just laughed. Now no one is laughing. Not any of us.”
Olivia sat up straighter. “Why hasn’t someone contacted the police?”
“Sean won’t let us.” Pietra zoned in as well. “He refuses to believe Raine is really missing. And he’s afraid what everyone will think or do, if it becomes public. Actually, I was the one who convinced him to call you.”
“Really?” Olivia was startled.
“Yes, I read all about what happened to you in Key West and how you were brave and found the killer.”
Olivia’s heart began beating harder. “Thank you,” she replied.
“You’re amazing,” Pietra went on. “All the girls thought so, including Raine.”
That meant a great deal to Olivia. She’d had no idea Raine cared anything about her anymore.