Lost and Found: Sara Martin Series

by Danelle Helget

  “It sounds like Jake has a lawyer and isn't planning to fight for anything. He told his lawyer that he loves you deeply and wants you to have everything,” Kat said and then sipped her martini.

  “That's good. I wonder if I could ever forgive him. Not that I would ever work things out with him, but to move on for my own sake. I still have so much hate, I don't know when I'll feel better. I'm just glad there are no children involved, I don't know how people with kids get through this,” I responded.

  “You're not drinking very fast? Are we not getting spritzed tonight?” She winked, trying to change the subject.

  “I'm still recovering from last night.”

  “Last night? What, hot date? Spill, girlfriend,” she demanded.

  I filled her in on my night, including Derek swinging by.

  “How do you do it? With everything you've got going on, how do you hook two men in the process?” she asked, shaking her head.

  “Uh, no. I'm not trying to hook men. I’m still legally married, and it's way too early to even think about that. I'm total rebound material right now . . . do they still say that? That I'm on the rebound? That usually scares guys away doesn't it?” I asked.

  “I’d think so, but, girlfriend, it seems to be working for you.” She shook her head again and motioned the waitress for another round. We decided to move to the bar area so someone else could have our table to eat while we hung out. At ten, we hit the club downtown, I hadn't been in a club for about two years, maybe longer. Lights, music, dancing and everyone was smiling and having fun—it was the perfect place. I felt my phone vibrate as we walked in. I grabbed it while I followed Kat to the bar, she ordered shots. Great.

  “Hellooo!” I sang, suddenly realizing how drunk I sounded.

  “Hey, there,” Derek answered. “Are you and Kat having fun?”

  “Sure are. We went shopping and ate and now we are apparently doing shots and dancing at the club.”

  “Wow, sounds like fun! What club are you at?”

  “Flash.” I answered. “It's packed.”

  “Well nothing new here. We do have a lead that we’ll follow up on in the morning. Other than that, nothing. I'm off for the night. I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re doing okay,” he said.

  “Hey, do you need a night cap?” I asked, as I looked at Kat who was handing me my shot. We clinked our glasses then threw them back. I raised my eyebrows in an effort to question if that was okay, she nodded, took my shot glass and gave me two thumbs up with a big smile. “Why don't you come join us? You can meet my friend Kat and hang with us,” I yelled in to the receiver.

  “I don't think so. Isn't it ladies’ night?” he asked. I could barely hear him above the noise.

  “Nope, it's just go-out night. Anyone can come. Even you!” I said trying my best to convince him.

  “Well, I will think about it. If I see ya, I’ll see ya. If I don't, you enjoy your night,” he said.

  “Okay,” I yelled. “See ya in a few!” Then I hung up before he could answer.

  Kat and I both laughed. She gave me a high five and then handed me another shot. We clinked and shot yet another. An hour later, I was buzzed but steady. Kat and I were on the dance floor twirling and shaking our goods. She was really close to a young guy, and they were yelling in each others ears, smiling and laughing. I suddenly felt someone dancing really close behind me. I didn't turn around but kept dancing, thinking how nice it felt to be this close to someone. Whoever it was could dance, they were moving with me and right on the beat of the music. I felt him move his head up against my hair by my neck, and I fought the urge to tip my head and let him kiss me. Oh please be Derek! That's when I smelled him. I inhaled deeply and knew it was Derek. Slowly, I turned my head slightly and it was. I smiled and turned my head away again. His right hand slid slowly across my belly and around to my left hip. Our hips swaying to the beat of the music. I swung my arm back, up around his neck and he pulled me in close. I happened to catch Kat's eyes, and she was smiling and looked shocked. She mouthed, “Is that him?” I nodded. She smiled and fanned her face with her hand. I mouthed, “I know.” Then, sadly, the song ended, dang it, and they started the electric slide song. Yuk! Sliding my arm off his neck, I turned to meet his eyes. I blinked slowly and smiled softly.

  “You're quite the dancer, sweetness,” he said, as he grabbed my hand and led me off the dance floor to the bar. “Can I buy you a drink?”

  “Thank you. Yeah sure. I'll have Windsor, diet,” I said. By the expression on his face, that impressed him. As the bartender started our order, we both turned our backs and leaned on the bar, watching Kat and her new friend dancing. I pointed her out to Derek.

  “Is this someone she knows,” he asked.

  “Nope.”

  “So is this how you meet people?” he asked, with a snide smile.

  I played along. “Usually I just get really drunk, go out there and wait for someone to push up on me from behind, and that's the guy that gets to come home with me for the night.” I smiled matter-of-factly, then grabbed my drink and took a big gulp. He turned and paid the bartender.

  “Well, lucky me,” he winked. “Come on, sissy, let's go dance!” He grabbed me by the hand and twirled me out on the dance floor. We spent the next few songs out there making friends and talking to Kat. While I introduced Kat to Derek, her boy toy headed to the bar for refills. After about an hour, Derek grabbed my hand and pulled me off to a quieter corner.

  “I'm going to head home. It's been a long week,” he yelled into my ear, his face close to mine. He smelled so good. I tried to keep my lips from touching his cheek. They were really fighting me. I nodded and said, “Okay, thanks for the drink and dance.”

  He smiled back. “Do you need a ride?” he yelled in my ear with a quick glance at Kat.

  “No, but thanks. We'll grab a cab in a bit,” I leaned forward and hollered back. I felt his hand on the other side on my head. He pulled me close, and now our cheeks were touching. He whispered that I looked amazing, kissed my cheek, then walked out. I watched him walk away and tried to mentally will the blood in my body to go back to where it belonged. That's when I heard Kat's voice.

  “Close your mouth, dear.”

  I closed my mouth, caught my breath and clinked glasses with her. We both took a long drink.

  “Are the two of us really leaving together? she asked, kinda sad.

  “Aw, yeah,” I said. “Did you think I was going to split with Derek and leave you here with frat boy? Not a chance, sis-ta.”

  She checked her watch and said, “We should probably head out.”

  “Are you going to get frat boy’s number?” We both scanned the dance floor for him.

  “Oh, there he is, lip-locked with the blonde over there,” Kat said. “I'll just check back later,” she winked.

  “Awe, young love.”

  We headed for home in a cab. Kat crashed at my place, on the couch. In the morning, I came out to the kitchen for water and noticed she was gone and there was a note on the counter that said, “Thanks, call ya later.”

  22

  Sunday . . . ugh. I suppose I should hit church. If I got ready fast, I'd be able to make the late service. I jumped in the shower and dressed quickly. I did a simple yet effective make-up and grabbed my purse and shoes on the run. I got to church just in time, and I noticed that Blake was there too. He was sitting far to my left and next to a beautiful brunette. She made me feel very simple. As soon as church was over, I rushed to my car before he spotted me. Who was he with? He said he wasn't married. I guess I didn't ask about a girlfriend but I just assumed since he was in no hurry on Friday night, he had no one to hurry home to.

  I called my mom. She warned me that I was living my life in fast forward, and it could bite me in the end. I mentally agreed with her, but I also felt like everything was happening without my control so what was I suppose to do about it? I was making choices that felt right. After I reminded her that I was a big girl, I told her I love
d her and disconnected. I was actually looking forward to some quiet time at home, but I wanted to make one stop first. I pulled into the lot and rang the buzzer. The door unlocked and I headed in.

  “Hey, Joey!” I said, “How's my baby?”

  “Dude, thanks for stopping over. We were just talking about you,” he said, stepping aside to usher me in. “Kristin, it's Sara Martin,” he yelled.

  We walked through the kitchen and into the living room. Kristin and Marissa were on the couch. Quietly, I walked over and sat down and she passed me the baby. Oh, my gosh, she was the cutest thing ever!

  “She’s so beautiful! I think she gets prettier every time I see her,” I said in a squeaky baby voice. “Isn't she just a sweetheart?” Pulling her in close to me, I squeezed her gently and kissed her forehead.

  “Dude, we were just about to call you, when you rang the door bell,” Joey said.

  “Really, why?”

  “We need a babysitter for tomorrow night, and we thought of you. We don't know very many people, and the few friends we do have, we’d never leave a baby with, so we thought we'd ask you,” Joey said.

  “Oh, I’d love to. What time?”

  “We have a baby CPR and First Aid class for new parents at the hospital from five to ten, but if you came earlier, we'd like to go out on a mini date for a nice dinner, too. We haven't been out in so long, and we don't want to bring a baby to a nice restaurant,” Kristin said.

  “Sure, no problem. That's great for you guys. How about three in the afternoon. That’ll give you lots of time together before the class,” I said, smiling at the baby.

  “Thanks so much. Do you want to do it at our house or yours?” Kristin asked.

  “How about my place? That way if she sleeps, I can clean or bake or something.”

  We sat there and chatted for another half hour and then I left. I just had to get my baby fix. As I said goodbye, I thought about how instantly excited I was for tomorrow. I couldn't wait to have a tiny baby for the whole afternoon.

  I went home and changed into lounge wear. I checked my email, and there were two new messages. The first was from Jake. I was just about ready to delete it, but then I was curious as to what he knew, so I opened it. It just said that he missed me terribly and couldn't go on living without me, that it'd been too long, and we needed to talk and get this worked out. He added that he was so depressed he couldn't work, was about to lose his job, and drank to mask the pain. While I hit delete, I got sick to my stomach. I couldn't believe he thought we still had a chance. I opened the one from Derek. It just said last night was fun and had a smiley face. And now I was smiling too. I thought it was funny that I was catching my breath at an email. Geez, I really must like him if his emails gave me butterflies. I sent a winking smile back, then did a mental head slap—what was I fifteen again? I turned off the monitor and went into the living room. After starting a movie, I climbed on to the couch with hot chocolate and a blanket.

  I watched movies for three hours, then I had to get up. I was getting so tired I needed to move or I'd be asleep by six. Maybe I should check out the fitness room. It was one of many amenities here at the complex, and I got free use, I should maybe use it. After I changed into shorts and a t-shirt, I put two barrettes in my hair to hold it out of my face and headed out the door. I thought on the way there, how nice it was that I didn't have to go outside, just down two long halls. The room was empty when I got there. Good, if I was the only one, then I wouldn't feel so awkward since I had no idea how to use most of the equipment.

  There were mirrors on two walls so the place looked huge, but really wasn't. There was a big flat screen TV on the wall, I found the remote and turned it to HGTV and muted it, then went to the stereo and cranked up some music. It was a satellite radio, so I put some old school rap on. I was happy. Good music, good show, and I had the whole place to myself. I made a mental note to come here more often on Sunday afternoons.

  I laid down on the weight bench and lifed very little, then did some thighs and some other machines. I didn't even know what muscles they were working I just knew I hurt . . . everywhere. Gosh, I was out of shape. I was in definite need of toning. I decided I'd had enough of the sore muscles, so I got on the treadmill and found a comfortable speed. I was walking for about three minutes when the door opened. Lord give me strength, it was my neighbor, the hot, single guy, from the right!

  “Well, hey, neighbor,” he said. I never noticed how muscular he was. Holy crap, this guy was huge! He was wearing shorts and a tight tank that hugged every ab ripple and there were a lot of ripples. His arms were large! “Thanks again for the cookies. They were great. You're an excellent cook, anytime you have extra, you can just walk your narrow behind over and knock on my door,” he said with a wink.

  Narrow behind? I liked it. “Okay, that's a deal.” I said, wishing I could start over. I sounded like a dork. “So did you eat them all yet?” I asked.

  “Yup, pretty much in one sitting. I called it supper,” he smiled and wrinkled his nose. “Nice tunes. Did you pick this out?” he asked.

  Oh gosh, what's the right answer? “Yup, it's got a good beat,” I said, again wishing I could choose a different answer.

  “I like it,” he said, as he sat back on the weight bench getting ready to lift the circle of weights he'd just put on there. I looked over at the reflection in the mirror and watched him lift. I totally just saw him check out my butt! He didn't know I saw him, and I guess there I was checking him out, too. I just hoped my butt looked good in these shorts. I turned my machine off and spent a few minutes on the floor stretching. Then I stood and grabbed my water bottle.

  “Well, see ya later,” I said, with a smile and a quick finger wave.

  “See ya, cutie,” he winked. I walked out and jogged back to my room. I had a ton of energy now and no idea what to do with it so I settled on a much needed cold shower.

  23

  Monday, ohhhh, ouch! Slowly moving from the sore muscles, I dressed in black, dress pants that fit just right and one of the cute tops I'd bought Saturday. It was a fitted, rayon and silk, sleeveless blouse, with a v-neck and it tied at the waist. I threw on some matching jewelry and I looked good. My hair had worked out well. Good thing, too. I had to make an appearance at Blake's office to today.

  I checked my email, and there was one from Derek, it said: “Stop in and see me today. I have information.” Shit. I looked at when it came in and he'd sent it at nine-thirty. A quick glance at my watch showed ten-fifteen. I grabbed my coat and headed to the station. I wondered why he hadn't called. While I was driving, I was stuck between excited to see him, especially after Saturday night, and nervous that they'd found Lily. The drive seemed to take forever. When I did finally pull into the lot, I parked and started walking across the lot quickly, about half way I had to slow my pace down and try to catch my breath, my heart was beating so fast that I was short of breath. The receptionist said to go right back.

  I knocked softly on the open door. “Hello,” I said to Derek, who was facing away from the door towards the computer. He swung his chair around and smiled, leaning back in his chair.

  “Hey, you, have a seat,” he said as he made a gesture to the chair. I sat down, trying to take a few deep breaths. “Wow, you look really nervous.”

  Great that helps. “I am,” I smiled uncomfortably. “I'm not sure why.” I laughed softly. “So, Saturday night was . . . fun.”

  He walked over to the door and closed it. “Yes it was. I saw you in a whole new light. I got to thinking, the whole time I've known you, you've been sad and upset. It was good to see you having fun and smiling. You looked good,” he said, looking hard into my eyes.

  “Thank you. It was a good night, just what I needed,” I said. “So what's your news? I saw your email, and all the way over I was thinking it must be really bad if he want's to tell me in person. So what was it?”

  “Or, maybe I just wanted to see you again,” he said, still looking into my eyes. Wow, that hit me like a ro
ck. Was he joking? I couldn't tell if he was joking or not. I smiled but squinted my eyes at him, thinking hard. He smiled back with his eyebrows up, but after a moment his face changed.

  “I do actually have news, too,” he said. “We’re on the move in about an hour to Jake's work site. I'm just waiting on the search warrant. We questioned his co-workers, and one of them made mention to a project getting done ahead of schedule. He told me that a small portion of a foundation on a commercial project, that Jake was in charge of, was done ahead of schedule. At the end of the day when he left, it wasn't done and when he got back the next day it was poured and half dry. He asked Jake, who’s his supervisor, about it, and Jake told him that he’d done it himself overnight to speed things along. The employee thought it was strange because with the mixing, hauling and the finishing, it’d be impossible for one man to do it and get it done that fast and that well. Over the next week he noticed that Jake was very snappy and stressed out. And then after the police had questioned everyone, and he started noticing that Jake was missing a lot of work and seemed drunk a lot. He started getting suspicious when he heard that the girl Jake was seeing was missing.

  “Sara, he also mentioned that Jake had been picked up by this girl for lunch dates more than a few times. He knew that the woman in the car was not you, so he called me and said he felt someone should look into it.

  “Nice. So tons of people knew my husband was having an affair. Just not me.”

  “So anyway we put two and two together and we both thought the same thing. I checked the time cards and no one else was punched in that night.”

  “Oh, my God,” I said, covering my mouth. “You think they put her body in the cement?”

  Derek slowly nodded, with a sick look on his face. “When we get the search warrant, we’ll be going to the site with that employee and using a scanner that can give us an x-ray-like image of the cement. If there is anything unusual in the cement, it’ll show up. They use them frequently for finding cracks and weak spots in foundations for large structures, like bridges and parking ramps.”