No Way Out

by Christine Kersey

  Jennifer forced Abby to look at her. “What kind of problems were you having? I mean, exactly.”

  Abby felt ill at ease sharing such personal things, even with her sister. “I’m not comfortable talking about it.”

  “I can understand that. But it might give us an idea of what’s going on in Eric’s mind.”

  Abby stood abruptly. “I’m really hungry. What’d you guys eat for dinner?” She moved into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator and cupboards.

  Jennifer wasn’t far behind. “We had soup and salad. Sit down and I’ll heat some soup for you.”

  Abby didn’t answer as she sat at the table and lay her head on her arms. When Jennifer set the steaming bowl of soup in front of her, she looked up and smiled gratefully.

  “It’s hot,” Jennifer said, sliding into the chair opposite Abby. “While it’s cooling, why don’t you fill me in on what’s been going on with you and Eric?”

  Abby smiled. “You don’t take no for an answer, do you?”

  Jennifer grinned back.

  “Okay. You win.” Abby stood and began pacing the short length of the kitchen, then she stopped and looked at Jennifer, who nodded encouragement. “Well, you know how long it took us to become pregnant with this one.” She caressed her belly.

  “I remember you telling me you didn’t think you’d ever get pregnant.”

  Abby nodded. “We almost gave up. The expense of the in vitro fertilization procedures ate up our savings, and we started getting cash advances on our credit cards to cover the cost.”

  “Didn’t your insurance cover it?”

  “Not really. They only covered a small percentage of it. We had to come up with the rest ourselves, but somehow Eric always managed to come up with the money we needed.”

  “I thought Mom told me you got pregnant naturally.”

  “Yes. After spending nearly every cent we had and then some.”

  “What does this have to do with Eric’s disappearance?” Jennifer asked.

  Sighing, Abby stopped pacing and sat down across from Jennifer. “I guess I might have pushed Eric on the financial part of it.” She paused, thinking about the possibility Eric was dealing drugs, needing the money to meet their financial obligations.

  “What do you mean? I thought Eric wanted this baby as much as you did.”

  She nodded vigorously. “Oh yeah, he wanted a baby as much as I did.” Abby paused again. “At first.”

  The look on Jennifer’s face showed her obvious surprise.

  “Don’t get me wrong. He was thrilled when I became pregnant. It was the financial strain that was getting to him.”

  “That’s understandable. But what happened? What did you mean when you said he wanted a baby ‘at first’?”

  “After the first year he wanted to give up. Just forget the doctors and all of their procedures. I guess he was feeling overwhelmed by the monetary burden. He tried to convince me to move on with life—that our two wonderful girls were all we needed. But I wouldn’t listen. I insisted we keep going. I’ve always felt like there was another child for us.”

  “Didn’t Eric feel the same way?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Maybe he couldn’t understand that maternal instinct you were feeling.”

  Abby nodded slowly. “After a while he couldn’t see anything past the bills flowing in every month. Looking back, I can see I might have been a bit obsessed. I’m sure I must have driven him crazy with my fixation on becoming pregnant.” Abby slowly stirred the soup, then scooped up some of the now-cooled liquid and brought it to her lips.

  “So? How did he handle it?”

  Abby set her spoon down and pushed the bowl away, suddenly losing her appetite. “Not too well. He became somewhat of a workaholic, taking in a bit of contract work in addition to his regular job. I can’t blame him. I’m sure he felt a strong need to get the bills settled.”

  “So why would he leave?”

  “I’m not sure. Like I said, he was excited about the baby.” Abby pushed back from the table and carried her dishes to the sink, rinsing them out before loading them into the dishwasher. She turned and leaned against the counter, carefully watching her sister’s expression. “There is one other thing.”

  Eric shook his head, trying to figure out how and when he had gotten himself involved in this mess. I can’t think about that right now. The important thing is to get this worked out so that I’m not the one who goes to prison.

  Trying to decide what to do next, he paced the small motel room. He’d already gathered some information that could potentially help him out of this. His plan would be risky, especially with the drug arrest on his record. He wasn’t sure if anyone would believe his story—even to him it sounded far-fetched.

  “Our accountant friend is starting to be a problem.” The impeccably dressed businessman tapped his fingers as he sat at the table.

  “Why do you say that?” his companion asked.

  “He’s paid us what he owes, but now he’s borrowed more and he seems to be having trouble coming up with the cash.”

  “Do you think he’s trying to jerk us around?”

  “I don’t know. What do you think?”

  His companion stroked his goatee, as was his habit when making decisions. “Let’s give him another week, and then if he still gives us the runaround we’ll send him a stronger message.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jennifer stared at Abby, waiting for her to reveal the one thing she had been holding back.

  Abby walked slowly over to the table and eased herself into the seat across from her sister, then leaned back for a moment and took a deep breath. “About six years ago, when Eric was working for a different company, he was asked to work a lot more than he’d ever had to before. At first he didn’t mind, but after a few months he got tired of it. All those hours were really stressing him out. One day a friend from work invited him to go fishing for the weekend at a cabin the guy owned. Of course I gave him my blessing. He’d been working so hard, he rarely got a chance to relax.”

  Abby sipped her water before going on. “As soon as he left I got this feeling that I shouldn’t have let him go. He didn’t come home when he was supposed to, and I knew something was wrong. Sure enough, when he came home he was stoned.”

  “Oh, no,” Jennifer said. “What happened?”

  “This ‘friend’ of his had some pot, and even though Eric tried to resist at first, he gave in. He even told me that if the guy had had harder stuff, he would have used that, too.” Abby looked down at the table, then back at Jennifer. “He promised me it wouldn’t happen again, but I’m afraid this is something he’s going to struggle with for the rest of his life.”

  “Oh, Abby. I’m so sorry. I had no idea you’d gone through all that.”

  “How could you know? I guess we did a good job of keeping it to ourselves, although Eric did tell his father. I think that’s part of the reason they haven’t been speaking—not that their relationship was great to start with.”

  Jennifer shook her head. “I wish I’d known about it when it happened. What an awful thing to go through alone.”

  “It was a trying time, but we’ve been closer ever since.” She looked away. “At least I’d thought we were.”

  “Now I understand why you’re not telling everyone.” Jennifer paused. “You’re afraid he’s had another relapse.”

  Abby’s head thudded dully. She turned away from Jennifer as tears filled her eyes. “That possibility’s been on my mind.” Then, bracing herself, she turned back to her sister. “I read an email today that worries me. It was for Eric. It said, ‘I want the package returned immediately.’” Abby swallowed hard and tried to control the shaking in her voice. “Do you think that could mean a drug delivery? Do you think he could be dealing drugs again?”

  “I don’t know. I mean, having a brief relapse doesn’t mean he’d turn to dealing again.”

  “I hope I’m just jumping to conclusions and that the email
is talking about something else. I’m just trying to figure this out.” Abby paused. “Maybe Eric was trying to find a way to pay off our debt. Maybe the stress of the debt pushed him back to his drug contacts.” Abby paused again. “The other day I got a call from a man asking for Eric. He wouldn’t give me his name and then he hung up.” Abby couldn’t hold back her fear and sorrow and bit her lip to try to keep from crying. “I don’t know what to think anymore,” she choked out. “What if he is dealing drugs again and he was involved in a deal that went bad? You know how often you see news reports where someone is murdered over a drug deal. What if he’s . . . got a whole life I don’t know about . . . if he’s . . . ?” Her crying prevented her from completing her thought.

  Jennifer went over and sat next to Abby. “You should have faith in your husband until you know something. He didn’t take your family’s money—that’s something. His stuff is still here. Don’t assume the worst. It will only drive you crazy.”

  Abby wiped her eyes and stared at the tabletop for several moments before she was able to speak. “You’re right.” She looked at Jennifer. “I have to believe in him. I have to believe he wouldn’t go back to using drugs. He promised, and I have to believe in our marriage. I can’t even imagine how he’d have time to be with a . . . another woman . . .”

  They sat in silence for a while before Jennifer spoke. “If it makes you feel any better, you’re not the only one with problems.”

  Abby looked at her sister. “What do you mean? Your life seems perfect to me.”

  A half-smile turned up Jennifer’s mouth. “Yeah, well, things aren’t always what they appear.”

  Abby momentarily forgot her own problems as she concentrated on her sister.

  “Rick and I are in counseling.” At the look of shock on Abby’s face, Jennifer explained. “Yeah, I know. Not what you expected from the perfect Jennifer, huh? Don’t worry though. It’s just your typical personality-conflict thing.”

  Abby stared at her sister, speechless.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll be okay.”

  “Yet you came here? I’m sorry I took you away from your family.” She was astonished over Jennifer’s confession.

  “We’ll be fine. I only told you so you would realize everyone has struggles. I know yours are extreme right now, but I hope you realize that nobody has a perfect life, no matter how things may appear from the outside.”

  The phone rang, interrupting their conversation.

  “Do you want me to get it?” Jennifer asked.

  “No, that’s okay.” Abby stood and walked over to the phone. “Hello?”

  “Abby, this is Tim. How are you?”

  “I’m okay.” She was a bit surprised to hear from Eric’s co-worker. “Do you have any news for me?”

  “No. Actually, I was hoping you had some for me. I’m really worried about Eric. Have you heard from him at all?”

  “I’m afraid not.” Abby looked at Jennifer, covered the mouthpiece, and whispered, “It’s Tim.”

  Jennifer nodded, went to the sink, and began tidying up.

  “I haven’t found a file for you, either,” Abby said.

  “Okay, thanks for looking.” He paused. “I think Brock will need more information soon. I told him a few things, and he’ll be patient until we know what’s going on, but I don’t think he can stay in limbo much longer. He’s going to have to hire a temp worker soon.”

  “Oh.” Abby’s eyebrows creased as fresh worry coursed through her. “I understand. I appreciate your help.”

  “Look. If you hear from Eric, let him know he needs to get in touch with us as soon as possible. I, uh, I think we can work out whatever’s going on.”

  Does Tim know about Eric’s past drug use? “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

  He seemed to hesitate. “No, I don’t.”

  “Do you think I should call Brock?” Abby wondered if Tim knew something he wasn’t telling her.

  “No, I’ll take care of that. You just let me know if you hear from Eric.”

  Relieved she wouldn’t have to talk to Eric’s manager, Abby said, “Thank you, Tim, for all you’re doing.”

  “Call me if you need anything.” A moment later they hung up.

  “It’s nice to know someone’s on your side,” Jennifer said after Abby told her about Tim’s concern for Eric.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Abby stretched as she looked at her bedside clock, then jumped out of bed in a panic that the girls were late for school. She threw on her robe and ran down the stairs where she found Jennifer sitting at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper.

  “Where are the girls?” Abby asked.

  Jennifer smiled. “I took them to school a long time ago. I thought I’d let you sleep in. You looked exhausted last night.”

  Abby released a breath of relief. “That was really thoughtful. It did feel good to sleep in.” She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of orange juice. “How did you sleep?”

  “Pretty good, considering our conversation,” Jennifer answered.

  Abby nodded. “I know what you mean.” She motioned to the paper in front of Jennifer. “Anything interesting in there?”

  Jennifer shook her head. “Not so far, and I’m almost done.”

  Closing her eyes in defeat, Abby nodded. “I have to admit, I’m losing hope.”

  “Don’t ever give up hope.”

  Abby smiled halfheartedly.

  Suddenly closing the paper, Jennifer said, “What time do you have to go to work today?”

  “Believe it or not, I actually have today off.”

  “Great. I have an idea. Why don’t we go somewhere and wander?”

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “Do you have a mall nearby?”

  “Yeah,” Abby said, hesitating.

  “What’s wrong?” Jennifer asked.

  “I just feel guilty doing something fun when Eric’s missing.”

  “Look, Abby, you need a break. It’s not wrong for you to take some time for yourself once in a while.”

  “I guess you’re right. Let me change.”

  As they were about to walk out the door, the phone rang, and Abby rushed to answer it. “Hello?”

  “Abby? This is Nadine.”

  Abby closed her eyes and shook her head. “Hi, Nadine.”

  “Mary is sick, so I need you to work today.”

  Abby glanced at Jennifer, who had a questioning look on her face. “I . . . uh, I have plans today. What about Emily? The new girl? Can she cover for Mary?”

  Nadine sighed. “She’s already scheduled for today. You’re the only one who can take Mary’s place.”

  “What time?” Abby asked, resigned to her responsibility and wondering what was wrong with Mary.

  “Not until three o’clock. But I’ll need you to stay until after we close.”

  “Oh.” Abby had forgotten that Mary frequently worked the evening shift. Once again, she was grateful to have Jennifer there to help out. “Okay. I’ll see you then.”

  Abby hung up and grimaced at Jennifer. “Looks like my day off isn’t going to happen, but I don’t have to go in until three.”

  “I’m sorry, Abby. That’s too bad. But at least I’ll be here to take care of the girls.”

  “Yeah. Thank goodness for that,” she said as they walked to the car. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t here.” Or what I’ll do once you’re gone. She wondered how long her life would be in upheaval.

  They pulled into the mall parking lot a short time later.

  “Your mall sure feels deserted compared to the one I go to in L.A.,” Jennifer said as they walked along the lower level.

  “Yeah, this is the best time. I don’t like to come when it’s crowded.”

  After an hour of shopping the few things Abby needed had been purchased, so the sisters stopped for frozen yogurt before window-shopping the upper level.

  “Rick’s birthday is next week and I need to g
et him a gift,” Jennifer said.

  Abby didn’t think she could stand shopping for a gift for someone else’s husband, not when her own husband was missing. “I’m going to wander around on my own if you don’t mind.”

  “Are you sure? I could get something for Rick later.”

  “No. You go ahead,” Abby said. “I’ll meet you back here in half an hour.”

  As Abby walked away, she noticed things were picking up. It was approaching lunchtime and more people were arriving. She stopped at the railing and looked down at the people beneath her, but when she saw a couple sitting on a bench cuddling, her chest tightened with envy.

  She looked away from the couple and her gaze fell on a man who was walking away. Her back went rigid as she looked at him. He had blond hair cut in a style like Eric’s and his walk seemed familiar.

  She dashed toward the stairs, almost tripping in her haste. The man was beginning to disappear from sight.

  No, wait!

  By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, she couldn’t see where the man had gone. Out of breath, her heart pounded and the baby moved restlessly in her womb.

  Hurrying down the mall in the direction the man had gone, she scanned store windows as she passed, then slowed when she reached a music store. When a blond man in the back caught her eye, she stopped in the doorway and stared. It was the same man she’d been following. She hurried in and approached the man, whose back was to her.

  “Eric?” she whispered.

  The man began turning in her direction and she gasped when she saw his profile, but as he faced her she felt as if she’d been kicked in the stomach—she’d been so sure it was him.

  He stared at her, alarm registering on his face. “Are you okay, ma’am?”

  The world spun around her as dizziness began to overcome her. Desperate to keep from falling, she grabbed at the man’s arm, and he held on to her.

  “Are you okay?” he asked again. Then he called out, “Could we get some help over here?”