No Way Out

by Christine Kersey

  As the dizziness receded, Abby let go of the man’s arm and stood back from him. “No, it’s okay,” she mumbled, mortified. “I’m fine,”

  The store manager rushed over. “Is there a problem here, sir?”

  “Can you get some water for this woman?” the man asked.

  Several people were looking their way and Abby wanted to escape their stares. A moment later the manager handed Abby a glass of water and she gulped it down.

  “I’m fine now. Really.” She tried to smile at them. “Thank you for your help.”

  The blond man frowned at her. “I think you should see a doctor. I mean, in your condition . . .” He pointed to her pregnant shape.

  “I have an appointment later today,” Abby lied. “Thank you for your concern.”

  She left the store as quickly as she could and walked down the mall until she was out of their sight. Finding an empty bench, she sat while she worked to regain her composure. Recalling the feeling of exhilaration when she’d thought Eric was within reach, she knew she would welcome him back no matter what had caused him to leave. The sensation of the world crashing down on her when she’d realized the blond man wasn’t Eric was the worst feeling she had ever experienced. Worse than when she’d first discovered he was missing.

  When she’d recovered physically, she headed back to where Jennifer was shopping, and as she reached the store where she was supposed to meet her sister, she decided to keep quiet about the incident downstairs. It was too embarrassing. Besides, Jennifer would make her go to the doctor when all she needed was for her husband to come home.

  She found Jennifer next to a rack of shirts. Putting on a bright smile, Abby walked over to her and asked how it was going.

  “I think I’m going to get this one.” Jennifer held up a green shirt. “How about you? See anything interesting?”

  “No. Are you about ready?”

  Jennifer scrutinized Abby’s face. “Are you okay? You look pale.”

  “I’m just tired, like usual.”

  They left the store a few minutes later, then went to the lower level to head to their car. To Abby’s chagrin, the blond man was walking toward them. She tried to ignore him, hoping he wouldn’t notice her, but he walked right up to them.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  Jennifer looked at him with curiosity. “Can I help you?”

  He looked at Jennifer. “Your friend here nearly passed out a few minutes ago. I was wondering if she’s feeling better.”

  Jennifer looked at Abby. “What is he talking about?”

  Abby looked at the man. “I told you before, I’m fine.”

  He glanced at the two women, obviously uncomfortable, then nodded and strode away.

  Jennifer turned to Abby. “Do you care to explain what happened?”

  Embarrassed, Abby became defensive. “Who are you, my mother?”

  Jennifer’s voice softened. “No. I’m your sister and I love you. Please tell me what happened.”

  She immediately felt contrite. “It was nothing, really. I felt dizzy for a minute.” She looked at Jennifer, hopeful she would drop the subject. “I’m fine. Really.”

  Jennifer hesitated. “Well, I guess you’re old enough to know how you’re feeling.”

  “Thank you.”

  After eating lunch at Abby’s house, the sisters settled down to talk about what strategy they should use next.

  “I don’t think the police are actively pursuing this,” Abby said. “I think it’s going to be up to us.”

  “You may be right. But don’t forget I have to leave in a few days.”

  “I know. And I think you should go back to your family. They need you.” Abby smiled gratefully at her sister. “It’s been wonderful having you here. I’m glad you were able to come.”

  “Me too, but I’m not leaving yet. Anyway, it’s good for my family to have me away for a while. It helps them appreciate all I do for them.”

  Abby laughed in agreement.

  “What about Eric’s files?” Jennifer said as her face lit up.

  “What files?”

  “On the computer.” Jennifer became animated as she spoke. “Maybe he left something in his computer files that could give us a clue.”

  Jennifer’s excitement was contagious.

  “Great idea,” Abby agreed.

  They went straight into the office and over to the desk, where Abby sat in front of the computer and turned it on. As the screen came to life, Abby turned toward Jennifer. “How much do you know about computers?”

  Jennifer grinned. “I actually know a thing or two.”

  “Great. I know how to use a few of the computer programs and how to go online, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge.” Abby stood. “You sit here. I’ll watch.”

  Jennifer took Abby’s place and began clicking on icons. Abby tried to follow what she was doing, but wasn’t having much success putting the steps to memory.

  “Can you teach me what to do?”

  “Sure,” Jennifer said. “You see this icon here? You can go in here and see an overview of what’s on the hard drive.”

  “Okay,” Abby said, relieved that she understood what Jennifer was doing.

  They looked things over for a few minutes.

  “I think I’d like to try it,” Abby said.

  Jennifer relinquished the desk chair to Abby, who started clicking on different folders as soon as she was seated.

  They looked for more than an hour, at which point Abby turned to Jennifer. “I don’t know if there’s anything here.”

  Jennifer stood and stretched. “Let’s take a break. We can come back to it later.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  As the afternoon wore on, Abby and Jennifer began debating whether to contact the media to broadcast information about Eric. Abby was against it, Jennifer for it.

  “Your paper’s a daily local,” Jennifer said. “I think we’d get a lot of leads if there was a story about Eric. If someone sees him, they’ll call the number we set up,” Jennifer said.

  Not convinced, Abby shook her head. “But what if he’s gone back to using drugs? I mean, how humiliating would it be if it comes out that he’s a drug addict and we have the whole city out searching for him? Or what if he’s gone off to set up a totally new life and he doesn’t want to be found?”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” She sat up straighter. “But Abby, what if it has nothing to do with either of those things and something’s happened and he’s not able to get back to you? What then?”

  Abby closed her eyes for a moment before speaking in a whisper. “I don’t know.” She shook her head slowly from side to side. “I just don’t know.”

  They sat in silence for several minutes before Abby finally spoke. “Okay. What about this? We call the local paper and have them run a small story about Eric. Nothing major. Just a small photo and description, mentioning that I haven’t heard from him in several days.”

  A broad grin curved Jennifer’s mouth. “Great. I think that’s the best course of action. I mean, what have you got to lose?”

  Abby smiled tentatively. “I have no idea.” But she was relieved to have made a decision.

  The newspaper reporter on the phone wasn’t enthusiastic about Abby’s story, but after talking to his editor, he agreed to run it.

  “Thank you,” she said, grateful he was showing even a small amount of interest. “I’ll bring a picture by later this afternoon.”

  “Sure. See you then.”

  Abby hung up the phone and told Jennifer the situation.

  “Sounds like it will be a small mention. That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?”

  “Well, yes. I guess so. Although I was surprised it was such a non-story.”

  “They probably have people asking them to run similar stories more often than you think. Anyway, you better get ready for work.”

  Abby agreed and headed upstairs.

  As Abby entered the newspaper office, all the comm
otion intimidated her. She wished Jennifer had been able to come with her, but was glad she was staying with the girls. She forced herself to walk with confidence. There didn’t seem to be a receptionist, so she approached the first person she saw.

  “Excuse me.” Her voice was nearly a whisper.

  The woman looked up, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. “Yes?”

  “Would you point out Steve Adams for me?”

  The woman looked Abby over for a moment before responding. Then she jerked her thumb over her shoulder. “Over there. The one on the phone.”

  Looking in the direction the woman indicated, she saw several men talking on phones. “I’m sorry to bother you,” she said to the woman, who was again typing, “But could you be more specific?”

  The woman rolled her eyes, then stood. “Hey, Steve. This lady’s looking for you.”

  A tall man who looked like a recent college graduate approached Abby.

  “I’m Steve,” he said, smiling good-naturedly.

  Abby stepped forward, feeling better now that she’d seen his friendly demeanor. “I’m Abby Breuner. I spoke to you earlier about my missing husband.”

  “Oh, yeah.” He nodded. “Come on over here and have a seat.” He pointed to a desk covered with memos, Post-it Notes, and yellow legal pads. A laptop sat in the center.

  Abby sat in an empty chair and tried to shut out all the noise. “How can you concentrate with all this racket?”

  He grinned. “You get used to it.” He shuffled some papers and asked, “Now. What can I do for you?”

  Abby reached into her purse and pulled out a wallet-size photo of Eric, then handed it across the desk. “Here’s the picture I promised you. When do you think the story will be in the paper?”

  Steve looked at the photo for a moment before answering. “Not for a few days. I’d guess Monday’s edition.”

  “Oh.” She was disappointed, but tried to smile gratefully.

  Steve looked at her with empathy. “It’s the best I can do.”

  Abby nodded. “I understand.” She picked up her purse and stood. “Thank you for your time.”

  “Wait a minute. I have a few questions to ask.”

  She sat back down. “Sure.”

  Steve pulled a notepad in front of him and turned to a blank page. “I want to get my facts straight. You said on the phone he was supposed to come home for lunch and didn’t show up.” He looked at Abby for a confirmation.

  “Yes. That’s right.”

  “Okay. What’s the name of his employer?”

  “Central Valley Construction.”

  Steve paused for a moment before writing the information down. He didn’t look up from his pad. “And his supervisor’s name?”

  “Brock Mendez.”

  “And what does your husband do there?”

  “He’s an accountant.”

  Steve looked up at her sharply. “An accountant?”

  “Yes. Why? Is something wrong?”

  He hesitated before answering. “It’s just that I’ve heard rumors.”

  “What kind of rumors?” Abby asked.

  Steve set his notepad down and held up his hands. “I can’t really say.” He chuckled. “Don’t want to give out possibly false information.”

  Abby leaned forward in her chair. “Look, Mr. Adams. My husband has been missing for four days now. I have no idea where he is or what could have happened. If you know something that could help me find him and you don’t tell me, I . . . I . . .” She let her words trail off, not sure what she could threaten him with. Abby glanced at the man’s left ring finger and saw a gold band. “You’re married?” She pointed to his left hand.

  “Yeah. What’s that got to do with it?”

  “If your wife was missing, wouldn’t you be desperate to know where she was? To know if she was even still alive?”

  He sighed audibly and looked around the room before looking back at Abby, then he leaned forward. “Okay. You didn’t hear this from me, but I’ve heard that Central Valley Construction has been having financial issues. Apparently there have been discrepancies in their records.”

  “What do you mean by ‘discrepancies’?”

  “You know. Things don’t quite add up at the end of the month?”

  “And how would you know this, Mr. Adams?”

  “I told you, they’re only rumors. But I have a source that’s reliable. Someone close to someone on the inside.”

  “Let me see if I have this straight. You’re saying someone in the accounting department may be doing something illegal?”

  Steve didn’t answer, he just looked her in the eye. After a moment, he said, “I’m not saying anything, Mrs. Breuner. Nothing at all.”

  Abby stood slowly from her chair. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Adams.”

  She wove her way out of the room and headed to her vehicle. On the drive to work she thought about the implications of Mr. Adams’ “rumors.”

  Could Eric be involved in something else illegal? Is that why he disappeared? Should I be happy it isn’t drugs, or feel even worse?

  Once at work, Abby got busy shelving books. She was surprised when Mary appeared half an hour into her shift. “Mary,” Abby said, straightening from her task. “How are you feeling? Nadine said you were sick.”

  “Hi, Abby. I must have eaten something that disagreed with me, but I’m fine now.” Mary smiled. “What about you? Are you ready to tell me what’s going on?”

  Now that Abby had asked the newspaper to print a story about Eric’s disappearance, there was no point in keeping the information from Mary. “I guess I am.”

  Mary’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “That was easy.”

  Abby tried to laugh, but thinking about the information she was about to share kept her from enjoying Mary’s comment. “Eric’s missing.”

  The smile vanished from Mary’s face. “What?”

  “That’s what’s been going on. Eric was supposed to meet me for lunch the other day and he never came. I haven’t heard from him since and I have no idea where he is.” It was a relief to tell her friend.

  “You’re joking,” Mary said, obviously having a hard time taking in the information.

  “I wish I were.” Abby felt the familiar pang of worry in her chest. “I don’t know what to think. I just came from the newspaper and they’re going to run a story on Monday. I don’t know if it will help, but I felt like I needed to do something.”

  “You’ve talked to the police, haven’t you?” Mary asked, her hand going toward her mouth.

  “Yes, but they won’t do anything since there’s no appearance of foul play.”

  “Foul play?” Mary asked, the idea obviously shocking her. “Why would there be foul play? Your husband’s an accountant, right?”

  “Yes, he is. That’s why it doesn’t make any sense.”

  “Do you have any theories?” Mary asked, her mind evidently in detective mode.

  Abby knew Mary loved a good mystery and hoped all the years she had spent reading them might come in handy now. It felt good to talk to her friend about this, to get another viewpoint. Abby took a deep breath, then she told Mary about all the horrible things that had happened since Eric’s disappearance. She even showed Mary the awful picture of Eric with the other family.

  Mary seemed in shock when Abby finished. After hugging her friend, she asked, “Is there anything I can do to help? Hey, what are you doing here so late in the day? Who’s watching your children?”

  “I’m here because Nadine said you were sick, but don’t worry, my sister’s in town helping me out. The girls are with her.” Abby was touched that Mary had thought of her daughters, but before she could express as much they both turned at the sound of someone clearing her throat. Nadine stood behind them.

  “Is there a problem here, ladies?”

  With Mary as an ally, Abby didn’t feel so intimidated by her supervisor. “No, everything’s fine, Nadine. I was asking how Mary was feeling. You didn’t tell me she w
as going to be coming in after all.”

  Nadine looked taken aback to be caught making a mistake. “Yes, well, she didn’t give me much notice.” Nadine shot Mary a look that said she didn’t appreciate the changed plans.

  “Sorry. I’m feeling better, though. Thank you for caring,” Mary said, obviously trying to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

  “Good. Then I suggest you get to work.” Nadine turned and stalked off.

  Abby had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. “You’re priceless, Mary.”

  “Thank you. I try to be.” She grinned back. “Since I’m here, I guess you can go home.”

  “Actually, I think I’ll stay. I might need the money soon. And it’s nice to have something to keep me busy.”

  “Okay. Will you keep me up to date on what’s happening and let me know if I can help?”

  “Yes.” Abby was more than happy to have another person to talk to about her problems.

  “And can I look at that horrible picture once more? I hate to ask, but this way I can keep my eyes peeled. That woman looks strangely familiar . . .”

  Abby’s eyes lit up with hope. “She does?” She pulled out the photo and handed it to her. “From where?”

  Mary looked at it closely. “Yes, she does, but I don’t know why. I’m so sorry, Abby. I’ll try to remember, and I’ll call you if I do. Promise to call me if any clues develop—it might help me think.”

  Abby nodded, but disappointment and frustration filled her. Where were the answers?

  The weekend passed uneventfully. Abby and Jennifer tried to keep the girls occupied so they wouldn’t notice their father’s absence so much, taking them to movies and roller-skating.

  On Monday morning Abby scoured the paper for mention of Eric, and she found it on page three of the local section. She stared at the photo and thought about the conversation she’d had with Steve Adams at the newspaper. In the accompanying article there was no mention of the “rumors” at Central Valley Construction, which was a relief.

  What of those rumors? A kernel of truth can be found in some rumors.

  She set the paper on the counter and headed up the stairs to see if Jennifer needed any help packing. She would be leaving later that morning and Abby needed to drive her to the airport.