“I have not seen her since this morning,” she answers, somewhat mollified. “She wasn’t dressed for work and was carrying a backpack.”
“And you have no idea where she was going?”
“I would have asked, but I was trying to respect her wishes. Is Jordyn all right?” She grows noticeably concerned.
“We’re trying to make certain of that. Perhaps you could help us.”
“Of course. Anything.”
“Have you seen anyone around here with dark hair, around six feet, with a slim, muscular build who has an accent? Could be French or Spanish.”
“Oh, my goodness, why?”
“Have you, Mrs. Bates?”
“There is a man who fits that description. He’s handsome as the devil and very charming. His accent is Italian, though.”
That has to be him. “Do you know his name?”
“Edward.”
“Last name?”
“I don’t know. But he was always so polite. I can’t imagine he’s anyone to worry about.”
No one ever worries about the handsome, charming man until he turns out to be a serial killer or, in this case, a stalker.
“Eye color?”
“Piercing blue.”
“Any distinguishing features?”
“He doesn’t have any noticeable tattoos or facial hair. You would be handsome too without all that,” she points to my goatee and inked arms.
“Do you know what his relationship was or is to Jordyn?”
“Well, he used to be here late at night,” she says with you-know-what-I-mean censure. “I don’t understand this generation. In my day, men were gentlemen, and women were ladies. My Jerry wooed me with flowers and poetry, not left swipes and hook-ups.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you for your help. If you see Edward around, don’t engage him. Just call me.” I hand her my card.
“Sounds like an ex,” Max concludes back in the car. “She talk to you about anyone?”
“She said she didn’t have any boyfriends. All her relationships were casual.”
“To her; maybe not to Edward.”
That’s what I’m afraid of.
WHEN I WAKE, PALE REMNANTS of the sun are peeking through a gap in the curtains. I’d slept the afternoon away, exhausted from the emotional stress and not getting even a wink last night after Stiles left.
I shower and change into shorts and a T-shirt. I leave my phone turned off. I’d told Dee and Lexie that I was going home for a mental break, and I’d mentioned the same to Eduardo.
“You sound sad,Cara.”
That word didn’t begin to describe it. I feel wrecked, liquid from all the tears I’ve cried. I called in sick for the first time since I joined Power. It wasn’t a lie. I ache all over.
It’s hell being hung up on a man. Especially one who has said he can’t give me more and can’t love me back.
