Page 19 of Traces of Kara

“Honey, why would you know?”

“She’s my daughter.”

Charlene cocked her head.

“So everyone knows Kara and Daryl are back together except me? Lovely.” Mimi stood and walked to the bookcase, inhaling the comforting aroma of the books lining the shelves.

“Kara? What are you talking about?”

Mimi spun around, tears in her eyes. “Don’t play coy at a time like this, Charlene.”

“Marylou, what on earth are you talking about? I just learned about Kelly and Daryl. I had no idea before today.” Charlene crossed her arms and set her jaw.

“Kelly? What are you talking about? I went to Daryl’s. Kara is with him. They didn’t answer the door, but I’m sure it was her. I heard her when I was on the phone with him.” She squinted.

“Oh, honey,” Charlene touched her arm and shook her head.

“Are you playing with me, Charlene? Is that it? You’re in on it? You don’t want me to feel bad or something?”

“Honey, no.” Charlene gently placed her hand behind Mimi and led her to a paisley, upholstered armchair. Mimi sat down. Charlene crouched in front of her. “Mimi, apparently Daryl and Kelly have been an item for months, and Daryl’s been keeping it quiet.” She lowered her eyes, looking up through her gray hair. “Months, Mimi.”

Mimi shook her head.

Charlene nodded.

“That bastard,” Mimi said, and pushed herself from the chair. “That son of a bitch. How dare he.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh my, God, Charlene. What have I done? Kara was right all along about him, and I didn’t believe her. No wonder she’s mad at me.”

Charlene put her arm around her. “Relax, hon. Kara’s a smart girl. You couldn’t have known. She knows that.”

“Then why isn’t she returning my calls? Why didn’t she go to school? Where is she?”

“She’s doing what any of us would have done at that age, hiding until it’s safe to come out. It’s a small town, she’s embarrassed. This has nothing to do with you.” Charlene shook her head. “I’m sure of it.”

Then why did you hesitate?

Mimi stood in the library bathroom, cell phone pressed against her ear. Daryl answered on the third ring.

“When did Kara find out?” she asked.

“What? Mimi?”

“Yes, it’s me. When did you tell Kara about Kelly?”

Daryl let out a long breath. She knew he’d rolled his eyes at her meddling question.

“Daryl, she’s missing. When did you tell her?”

“I didn’t.”

“Okay, when did she find out?”

“Mimi.” He hesitated.

Mimi stormed into the work area, grabbed her car keys, and walked out to the car. “Daryl Stahl, you answer me.”

“She knew when we were together. It’s why she left.”

“Damn you, Daryl. Really? After all she’d been through? You knew what went on with her. You knew she didn’t trust anyone.” Mimi’s blood sizzled. Her voice rose to a frantic screech. “Damn you!” She pressed End repeatedly, wishing she had a receiver to slam down. Where on earth was her daughter?