Page 18 of More than a Memory
“He is such a happy little guy,” Rachel shared with a tired smile.
“His dimples are going to catch those little schoolmates’ attention, for sure,” Darcy commented.
Caleb pointed to the bunny, signaling he wanted Darcy to continue with the show. She went on exaggerating the stuffed rabbit’s movements and dialog to Caleb’s delight. After several minutes she handed the rabbit to him saying, “You try.”
He plopped down onto the floor and began to engage in a conversation with the bunny, which only he and the stuffed toy could decipher.
“Can you think of anywhere that Jared could be hiding the children?” Darcy continued.
“I’m sure you have checked with his mom, and then there is his best friend, Ray.”
“I’m heading there next,” Darcy offered.
“Ray and him are thick as thieves. They’ve been friends since they was little. If he knows anything, good luck finding it out,” Rachel shared. “Ray would know though. They don’t do nothin’ without the other knowin’.”
“Thank you, Rachel, you’ve been most helpful. Here’s my card.” She placed her business card on the end table as she walked to the front door. “If you hear from him call me. You don’t need to be charged with helping him kidnap those children. That is a very serious crime,” Darcy said gently. She felt protective of this young mother and wanted to keep her out of any trouble.
“I would NEVER!” she said, showing some spirit for the first time since Darcy had arrived. “I’ve got two little ones of my own, I would lose my mind if they was taken. I guess I’m lucky their father skipped out and don’t give a damn about them. It’s hard moneywise, but at least they are all mine,” she said, hugging her baby tight to her waist.
“You take care now. If you think of anything just give me a ring,” Darcy said as she was leaving handing her business card to Rachel.
“I will. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but can I ask you something?” she said shyly, looking down at her feet.
“Of course you can, Rachel.”
“How did you get to be a P.I.? You’re so beautiful you could be in the movies, but instead you are a private investigator. I mean it’s really cool and stuff, but it seems so dangerous and you would have to be so brave,” she said, becoming embarrassed as she spoke.
“It’s a long story, but I’ll share it with you sometime. Can I stop by for a visit?” Darcy asked sincerely.
“You’d do that?” Rachel asked with her mouth hanging open in surprise.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Darcy responded. “I’ll even bring lunch for us and if you’d like I’ll bring my dog in next time. He loves kids.”
“That would be super!” Rachel smiled sweetly.
“I know you didn’t ask for my advice, but you can do a lot better than Jared. Keep that in mind. I know right now you have your hands full, but when you are ready you should know that you are a pretty girl and kind as well. Don’t let Jared take advantage of your kindness.”
“I am done with him. Thanks, Darcy, you made my day. I don’t get to spend much time with adults lately.”
“You take care, and I’ll stop by soon.” Darcy promised.
When she did, she was determined to find out if Rachel had a diploma or GED, and if not, she was going to help her get it as well as give her guidance about future career opportunities. Her sister was always looking for nail techs. Maybe that would interest her.
* * *
Heading to Ray’s house, she continued to daydream about options for Rachel and looked forward to helping her. She thought that Rachel would be open to ideas. Maybe she could take her to Annie’s salon for a makeover and Annie could sell her on the idea of a career in the beauty industry.
She pulled up to Ray’s address and clipped Mac’s leash to his collar. They both hopped out and went to the door. This time it was a bust, but Mac got a chance for a potty break as Darcy walked around the perimeter of the property to see if there was anything that stood out.
* * *
Merging onto the four-lane heading north, she hoped that the second half of her day proved to be more productive than the first. After an hour on the road, Mac decided to move to the back seat for a snooze, leaving Darcy alone in the front with her thoughts, which inevitably strayed to Sam. She had soft country music playing in the background, which always seemed to be songs about the heart, songs of new love, old love, and heartbreak with the occasional rowdy drinking song thrown in for good measure.
Her thoughts escalated from fantasizing about his lips on hers to them naked and in bed making passionate love. She knew he would be an incredible lover because of his considerate nature and eagerness to please. Those brief interludes of intimacy on their date the other night made her flush as she recalled the heat and immediate response of her body to Sam’s attention. When he had cupped her breast, she had felt such heat and desire for him that it wouldn’t have taken much more for her to explode in a climax. The feel of his hardness between her thighs as she was sitting on his lap made her hungry to feel his naked manhood against her moist center.
She found herself more excited than she wanted to admit for their date on Friday. He told her to dress up since they would be going to an upscale restaurant in the city. She would most definitely be relying on Annie to help her out on this one. Thinking of her wardrobe, she had to agree with her sister that it left much to be desired. Almost everything she owned leaned toward casual. Fortunately, she and Annie were close to the same size and her sis was a fashionista who loved to shop. Her sister’s walk-in closet was crammed full, so she would have no trouble finding something to wear.
Finally coming upon a rest area, she called out to Mac, rousing him so they could take a brief pit stop before driving to the Wards’ lake home. She used the restroom and then took Mac for a walk before sitting down at the picnic table to eat her P & B sandwich and drink her coffee. The rest area was beautifully landscaped with tall mature trees surrounding her, creating a park-like setting. She gave Mac a bowl of water and a couple of dog treats and he was happy. After finishing her lunch, she packed away her reusable container and they took off again. By her GPS, they were only about twenty minutes away.