Riddle (3 page)

Chapter 4

Grace Donahue knew she was going to have to pull off the highway and find a garage. The red light on the dash continued to flicker and the car was making the type of sound that practically shouted big bucks. The sign for Riddle came up quickly and she steered the car onto the off ramp. “God please let there be a mechanic in this town.”

Following signs to the center of the town she spotted several businesses; a hotel, a diner, several small shops, and a service station. It wasn’t just a gas station with a convenience store attached; it was an old fashioned mechanic on duty service station. She just managed to get the car into the parking lot when it gave a final gasp, shuddered, and died.

A mechanic came out of the bay wiping his hands on what appeared to be a greasy cloth before shoving it into the back pocket of his coveralls. “That doesn’t sound too good.” He smiled as he approached her.

She offered what she hoped was a friendly smile in return. “It hasn’t sounded good for the last few miles.”

He nodded, “Pop the hood and let me take a quick look.”

After doing as he asked she got out of the car and went to stand beside him. The odor of something burning immediately hit her. She knew at once this was not going to be a cheap fix. Nothing that smelled that bad could be cheap.

The mechanic grunted as he pulled the dipstick out of the well, looked at its dry surface, and shook his head.  “When was the last time you had this car serviced?” He straightened and looked her in the eye.

“You mean like oil?” Grace immediately thought how stupid she sounded.

He cleared his throat. “Among other things. It looks like your transmission is gone.” He felt sorry for the small red head. “I’m really sorry.”

The two of them stood for a moment almost as though they were mourning the death of a friend. Grace struggled to hold back her tears. “Can it be fixed?” She read the name embroidered on the mechanics coveralls. Jerry. Maybe Jerry could fix it.

He looked down at the engine, raked his eyes over the car, and then turned back to her. “I’m going to be honest. It would cost you more to fix it than to buy a new car. You can get a good used car for about two thousand if you buy it outright in a private party sale.”

“Buy a new car?” She murmured. “Two thousand dollars.” Her voice broke. “How much to fix it?”

“Well if I can find a used transmission at Lindy’s I can do it for about twenty eight hundred.” He saw her wince. “Maybe twenty-five hundred.”

Grace mentally went over her finances. Her credit cards were close to maxed out and nowhere near that much was available. There were her investments but she had no idea how she could draw on those other than the twelve hundred a month that automatically went into her checking account and that was all she had to live on while she lived the life of a wanderer.

A car pulled into the station and Jerry excused himself to assist the driver. Her eyes flitted around. There was a motel across the road and a diner next door. Maybe she could just take a night to figure it out, think it over. Looking up at the thick clouds that hung low in the sky she knew it would rain, and rain hard, soon.

Jerry came back, hands shoved in his pockets. Before he could say anything she asked if she could leave the car overnight so she could consider her options. “You have a ride home?”

“I don’t actually live here. I’m traveling. I thought I might get a room across the road and consider my options. Maybe call a friend. Is it okay?”

Normally Jerry would have said no. But she was pitiful. “Just overnight sweetie, okay?”

Grace wanted to snap that she was not his sweetie. Instead she bit her tongue, offered a grateful smile, and agreed to be back by ten the next morning. With that she pulled her suitcase and her laptop out of the trunk and headed across the busy road.

The Skyview Inn was a pleasant surprise with a large open lobby and a small bar off to the side of the entrance. Grace propped her rolling suitcase against the front desk and sighed heavily. “I hope you have a vacancy.”

The blonde behind the desk smiled widely. “We certainly do. Is it just you?”

“Yes just me.” She began digging through her purse for her wallet.

“How many nights do you need?” The girl asked as her nails clicked over her keyboard.

Grace hesitated. “I’ll need at least one. My car broke down and they are checking it out at the service station across the street.”

The smile on the blonde’s face grew wider. “Jerry does a good job. He’ll get you back on the road. I’ll just check you in for tonight and you can let me know tomorrow if you need more. We aren’t very busy this time of year.”

Grace breathed a sigh of relief. “At least something is going well today. I guess I should ask about the rates.”

The desk clerk repeated that it was off season so the rates were lower. “We have an indoor pool and Jacuzzi if you’re interested. And of course the bar opens at four.”

As Grace slid her credit card across the desk she asked about the diner across the road.

“They have great food. If you show your room key you’ll get a ten percent discount. Check out is at noon but as I said let me know if you need more time. I’m giving you one of our larger rooms on the top floor at the lower rate. I figure you need a break.”

Grace smiled gratefully. “You are an angel. All I need right now is a good meal and to put my feet up.”

“Well my name is Sandy and I’m here until eleven tonight. Call if you need anything. And you really should try out the Jacuzzi.”

“I may do that,” Grace agreed as she headed toward the elevator. “Thanks again!”

If she had been surprised by the lobby she was more amazed at the room. The scent of recently cleaned hotel room was light and welcoming after hours of stale car and burning rubber. Looking out through the open curtains she was delighted to see mountains rising in the distance. The clouds hung low over them making the scene look like a painting. For a small town Riddle didn’t seem so bad. Leaving her suitcase and laptop on the floor she sprawled across the king sized bed. It was nice to stretch out after hours of tense driving while her car slowly died. If she hadn’t been so hungry she could have just gone to sleep. But her stomach growled insistently so she pulled herself together and set her laptop on the bed. It was time to check her finances.  In a few minutes she was gazing despondently at the computer screen. She had been less than cautious recently. Her mother would be shaking her head. She could almost hear her voice reminding her she should prepare in advance for the unexpected.

“Hush mother. It’s unexpected. How can you prepare for it?” Opening the calculator on the laptop she did a few quick calculations. She had money coming in about two weeks. Out of that amount she would need to make her two credit card payments, find a place to stay that would be less costly than this hotel, and be able to eat at least once a day. In the end it would all depend on whether a used transmission could be located. Of course there was still the option of buying a new used car. Grace tossed ideas around in her head for another ten minutes before the gurgling of her stomach drowned out her thoughts.

Closing her laptop she went into the bathroom and looked at her reflection. “I’ll get something to eat and think about this when I get back.”  Digging in her purse she pulled out her hairbrush and a lip gloss and made herself what her mother would call “presentable”.

As she left the room she flipped the do not disturb sign onto the door handle. Her mother had always done that, saying if they left a hotel room that way a thief would think the room was occupied. Dodging traffic she crossed the road to the diner. She stopped short before entering. A “Now Hiring” sign practically shouted at her.  It was something to consider. With the thought in the back of her mind she entered the diner, the odor of hearty comfort food tempting her forward.

Chapter 5

The scent of food cooking filled Kort’s head and he was suddenly conscious of how hungry he was and how good everything smelled. Mandy returned setting a plate in front of him with a thick burger topped with a generous slab of cheddar cheese and bacon and a portion of hot and crispy French fries that filled half the plate.

“Let me refresh that tea for you,” she smiled, a dimple appearing at the corner of her mouth. As she poured more tea and ice into his glass he stared at the plate and inhaled deeply letting the scent of the food envelope him. He could feel the heat from the fries rise up and warm his face. As Mandy set the fresh glass of tea on the counter she looked at him with concern. “Is everything okay?”

Kort grinned up at her. “Everything is great, absolutely wonderful.”

Returning his grin she told him to let her know if he needed anything else and hurried off to attend to other customers.

After debating whether to put ketchup on his food he decided against it and dug into the first hot and fresh food he’d eaten in years. He was eating the last few fries on his plate when the young woman slid onto the stool next to him. He glanced at her casually as she picked up a menu. She didn’t look at it but seemed to be looking nervously around the diner.

Mandy returned and asked if he would like coffee and dessert and he opted for a piece of apple pie. The woman caught Mandy’s attention.

“I saw the sign in the window that said you’re hiring. Can I get an application please?” Her voice was soft and a little shaky. A small frown creased Mandy’s forehead. When she returned with Kort’s coffee and pie she handed the application to the woman.

“You can fill it out at the table over there.” Her tone was dismissive and somewhat annoyed and it surprised Kort a little.

Her back straightening, her tone a little firmer she told Mandy she also wanted to order food. “If that’s not a problem for you.”

Kort glanced at her and had to hold back a grin. This girl might need a job but she was well dressed and not intimidated by Mandy’s attitude. Catching him looking at her she raised her eyebrows.

As Mandy walked away, Kort said softly, “She was a little snooty wasn’t she?”

A look of surprise crossed her face that quickly turned to a smile. “You could say that.” She glanced at Kort’s pie and coffee. “Tell me the food is good.”

“The burger and fries are good,” Kort offered.  “I don’t know about anything else.”

Glancing back at the menu she continued, “I guess you don’t live here either.”

Clearing his throat Kort told her he’d been away for a while and this was the first time he’d eaten at the diner in a few years. She nodded but didn’t look up, still perusing the menu. Mandy returned and freshened his coffee. He watched as she shot the woman a glance that was close to disgusted. “Are you ready to order?”

“I believe I will take the recommendation of my friend here and have a cheeseburger and fries; but no bacon and a glass of water instead of the tea.” She smiled frostily at Mandy.

Mandy’s head swiveled between them. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize…” Her face turned pink and she hurried off to fill Grace’s order.

Grace smiled a little uncertainly at Kort. “I’m sorry. It seems I might get treated with a little more friendliness if I’m not a total stranger.”

Kort studied her closely. Part of him wanted to tell her she had just linked herself to a convicted killer but it wasn’t his business. “No problem. But I’m not the most popular guy in town.”

Cocking her head to one side Grace asked, “What did you do? Rob a bank?”

Just then Mandy returned with a glass of water and Jack, saving him from answering. Jack looked from Grace to Kort and back again. “I hear you’re looking for a job.”

“Yes. But I want to be straight with you. I’m traveling cross country and my car broke down. I have it at the garage next door and I need to make a little extra cash to pay for a new transmission. I’d only be here temporarily.” She leaned forward. “But I can guarantee I would work every shift you give me and I’ll stick around until you have a replacement.”

Jack’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “Well now. You sure are honest.” He turned to Kort. “Is she always this straight forward?”

Grace’s breath caught. But Kort merely nodded. “As long as I’ve known her she has always been straight.”

Jack nodded. “Come in tomorrow morning at six thirty. Bring your ID and social. We’ll get you started. You ever done any serving before?”

“Serving, hostess, dish washer. I’m not much of a cook but I learn fast.”

Jack laughed heartily at that. “We have the best grill cook in town so you’re safe there.” Looking back at Kort he smiled. “Hope you enjoyed it Kort.” Nodding at Grace he said, “See you in the morning.”

After he walked away Kort leaned back slightly on his stool. “Since we are friends, my name is Kort Eriksen.”

Grace felt her face grow warm. “I’m sorry about that. Grace. Grace Donahue.”

An ironic grin crossed Kort’s face. “As long as you aren’t a bank robber or a star player on America’s Most Wanted it’s okay.”

“You’re safe. And I understand if you want to set your buddy straight.” She silently hoped he wouldn’t turn her in since it was pretty obvious she was getting a job because she knew Kort. Looking him over she wondered if he was some kind of small town jock, probably a star high school football player who was still riding on his glory days.

Kort shook his head and sucked down the last of his coffee. “Well Grace Donahue I guess I’ll see you around. Good luck tomorrow.”

“Thanks, thanks for everything.”

As he reached the door to the diner Jack ambled up to his side. “If you need anything Kort I hope you know you can ask me. I mean if it doesn’t work out with Chad. I don’t guess you’d be inclined to work in a diner but if push comes to shove we’ll work something out.”

Kort smiled wryly. “I hope it doesn’t come to that Jack but I certainly appreciate the offer.”

Jack slapped him lightly on the back and as Kort went out the door he called after him, “Get home safe. It looks we’re going to have another downpour.”

Grace overheard the last comment and glanced at the wide front window of the diner. The sky had grown very dark and the clouds in the distance were full and a deep gray.

“Excuse me,” she signaled to Mandy. “Could you make my order to go? I’d like to get across the road before it rains.”

Mandy looked over Grace’s shoulder and nodded in agreement. “It looks like it’s going to be a bad one.” She managed a small smile at Grace. “I’ll hurry it up and pack it up for you.”

Kort headed out to his truck just as the first few drops of rain hit the pavement. He stood just outside the door of the diner and watched as townspeople hurried to cars and across the road, dodging the raindrops as though they were poison. Looking up at the sky he let the rain hit his face. It was cool. The fresh scent of it filled his head. As he slid into the driver’s seat the sky opened and the deluge hit. The day had grown as dark as dusk and the rain was so heavy he couldn’t see through the windshield. Even when he started the engine and turned on the wipers, visibility remained limited. The sound of the rain pounding the roof of the truck was like being inside a tin can in a shower. Kort leaned back in the seat opting to wait a few minutes, hoping it would let up enough for him to see. Traffic had slowed to almost a stop as drivers struggled to see through the storm.

Glancing back at the diner he saw someone standing just outside the door under the awning, a bag held close almost protectively to her chest. There was no mistaking the rich copper red of Grace Donahue’s hair. As he watched she pulled the hood of her sweatshirt up over her head leaving strands of her hair sticking out the sides.

“Surely you aren’t going to try to make it across the road in this,” he murmured. But then she did just that. Head down, she took off across the parking lot trying to shelter the bag she carried. Without much thought Kort leaned out the door and called to her. “Hey, get in!”

Barely hesitating she veered toward the passenger door and leaped in. She was already soaked from just the short distance she had run. Rainwater began to puddle around her feet and she bit her lip in embarrassment.

“I’m making such a mess.” She perched on the edge of the seat as though she could somehow keep it dry if she didn’t sit back.

“It’s okay. It will dry.” Kort looked behind the seat hoping he would find a towel or rag to give her to dry off. He wasn’t really surprised there was nothing there. His mother would never allow anything in the truck that did not absolutely belong there. “I’m sorry I don’t have a towel or anything.”

“I should be apologizing.” Grace set the bag on the floor at her feet. Then she pushed the hood back from her face, and pulled the front of the sweatshirt up to blot the rain on her face. She looked through the windshield. “If it would let up just a little I could make it across the road.” Smiling at Kort she asked, “Does it usually pass quickly or will I be dodging animals heading for an ark on my way?”

Kort glanced back at the road and tried to remember what fall storms had been like before he went to Eastern State. He had never really paid attention. It had rained the day after Desiree had disappeared. The rain had poured down in sheets making it impossible for the searchers to cover much ground. The sound of the rain pounding on the roof of the truck pulled him back to the present. He turned to answer Grace and found her staring at him.

“Are you okay?” Her voice was steady but her eyes betrayed her nervousness. She had watched Kort’s face change as he looked out at the rain. The easy smile had faded into a grimace. And something about the expression made her stomach tighten and her nerves kick into high gear.

Kort felt her tension and immediately felt bad. “I was just remembering…” He stopped. There was no way to explain his history in a few minutes to someone he might never see again. “It does rain pretty heavily sometimes.” He glanced back out the window. “I can take you across the road.”

Grace hesitated. Her eyes flicked over Kort taking in his height and build. He was a big guy. She didn’t know anything about him. She wanted to hit herself in the head. She had gotten into a truck with a man she knew nothing about. No one knew where she was. Heck no one really knew who she was in this town. If she disappeared she would just be some drifter who couldn’t afford to have her car repaired and didn’t show up for a job.

Kort could read the look on her face. “But it will probably let up soon.”

Grace blushed. He had sensed her reticence. She shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

He cut her off. “Don’t be sorry. You should be more careful. On the other hand, if you would like a lift across the road I am happy to take you.” He allowed a grin to touch his lips. “I promise not to kidnap you.”

Brushing aside her discomfort Grace returned the grin. “In that case I would appreciate a lift across the road.”She pulled on the seatbelt and set the bag containing her dinner gingerly on her lap.

Nodding, Kort started the truck and pulled up to the parking lot exit. The odor of a hamburger and fries filled the cab of the truck. “I see you decided to get your food to go,” he observed as he watched the traffic for an opening.

“It seemed like the most practical thing to do when I saw how dark it was getting.” Grace’s stomach rumbled softly and she glanced quickly at Kort to see if he noticed. But it seemed he hadn’t as he continued to gauge the flow of cars, waiting for an opening to pull out.

Traffic finally thinned and several cars stopped to let Kort out. With a slight wave he drove across the road and up to the entrance of the inn. “Safe and sound.”

“Thank you very much. Thank you for the ride and for the recommendation. And just for the record you should be careful too.” Grace grinned broadly now, “Women can be as dangerous as men.” With that she hopped out of the truck and went into the lobby.

Kort watched her go thinking she had a point. Squinting out the window he noticed the rain was slowing. With that he headed back to the house.