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“I lost touch with the girls once we graduated. Everyone went their separate ways, but I did see Rob a few months ago in the city. I hear he’s studying to be a lawyer. Can you imagine Rob as a lawyer? I never saw that one coming.”
I laugh at her statement, “That’s exactly what I was thinking. But hey, Rob may be the perfect attorney.”
“So, how are you holding up with…you know?”
I chuckle at her hesitation, “You mean with Raya?”
“Yeah, have you heard from her?”
I shake my head, “No, but I’m not giving up on her. I don’t know what it is, but I sense something’s wrong with her. I can’t really explain it. And I still see her face everywhere I go—in my dreams, at school, while I drive, heck, even in the shower.”
“Hmm, I haven’t heard from her, either. For a long time, I thought she would have sent me an email or a letter. I don’t know…something just to let me know that she’s okay.”
“Yeah, same here. But it’s okay because I’m going to find her. I just need to choose the right path.”
“How are you going to do that? There are a million and one places she could have gone.”
“I’m going to talk to Craig. He has to know something.”
She gasps, “Craig? What does he have to do with this?”
“Melanie, I know he’s hiding something. Don’t you ever wonder where he went all those times he was away on business?”
“No, he was away on business. I don’t know what you’re getting at.”
“Melanie, think. What was his job?”
She thinks about my question and pauses, “I never thought to ask.”
“Exactly! And Raya said that he knew people who could get him out if he needed them to.”
“But, Duke, isn’t he locked up? If he wanted out, he would be out, don’t you think?”
I shake my head, “I don’t think it’s that simple, Melanie. Something’s going on and I’m going to find out what it is. That’s why I’m talking to Craig.”
“Okay, I’m going with you.”
I shake my head, “No, no way. I’m not involving you in this.”
“Raya was my best friend, too, and I want to help you find her.”
Seeing her determination, I give in, “Fine, you can come along. He’s locked up at Auburn. I’m going next Thursday.”
“Okay, that works for me. If I get the job, I’ll start after we get back. I don’t want you going there alone, so you better come get me.”
“I will, I will. Do you still have the same number?”
She takes her phone out of her purse, “No, I changed it. What’s your number?”
We exchange phone numbers and discuss the plans for our visit to Craig. A few minutes later, we exit the coffee shop and I drop her off at her parents’ home. I head back to the house to gather any last ideas and questions I have for Craig. My mind races as each minute brings me closer and closer to being able to find her.
Don’t worry, Raya. I’m coming to save you.
Duke
I drive up to Melanie’s apartment, park the car, and ring her buzzer.
“Who is it?”
