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The phone rings a few times before she answers and she sounds out of breath as she gasps,“Troy. Is everything okay?”
“I was going to ask you that.”
“Of course.”
“And mom. Have you heard anything?”
There’s a slight pause and then her voice comes through a little louder.
“Yes. Mrs. Partridge called and told me she was settling in fine. They have a therapy session arranged for the morning so they can analyze her state of mind.”
“Does she know?” I’m still concerned this is all too much for her and Melissa says quickly,“Yes, and she’s good with that.”
“Is everything okay, sis? You sound as if you’re running.”
“I am.”She laughs.“I’m working out.”
“What, at this time of night?”
I’m not sure Melissa has ever worked out past three pm in the past. She’s gym shy most of the time and prefers to slouch in front of the television most evenings.
“Well, maybe I’ve changed.”
I think of Laura sleeping in my bed and reply, “Change is good. Enjoy.”
Before I cut the call, she says quickly,“Um, Troy, I’m heading out of town for a few days while mom is otherwise occupied.”
“Out of town. Where?”
“Barbados.”
It takes me by surprise because Melissa rarely takes a vacation.
“On your own?”
This is all a little odd, and she lowers her voice and says with a giggle,“Not exactly. Anyway, I’ll fill you in when I get back. It’s only for a week, so enjoy the peace and quiet while you can.”
“But…” She cuts the call before I can demand any further information, and I hate not knowing who she’s obviously infatuated with.
It makes me sit in the darkness of my den for a moment while I try to wrap my head around it. Melissa doesn’t head off on tripswith people I don’t know about. She usually just goes to our villa in Antigua with friends, but this didn’t sound like just a friend.
Despite the hour, I grab the phone and dial Max’s number. He answers almost immediately.
“Troy. How can I be of service?”
“My sister.”
I don’t waste any time with pleasantries.
“I want you to follow her. She’s heading out of town tomorrow to Barbados. That’s all the info I have, but I want to know how she gets there and who is accompanying her?”
“Consider it done.”
Before he cuts the call, he says evenly,“Anything else?”
I think for a moment and then say icily, “Oscar Callahan. A journalist from the Orion press. Follow him and tell me where he lives, who owns it, and any jobs he attends interviews for. If he moves, I want to know which way and details of anyone he dates or has conversations with.”
Max whistles slowly.“Man, I wouldn’t want to be that guy.”
