CHAPTER THREE: A FACE FROM THE PAST

At a corner desk in the squad room of the Oakdale Police Department Detective Jack Snyder sat looking over a file. His desk was covered with stacks of files and there was a computer monitor sitting near the corner. Next to the monitor was a framed picture of three children, two dark-haired teenage boys and a younger blonde girl. When Jack stole moments to look up at the picture, the joy-filled faces of his three children, Parker, J.J., and Sage, almost made him forget the turmoil their family had gone through the past couple of years.

To say that Jack and his former wife Carly have a tumultuous relationship would put it mildly. Carly and Jack's volatile relationship has seen steamy beginnings and heart-breaking endings on numerous occasions, leading them to the alter four separate times. But although they saw that alter four times they only actually completed their vows and were pronounced husband and wife on two of those occasions.

Recently Jack and Carly were having a very difficult time with their oldest son, Parker. A somewhat moody teenager, Parker had already had a very rough life. Actually, Parker was Carly's son from a previous relationship. Some time ago Parker's birth father, former Chief of Police Hal Munson, had been shot and killed in the line of duty. Not even a year prior to that his half sister, Jennifer (Munson) Donovan, had died of a rare heart complication due to pneumonia. To top matters off, a little over a year ago Carly had gotten herself into a huge mess with a jewel thief named Simon Frasier and in an attempt to evade police she fled the country with the man. After Carly returned to town and was cleared of any wrong-doing, Parker had a very difficult time trusting his mother. About the only bright spot for Parker came the day he accepted Jack's offer to adopt him as his own son. Parker had always thought of Jack as a second father and Jack had always treated Parker as if he were one of his own. The adoption just made it all official.

A couple years had passed since their last divorce, but always the devoted and loving father, Jack thought it might help Parker if he moved back in with Carly and the kids. In true Carly and Jack fashion this move proved to be disastrous. In fact, instead of providing a more stable, loving environment for Parker and his siblings, Jack's moving in only created more tension and turmoil between himself and Carly. The main reason this was so problematic was that Carly had never gotten over her feelings for Jack and was not afraid to remind him about them, but Jack kept Carly at arm's length. He was determined to not let himself go down that well-traveled path back to Carly. Of course he was only kidding himself, because deep, deep down Jack knew he also would never really be over her.

One night, after his defenses were sufficiently compromised Jack kissed Carly. Carly was caught off-guard by Jack's advances. The one thing she wanted more than anything in this world was for Jack to love her again. But, she also couldn't take being rejected by him yet again. As Jack's kiss intensified Carly pulled back, "Don't start this if you don't really mean it," she said in desperation.

"Shut up and kiss me," was Jack's passionate response.

That night Carly's deepest fantasies came true, as Jack didn't stop. In fact the kiss turned into much more, as Jack took Carly up to the bedroom they once shared as husband and wife. The two found themselves wrapped in each other's arms unable to contain their desire for one another.

The next morning Carly was happier than she'd been in years. Her dreams were coming true – Jack was home and they finally made their way back to each other. Nothing could ruin her happy mood, nothing that is except for the unexpected greeting she received from Jack when he walked into the kitchen that morning. Carly's high came crashing down when Jack suddenly announced that last night had been a huge mistake. Jack told Carly that he had a moment of weakness after drinking too much. Carly blasted him, telling him she begged him to stop if it wasn't really what he wanted and also noting that he only had a couple of beers – last night was not a drunken tryst! She was livid. Not only had Jack broken her heart once again, but this time he used her and then just tossed her aside like yesterday's trash. She couldn't take it anymore.

As Jack sat in the squad room staring at the photo of his children he remembered Carly's angry voice as she told him he needed to move out. He sighed and shook his head, thinking he knew how much he'd hurt her once again. He didn't know why he let things get so out of hand. He was looking into the smiling eyes of his daughter Sage when a call came in on the detective line. "Snyder," said Jack as he answered the phone.

"Jack," said the female voice coming through the receiver.

"Lily?" asked Jack in a surprised tone.

"Yes, it's Lily," she said urgently.

"What's up?" asked Jack, "You sound upset."

"I guess that's why you're the detective," responded Lily. "I'm calling from Iva's."

"Hey," Jack interrupted, "Emma told me about M.J. before I came into the station last night. Has Iva heard from him?" Emma was able to tell Jack what she knew because he was now living out at the Snyder farm. This was always where Jack headed each time one of his relationships went south.

"You've been on duty all night?" asked Lily in an apologetic tone.

"Yeah, I pulled the graveyard shift last night."

"Sorry," Lily responded, "No, Iva hasn't heard from M.J., but she did get a call from the Evanston Police this morning."

"Police? That doesn't sound good," Jack said. "I was hoping that he'd just gotten mixed up with some friends for a little end of semester fun."

Lily sighed and continued, "Of course that's what we all were hoping, but after the call this morning I'm much more concerned."

Jack listened as Lily told him about Iva's conversation with the Evanston Police detective. She filled him in on how M.J.'s backpack was turned in to the police and that she was going to help get Iva to Evanston so they could meet with the investigators. She relayed how worried she was for Iva, but that she seemed better thinking that she'd soon be closer to the situation.

At one point in their conversation Jack stood up and started walking around his desk area, almost pacing. He couldn't go too far, though, because the phone cord wouldn't allow it. He fired questions at Lily that of course she couldn't answer – questions like, "Did anyone see him at the coffee shop? Who was the last person to see him? Was he with anyone at the coffee shop? Have they tried calling his cell phone? Are there any other students missing?"

Finally Lily broke in, "Jack, these are all perfectly logical questions, but I can't answer them. First of all I wasn't the one who talked with them, Iva was. Secondly, I don't think Iva was in any frame of mind to think of questions like these."

"I'm sorry Lily," said Jack, "I just wish I had more information to go on. I can't help it, it's the detective in me I guess."

"Don't be sorry Jack. That's exactly why I called you," replied Lily. "I was sort of hoping you'd feel this way. These questions are exactly what we need to be asking the detective in Evanston."

"Well sure. I'm sure they've thought the same things."

"Maybe," Lily interrupted, "but what if they're not, Jack? What if they're not making this case a priority?"

Jack knew he had to reassure Lily. "I'm sure they're giving this the proper attention," he said calmly. "After all, they called Iva right away, didn't they?"

Lily realized that was her chance. Jack was in detective mode and she didn't want him to stray. She finally decided it was time to tell him exactly why she called him. "Jack, I need to be honest with you," she started. "The real reason I called you was to ask if there was anything you could do from there to help."

Somewhat surprised, although not entirely, Jack responded, "Well, I don't know what I can do from here. I mean their investigation is obviously on-going. It's likely they're in the middle of checking out leads."

"Oh, I know," said Lily, "I just thought it would be helpful to have your expertise when Iva finally gets to Evanston. I mean… I don't know what I mean," Lily finished her sentence with a defeated tone.

"What are you asking?" asked Jack, "Do you want me to be there with Iva when she meets with the investigators?"

Lily couldn't believe her luck. They were on the same page. Her mood heightened, "Could you?"

- - -

Lucinda made her way inside the lobby of the O'Hare Hilton Hotel. She let out a big sigh as she looked around. She hoped that she was the first to arrive, because that gave her an advantage – she could find a conspicuous place to sit and watch for "Sir Duke" to arrive. That way, depending on the impression he gave she could then decide whether or not to continue this ludicrous meeting.

Her confident air was suddenly crushed when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Hey!" came an excited whisper from behind.

"Good heavens!" Lucinda cried with a start.

"Sorry," said the handsome, clean-cut gentleman standing before her, "I didn't mean to scare you Lucinda."

"Duke?" The surprise in Lucinda's voice was evident. The last time she saw Duke Kramer he was a brash, long-haired, aloof young man, whose usual wardrobe consisted of baggy pants, some sort of sloppy shirt and a ratty old field jacket. The man standing before her had a tightly cropped head of dark blonde hair and was wearing a neatly pressed pin-stripped shirt, tailored pants with a leather belt, and a handsome tie.

"Why Lucinda, it sure has been a while," said the young man, "What's it been, like fifteen years or more? This is really taking me back. The only person who still calls me Duke is John."

"Oh, right, you've straightened up and are going by your given name these days – Ian," said Lucinda as her eyes scanned him from head to foot and then nonchalantly gazed around to see who might be watching their conversation.

"Oh lighten up Lucy, nobody's watching," laughed Ian. "I see you haven't changed one bit."

"If you only knew, darling," Lucinda responded with rolling eyes.

The two finished exchanging pleasantries and decided to make their way over to the lounge, where they were seated at a table for two in the far corner. The waiter just finished taking their drink order when Lucinda finally couldn't stand it any longer. As he stepped away from their table she flung her hand out in front of her as if asking for a hand-out and burst out in hushed excitement, "OK. Now, where's this so-called proof you've promised so persistently in order to bring me to this God forsaken place?"

"Boy, you really are just as nasty as ever," said Ian

"Oh, nasty am I?" replied Lucinda placing one hand upon her chest and feigning a look of utter surprise. "I suppose I could just get in my car and drive straight back to Oakdale then, and we could put this whole charade behind us, shall we?"

"Lady, you just never quit, do you?" Ian replied with a laugh.

"Funny? You find this funny?" Lucinda snapped, "Because I am not amused."

Finally deciding he better get on with things Ian bit his tongue and replied, "No, I don't think this is funny. In fact, this isn't funny at all. Truthfully, I am really worried."

Lucinda primped her hair along her temple while obviously looking away from Ian and responded with a heavy sigh, "Well, darling, I'm sure John is just over-reacting to whatever it is that he's up to. You know John. He exaggerates about everything."

"Well, I don't necessarily disagree that sometimes he goes a bit overboard, but I really don't think he is this time," said Ian.

Just then they were interrupted by the ringing of Lucinda's cell phone. Lucinda looked at her phone and responded, "Possibly, possibly darling, but I'll have to make that decision for myself, won't I?" She turned away from the table slightly and continued, "I must take this call. Would you please excuse me for a moment?" As she stood and walked back toward the lobby she answered, "Hello pussy cat."

Lily was still standing in Iva's kitchen. She was alone this time as she spoke on her cell phone, "Hello Mother."

"To what do I owe this distinct pleasure?" asked Lucinda while she snuck a peak at her watch. "Have you warn out your welcome at Iva's darling?"

"No Mother, it's nothing like that." Lily responded, "Actually, I'm calling for a favor."

Lucinda rolled her eyes, "A favor? I'm terribly busy today. What exactly do you need darling?"

Lily explained to Lucinda all about M.J. going missing and how she needed to get Iva to Illinois. The conversation only lasted a few minutes and ended with Lucinda agreeing to call and have the World Wide jet readied for a trip to Maryland.

- - -

Jack was sitting in stop and go traffic along a busy commuter route heading toward Chicago. As he came to a rolling stop for about the twentieth time he decided to place a phone call. He pressed his finger up to his Bluetooth earpiece and announced to the car-at-large, "Call Margo." A moment later he continued, "Hey Margo, it's Jack."

"Hey Jack," replied Margo, who was sitting at a table with Tom at Al's Diner. "I thought your shift ended at eleven."

Jack let out a sort of groaning, "Yeah."

"What's the matter, that didn't sound good?"

"Actually, I am off duty." Jack said with slightly less frustration. "I guess this is more of a personal call, but it does involve police business."

"OK Jack, shoot," said Margo as she turned her free hand upward, shrugged her shoulder, and gave a questioning look to Tom.

As Margo talked to Jack Tom kept bugging her to keep the call short, finding little annoying ways to remind her that she wasn't supposed to be working. After waving his hands in front of her face and pointing to his watch for the third time Margo no longer looked amused. Her tone with Jack grew more serious and concern grew across her face. Tom took this as his queue to behave himself. As he waited patiently for Margo to get off the phone he took a moment to walk over to the counter and ask Vienna for a fresh ketchup bottle.

Vienna Hyatt was a strikingly beautiful woman with long dark hair and a fading Swedish accent. She and her boyfriend Henry Coleman inherited Al's Diner when the previous owner drew two pairs to Henry's full house one night in a high stakes poker game. Although they were new to the restaurant business Vienna and Henry were making quite a go of Al's.

As Vienna handed Tom a new bottle of ketchup she asked, "Mr. Hughes, how is everything with you and your wife?"

"Things are wonderful, thanks for asking," said a smiling Tom, "And please, call me Tom."

"I feel so bad about that whole Gray Gerard fiasco," said Vienna.

"Oh, please, that's all over. Don't give it another thought," Tom said as he gestured brushing it off with one hand.

Gray Gerard came to Oakdale several months ago to affect revenge on Tom and Margo. Gerard was one of the aliases of an international criminal named Gerald Nevins. Nevins was the brother of Elroy Nevins, an HIV positive man who brutally raped Margo fifteen years earlier during a robbery at a local liquor store. After a long and arduous trial Elroy Nevins was sentenced to sixty years in federal prison for attempted murder, but on the eve of his transfer he escaped and broke in to Tom and Margo's house. That night when Tom confronted Nevins in his living room Nevins tried to pull a gun on him, but Tom was much quicker on the draw. Tom shot Nevins twice and he died right there on his living room floor.

Vienna met Gray Gerard one evening when she went to retrieve Henry from one of his poker games. He quickly picked up on the fact that Vienna didn't like it when Henry gambled. Although it wasn't the reason he originally came to Oakdale, Gray became obsessed with Vienna. He soon set in motion a series of events attempting to break up Henry and Vienna. Unfortunately Vienna fell for his tricks and briefly became Gray's lavishly spoiled mistress.

The entire Gray-Nevins ruse hit full throttle one evening when Nevins broke into the Hughes home intent on killing all its inhabitants. Margo, however, had other plans. After a brief entanglement between Nevins and Tom, Margo pulled her service revolver on Nevins. Gerald Nevins' life came to the same fateful end that night as his brother's had – laying dead with a bullet in his chest on the Hughes' living room floor.

Vienna sighed at Tom's gesture saying, "It won't ever be a bridge on top of the water for me, you see."

"I think you mean water under the bridge," smiled Tom, "It won't ever be water under the bridge for you."

Vienna rolled her eyes, "Bridge over the water, water under a bridge – either one. I will always feel ashamed of myself because of Gray Gerard."

"You didn't know what all he had planned in that criminal mind of his," said Tom reassuringly.

"I know I didn't, but I still allowed myself to be fooled by that mad man."

"Well, you really shouldn't blame yourself, Vienna," said Tom. "You were just as much a victim as any of us – really." Tom looked over and noticed that Margo was no longer talking on the phone. "Trust me; you need to put this all behind you. And I need to get back to my lunch date."

"Thank you Mr. Hughes," Vienna said, then caught herself as Tom went to correct her, "Tom."

Tom walked back over to his table, sat down and began squirting ketchup on his burger. He noticed that Margo looked a little upset, so he asked her what the matter was.

"That was Jack," said Margo.

"Yeah, I gathered," replied Tom. "What's he got you all upset about?"

Margo proceeded to tell Tom about everything that was going on with M.J. Jack was on his way to Evanston to see what he could find out and thought he should call her. First, he figured if she didn't already know she should know that her half brother was missing. He also thought she may want to be in on talking to the Evanston police.

When she finished Tom asked, "Is that why John hasn't called you?"

"I have no idea, Tom," Margo's reply sounded a bit annoyed, "I mean I don't know anything here."

"Honey," Tom interjected, "I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought maybe that's why he hasn't called you back. Maybe he's been at the police station. Maybe he's trying to figure out what's going on."

"Yeah, maybe," said Margo, giving Tom a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bite your head off."

Tom smiled, "I know sweetie. I know you're upset. Do you want to go to Evanston?"

"No, honey," said Margo, "I told Jack that I didn't need to be there if he was going. Lily asked him to go and we both don't need to be there disrupting the investigation."

"Well, there's a sign of progress," said Tom.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Come on honey," Tom responded with a look that said 'are you serious?'

"Alright, I'll admit that sometimes I get a little carried away with getting involved in things that are already being handled."

"Sometimes?"

"Hey, like you said – progress," Margo smiled.

"OK," said Tom, "If Jack is going to take care of Lily and Iva, and you are making such good progress, then are you still up for that drive we talked about?"

"If you tell me where we're supposedly going," responded Margo with a sly grin.

"Ah, no," said Tom shaking his finger at her, "we're not changing the rules here just because you got a phone call."

"Tom?" begged Margo.

"You'll just have to trust me," said a devious Tom.

- - -

Lucinda had rejoined Ian at the lunch table. Their food had arrived and she was grilling him on the specifics of John's story. "Let us get on with this charade, shall we?"

"Alright, alright," said Ian. "Remember I told you that John said he was after James?"

"Yes my dear," replied Lucinda with a coy smile, "that's how you lured me here."

"OK, I'm not saying that I lied," Ian said slowly, trying not to upset Lucinda, "but I wasn't exactly truthful when I said that."

Lucinda was obviously annoyed, but not necessarily shocked by this news. She pompously stood up and remarked, "Well, time's up my old friend."

Ian quickly stood up to block her path and calmly said, "Not exactly truthful, but not exactly untruthful either." He lightly grasped her arm and continued, "Please sit back down and hear me out."

With the air of the queen of England, Lucinda brushed Ian's hand from her arm and returned to her chair as if it were her royal throne. "You have exactly ten minutes – five if you pull anything like that again."

"Perfect," responded Ian, "by then you'll be begging me to stay."

"I highly doubt that."

"Fine," said Ian. "Remember I told you that John was supposed to be in Chicago? Anyway, the other night, Tuesday I guess, after one of his seminars he was heading out to meet some people for dinner or drinks or something. Anyway, when he stepped off his L train something caught his eye."

As he finished his sentence Ian ducked under the table and emerged with his laptop computer.

"John found a laptop on the L?" chuckled Lucinda.

"No," said Ian, "I need to show you something. I just need to turn this on here."

Lucinda checked her watch and let out an annoyed sigh. "Tick-tock, tick-tock," she said as she tapped her watch.

"Look!" Ian turned his laptop around to face Lucinda, "John emailed this picture to me from his phone Tuesday night…"

Lucinda placed her reading glasses upon her nose and gazed at the picture on Ian's screen.

"Good Lord! No!" Lucinda gasped as she clutched both hands over her heart, "He's dead! I saw him with my own eyes!"

There on Ian's laptop, was a picture of a man who had his hand on the shoulder of an older teenage boy and was looking back over his own shoulder. The face was a little older than she remembered, and the man was wearing a baseball cap, but she was certain of the face she saw. The face was that of David Stenbeck!