Jack saw the sign announcing the city limits of Lindseyton and kicked the Jeep off of cruise control. It would be dark soon and he was exhausted. Pulling into the little town, he quickly surveyed the street and saw a barbershop, realty office, grocery mart, diner, and re-sale shop. Great he thought, no hotel in sight. His growling stomach helped him decide to head for the diner, feeling certain someone could make a recommendation on lodging. He walked in to the small but neat little place called Lillie's Diner. An older woman smiled and asked, " Table or booth?" After handing him a menu she said, "I'm Lillie. If you are hungry, I recommend the chicken fried steak. If not, I make a mean smoked turkey sandwich."
Jack looked at her through bleary eyes and told her a sandwich with coffee would be fine. Lillie was immediately struck by the sadness in the handsome man's eyes. She saw a lot of people come and go through her little diner, and she recognized suffering and sorrow when she saw it. The beginnings of a beard also told her this man was on the run. The question was what was he running from?
When she returned with his food, she tried to ask casually, "You just passing through or staying a while?" Jack regarded her for a bit, then looked away and softly answered, "I plan on staying a while, but didn't see much in the way of lodging when I came into town. I'd like something quiet. Need to re-charge my batteries. Any suggestions?" This time Lillie watched him for a while then said, "A friend of mine named Bob has some nice little cabins a few miles from here near a lake. Very pretty area…and off the beaten path. Someone would have to be looking pretty hard to find you." Jack looked back at the woman and tried to figure out if she would be trouble for him, but saw nothing but what looked like concern. Nodding his head, he mumbled, "Sounds like me. How do I find this place?" Lillie tore off a sheet from her order tablet and started sketching a map while saying, " It's easy to find.
Go up here two more blocks and turn left on Maple Street. Go on out about 10 miles; it's a real scenic drive. You will see a sign for Bob's Cabins on your left. Tell him Lillie sent you and he will take good care of you. If you want, I can call him right now so he will be expecting you." Nodding Jack said, " That would be good if you don't mind." "Not at all" she said. " Who should I tell him is coming?" Without thinking he started to say, "Jaa….John, tell him my name is John." Lillie was intrigued by this man and said, "Sure, John; be right back."
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By the time Samantha got back to the office, it was getting dark. Her frustration was starting to get to her as she snapped at the cleaning lady for leaving her cart in the middle of the hall. Of course, if she hadn't been running, she wouldn't have tripped on it either. She saw Danny and Vivian huddled over a TV screen and walked up in time to see a grainy black and white image of Jack leaving an ATM. Her heart broke at the image of his face that was drawn and etched with anguish.
Danny saw Samantha and quickly turned it off. Vivian said, " Well, other than the cash withdrawal, there has not been any other financial activity of any kind. I have tracers on everything he has, but he must of had more cash available…..$500 won't go very far. But, we don't know how much he has and if he stretches the cash, it may be days before we get another hit." Danny spoke up, " Of course, the airlines were clear, and I started with bus stations, but only the ones in the city." It was Samantha's turn and she reported, " The cabbie made a positive ID and was sure he dropped him at the bus station in Jackson Heights. I'm heading out there right now and see what I can find." Danny volunteered to go with her, sending Vivian home for the evening.
The ride to the bus station was quiet as Samantha's mind was churning and Danny knew he couldn't push too hard. When they got to the station, Samantha tripped over a homeless guy on the front steps who was trying to get inside. They split up and asked all the employees if they remembered seeing the man in the photo late last night or early this morning. They said he would have purchased a ticket with cash and would have been traveling with a medium-sized duffel bag.
One particular ticket agent—who looked to be about 16, had magenta-colored, spiked hair, black fingernails and a pierced nose—said, " Ya know, you just described like 85 percent of the droids that come through here. I would've remembered this dude 'cause he ain't like our normal customers if ya know what I mean. He looks pretty stud-ly." She snapped her gum loudly and continued looking directly at Samantha, " He your man or something and he run out on ya? Shame on you, girlfriend, 'cause if I had something like that to hang on to I wouldn't let him outta my sight." Samantha blushed but couldn't find her tongue to speak. Danny stepped in and said, " Thanks for your help, miss" and steered Samantha to the car.
Stunned by the girl's comment, Samantha slowly looked at Danny and said, " She's right. I've been letting my foolish pride get in the way of doing the right thing. Jack is what I want to hang on to, Danny. I know you disagree, but now that he is gone, it is so clear to me. Even if Van Doren does can me on Monday, I don't care. I will keep looking till I find him. And when I do, I'm never letting go again." Danny was shocked, " What do you mean about Van Doren firing you on Monday? And even though I did not approve of you and Jack before, things are different now and you've never had that look in your eyes before." Samantha squeezed her friend's hand and said, "I guess I forgot to mention that if I'm not at work by Monday, I'm toast. And thanks. Your support means a lot to me, Danny." Reluctantly, they headed back to Manhattan with Danny dropping her off at home. "Get some rest. We will start early again in the morning."
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Jack saw the arrow indicating he had found Bob's Cabins and pulled in to the driveway. A short, round, slightly balding man came out and firmly shook Jack's hand, then said, "You must be John. Lillie told me to be expecting you. I'm Bob." Jack tried his best to smile and said, " Pleased to meet you. I'm looking for about a two-month rental. Nothing too big. It is just me. Do you have anything available?" Bob grinned back and said, "Not a problem, friend. Just follow me right up the road here and we will get you all situated." After a short drive up a steep hill, a small cabin came into view. Bob hustled out to open the door and turn on a few lights. Jack followed, setting his duffel bag on the couch and looking around.
It was a small cabin, but had everything he needed. Jack was vaguely aware of Bob going through a long list of amenities. He was just so exhausted and really just wanted to shower and close his eyes. Bob sensed he was talking for nothing at this stranger who seemed so decent, yet incredibly troubled. So, he headed back out on to the porch and shook Jack's hand, telling him he would be by tomorrow to check on him. Jack walked down the steps with him and was just about to take the last one when Bob said, " Oh yes! If you take that little path right over there, it leads down to a gorgeous little lake. There is a canoe down there for you use if you like. The lake is called Sam's Lake." At the sound of her name, Jack missed the last step and crumbled to the ground. Bob hurried back to help him up, but Jack waived him off. "Just leave me alone….please," he said as he tried to control the crushing feeling in his chest.
Jack moved numbly into the cabin and found the bottle of whiskey Bob had just pointed out. He poured a drink, swirled the amber liquid slowly, raised his glass to toast the empty room, and downed it in one gulp. He grimaced as the burn made its way down his throat, but poured another while carrying the bottle and glass to the bedroom as he stretched out on the bed. As he poured drink after drink, he also poured out his soul to the empty cabin.
He spoke aloud things he kept unsaid and buried deep inside. Things like how sorry he was that his girls would grow up without him; that he ruined a career and let it consume him; that he couldn't forgive his father for not taking care of his mother; and that he lost his soul mate and the one true love in his life. As inebriation took a hold of his mind and he lost the battle to stay coherent, he smiled drunkenly to himself and realized he felt oddly at peace while still ashamed that his life had come to this mess. He raised his glass for one last toast saying, "Here's to you Sam. I will always love you." And then he passed out.
TBC