Chapter 10-Rebecca
Okay, so I'm still working on the action for the final chapter, so I'm afraid this is just more filler. I want to get the last chapter just right and it still isn't, so... Thanks for reviews & messages, much appreciated. :)
It didn't escape Robert's attention that the look Rebecca gave him when she turned after he'd called her name, was one of mistrust and disdain. She didn't look particularly happy to see Mickey, either.
Robert remembered that Rebecca in their first, brief, meeting, hadn't looked happy with him then, either, and he found himself wondering if Nicole hadn't been wrong about her, if she was somehow involved in Amy Knox's disappearance.
Deciding not to dwell on that possibility for now, he and Kostmayer approached her. 'I'm sure you remember me, Rebecca.' He said smoothly. 'Or...Miss Munroe, isn't it? My name is Robert McCall, and this is my colleague, Mickey Kostmayer. May we speak to you?'
Rebecca Munroe was an attractive woman, seemingly in her early thirties, petite, blonde, blue-eyed. But her suspicious expression marred her prettiness somewhat.
'You're still looking for Amy?' She demanded, and when he nodded, he was surprised to see the suspicion dissipate from her face a little, replaced by weariness.
'I really thought at first that she'd just taken off on some stupid holiday, right before the exhibition.' She sighed. 'But...it was Nicole's exhibition, and she's always been like Amy's pet project. And now apparently, Nicole's vanished as well.'
'Yes.' Robert had bristled slightly at the 'pet project' remark, but he was starting to think Rebecca wasn't involved, after all. She seemed irritated and stressed, but not shifty or evasive, like someone involved in a kidnapping would be.
'It would seem that someone has abducted Nicole also.' He told her, and Rebecca now looked genuinely frightened. 'Mister McCall,' she whispered. 'What the Hell is going on?'
'Believe me, I intend to find out.' He replied sternly. 'May we talk to you inside?'
'Of course.' He was surprised that she agreed so readily, and as she opened the front door and they went inside the empty building, Robert remarked bluntly, 'You don't seem to like Nicole very much.'
Rebecca smiled wryly. 'I don't, do I?' She admitted, surprising McCall yet again. 'It's not Nicole's fault, I shouldn't...be so petty, I suppose. It's just, well, I always wanted to be an artist, too. Unfortunately, I had all of the ambition, but only a quarter of the talent. And, well, you've seen how gifted Nicole is, right?'
Robert nodded. He was starting to understand the reason for Rebecca's attitude.
'Amy made me Assistant Manager of this school.' She went on. 'And I'm very grateful for that-but then, Nicole showed up, and she was so naturally talented. If I treated Nicole badly, Mister McCall, it's because I was jealous. And I think she's always sensed that. She has…a way of seeing through people. It frightens me sometimes.' She paused for a moment, then added, 'But I never wanted anything bad to happen to her, or Amy. If I can help in any way, I will.'
'You see anyone weird hanging around here recently?' Mickey asked. 'Anyone you didn't recognize?'
She thought for a minute or two, then replied, 'There was one man, who showed up a couple of days before Amy disappeared. He was English, like you, Mister McCall. But younger. Sandy hair. Blue eyes. Good-looking. Was asking for Amy. But she wasn't here, and when I told him that, he just left. When I told Amy, she looked a little freaked out, but she didn't say anything.'
'Her husband.' Robert murmured, and Rebecca gaped at him. 'But Amy's not married.' She protested, and he said grimly, 'I think this man believes she is. It sounds like we may be dealing with someone who is mentally unstable. And I believe that this man is responsible for both Amy and Nicole's disappearance.'
They had reached the exhibit room, and Rebecca gestured to Nicole's many paintings. 'This means everything to them.' She said, sadness creeping into her voice. 'Nicole never said much about her...previous life, but it was obvious she went through a lot. This was her chance to prove she was worth something. And Amy...she was so proud of her.'
Turning to the men, she added, 'Are you going to find them?'
'Yes.' Robert didn't so much as hesitate in his answer, while Mickey remained silent. 'Believe me, Rebecca, I will find them.'...
Next: Hopefully the final chapter-when I eventually get it right! Thanks for your patience, and please R&R! Ellen.
