Another chapter for you eager beavers. I hope you enjoy.

Usual disclaimer applies

5. Opportunity Knocks

I awoke a little later than usual the next morning to my ringing cell phone. I looked at the caller id, but since I didn't recognize the number, I let it go to voice mail. If it was important, they'd leave a message.

There was always the possibility that it was my Mother calling from a friend's phone so I wouldn't recognise the number and ignore her. I definitely did not want to talk to my mother. I was not in the mood to deal with her. When my phone beeped to indicate that I have a voice message, I picked up the phone and dialled my voice mail box.

"Miss Plum, my name is Amanda and I'm calling from Manoso Finances in Newark. We were hoping that you might be available to come in and talk to Mr Manoso about a summer placement with our company at your earliest convenience."

The remainder of the message contained her contact details, but I wasn't quick enough to catch all of the information. I listened to the message a 2nd time and wrote down her details and then hung up. As I was staring at my phone in shock, a text message came in, causing me to jump at the noise and vibration.

I looked down and saw a message from Carlos.

I spoke to father earlier, he has summer student job that sounds perfect for you. He will contact you sometime today. Good luck.

I laughed and replied to the text.

I got call from his office already. I didn't know your surname was Manoso? Your father's firm is famous. I didn't recognize number, so let it go to voice mail. I will call back now. Thanks Carlos, I owe you one. :)

I called Amanda back and set up an appointment for 1:30 PM. This would just give me time to run to the police station before heading to Newark via the train for my appointment. I'd have to grab something quick for lunch when I got there, but I was confident that there would be plenty of time.

I showered and had to borrow some clothes from Molly, but I looked presentable enough for both a visit to the campus police station and a job interview in Newark. Molly offered to accompany me to the police station and I readily accepted. I knew I was only going to sign a statement, but I didn't want to do it alone.

When we arrived at the station, I was surprised to see both Jimmy and Carlos sitting in the waiting room. When we walked in, Molly blushed and looked at me with a guilty look on her face. "I'm sorry Steph. I mentioned to Jimmy that we were stopping here before you headed to Newark. In our rush to get ready, I forgot to mention that he and Carlos were going to join us for moral support."

I looked at the guys and nodded my head and smiled as I made my way to the front desk to ask for Detective Carter. We were instructed to wait, and 15 minutes later, Detective Carter came out and ushered us back to his office. "I'm sorry, but I only have seats for two of you."

Molly and I sat in the seats and Jimmy and Carlos stood behind us as the Detective handed me a piece of paper with my statement. I read through it and agreed that the sequence of events recorded were correct. I signed and dated the statement and handed it back.

"OK, I have a small update on your case. I was able to contact the owners of your building this morning. They told me that they were sent a criminal record and a police report as evidence of your activities. I was sent a faxed copy of those documents and they are definitely forgeries. When I notified the owners of this fact, they were extremely embarrassed and they have rescinded your eviction. You should receive some paperwork to that fact in the next few days.

"The forensics team has finished with your apartment but we found nothing unexpected. We only found your fingerprints in the apartment Miss Plum. Either you are a thorough housekeeper or whoever broke in wiped down every single surface in the apartment."

I laughed at that and said, "I'm not the cleanest person in the world, but I definitely did not dust after my friends came over to get ready tonight and going to the police station. It must have been the person who broke in."

Detective Carter nodded and continued, "I have also contacted Trenton PD. A young new recruit named Officer Morelli is our liaison in our search for Ryan Preston."

I must have opened my eyes in shock because Detective Ryan asked, "I take it you know Officer Morelli?"

"That depends. I know a few Morelli men, but I can't imagine any of them joining the police."

"Apparently he just finished his service in the Navy."

"Oh my God, that's Joe. We don't really get along. The last time I saw him, I hit him with my Dad's car."

Detective Carter laughed and said, "That shouldn't be a problem. Detective Morelli is simply supposed to locate and arrest Mr Preston."

"That won't last long. Joe and Ryan know each other. They went t high school together and soon as they talk, they'll bond over hating me."

"I assure you Miss Plum, we will find Mr Preston and he will have to account for his actions. If Officer Morelli is unable to bring him in within three days, we'll request another officer."

I thanked the detective and left the station with Molly, Jimmy and Carlos on my heels. When we exited, I was about to say goodbye and head to Newark, but Carlos pulled me away from the group and asked, "Hey Steph, how are you getting to Newark?"

"Since I'm a student, I was going to rely on the old standby of public transportation."

"If you don't mind waiting about 20 minutes, I am driving to Newark. I borrowed my Mom's car last week so I could move home for the summer. I'm almost finished clearing out my dorm room and then I'll be ready to go."

"That would be much better than the inevitable train, bus and taxi mix and match I was imagining. Since you're driving me, can I do anything to help with your dorm room?"

"If you want to come and keep me company, you are welcome, but I don't think you need to help me. I should be done by now, but I am very good at procrastinating. Perhaps you can motivate me to hurry up."

He smiled at me and I was unable to look away. He was a handsome guy, but when he smiles, it transforms him into something ethereal or supernatural. I don't know how long we stood there staring at each other, but it was long enough for our friends to grow impatient.

Molly cleared her throat and said, "C'mon Steph, you're going to be late if you don't get a move on."

I shook my head and broke eye contact with Carlos to look at Molly. I knew I should say something in reply, but my brain seemed to be empty. I was saved from further embarrassment by Carlos. He walked toward where Molly and Jimmy were standing and said, "I've offered Stephanie a ride to Newark. I'm moving back home for the summer and I'll be leaving as soon as I can load the car and hand in my keys. We'll get to Newark with plenty of time to spare."

Molly looked at me as is she was trying to decide if it was a good idea for me to get into a car with a guy I'd known for a single day. When I smiled to try and reassure her that I trusted Carlos, she shrugged and said, "That's very generous of you Carlos. I have done that trip before, and I know from experience that it adds unnecessary stress to a journey.

"I've got to get to my own job. Today is my first day and I don't want to be late."

Looking directly at me, Molly said, "Call me after your interview to tell me all about it Steph. Good luck and I'll talk to you later."

She then turned to Jimmy, said something that I couldn't hear and kissed him on the cheek before heading back to her apartment.

Since I had everything I needed for my trip into Newark, Carlos, Jimmy and I walked across town to Carlos' residence building. Jimmy actually lived with his family in New Brunswick, so when we got to Carlos' building, he split off from us, wishing me luck.

More to come after more reviews. Let me know what you think so far.