"Rachel, have you seen my phone?" Kyle called out, searching the bedroom.
"You mean this phone?" Rachel said, walking in with it in hand.
"Thanks," Kyle said.
"What are wives for?" Rachel said.
"For more than finding things," Kyle smiled. Looking around he said, "I feel like I'm forgetting something."
"It's only overnight," Rachel said, "As long as you have a change of clothes, personal items and your work material."
"I don't need a checklist when you're here," Kyle said, "I guess it's time to get going."
"I'll miss you," Rachel said.
"How about a little something to remember me by?" Kyle said, pulling her into a kiss.
Rachel looked into Kyle's eyes and said, "I love you."
Kyle smiled and said, "Love you back."
"When you get home, I will give you a proper welcome," Rachel said.
"You gave me a pretty terrific sendoff last night," Kyle said, "You're making it hard to leave."
"But you have to go," Rachel said, turning a begrudging Kyle, away from her.
Rachel walked Kyle to the front door. "Drive safe," she said.
"I will," Kyle said.
"And let me know when you get there," Rachel said.
"Of course," Kyle said.
Kyle took a few steps and then backtracked to Rachel. "One more for the road," he said, dropping his briefcase and taking Rachel in his arms.
Deciding to grab a coffee before work, Rachel walked into Crimson Lights and approached the front counter. After receiving her order to go, turning around she caught sight of someone on the patio. Walking over, she startled him when she said, "Detective Rosales."
Rey looked up and said, "If it isn't Mrs. Abbott. What can I do for you?"
"I was hoping to talk to you about something important," Rachel said.
"Have a seat," Rey said, "Is this a legal matter?"
"No, it's personal," Rachel said, sitting across from him, "It's about your sister."
"I don't want to hear your talk poorly about Lola," Rey said.
"I'm worried," Rachel said.
"I will tell you the same thing I told Lola," Rey said, "Stay out of each other's way and you won't have any more problems."
"But she can't stay out of Kyle's way," Rachel said.
"If you're having marital trouble, don't blame it on Lola," Rey said.
"My marriage is wonderful," Rachel said, "I can't say the same for Lola's state of mind."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Rey said.
"She has become fixated on Kyle," Rachel said, "She can't fathom the thought of anyone else being with him, but her. I fear she's developed an obsession where Kyle is concerned."
"Lola was hurt and she is trying to move on," Rey said.
"But she's not," Rachel said, "You have witnessed the scenes she's created lately. Disrupting the wedding and the reception. I tried to be her friend in the beginning, but as soon as Kyle and I were together she refused to be friends and could not handle seeing us with each other."
"I know, she's having a hard time," Rey said, "You could cut her some slack."
"I'm not saying this to be mean," Rachel said, "I'm concerned. I've been where she is and it got to be too much, to the point I physically lashed out. I ended up in Fairview for two years. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I would not like to see Lola end up the same way. The path she's on is not healthy. She could end up hurting herself or someone else."
"If it's such a problem, why isn't Kyle coming to me himself?" Rey said.
"He's out of town on business," Rachel said.
"In other words, your husband isn't aware of this conversation," Rey said.
"Please listen to me," Rachel said, "I'm really afraid it will all come to a head, in a bad way."
"I will talk to Lola," Rey said, "I will take care of everything."
Kyle was slightly nodding his head to the beat, of the music, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove along the highway. He figured he had been on the road for almost an hour. Diverted by construction, Kyle was in unfamiliar territory. He passed by a sign for an upcoming roadway, that would take him farther away from his destination.
"Okay," Kyle sighed, "I'm lost."
He carefully pulled into the side of the road, the gravel edge crunching beneath his wheels. Lowering the window, Kyle saw stretches of land, overgrown with weeds and tall grass. A farmhouse sat small in the distance, where the landscape was more cultivated.
Kyle rubbed his forehead, sweat starting to form, indicating the heat of the day was increasing. He bent over, grabbing a cooler bag, to retrieve a water. After unscrewing the lid and taking a few drinks, Kyle put the water in a holder, beside him and picked up his tablet. "Where in the heck am I?" he muttered.
Mapping his location, Kyle realized he missed a turn seven miles behind him and he was travelling in the wrong direction. Kyle checked his watch, concerned with the extra time it would take to backtrack his drive.
"I guess if I have to," Kyle sighed to himself. Placing his tablet back on the passenger seat, Kyle put his hand on the key, preparing to start the ignition.
Catching sight of a figure in the rear view mirror startled Kyle, as a hand reached around from the back seat, covering Kyle's nose and mouth with a cloth.
Grabbing at the offending hand, Kyle struggled to free himself. The rag remained firmly in place, muffling Kyle's cries against the attack and for help. His pleas morphed into moans, as his strength to fight back was fading. Weakness took him over, Kyle's eyes forcing themselves closed, when everything went black.
Picking up the mail, upon her return from work, Rachel sifted through the assortment. She found the usual bills, a business magazine, plus a health and fitness publication, both addressed to Kyle.
Addressed to Rachel was a letter from her mother. Adele was resistant to current technology and always wrote long hand letters for her correspondence. Her mother asked the usual questions of how she and Kyle were getting along, wanting to know any news Rachel may have. Adele announced a few trips she was planning and spoke of her trials and tribulations with her two cats. The letter concluded with an inquiry, of the possibility, of a new grandchild on the way.
Rachel laughed to herself as she refolded the letter, thinking she would show it to Kyle when he returned home.
Rachel changed out of her business clothes, opting for shorts and a sleeveless top, to relax through the evening. Wandering to the kitchen, she rummaged through cupboards and the fridge in her search to find something appetizing for dinner. Nothing appealed to her, knowing Kyle would be away overnight, failed to fuel her hunger.
Even though he was coming home the following day, Rachel was not looking forward to the approaching nightfall. It would be the first night in bed without Kyle beside her, since they were married.
Sounds of voices and laughter, penetrated the house from outside, prompting Rachel to investigate. Added to the noise was sloshing water, as Rachel approached to pool to find Summer, Fen and Susie, splashing around.
"What's going on?" Rachel said, standing at the water's edge.
"Hi, Mom," Susie said.
"Hey, Rachel," Fen said. Summer offered a tight lipped smile.
"What are you doing here?" Rachel said.
"Swimming," Fen said.
"I meant why at our house?" Rachel said.
"Jack told me I could use the pool anytime," Summer said.
"Susie, I didn't know you were coming over," Rachel said.
"I was with Dad at the coffeehouse, where we ran into Fen and Summer," Susie said.
"We figured since it was such a hot day, we would take Susie with us for ice cream," Fen said, "Then we decided to go for a swim and ended up here."
"That's very nice of you," Rachel said, "But I think that's enough for now. Susie it's time for you to get dried off."
"I don't want to get out," Susie said.
"I know, but it's time for dinner," Rachel said, "You can eat here with me."
"It's too hot," Susie protested.
"We'll order pizza," Rachel said.
"Oh, that sounds good," Summer said, "You don't want to miss that. Maybe you should listen to your Mom."
"You can't tell me what to do," Susie snapped.
"Oh, okay," Summer said, "Five minutes ago we were friends."
"Susie, that was very rude," Rachel said.
"Yeah, please don't talk to her like that," Fen said.
"Sorry," Susie pouted.
"Get out of the pool now," Rachel firmly said.
"Let's all take a break from swimming," Fen said, nodding at Summer, who agreed.
Summer and Fen climbed out of the pool, followed by Susie.
"How would you like to spend the night here with me?" Rachel said, as Susie wrapped herself in a towel.
"I like sleeping in my room here," Susie said.
"We will call your Dad and let him know," Rachel said.
A beeping sound, prompted Rachel to reach in her pocket for the phone. Reading the notification of a text message from Kyle, she said, "Finally."
Rachel smiled reading the message over. "Hi, I made it to Min. okay. Lots of meetings, see you soon. I luv you, Kyle."
Rachel texted back, "Miss you. Love you –R."
"Good news?" Fen said, noticing her smile.
"A message from Kyle," Rachel said, "He's on an overnight business trip."
"What did he say?" Summer said.
"He's in Minneapolis, busy with work and he will be home tomorrow," Rachel said. Putting her phone away, Rachel said, "So, it's girls night for you and me."
"Movies and pizza?" Susie said.
"Perfect," Rachel said, holding her arm out to let Susie walk past her. Looking back at Fen and Summer, Rachel said, "Have a good evening."
"Alone at last," Fen said.
"Whatever are we going to do?" Summer said.
Fen smiled as he kissed her.
"That was so good," Susie said, as movie credits rolled on the T.V. screen.
"I remember watching that one in the theater years ago," Rachel said, "It's a classic now."
"Maybe we can watch another one," Susie said.
"Maybe it's getting late and time for bed," Rachel said, "I think two movies in a row are enough."
"Okay," Susie said, standing up.
"Susie, hold on," Rachel said, "Come here for a minute." Rachel patted the couch cushion next to her.
"Am I in trouble?" Susie said.
"I don't know, should you be?" Rachel said.
"I don't think so," Susie said.
"Okay," Rachel laughed, "I wanted to ask you something."
"What?" Susie said.
"Would you be okay if…" Rachel started, "How would you feel if Kyle and I…had a baby?"
"Are you pregnant?" Susie said, eyes wide. Rachel hesitated to answer so Susie said, "You are! You're having a baby aren't you!"
Rachel paused before she said, "Yes…I'm pregnant."
"I knew it!" Susie exclaimed.
"I guess you're okay with it," Rachel said.
"I'm happy for you," Susie said, "I'll be a big sister again."
"I'm glad you're excited, but don't say anything to anyone yet," Rachel said.
"Kyle must be happy about it too," Susie said.
"I only found out today, so he doesn't know yet," Rachel said, "I'm going to surprise him with the news when he comes home tomorrow."
"He will be so excited!" Susie said.
"I think so too," Rachel said, "But not a word."
"Alright," Susie said, "I'm going to bed."
"Goodnight," Rachel said, "I'll see you in the morning."
Susie retreated to her room and shutting the door, she grabbed her phone and began to text Faith. "My mom just found out she's having a baby! It's still a secret don't tell anyone."
Rachel carried the evenings dishes to the kitchen, placing them in the washer for clean up. She transferred the left over pizza to plastic containers, saving it for Kyle. He would be hungry after a long drive home and pepperoni with extra cheese was his favourite.
Sharon was organizing items behind the front counter of Crimson Lights, when Faith came out of the storeroom.
"All stocked up," Faith said.
"Oh, thank you for helping out," Sharon said.
"I don't mind," Faith said.
Noticing Faith eyeing her, Sharon said, "Is everything okay?"
"Why do you ask?" Faith said.
"The way you were just looking at me, like something is on your mind," Sharon said.
"Do you ever think about having another baby?" Faith said.
Sharon stared at her daughter. "Do I what? I'm not even considering it. What in the world would make you ask me that?"
"A friend of mine, her Mom is having another baby," Faith said.
"Oh, that's wonderful for her," Sharon said, "But rest assured, that will not be happening for me."
"She texted me last night," Faith said, "Susie sounds really excited about it?"
"You mean Rachel is pregnant?" Sharon said.
"Oops," Faith winced, "I was supposed to keep it a secret. I guess they haven't told anyone yet."
"That will be nice for those two," Sharon said, "Such a loving young couple, starting their own family."
"But remember it's secret," Faith said.
"Yes, okay," Sharon said, "I won't say anymore about the baby."
"Sharon?" Rey said, suddenly standing behind them. As they turned to face him, Rey said, "Did you say something about a baby? Are you..?"
"Oh no," Sharon laughed, "It's not me. A friend is pregnant."
"That's nice," Rey said.
"I bet it will be so cute," Faith said, "Susie looks a lot like her Mom, I wonder who this one will take after. Maybe Rachel with have a boy this time."
"Rachel?" Rey said, "As in Kyle and Rachel?"
Looking at her mother, Faith said, "I did it again. I'm going to meet up with my friends before I say anymore."
"Have a good time," Sharon said, slightly laughing.
Spotting Rachel entering the coffeehouse, Rey said, "Well there is the new Mom to be now. Let's go congratulate her."
"No, you can't!" Sharon said.
"Did I miss something?" Rey said.
"I'm fairly sure this whole thing is supposed to be a secret," Sharon said.
"Ah, I won't say anything then," Rey said.
Checking her phone, Rachel was dismayed there were no further messages from Kyle. She dialed his phone, sighing when it went to voicemail. Deciding to leave a message, Rachel said, "Hi, it's me again. I was hoping to have heard from you, but I guess you're really busy. Call me if you get a chance before you come home. If not I will talk to you later today. Can't wait to see you. Love you."
Walking up the front counter, Rachel said, "Hi Sharon."
"Rachel," Sharon smiled, "Nice to see you."
"How are you?" Rey said, "Not that there's any reason you wouldn't be fine. Just wondering."
"Good," Rachel said, "I'm anxious for my husband to get home from his business trip today."
"He went out of town?" Rey said, "I guess these CEO's do that sort of thing."
"Can I get you anything?" Sharon said.
"A coffee would be great, thank you," Rachel said.
"Why don't you have a seat?" Sharon said, "I'll bring it to you."
"You don't want to be on your feet too much," Rey said.
"Why are you both acting concerned about me?" Rachel said.
"No reason," Sharon said, "Just being a friend. Someone you can count on if need be."
"You know, don't you?" Rachel said, "You both do."
"Know what?" Sharon innocently said.
"About the baby," Rachel said, "That I'm pregnant."
"It is wonderful news," Sharon said.
"How did you find out?" Rachel said.
"Faith let it slip this morning," Sharon said.
"Well, how did Faith…?" Rachel trailed off, "Susie. I told her not to say anything yet."
"I'm sure she's excited and had to tell someone," Sharon said.
"Why the big secret?" Rey said.
"I only just found out and haven't told Kyle yet," Rachel said, "I'm going to surprise him with the news later today."
"He's going to be so happy," Sharon said.
"I hope so," Rachel said, "I think it's going to be a bit of a shock too."
"Don't worry the shock will wear off quickly," Sharon said, "Then he will be overjoyed."
"I have to get going to work," Rey said, "Congratulations, Rachel."
"Thank you," Rachel said.
"Good morning everyone," Fen said, approaching the counter.
"Would you like your usual?" Sharon said.
"Please," Fen said.
"Hi," Rachel said.
"I heard Rey congratulating you," Fen said, "Was that about the baby? Because I would like to offer you my own best wishes. It's incredible news." Fen gave Rachel a hug.
"How did you find out?" Rachel said.
"Susie sent me a text," Fen said.
"She did what?" Rachel said.
"Wasn't she supposed to?" Fen said, "I thought it was your cool way of telling people, letting Susie spread the news."
"It's spreading alright," Rachel said, "What did I expect, telling a teen to keep a secret?"
Sharon handed Fen his coffee. "Thanks," Fen said, "Why are you keeping the news so hush, hush?"
"I haven't told Kyle yet," Rachel said, "I'm surprising him tonight."
"Sounds cool," Fen said, "Kyle is going to bust when he finds out he's going to be a father."
"Please don't say anything to anyone," Rachel said, "You haven't already have you?"
"Nope," Fen said, "Mums the word. No pun intended."
"Now, I just have to tell Kyle," Rachel said, "I can't wait until he gets home."
Sitting at his desk, Jack was flipping through papers of reports, while comparing data on his laptop, occasionally typing in updates. The beeping of his phone, interrupted the stillness of the office.
"Jack Abbott," he said, in greeting.
"Hello, Mr. Abbott," the caller said, "Carl Simpson here."
"Yes, Mr. Simpson," Jack smiled, "How are you?"
"I've been better," Carl said.
"Why do you say that?" Jack said.
"As you must be aware, I had a meeting scheduled with your associate, Kyle Abbott," Carl said.
"Yes, I know Kyle left for Minneapolis yesterday," Jack said, "I hope the discussion was productive."
"No, Mr. Abbott, I am afraid it was not," Carl said, "In fact, I am very disappointed concerning the prospect of working with Jabot."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Jack said, "I'm sure we can accommodate any issues you like. I'm surprised you and Kyle could not come to an agreement."
"That's just it," Carl said, "Your associate Kyle Abbott, did not keep our appointment."
"I don't understand," Jack said, "Was he late?"
"He never showed up for our meeting," Carl said, "I do not like to make business deals with companies whose executives show a lack of respect."
"Mr. Simpson, I apologize," Jack said, "I have no idea what happened to cause this. Perhaps Kyle had a scheduling conflict."
"No matter the reason, I have decided not to pursue business with your company," Carl said.
"Mr. Simpson," Jack said, "Please let me contact my business partner. I'm sure we can sort this out. Kyle is a very sharp businessman. He knows how important this is."
"I don't have the same confidence in your business partner," Carl said.
"Before you make any decisions in haste, let me talk to Kyle and one of us will get back to you as soon as possible," Jack urged, "I still believe your company is a perfect fit for Jabot."
"I'm sorry Mr. Abbott, but I am firm in my decision," Carl said.
"Perhaps, we could just…" Jack started.
"Good day, Mr. Abbott," Carl said.
"Mr. Simpson…" Jack said, however Carl had ended the call.
"Damn," Jack sighed putting the phone down heavily, "Kyle, what were you thinking?"
Jack once again, picked up the phone and dialed Kyle's number.
"Voicemail," Jack said, "Kyle, it's your father. I just had a very unpleasant conversation with Carl Simpson. Seems you forgot something. Call me or better yet come to my office when you get home. We are going to have a talk."
A dim light affixed to the ceiling, provided a soft glow to the room. There were not any windows to assist with daylight. Shoes had been removed, but socks left on. A faint stain of blood, peeked out through a bandage, which was wrapped around the upper right leg. Shorts were frayed, a tear pulling the fabric apart. An unbuttoned shirt, fell to each side. Arms were pulled upwards, each wrist shackled in separate handcuffs, the other ends enclosed around steel posts of a headboard. On a mattress, with a pillow under his head, lay an unconscious Kyle Abbott.