Just Try It

Chapter 57-Some Hard Truths

Friday, February 17th 11:45pm

Seymour Dojo and Fitness Center

"What you mean the police missed her flight?  How could they make that big of a mistake?  It doesn't matter.  All that matters is that Sondra is gone!" raged Moe before turning away and stalking across the room.  He sat down with his back against the wall, put his elbows on his knees, and leaned his head back against the wall with his eyes closed.  Moe was struggling to hold himself together, but Korbin could tell he having trouble. 

Jamie had been allowed to come over to the Kastigo's place that night after work. She had just been getting ready to leave when they had heard that Sondra was missing.  Jamie had immediately suggested that everyone gather at the dojo to wait for information since no one would be getting to sleep until this was sorted out. 

When Korbin had gone to get permission to join, his father had been in his home office and in full Lieutenant mode.  His phone had been in his hand, but his father hadn't been whispering.  In fact, he had been yelling.  Korbin had started to turn away when he heard Sondra's name.  That had made him hesitate long enough to learn that Sondra hadn't been picked up at the airport as planned by Paul.  As he eased away from his father's office, Korbin pieced together the information and the way his father had talked about her relaying information to Paul.  Sondra had been an informant.  At first, he had some trouble picturing the Sondra he knew since elementary school with the one so confident that she could give important information to the police.  That was a dangerous path to take after all.  However, once he remembered how she had been since Jamie had arrived, it was easier.  She still had the unshakable sense of right and wrong, she was just more confident.  After finding his mom, Korbin had explained that Sondra was missing and their friends were meeting together across the street. Getting permission to join them had been the easy part.  Telling Moe that the police hadn't been able to get to her had been much harder.

It only took a quick look around the room to tell that something strange was happening.  It was the usual crowd, but most were dressed in a variety of evening clothes.  The outfits didn't really go with the exercise equipment, but no one had wanted to take the time to change.  The few exceptions were Jamie and himself, Sean and Coach Riley, and Libby Mac Inness.  Korbin was still amazed that Moe had held it together long enough to contact everybody.   

Most were taking advantage of the supportive atmosphere.  He had even seen Jamie hug Danica a few minutes ago.  However, there were some that were holding themselves apart, and Korbin could almost see the black cloud hanging over them.  From his own experience, he knew those were the ones he had to worry about.

When Jamie joined him and leaned against his side, Korbin slid an arm around her and immediately felt a little better.  From the little sigh she gave and how the tension eased out of her shoulders, Korbin knew she felt the same.  He wasn't surprised at all when Jamie suggested, "If you can help Moe, I'll try with Sean and Libby."

Reluctantly, Korbin let her go and headed over to Moe.  Rushing Moe wouldn't get him anywhere, so he just sat nearby and watched Jamie while he waited for Moe to be ready to talk.

Before going over to Sean or Libby, Jamie headed for the coffee machine.  The cup being placed in her hand seemed to surprise Libby, but she obediently followed Jamie over to the counter near Sean.  Before long, they were all talking quietly.  He wasn't surprised that Jamie could reach them.  The surprising thing was that the more they talked, the more tense Jamie got.

Korbin was tempted to go over and find out what was going on, but just then Moe turned his way and focused his tortured bloodshot eyes on him.  Whatever Jamie was finding out would have to wait.  He just couldn't leave his best friend.