Gus just helped me to my feet and asked if I was hungry. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. I told him that I was starving.
Gus smiles. "Let me see what I have here."
He walks over to a small refrigerator and opens it.
"Anything would be fine," I tell him.
A chime sound reveals that someone has entered the building.
Gus pulls his head out of the refrigerator. "Sounds like I have a customer."
He must see the panic on my face. "Don't worry, Cheryl. I will not let anyone back here. When I leave this room, you need to lock it behind me. Don't let anyone in but me."
I nod my understanding, and he slips out of the door. I ran over and quickly locked the door as he instructed me.
I can hear their conversation. "Hello, can I help you?"
"Yes, sir. Have you seen this woman?" I hear Todd's voice and freeze.
There's a pause. "No, sir. Is she in trouble?"
"I'm just worried about her. She's my, um, sister. She has emotional issues. We fought, and she ran off."
What a load of bullshit, Todd.
"There might have been someone that looked a little like her walking down the road. If I see her again, would you like me to call you?" Gus tries to lead Todd in a different direction.
Way to go, Gus.
"That's okay; I'm sure she'll show up. Which direction did you see the woman go?" Todd asks.
Gus misdirects Todd. "I didn't see the direction she came from, but I did see her heading towards 5th Street. I don't mind calling you. If you want to give me your information, I can let you know if she comes by again."
"No. My sister might already be back home. Thank you," Todd lies.
Gus replies, "You're very welcome. Good luck finding her. I hope you're right about her returning home. Not a lot of good goes on around here at night."
Todd quips, "I hope so too. Have a good night, and thank you for your time."
I hear the door chime again. Gus waits several moments before returning to the backroom; he knocks on the door. "Cheryl, it's me, Gus."
I'm shaking as I unlock the door and look to ensure it's just Gus.
"I'll return to the front and wait for the police. If that guy returns, I want to make sure he sees me working alone," he informs me.
"Okay," I say shakily.
Gus gently touches my shoulder. "Help yourself to anything you find here."
I manage a small smile. "Thank you; I will."
He gives me a sweet smile before leaving me again. "Lock up."
"Yes, sir."
After I lock the door, I rummage through the cabinets and refrigerator. I found a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread. The fridge had what looked to be homemade strawberry jam, so I made myself a PB&J. On the counter was a container of hard pretzels, so I grabbed a few and placed my sandwich and pretzels on a paper plate I came across while checking the cabinets. I found bottled water and soda in the fridge, opted for water, and sat at the square table to feast on my food. It was the best PB&J that I've ever eaten. It must be the homemade jam.
As I finish my last bite, I freeze as I hear the front door chime again. I listen intently, expecting it to be Todd again, but I only recognize Gus's voice. "Good evening. Can I help you?"
YOU ARE READING
Forgive or Forget
Mystery / ThrillerCheryl and Reed had a whirlwind romance. Reed swept Cheryl off of her feet. Her family and friends thought things between them were moving too fast. Did Cheryl know Reed? How much does anyone know about a person? Especially when they only show you...