Chapter 3

Adele’s Pov

I felt relived as I opened the door to my apartment. It was two tiny bedrooms, a living room, and kitchenette. Not much, but it was home. And after a long, hectic day, I looked forward to coming home.

I put the groceries in the kitchen then got Jay ready for bed.

“Mommy,” he said as I combed his hair.

“Yeah sweetie.”

“Why don’t I have a family?”

I froze in shock.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“At school today my friends talked of their grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles. How come I don’t have any?”

“Well my mom, your grandma, is in heaven.” I explained.

“With my daddy?”

I swallowed nervously. “Yes.”

“What about grandpa?”

“He lives in Fresno with your other grandma and your aunt Karen.”

“Can we go see them? Please? I want to meet them.” He begged, looking at me with his bright blue eyes.

“Okay we will.”

“When?” He asked eagerly.

“I am so busy now…but I will make time. I promise.”

He smiled happily and I felt my heart squeeze painfully.

I put him to bed and kissed him goodnight.

I went into the living room and sank into the couch, sighing heavily. I knew I was lying to him when I said we would go visit my family.

I could never go back there. I would have to keep giving him excuses, hoping he would forget about it.

Rachel called me and I assured her I was okay. I went to get my laptop and a bottle of beer, then sat down on the couch and eagerly logged into social media hoping my confidant was online. As usual he was.

His name was Jack. We had began chatting a couple of weeks after I had been living in Rachel’s house.

First he had sent me a friend request, which I had ignored. I was in no mood for friends. Then he kept sending me messages which I also ignored, until he sent one telling me how depressed he was because he felt his family didn’t appreciate him despite all he did.

I understood what that felt like and felt sorry for him. I replied him and we began chatting. At first I expected him to ask for nudes and was ready to block him. But he didn’t. All our chats were mature and respectfully.

We told each other everything about ourselves, our fears, hopes, feelings. Our motto was, ears open, mouth closed. Listen and don’t judge. Sometimes he would send me money. At first I felt like a freeloader and didn’t want to accept it, but he insisted. I had never met him in person but the pictures on his profile told me he was in his early forties and handsome. But I wasn’t looking for a romantic relationship. I was happy being friends.

Hey Jack,

“Hey beautiful, how was your day?

Hectic but good. I landed a big deal today.

I am glad, and your little man? How is he?

Lol. Driving me crazy, in a good way.

Rachel still helping you out?

Yes, she is an angel. And you? How are you?

Better now I am talking to you. Business is good too.

How is your daughter? Have you guys started talking yet?

I have reached out to her but she is still being stubborn.

Give her time, she will come around. No matter what happens she is your family and family is important.

Jack had told me he and his rebellious teenage daughter were having issues and I had been advising him how to handle her. As I typed this, I remembered my own family and tears stung my eyes.

So anything exciting happen to you today? He asked.

Kind of. A guy has been following me for some days. I don’t know why.

Really? You should tell the cops. He could be a psycho. Are you at home?

Yeah.

You shouldn’t be. You and Jay shouldn’t be alone.

I am fine. Don’t worry.

Do you have a weapon?

Yeah, a baseball bat.

FFS! That is not a weapon. Get a gun.

Lol. I am useless with a gun. I will probably shoot myself or Jay.

Then you should go stay with Rachel for now.

Let me think about it. If I feel I am in danger I will call the cops. I promise.

There was a knock on my door. I looked at the time. Nearly 9pm. Who could it be at this time of the night?

BRB please.

I went to the door and looked through the keyhole, then moved back in fear. The man who had been following me was standing there! Had he followed me home? I grabbed my phone to call the cops then paused, let me know what he wanted first.

“Who is it?” I asked my voice trembling.

No answer.

“What do you want? Go away, or I will call the cops!”

“I have a message for you. Please open up.”

“No. Get out.”

“Listen to me Miss. Turner, I have a message from your Dad, Jason Turner.”

I moved back as if his words had punched me.

What? He must be lying. But how did he know my name? Aside Rachel, nobody knew me by that name here. I had changed my name to Claire Taylor, my mother’s name, the day I had landed in Palo Alto.

“Who are you?” I demanded.

“I am a PI. Your dad hired me to find you. He wants you to come and see him on Saturday.”

I opened the door a little.

“Why? Is everything okay?” I asked anxiously.

“I don’t know. But he is expecting you on Saturday.”

I was speechless for a minute, then looked at him.

“You are a PI? You need to work on your skills. I have noticed you following me for days.” I said and closed the door in his surprised face.

I sat back down. Jack was waiting for me but I turned off my laptop. I couldn’t chat or do anything else. I sat shaking with fear and excitement at the realization that I would soon be going back to where all my troubles began.