Grace

Grace

By AE Holzinger

Copyright © 2013 AE Holzinger

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

EPILOGUE

About the Author

PROLOGUE

Aaron met Lloyd twice a week for lunch. Two times more than Aaron would’ve liked. But Aaron had appearances to keep up so he resolved that his time spent with Lloyd was more like an investment. He wasn’t completely useless either. Sometimes his connections made Aaron’s job easier.

Maybe one of these days Lloyd would even pick up the check.

Don’t get the chicken, they soak it in vinegar, Lloyd said.

I’m having steak, Aaron said.

Steak again? I should’ve gotten into your line of work.

Aaron gulped his wine.

So what’s new at Langley? Lloyd said. You still working on the missing women stuff?

Yeah, Aaron said. He knew Lloyd just wanted to talk about himself. And you?

I just got a huge case and I mean huge. Lloyd leaned over the table. You know Caiden Wayland?

Of course I do, you’re working on a case for him?

Why do you sound so surprised? I am one of the top Private Investigators in the state.

According to who? Aaron took another gulp of wine and waited for Lloyd to continue.

Well, Lloyd said, Caiden’s lawyer just hired me to find his daughter who he put up for adoption thirty-three years ago and hasn’t seen or talked to since.

A daughter? And his daughter doesn’t know about him? Aaron said.

She has no clue, he put her up for adoption anonymously. Probably so they wouldn’t be asking him for money.

Why is he looking for her now?

He’s been sick with some disease or illness or something. Can you imagine? One day you’re a nobody and the next you find out that your father is Caiden Wayland?! Lloyd said.

Shhh. Keep it down, Aaron said.

Anyway, she lives in Chicago. And get this, she’s a waitress at some dinky little café.

You found her?

Yeah, it wasn’t too hard, but I’m going to double check some sources to make sure I’ve got the right girl.

You mean you’re running up the bill.

Hey, I just want to be sure, this is my biggest case. Besides the man’s a billionaire, he can easily afford me for an extra week. It would’ve taken someone else an extra couple of weeks easily. I shouldn’t be paid less for my prowess and connections. If anything I should be paid more.

For goodness sake Lloyd, you said yourself that the guy is on his deathbed.

Like you don’t make some extra money on your line of work.

Aaron’s hand choked his napkin.

And, Lloyd said, He’s the one that put her up for adoption in the first place. He had 33 years to find her plus all of the money and resources to do it. I’m sure if he really wanted to see her he would’ve done it already. He can wait an extra week.

What’s her name? Aaron said.

Grace McCullough.

* * * * *

Aaron looked at the caller ID on his cell phone. He jumped up and hurried to the stereo to turn the volume up and then looked out of his living room window at the driveway. Seeing it was still empty, he answered his phone.

She’s already seeing somebody, Demetri said.

She told you that? Aaron said.

No, but she turned me down. And it would’ve been at a really expensive restaurant, what else could it be?

That’s fine. We have to make other arrangements for the grab anyway.

Why?

There are agents watching her now.

Aaron pulled the phone away from his ear but Demetri’s frustrated yell still reached Aaron’s ear louder than he would have liked.

I don’t know about this, Demetri said, my trail’s still hot from the last batch, and now they’ve already got eyes on my next girl?

Don’t be such a pessimist, Aaron said. No one is hot on your trail. They aren’t able to link you to any of those girls - or to anything that followed.

I thought last time you said that they were getting closer.

Yeah, they were. Your guys are sloppy. And if we didn’t have this gift fall into our lap I’d charge you more for all of the cleaning up I have to do. The files have been taken care of. Besides that, the agents are a good thing. I’ll tell you more tomorrow.

How are the agents a good thing?

We’ll talk tomorrow, my wife’s pulling in the driveway.

No, we’ll discuss it now. How come you don’t just make the grab?

Demetri, this isn’t a set up. I’m just looking to retire - which I’m sure sounds good to you too. This will be our last job, then we can disappear and enjoy a very nice lifestyle. That’s all I want.

Then why not do it yourself and keep all of the money? What do you need me for?

You’re the expert. That’s why I called you. You already have the right people in the right places to make this happen quickly, quietly and easily. We’ll talk more tomorrow.

Demetri heard the beep beep of a car alarm as Aaron hung up on him.

* * * * *

Grace and Cara curled up beside each other on the oversized couch. It was Sunday night, so they had the cozy fireplace section of the café to themselves. The girls held their drinks with both hands, ignoring the handles, occasionally blowing into their cups to cool off their drinks. The coffee was always too hot to drink right away, but they made for excellent hand warmers in the winter. Even though Grace worked here during the week, she still enjoyed coming on her days off and sitting in front of the fireplace, gazing into the fire and listening to its crackle.

How many more days do you have to go until you can date again? Cara said.

Twenty-five, Grace said.

That is amazing. I don’t know that I ever could’ve done it.

You totally could’ve, you just had no need. But I’m glad I needed to and I’m glad I did it. I kind of feel like I’m eighteen again, just coming of age.

You should write about this, it’s very inspiring. I’ve never heard of anyone giving men up for a month, let alone a year. And you seem happier than ever.

I am, the Lord has taught me and loved me so much over the last year that it hardly seems like it’s been that long.

So are you thinking of going longer than a year?

Oh no, I’m not. As much as I’ve enjoyed my year, I’m really excited about going out soon.

You’ve got your first date?!

Grace let her big smile confirm.

Do tell! Cara said.

OK, his name is Lucas and he comes here every week, but it seems like he just started noticing me–

You have seemed more radiant lately - but go on. Cara said.

Really?!

For sure, if you weren’t single I’d think that you were pregnant.

OK, well maybe he noticed the glow then, because the last few weeks he’s been talking with me and asking questions, personal questions. He’s also been coming in twice a week when he used to only come in on Mondays, Grace said.

Sounds like he doesn’t just like you it sounds like he really likes you, Cara said.

Grace and Cara squealed in unison.

Yes, I hope so, he seems like such a first class guy.

Is he the brown haired guy that was leaning way over on the counter talking to you when I came in last Friday? He was handsome. He looked like he was hanging around just to be able to talk with you.

No, that was this other guy, Acario - I think that’s what he said his name was. He was kind of creepy, like stalker creepy—

Did he ask you out too?! Look at you! Cara reached over and gave Grace’s leg a shake. They’re already lining up.

Yeah, but I turned him down.

Really? He looked pretty persistent, like he wasn’t going to leave until you had to leave.

You felt that too? That’s what I got from him so I stayed and worked later that day, Grace said.

OK back to Lucas then, Cara said. How did he ask you?

Well, he’s a good listener. It feels like he really wants to get to know me. Whenever we talk, it’s always about me. Even when I try to change the subject and talk about him, he comes right back to asking me personal questions. And finally, Grace paused and smiled at Cara, he asked if I was seeing anyone.

Yay! Cara said.

I told him that I wasn’t but that I had set a goal to take a year off from dating and to spend that time with God. He said, ‘Great job Grace, I know that wasn’t easy,’ and then he asked what day I was scheduled to finish my year. I told him March 10th. He said, ‘Then you’re available for dinner on the 11th? And then afterwards, the Magic Flute – I think that’s what they’ll be performing that night at the Lyric.’

The opera?! Cara covered her gaping mouth with her hand. Now that is a date. Have you ever been to the opera?

No, this is my first time, Grace said.

It’s great, you’re going to enjoy it. I think you’ll enjoy Lucas more though.

I’m sure I will. He seems amazing.

What are your plans tomorrow? You know you don’t have to spend the day alone, you can join me and Tom and we can go out to eat, go to a movie, or just hang out.

Did Jess put you up to this?

No, why?

It seems like it’s her personal mission that I’m not alone tomorrow. Last week she was ready to cancel her own plans with Gus to spend the day with me.

She’s sweet, she probably doesn’t relate to the way you can spend so much time alone.

That’s just it, I’m not alone. I’m with the Lord. I’m going to be perfectly alright.

OK, you’re hanging out with the Lord then tomorrow?

Yes, we have lunch plans at my favorite Mexican restaurant and we’re going shopping for my opera outfit—

I want to go with you for that! Cara said. Can you do some other shopping tomorrow, and then can we go Saturday for your dress?

Sure, Grace said, I’m off on Saturday and it’ll be fun.

I’m sorry. Did I just mess up your plans for tomorrow?

No, not at all. Saturday sounds like fun. I’ve been meaning to do some shopping for the house, I’ll just do that tomorrow.

And what are you doing after shopping tomorrow? Cara said.

A movie at home, Grace said.

"Let me guess, Pride & Prejudice."

Grace smiled and said, I might watch another movie after that one.

Grace and Cara continued their conversation about Cara’s Valentine’s Day plans, why shelving is so awesome - especially in corners, their favorite YouTube videos, and, of course, about Lucas. Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a vacuum cleaner, and Grace noticed her coworker starting the closing duties. She and Cara finished their coffees, straightened out the couch, and headed towards the door, bundled up in their coats, hats and scarves.

Goodnight Pam, Grace said, with an exaggerated hand wave to get her coworker’s attention.

Pam looked up from the floor, shut the vacuum off and propped herself on it.

You working tomorrow? Pam said.

No ma’am, I’m relaxing and shopping tomorrow. How about you? Grace said.

I was supposed to be off, but Stacy got last minute date plans, so I’m working for her.

Well, that’s nice of you and it’ll be nice here, Gary always gets the girls that are working on Valentine’s Day a bouquet of flowers and catering from a nice restaurant.

Yeah, the only flowers I’ll be getting this year.

That’ll make them all the more special.

I guess.

Grace smiled at her and left the café, arm in arm with Cara.

* * * * *

Outside the café at the far end of the parking lot, an SUV was running with its lights off, the silhouettes of two men concealed by the overly tinted windshield. The two men watched the two girls get into Cara’s car.

No wonder she turned Demetri down, she likes chicks, Pete said.

No she doesn’t, Nikolaus said. He occasionally humored his partner’s theories, and more often than not simply ignored them. But this time he was compelled by disgust to respond, since each syllable was accompanied by pieces of Snickers sprayed onto the dashboard.

How do you know? Look at how they’re walking, I don’t see girls walking like that unless...

Pete laughed.

Just follow them, Nikolaus said.

What do you think I’m doing? Pete said.

Eating.

Like I can’t eat and drive at the same time.

Pete shifted into gear and drove in the direction the two women had gone. Nikolaus watched a nut fall from the candy bar and roll of his partner’s large lap onto the snow-and-slush-stained floor mat, where it vanished beneath the driver’s seat and where he knew it would find its home among all sorts of other food bits. But instead of being disgusted by the man in the driver’s seat, his thoughts turned to the girls in the car ahead of them - specifically the waitress they had been assigned to follow. He was both nervous and excited, knowing the risk and reward at hand.

Why do you think Demetri wants this chick? Pete said.

I don’t know, Nikolaus said.

She’s older than our usual girls and someone’s going to notice that she’s missing by the next day. Do you think she’s worth something?

I don’t know.

Well, for the risks Demetri’s taking on this one, she must be worth a whole lot more than the usual girls.

Nikolaus didn’t respond.

Don’t you think, Pete said, we should be paid more on this job? Demetri’s putting us more at risk.

Ask him for more pay then, Nikolaus said.

I don’t want to ask him until I know for sure she’s worth something. She’s hot, but for this – it’s too many risks, Pete said.

Nikolaus sighed. Just a few more hours.

Pete pulled into a parking spot 5 spaces from where Grace lived and shoved his candy wrapper down into the cup holder, already crammed full with other wrappers.

Are you getting paid the same? Pete said.

Yes, Nikolaus said, even though he knew that he wouldn’t be around to collect his payment.

And it doesn’t bother you that we’re taking all of these extra risks of someone noticing us and not getting paid more? Pete said.

If you want more pay, ask Demetri for more pay. You want the first watch or the second?

The first, I’m wide awake right now. If she was worth something she wouldn’t be working at that café and living here, would she?

Nikolaus reclined his seat, put his arm behind his head and put his ear buds in his ears. He didn’t want to hear Pete’s paranoid thoughts or exerted breathing.

CHAPTER 1

Grace was just about ready to leave for lunch at Cantina Laredo, the new upscale Mexican restaurant on State Street that had quickly become her favorite. She was putting on red lipstick in her bedroom mirror when she heard a knock at her door. At first she wondered who it could be, but then got excited when she remembered that she had ordered herself flowers. They were ordered last month so that she had time to forget that she ordered them, to surprise herself. She also let the customer service rep on the phone pick out the bouquet. That way, she’d be even more surprised when she saw the flowers.

She finished her lipstick, grabbed her purse and headed to the door. As she approached, the knock came again - harder, faster and louder. She reasoned today must be a busy day for them.

Coming! Grace said.

She opened the door and was surprised – but for an altogether different reason than she had expected.

Vera, although being smaller than Grace, strong armed her way into Grace’s living room. She flashed a badge once inside.

What is going on?

CIA. We need to talk, Vera said.

OK, how can I help you? Grace said.

I don't have time to explain everything right now. You'll learn more on the way.

On the way? The way where?

This is going to sound strange right now, but you’re going to have to trust me.

Grace eyed the woman.

We’re going to the movie theater a few blocks away where you’ll meet Agent Cordelle. He’ll explain more to you. For now, just do as I say.

What’s this about?

"You’ve nothing