CHAPTER 40
The girl stares back for several moments, neither breathing nor blinking. Then she starts to back away. Wait, Caitlin says. Please, wait. I know you gave Penn that note at the Ramada Inn. I know you tried to disguise yourself, but he recognized you. He thought you worked at a restaurant, but I found you anyway. I used to work at a restaurant, the girl says in a dazed voice. Frankys Pizza. I liked it there, but I kept putting on weight. I had to quit. Caitlin nods with empathy. But I dont know nothing about no note, Darla says, twice as loudly as shed spoken before. Caitlin cant help but smile at this obvious lie. But you knew exactly what I was referring to when I mentioned the Ramada and Penn Cage. Darla licks her lips, then looks around as though suspicious someone is watching her. I was at the Ramada, she says. So were a lot of people. And I did see the mayor there. But I dont know nothin bout no note. I havent passed notes to men since grade school. Caitlin takes a step forward and speaks with sisterly intimacy. Im trying to help Linda Church. Shes in terrible danger, more even than she knows. I know youve been trying to help her, you and your friends. But she needs more help than that. Fear glitters in Darlas eyes. I told you, I dont know nothin bout any a that. I gotta get back to work. I got customers. I dont see any customers, Caitlin says gently. But Ill be glad to buy something if youll tell me just a little bit of the truth. I did, Darla insists. Have you seen Linda yourself? The reason Im asking you is because of your eye makeup. I saw you didnt know how to put it on, and I figured that if Linda was with you, she would have fixed it for you. Darla looks on the verge of tears. Her neck is splotchy, and her breath is going shallow. I cant talk anymore. Please, go away. Leave me alone. Caitlin reaches into her purse and hands Darla a card with her cell number on it. I want the same thing you do, Darla. I want Linda to be safe. Please call me later. Think about all this. Youll know its the right thing to do. Darla accepts the card with a shaking hand, then turns and hurries down the aisle toward a collection of Chinese lawn mowers. Caitlin knows the girl is lying, but sometimes you have to stop pushing and let the source make her own decision. With a girl as skittish as Darla McRaney, it shouldnt take long.
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