Metaline Falls, Washington sank deeper into the folds of the Colville National Forest.
When they woke up the morning after their neighbor’s birthday party, Cecile was gone.
She was always first to get coffee going. That was what set the gentle rhythm in the darkness before daybreak.
The absence of the aroma was unsettling.
They looked for a note and found nothing. Her luggage was gone. So was the Gentian Blue 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera Caroline had borrowed for her.
When they speculated on the reason for Cecile’s unannounced departure, their consensus was she had somehow learned of another attempt on her life by the cartel.
She had probably left to protect them and would return once the danger had passed.
None of them left the house that day.
The typical lighthearted conversation which accompanied their endless games of Hearts fell apart. They were each aware of this and their efforts to fill in the blanks came up short.
“It’s only been a few hours,” said Sarah. “Why do we miss her much?”
“Could be we’re all relying on each other more than we think,” said Nick. “Maybe it’s not Cecile we miss as much as our band of five going down to a band of four, the change itself. Maybe this makes us feel vulnerable somehow. I don’t know.”
Out on Kanan Dume Road, a tired truck groaned through the dry canyon. The strain of the old engine seemed to amplify their gloom.
“Not knowing if or when she’ll be back, that’s what’s tough,” said Nick
“You know what?” asked Caroline. “She’ll be back. No doubt about it, and when she tells us where she went and why, it will all make perfect sense. Look at how long she’s had to lie low. For all we know, she’s hiding out in some cow town like Metaline Falls, Washington.”
