Identity by K. J. Cazel Read Free Book Online Page A

can't find a parking place.  Can you come down?"
    Hailey walked over to the front window blinds and peaked through the slats.  She could see with the streetlights that it wasn't his Mercedes. 
    "Is that your car?"
    "It's one of them. Snow is expected tonight and the SUV has better traction."
    "Oh, okay, give me a few secs.  I'll be right down."
    When she arrived at the passenger door, He popped the lock and reached over from the driver's seat to pushed the door open.   Hailey climbed in and buckled up. 
    "We have to go a little way for a place where I'm not known.  I can't afford to be seen with you right now.  You know how the rumor mill would be."
    Hailey gave a "um hummm."
    The two engaged in small talk about the weather and Hailey's work while they drove northward on Interstate 90 exiting on 50.  Thirty minutes later the SUV pulled into an Embers Steak House parking lot.
    "Where are we?"
    "Morton Grove.  Let's hope the food is good here."
    When the entered the restaurant it was obvious why Rodney picked this spot.  The lights were dim, and the place was almost empty for a Monday night.  The hostess seated them in a booth.  Hailey wanted Rodney to know how thrilled she was to be with him as she scooted close to him. She reached over and placed her hand on his thigh.
    The waitress took their order thinking that this wasn't going to be just an average tip.  She could always tell when a married man wasn't with his wife. Married men didn't want to call attention to the fact that they weren't dining with their wife and this couple surly weren’t married...at least not to each other.
    "Hailey tell me about yourself?"
    "There's not much to tell.  My mother died when I was seven.  My father didn't handle it well.  He was a mail carrier until he died with cirrhosis of the liver. If it weren't for scholarships, I wouldn't have been able to get through college."
    "So, you're all alone?"
    "I have some cousins, but I haven't seen them in quite some time.  My father's drinking isolated us from the rest of the family."
    "That's a sad story." Rodney reached over and placed his hand on hers.  Hailey blushed.   He thought, “Perfect.”
    They continued their dinner engaging in small talk.  As they finished, Rodney asked, "I'd like to see you again.  Would you like that?"
    "That would be wonderful."
    On their way back, Rodney confirmed with Hailey that he would pick her up Friday night at 7:00 for dinner. 
    They pulled up in front of Hailey's apartment door.  Rodney placed the vehicle in idle and got out.  He walked around the back of the vehicle. He opened the passenger door assisting her out.  He pulled her close and kissed her on the cheek.
    "I'm looking forward to Friday."
    "Me, too."
    ***
    Friday couldn't come soon enough for Hailey.  She took off early from work to prepare for the dinner engagement. She took special care when she bathed with her various lotions.  She went to her closet and found the new black dress with the low neckline that she had saved for a special day.  Hailey wanted Rodney to be wowed by her appearance so he would see that she would be a perfect mate for a millionaire.
    Rodney pulled in front of Hailey's apartment and called her to come down.  She didn't question his actions, but hurriedly went down to meet with him. He knew his identity had to be kept secret from the eyes of nearby residents.
    They drove down the highway, this time heading south on 55.  Rodney had chosen another restaurant where he was familiar with but was unknown.  Hailey, again, pressed her body as closed to Rodney signaling she was ready for more intimate contact with him.  Rodney smiled at her.  He knew what his plans were, and they weren't going to be what she expected.  There was a light snow on the drive back to the city.  Instead of taking Hailey back her apartment after diner, Rodney pulled the SUV in front of his house.  He got out and then assisted Hailey out of the vehicle.  Once inside he