Scars of the Past by Kay Gordon Read Free Book Online Page A

all of the lights on and the lack of bodies. It was quiet, and I didn’t see anyone as I inched forward until I was standing in the middle of the dance floor. My feet moved without me telling them to, and soon I was in front of the door that led to the alley. The door wasn’t latched, but instead propped open by a rock, as if someone had been going in and out of it frequently. I walked through the doorway slowly and stepped outside onto the damp concrete.
    The alley looked the same, but in a sober state I took notice of the fact that the area was smaller than I thought. The dumpster on the left backed up to a locked gate, and random trash littered around it. To my right was a dead end into a chain link fence, with a couple of chairs that the employees probably used when they came out to smoke. I stood in that little space, fixated with a spot on the building to the right of the door. I don’t know how long I stayed frozen, glaring at the wall before I realized tears were falling down my cheeks.
    Heavy footsteps approached from inside the club and I immediately jumped back, hugging myself tight. Rod the bouncer walked out carrying two black garbage bags, and when he saw he wasn’t alone he immediately scowled.
    “What are you doing back…” He stopped mid-sentence, giving me a once over before understanding washed over his features and he softened his expression. Without the scowl, the huge hulking man didn’t look as scary.
    “Maddie, right?”
    I didn’t respond right away, but instead I looked back to that offensive piece of wall before meeting Rod’s eyes again.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t see anyone inside and I just needed to- I don’t know. I just needed to come out here.”
    He gave me a soft smile, and moved towards the dumpster, tossing the bags he was carrying inside of it.
    “They find him yet?”
    I shrugged and then shook my head. “I don’t think so. “
    He nodded and walked to the door, pushing the rock away with his foot and holding the door with his arm.
    “The police gave us copies of the sketch they took from you. We’re keeping an eye out for him, I promise.” He gestured me to go through the door first. “Come on, Maddie. Don’t make yourself crazy.”
    I reluctantly did as I was told, casting one last glance over my shoulder as Rod held the door before following me inside.
    “You need anything, you let us know, okay?” He cleared his throat, and he gave me an awkward pat me on the shoulder. “I’m sorry that happened.”
    I sighed heavily and thanked him before turning to leave. As I reached the door I stopped and turned. Rod was still standing where I left him, a look of sympathy on his face.
    “Is Josh here?”
    Rod shook his head. “He doesn’t actually work here; he just fixes our computer registers. One of them wasn’t working right the other night. Do you want me to tell him to call you or something when I see him?”
    “Oh. No, it’s okay. I was just curious.” I forced a tiny smile and gave him a wave.
    When I got to my car I sat there for a moment before putting the car in drive and pulling away from the curb.
    A few hours and a few gallons of gas later, I trudged up the stairs slowly before stopping in front of our door. With a deep breath I put the key in and pushed the door open, and as expected Amanda sprang up from the couch.
    “Where have you been?” She sounded frantic and a touch of anger showed on her face.
    I sighed and scrubbed my hands down my face before putting my purse and bags on the counter. “I just had to get out of the house and I wanted to be alone.”
    Amanda shook her head and slumped down onto the arm of the couch. I perched my hip against the counter in the kitchen and we just stood in silence for a moment.
    “We’re worried about you,” she said, her voice cautious.
    I huffed and crossed my arms, speaking more harshly than I meant to. “I know! You think I don’t notice the way you both keep looking at me? Whispering behind my