The Face of Fear: A Powers and Johnson Novel by R.J. Torbert Read Free Book Online Page B

to reenact what local officers believed was how the kidnappers pulled it off. She surprised herself because she had just told Paul she couldn’t write it, but she did just that. As she put the finishing touches on the article, she sent Paul a text asking if she could stop up at the apartment before she started work at Z Pita. He replied right away to stop over.
    She arrived at Paul’s door, knocked, and ran up the stairs. She greeted Paul with a hug and said, “I’m sorry to stop over. I know you didn’t think you would see me for a week.”
    Paul laughed. “Don’t be silly, Rachelle. What’s up?”
    “Please read my article and tell me if anything comes to your mind.” He sat down and read. Her writing was so precise and so descriptive he felt like anyone reading it would feel like they were a witness to it.
    “Nice,” Paul said. “Lets see what happens, if anything. Maybe something, maybe nothing, but I have a feeling something will happen.
    “Paul,” Rachelle replied, “I know what you mean, but if this goes to print for Tuesday’s edition and people from the Cross Island Ferry read this, what’s to prevent them from stopping us from doing this reenactment? The kidnappers have already accomplished what they wanted. They have Debbie Lance.”
    Paul thought about it for a moment and suggested that it would be impossible for the ferry to make adjustments within four days. He said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already making adjustments, Rachelle. They know something occurred on the boat, and they’re going to try and fix it fast to avoid the criticism. Now your article will be the icing on the cake. They have Debbie, but I want them to think I know what happen. I want to put doubt in their mind before they kill her”
    “So, you’re fine with this?” Rachelle replied.
    “Yes,” Paul answered, “it will be fine. It’s time to ruffle some feathers. Besides, your article may even save her life if she’s not already dead. If they know we’re on to them, they may hold off killing her to avoid a murder rap.”
    Rachelle paused, looking at Paul, and replied, “Will I see you later downstairs for dinner so we can talk more about this?”
    “Yes, of course,” Paul replied. He gave Rachelle a hug and whispered in her ear, “Everything will be fine. See you in a couple hours.” He kissed her forehead, which surprised Rachelle. She felt close to him and she didn’t want to leave, but she ran down the stairs to typeset the article. Paul looked around the apartment as he stood alone and spoke out loud: “Things are going to change around this town very soon.”
    Rachelle finished up her article and made it in to Z Pita by 4:00 pm to prepare for the Sunday dinner crowd. Joey Z was ready to leave when she got in to relieve him. Joey Z was a man of 59 years of age who was one of the hardest-working men Rachelle had ever seen. He bought the restaurant known as Z Pita 20 years prior. It was Port Jefferson’s first firehouse station which is why it had a historic landmark plaque on the sidewalk in front of it. Joey Z had also purchased the building that housed the other famous bar in town, Billie’s, well known for its oversized drinks and burgers. He was rich in real estate but always complained about the hours he worked. After a while, everyone took his complaints with a grain of salt. They all knew he loved coming to his restaurant, and the customers appreciated seeing him constantly walking around to be sure everything was going smoothly with both customers and the employees. He taught Rachelle to be the same way, and she was, with few exceptions. When she saw someone she knew, like Paul or Madison, she would sit with them for a few minutes before their meal was served.
    Rachelle checked the reservations and the tables requested and made sure table three was left open for Paul at 6:00 pm.
    Paul arrived at 6:05 pm, and Rachelle sat with him for 15 minutes before his food was brought to the