Page 40 of Finding Molly Parsons

“Just the person we wanted to see,” Mateo chimed.

“Everything okay?” Faith couldn’t disguise the worry in her voice.

“It seems your parents stopped by when we were away.” Carmen gripped Faith’s arm when she felt the young woman falter, her legs going weak. “Sit down.”

“They were here?”

“Yes, but don’t panic. Rachel, my detective friend, was here to help.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing overly exciting. She just made sure your father wouldn’t be back.”

“That won’t stop him, Carmen.”

Carmen drew Faith into a hug. Mateo stepped up and engulfed them both with his long arms. “No te preocupes cariño.”

“Change of plan. We are setting off in the morning. Even if they come back, we won’t be here.”

“I’ll call Enid and tell her to be here at half past seven,” Mateo added.

“I’m sorry,” Faith sobbed.

Carmen gripped her. “Nothing to be sorry for. Let’s get some rest and be ready to rock and roll tomorrow.” Feeling Faith nod against her chest, Carmen relaxed her embrace.

Maybe she could plan a few stops to cheer Faith up? Carmen would do anything to wipe that overwhelming look of sadness from the girl’s face.

???

The trip to Phoenix had been a lot less fraught than the Vermont escapade. Mateo had reined in his whining and his Cher obsession. Faith was clearly trying to stay upbeat but couldn’t fool Carmen. Enid got herself stoned on weed gummies less than half an hour into the journey. Turns out Enid was a lot calmer when high.

Pulling into the street where the house they were looking for was located, Carmen sent up a prayer to any deity listening. Please let Molly be here.

“Jesus, I can feel the heat already,” Mateo panted, wafting his hand in front of his face. Considering they’d had the A/C jacked up since entering the sweltering state, Carmen couldn’t disagree with his statement. The road looked as if it were shimmering.

“It’s heaven,” Enid squealed. She was aptly dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts.

“Alright, shall we try this again?” Carmen asked Faith when the car came to a stop outside a sprawling house, the color of sand. Palm trees as far as the eye could see.

“Yeah, fingers crossed everyone.”

Carmen slid out of the car and swore under her breath. The heat was simply ridiculous. How she craved Seattle weather, hell, even the rain.

Following slowly behind Faith, Carmen literally crossed her fingers. The bell Faith pressed chimed loudly. Moments later, the door opened. A very attractive woman with long black hair greeted them. Not Molly, but hopefully the girlfriend.

“Hi, can I help?”

“Yes, I’m looking for Molly Parsons.” Faith’s hands were as shaky as her voice. Carmen didn’t miss the hurt that passed over the stranger’s face. Oh no!

“Molly doesn’t live here anymore.” The women went to shut the door, but Carmen had quick reflexes and her hand stopped the motion. “Um… do you mind?”

“Sorry, but have you got a forwarding address?”

“I’m her niece,” Faith interjected. “I’ve been searching for my aunt for months. Please, if you can help, tell me where she went.”

Faith’s pleas hit the mark. The woman opened the door wider. “I’m Ruth, Molly’s ex.”

Why did that news make Carmen feel happy? “I’m Carmen and this is Faith.”

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