Page 43 of Resolutions

“Mrs. Gentry,” I nod, trying to keep my voice steady despite my racing pulse, “did you see a woman in a lavender dress in there?”

“Why Cameron Whitaker. Say, this is quite a party you're throwing. I've already had two sunrise something drinks. Made me have to tinkle.” She smiles with her grandmotherly expression. “You know, people didn't know if you would be here tonight, you poor man. I'm glad you are; chin up, things will get better.”

“Yes, ma'am, is there—”

“You know, I don't think I'll make it to midnight. I took a nap, but ten o'clock is pretty late for me, these days.” She chuckles at her own joke.

“Yes, ten is late.” Of all the people I had to run into. Focus, Cameron. “Mrs. Gentry, about that woman in the lavender dress?”

“Where, dear?”

God, give me strength.

“In the bathroom,” I point and enunciate each word like I'm speaking to a child. “Was there a woman wearing a lavender dress in the bathroom?”

“I don't think so, dear. I believe I was the only one in there.”

Before I can stop myself, I brush past her and push through the door. The bathroom is empty - just gleaming mirrors reflecting my desperate expression back at me. I sigh. When I open the door to leave, Mrs. Gentry's eyes are wide, her mouth open in a shocked expression.

“Cameron Whitaker! That is the ladies' restroom. You naughty boy don't belong in there.” She smacks my arm. “I have half a mind to tell your mother.”

“Sorry, Mrs. Gentry.” I look past her, my eyes trained on the housekeeping door.

“Ah, of course, where there's one of you, the other one can't be far behind.” Mrs. Gentry, who had turned to leave, stopped. “Good evening Michael, aren't you a sweet boy putting up that reward money.”

I spin on my heel, snapping my head in his direction.

“Mrs. Gentry, you're looking especially good tonight.” Michael steps up to her. “Happy New Year.”

“Aww, and Happy New Year's to you too, dear. Now, there's a drink with my name on it somewhere. Good night, boys. Be a good boy Michael, keep him out of the ladies' bathroom, won't you?” Mrs. Gentry shuffles off towards the party.

Michael looks at me, chuckling, “What was that about?”

“I saw her! She's not dead! She's here!” I grab Michael's suit collar, yanking him to me. The expensive fabric bunches in my fist.

“Heeeey!” He jerks away, smoothing the material with practiced hands. “Careful! This is Italian fucking tailoring.” Helooks up at me. “What is wrong with you? Of course she's not dead. The damn old bat was just talking to us.”

“Not her! Melanie!” Her name feels electric on my tongue. I watch the shock ripple across Michael's face.

He stands there like his brain is rebooting. “The fuck! Where?” His eyes dart around the hallway. “Hold on, how do you know she's here?”

The words fly out of my mouth like I'd just opened a water spigot. I explain about the drink. The lavender dress. The blonde hair that must be a wig. With each detail, I sound more desperate and yet more certain.

“Bro, I get the drink but, you don't know for sure that it was her.” Michael's voice is maddeningly calm. “I mean, a lot of women like lavender. Did you actually see her, see her?”

“No. But damn it, Michael, I know it was her. My gut says it's her.”

“Cam,” Michael clears his throat. “Ah, bro, if it's her, why didn't she talk to you? Why did she run?”

I didn't have an answer for him. Why didn't she? My brain echoed Michael's questions.

“I don't know, but I want to, so I'm going to find her.” I take a step around him.

“Okay, okay, I'll help.” He blows out his breath. “Well, if it was Melanie, she knows this Inn. She would know this hall doesn't have an exit. Meaning she would have no reason to come down here. So, let's head back to the foyer and canvas the place. Maybe she turned but then ducked down and hid among the coats. Makes sense, that's where I would go since there's a shit ton of them. Then she could have circled back around.”

I nod my head like that makes sense. We walk back toward the main foyer, my eyes scanning every person, every shadow, every corner. “Look around the coats. I was heading to take a leakwhen I ran into you. I'll be right back.” Michael says, turning back toward the bathrooms.

I rifle through the coat rack but find nothing. I ask the two coat attendants, but neither of them recalls seeing a lady in lavender. Looking at the sea of faces in the foyer, I realize there's only one way to know for sure if Melanie was here or is still here. I head for my office, completely forgetting about Michael in my single-minded pursuit of the truth.

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