Page 89 of Out of the Blue

The next morning, I wake up and make my coffee. No more Starbucks for me—or slices of flan. Way too expensive. I make a tuna sandwich to bring with me for lunch at the department store and put a little bit on a paper towel. When I plod out the door, a little black and white cat meows. I noticed the furball the other day hanging around by the bushes. He doesn’t have a collar or a tag, so I assume he’s homeless. I can relate.

Putting the paper towel down on the stoop, I pet him as he devours the treat. “Hope it fills your little belly.” When he finishes, he rubs his head against my leg, lets out a little meow, and scampers away.

Yeah. Even a stray cat abandons you when you’ve outgrown your usefulness.

At the department store, I get to my desk and settle in. At least I’m able to sharpen my marketing skills here. Without paying much attention to my co-workers, I boot up my computer and start working.

A woman walks by and says hi to me. I wave. Haven’t bothered to learn anyone’s names. What’s the point?

When I need to do some online research, I pull up the search engine and a new article is recommended for me. It’s the story fromFirst Rumorsabout Joey’s supposed heroin addiction. Warmth spreads throughout my body as I remember how I tore them apart, finishing with a plea for donations to a heroin addiction charity. Last check, they’ve raised nearly one-hundred thousand dollars.

Despite my best intentions, I reread the stupid story. Something niggles at the back of my mind.

Chapter 27 - Cordelia

My hand shakes as I grasp the phone at my ear and tell Rita my story.

“I mean, are you really sure?”

Positivity flows through my veins. “I am. Rita, this makes total sense. Hector was always hanging around. I never thought too much about it before, but he was there whenever something was discussed.”

“Well, thank you so much for telling me.” Rustling of papers comes through the phone. “Now, please, let me know. How are you doing? How’s the marketing job at the department store?”

I may have told Rita a white lie to avoid her sympathy. Or pity. Neither one appeals. I force my voice to mimic enthusiasm. “Oh, it’s great. I’m learning so much! And it’s a super place to work, without a horrible commute, you know?” My stomach tightens.

“I’m so happy to hear this. Sounds like you found your calling. And so close to home!”

I punch my leg. “Yeah. It rocks.”

“Hold on.” Rita puts me on hold.

I almost throw up at our conversation, but can’t let on about how miserable I am. Not to mention the fact I’m also working at the grocery store to make ends meet. Today’s the first of the month, and it’s the first time I had to pay rent. If I skip breakfast, stick to a tuna sandwich for lunch, and eat scraps at my night job for dinner, I may be able to make my payments to Juanita’s school. The credit cards will have to wait. The thought of having to deal with creditor calls again isn’t something I’m excited about, but what can I do?

“Cordelia, honey, I have to go. It was great catching up with you. Let’s try to get together soon for dinner. I miss your face.”

I miss hers, too. “Sounds good,” I lie. No way can I afford a meal out.

Hanging up, I pray for Hector to see some sort of comeuppance for what he’s done. After I zeroed in on him and Marvin as the potential source toIn the Know, I did some digging. They both were present during conversations that alluded to, or outright discussed, the topicsFirst Rumorsran with in their articles. All except for the one about Dwight’s ADHD, as Marvin was sick and didn’t go to the bar that night. Once I zeroed in on Hector, I uncovered he was a roadie for California Skies, the band in competition with TLR for Hunte’s opening band position. Means, motive, and opportunity. He hit the trifecta.

After I’d unraveled everything, I did the only thing I could think of to do. I called Rita to let Apex know. Basically, my final act as TLR’s social media manager. I double-check my hollow reflection in the mirror before grabbing a paper towel with some scraps of tuna for the stray, and make the trek to my day job.

A few days later, I’m at home getting ready to slog to the grocery store for my evening job when my phone rings. It’s from Apex. What could they want? Eh, it’s probably Rita calling to chat.

“Hello?”

A male voice I recognize asks, “Is this Cordelia Hernandez?”

Rita’s boss? I play dumb to allow my brain to sort through why he’s calling me. “It is. Who’s asking?”

“This is Thad Griffith.”

My heart gallops. “Did something happen to Rita?”

“What? No.”

I sag in relief. She’s the closest thing I have to a mother, barring none. “Oh. Good.” If not about Rita, what the hell is he calling me for? “What can I do for you, Mr. Griffith?”

“I’m calling to, well, say thank you for unraveling the source of those tips about The Light Rail toFirst RumorsandIn the Know.Rita passed along the tip you gave her, and we were able to verify everything. You were right. Hector Gomez was the informant.” He pauses. “Hector confessed that he and the bassist for California Skies cooked up the scheme to win the Hunte competition. They thought Apex wouldn’t want to be involved with a band with a notorious reputation. Turns out, they’re right, only not in the way they predicted.”

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