Behind Open Eyes by Paul Knox

Author:Paul Knox [Knox, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798610337821
Publisher: Fate Knox Publishing
Published: 2020-02-28T16:00:00+00:00

Twenty-six

Reece took the picture off the fridge and re-stuck the Cabo magnet back on the stainless steel. She was willing to make a wager that the touristy magnet/beer opener was from the same trip where Celeste Miller’s picture had been taken.

But the picture she now looked at was not a warm beach. The picture showed a large room with a small evergreen strung with lights on a table behind the Grandins. Presents with bows and little bags sat underneath. It looked like a Christmas party, maybe at Alexander’s or someone’s workplace. Reece bet that the snowflake and Santa Claus bags were white elephant gifts.

I recognize the room this picture was taken in. Where have I seen it before?

To the left of the Grandins, standing front and center were Marcus and Stevie. To the right of the Grandins were Ella and a man she had not recognized or heard about. He had a larger build, was thick boned and serious-looking. He had black hair and dark eyes.

In this picture, Karen’s implorable eyes seemed to beg to whoever was taking the picture to see inside her, to see the truth of her misery.

Reece turned to walk back into the living room but stopped when the corner of a small piece of paper on the counter caught her attention. Under a few envelopes and some junk mail, a handwritten signature next to the word REFILL lay. Reece pulled out a doctor’s script for Zoloft, a common antidepressant, for Karen Grandin with yesterday’s date.

That poor woman. I hope she finds the help she needs.

Setting the script back in place, Reece reentered the living room with all attention on her. Then she heard a knock at the front door. Shanahan.

“Reece, can I have a word with you?” he asked.

“In a moment?” Reece asked.

“Of course. There’s something you need to see.”

“I’ll be right over.”

Shanahan left and Reece faced the Grandins.

“Do you know who this man is?” She pointed at the picture.

Alexander started to stand up. “Ooh,” he groaned.

Reece gave him a questioning look.

“My…side. I injured it earlier. It hurts to move around.”

Reece saw Karen’s eyes slightly narrow. If Reece hadn’t been watching them both carefully, she would’ve missed it.

“It’s ok, Mr. Grandin. You can sit. I was asking your wife.” Reece glared at Alexander.

He sat still, with a perplexed look on his face.

“Yes I know him.” Karen nodded. “That’s James Hughes. He works with Alexander at the investment firm. That picture was taken at the firm, at a Christmas party. We were celebrating not only Christmas, but a large account that James and Alexander worked hard on securing.”

“It doesn’t look like you were celebrating.”

“Oh, it doesn’t?”

Reece turned her attention to the uneasy husband. “Did Celeste or Ella have any accounts with your firm, Alexander?”

“As a matter of fact both of them do.” Alexander tried standing again. “Ouch.” He sat. “What’s going on?”

Reece ignored his question. “Why did they open accounts with you, and not some other firm?”

Karen answered. “He told them to. He said he could help them secure a good retirement.

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