Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young

Author:Sandra L. Young [Young, Sandra L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance; new beginnings; historical mystery; paranormal; psychic; vintage clothing; ghosts
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2021-10-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

The sun had set, enveloping them in dusky gray that would thicken into a black, starless night. Though she wasn’t keen about searching in the dark, Tess would never forgive herself if Jake—or Jacob disappeared again.

Marcy called her counselor friend as they neared her parked car. She cloaked the true intent of her inquiry. She clicked off to update, “He told me from October into April, overnight pads shelters for men and women rotate between local churches. He also named a handful of locations where a few of the homeless sometimes sleep.”

“You’d make a good spy.”

“Never underestimate my feminine wiles.” She offered one of her familiar winks. “I’ll drive.”

Her stomach rumbled, but Tess didn’t want to delay their adventure. “Hold on. I’ll run into Divine Vintage for supplies.” She grabbed granola bars, apples, bottles of water, and a flashlight and rejoined her partner. They jumped into Marcy’s lemon-yellow Bug, and she drove to a wooded park, tucked into a neighborhood that had seen better days. Though they’d wanted to find Jake immediately, faced with the reality of darkness and the unknown, Tess questioned the intelligence of doing so alone.

“How about we stay in the car,” Marcy suggested. “This area’s small enough we can see into the corners with the headlights.” The nervous catch in her voice echoed Tess’ unease.

They circled the parking lot, illuminating a jungle gym, monkey bars, and forlorn swings with drooping seats. A small huddle of people stood outside the rim of the glow. Marcy stopped, but left the motor running.

Tess rolled down her window and called, “Hi. We’re looking for a blond man named Jake who’s fairly new in town. We’re friends of his. Is he with you, or has anyone seen him tonight?”

One form detached itself and began to walk toward them. Her pulse kicked, and she glanced at Marcy, sitting with her hands tensed on the wheel. The man remained in the shadows a few feet away. His voice was polite but raspy, age indeterminate. “Nah, haven’t seen him. He doesn’t hang here. Not sure where he goes at night.”

“Thank you. I have some apples and granola bars if anyone is hungry.” She had brought along the full packages for this purpose. She pulled them out as an owl hooted, low and unseen from a distant tree, lending to the disquieting atmosphere.

“Appreciate it. There are three of us out here.” The man advanced to her window, maintaining a respectful distance. Up close, she saw deep lines of exposure to the elements grooving his face.

He accepted the food and water. “Thanks. Sorry we couldn’t help you. But if we see this Jake, we’ll let him know some kind ladies are looking for him.”

Marcy let out an audible breath as he ambled away. “I don’t think I’m meant to be a spy after all. Not that I’m worried about those folks, but it’s spooky out here in the dark. Should we head to that abandoned warehouse on the list or wait to search tomorrow?”

She heard the reluctance in her voice.

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