Derrick let out a deep breath, not sure how he was going to manage to wait until tonight, and if she wasn’t there…
His stomach gurgled, making him feel ill. He would find her. He had too. He wasn’t sure his sanity could survive the night thinking about her out there, alone and unprotected.
***
“Look, you have to tell me if you’ve seen her. Is she here?” Derrick said with frustration.
The woman behind the counter eyed him suspiciously. “Actually, sir, I don’t have to tell you anything. I think it might be best if you left.”
Derrick ran his hand through his hair. He had never felt so desperate or so out of control of a situation in his life.
“I just want to help her, I’m a friend. Her name is Jacey, she’s about five foot two with curly hair and brown eyes. I have it on good authority that she stays here often, you must have seen her.”
Derrick could hear his voice rising with agitation, but couldn’t calm himself down. Someone here knew her and he wasn’t giving up until he found her.
“Sir, I am not at liberty to share anything about the people who use this shelter. If she’s such a good friend, I’m sure she will be in contact. Now, please leave.”
“Listen, lady, I have a lot of money, do I need to come back with my check book?”
Her gaze went frosty. “Leave, now. Before I call the police.”
Knowing he was now doing more harm than good, Derrick turned and walked out of the shelter.
Frustration and fear grew. What was he going to do now?
After leaving the diner, he’d driven over to the shelter to find it closed until evening. He’d then headed home to shower and change. He hadn’t been able to sleep or eat. Instead he’d done some research on homeless shelters in the city, something that to his shame, he’d never really paid much attention to.
But it was a very real problem. And his Jacey, his sweet, delicate Jacey was one of the faceless one of the homeless. He just couldn’t believe it. Finally, unable to sit still, he’d gotten into his car and driven around the streets of Austin until the shelter opened.
Part of him had still hoped that it was all a misunderstanding. That she worked there during the evenings and that’s why Frankie had seen her walk into the place.
But he knew he was grasping at straws.
Moving toward his car, he opened the door, wondering what to do next.
“Hey you, rich guy!”
Derrick ignored the voice yelling out.
“Are you looking for Jacey or not?”
Derrick froze then turned, shutting his car door. A greasy-looking guy wearing a hoodie and track pants stood on the sideway, looking at him with calculating eyes. His long hair was pulled back in a ponytail. He could do with a shave and a shower or two.
“What did you say?” Derrick asked.
“My name’s Ronald. I heard you tell that bitch inside that you was lookin’ for Jacey. She stays here a lot.”
“Is she there now?” Derrick asked urgently.
The other man shook his head. “Haven’t seen her. But I could let you know when she is here. For a price, of course.”
Of course. Not that Derrick cared.
He nodded. “Hundred dollars if you call me as soon as you see her.”
The guy snorted and shook his head. “Hundred bucks upfront. Five hundred when I call you.”
“All right.” Derrick grabbed his wallet and drew out a hundred dollar bill. “Give me your cell and I’ll put my number in.” This could all be a trick, but right now he didn’t care. He was desperate enough to try anything.