Haunted Nights, Chapter 18
 

“ Whitney, do you see it? Do you see the pictures?”, Theresa asked.

Whitney, talking to Theresa on her cellphone, “ Yes, Theresa. I’m taking the virtual tour right now.”

“ Do you see what I mean? Don’t you love the his and hers closets in the master bedroom? And the his and hers toilets and vanity areas? Ethan and I could decorate it to our different tastes!”

Whitney shook her head. Ever since Theresa began her house shopping, it was always what kind of house would Ethan like? Did she think that Ethan would enjoy the view. What room would be Ethan’s office. Whitney had stopped trying to tell Theresa that she needed to get a house for her and her SON, and forget about Ethan. So, she sucked it up, and looked at the pictures in earnest.

“ Theresa, from the tour, it looks like you have everything: five bedrooms, including two master suites, formal living and dining room, family room, a den that could be a home office, huge eat –in kitchen, and a finished basement that would be a great home theater and gym. Plus, it has a swimming pool, and a huge backyard. “

” It’s nine thousand square feet, Whitney. Nine thousand! On three acres.”

” It’s beautiful, Theresa. You should get it. “

” I am. And, when we get home, you’ll help me look through magazines for decorating ideas. “

” Sure, Theresa.”

“ How’s your trip?”

” It’s been good. The massages and treatments have been great. I’m waiting for my parents to come get me for dinner….how are you, Theresa?”

” Me? I’m doing great. Why wouldn’t I be doing great? I love my new Mercedes. I love driving around town in it.”

Whitney knew Theresa, and knew that something was wrong, but didn’t want to get into it.

” Theresa, I hear my parents at the door. I’ll talk to you later.”

” Bye Whitney.”
 

Whitney hung up the phone and continued to look at the house that Theresa wanted to buy. She shook her head. Did Theresa have any idea the breaks she was getting in life? Whitney shook her head. There was a knock on the door, and Whitney opened the door.

“ Hi Mom. Hi Daddy.”

“ You ready, Honey?”

” Sure, Mom.”

They left for dinner.



 

Kay opened her email. There was one from Simone.
 
 
 

 Hey Kay,
  How are you? I got your email. I can’t believe YOU have a job! And such a good one! Kay, I hope you take the job for yourself. Forget about Miguel. Kay, so many girls who are in situations like yours just don’t have the chance to be able to fully support their children. A job like this at Crane Industries isn’t a job – it’s the possibility of a career. Kay, I know I don’t tell you this enough, but you’re smart, intelligent and scarily determined – all the qualities of a good businessman. Kay, if you play your cards right, you could do great things.

  I hope you’re taking care of yourself and my goddaughter. Don’t ask me how I know it’s a girl – I just do. So, prepare yourself for a pretty little imitation of you – ha ha.

  As for me, my life has taken a turn I never saw coming. I told you that I had met Warren Johnston. Well, I’ve spent the past few weeks with him and his lawyer. I’ve been their traveling companion. Well, Mr. Johnston’s offered ME a job. I can’t believe it, Kay. He wants me to be his assistant as he writes his autobiography. I’m very excited. I took the job, even though I don’t know if I can do it. I…I just feel like there’s a reason for all of this, Kay. And, I’ve got to find out what it is.

  How are my mom and dad? I still don’t have enough courage to talk to them, but I promise that I’ll contact them, sooner or later.

  Please take care of you and my goddaughter. I love you both. I’ve bought you several presents down here – look out for a care package.

   Love,
   Simone

Kay clicked on the link to the pictures that Simone had sent along with the email. The pictures of Chile were so vivid. Simone had totally improved in her talent for photography. Kay saw a picture of an older man and younger man – she assumed they were Warren Johnston and his lawyer.

“ Oh Simone. He’s more than handsome. He’s FINE!!” Kay sighed. “ And JUST the man to get you to forget Chad. You go, girl!!”

Kay finished up her email, and went back to her work. She went through her checklist for the party. She was glad that things were going so well. Kay looked around her office. Maybe Simone was right about this job.
 



 

“ Mr. Johnston, Captain Palmer told me to tell you that we’ll be ready for takeoff in fifteen minutes.”

” Thank you, Roberta.”

“ Would you like anything to drink?”

” Pellegrino after we take off, and then the regular menu. It was delivered by the hotel?”

“ Yes, Sir.”

” Good. Then, go get ready for takeoff. “ Warren turned to Simone. “ Simone, you ok?”

” Um, yes, Mr. J. I’m fine.”

Jonah sat down on the couch next to Simone and buckled up. “ Blows your mind.”

” What kind of plane is this?”, Simone whispered.

” It’s a Boeing 727. “

” It was an airline jet, wasn’t it?”

” Yep.”

” Do I even want to know how much this cost?”

” In all honesty, it cost more to decorate the jet, than for the plane itself.”

” Damn.”

” I’ll give you a tour when we get airborne.”

“ Thanks.”

Jonah held Simone’s hand. “ You’re doing the right thing.”

” I don’t know. I mean, when I left home, I thought I would roam for awhile. I never thought I’d meet Warren Johnston, and be offered a job like this. I’m an eighteen year old kid – what could I possibly do to help him?”

” Simone, I don’t know you well, but I know Mr. J. The man knows people. He knows how to pick the right ones. So, trust him.”

Simone smiled.

“ I will. Thanks, Jonah.”

” This is the Captain. Please buckle up. We’re next in line for takeoff.”

Simone looked out the window as the plane rose into the air. She saw Santiago fade as they went higher. She knew that she was beginning another chapter in her life.
 



 

” Daddy, thank you for bringing us here.”, Whitney told TC.

” Yes, TC. I know how you feel about trendy restaurants.”

” It’s ok, Eve. We can enjoy Justin’s today, and tomorrow, try out the others on my list.”

They ordered a feast from the menu.

As everyone ate, Whitney spoke up.

” I think about her a lot.”

” I know you do, Whitney. We all do. Your father and I say a prayer for Simone every night. I think she’s fine.”

” You do, Mom?”

” Yes. One of these days, we’ll hear from Simone. She’ll come home.”

Whitney seemed reassured by her mother’s words and dove into the food. TC gave her a kiss and continued eating.

Eve didn’t tell them that Julian had gotten a message to her that Simone had left Chile. He didn’t know where she was going, but he promised to find out. Eve told him not to continue watching Simone. In her heart, she knew Simone was going to be fine. She didn’t understand why, but it was a feeling that she couldn’t shake, and only grew stronger.
 
 

Chapter 19
Chapter 17
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