CHAPTER 7

DAY 1:

The flight lasted forever, Lisa’s toes were already cramped up in her shoes and her shoulders felt numb. Her ears were ringing too so she couldn’t hear Reuben as he spoke to someone on the phone. They walked briskly through the crowd of people at the airport, down towards the entrance, two porters pushed their luggage behind them. Elisabeth looked back briefly as she realized that she had left her book on the plane but she was too exhausted to talk about it.

The limo was waiting outside the entrance, Elisabeth smiled as she noticed people shaking hands with Reuben, they recognized him from People’s magazine “businessman of the year”; she was so proud but she could see the confusion in their faces as they whispered in small groups while staring at her. She wasn’t the one they were expecting to see beside him, they did not know her or maybe they knew she was his ex-wife.

“Mind your own business.” She muttered under her breath as her smile quickly turned into a deep frown.

Reuben pulled the car door open for her and she went in hastily avoiding the cameras that had started to capture them. The doorman opened held the door at the other side of the limousine as Reuben hopped in, waving to the people as the car slowly accelerated.

“So much for being a celebrity.” She teased as they both shared a laugh.

“I am not a celeb Liz.” He replied smiling.

“You enjoy it, don’t you? The popularity, admiration, charade, everything that makes up being in the spotlight. You feed off of it and that’s why you never want to quit or take a break. You want more and more," she said looking out the window to avoid his prying eyes.

“You might be taking things a little far Liz. I love being able to afford what I want, all the other things attached to this lifestyle is secondary. I admit that I was a shitty partner whilst we were together but you know it has nothing to do with loving the celebrity lifestyle, I just love breaking the records and making my money.” He sounded very convincing.

Elisabeth took a deep breath and then sighed. She reminded herself to simply focus on the real reason she was in Florida as well as have fun. All of this was just a distraction, and she was not going to have any of it.

“Thank you for suggesting this vacation, I love it already.” She confessed with a wide grin.

“You've always wanted to travel. I should have listened to you much sooner,” he replied, taking her hand.

“Well, I think every time is still the right time. It doesn’t matter, I needed this and you let me have it when I needed it the most. That means everything to me.” She explained as she caressed his hand.

“I love you so much Liz. I wish I fought hard for you before now, I got so comfortable and got carried away with the fact that you were mine. I hate myself for it every day.” He lamented.

“When did you realize this?” she asked, scorn written all over her face.

“Since after the divorce. After the court sessions, life was hell. I made a lot of decisions on impulse; remarried, sold two of my houses, closed down a business, all on impulse. I didn’t know how to deal with it, I had to see a shrink for a year and a half; my name was all over the news, at every interview I had to answer questions as regards our divorce. I hated the popularity I gained off the negativity, that’s the real reason I remarried, I needed to be left alone to heal and remarrying would change the trend in topic. When I found out Shane was with another man’s child, I was hurt even more but I couldn’t do anything because I didn’t want the press all up in my business feeding off another negative news. I tried to move on the way that I knew how to; I didn’t know what to do. Forgive me,” he explained, wiping a tear from his cheek.

“Oh Reuben. Why didn’t you call me?” she asked taking his other hand in hers.

“I don’t know. I thought you didn’t want to see me. I didn’t know what I would have said to you if I had called you and it seemed like you resented me. I didn’t want to upset you any further.” He replied looking into her eyes intently.

She pulled his broad body close and kissed him deeply, his big hands pulled her in towards himself and hugged her tightly. She smiled and sniffled, wondering if this would mean a new start for them. She wondered what they would do with Shane, his new wife, it was such a complex situation. She loved him but she hated the complexity.

“We are here," he said with so much excitement, “I made reservations at the Buena Hotel and you are going to love it.” He added.

“So what happens if I hate it here?” she asked pouting.

“We make another reservation with immediate effect.” He responded proudly and they broke into a beautiful laughter.

“It looks so beautiful," she said in amazement as they climbed up the stairs leading to the reception.

“There is a place like home, Buena proves it.” He responded.

Elisabeth was impressed with how hasty the entire arrangement was. It was only about fifteen minutes after arriving at the hotel, and she already heard the receptionist say, “Welcome to Buena Hotels. Enjoy your stay, sir.”

They were soon in the elevator; smooching, kissing so hungrily and tugging at each other lustfully.

“Our luggage?” she asked him, expressing fear.

“The porter already delivered it to our suite.” He winked.

“Suite?” she smiled naughtily.

“Yes baby.” He replied sweeping her off her feet as the elevator made a ding sound and the doors slid open.

She gasped and bursting into laughter, “You are always up to no good.”

He laughed too, throwing his head back to allow him laugh out loudly. He let her down slowly and resumed kissing her after shutting the door behind them. Their bodies exerting sexual energy, their lips yearning for each other’s. Lisa moaned as his hand cupped her breasts, fondling them as he kissed her. He pulled her dress up exposing her white panties, he turned her around and pulled her pantie line sideways until it gave way; she spread her legs and bend forward in anticipation. Holding unto her hip firmly, he slid his entire length into her warm hole and began to thrust hard and fast, grunting as he did. Her loud moans pushed him closer to climax, he smiled as she began to shudder, her moans even louder. He met her at the peak of ecstasy and they exploded together.

He lifted her gently and placed her on the bed, then he laid by her side, pulling her into himself.

“You might get me pregnant” she muttered with her eyes shut from sheer satisfaction.

“I would be the happiest man if that happens.” He responded, planting a kiss on her forehead.

She smiled and drifted into the calm of oblivion.

DAY 2:

Elisabeth woke up to the ringing sound of her cell phone, she struggled to keep her eyes opened. Taking a peek at the clock on the wall, she hissed and close her eyes again hoping to fall asleep but her phone would not stop ringing.

“Mom, its six in the morning,” she said as she answered the phone.

“You sent the police to my house over some burglary? You really think I would break into your house? I don’t know if that sounds right to you but it’s so absurd to me. Why would you even think to do that?” she queried with utter disappointment.

“I did not send the Police to your house mom. My house was burgled yesterday and—”

“So how do I come in?” she asked interrupting her.

“That’s what I am trying to explain to you right now.” She sat up frustratingly, she did not like the idea getting disturbed while she wasn’t fully awake yet.

“You didn’t even mention the burglary, Lisa. You moved on like it didn’t even happen, and I only learned about it because the police came questioning. How is that even fair?” she whined over the phone.

“Mom, please listen,” Lisa pleaded, scratching her head gently and then letting out a tired yawn, “I stepped out for a bit and when I returned, I realized that someone broke into my apartment. I already had a suspect of my own, some dude that seemed to like me”; she lowered her voice and looked around, Reuben was not in sight, she then continued to speak as if in a whisper, “he was trying to be nice and it went wrong but the Police will not listen. Detective Nathan decided to make it such a big deal, dragging everyone into it.” She shrugged and got out of bed lazily, striding towards the bathroom.

“How do I come in? Did you say some dude like you, what’s his name?” her voice sounded a little excited.

“Everyone who lived with me four years ago is getting interrogated mom.” She answered in an echo as the bathroom was hollow, Reuben was not in the bathroom either. She sat to take a piss and heaved a sigh of relief as it trickled out of her urethra.

“You are avoiding one question Lisa.”

“His name is Antonio and for all we know, he could be a criminal.” Lisa defended with a pout.

“Why would you even think that?” her mother asked emphatically.

“Because he cut off the flowers in my garden, made a mess in an attempt to leave me a bunch of flowers. Who does that mom?” she rolled her eyes.

“I think that’s just sweet and genuine.”

“Yeah whatever. Tell that to the Police.” She responded absentmindedly.

“You might want to watch the news today.” Her mom suggested.

“Why? I hate the news.” Lisa retorted.

“Well, someone’s in Florida, it’s all over the news and I didn’t do it.” She chuckled.

“Oh shit.” She opened her eyes in surprise.

“Okay, bye.”

The line beeped and went off.

Lisa lifted herself and clicked the flush button, walking out in a frenzy, she reached for the remote and turned on the TV. She searched through the news channels and stopped when she saw a photo of Reuben at the entrance of the hotel and another of Reuben putting his hands around her waist at the hotel reception.

“I hate the news.” She whispered as she listened to the reporter blab about their divorce, Reuben remarriage and their illicit affair. She wondered where Reuben might have gone. She dialed his number and heard his phone ringing on the king-sized bed by her side.

“Great!” she exclaimed, turning off the TV.

She opened the wardrobe to see that Reuben had stacked her boxes in there, she struggled to pull the boxes down and gave up as soon as she realized that she could not. She threw on the robe that hung in the wardrobe, courtesy of the hotel and dashed out of the suite. She walked towards the elevator and pressed the button but it wouldn’t open as it occupied and on the ground floor. She took the stair way and soon arrived at the reception panting.

“Excuse me, have you seen my husband. I woke up this morning and he was nowhere to be found.” She spoke to the tall, slender woman at the desk.

“Have you tried to reach his phone?” she asked absentmindedly.

“Yes. He left it in the suite.” She replied staring intently in a bid to get her full attention.

“What is his name?” she asked again, sparing a moment to look at Lisa’s distressed morning face, “You’re Reuben’s ex-wife.” She pointed out casually, smiling.

Elisabeth rolled her eyes and took a deep breath, “well, I can’t find him.”

“I think there’s a small crowd gathered outside and he seems to be the focus," she said with her brows raised, leaning forward as if to gossip.

Elisabeth was disgusted. She turned around and began to walk towards the entrance of the hotel.

“Ma’am, you might want to be seen wearing something more befitting.” Lisa heard the woman say from the desk. She took another deep breath and hissed, taking the turn that led out the hotel double doors and into the open Florida air.

Truly, there was a crowd outside and it was no small crowd as she was told. There was a press pack out there, everyone was speaking at the same time, struggling to ask questions that Lisa could hear. She knew that Reuben would be somewhere in the crowd but she wasn’t sure where. Her eyes met with the cameras, all facing one direction, mobile microphones were also available. One of the reporters was a heavily pregnant woman, Lisa shook her head in disbelief. She sighted the hotel security approaching to disperse the crowd, “As they should.” She muttered.

“Excuse me ma’am!” Lisa heard someone say loudly as she traced the crowd with her eyes, the cameras were turning towards her direction and the crowd had started to approach her in a frenzy. She became so anxious and pressed, she turned around and dashed back into the reception. She made a run for the elevator, pressing the button as many times as she could. She caught a glimpse of Reuben as the elevator down slid close with her in it gasping so desperately for breath. She was so exhausted by the time she got back into the suite; her head ached and beads of sweat trickled down her forehead. She sunk her body into the sofa that stood at the end of the room. It was positioned so as to allow a complete view of the hotel’s exterior. The pool would certainly be a great place for Lisa to be in right now.

“Lisa, am I correct?”

“Excuse me?!” Lisa exclaimed as she turned around to meet the dark eyes of an average woman, standing by her bedside and holding some magazines.

“Can you believe what I have here?” the woman asked, exhibiting the papers and magazines for Lisa to see.

“Who are you?” Lisa asked gripped with fear and confusion, “…and how did you get in here?” she stammered.

“You don’t know me?” She asked smacking her lips and shaking her head, “what a shame!” she threw the magazines at Lisa who gasped in response as her hands trembled.

“Come on Elisabeth, take a look.” She urged Lisa coldly.

Lisa’s hands moved slowly towards the magazines on the floor as she struggled to keep her eyes on the intruder. She picked two of the magazines and flipped through them. They were filled with yesterday’s news and pictures of her and Reuben eating at the airport restaurant back in their small town, boarding their flights, alighting the plane, and entering the limo as well as the hotel. The gossip magazine had a lot of stories that centered on her relationship with Reuben, speculating about how long they had been together and the type of relationship that existed between them. Some pages were filled with gossips about how Shane, his wife, was handling the supposed illicit affair.

“You’re Shane.” Lisa murmured as her voice trembled.

“The successful multi-millionaire and business mogul, Reuben Rich, was seen today gushing over his past love and ex-wife, Elisabeth Kings. The two seemed to be going on a destination baecation as Reuben was seen putting his arms around her, staring at her in admiration, and planting a kiss on her forehead. We are unsure how his wife, Shane, seems to be taking it as this time because the businessman is known to spend all his time with his ex-wife; makes one wonder why they went through with the divorce if they couldn’t keep away from each other.” Shane read through the first paragraph of the magazine in her hand. She took off her dark shades and closed the magazine in her hand, taking a deep breath.

“What do you want?” Lisa asked her firmly, avoiding eye contact.

“No Lisa, you’re asking the wrong person that question. What do you want?” she asked her coldly, listening with rapt attention for her answer.

“You broke into my suite, violated my privacy and harassed me, only to ask me what I want? I want some privacy, Shane; get the hell out of my suite this moment!” Lisa replied, her voice sounded even firmer and louder.

“You seem to know so much about privacy for a woman who wouldn’t leave my marriage alone. Every time you have a problem, my husband goes running to you and you seem to always have problems. You asked for a divorce and he gave it to you so why wouldn’t you just leave us alone?” She lamented, maintaining her cold stare.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Lisa feigned a smile and looked away.

“Of course you don’t. You know, at first, Reuben said he was spending so much time with you because of his son and I thought that was cool; not until Umber disappeared and he wouldn’t stop running to you.” She began pacing the suite in a calm, collected manner.

“Leave my son’s name out of your filthy mouth.” Lisa warned as she got up on her feet, “Just tell me what it is that you want before I call security.” She threatened.

“Security!” Shane threw her head back and laughed, “Who do you think is responsible for bringing in the heavy press presence?” she asked with mockery in her voice, sipping from the glass of rum she just poured herself.

“Leave!!” Lisa urged, pointing to the door.

“I won’t be this nice the next time I get a hold of you alone Elisabeth”; she warned as she walked towards Lisa, grabbing her jaw firmly, “I am pleading with you now while it is still all fun and games Elisabeth, leave my husband alone or I will find you and teach you how!” she held Lisa firmly pinned against the glass window and whispered in her ears.

“Enjoy your vacation, should be enough time for you to say goodbye," she said nicely as she let Lisa loose, gulping down the rest of her drink and then wiping her hand with a white napkin.

Elisabeth listened as her heels click-clacked down the room and along the corridor after the door tugged shut. She picked up all the magazines and stared at them in disbelief as tears rolled down her eyes, nearly blinding her. She felt reduced to nothing; Shane was right about Reuben being her husband. She was having an illicit affair with another woman’s husband, she felt so ashamed of herself then it struck her, she wasn’t having an affair with Reuben. They had sex sometimes as adults but it wasn’t an affair, she didn’t want Reuben back, she wasn’t sure but she didn’t think she wanted him back. She poured herself a glass of rum just as Shane had done and gulped it down in a flash. She heaved as she wiped her face dry and let her robe drop to the ground. She stared at her frail-looking body in the mirror and smiled.

“All of this is a distraction. The goal is to find Umber," she said repeatedly to herself as she looked in the mirror. Then she stepped into the tub, turned the warm water tap on, and closed her eyes, allowing her mind to rest as she felt the water caress her skin. She took deep breaths, concentrating on her heartbeat. Her mind travelled to the night of Umber’s birth, filling her with so much happiness and putting a smile on her face.

Umber’s birth was an easy one; Lisa’s entire period of pregnancy was one of ease. Reuben was always by her side, giving her massages, taking her on dates, cooking for and with her and taking her on several dates. Every morning was gym dawn and Reuben was her coach; she would run on the treadmill, do some jumping jacks and sit-ups too. Sometimes Reuben will express some fears her exercises been rigorous but she would go on and on because she loved to see him show fear and concern for her and the baby. The scan had shown that she was pregnant with a girl child but they were met with a shocker when Lisa was delivered of a boy. She was at the gym when her water broke and Reuben had driven to the hospital in a frenzy, struggling to pull himself together as he was so afraid. After she delivered Umber, he was pale and lifeless; the nurses had said that she had a stillbirth but she was having none of it. She held unto Umber until he cried out loudly; it was such an emotional moment, everyone cried alongside the couple.

“What’d you name him?” Reuben asked for fear that he might not survive until the eighth day of his birth which was supposed to be his naming day.

“Umber.” She responded amidst tears and without thinking because of his tan-colored skin and his brightly colored lips.

She knew that he was there to stay; well, until his disappearance four years ago.

Lisa gasped and opened her eyes as she felt hands on her naked body.

“Reuben!” she exclaimed.

“It’s just me baby.” He whispered as he made to enter the tub with her.

“Don’t do that again.” She urged as she exhaled and hissed.

“I’m sorry, but the door was open and you didn’t hear me come in.”

“Yeah, whatevs.” She muttered.

He laid by her side and took her on top of his broad body, wrapping his arms around her.

“What’s wrong Liz?” he asked, reading her countenance.

“Where have you been?” she asked him reluctantly, trying hard to hide her anger.

“Just right outside. I thought I had this privacy thing covered, imagine my shock when I woke up to loud noises and it was the press trying to reach me and I know you’d hate to see that when you get out of bed so I tried to disperse them. How can one escape those people?” he shook his head.

“We should ask Shane.” Lisa replied mockingly.

“What has Shane got to do with this?” Reuben asked, clearly confused.

“She came into the suite, startled me and threatened me.” Lisa explained as she looked in Reuben’s eyes to see his reaction.

“Why would she do that?” Reuben was getting upset.

“Really?? Well, she brought some magazines and newspapers bearing pictures of us together from yesterday at the airport. She wanted me to leave you alone and I completely understand her. You should stop cheating on your wife.” She retorted.

“Well, you should stop having sex with me.” He teased.

“No, you don’t get to blame me, I am single.” She maintained calmly, looking away.

“Well, I have asked her to name her price so we could go our separate ways. I even promised to take custody of the children but she wouldn’t agree.” He lamented.

“You got yourself a leach problem I see. I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” She kissed him lightly on the lip and they smiled at each other.

“The only problem I got is you; you need to come back to me," he said confidently.

“You're married, Reuben. You might want to fix that first before we proceed,” she replied still smiling.

“Come here.” He whispered sensually as she laughed out loud.

“It’s almost midday, I haven’t been to the beach yet.” She sniffled, pouting her lips.

“Go get dressed milady.” He urged as she got out the tub slowly.

Elisabeth heard his phone ring as she sorted her boxes; she heard him speak in whispers and her curiosity grew by the minute. She tried to concentrate on making a choice on which outfit to wear. As she heard him approach her, she turnaround with an outfit in each hand.

“Plain or Polka dots?” she asked him, feigning a smile as she tried hard not to ask who the caller was.

“You reopened Umber’s case at the police station?” he asked with a surprise on his face.

“Those snitches.” She muttered.

“Why would you even do that? It’s been four years Liz.” He queried passionately.

“Why would they tell you that?” she fired back.

“We opened that case file at the station together Liz and he is our son, remember?” he rolled his eyes and sat on the bed, he was exhausted.

“I can’t get over him. I see his face every day, I hear his voice too and don’t ask me to see a shrink over this.” She explained, throwing the clothes to the bed and sitting by his side quietly.

“It has been four years. Why do you want to relive this?” He asked, curiously.

“For closure Reuben. I am not hoping to find him alive. I just want to be certain of his state, alive or dead and then give him a proper burial. I just want the peace of closure, please.” She pleaded.

Reuben shook his head and exhaled; standing to his feet, he walked towards the wardrobe with his arms akimbo.

“Are you mad at me? Don’t you want to go to the beach anymore?” she asked him, wearing a cute pleading face.

“Of course I want to go to the beach with you. I just hope you know what you are doing, I am concerned, that’s all.”

“I do babe, I just want to bring this to a close. I’ve got this, I promise.” She replied hugging him from behind.

He turned around, laughing at her. “You can’t wrap your arms around me, you pretty little thing.” They laughed heartily at the tease.

“Okay. So Polka dot or plain?” she asked him again, lifting the dresses off the bed.

“Definitely Polka, even if my eyes were closed, I know they’d look better on you.”

“Off course.” She replied blushing, he planted a wet kiss on her right cheek.

DAY 3:

It really is a hard knock life and nobody prepares you for shit. Nobody tells you that money will not cushion the hurt you feel when you lose a loved one and money will not make you immortal; it wouldn’t even give you a happy marriage or make your partner satisfied. It really just helps you cry in luxury, I guess it’s good for something then; better than being poor. Elisabeth was still exhausted from swimming at the beach the previous day and then sunbathing afterwards but she was determined to get to the bottom of Umber’s disappearance; she left the hotel early while Reuben was still fast asleep, wearing a veil to avoid been noticed. She took a taxi just outside the hotel, she had every movement properly planned out.

“Hi. I’m looking for Miss Fredda, this is the address she gave me.” Lisa squinted under the hot sun as she spoke to the young man in glasses.

“Oh, she lives in the next unit,” he responded.

It was a building complex. Lisa was surprised to see one of those in Florida. It looked so clean and chic. The doors were digital, and everyone had a passcode that opened the door to their individual apartment.

“I should have one of these to myself.” She muttered as she knocked on the door, she checked to see that there was no number written on the top the door.

“Who is it?” a frail voice answered from within after a few seconds.

“It’s Lisa.” She cleared her throat as the words seemed to be lost inside.

The door clicked open and Lisa went in cautiously.

“You can have your seat, want something to drink?” she asked staring down through her thick glasses.

“No, thank you.” Lisa replied clearing her throat again.

“You sure? It’s so hot out there.” She insisted.

“Okay let me have some water, thank you.” Lisa smiled.

Lisa stared at the pictures that hung on the wall; there was a middle-aged man, two beautiful young girls in their teens, and Miss Fredda holding a little kitten. The sitting room was well lit, two fluorescent tubes hung directly above her head and two others were fixed to the wall right in front of her. There was no television but two stereos stood on the console table. She admired the plant by the window in the pot but she didn’t know what plant it was.

“Here you go," she said softly.

“Thank you”; Lisa replied as she took the glass of her off the tray in her hand, “Do you live alone?” she asked hoping it was not an offensive question.

“No I don’t. I live with my husband. My girls are at my sister’s for the holiday.” She responded smiling.

“Why did you stop teaching at the school?” Lisa asked again, taking a sip out of the glass, referring to Umber’s school.

“You see, after Umber went missing, I could not continue teaching at the school. The authorities thought I was seeing things when I tried to tell them my suspicion and I could not get over Umber’s disappearance. I just wasn’t the same ever again.” Her voice was becoming shaky and her eyes teary.

“Your suspicion??” Lisa squeezed her brows and placed her glass on the side table.

“Well, that day, Umber’s dad had visited; Mr. Reuben, yes?” she continued as Lisa nodded her head, “it wasn’t strange because he visited the school every other time to see Umber and Umber confirmed that he was his father.”

“This him?” Lisa asked, showing her a photograph of Reuben.

“Yes, that’s him. It was even easy to be comfortable around him because everyone seemed to know him from the newspapers but that day, he came with a woman and Umber didn’t seem to like her. I asked if he had met her before but he said no. I asked if he knew who she was but he shook his head.” She went on gesticulating.

“Did you see her?” Lisa asked scrolling through her phone.

“Yes, I did.”

“Would you recognize her if you saw her in a photo?” she asked again holding her phone out to Miss Fredda.

“I am a teacher Ma’am, I sure would.” She responded as she took the phone off Lisa’s hand and looked at the picture, adjusting her glasses, “That’s her.” She admitted, nodding her head.

“Okay, go on.” Lisa urged.

“They both left eventually in a black car and Umber returned to class but I noticed Umber kept looking outside like he was expecting someone, I dismissed it to be his excitement since it was his birthday and assumed he was expecting you but you can imagine my shock when I caught him sneaking out of class. I followed closely behind to see that woman waiting outside the class for him. I assumed they came back for him and so I returned to my desk. You came in shortly after and then we couldn’t find him.” She narrated.

“What suspicions did you say the school authorities seemed to be dismissing?” Lisa asked as her heart pounded fast.

“The suspicion that the lady with Mr. Reuben had a hand in Umber’s disappearance. The school authorities dismissed this suspicion because the security at the gate testified that he saw them both leave and did not see the lady return to the school like I had said she did.” She coughed and cleared her throat hastily.

“Are you sure you saw this woman return the school compound?” Lisa asked firmly, holding out her phone and exhibiting Shane’s picture as she spoke.

“I am sure more than anything in the world that this woman was there with Umber in the school compound, she returned after she had left with Mr. Reuben earlier and I am sure that she returned alone.” She repeated without mincing words.

“That woman’s name is Shane and I believe you.” Lisa said firmly.

“What can be done with this information?” Miss Fredda asked, pushing her glasses closer to her eyes.

“Nothing. Unless, of course, you agree to come testify when the police require you to do so.” She looked at her with pleading eyes.

“I am willing to go to any length ma’am.” She replied.

“Why didn’t I know of the particular information as at the time when Umber went missing?” she asked, looking puzzled.

“The school authorities didn’t want me saying things that tarnished the school’s image especially as I had no one backing up my story. It was like a rumor I had made up; it was dismissed and I was warned against repeating such things.” She explained.

“I see. So I would be suing the school too for obstructing justice.” Lisa stated.

“Let’s find Umber first.” Miss Fredda replied.

Lisa nodded, “Excuse me, please," she said as her phone rang loudly.

“Where are you, Liz?” Reuben's voice sound worried on the other end of the line.

“I’m okay baby. I’m just around the city, I went sight-seeing and I didn’t want to wake you; you were sleeping so peacefully.” She explained in a low tone to prevent Miss Fredda from hearing.

“You left the hotel?” Reuben asked sounding upset now.

“Yes, but I promise I am close by,” she insisted.

“Why would you do that, Liz? It’s dangerous. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you,” he lamented.

“I’m fine. I am on my way already.” She tried to convince him.

“Stay right there, I am coming to get you," he said hastily.

“No, no! I’m coming right away, don’t be alarmed.” She insisted.

She stood to her feet slowly, “thank you so much Miss Fredda, I have to take my leave now but I will keep in touch.” She promised.

“You’re welcome to my home anytime. I will have something delicious made for you the next time you are here.” She replied, rising on her feet too.

“Can I get a hug please?” Lisa asked smiling.

“Sure, bring it in.” Miss Fredda replied wrapping her in her arms.

“Thank you” Lisa whispered as the hug broke off slowly.

Elisabeth followed closely behind her as she led her to the door and unlocked it; she held the door open as Elisabeth walked out of the house.

“Be safe out there!” she heard Miss Freda shout behind her.

“Taxi!!!” she hailed with a wave of hand as she got out of the building complex.

Elisabeth pondered on what she had just heard as she sat in the taxi; she didn’t know how to go about what she had just heard. She forwarded the recorded voice notes to detective Nathan and left him a message. She wasn’t aware that Reuben had been visiting Umber and she was not offended by it; but she was irritated by the idea that Shane had been going with him to see her son. She made up so many scenarios in her head; the further she went, the angrier she became. As she driver pulled up at the hotel entrance, she made up her mind not to mention everything that had happened. She pulled some bills out of her purse and handed them to the driver.

“Keep the change," she said politely to the driver who was grinning.

She hurried towards the stairs, upwards and into the reception, avoiding eye contact with anyone. She pressed the elevator button and waited patiently in front of the door. The door opened and Lisa gasped when she saw Reuben inside; she rolled her eyes and shook her head slowly.

“Stalking me now?” she asked him seemingly unimpressed.

“I was worried Liz, it’s not funny. Why did you run off alone?” he asked raising his arms in curiosity.

“I didn’t run off. I just went to see the city” she replied without remorse.

“Without me, I woke up and you were gone.” He added.

“Like you were gone yesterday too?” she asked rhetorically.

“That’s not the same thing, Liz. I was in the hotel. I went to disperse the press pack downstairs.” He explained in total disappointment.

“It doesn’t matter, I had to come downstairs in my robe to look for you.” She defended.

“Is that what this is about? Revenge?” his tone was much quiet but had sadness laced all over it.

“No. I would never be that petty.” She appeared irritated.

“Well that’s not how it seems right now.” He turned to her after shutting the door.

“Oh my! I just realized what a beauty this suite is. Reuben!” she exclaimed as Reuben shook his head in disbelief.

“We have been here for the past two days Liz. What do you mean by that?” he asked in confusion.

“A lot has happened in the past two days; I just found out you visited Umber while he was at school frequently.” She spilled the beans and tapped her head as punishment for spilling.

“Who told you that?” he asked, alarmed.

“You visited him on his birthday too right, in the year of his disappearance and you didn’t deem it fit to tell me.” The disappointment in her voice was clear.

“Who have you been speaking to Liz?” he rubbed his head in frustration and sat at the edge of the bed.

“Answer the damn question, Reuben!” she shouted, fuming.

“I missed him every day, Elisabeth. How could I not? He was my son too, you know. I didn’t think I had to tell you and I didn’t want to come off as weak or chicken. I simply trying to be his father as much as I could even if I wasn’t present in his life as I should be.” He explained, his voice filled with sadness.

“It is so strange how he never mentioned it to me. I was his best friend; he would never keep anything from me.” Her heart was heavy, tears welled up in her eyes and her breathing became difficult, she found it difficult to swallow.

“He probably understood that it was discreet; he was a smart young boy, he could have sensed that Dad and Mum didn’t really get along like they should.” He replied, hugging her tightly in a bid to comfort her.

“I know he was a smart kid. He knew how to read the room, just like you. He was such a star.” She wept profusely, holding on to his shirt tightly.

“I’m so sorry Liz.” He held on to her.

“I didn’t know you always went there with Shane though. I find that disrespectful.” She broke loose from his grip, patting her face dry with her palm and sniffling.

“I didn’t go with Shane. I only went with Shane on his birthday, only because she insisted on coming. She wanted to give him her wishes and gifts in person and I didn’t think that was a bad idea.” He explained.

“Argh. You should never have let her go with you,” she replied, pacing the room.

“You think she has something to do with his disappearance?” he asked unbelievably.

“Don’t you see it? All the while you went there to see to see him, nothing happened but the one time you went with Shane, our son disappeared.” She gripped his shirt.

“Lisa, don’t do that. It was just a coincidence that it happened; doesn’t mean she did something to Umber.” He insisted.

“Do you know Miss Fredda?” she asked him, panting.

“That’s his class teacher, isn’t she?”

“Yes she is, and she saw Shane return to the school compound after you both left together.” She explained to a puzzled Reuben.

“Impossible!” he muttered.

“Think Reuben, don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.” She insisted.

“After we left the school compound that day; she said she had an appointment with a dentist just around the corner. I asked why she wouldn’t just visit our family dentist but she said she hated having to go all the way when she could just visit one round the corner and I didn’t think anything was off.”

“She alighted at the corner to see the supposed dentist?” Lisa asked with intense curiosity.

“Yes, she did. I believe you, Liz,” he replied.

“What do we do with this information?” she asked him.

“We take it to the police, what else is there to do?” he asked shrugging.

“You do know that it makes you a suspect because you were at the scene, right?” she asked him to be certain of his level of his understanding.

“Yes, I do.” He nodded and hugged her out of sheer exhaustion.

“I’m sorry that it has been nothing but drama since we got here and we have not been able to have a proper vacation.” Her voice was filled with remorse and intense kindness.

“No. I apologize. I know that you hate the world’s attention on you and I brought that to you; forgive me.” He held her hand and squeezed them gently between his.

“I ruined this vacation. You just don’t want to give me flowers this one time,” she insisted, wearing a serious face that sent Reuben roaring with laughter.

She smiled with contentment, her eyes were heavy and she felt sleepy. She knew that the vacation had come to an end and she regretted not having spent a lot of time with Reuben but she was happy with her discovery and the turn life seemed to be taking. She needed to be here, Florida was the answer for so long and she wasn’t aware of it. She was reminded of how much she loved Reuben, the divorce did not change her heart, it was just a contract on paper. She felt protected for the first time in a long while, appreciated, and loved. Reuben seemed different; he was that young man she'd met twelve years ago once again. She wished they could go home together as husband and wife but they could; she just needed to find Umber first.