Chapter 5

Missing

Tuesday

Chelsea woke feeling refreshed and ready to make some changes in her life, starting with Bloom. Naturally, she would continue to work with diligence, as she always did, however, she resolved to open her life to new opportunities and stop burying herself in work.

After showering, she swept her hair up into a neat pony tail and wondered whether Elle was home. She looked out towards her room to discover the door still closed.

She's probably asleep.

Chelsea hurried through breakfast and a kick-start coffee, knowing there was a lot to get through today. She walked into the garage to discover Elle’s car parked next to hers.

She must be home - her car’s here. Was it here last night? Chelsea couldn’t remember. Of course, she’s in bed, don’t worry.

On the drive over to Bloom, she tried to go over the arrangements to be completed but her thoughts kept drifting back to Elle. Should she have checked on her? I’ll ring when I can.

When she pulled up at the back of the shop, her delivery driver, Gavin, arrived in his van.

“Morning, Chelsea,” he called as he hopped out. “Did you have a nice weekend?”

“Very relaxing thanks, Gav. How was your weekend away?”

“Great. It was nice having the extra day off with my family,” he replied with a grateful smile.

“They all well?”

“Yes, they’re growing up fast. I’ll start unloading so you can get started.”

“Thanks.”

While Gavin loaded the van, she prepared arrangements for sale and display. Bloom, her home away from home, filled Chelsea with contentment. It was a quaint shop with displays lining each wall and a counter in the rear. Although the lighting was low, it didn’t detract from the overall visibility. It merely set the ambiance. The walls, painted in cream, were adorned with hanging baskets containing flowering plants which were also for sale.

The large front window displayed her favourite collections of the day. ‘Bloom’ was painted across the top with artistic flair and bordered by a creeping vine. In the back storage area were two large industrial fridges to keep all her flowers fresh. Being surrounded by the wonderful aromas and colours always soothed and lifted her spirits. As she opened the front door, Mrs. Nelson, a regular customer, breezed through the door.

“Good morning, dear,” she said. “What have you got for me today?”

“This one over here,” Chelsea replied collecting an arrangement from one of the vases. “I had you in mind when I put this together.”

“Oh, it’s perfect darling. The Watsons are coming for dinner tonight and Susan is always envious of my table arrangements, but I never let her in on my little secret - you.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Nelson, I think.”

“Oh, but if I told Susan, it could bring more business for you. Well sorry, dear, I’m keeping you for myself.”

“I’m flattered.”

“Well must rush, lots to do.” She went out the door the same way she came in.

Chelsea’s day kept her busy, preparing the deliveries whilst serving new and regular customers. Each time she went to ring home, someone came in or the phone rang. For once, she wished she wasn’t so busy. The only welcome relief was that it allowed her no time at all to think about anything.

Stop thinking about him, Chelsea! He’s gone! Like Charlotte said, it’s been a year!

She nodded her head to conclude those thoughts once and for all and finished up for the day. It was on the way home that she began to wonder again about Elle and chastised herself for not finding the time to call her over the course of the day.

When she arrived home and entered the garage, Elle’s old beat up car - suiting her unfussy lifestyle - was still parked in her spot.

She ran up the stairs and called out to her friend.

“Elle,” she called again. “Are you here?”

The door to Elle’s room was closed as before. She knocked before entering. Her room was empty, the bed made, and the blinds closed.

This is strange…

Chelsea fished her phone out of her bag and dialled Elle’s number. She heard the familiar upbeat tone coming from the room she’d just left. This is when she noticed Elle’s much-loved and much-used handbag sitting on her dresser.

Maybe she went for a walk or something. I’ll give her an hour. Maybe her mum picked her up and she’s forgotten to ring. She’s done that before.

After the hour passed, Chelsea located Elle’s address book and decided to call everyone she knew, starting with Elle’s mum.

“Hi, Mrs. Sheridan, it’s Chelsea. How are you?”

“Well, dear, and you?”

“Good. Um, I was wondering if Elle’s with you.”

“No I haven’t spoken to her since around nine on Saturday morning. I was surprised she called so early.”

“Did she mention if she was going anywhere?”

“Yes, she told me a young man was picking her up to take her to breakfast. I guess this was why she was up. What’s the matter? You’re beginning to worry me.”

“It’s nothing, I hope, but I don’t know if Elle came home last night. I’m sure she’s fine, just forgotten to ring.”

“Hmm, she has been known to do that ...”

“I’m sure that’s all it is, that she forgot to call, you know how she is?” Chelsea joked. She felt a little uneasy now.

“Unfortunately, yes, this is not the first time she’s forgotten to ring but she’s always been alright so far, thankfully.”

“I promise I’ll have her call when she gets home. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Chelsea called her other friends, the ones Elle usually went out with - Chelsea didn’t go out much - however no-one had seen her.

It was quite late now and she considered going to the police station to report her missing but thought better of it. There was probably an explanation. Elle had done this before. Chelsea recalled the time when she met a backpacker from overseas, France she thought, and had disappeared for an entire weekend with him. At first, Chelsea was sick with worry but, after being absent two days, Elle had turned up glowing and happy. She told Chelsea she wouldn’t worry her like that again but, Elle being Elle, Chelsea knew she quite possibly could. Her vivacious energy and total absorption in her latest mission or conquest determined that she mostly didn’t keep her promises.

Chelsea never begrudged Elle for this. Her passion and zest for life made her who she was. If she didn’t turn up by morning, she would go to the police station. She could open a little later than usual tomorrow. Chelsea decided it best to go to bed as there wasn’t any more she could do right now, but her unease didn’t lift.

* * *

I think it’s time to go and see what the spoilt bitch is up to.

Does she know her friend is gone yet?

Does she care?

She doesn’t care about anyone but herself, with all her luxuries.

I watch her every day.

Ah here she is now. Well, we look a little concerned today.

Don’t fret. You won’t have to wait long. Soon you’ll know where she is.

It’s almost time to go and collect up my next practice run.

They are sooo easy. All I have to do is turn on the charm.

They always open the door for me, they know and trust me. Desperate fools!

* * *

Perched on a stool at ‘Clive’s’, Lucas nursed his third beer and considered ordering another shot. The pleasantly numb feeling that followed the buzz began to spread through his veins and he welcomed it. The thought of returning to his empty apartment after work held little appeal, so he’d decided to bury his troubles at the bar.

It had been several years since any case had affected him this way. The familiarity of the murders stirred up buried memories. Even after all this time, a simple reminder caused the pain to return. Not being able to sleep and having an empty apartment weren’t helping. A drink-induced stupor could solve that problem, for at least tonight anyway.

“Excuse me,” a female voiced invaded his melancholy. “Is this seat taken?” Very original, sweetheart.

“No,” he told her, his eyes not leaving his near-empty bottle.

“Why so glum?”

Lucas turned and found just what he needed to occupy his mind. Long dark curls, small trim figure, large brown eyes and a pretty smile.

“Tough week,” he told her.

“You’re way too cute to be sad or even alone for that matter.”

He groaned internally. She knew all the lines. This would be too easy.

“Thanks.” He offered her his winning smile and sealed the deal. “You’re way too pretty to be chatting up men in bars.”