Protecting Kendra

Chapter 5 - Kendra

This morning was refreshing. I woke up before my first alarm off. Usually when this happens, I’m so exhausted that I try to get more sleep. Not today. I’m feeling charged and ready to get started today. I’m already dressed and sitting on the couch with my coffee in hand. I don’t remember the last time that I felt this way. I’m anxious about the interviews, but I am eager to get started. I’m also looking forward to Paxton joining in on them. It’s been a while since we have spent time together outside of training.

We’ve temporarily moved sessions to the evenings while interviews are being conducted. That way we can discuss how they went, and I can get help on my next course of action. Thinking about it just builds my anticipation. I decided to go ahead and head to the office. I can’t make myself wait any longer. I spring up from my couch and grab my purse and head out the door.

My adrenaline is so high I didn’t even register the stairs this morning, although my lungs don’t mind reminding me of them once I reach the bottom. I open the door to the parking garage and register how dark it is. It’s so eerie it made every hair on my arms stand up. I jumped when I heard the sound of plastic crunching. I instantly grabbed the pepper spray on my keychain that Paxton gave me as I tried to locate the source of the sound. After a few seconds, I sprint to my car. If there is something there, at least I’m close enough to my car to get in and lock the doors. I don’t even buckle my seat belt until I’m on the street. The early morning hatred is settling back in.

I turned on the radio station that plays 80s music to get me back into my good mood. Today is not going to be ruined. My plan worked rather quickly. I’m singing at the top of my lungs when I turn into the employee parking lot. I earned a few judgmental looks as I do, but I’m not phased one bit. The only surprise I feel is to see people here this early as well. I wonder if they’re naturally morning people or if they are facing a deadline. Either way, I’m glad that I’m still left with a lot of front row parking spots to choose from. I pick the one left that is closest to the door and hurry on in.

"Is the clock on my phone broken?" I broke into a grin noticing my best friend sitting at the desk next to mine. "I just couldn't wait to see you." I retorted, earning a laugh from her instantly. "Bull. What really got you out of bed this early? Run out of coffee?" I know she's joking, but that scenario would be a high probability. "Well" I said, drawing out the word "I may have just received my first big piece." I know I sound like I'm gloating, but I can't help it. "I'm actually preparing to start setting up interviews today." There's no denying the pride I hear in Tori's voice. "That is amazing Kendra! I knew it would happen soon! How did Tonya take it? Did she look like she ate something sour?" She scoots her chair closer to mine to hear every detail. I was laughing so hard I could only manage a nod at first. "I wouldn't be surprised if she keeps that look until she gets her first piece." We heard the door shut and check to make sure we didn't accidentally summon Tonya with our conversation. Thankfully, that was not the case. "Anyway" she said, regaining my attention, "We need to celebrate this! I promise no clubs. It'll just be us." I agreed and told her that we could figure out the time soon. I don't know what this week is going to entail just yet.

I followed this pattern until it was 8am. Most people are awake by this time in the morning. I take a steadying breath and reach for my desk phone. My hands were shaking, but I managed to push the right numbers for Emily's mother. It did not take long for her to answer. "Hello?" Her voice sounds tired and strained. "Hi, is this Margaret?" I hope my voice sounded more stable than I feel. "Yes, this is she." I straightened my posture and pushed through. "Hi Margaret. My name is Kendra. I'm working on an article about your daughter. I was wondering if you would be interested in meeting with me?" There was a quiet moment before her response when I could hear her sniffling. "Yes, I'll do anything that could help bring her back home." I felt as if my heart was being squeezed. I know the feeling of being willing to give up anything to have your loved one back home. I know the accompanying feeling of knowing you are powerless in making it happen. I vowed then and there to not let this happen to Margaret. She was going to get her power back.

"I was hoping you would say that. When would be the best time for you? You are the first I called, so my schedule is still wide open." Her earliest availability is at 1pm today. We both agreed that her house would be the best place to talk. That way I could see the house that Emily grew up in and all the memories inside of it. I couldn't think of a better idea to understand who exactly Emily was.

Once we're off the phone, I instantly text Paxton the details. I also told him that I would like to fill in the time by going to visit Emily's place of work. We still have quite a bit of time, and I would like to save interviewing her friends until after I see her mother. I figured her closest friends would have the most information. I want to wait to hear what everyone else says incase I have new questions that pop up along the way. I need to see the place that the k********g occurred anyway. I want to get a better idea how somone could disappear there without a trace. It doesn't seem possible. Somebody had to have seen something. If they did, they are most likely a part of it or too scared to come forward. I heard my phone ding and looked down to see Paxton's name flash across the screen. "I'm on my way." I couldn't help but to smile. I forgot that Tori is back and sitting right next to me. "First you get to work early, and now you're smiling at your phone like a teenager. Don't tell me you met someone while I was gone as well. Or better yet, tell me you did, and you're still not hopefully pining over Paxton." I roll my eyes, but I'm not mad. She only wants to see me happy. I just haven't met anyone that measures close to Paxton. My silence is the only answer that she needs. Thankfully, she doesn't say anything else. I grab the paper off my printer that has everyone's contact information. "Paxton is going to go with me to the interviews. That was him telling me that he was on his way. I'll have my phone on me if anyone needs something while I'm gone." I stand up but give her a small hug before I had to the exit. "I'm glad that you're back Tori." She gives me a little squeeze back and then lets me go.

I only have to wait a couple of minutes outside before Paxton arrives. He must have been close. He pulls up to the sidewalk and I open up the passenger door to climb in. I'm so glad he installed a running board, so I could get in easily. Guys and their lifted trucks. I think he can sense that my anxiety is starting to creep in. He reaches over and gives my hand a squeeze. "You are going to do great. If you get stuck, I'll be right there to jump in before she even notices." Warmth spreads over me. "You always have my back." The corner of my lips lift in a small smile. His eyes darted down to them for a split second before looking forward to drive. His hand, however, did not leave mine until we were on the street.