Chapter Nine
Melanie’s Search
The chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes were superb, a new taste treat for Melanie and me. The cream gravy went perfectly with it and the fresh green beans tasted far better than anything the grocery store had to offer. We eased off on the margaritas and drank the wine instead. It was very familiar to us since we were from that area of the country. Many locals celebrated Oregon pinot noir. Before we left, Joe took Melanie aside and talked with her for a few minutes. I saw him give her something, and she kissed him once more as we headed toward the elevator. She showed it to us when we returned to our suite. It was a hand-written note which had a name and a number on it and the message, Tower #3, the floor below this, look for my name. Two o’clock tomorro
