I sat in my car watching Stevie pace around the park nervously, as if she was waiting for something, which she was.
We had evidence that Grace liked to come here so we hoped that she'd see Stevie and take her. It wasn't a very #organised plan but it was the best we had.
***
An old #haiku I read once came to mind as I waited:
I wait in shadow
My intent to save or kill
Depends on my mood
It was written by a serial killer who left haikus with every victim. That particular one was left with a living victim, which eventually led to his capture.
***
Stevie sat on a bench and looked around. She signed something to me. It looked innocuous but it was actually an #acrostic code. A string of words that made up the true word.
What
Else
Lies
Low?
I shook my head and hoped she could see it.
We'd just have to keep waiting.
***
Several people passed her but none of them were Grace. We'd now been waiting for over five hours and time was running #short.
It was time for Plan B.
I picked up the radio. "This is Thibodeaux. I spotted the girl you're looking for at the park downtown. Send backup."
***
A patrol car pulled up beside me. I explained what was going on to the two cops. They went into the park, showing Stevie's picture. One pointed her out.
Stevie stood to run but her way was blocked by another woman. Stevie signed "box #stork" and the two of them ran off.
***
Operation Box Stork was our shorthand for Pandora's Children.
I called the captain. "She's in."
"Is the tracker working?"
"Seems to be."
"Good. Stay close."
I'd be spending a lot of time in my car until this was done. It wouldn't be #cosy but I was her only lifeline.
***
The car door opened and Jaci climbed in.
"What happened to you? You were supposed to be here hours ago."
"Sorry, I kinda got waylaid by my ex," she said sheepishly.
"You didn't..."
"He's just so #delicious. I can't help it."
"Did you forget why you got divorced?"
***
"I haven't forgotten. He's scum. An obsequious little #toad," Jaci said and shrugged. "But he's also good in bed."
"Is that all?"
"Yes. That's his only redeeming feature."
"Why did you get married then?"
"I wanted kids. Figured he was my best shot."
"Good job then."
***
"Actually, the divorce was as bad as the marriage. He was such a pain in the #butt when it came to Charley.
He wanted full custody without me having visitation at all. It took months, but we got it sorted out. I have her during the week, and he gets her at the weekend."
***
I saw that Jaci was winding herself up and decided to change the subject.
"The apocalypse convention is coming up at the end of the month. You like that stuff too. Come with me."
"What's it called again?"
"It's #Finisterre Con. The convention at the end of the world!"
***
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