Free Identity by K. J. Cazel

work.  The rest of the day Sam entered data from the paperwork that was stacked in her IN Box.  Quitting time couldn’t come soon enough.  As stated by everyone, it was a boring job.  At 4:30 Sam packed up her belongings and headed for the Red Line.  She was going home, that is if Sam could call Carole's house home. It was a long day and she knew more would follow.
     
    When she arrived at Carole's house, her weariness showed on her face as she entered the house.
     
    "Sam are you okay?"
     
    "I'm really tired.  Guess I'm not use to working.”
     
    "Why don't you take a nap before dinner?  Incidentally, Tom Cassell is coming over for dinner.  He has some things to discuss."
     
    Sam collapsed on the bed without even taking off her shoes.  It just took a few minutes before she was in a deep sleep.
     
    Tom had arrived, and he and Carole were in the kitchen in conversation when they heard Sam screaming from the bedroom.  Carole and Tom rushed in.  Sam was sitting up in bed heaving deep sobs.  She was in a cold sweat.  Carole wrapped her arms around her trying to comfort her.
     
    "It's all right.  You're safe now.  We're not going to let anyone hurt you."
     
    Carole turned to Tom, “Will you get a cold towel from the bathroom?"
     
    He returned with the towel.  Carole wiped Sam's face and neck.
     
    Sam finally stopped heaving and her breathing slowed down.  After a few minutes she turned to face Carole.
     
    "I saw myself falling down a flight of stairs.  I couldn't stop. I could feel my body hitting each step." Tom stood in the doorway listening.
     
    Carole and Tom went to the kitchen while Sam was refreshing herself.  They agreed that Sam's memory was starting to return.  Although they wanted to press her for more details, they felt that wouldn't best at this time. Ten minutes later Sam came into the dining room and the three sat down for dinner.
     
    "So, Tom, what have you been up to?" Carole asked.
     
    "Well, I was at Robinson– Williams today to investigate a missing person's report."
     
    Sam eyes widened.  "Oh my gosh, you were there?"

     
    "Whoa, what do you mean?  You were at Robinson?"
     
    "It's my new temp job.  The lunch room was abuzz with the fact that some detectives were looking into a missing employee."
     
    "Yep that was me and my partner, Steve."
     
    Carole asked, "Did you find out anything?"
     
    We haven't received confirmation yet, but we're looking into the possibility that the victim in Kane County is Hailey Morgan."
     
    "Do you think there is a connection between her and Sam?" Carole asked.
     
    "There are several similarities. It's possible that we are looking at a meticulous serial killer."
     
    The two women jaws dropped open.  Sam's body suddenly shook and shuddered. She had the feeling of someone walking over her grave. The color drained from Sam's face.
     
    "Sam are you okay?" Carole asked.
     
    "I have a feeling that some harsh truths are getting ready to show their ugly heads."
     
    "Sam, surely you don't believe that you were instrumental in the harm you endured."
     
    "I'm not sure."
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
    CHAPTER NINETEEN
     
    Although the calendar and the daylight savings time gave evidence that spring was around the corner, the weather took a sudden turn.  The winds howled through the city streets.  New snow caused traffic to slow down to a snail pace. Riders on the transit watched the cars trying to maneuver through the unplowed streets.  Everyone in the city was exhausted even before they reported to work and Sam was no exception.
     
    It was 9:45 and the lobby entrance of Robinson–Williams was still welcoming a rush of late arrivals.  Sam crowded into the elevator and maneuvered to the back of the car.  She took a deep breath and shivered. Her eyes narrowed and her brow knitted.  She recognized the familiar scent of a man's cologne.  Her eyes searched