Free Identity by K. J. Cazel Page A

the car to see whether she could see which man was the possessor of the scent.  She was disappointed.  There was only one man in the gaggle of women. He was the man standing next to her.  It wasn't him.  The scent lingered from a previous rider.
     
    The lunch break couldn't come soon enough for Sam.  Alice joined her at the table as they unpacked their lunches.
     
    "See that man over there?” Alice gave her head a little nod right.
     
    "That's Paul Jacobs.  He thinks he's mister perfect.  He dated Hailey Morgan."
     
    "Is that the one the detective were asking about?"
     
    "Yes, she just stopped coming to work. No one heard from her.”
     
    “Do you think he had something to do with her missing?”
     
    “No, Paul couldn't hurt a flea.  Now, if I would pick someone to be wary about it would be Mike Rizzo."
     
    "Who's he?"
     
    "He's the Senior Editor on the seventh floor.  Let's just say he is a Sexual Harassment Suit waiting to happen."
     
    Alice eyes shifted to the doorway.  "Speaking of the devil, he's trolling in now to search out a new prey. Don't look up."
     
    As Rizzo passed by their table, Sam again got a whiff of the familiar men's cologne.  Her eyes shifted in his direction as he headed for a table with three young women.  You could see from their expressions that they were thrilled that a Senior Editor was acknowledging them.  Each had the feeling that this was their way up the corporate ladder.
     
    The end of the day couldn't come soon enough for Sam.  The thought of the cold trip back to Carole's was only bearable because she wanted to share the information she learned with Tom.  As she stepped into the lobby, she saw Tom's smiling at her. 
     
    "Thought you'd like a ride home."
     
    "I dearly would love it.  And, I got some things to tell you."
     
    On the ride to Carole's, Sam told him about the happenings in the lunchroom.
     
    "I'll check both men out.  You have to promise me that when you go back to Robinson you stay out of their way."
     
    They pulled in front of Carole's house.  Because the side streets still hadn't been plowed, Tom double-parked.  He came around to help Sam navigate through to the snow packed sidewalk. 
     
    "I have the third shift for the next two weeks.  If you need me, my number is on this card.  Remember, stay out of the way to those two men." 
     
    He gave her a quick peck on the cheek—a move that both surprised Tom and Sam. He quickly returned to his car.  Sam with a confused expression her face watched as he drove away before going in.

 
    CHAPTER TWENTY
     
    Early Saturday morning Sam arrived at Dr. Kalish's office.
     
    "Sam, I'm glad you could make it.  I know the weather hasn’t been cooperating with everyone.  Have a seat."
     
    Sam took the seat facing Dr. Kalish at his desk "I'm glad I could make it.  It a relief to be able to talk to you."
     
    "Okay.  I'm listening."
     
    "I'm starting to have flash backs.  I’m scared."
     
    "You know this was going to happen.  Why are you scared?"
     
    "What if I don't like my old life?  Something was not right with it.  I was nearly beaten to death."
     
    "Let me quote Buddha: 'Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.’ What you have to do Sam is to concentrate on getting healthy. Your body and your mind have experienced a lot of trauma in the past five months.   The stronger you are, the more you will be able to accept the past and move forward.’ "
     
    "I know, I know.  Everyone is very encouraging.  When I look in the mirror I still don't know that person. Was I a bad person? What did I do to deserved to beaten to death?”
     
    "Let's go over what I see.  When I look at you I see a captivating woman, approximately 34-37 years old, well attired and appears well composed."
     
    "You are seeing a lot more than I do.  You should see me when I wake up screaming in the middle of the night."
     
    "When you wake up, what do you