Free Identity by K. J. Cazel Page B

remember?"
     
    "Sometimes it’s confusing.  Most times I'm falling down a flight of stairs.  Sometimes I see myself lying dead on the floor...almost like one those out of body experiences you hear about."
     
    "Did you see how you fell?"
     
    "I know from the medical reports that I was struck on the back of the head, but I didn't see who did it.   It was a man, but he’s still a shadow. I even hear myself scream when I started to fall.”
     
    "Have you experienced any other flashbacks?"
     
    "Well, at work I've been smelling a familiar men's cologne."
     
    "Have you seen who's been wearing it?"
     
    "I haven't the man that’s wearing it.  He doesn't look familiar."
     
    "Do you think you had a flash back because of the cologne?"
     
    "I don't know.  I think the shadow is wearing that cologne."
     
    "You're probably right.  Have you given this information to the detective who is working with you and Carole?"
     
    "Yes, Detective Cassell told me to stay away from him."
     
    "Wise.  Tell me about Detective Cassell?  Are you close?"
     
    "He's been very helpful.”
     
    "That isn't exactly an answer."
     
    "Well, I'll admit that he's good looking.  But, I'm not ready to meet anyone in that way.  I DON'T KNOW WHO I AM!"
     
    "Let's take it easy. Sometimes it’s good for a person to have a stable person to lean on.  Carole is of great assistance with those womanly things, but sometimes you have to lean on brute strength.  In your case, you need protection.  I believe that Tom will be your protector. Don't be afraid to use him. Your life is in danger.  He has the police department behind him.  Okay?"
     
    "Okay."
     
    "So what are your plans for the weekend?"
     
    "I'm meeting Carole for lunch then we're taking in a show."
     
    "Good, relax.  Your memory is coming back.  Once this starts, things can happen really fast.  Now, I'll have to postpone our next visit because I'll be out of town. Stop by the receptionist.  She'll give you my private number and if necessary, you can SKYPE me. Okay?"
     
    "Thank you."
     
    "Take care Sam."
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 
    CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
     
    CHICAGO TRIBUNE                                                                  February 28, 2012
     
     
    WINTER RETURNS
     
    Chicago braces for another onslaught of winter this weekend. National Weather Service is predicting 8-10 inches of snowfall this weekend. Mayor Emmanual says Streets & Sanitation crews are prepared with all plows available.  Every effort Emmanual says will be made to stay within the city's budget.
     
    ***
    "Are you checking out Miss McLean?"
     
    "Going to try to get back to New York."
     
    "I wish you luck.  O'Hare looks like it is going to be socked in."
     
    "I was lucky I got my sample case out earlier today. I just have to get home now."
     
    The concierge interrupted their conversation to let the saleswoman know that her cab had arrived.  She grabbed her carry-on and entered the cab. 
     
    "O'Hare?"
     
    "Yes, I have a scheduled flight out tonight."
     
    "I hear the flights are backed up. This snow is coming at the rush hour...worse time. I’ll try to get you there."
     
    Twenty minutes later the cab had only moved less than a mile from the hotel.  Amber McLean checked her iPhone to get the latest flight update on her flight.  She gave an exasperated sigh when she saw the results of her inquiry.  “ALL FLIGHTS CANCELLED UNTIL 5:00 a.m.”
     
    "Damn!"
     
    "Miss?"
     
    "Change of plans.  Can you get me to a restaurant with a good bar?”
     
    “In Chicago...easy!"
     
    

Another fifteen minutes passed before the cab stopped in front of Marina Tower.
     
    "Here we are miss. The Tower Restaurant has a bar and grill.  A good place to wait out the traffic problems."
     
    Amber gave the cabbie a $20.00 bill that more than covered the short but long trip.  She took her briefcase and