25. Jay
CHAPTER 25
JAY
T he rain hasn't let up, making the streets slick and visibility poor. I keep my hands gripped tightly on the steering wheel even though I’m normally the kind of driver that casually drives with two fingers and one hand on the armrest.
I think about Violet, trying to think of a non-life-threatening reason that she wouldn’t answer her phone. Maybe she’s really busy with something. But what? Did her mom need extra help?
I can't help but replay our last conversation over and over again in my head. Did I miss something? Was there a sign that she was struggling more than she let on?
Even if she isn’t home, Violet’s mom might have an idea about where she has gone. It’s really the only shot I have—besides driving up and down the streets, shouting her name and hoping for the best. It's worth a shot, and I need to know that Violet's okay.
As I pull up to the small, cozy house, I take a deep breath. Showing up unannounced might not be the best idea, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
There is one car in the driveway, but it’s not Violet’s. Could it be her mother’s or does someone else live here?
I knock on the door, the sound barely audible over the pounding rain.
Just the quick jog from my car door to the porch soaks me through. The storm is definitely picking up its pace. I step back from the door and gaze across the lawn to the road where the rain pounds into the asphalt, transfixed by its rhythm for a moment.
When the door opens, I see the same petite woman with Violet’s fiery red hair, albeit more gray, and those delicate wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.
“Hi Jay!” Her face lights up with recognition as she takes me in. “What in the world are you doing out in this storm?” She’s perched up by crutches, and I feel like this conversation might be uncomfortable for her if she keeps standing in that position.
I clear my throat, trying to compose myself. I have to raise my voice a little to be heard over the rain. “Hi Mrs. Haven. I was wondering if Violet’s here. Hannah and I have been trying to reach her, and I’m worried because she hasn’t been answering her phone.”
The woman’s expression shifts from confusion to concern. “Violet isn’t here. I haven’t seen her since she left for work earlier. That was about… three hours ago?”
A pang of worry hits me harder. “I see. I’m really sorry to bother you. I just thought she might be here.”
“No bother at all. Why don’t you come in for a moment?” she offers, stepping aside to let me in. She hobbles awkwardly in the direction of the couch. The rain has been hitting the top step of the porch and bouncing off to hit my back. If I wasn’t already soaked, I would be now.
I hesitate for a moment before stepping inside. The warmth of the house is a stark contrast to the wetness of the rain. I didn’t notice on my last visit, but a studio portrait on the wall opposite the door immediately draws my attention. It’s Violet when she was maybe ten or twelve. She’s posed with a fake smile on her face, wearing a black dress that makes her hair stand out even more.
She’s cute, and I can’t take my eyes off of it.
Violet’s mother seems to notice. “Violet,” she says, pointing at the picture as I drip on her front rug. “She was ten in that picture, just about to start fifth grade.”
I wipe my feet on the mat so I have a reason to look away. “Very cute. I didn’t mean to intrude. I just... we’re really worried about her. I was wondering if you’ve heard from her, Mrs. Haven.”
She makes a noncommittal noise, gesturing to the armchair across from her. “Please, call me Caroline. No need to be so formal. Would you like a towel?”
Well, I’m not about to sit on her armchair as wet as I am, so I nod. Caroline struggles to her feet, taking a moment to get the crutches in place, and grabs a towel from a closet down the short hallway. She brings it back to me, and I attempt to dry off while clothed.
After a moment of trying unsuccessfully, I fold the towel into a cushion, set it on the armchair, and perch on the edge of it, feeling a bit awkward.
“Thank you for the food you brought the other day. Violet said you stopped by while I was napping.”
I feel my face flush a little, remembering what else I did to Violet while she was napping. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m happy to help.”
Caroline smiles and attempts to lower herself back on the couch. On instinct, I leap up to take her elbow and lower her more gently.
“Thank you, honey,” she says once she’s situated.
I nod, and take my seat again, not sure what else to do with myself. This woman has no idea of the extent of my relationship with her daughter. I wonder what she would say if she knew.
“So, what happened? Why are you so concerned about Violet? I thought she was going to work. Did she never come in?”
I run a hand through my damp hair, trying to find the right words. “She’s been acting different lately. On edge, you know. It’s hard to tell if it’s…”
“If it’s what?”
This woman is sharp. She doesn’t miss anything. There’s no dancing around the truth, but I don’t want to reveal my relationship with Violet. “It’s hard to tell if it’s because she’s just moved and is dealing with… losing her dad, if I understand correctly.”
Caroline nods, closing her eyes for a moment.
“Or something at work. I can’t tell. She just started working for me, so I don’t know her that well yet. Tonight, she left work early and hasn’t been answering her phone. It’s just not like her. Hannah came in—she couldn’t get in touch with Violet, so I said I would come check if you had heard from her or if you knew…”
Caroline is already shaking her head. “You’re right about one thing. She’s been under a lot of stress lately. With everything going on... sometimes I worry she’s taking on too much. She could have…”
I lean forward. “Is there anything specific that’s been bothering her? Any places she might have gone if she just needed to think?”
Caroline sighs, looking down at her hands. “Well, she’s been worried about me. I’m having trouble being independent with this leg. Violet doesn’t want me to do anything by myself, just let it heal, and it’s been a slow recovery. Violet’s been taking care of a lot, and I think it’s wearing on her.”
My chest tightens at the thought of Violet carrying so much on her own. “I had no idea. She never mentioned it.”
“She’s always been one to keep her worries to herself. I don’t know if it’s because she’s hard-headed, independent, or both.”
I nod, feeling a pang of guilt. Maybe I should have pushed harder to get her to open up, instead of automatically thinking the issue was all about me, I should have asked Violet more questions to figure out what was really bothering her. “I wish she would have told me. I would have done something to help.”
Caroline offers a small, understanding smile. “Don’t blame yourself. You’re managing the bar. She’s your employee. I’m actually impressed that you came all the way out here. Unfortunately, I don’t know her habits anymore, and I don’t know where she could have gone. But she’ll be back.”
Caroline glances at the window where it’s getting so dark outside that we almost need to turn a lamp on in here, even though it’s not even four p.m. yet.
Turning away from the window, Caroline reaches out and places a comforting hand on mine. “You’re a good man for caring so much about her. I’m sure she’ll turn up soon. She’s strong, just like her dad was. And when she’s had time to blow off steam, she’ll be back.”
I squeeze her hand gently, appreciating her words. “Thank you, Caroline. I’ll keep looking for her. If you hear from her, please let me know.” I give her my phone number, then stand to leave.
I need to get back to the bar, but I feel disappointed that I wasn’t able to find out anything else. “Please, don’t hesitate to call me. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?”
I glance pointedly at Caroline’s crutches. She may want to help me, but she’s the one who needs to be helped.
“No, I’m fine. I appreciate it. It was nice to see you again, Jay. Do you mind letting yourself out?”
“Sure, I’ll do that.” I glance at the window, unsure if I should be giving advice to this older woman. “If the winds get any worse, you may want to shelter away from a window. Just in case.”
As I step back out into the rain, I can’t shake the feeling of worry that’s settled deep in my chest. I need to find Violet. I feel bad for getting upset at her when her mom made it clear that she’s dealing with a lot.
Once I’m back in my car with the heater blowing, I pull out my phone and text Hannah.
Violet wasn’t at home. Heading back to the bar. Stay at your place so you’re safe from this storm. It’s getting bad.
I call Violet one more time, but I’m not hopeful. She doesn’t answer, so I leave a voicemail this time, something I didn’t do before.
“Violet, I’m getting worried about you. Hannah hasn’t seen you, and neither has your mom. Please, find a safe place to be. This storm is going to hit us bad.”
With that, I hang up. There’s nothing else I can do right now.