Chapter 18
Kennedy
A few hours later, I pull into the parking lot of the fast-food chain where Nicole Weeks, a former employee of one of Blackmon’s, now works.
An employee at the McGruder’s chain where Nicole used to work told me that she now works the mid-morning to late afternoon shift as a manager.
It’s a little after five p.m., and the drive-thru line stretches halfway down the parking lot. From my viewpoint, the inside is bustling as well. Groups of teens who appear who’ve just gotten out of sports practices for the day clamor around in the dining area.
Parents with young children pile in and out of the doors, meals in hand, taking dinner or snacks home for the evening.
I wait in my car, watching the door to spot Nicole when she comes out.
It doesn’t take long before I notice the petite, early twenty-something-year-old with brunette hair coming out of the restaurant.
I hop out of my SUV and head in her direction.
“Nicole Weeks?” I call out.
She pauses next to the red sedan I assume is her vehicle.
“Hi,” I greet. “My name’s Kennedy. I work at The Regal as a reporter.”
Her green eyes shift to something over my shoulder, then return to me. “A reporter?”
I nod. “I want to talk to you about your old job at McGruder’s. And maybe about the employee who died there. Erika Dalton?”
“Look, I, uh, I don’t have anything to say.” She shifts from one foot to the other. “Whatever you’re searching for has nothing to do with me,” Nicole says.
“I don’t think that’s true.” I step closer but don’t crowd her space. “Do you remember her?” I show her the picture of Erika Dalton on my phone.
She visibly swallows and looks away from the picture.
“You worked with Erika, didn’t you?”
“Only for a few months,” she says. “I didn’t know her well.” Again, she looks over my shoulder toward the building.
“Nicole,” I say, drawing her attention back to me. “What’s going on at that food chain that has you so antsy? Is it related to why Erika took her own life?”
“No,” she quickly says. “I mean …”
“So, there is a reason Erika killed herself?”
“No … I don’t know … I mean …” She trails off. “No.”
“No, you don’t know the reason? Or no, you can’t tell me?”
She pinches her lips and clutches her shoulder bag to her chest. “I have to go.” She spins and heads to the car. Her hand shakes as she works to put the key in the lock.
I watch for a few seconds. If I had doubts that something strange was happening in those restaurants, they disappear at the sight of Nicole’s unease.
“Nicole,” I call as I stand in front of her car door. “Why did you quit working at McGruder’s?”
Her hand slips from the lock.
It takes her a beat before she regains control over herself and replies, “This place hired me as a manager.” She motions toward the fast-food restaurant behind us.
“But you left McGruder’s soon after Erika died.”
“I-I’m sorry about her death, but I don’t have anything to say.” She looks over her shoulder at me.
There’s sincerity in her eyes when she mentions Erika. And fear.
Nicole gets in the car and slams the door shut.
I tap on the glass and motion for her to roll down the window. She hesitates but eventually does.
“Did you enjoy working at the chain owned by Sebastian Blackmon? How’s he to work for? Have you ever met him?”
She stares out of the windshield. Her hands tighten around the steering wheel.
“I-I’ve never met him.” Her voice shakes.
“I don’t mean to cause you distress.” I dig into the pocket of my jeans. “Here’s my business card.”
I extend my hand to give her the card. She just stares at it.
“I don’t know what Blackmon and his company are hiding, but I intend to find out—for Erika and anyone else whom this company’s actions may hurt.
“I”ll be here when you’re ready to tell me what’s happening. Use that number any time. I’ll pick up.”
Her bottom lip trembles as she slowly reaches out to take the card from me. She doesn’t say anything, and I don’t expect her to at this moment.
“Call anytime,” I repeat.
It’s nearly imperceptible, but I notice it when she nods. I don’t say anything as I step away. Nicole starts her car and slowly pulls out of the parking space. She doesn’t look at me again, but I remain there.
She has something to tell me, and I’m certain whatever it is, it’s linked to Erika Dalton’s death.
I head back to my car. The first thing I do is check my phone.
There are two text messages from Dae. Yes, I’ve ignored his messages over the last few hours even though it makes my stomach muscles clench with longing that I’m loath to admit. I can’t make myself available at his beck and call.
I’ll respond to him when I have time. For now, I plan to head back to the office for a few more hours to research Blackmon’s company finances and the church he attends.