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Traci
TRACI MET MILO AT THE entrance of the McClendon library and showed him to her favorite spot in the research center. Yesterday she felt like a movie star but today it was back to work. She opened up her notebook and took out her favorite pen. Then she logged into the computer network with her library card and password.
“I think you're really going to like this,” she told Milo and gestured for him to take a seat next to her. “There's so much information and it can really be helpful to people when you learn how to find answers. Let me show you what I mean.”
She typed in a few search terms and scrolled through the screens of data. Then she explained why it was important to know the demographics, the geography, the pertinent market research and all the information that she used to help keep Hazelton House afloat.
“Do you have any questions for me?” Traci searched his face for a glimmer of interest.
“No.” Milo looked across the room and out of the window where his pug-stealing friend was waiting. Traci looked up at Kay McGee, shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. What was she doing? She felt like she was lost and worse, losing Milo.
Ms. McGee came over to join them and introduced herself. “Hi, my name is Kay McGee. What is your name?”
“I’m Milo.”
“Hi Milo. Is this your first time in the library?”
“Yeah, I've been here before but I never stayed here this long.” He looked down at his feet.
Traci looked at Ms. McGee and shrugged again.
“Do you like to read?” She touched his hand to get his attention. “Milo, do you like to read?”
“Not really,” he said glancing toward his friends again.
“I tell you what, I'm going to show you a few very popular books. I think there might be something that you would like. Let’s see what we can find over here.”
Milo followed Ms. McGee across the room to the section labeled, Graphic Novels.
“Do you know what a graphic novel is, Milo?”
“No ma'am.”
“They seem like regular books, right? But they are a little different inside. Take a look at this one.” She handed him one of the books from the shelf marked “Fantasy”.
“It looks like a comic book, sorta,” Milo said.
“Exactly, they use illustrations to tell the story. I love this one.”
Milo opened the book and flipped through the pages.
“Here's another one,” Ms. McGee said. “Here’s what we’ll do, let's go over to this reading nook where it's quiet. You can look those over while Miss Traci is doing her work. If you find something you like, you can take it home with you. How does that sound?”
“That's fine,” Milo said and flipped through more pages. He followed her over to the reading nook.
“Here, have a seat you can even put your feet up if you want. No one will bother you.”
Milo sat down and reclined on the big fluffy orange sofa. He opened the novel to the first page and looked at the pictures. He read a couple of the captions, whispering softly and then turned the page to the next picture and read the next caption.
Ms. McGee joined Traci across the room. “I think he'll be fine. Ms. Evans will be here in a few minutes and administer the tests. She's a developmental education specialist and she homeschools some of the kids here during the week while their parents are working. She's a good friend and I know she'll help.”
“Thank you, I don't know what I do without you,” Traci said and leaned closer. “Can I ask for one more favor? It’s important.”
“Of course, dear. What do you need?”
“I need all the information you can find about this woman,” Traci said, and slid a note across the table. Ms. McGee picked it up and looked over her glasses at her. Then she nodded and said, “In my office.”
Traci followed her into the privacy of the office and sat near the window to keep an eye on Milo. She drummed her fingers on her notebook. Randall shared very little about the progress they were making in the case against Charlotte Carter. She had to know what was happening.
“Nothing,” Ms. McGee said with a furrowed brow. “I’ve searched all the available records for the Tri-County area and the state. Nothing that matches the age and description you gave me.” Ms. McGee looked over her reading glasses, “Are you sure that’s her real name?”
Traci looked out the window and saw Milo engaged in the book, resting it on his chest. She closed the door gently and returned to the table with the Head Librarian.
“Yes, I guess. Pretty sure. Nothing at all? How is that possible?” Traci looked over Ms. McGee’s shoulder at the computer screen. No, it was not possible for someone to drop off the face of the earth like that. But maybe that’s why the police haven’t found her yet. No, something was wrong.
“Not a trace, so far. Only one short article after her arrest two years ago. That’s all. It’s like she ... disappeared.” She handed Traci a plain notecard and pencil. “Here, draw a picture of her for me. Your best recollection, try to be as accurate as possible.”
Traci took the pencil in hand and began to sketch. Her mind wondered back to the attic at Hazelton House. The sight of that woman gave her chills even in her dimmest memory. But who was she? Should she tell Randall that they were both searching for someone that didn’t exist? “I don’t believe in ghosts ...” she muttered aloud the disconnected thought.
“What? Of course, you don’t honey. I’ll keep searching. Something will turn up eventually.” Ms. McGee patted her on the hand. “Try not to worry.”
