Something Missing_ A Novel - Matthew Dicks [96]
Unfortunately, Martin had been unable to turn their phone conversation in the direction of Laura, sidetracked by Jim’s concern about his daughter’s recent bout with pneumonia. In truth, Martin wasn’t sure how to even begin talking to his friend about a girl. When he was younger, Jim had tried to set Martin up on several dates, but all had ended in awkward handshakes and the purposeful avoidance of eye contact. Probably sensing his friend’s frustration, Jim had eased off on the attempts to find Martin a girlfriend, and conversation on the subject of women had dried up entirely. Springing questions about Laura on Jim at this point therefore seemed impossible. As a result, Martin was on his own in regard to his plans on Saturday. He was flying blind and dreading every minute of it.
Since his date, Martin had made every effort to return to his normal routine, to bring some semblance and structure back to his life.
Even that had been difficult.
Though his work routines were falling back into place, Martin had not returned to the Quaker Diner since meeting Laura, unsure of how to handle his relationship with Jillian. Though he knew that the bond that he and Laura had was already more significant and meaningful than anything that he had with Jillian, he couldn’t bring himself to reenter the diner knowing that he might have to lie to the girl who had been serving him eggs and referring to him as “honey” for years. Part of him wanted to sit down on his stool and tell Jillian everything he knew about Laura, but he feared that such news would come as a devastating blow to the girl he still cared about a great deal.
Even more difficult, Martin had been forced to locate a new restaurant for breakfast and had yet to settle on a replacement (albeit temporary, he hoped) for the Quaker Diner. Though places like Mo’s Diner, Effie’s Place, and even Friendly’s had served decent meals, none had possessed the charm of the Quaker.
Thankfully, work routines had been easier to reestablish.
Martin had scheduled makeup visits for the clients that he’d missed while preserving the Ashley party, and he fell right back into his regular schedule with refreshing ease. A week of uneventful work leading up to the party was what he’d hoped for, but this hope was dashed this morning when he arrived at the home of Sophie and Sherman Pearl of Newington. It was just over a month ago that Martin had acquired the diamond earring from Sophie Pearl’s jewelry box, but a lot had happened since that day.
It seemed like ages ago.
Martin was jogging across the park adjacent to the Pearls’ backyard, closing in on the invisible line that separated the Pearls’ property from the park, when he saw something that caused him to stop in his tracks.
The rear door to the Pearls’ home was slightly ajar. Not enough for the casual passerby to notice, but Martin’s attention to detail was anything but casual. The door wasn’t open, but it wasn’t fully shut either.
Something was up.
Martin bent over, pretending to tie his troublesome shoe while reviewing a checklist in his mind. Before parking in the lot adjacent to the tennis courts, he had driven by the Pearls’ home and confirmed that there were no cars parked in the driveway. Though the Pearls owned a two-car garage, at least one car was usually parked in the driveway overnight. Though it was possible that the Pearls had accidentally left their back door unlatched, this would be the first time in their more than nine years as clients.
Unsure of what action to take, Martin chose to wait and watch. Entering the house on this day was now out of the question. Even if the door had