to Murchison’s and talked to the people who work there.” She told him the details of her conversation with Henry Lawgins.
“I’m sorry, honey. I’m sure that’s disappointin’.”
“At least I know her name now.” Abby put her elbows on the table, her chin resting on her palms. “Why do I feel such a connection with Ella? Even after I found out this information, it didn’t satisfy me. I went into lots of businesses and showed her picture. No one I talked to remembered her. But I left my name and cell number.”
“How much proof do you need, Abby? Seems pretty obvious the child’s got family.”
“I can’t explain it, but something doesn’t feel right.”
Grandpa stroked his mustache the way he did when he was trying to formulate a tactful reply.
“I don’t believe this,” Abby said. “You think I want it to be Riley Jo so badly that I’m imagining a connection.”
“Don’t presume to know what I’m thinkin’, Abby. I know whatever you’re feelin’ is real to you, and far be it from me to say it’s all in your head. I’m just lookin’ at the odds, and you know as well as I do, there’s a mighty slim chance that girl is Riley Jo.”
“But a slim chance is still a chance.”
Grandpa put the scissors down. “I can tell you’re not ready to let this go. So what are you gonna do now?”
“I want to find Ella and talk to her, that’s all.” Abby sat up straight and took a long drink of Coke. “She might not be Riley Jo, but it feels so amazing, imagining that she could be. It’s the first time in ages I’ve felt this way. I just want to enjoy it for a while.”
“You could be settin’ yourself up for a real hard fall, honey.”
“Maybe.” Abby leaned forward on her elbows. “But I love feeling that I could be on the verge of finding out something important. Can you even imagine how awesome it would be if …” She exhaled when she saw the skepticism on her grandfather’s face.
“If what?” Grandpa said.
“Doesn’t matter. It can’t hurt to hope, that’s all.”
“Have you told your mother what you found out about this girl?”
“No!” Abby heard the Coke can crinkle, and she loosened her grip. “I showed Mama the picture and told her what I thought. She shut me out and said not to mention it again. Don’t worry. I won’t. I’m not talking to Hawk about it either. Heaven forbid someone in this family should enjoy a flicker of hope without it depressing everyone else.”
“They’re weighin’ the odds, Abby. All things are possible with God, but not necessarily probable. He doesn’t always give us what we ask for.”
“I’m going to find Ella and see for myself.”
Grandpa nodded. “I figured as much. By the way, Jesse came to me this mornin’ and told me about his conversation with you last night. As long as we’re talkin’ about all things possible, maybe your mother and Hawk will come around one of these days, and we can all go to church together.”
“It’s possible,” Abby said. “Definitely not probable.”
Chapter 7
Abby sat with Jay on the pier at Angel View, her legs dangling, her bare toes skimming the water. She watched as the sun slowly dipped below the western horizon, the sky painted with fiery swirls of crimson, purple, and hot pink. The June breeze was warmer than it had been earlier in the day, the humidity thicker, and the fragrance of honeysuckle sweet and pervasive.
Her thoughts zigzagged in every direction like the aquatic insects that shot across the top of the water. What if Ella turned out to be Riley Jo? Why wasn’t she with their father? Was this just another wild-goose chase that would bring embarrassment and heartache to her family? Or was she on the brink of discovering the truth of why her father and sister had disappeared?
“You gonna tell me what happened today?” Jay said. “When you called and asked me to meet you here, you sounded upset. I assumed you wanted to talk.”
“I didn’t want to be alone.” Abby glanced over at him. “You’re the only person I’m comfortable being with even when I don’t know what to say.”
“Okay then.” Jay lifted his cap and wiped his forehead. “I’m glad I’m here, in case you want to talk. Or even if you don’t.”
Abby sat wrapped in comfortable silence as the last vestiges of light faded away, leaving only darkness and bringing with it a chorus of crickets. She got lost