The Letter - Chapter 42

The home phone was ringing.  I glanced at the clock in the kitchen as I ran to see who it was.  I had left messages everywhere trying to see what I could do to get Jennifer back.  I looked at the screen.  Issaquah, Washington?  I picked up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Hello, George?  This is Ellie Kosko.”

I hesitated.  “Uh, hi Ellie,” I responded flatly.

“Uh, is everything all right?  Maybe this is a bad time.  Am I interrupting something??”

“No, I’m sorry, Ellie.  I wasn't very friendly when I answered the phone.  I didn’t sleep last night, so I’m a little cranky.  Look, I really appreciate the call, but I’ve got sort of a crisis here.”

“Good Lord.  I read some of those comments to your article.  Did one of those people do something?”

“No Ellie.  I haven’t even gone online yet to look at my article or the comments.”  I took a breath. “My daughter was kidnapped last night.”

“Oh, my God!  I am so sorry.  What . .?”  She seemed at a loss for words.

“Ellie.  Thank you for your concern.  It’s not quite as serious as it sounds.  I know where she is, and I am relatively sure she’s safe.  My ex-wife has taken her.  We’re in the midst of a custody fight.  For now, my daughter is supposed to be here with me.  My wife has filed court papers to try to change that, but nothing has happened yet in the case to change the status quo.” 

“Does she know what she’s done is wrong?  Illegal even?”

“I’m sure she does.  Her husband is a lawyer.  My biggest problem today is getting information.  I can’t get in touch with Jennifer.  Her cell phone is here.  My ex refuses to answer my calls.  I’ve left messages for her husband at his office and for my attorney, but it’s Sunday, so I don’t know if they’ve picked them up.  I thought one of them might be calling me back when your call came in."

“So I should hang up in case one of them is trying to reach you.”

“Actually, they would be calling my cell phone.  That’s the number I left with my messages.”

George, I wish I could do something.  This is horrible.  You must be worried sick.  Have you considered calling the police?”

“Yes.  I called the local police early this morning.  When I told them, it was my wife that kidnapped her, they asked where she lived.  When I told them Sewickley Heights, they told me that was outside their jurisdiction and recommended that I call the police there.  So I called the Sewickley Heights police.  When I described the situation, they told me it sounded like a domestic matter, and they didn’t get involved in those unless I had some proof that my daughter was in danger.  Then when I gave them my wife’s name and address, the officer on the phone became insistent that there was nothing they could do – almost hostile.”

“What? Why would they have that attitude?”

“Ellie, you have to understand.  Sewickley Heights is a small, very wealthy community.  My wife’s husband is very well known and very influential.  In fact, he’s running for Congress.”

“Well, he wouldn’t get my vote.  Hell’s bells!  Just because a person is rich doesn’t mean he should be able to flaunt the law.”

“I agree, Ellie.  But the fact that he’s running for Congress . . ..  Well, it really makes me wonder what his part is in this.”

Anyway, George, I don’t want to hold you up.  I was going to send you a message that I enjoyed the article, but when I read those comments, I decided I had to call because I was worried about you.”

“It was kind of you to call, Ellie.  And I would have enjoyed talking to you longer under other circumstances.  That reminds me, I owe you a cup of coffee – at least.  Maybe you’ll let me take you to dinner the next time you’re in Pittsburgh.  Send me a letter when you make plans to visit.”

“I think I’m done with letters, George.  Now I have your phone number.”

“Oh, let me give you my cell phone number.  I mostly tend to ignore the land line unless I’m expecting a call.”  I gave it to her and she gave me her number.

“Great,” said Ellie.  It’s still a mystery to me that you never received my second letter.”

“Yes, I don’t know what could have happened to it.”

“And the response that someone sent in your name.  God, it still creeps me out when I think of it.”

“Response?  What response?”

“Didn’t your daughter tell you about it?  My friend Beverly called and talked to her about it yesterday.  The letter was very insulting, and it quite upset me.  Beverly is such a dear friend and was determined to figure out who sent it.  She said she called your home number which she found on the Internet, and had a conversation with your daughter.  I’m surprised that she didn’t mention it.  Anyway, Beverly seemed convinced that it was someone other than your daughter.”

“Jennifer never would have done something like that.  Now, my ex.  I could believe she would send a letter like that.  But how . . .?”

“Well, look George.  I’ve really enjoyed finally getting a chance to talk to you.  I wasn’t sure if you even remembered me from high school.  It’s been so long.  But it’s been real nice to connect again.  I really wish I could help you in some way with this custody problem, but I don’t think there’s anything I can do from Seattle.”

“No, Ellie, but I really appreciate the call.  It’s helped calm down my anxiety about this.  Don’t worry, I’ll get this figured out.  I’ll get hold of my lawyer tomorrow at the latest, and he’ll help me get this sorted.  And I do remember you.  You were the cute blonde girl that sat in the row next to me in Mr. Bennett’s English class.”

Ellie laughed.  “So long ago.  Anyway, good luck, George.  And please let me know what happens."  She paused for a second.  "And George – be careful.  Those comments still concern me.”

“I’ll be fine on that score.”

“I hope so.  Just don’t stand in front of any windows.”

“Good advice, Ellie.  Thanks for calling.”  I ended the call.  A nasty letter?  How could Melissa have even gotten Ellie’s address, or even have known she existed?  But who else would have sent something like that?  I figured I’d mention it to Joe McKay when I reached him, but I don’t see how it could have been her.

 

So what now?  Sunday morning.  No one available.  Driving back to Melissa’s house would be fruitless.  I felt helpless but decided there wasn’t anything I could do until tomorrow.  I decided to go look at some of the comments that had concerned Ellie.  It was really nice of her to call.  Why hadn’t I gotten to know her better in high school?  Well, too late to do anything about that.  I walked into my study and switched on my computer.