Part Fifteen

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My flight just landed at JFK, and I caught a taxi to the hotel.  The two Detectives will meet me here in the morning, but for today, I'm going to see a little of New York.  It's late October, so it's not extremely cold, but cold enough for a coat and scarf. 

I went to Ground Zero and paid my respects, then to the Empire State Building.  I had lunch in a cute little coffee shop, then just happened to walk by an adorable little baby store and decided to go inside.  I couldn't resist a little I Love New York onesie and bib. I still can't believe I am carrying a little Gray in my belly.  I was upset at first, but now I think about it, maybe this baby is a blessing.  I believe I might already be falling in love with it, despite the fact that I'm single and have no idea how the hell I am going to make this work.  Yeah, I'm still scared shitless.

I then went into a few boutiques and drooled over the beautiful things I will never be able to afford.  Fashion is a weak spot for me, and Lisa would wear the most beautiful clothes.  I guess I know where she got all that money to afford them.  After dinner, I went back to my hotel and soaked in a warm bath before bed. 

I met the detectives in the hotel lobby first thing in the morning.  They said the Lowell's are very high profile, and the news of their daughter's death will become known to everyone soon after we leave.  I hope that's the case, I certainly do not want to be involved in a shit show here in New York. 

They rented a car, so we drove for what felt like forever before they pulled up to a high rise building.  "We aren't going to their home?" I asked.

"The Lowell's are in France, so we will be meeting with their son, Blaine Lowell.  His parents are scheduled home today and will meet with us later tonight." Franks said.

Well, shit.

We got out, and they led me into the building before showing their badges to the receptionist.  She called somebody, then told us we were expected and to go on up to the top floor.

My hands are sweating, and I'm nervous.  I brought photos of Lisa and prayed they will be enough for these people, nothing else has ever been released to me.  I watched the numbers as the elevator ascended to the top floor. 

When the doors opened, I had to take a calming breath.  "Are you okay?" Franks asked me. 

I nodded. "I'm just nervous."

"That's understandable." He patted my back and led me to the receptionist's desk. 

"Detectives Sinclair and Franks to see, Blaine Lowell," Franks said.

"Of course, he's expecting you.  Please, follow me."

We followed the very tall and beautiful brunette to a set of double doors.  She opened one, then we walked through until we came to a huge wooden door. 

She pushed it open and held it for us, where I could hear a man's voice before we even entered.

"I don't care how sorry you are, you cost me time and that means you cost me money." When he came into view, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  Tall, light hair, and a body to die for.  He was standing and holding his phone to his ear, then turned and held up his finger. 

"I have more important things to do, so either close the deal or find a new job." He hung up the phone.

He turned, and I saw the brightest blue eyes I have ever seen in my entire life.  His suit is obviously fitted and very expensive, and his office compares to a very nice suite with all the luxuries of home.  This man must have it all, including the looks.

"I must warn you, my time is precious, so if you have nothing new on my sister, I won't be doing another interview." He said, then his eyes made it to me and they lingered for just a moment. 

Am I blushing? Shit!  Lisa said he gets a lot of attention and now I can see why.

"Actually, we do believe your sister has been located.  I'm Detective Franks and this is my partner Detective Sinclair from the Seattle Police Department."

Frank's looked at me.  "This is Miss Cora Ashley, and she has some photo's to share with you."

"Fine, show me." He said, and took a few steps closer as I tried to reach into my purse for the pictures, but I fumbled. 

"I don't have all day." He said, so my first impression isn't that great.

I pulled them out and handed them to him.  He looked through them, then looked at me.

"How do you know my sister?" He handed them back.

"She was my roommate and closest friend for six years," I said.

"You're just now telling someone?  She's been missing for the greater part of a decade." He doesn't seem to like me already.

"I just recently learned of her true identity," I said.

"So, where is she now?" He asked, and Franks cleared his throat.

"I am sorry to inform you, but your sister recently passed away from natural causes." He said.

The man's face dropped, and he looks like he turned as white as a ghost. 

"Wait, she's dead?" He backed toward his chair and slowly sat down.

"Yes, unfortunately, she had a brain aneurysm.  There was no foul play, and when she was found, we discovered she had been using the alias of Lisa Simmons.  We have been trying to identify her, and we will need to test someone in your family for DNA."

The man leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees, before rubbing his face. 

"What about her child?  She was pregnant when she disappeared."

My entire being went numb and everyone looked at me.  I know my jaw opened then shut a few times before anything came out of my mouth.  "She never mentioned a child. I honestly have no idea, this is the first I've ever heard of a pregnancy."

Franks spoke up.  "How far along was she when she disappeared?"

Her brother held his head in his hands, then looked up.  "Six months."

I think I gasped.

"Where was she before you met her?" Her brother asked.

"She never spoke of her past.  She told me she grew up in Scipio, Kentucky and she had a rough childhood.  I could never understand why she didn't visit home.  She mentioned having a brother one time and that wasn't until I moved back to Kentucky." I said.

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