"Oh, I don't know for certain, but I wouldn't put it past a man like him. He is pure evil. You can see it in his eyes. No man has ever scared me the way Mathew Connelly did."
"I understand." Jackie pulled a business card out of her purse. "Here's my card. If you need anything, call me, and I'll send someone to help you."
"Oh, if you don't tell him, Mr. Connelly will never think to look for me here. I'm right under his nose."
Jackie laid the card on the table. "I want you to have it anyway. Maybe you'll think of something else that can help us find her."
"I wouldn't know anything more. I haven't seen her since she was six. You think I could have the picture I gave Mr. Gladstone back someday?"
"I'll send it over by courier."
"Thank you. If you find Georgia, will you tell her how sorry I am?"
Jackie tenderly patted the back of Adelaide's hand. "I'll tell her."
*
Teresa was surprised when the front doorbell chimed. Laura didn't feel like doing anything except watch soap operas in the family room, so Teresa was busy catching up on a few chores. She set her broom in the corner of the bathroom on the first floor, and hurried to the foyer. Before she opened the door, she straightened her apron and glanced in the wall mirror to make certain she looked presentable. Just as the bell began to sound again, she opened the door.
The woman standing on the top step had blonde hair, was wearing a strapless, floral print summer dress, with bright red gloss on her full lips. "May I help you?"
"I'm Amanda Black. I would like to see Mrs. Connelly."
"Let her in," Laura said, as she walked into the room.
"Yes, Mum," said Teresa. She opened the door wider and stood aside.
"Come in and sit. We do not often have visitors." Laura went to the sofa, made herself comfortable, and waited for the much younger woman to join her.
Teresa closed the door and stayed just inside the foyer.
She was a little hesitant, but Amanda chose an armchair, and then carefully smoothed the back of her dress before she sat. "Mrs. Connelly, I..."
"What is your name again?" Laura interrupted. "I believe I have forgotten you."
"We have never met. I am Amanda Black."
Laura abruptly stood up and headed for the liquor cabinet. "Would you like a drink?"
"No thank you, it is a little early for me."
"A soda then? Teresa would be happy to go to the kitchen."
"No thank you," said Amanda. "Mrs. Connelly, I would like to speak to you alone."