I Will Always Find You: Chapter 5

By J.C. Hoffman

Kates assignment was to get close to one of the most famous drug-dealing families. She was unaware that she would be riding a zip line that would end up with an end she never saw coming. She glided through life with a man she truly loved, but to what end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546237112

J.C. Hoffman

J.C. was born and raised in Central New Jersey. She married her life time mate and moved to a small town on the Delaware River. There, together they raised three sons, Jerry, Scott, and Todd. J.C. claims them as her best accomplishment. While their children were still in school, J.C. finished her education and received her business management degree. After retiring, they moved to an even smaller town in Orrick Missouri where J.C spends her time doing what she enjoys the most, writing. This book is the second to be published by J.C.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sherry Green was traveling down the Parkway in New Jersey, headed for a five-day conference in Atlantic City. She was watching her speed, and the dark blue car, she had a feeling was following her. She would excel to 75 and then drop down to 55, and the car remained behind her. Maybe she was just being paranoid. She pulled off into one of the rest areas, and the car seemed to be gone. Old habits die-hard.

She went into the ladies room and looked into the mirror. She took a deep breath and a good look. She was thin enough for a 5’8" woman, weighing in at 120 pounds. She brushed back the hair that had fallen out of the scrunchy that held up her mousy brown hair. She had spent the last three years making herself plain. There was nothing outstandingly attractive about her looks now. Those days of being attractive were behind her. She only needed to blend into the rest of the world. She washed her hands and thought to herself, ‘If my friends could see me now.’

Why was she reflecting back on her life today? Had it been the thought that someone was following her. What a life it was. A fairytale come true. Prince Charming rode in on his white horse and gave her the life of a princess. The man of her dreams, her soul mate, and someone she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She had everything a woman could ask for. She had financial security in the arms of a man that adored her. Tears came to her eyes when she remembered all the happiness that one man had brought to her life. A love that was so deep that not even time could destroy the memories in her mind. That perfect world was destroyed, but not the feelings in her heart. She splashed water on her face to bring herself back to reality. She couldn’t keep dwelling on the past. She had to focus on the good things in her life. She would find him again if only in her dreams.

She continued on to Atlantic City. She pulled into the Trump Plaza Valet Parking area. An attendant had assured her that her luggage would be transported to her room. He instructed her to sign in at the lobby desk, and he would take care of the rest. She did as suggested.

She walked through the glass walkways to the lobby. She looked around at all the things that had changed and all the things that had remained the same. People walked by her like she wasn’t there. She admired the women who held onto the arms of the men they were with. Happy to be where they were. She always wished to be somewhere else. She had to learn to move on. She thought that after three years she was getting on with her life, but this trip to Atlantic City was bringing back so many memories that she was feeling more depressed with every step she took.

She paused as she walked past the entrance to the casino. She listened to the noises of the slot machines and the excitement of the strangers that were winning. If life were only that simple. It seemed as though everyone’s life was moving on, and hers was going backwards again. She did not want to be here. There was a part of her that wanted to turn around and run back home to the safety from a world she had shut out.

She walked on to the front desk.

Hi. Sherry Green. My company made reservations for me to attend the Human Resources Conference.

Yes Ms. Green. The woman behind the desk smiled. We have you booked into the penthouse for five nights.

Penthouse? Sherry questioned. This was very strange. She tried to shake off the feeling that the God’s were teaming up against her. Are you sure?

Sorry Ms. Green. A gentleman came out from behind her. We overbooked the hotel, so we need to upgrade you. I’m Frank, if you should need anything.

Frank. Sherry shook her head. Her paranoia was getting to her. Someone or something was sending her back into a life that had ended for her three years ago. You’ll make sure that my luggage makes it to the room?

Yes. He nodded his head. Anything else?

That will do for now. She took the key off the counter. I just need to pick some things up from the boardwalk.

She walked out of the lobby and on to the boardwalk. She walked past the Hard Rock Café and paused for a minute. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself. She was remembering moments that happened what seemed like a lifetime ago. Tears came to her eyes as she started to sway to the music that was only in her head. She continued to walk down until she found a fudge shop. She went in and bought a pound of peanut butter fudge, and a bag of white taffy. Then she walked back to the hotel.

It was a warm day, and there were a lot of people in bathing suits and shorts walking the boardwalk. She paused at one of the benches and stared out at the ocean. The wind from the ocean was blowing through her hair while the memories were blowing through her mind. A chill went through her body and she shook. People lying on the beach and enjoying the warmth of the sun and she was feeling a chill. Old memories die-hard and hers were still very much alive.

She got back to the hotel and went right to the elevator that she knew would take her to the penthouse. She got in and turned the key that would access the penthouse. The elevator door opened up to the penthouse suite. She left the lights out and walked in, throwing the bag with the fudge and the taffy on a chair to the right of her. She walked in and went over to the bar in the corner, and poured a glass of wine.

The suite was rather beautiful. The view from the windows was overlooking the ocean. She could see the waves breaking and the people enjoying the sun.

The room that she had entered had a full kitchen and an attached bar. A dining table that was set with good china and crystal as if anyone that stayed here would ever prepare their own meals or even know what a kitchen was for.

The rooms were lined with expensive carpeting that matched the cushions on the chairs in the dining area and the living room.

The living room had several couches and chairs that faced a rather large flat screen television. There was an additional dry bar in that room.

She wasn’t attempting to make it any further into the room.

Would you like one George? She sighed. I bought you your peanut butter fudge and white taffy. It’s on the chair.

How did you know? A light went on behind her. Your instincts are still sharp as a knife.

What do you want George? She turned around and glared at him. If looks could kill, he would have been dead in an instant.

We just need a little favor. He got up and walked over to her. We just need Kate to attend a meeting.

Right to the point. I could always count on you. Or should I say I could never count on you. Sherry drank her wine. What is this all about?

Kate. He tried to kiss her and she pushed him away. Need to know.

I need to know. She finished the wine and put the glass on the bar. Her heart was pounding and she really thought that it was going to come right out of her chest. I haven’t unpacked so I can just go home.

Do we really need to play these games? George opened the bag she had thrown on the chair and began to eat the taffy she had purchased. It would be a lot easier if you just went along with what I asked.

We both know where that got me. She poured another glass of wine. Kate hasn’t been active for over three years. Kate died three years ago. Remember?

She didn’t exactly die. George was now eating the fudge. He offered her a slice on the plastic knife that came with the fudge. She shook her head no. She didn’t die, she just became Sherry. Now Sherry has to become Kate again. There has always been a reason for that. You should have known that someday we would need you again.

What if my split personality doesn’t want to become Kate again? She motioned to George to give her a cigarette. I have such wonderful memories of how that all ended.

Your country needs you. He lit a cigarette for her and handed it to her. It’s what you were trained for.

I never really knew what I was trained for or what you were using me for. Tell me what my country needs from me. She took the cigarette and sat on the couch. No ‘need to know’ garbage. The truth for once.

When did you ever get the truth from this agency? He continued to eat the fudge. Thanks for the fudge and taffy. By the way, how did you figure out it was me?

I saw the car on the parkway. Sherry smiled. I know that Trump is not going to upgrade me to the penthouse, unless Uncle Sam is picking up the bill. You’re going to have to tell me sooner or later, what it is you want.

It’s a little complicated. George rubbed his forehead.

Why don’t you make it simple, or I’m walking out? Sherry smiled. There isn’t much more you can do to me that you haven’t already done. You wanted me to fade into the nothingness of the life I have. You’ve taken the best part of my life and smashed it, at your own will.

You need to get beyond that. George answered.

Yeah, right. Sherry laughed. That’s going to take a life time. It’s just not happening George. Why don’t we start with some tale of truth? Something I can believe, something you can make look good.

Chapter 2

Flash back to three years ago………

There is a bustle around the bank with several customers standing in line, waiting to be helped. When entering the bank, you first encounter three teller stations, situated in front of a hallway in the back, leading to the banks vault. Walking further into the bank, you will come upon a desk, in front of another locked gate, that leads back to offices.

Kate! Can you help Mr. Class? He needs to get in his safety deposit box.

He’s not going to fit. Kate comes walking around the corner and through the gate and walks over to the desk. The desk with the nameplate announcing that Kate Packston belongs there. We don’t have boxes large enough for people to get into them.

Not funny. The teller laughs.

Kate opens the drawer of her desk and takes out some keys. She then walks over to a file cabinet and pulls out a signature card. She turns around and waves a gentleman over to her desk.

Kyle Class comes walking over, which could resemble a strut or one of those slow motion commercials you see with the really sexy men in them. He has dark brown hair, never one out of place, with a copper tone complexion that sets off his very attractive powder blue eyes. His height is about 5’11", and he weighs is about 160 pounds. He’s dressed to be featured on the cover of GQ. With his very expensive Italian leather shoes, his always-perfect Armani suit, with the shirt that always matched perfectly with the silk tie. Every woman in the bank just stare as he walks by.

Good morning Mr. Class. How are you this morning? He looks up and smiles at her. If he only knew how that smile made her melt inside. She had to keep reminding herself that he was only a part of a job she was assigned. If you could sign right here and I’ll take you into the vault. She goes to hand him a pen and touches her hand to his. She could feel her heart pounding and knew she had to regain some kind of control. He looks up and smiles and uses his own pen. Follow me.

Anywhere? He smiles and the other tellers sigh and laugh.

She walked in front of Kyle giving everyone the evil eye as she passed. And mouthing to them to stop. She unlocked the door and led him into the vault. She placed her key into his safety deposit box and he placed his in and they tuned together. He finished opening the door and pulled out the box. He then walked over to a private booth that was right outside of the vault, entered and was about to close the door behind him. He turned around and smiled at her as he was closing the door.

I’ll be a few minutes. I’ll let you know when I’m done.

She smiled back, shook her head and walked back over to the teller area. You people need to be ashamed of yourselves. Kate shook her head.

When is he going to ask you out? One teller asked. Mr. Dream man, with all the good looks and all the money a woman could ask for.

You talking about me? Another male customer came walking around the corner.

Robert. Kate sighed and closed her eyes. Maybe he would go away before she opened her eyes. Go away.

Kate, when are you going to marry me? Robert went over to do a transaction with one of the tellers.

I told you. Kate laughed. When you put 10 million dollars in an account in my name alone, and divorce your wife first.

You’re breaking my heart darling. Robert swooned. Are you going to be here next Saturday for the famous, Milford bed races?

Yes, Robert. That’s a week away. Kate smiled. ’We’ are going to win this year. ‘You’ are going to be inhaling our dust this year. Kate was doing a little dance of victory.

That’s not a nice thing to say to your betrothed. Robert clutched his chest. Daggers to the heart.

Go away Robert. She turned around and Kyle Class was standing waiting to put his box back in the vault. Sorry Mr. Class. She walked back and opened the vault again.

What is the Milford Bed Races? Kyle asked.

A group of people, or a team make a bed, or something on wheels that might resemble a bed, and they race it, against other teams, down the center of the street. I believe that it was originally based on a hospital bed. You know, doctors and nurses pushing beds around. Racing around the hospital, only now in the streets of Milford, New Jersey. She turned and smiled. The ladies of the bank have convinced me that I should enter with them this year. It’s all for fun.

Like the old soap box races? He placed his box back in and turned and smiled at her.

Sort of. She smiled back shaking her head back and forth. Will that be all Mr. Class?

I’ve been coming to this bank on a regular basis for over 5 years, you’ve been helping me for the last six months, and do you think that you might call me Kyle? He smiled at her.

Kyle. She walked ahead of him out of the vault. You should come down on Saturday and watch the races. You can support our team.

Did you need money? He asked while he was trying to take his wallet out.

No. She smiled again. You can just shout and cheers us on. You can even help push the bed if you’d like.

Sounds like fun. He walked past her. I’ll see if I can clear my calendar. I should wear a doctor’s outfit, since I’m going to be pushing a bed?

Jeans. She wrinkled her face. Do you even own a pair of jeans?

Of course I own jeans. He wrinkled his nose at her. He was walking out the door when he turned around and smiled. Designer jeans.

Oh girlfriend, you got a date. The tellers were teasing her.

Don’t even start. He will never show up. Kate walks back to her desk, and stares at the screen on her computer. ‘Good job’, is written across the screen. Kate looks up into space, shakes her head, and hits the delete button.

It was almost a week later when Kate was sitting at her desk and two gentlemen in suits walked up to her desk.

Miss Packston? One gentleman cleared his throat.

Yes. Kate looked up. How can I help you? She stood up to greet them.

Agent Harris. He showed her a badge. This is agent Morris. FBI. We’d like you to open a safety deposit box for us.

Agent Harris is this your safety deposit box? She asked.

No ma’am. He shook his head. The box belongs to a Kyle Anthony Class. We would appreciate your cooperation Miss Packston.

I’m sorry. She shook her head. I assume that you do not have a warrant?

You assume correctly. He sat down. We are asking for your cooperation in this matter.

I’m sorry but you are not going to be able to open that box unless you have Mr. Class’s half key and then only with a warrant. I can contact our legal department, but I think that you are going to find the same answers from them. We could not get into the customer’s boxes even if we wanted to. The only other way is to have the box drilled and that requires witnesses, a notary and a lot of paperwork. Would you like me to call our legal department for you?

We want you to cooperate and open the vault where the safety deposit is. He leered at her. We want you to tell us which box it is, and we’ll take care of getting it open.

I’m sorry. Kate went to walk away. Let me get my manager for you.

Sit down Miss Packston. He insisted. We don’t want to make a scene. Sit down now!

I think you are going to have to arrest me. Kate leaned over her desk. I don’t know who you two think you are but you are not going to boss me around. So get your handcuffs out and we’ll finish this at the police station. Right now I’m going to call my lawyer, my legal department and then the local newspaper. Is that clear?

Get your manager, now!

That won’t be necessary. Kyle walked up behind them. You should have let me know fella’s I would have had lunch delivered.

Kyle. The men stood up. I guess it won’t make any difference if we look in that box?

No it won’t. Kyle smiled.

You emptied it? Harris shook his head.

There was never anything there. Kyle grinned. Let’s go back and see. Would you mind Miss Packston?

Not at all. She grabbed her keys, got the signature card, and led the three men to the vault.

She put her key in, Kyle put his in and the door opened. Kate went to leave.

If you don’t mind Miss. Packston, would you stay as my witness? Kyle pulled out the box and dumped it on the floor. There’s nothing in it. I wouldn’t want anyone to try and frame me by saying there was. There was nothing in it.

Let’s go. Harris motioned to Morris. I don’t know how you knew we were coming, but we will get you.

You can try your best. Kyle smiled. That’s what I pay my taxes for. So you can earn your salary.

Why would you rent a safety deposit box and have nothing in it? Morris laughed. Do you think we’re stupid?

The fact that I think you’re stupid has nothing to do with the safety deposit box. Kyle chuckled. You can look wherever you want. Let me embarrass myself, just for your benefit. I know that you need the entertainment. The only reason that I leave this box open is because I enjoy seeing this young lady. I have not had the courage to ask her out, so I come once a week and she helps me.

They left and Kate went to pick up the box.

You don’t have to do that. He bent over and they met on the floor. I really want to thank you for being here for me. Can I take you to lunch? Have you already eaten? Would it be all right for you to go to lunch with a customer? I’m babbling. You need to help me here.

That was a lame story. She stood up. You could have any woman you want. Why would they believe that you came here to see me? Be real.

I was telling the truth. Kyle put the box back and they both removed the keys. Will you honor me by having lunch with me? He bowed in front of her.

What’s in it for me? She snickered. Do I get to know what they were looking for?

No. He sighed. I have no idea what they were looking for. You are making me so sad. I’m going to go home and cry.

All of a sudden there was shouting from the lobby. Kate my love, where are you? You can’t let that young good looking man turn your head. You have to marry me.

Robert. She closed her eyes. Let me shut off my computer and grab my purse.

They both exited the vault and the bank as fast as could be. Robert was yelling in the background and the tellers were all laughing.

They decided to run down the road to the Ship’s Inn to avoid Robert following them.

Kyle requested a table by the windows that overlooked the creek with ducks.

Your usual, Mr. Class. The waiter asked.

I think the young lady needs to look at the menu. Kyle shook his head. Would you like something to drink?

Earl Grey Tea, please. Kate answered. What is your usual?

It’s a special meat pie that the chef prepares for me. Kyle lowered his head a little. I know that you might think that I eat all these exotic foods, and have all these Chef’s preparing food for me, but I really am a down to earth person.

Two of the Kyle specials will be fine. Kate handed the menu to the waiter. She was staring out the window at the ducks.

You like animals? Kyle asked.

Most. She smiled. Sometimes I bring my dog down here and we feed the ducks.

You have a dog? Kyle seemed nervous.

Oh yea. Kate smiled. The love of my life.

Not Robert? Kyle chirped.

Robert is nowhere close to the love in my life. She growled.

All of a sudden Harris and Morris came over to the table.

Mr. Class, you need to come with us. Morris motioned for Kyle to get up. We can do this with a scene or without.

With or without? Kyle looked at Kate. Then he stood up. Can you post bail?

Need an attorney? Kate stood up to walk out. Robert’s an attorney.

He’ll let me rot. Kyle laughed.

Chapter 3

Saturday comes. The bank employees are all standing next to their bed, in front of the Milford Post Office. A piggy bank shaped box, covered with all the brochures and sheets advertising the bank and its latest mortgage rates, CD specials, free checking and home equity line of credit rates. Everyone is putting their last minute touches on their bed when all of a sudden all eyes are focused across the street. The loud engine noise coming from a shiny black Lamborghini ends when the side door is raised up and Kyle steps out on one side and another man from the other side. It seems like every woman on the street is staring and watching a slow motion movie, as he closes the door, the alarm chirps, and he walks toward the Pig shaped bed. The second man stayed by the car watching every move Kyle made.

He waves to the ladies of the bank as he continues to walk. Am I too late?

No. Everyone shouts. Kate just smiles. We need to get you a T-shirt.

I’ll take this shirt off. He starts to unbutton his shirt.

Oh my God let me help! One of the older ladies offers as she runs to unbutton the rest of his shirt.

I’ve been undressing myself for a few years. He smiles at her. I think I can handle it.

All the women, up and down the street are now cheering and whistling. He throws his shirt into the crowd and the women start to grab at it.

One of the women from the bank hands him a T-shirt advertising the bank, and he puts it on. One of the women from the crowd yelled, More, please. Kyle put his hands in the air and then put one hand in front of his waist and the other behind his back and takes a bow. He then walked over to Kate.

You really know how to make an entrance. She smiled. "No police escort today? You got rid of your federal agents or are they lurking somewhere close?

I’m really a shy person. He raised