Missing in Cancun

Copyright © 2017 by Ronald Durbin.

Library of Congress Control Number:     2017916476

ISBN:                   Hardcover               978-1-5434-5943-2

                              Softcover                 978-1-5434-5944-9

                              eBook                      978-1-5434-5945-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/20/2017

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CONTENTS

Saturday, September 2, 2000

Sunday, September 3, 2000

Monday, September 4, 2000

Tuesday, September 5, 2000

Wednesday, September 6, 2000

Thursday, September 7, 2000

Thursday, September 14, 2000

Wednesday, September 20, 2000

Thursday, September 21, 2000

Wednesday, September 27, 2000

Monday, October 2, 2000

Friday, November 3, 2000

Saturday, November 4, 2000

Friday, November 10, 2000

Friday, December 8, 2000

Friday, December 15, 2000

Friday, December 22, 2000

Monday, December 25, 2000

Tuesday, December 26, 2000

Wednesday, 27 December 2000

Sunday, December 31, 2000

Monday, January 1, 2001

Saturday, February 3, 2001

Wednesday, March 28, 2001

Friday, May 4, 2001

Saturday, May 5, 2001

Sunday, May 7, 2001

Friday, August 24, 2001

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Friday, September 21, 2001

Saturday, September 22, 2001

Wednesday, September 26, 2001

Thursday, September 27, 2001

Saturday, September 29, 2001

Sunday, September 30, 2001

Monday, October 1, 2001

Tuesday, October 2, 2001

Wednesday October 3, 2001

Thursday, October 4, 2001

Friday, October 5, 2001

Monday, October 8, 2001

Wednesday, October 10, 2001

Thursday, October 11, 2001

Saturday, October 13, 2001

Sunday, October 14, 2001

Thursday, October 18, 2001

Sunday, October 21, 2001

Sunday, October 28, 2001

Monday, October 29, 2001

Tuesday, October 30, 2001

Wednesday, October 31, 2001

Tuesday, November 13, 2001

Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Saturday, November 17, 2001

This book is

dedicated to my siblings and their better halves.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2000

Jack couldn’t sit still. His daughter’s flight was ten minutes late, and he didn’t like it. He was able to control most things around him. He was the CEO of his own company, and people hopped when he told them to. Jack’s company owned 25 percent of Americana South, but he couldn’t get the plane to land any quicker.

Sara and two friends had gone to Cancun their last week of summer break. Wednesday of next week, she would begin Freshman Orientation at New York City University. His little girl had grown up while he was amassing a small fortune. This week taught him that his time with his daughter was very limited, and he needed to enjoy these next few years because after college, she could end up anywhere.

Now the plane was twenty-seven minutes late. Jack tried pacing, but that didn’t make the plane come down either. He walked to the window to look again, only to be staring right at it. Others began to move around to prepare to greet their family or friends. Some held up signs with names. Jack didn’t have to get ready. He was ready to give his big girl a hug and offer supper to her two friends.

Jack had a driver, but he had given Tony the night off. He wanted to drive his daughter home and not worry about making Tony work extra. He had agreed to take Jessie and Mel home as well. This would be a fun night. Victor would have to hold down the fort on Monday because Jack would be staying home Sunday and Monday. But tonight he was going to have dinner with his daughter and her friends. Kate was at a fund-raiser for New York kids at risk, so she wouldn’t be joining them.

As his mind raced on, people passed. Others got hugs. A few of the sign people found whom they were looking for, but Sara hadn’t come out of the walkway. Just when he moved to ask if that was everyone, he saw a movement. It was Mel. Her hands were covering her face, and she wouldn’t look at Jack. He moved to her, slowly. She seemed to be in another world. When he spoke, she didn’t hear. Gently, he took her wrist and asked, What’s happened, Mel? Where are Jessie and Sara?

Mel only made a whimpering noise while not removing her hands. Jack saw that there was a real problem. He asked to verify that Jessie and Sara were not on the flight. Jessie and Sara had not gotten on the flight in Cancun.

I’m going to need an office. Something has happened, and we don’t need to stay out here in the open. Also, book me a ticket on the return trip.

Yes, Mr. Fitzgerald. Follow me, please. Alice led Jack and Mel to a private office just a few steps away.

Jack gently put his arm around a sobbing Mel. She now clung to him as if he were a big teddy bear. When they reached the office, Alice let them go in and then said, If you need anything, I’ll be right outside the door.

She wasn’t expecting Jack to say anything, but he did. Alice, bring Mel some water, and I’m going to need a martini.

Yes, sir.

Jack pulled out his cell phone and dialed Victor.

Caller ID told Victor Madden that his friend and boss was calling. This would not be a social call at this time of the evening. Hello, boss. Just can’t get along without me, huh?

Yes, Victor. You guessed it. I need a favor. I’m at JFK, and Sara didn’t come in on the plane. I’m going to fly down there and find out why. It’s not likely she would just miss her flight. Something’s really wrong. Mel came back, but she’s not talking yet. Anyway, I’ll need you to come here and take her home. Then you’ll need to tell her parents what you know. I need you to call Jessie’s parents as well and then let Kate know. I may be a few days. I’ll stay in touch with you and keep you updated. Yes, I’ll call Kate as soon as I know something. Are you getting this?

I’m on my way, Jack. Be careful. Don’t reveal too much to anyone about why you are there. Go low profile.

Good idea. Sorry, friend, for bothering you. I want you to put the jet crew on standby. We might fly home tomorrow. I just have no idea what’s going on. If the jet comes down, Kate might want to come. We just need to keep in touch.

I’ll take care of things here. If you don’t mind, I’ll give Frank a heads-up that you might be out of town for a couple of days.

Sounds good. Bye.

The lack of attention had allowed Melissa to recoup. Mr. Jack, I think I can talk with you now.

She revealed that Sara hadn’t come home like they had agreed. Mel and Jessie just thought Sara was fooling around. When she didn’t come home in the morning, they began backtracking. Then it was time to catch the plane. Mel left, and Jessie stayed to wait for Sara to show up. That’s all she could tell for the time being.

Most of the time, Kate and Jack lived in Glen Cove up on the northern beach area on Eastland Drive, but he also had an apartment in the city. Victor lived in Queens, so he would be arriving soon. Mel stayed with Alice while they waited for Victor to show up.

The flight to Cancun was too long. It allowed Jack’s mind to wonder about too many bad things that could have happened to his little girl. The third martini put Jack to sleep for the last hour. A tap on the shoulder told him it was time to put his tray up and his seat in the upright position in preparation for landing.

A limo was waiting for Jack as the plane landed. He didn’t have to clear customs at all. He went straight to the Grand Palace Hotel, a four-star hotel on the beach. His company also owned stock in the Grand Palace Hotel. He had the Presidential Suite at the regular room rate. Jessie knew he was coming and was there to meet him.

Jessie was really ready to see a familiar face. She ran to him and hugged him and held on and then said, Hi, Uncle Jack.

Hi, honey. How’re ya doin’?

I’m so worried. Sara would never do this. Something has happened to her … Jessie couldn’t talk. She cried like a little child cries after they fall. They wait until they’ve run into the house and are holding on to Mom to cry. Jack led her to a sofa, and they sat.

Jack just stroked her hair and waited. Jessie somehow felt responsible for her friend not returning. After she was all cried out, Jack still held her. We’ll get to the bottom of this tomorrow. For now, let’s go to bed. Have you called your parents?

Yes, sir.

Do you want to stay in your room, or do you want to come to my suite?

I’m okay. All my stuff is there.

Okay, Jessie. I’m going to make a few phone calls back home and then turn in. Good night.

’Night. Thanks.

After Jack checked in, he dialed Kate’s phone but wasn’t sure how she would be reacting.

Jack, where are you?

Victor should have told you that I was flying to Mexico. Mel didn’t know what had happened to Sara, so I’m here to find out.

Are you at the Palace?

Yes. I told Victor to get the jet ready to fly. When I know something, I’ll call. Go ahead and tell Jere that his sister is missing in Cancun and that I’m here to do whatever I can. I suggest not telling anyone else. Tell one or two people, but if this is a kidnapping, we’ll need to go low profile.

Do you want me to fly down tomorrow?

I really don’t know what else you could do, except be here for me. Jere starts school in a couple of days, so he needs to be there. It’s probably best if you stay there. It won’t feel good, but I think it’s the best thing.

You’re right. It doesn’t feel good, but I agree with you.

’Night, honey.

’Night.

Jack dialed Victor’s number, knowing he wouldn’t go to sleep until he had heard from Jack. Hello, Victor.

Hi, Jack. Mission accomplished here. We’ll hold the jet ready for a trip to Mexico. How are you doing?

Not good. I’ve started thinking about all of the things that could have happened to Sara, and none are good. I’m going to drink another martini and go to bed. We’ll start checking on things tomorrow.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2000

It wasn’t a good night. Jack kept his eyes closed, but he tossed and turned. He missed his daughter and was wondering what might have happened to her. But he was also evaluating his job as a father. He had provided a good lifestyle for his children, but he hadn’t been in the picture very often. Making his company successful had been the most important thing in his life. Even as a husband, he hadn’t really been there for Kate.

With the morning came a new Jack. The company would come second in his life from this point on. He would give his wife and children the attention they deserved. At this thought, he cried, knowing it was too late for Sara.

After a while, he rolled over and out of bed. He didn’t want the day to begin. Looking around Cancun would be great. The reason would be wrong. It was time to call Jessie.

Good morning, Jessie.

Good morning, Uncle Jack. I’m hungry.

Good. I’ll meet you in the café.

All right.

Jack loved young people, but he just hadn’t taken time to be with his. When he saw Jessie, she looked much better. Being a man, he didn’t know her makeup hid much of her concern. She came over and hugged him, and it made both of them feel better.

They were both hungry, and the restaurant buffet took care of them. Jack was amazed at how strong and good the coffee was. It wasn’t the coffee or the buffet, but there seemed to be something magical about Cancun. Jack didn’t know if it was the beach, the sun, the warm weather, or just what. But now it was time to implement the plan. The plan was to visit the local police station and talk only with the