Lost and Found (A Novel) by Kathy Adams Page A

herself. Perhaps it was also the fact that Wynne himself was having the time of his life that coaxed Caelie slightly out of her shell. Most of the people had already left except for a few who stayed back to clear the mess. Walking with Alex towards their cubicle to get their belongings, Caelie suddenly remembered that she was still wearing Alex’s blazer and promptly took it off.
     
    “Here Alex, thank you for lending me your blazer.” Smiling, she extended the blazer towards Alex.
     
    “It’s okay, you can keep it.” Alex said casually as she pushed the blazer back towards Caelie.
     
    “Huh?”
     
    “I said it’s yours.” Alex smiled and went to grab her things from her desk.
     
    “No, I can’t take it. This looks expensive. Besides it still seems almost new.” Caelie tried to get the blazer into Alex’s hands but she just crossed her arms and frowned at Caelie.
    “Do you mean to say I can only give away things that look old? Gosh Caelie, do you think I’m that bad? Besides the blazer fits you perfectly. It’s yours and that’s it. Take it as a congratulatory present from your mentor if you must but I am never taking it back. If you don’t want it, just throw it away.” Alex shrugged as she slung her bag over her shoulders.
     
    Caelie looked at Alex aghast. “Of course I want it.” She said, hugging the blazer protectively against her chest. There was no way she would throw away things that people had graciously given to her. Satisfied with Caelie’s response, Alex smiled and gave a victory sign. Waving her hands, she walked away, causing Caelie to chuckle.
     
    Caelie turned to her desk and began packing up her things. Her phone rang then and she picked it up distractedly without looking at the caller id. “Hello?”
     
    “Caelie? It’s Uncle Wilburn.” A familiar male voice spoke from the other line.
     
    “Yes, Uncle Burn. Is everything alright?” Caelie asked anxiously, the weird feeling returning to her.
     
    “I’m afraid not Caelie.” Caelie felt herself stiffened as she heard this. “Can you come here as fast as you can?” Caelie was momentarily numbed. All sorts of thoughts ran through her head at what could have possibly gone wrong so much so that Wilburn had to call her. She could hear him saying her name over the phone but she was unable to respond as she was held speechless. “Caelie? Are you there? Listen honey, I need you to stay calm and drive safely down here. Annetta needs you.” That was all she needed to hear. Annetta needed her. In a flash, Caelie was practically running out of the office, down the elevator and out to her car parked by the curb.
     
    Turning her ignition key for the fifth time, Caelie prayed hard that her car would start up. The engine spluttered slightly but refused to function. Banging the steering wheel, Caelie leaned back on her seat, sobbing profusely. Annetta’s house was a long ride away and she did not know whether she could make it in time. “Please wait for me Annetta.” She pleaded silently to herself. Getting out of her car, Caelie kicked her front tire in frustration and looked at the almost empty street for any signs of a cab, her anxiety growing with each passing minutes. Almost giving up hope, Caelie sat by the roadside, crying her hearts out. A slight drizzle had already formed, as if the sky was crying with her.
     
    The sound of engine revving broke through Caelie’s melancholy causing her to look up with hope. A black and silver sports bike that she knew belonged to Wynne stopped in front of her. A helmet covered face turned towards her and as the rider pushed up his visor, a pair of grey eyes searched her tear-stricken face questioningly. Pushing aside any apprehension she felt towards Wynne, Caelie looked pleadingly at him. “I know it is too much to ask but could you give me a ride into the countryside Mr. Grant?” She said in between sobs. Wynne just stared back at her. “Please Mr. Grant, I need to get there fast