Lexi

Three Years Later

I ran my fingers in my hair, pushing it away from my face as I worked on entering the revenue and purchase receipts into Roxanne’s logbook. All are manually written, and then they are all entered into a computer program to verify that the numbers are as they should be. I’m so grateful she showed Jenna how she runs Dagger Designs behind the scenes, or else I’d be lost. Two months since Rox has been missing, and I’m starting to lose hope that she will ever be found. Whether Rox is found or not, I am a co-owner of the salon — officially signed the paperwork shortly before she went missing — I will not let this business go under. If she’s not found, I feel honour bound to keep the salon running in her memory.

“Lexi.”

I looked up to see Nico. He strolled into the office and plopped down in a chair. He looked ragged. His suit was wrinkled, his hair unkempt like he’d been running his hands through it for hours, bags under his eyes were far too dark to be normal, and a five o’clock shadow covered his jaw. I swear he didn’t have any facial hair when Roxanne was still around.

“Nico.” I said softly. “You look like you haven’t slept.”

“I got a couple of hours.” He admitted running a hand over his face. “I keep seeing her face whenever I close my eyes.”

“Still, you should really try to sleep longer. You won’t be able to function properly at this rate.”

“I’ll sleep soundly when I have Roxanne back in my arms.”

I frowned. “Nico.”

“Don’t, Lexi.” Nico held up a hand. “What can I do to help?”

I handed Nico an inventory sheet. When Roxanne disappeared, Nico had disappeared, desperate to find his fiancée. In time, he’s resurfaced. The leads he was following had dwindled, and I started to see the despair creep into his eyes. Nico would spend time at Dagger Designs as a way to keep Roxanne close, so I gave him small tasks to keep him busy. It also benefitted me.

Nico reached for the paper when his phone made a sound. He pulled it out and sat a little straighter. He immediately dialled someone.

“Where?” He demanded, pausing for an answer. “I’m on my way.”

“Nico?” I questioned as he stood.

“There’s been a sighting. I’m going to check it out.”

He was gone before I could warn him. This was Roxanne’s fifth sighting in two months, each one a false lead. Every time Nico’s hopes were raised, they were squashed by disappointment. Please, no more false leads. I mentally prayed. I don’t know if his heart will survive another disappointment. I don’t know if I can take any more false hope. I haven’t had time to grieve the void Roxanne made when she was kidnapped.

I leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling. “Where are you, Rox?”

I looked at the door at the sound of footsteps. Barbara came into view, and I welcomed her into the office. I forced a smile, needing to be strong for those around me. If we all broke down, then none of us would be able to move forward.

“Barb! This is unexpected.”

“I just saw Nico rush out of here.” She stated, hopefully. “Has Rox been found?”

 “Not yet.” I shook my head. “He says there’s a sighting, but nothing has been confirmed.”

“Oh.” Her shoulders fell. “Do you have a minute?”

“Of course.” I came around the desk to hug her. “Do you need more help with the wedding?”

“Actually.” Barb took my hands and looked at the floor nervously. “It’s just, um, with Roxanne, um.”

“Missing?” I supplied when she began to trail off.

“Yeah.” Tears filled Barbara’s eyes. “Missing.”

I squeezed her hands, encouraging her to continue. Barb and Rox have been best friends since middle school. This void of Rox’s kidnapping has hit her hard, especially with her wedding coming up fast, and Roxanne was part of the bridal party. Barbara and I had become friends thanks to Roxanne, so I offered to help with the wedding.

“I really want Rox at my wedding.” Barb choked out. “If she’s not, could you take her place?”

“Barb.” I said softly, knowing how hard it was to ask.

She looked up at me, pleading with those caramel eyes of hers. Seeing the gap in the bridal party may crush her more than knowing Roxanne won’t be there. How could I say no?

“Sure.” I agreed, finding that my voice was getting stuck in my throat. “I’ll do that for you.”

“Thanks.”

We fell silent. I hope Tyler or Nico can find Roxanne before Barbara has to walk down the aisle. Barbara mumbled that she had to leave and gave me another hug. I watched her go, wishing there was more that I could do.