Read Online Riddle by Elizabeth Horton-Newton - Free Book Online

returned to the hostess station just as Ashlee came to take their order. When that business was completed Norma asked Kort about his plans for the day.
    As Kort talked about his interview with Chad he pushed Norma’s odd reaction to the back of his mind.
    “I heard Chad had his own construction business,” Norma said. “I don’t think I have even seen him around town in a couple of years. He must stay pretty busy.”
    Between bites of his bacon and eggs Kort again wondered if Chad realized who he had hired. “I guess if he hasn’t been told who I am he will be really surprised.”
    “I don’t think Chad ever thought you were guilty Kort.” Norma studied Kort’s face once again marveling at how much he had grown but still seeing the teenager who had left years before. “A lot of us were on your side.”
    For a moment Kort stared into his coffee cup watching the swirl of cream as the dark brew lightened. Looking up at Norma he smiled wryly. “Do you know how many people came to see me on visitor days?” He held his hand and made a round “o” with this thumb and pointer finger. “You know how many wrote to me?” He pointed at Norma. “One. You.” Looking away quickly he took a sip of his coffee before continuing. “Being incarcerated is a very unique experience. You’re locked up with a lot of other men but you are totally isolated. Even if you buddy up with another inmate or a group you have to watch your back. After a while whatever life you had on the outside becomes a fading memory.”
    “Kort I am so sorry. I always meant to…”
    He held up his hand to stop her. “I’m not telling you to make you feel sorry for me or make you feel guilty. I appreciated the letters, I really did.” He shrugged. “Life went on for everyone here. That’s normal. If I went away to college or moved away it would have been the same.” Grinning wryly he continued. “In a way that’s what I did. I just didn’t get to come home for holidays or school breaks.”
    “That’s not funny. And I do feel guilty. You know I have always cared about you Kort. In high school I always hoped we might, well…” Norma hesitated. “But you and Desiree were together and I knew I could never compete with her.”
    Wiping his mouth Kort leaned back from the table. “We were all very young Norma. Who knows what might have happened if things were different.”
    Norma bit her lip nervously then looked out the window. “Things are different now.”
    “They certainly are,” Kort agreed. “We’re grown up and Desiree is gone. Somewhere in this world the man who did kill her is walking around free and we will probably never know who he is.”
    Before Norma could respond Ashlee brought them the check. “Can I get you anything else?”
    As Kort reached for his wallet, Norma pulled out hers. “No way. This is my treat. You can get it next time.”
    Kort protested but gave in, chuckling as Norma handed her credit card to the server. Ashlee hurried away and Norma asked what was so funny.
    He pointed to her cell phone on the table and nodded in the direction Ashlee had gone. “I’m making a list of things I need to get so I can move into current times.”
    Norma laughed. “You haven’t missed anything believe me.” She picked up the cell phone and handed it to him. “This thing is a pain in the neck sometimes. It’s nice if I get lost going somewhere but it’s creepy to think my every move can be tracked.”
    Nodding, Kort handed the phone back to her. “My PO will probably love that.”
    After Ashlee returned Norma’s card they headed for the exit. Grace was standing at the hostess podium and smiled broadly at Kort. “Have a good day! It was nice to see you again.”
    “Same here. See you later.” As Kort walked Norma to her car she asked softly, “What’s the deal with her?”
    “Grace? What do you mean?” Rather than being annoyed with Norma he found her jealousy somehow exciting.
    “How do you know her?” Norma