Chapter 51: A Favor To Ask.
David looked up from the papers he was reading and nodded. Of course, Carlson. What's on your mind?
Carlson sat down on one of the chairs in front of the desk, running his hands through his hair. I don't know, David, I just feel so lost. Rita will not even talk to me, and I don't know how to reach her "
David leaned back in his chair, a sympathetic expression on his face. " I know it's tough, Carlson. But you have to be patient. Rita's been through a lot, and she needs time to heal. "
Carlson nodded, feeling a sense of frustration." I know that, David. But it's hard to just sit back and do nothing. I feel like I am losing her, and I don't know how to stop it."
David leaned forward, his eyes locked on Carlson's. " Carlson, I want to tell you something. When Naome and I first got married, we faced alot of challenges too. We were young, and we didn't know how to communicate with each other. We fought a lot, and there were times when we thought our marriage wasn't going to make it. "
Carlson's eyes widened in surprise. " Really? I had no idea."
David nodded." Yes, really. But we worked through our problems, and we came out stronger on the other side. And I think you and Rita can do the same thing. "
Carlson felt a sense of hope rising up in him, "Do you really think so, David?"
David nodded. "I do, Carlson. But you have to be patient, and you have to be willing to work through your problems with Rita. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end."
Carlson nodded, feeling a sense of determination rising up in him. He was going to fight for his marriage, no matter what it took.
Carlson stood up, feeling a sense of renewed purpose. Thank you, David. Just talking to you makes me feel better.
David smiled and stood up, clapping Carlson on the back." That is what father-in-law is for, son. Now go out there and fight for your marriage and don't give up, no matter what."
Carlson nodded, feeling a sense of determination. He was going to do whatever it took to save his marriage and find his daughter.
As he walked out of the study, Carlson felt a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. He was going to get through this, and he was going to come out stronger on the other side.
Carlson walked out of the house. Feeling a sense of renewed purpose. He was going to find away to reach Rita, and he was going to find away to bring his family back together.
As he walked to his car, Carlson's phone rang, breaking the spell of confusion and curiosity that had been over him. He looked at the screen and saw the name "Laura" flashing on it. His telecom investigator.
He answered the call, his mind still reeling from the mysterious conversation he had just had. "Laura, what's up?" he asked, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside him. "Have you got any information about my daughter?", Carlson asked.
"Carlson, I need to see you, "Laura said, her voice sounding urgent. "I need to discuss something important with you."
Carlson's instincts kicked in, and he felt a surge of curiosity. What could Laura possibly want to discuss with him? " Was it about his lost daughter Krista?. "Laura? Can't you tell me over the phone?"
But there was a pause at the other end of the line before Laura spoke up again. I would rather not discuss it over the phone, Carlson. Could we meet in person?"
Carlson hesitated for a moment before agreeing. " Okay, fine. Where do you want us to meet?"
" How about at the coffee shop on the fifth and main ?"
Laura suggested. I will meet you there at four P.M.
"Okay, Laura," Carlson said finally. I will see you at two P.M
As he hung up the phone, Carlson couldn't shake off the feeling that something big was about to happen. And he had a feeling that Laura was right at the center of it all.
Carlson arrived at the coffee shop on the fifth and main, his mind still reeling what exactly Laura wanted to tell him. He spotted Laura sitting at a table by the window, sipping on a cup of coffee.
As he approached the table, Laura looked up and smiled, "Hey, Carlson. Thanks for meeting me."
Carlson sat down across from her. " No problem, Laura. What is this about? You said you needed to discuss something important with me."
Laura took a deep breath before launching into her request. " Carlson, I need a favor. My cousin, Jennifer, is getting married next month, and I was wondering if you would accompany me to the wedding.
Carlson raised an eyebrow. " A wedding? Laura, I don't know if that's such a good idea. I am not exactly in the best place right now."
Laura reached out and put a hand on his arm. That's exactly why I want you to come with me, Carlson. You need to get out and start living again. And besides, it will be good for you to get your mind off things."
Carlson hesitated, unsure of what to say. But then Laura dropped a bombshell.
There is something else-Carlson, my ex-boyfriend Dave and Nina will be at the wedding and I really don't want to face him alone. "
Carlson's eyes narrowed. " Dave? What's the story with him?"
Laura sighed. "We dated for a few years, but it didn't work out as I had told you before. He is not a bad guy, but he can be a bit intense. And I am not really looking forward to seeing him again.
Carlson thought for a moment before nodding. "Okay, Laura. I will go with you to the wedding. But just as a friend, okay?"
Laura smiled, looking relieved. " Thanks Carlson. I really appreciate it.