Chapter 22
“Okay. That was weird. You don’t believe in all that, do you?” Michelle asked.
They were back at the hotel, where Michelle had insisted they go immediately after the incident at the voodoo shop. Michelle poured more red wine into Rachel’s glass and put another slice of leftover cold pizza, which Red had thoughtfully stored away in the mini-fridge, in front of her.
“I don’t know. It was definitely a unique experience.”
Rachel knew that Michelle was skeptical of the whole voodoo thing, just like Red was. Hell, she was skeptical, too. But Rachel desperately wanted to believe that Mallory was alive. It was always what she felt in her heart. She kept hope that one day they would be reunited. The most important thing was that Mallory was alive and well. From the information Rachel had gotten in Mexico about the illegal adoption ring, she had reason to hope that Mallory was with a nice family.
“The voodoo tour was fun and informative, but I was a little dubious of the whole cleansing thing.” Michelle drained the rest of her wine. “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
“You’re a good friend, and I appreciate you going along with me tonight.” Rachel knew it was probably all hocus pocus and she had probably passed out just from the heat of the day or from not having eaten enough. She had dreams of Mallory all the time, so how was this really any different? But, on the other hand, it couldn’t hurt to take Verdene up on her offer to help. “The conference ends tomorrow at noon,” said Michelle. “I can spend an extra day or two in New Orleans if you’d like some help with the O’Malley case.”
“Really? It would be nice to get to spend some more time with you. Plus, we could use all the help we can get.”
“Well, that settles it. I’ll call Jim and let him know that I won’t be home until Monday afternoon.”
Rachel finished up her cold slice of pepperoni and mushroom while Michelle called her husband.
“I’m all yours,” Michelle said, after she hung up the phone.
“Great. Can I ask you a favor?”
“Shoot.”
“Would you be willing to talk to Matt O’Malley tomorrow? Seeing as you’re willing to help, I’m hoping you can assist him with recovering his memory.”
“Of course. What exactly do you want me to do?” Michelle asked.
“Just talk to him. Maybe you can give him some exercises to help with his memory.” Rachel threw the entire pizza box and empty beer can away. “I would also like your professional opinion about him.”
“You think Matt is lying about the amnesia?”
Rachel shrugged. “At this point, I really don’t know. We don’t have much to go on.”
Michelle picked up her purse and her shopping bag. “Okay. I can meet you back here at the hotel around two o’clock?”
“Perfect. I’ll ask Matt if that will work for him.” Rachel gave Michelle a hug. “And thanks for tonight.”
“Not a problem. It was…an experience.”
As Rachel was getting ready for bed, her cell phone rang.
“Hey, Rachel, this is Matt O’Malley. Sorry for the late-night call. Do you have a sec?”
“Sure. I was going to call you in the morning. What’s up?”
“I met with the FBI earlier today.”
“Really? How’d that go?”
“That’s what I’d like to talk to you about. Can we meet tomorrow?”
“Remember the psychologist friend I talked to you about the other day? She said tomorrow would work if you’re willing to see her. We can talk afterward?”
“Give me the time and place. I’ll be there.”