“Is there anything I can help you with?” I smile at the woman. She smiles up at me.

“No. Thank you though.” She turns back to the old DVDs. Her hair, long, shinny, and coal black. I’m tempted to reach out and stroke it. Shorter than me by a foot, the woman can barely reach the top shelf. I grab the DVD she is reaching for and hand it to her.

“Looks like you need a little help. I’m Joe Robinson. The owner of this fine establishment. And you are?” I hold out my hand.

“Fae Lincoln.” She takes my hand and gives it a firm shake.

“Well I’ll be. My mother’s name was Fae. Isn’t that a coincidence?” Her eyes, a bright baby blue. Like a pond on a warm spring day. “I have some movies like that coming in. If you give me your address, I’ll send you a few for free.” I put on my best southern smile. Her smile hints at nervousness but she nods.

“It’s 1658 Quintin Ave. Do you want me to write it down for you?” She starts to reach into her purse.
“No need!” I tap the side of my head. “My memory is like a fox. Pleasure to meet you Fae Lincoln. I’ll make sure to send those DVDs when they come in.” I wink and watch her walk towards the cheek-out. My eyes follow her every movement. My brain records every move, every step, and every turn. She leaves the store and looks back through the glass windows. I smile and wave. She does the same. I watch her cross the street and enter the book store. Dale’s Used Books. I’ve never liked Dale.
An hour after closing time, I lock the front door and climb into my rusty, old Volkswagen. I roll my shoulders then start the car. I turn left on Ridgeview then a right on Madison. I find myself on Quintin. I slow down and look at the houses. Then I find it. 1658 Quintin Ave.
Cute little thing it is. A bright yellow color with dark green shutters. The front porch light is on. I see a shadow move past the top right window. I feel the sensation again. She’s the one. The next one on my list.
I speed away before her neighbors get suspicious. I pull into my garage and close the door behind me. I climb out the car and crack my fingers. I lock my car and enter my home. “Hey there Wilkins! Did you miss me?” I pick up the fat orange and white cat. He purrs and rubs against my chin. “Daddy’s got some work to do kitty. I’ll get you some food in a minute.” I place the cat on the counter then open the door to my basement.
I pull the chain and the single light bulb brightens up my work desk. The light sways with the light bulb. Above the desk is a bulletin board covered in papers. Not just any papers though. Five pictures go in a circle around the middle. All young women with black hair and blue eyes. I smile at each of them. “Did yall miss me?” I smile and sit down at the desk. “I got a new friend for yah.” I pull out an unkempt stack of paper and find a clean piece. I start to write.
Fae Lincoln, around early twenties, short, black hair and blue eyes. 1658 Quintin Ave.
I pin it to the board and smile. “She sure is something girls. Just like all of you.” I sit back and smile at the photos.
I wake up when the phone on my nightstand rings. I close my eyes and hold it to my ear. “Hello?” My voice cracks.
“Hey boss. That new set of DVDs just came in, what do you want me to do with them?” The voice is from Doug Nickels. A sixteen year old working for me part time.
“Just leave them on the counter. I’m on my way.” I sit up half asleep and slip into my old blue jeans.
Fog rolls over the ground like a white blanket. I take in a deep breath and smile. “Another beautiful day isn’t it Joe?” I look to my left. Logan Carson is sitting on his front porch like always. The newspaper in one hand and a cup of Joe in the other.
“It sure is Logan!” I wave and pull out of my drive way. “See ya latter buddy!” I honk my horn. He smiles and waves at the back of my car.
Without thinking, I go down Quintin and drive slowly by 1658. The car isn’t in the drive way. I drive down the street and park my car. I walk casually to her house and make sure none of her neighbors are looking. I quickly climb out and look under the welcome mat. Right in the middle is the front door key. I unlock the door then lock it behind me.
The living room is simple and cute. Underneath the front windows is a tan colored couch and a coffee table is right in front of it. A small box T.V sits in the corner of the room. I walk down the hall and come to a bed room. Green blankets are neatly folded at the foot of the bed. A chest is in front of the bed and a vanity is beside a walk in closet. On the nightstand is a photo of her and another woman. I pick it up and run my finger over her face. I pull the photo out of the frame, fold it, and then shove it in my back pocket. Quickly, I exit the home and walk down the street to my car. I look in my rearview mirror and smile. I pull away and head to my store.
“Took you long enough. There’s the box of DVDs.” Doug nods at the brown box at the end of the counter.
“Thanks Doug. I know a lady who would love to see these.” I pick up the box.
“Another girl a day isn’t it Boss?” I roll my eyes.
“No it isn’t. I’m just showing her the movies. That’s all.” I open the door with my foot and place the box in the passenger’s seat.
I ring the doorbell and wait. I hear the door unlock then Fae’s smiling face is looking up at me. “Here’s the DVDs I promised. May I come in?” Her smile fades a little but she steps aside. “Cute little home you’ve got here.” I place the box on the coffee table then sit down on the couch. She wrings her hands together then sits down beside me.
“Have you lived here long Mr. Robinson?” I raise my eyebrow but nod. “Is there anyone here that would . . . break into someone’s home?” I throw my head back and laugh.
“I bet there is someone that does that but I don’t know anyone of that description. Why do you ask?” She shrugs then pulls the box towards her.
“No reason. How long can you rent them to me?” I smile kindly at her.
“As long as you want Miss Fae. As long as you want.” She smiles.
“That’s very nice of you Mr. Robinson.” She picks up the box. I follow her to her bed room.
“Well that’s a first. I’ve never seen a frame without a photo before.” I pick up the frame and smile. Her cheeks turn a dark red.
“I didn’t think you would notice.” She takes the frame from me and places it back on the nightstand.
“A photo of you and a friend perhaps? Or maybe family?” She places the box on her bed.
“It was me and my best friend Patty. I don’t know who would steal a photo and nothing else.” I shrug and shove my hands into my pockets.
“Maybe it’s a secret admirer.” I wink. She smiles.
“I highly doubt that Mr. Robinson.”
“Please, call me Joe.” Her smile grows and she nods.
“Then call my Fae.” I smile my biggest smile.
“Alrighty then. I best be on my way Fae. Just drop by the store whenever you get the chance.” She leads me to the front door.
“You’re such a nice man Joe.” She gets on her tippy toes and plants a kiss on my hairy cheek.
“Aw shucks ma’am. You’re going to make me blush.” I smile. I take a deep bow then walk to my car. As I pull out of her drive way, she waves at me from her front porch. I wave back then speed home.
I pin her picture in the middle of the circle. I had cut out her friend. She wasn’t special like Fae. I sit back in my chair and smile at my wall of beauty.
A few weeks later.
A newspaper is thrown onto a front porch. Underneath the headline is a photo of a young, black haired and blue eyed girl. I smile and place the newspaper in the passenger seat. I drive down the street then turn onto Quintin Ave. On the front door of her house is a poster. Missing! Fae Lincoln. Age 23. If you see her please call 390-662-4482. I grin and drive to work.
“Morning Boss.” Doug doesn’t look up when I enter. “Did you read about that woman who went missing?”
“It’s a shame. A young woman like that disappearing.” I close my eyes and shake my head. “I hope they find her. I sure do.” I start organizing shelves.
The bell over the door rings. I turn and smile at the customer. She’s young, has short black hair and bright blue eyes. “Can I help you?”