Never Look Back Read Online Free PDF

dessert's lid, Rob grabbed his keys and raced out the door, without having even one sip of tea.
    Twenty minutes later, Rob studied Ginny's Delights pastry shop. It's bright neon lights and light brown tables displayed a modern twist. The place looked like a favorite hangout among young women. He glanced at the selections.
    A clerk with strawberry blond hair smiled at him. "Want to try our special? Fruitcake for the holidays."
    Rob pointed to the mousse. "I'm more of a chocolate kinda guy."
    She punched in the cash register. "You made the right choice. That's three dollars."
    He dug in his pocket, pulled out dollar bills, and handed them to her.
    "How long has this place been here?" He studied the surroundings noticing more women than men.
    She sliced the mousse and put it on a plate. "Family business." Tying her hair in a bow, she added. "Been here for as long as I can remember."
    Taking the tray from her, he asked, "Now why does that sound so bad?"
    Pursing her lips, she said, "Trust me, when all you see is sugar every day, you'd wanna shift to salt."
    Rob nodded. "Nice one."
    She winked.
    He headed to the corner table and indulged in his chocolate mousse. Another young lady who looked like the woman's sister brought a batch of cupcakes to the table next to his  He could barely hear voices from the back. Maybe he would come again tomorrow and pretend to be working on his projects. The lady seemed nice, and she might be able to help him. After all, this was his only lead.

Chapter 6
    When the driver fled that evening, he left behind his watch on the counter, whether intention or not, she thanked God he did and it had a date listed. December twenty-third. At least she had clean clothes and blankets. The first thing she did was wash her hair. She stayed in the shower as long as she could imagine allowing the strong pressure to heat her body. Mr. redhead had been kind enough to bring her lotion and a razor. All these special treatment meant a lot to her. But then she pinched herself. She couldn't let her guard down. They obviously wanted something from her.
    Dana dried her hair with the towel and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Pale and sunken cheeks stared back at her. Will she ever get out of here?
    ***
    “You’re here again,” the lady at the pastry shop greeted Rob the next afternoon as he sat on the same table working on his laptop.
    The café was empty, hopefully the perfect time to gather information and clues. He nodded. “Yeah, thought I’d try the mango parfait for a change.”
    “Stacy Kestav.” She leaned closer to check the screen. “Wow, did you take these photos?”
    “Rob.” He extended his hand. “Yup.”
    Her eyes glimmered. “You’re an amazing photographer. I’ve never seen such beautiful work.”
    Rob grinned. Although Stacy wasn’t tall or thin like a model, she had a refreshing face with light freckles on the bridge of her nose. Her green eyes lighted up when she smiled, and her strawberry blond hair looked smooth and silky. She reminded him of a younger Dana when he met her almost a decade ago. “Thank you. Perhaps I can take photos of you as well.”
    Stacy titled her head to the side. “Oh, but I’m no match to those models.” She covered her face.
    “Trust me, this…” He pointed to the screen. “It's all airbrush, make up, and proper lighting. You have natural beauty.”
    Stacy giggled.
    A short feisty looking woman from the back appeared. She settled her cold stern eyes on Rob. “Stacy. I’ve been calling you,” she said in a harsh Russian accent.
    Stacy pursed her lips. “I’m sorry, just give me a minute.” She nodded to Rob, who slipped her a business card.
    “Call me.” To the woman, he said, “I would love to take photos of your pastries. I’m a photographer.” He rose from his seat.
    The woman nodded. “Not, today, very busy baking. You make appointment some other time.”
    Rob nodded. “Okay.” He sat back on his chair and continued to answer emails