Chapter 96 - Mother and Child Reunion

Cordell took control of Delia's laptop and began searching for clues. They both knew the men were still in Riverview.  Troy's picture was occasionally seen in a news story or he was mentioned. Being the Mayor, he can't exactly just disappear without an explanation.

Cordell started hacking into Troy's finances and saw a large cash withdrawal not long before Jewel went missing.  It was going slower than he thought but he was loving living here with his 'pretty lady' and really hoped she would warm up to him.

After more than two months of nothing, Delia was losing her patience. Cordell had found her wine cellar and regularly helped himself.  Delia also discovered he did still have some 'powers' which manifested themselves in a pink mist. He would float places and even magically clean the house for her.  She didn't mind that so much. But Delia was afraid he was stalling and was ready to have it out with him once again.

When she found Cordell, she saw he was once again enjoying a glass of wine. He quickly grabbed a glass and handed it to her as soon as he saw the look on her face. He knew she was going to be unhappy with him again. But he was making progress.  He was close to finding out where the men were hiding.

"Two weeks!" said Delia, "no more. After that you are out of here and I will just hide out and follow them. I don't know why you don't do that anyway."

"Ohhh, pretty lady, there is too much security around the military base where Sherman works and the City Hall where Troy works. The risk is too high that we will be spotted. You will lose Jewel forever should you do such a foolish thing. Please know that I am close.  It looks like he paid cash for a hideout. I just need to find the real estate transaction that matches up. I am close to getting into the tax records to find out the ownership. Of course he probably didn't buy it under his name. But I will search for the transaction. It just takes time. Please be patient. I will get the pretty baby for my pretty lady very soon and then you will love me just like you love her."

Love you?  Never in a million years! thought Delia as she took a drink and said, "Don't count on it Genie....you just better hope you come through soon or there will be hell to pay."

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Two weeks later Troy was still trying to keep his relationship with Sherman intact. He was so lucky to have found him. They were perfect together. Sherman was down to earth and solid where Troy was sometimes reckless. They still had not gotten married much to Troy's dismay.

Sherman got home from work and went to find his lover. He found him just where he thought he would. In Jewel's room. He spent almost every waking moment with that child. Troy, why can't you see that this child is destroying our relationship? he thought to himself. Maybe if I make a romantic dinner for us we can spend the night together like we used to. "Troy, how about I make us some dinner and you take a break while the baby naps and we can have some alone time?" asked Sherman sweetly.

Troy was relieved Sherman wasn't angry and figured he had better not mess this up. "Sherm, I am sorry," said Troy, "I don't mean to ignore you, she just is so needy and I am really tired after seeing to her all day. But, yes, that sounds really nice. Thank you for hanging in there with me."  Then he kissed his lover.

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Cordell came running out to the pool where Delia was trying to relax and take her mind off of things yelling excitedly, "Delia! Pretty Lady! I think I have found it!"  Then he handed her a glass of wine as had become his normal peace offering.

"Found what? The hideout?" asked Delia.  Cordell bobbed his head up and down. "Oh God, where, where is it?  Let's go!"

"No, love, not let's go. I will go. You must stay here. Sit by the pool and relax. You shall soon be reunited with your daughter. Hah - like the song - Mother and Child Reunion - No? Now, if you will excuse me, I must be off . If things go well, I will be back within 2 hours. "

Delia almost laughed and hugged him but held herself back. She would NOT give him that satisfaction nor did she want to encourage his ridiculous fantasies about the two of them. That just wasn't going to happen.

"Okay, then go - call me when you find them - I won't be able to stand it otherwise. Hurry."

Delia watched as Cordell excitedly ran off in a pink mist. She just hoped no one saw.

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