11.

A week after Halloween, Jacqueline found herself standing at the entrance to Happy Sunshine Retirement Community. It was the worst name she'd ever heard, and she hated to think that this was really a place people sent their family members to retire.

As far as she could tell, though, this was where Zeke — the real Zeke, anyway — had a father living under the name of Alexander.

Jacqueline introduced herself to the front desk worker whose name badge said RENEE in faded white letters.

"I'm here to see my uncle Alexander," she lied easily.

"Name?"

"Jack."

For some reason, she wanted to use the name she had given Zeke. Ever since he'd given her the best night of her life, Jacqueline had viewed herself more as a "Jack" than a "Jacqueline."

"Sure thing. Just sign in here." Renee tapped a notepad on the counter, and handed Jack a black pen. Jack sprawled her name on the paper, and handed the pen back.

"Perfect. Let's go."

Renee led Jack down the hall to a small community space. Jack observed the room, which was filled with couches and chairs, and spotted several groupings of retirees. A few groups were laughing and telling stories, while other groups seemed to be playing cards.

"This is where everyone hangs out," Renee said.

"It seems like there are quite a few friend groups here," Jack pointed out the obvious.

"Oh yeah."

"Which one does Uncle Alex like to be a part of?"

"He's not," Renee said. She pointed to a corner, where an old man was sitting by himself in a large black armchair. He was staring out of the window, looking at the small pond in the back of the center.

"He's a loner, is he?"

"Absolutely," she nodded. "You want me to walk you over?"

"No," Jack said. "I'm good. Thanks," she added quickly before Renee had the chance to think Jack was being rude. "I've got this covered."

"You sure? It's been a long time since he had a visitor," she added, eyeing Jack suspiciously.

"Oh, you know, families are complicated," Jack said, quickly trying to come up with a believable lie. "Mom and Dad aren't on the best of terms with Alex, so it took me a while to convince them I should come see him," she said.

Apparently, this was the right move. Renee nodded sadly.

"I see that a lot," she said. "Well, let me know if you need anything." Then she turned, and she headed back to the front office.

Jack waited until she was out of sight, and then turned back to Alex. She was surprised to see him staring at her with the same deep eyes Zeke had stared at her with yesterday. Jack approached slowly, cautiously. Alex wore a black button-down, black slacks, black shoes, and had a folded blanket in his lap. He stared at her until she was standing in front of him, and then he spoke.

"Who the hell sent you?"