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Theoneyou’rebornwith
andtheoneyoumakePARTIPlans
It’sabadplanthatcan’tbechanged
—PUBLILIUSSYRUS
Tobehappyathomeistheultimateresultofallambition.
—SAMUELJOHNSONChapterOne
Herdreamsandgoalsweresimpleandfew.Asaformerarmybrat,MorganAlbrightspentherchildhoodmovingacrosscountriesandcontinents.Herroots,directedbyherfather’swork,grewshortandshallowtoallowforquicktransplanting.Frombasetobase,fromhousetohouse,statetostate,countrytocountryforherfirstfourteenyears,beforeherparentsdivorced.
She’dneverhadachoice.
Forthethreeyearsfollowingthedivorce,hermotherhadpulledherfromplacetoplace.Asmalltownhere,abigcitythere,lookingfor…Morganhadneverbeensure.
Atseventeen,closinginoneighteen,she’ddugthoserootsupherselftoplantatcollege.Andthereshe’dexploredthosegoalsanddreamsandchoices.
Shestudiedhard,focusedinonadoublemajor.Businessandhospitality—choicesthatleddirectlytoherdream.
Plantingherself.Herownhome,herownbusiness.
Herown.
Shestudiedmaps,neighborhoods,climate,whilenarrowingherchoicesonjustwheretoplantthoserootsonceshe’dearnedthosedegrees.Shewantedaneighborhood,maybeoldandestablished,closetoshops,restaurants,bars—people
Andonedayshe’dnotonlyownherownhome,butherownbar.
Simplegoals.
Withthosedegreeshotinherhand,shesettledonaneighborhoodoutsideofBaltimore,Maryland.Oldhouseswithyards,and,asyettobegentrified,soaffordable.
She’dworkedherwaythroughcollege,waitingtables,thentendingbarwhenshe’dhittwenty-one.Andshe’dsaved.
Herfather—theColonel—didn’tmakehergraduation.Andthoughshe’dgraduatedwithhonors,hesentnoacknowledgmentofheraccomplishments.
Ithadn’tsurprisedher,assheknewshe’dsimplyceasedtoexistforhimevenbeforehissignatureonthedivorcepapersdried.
Hermotherandhermaternalgrandparentsattended.Shehadn’tknownitwouldbethelasttimeshe’dseehergrandfather.Arobustseventy,anactiveman,ahealthyman,hediedthewinterafterhergraduation.He’dslippedoffaladder.Oneslip.Here,thengone.
Eveninhergrief,itwasalessonMorgantooktoheart.
Helefthertwentythousanddollarsandmemories,asprecious,ofhikingtheGreenMountainsofVermontonsummervisits.
Withthemoney,Morganmovedoutofhertinyapartmentandintoasmallhouse.Herhouse.Onethatneededwork,buthadayard—thatneededwork.
Thethreesmallbedrooms,twotinybathsmeantshecouldtakeinahousematetooffsetthemortgage,helppayforthatwork.
Andsheworkedtwojobs.Shetendedbarfiveorsixnightsaweekataneighborhoodbar,ahappyplacecalledtheNextRound.Consideringhomeownership,shetookasecondjobasofficemanageratafamily-ownedconstructionfirm.
Shemetherhousemateatthelocalgardencenterasshepuzzledoverfoundationplants.NinaRamosworkedinthegreenhousesandknewherstuff.Handywithayardthatneededhelp,Ninaturnedpuzzlementintojoy,and,inthatfirstbloomingspringinahouseofherown,Ninamovedin.
Theyenjoyedeachother’scompany,andknewwhentogivetheotherquietandspace.
Attwenty-five,Morganhadachievedherfirstdream,andbyhercalculationswouldreachgoalnumbertwobeforeherthirtiethbirthday.
Heronesplurgesatinhernarrowdriveway.ThePriuswouldtakeherafewyearstopayoff,butitwouldgethertoworkandbackdependablyandeconomically.
Ingoodweather,sherodeherbiketoherdayjob,butwhensheneededacar,shehadone.NinacalledthecarMorgan’ssubgoal.
ThelittlehouseonNewberryStreetboastedaprettyyard,freshwhitepaint,andanewfrontdoorshe’dpaintedasoft,happyblue.
HerbossatGreenwald’sBuildershelpedherrefinishtheoldhardwoodfloors,soldherpaintatcost,andguidedheralongthepathofrepairsandmaintenance.
She’dplantedthoseroots,andfeltherselfblooming.
Itmadehersmiletoseedaffodilsplayingtheirbrighttrumpetsalonghernewlypavedwalkway.LateMarchbroughtchangeableweather,butallthoselovelysignsofspring.SheandNinahadplantedadogwoodinthefrontyardthepreviousfall,andshecouldseethebudswantedtoburst.
Soon,shethoughtasshewalkedherbiketoitsrackandlockedit.
Agoodneighborhood,butshedidn’tseethepointintemptinganyone.
Sheunlockedthedoor,and,sinceNina’snot-very-dependablecarsatatthecurb,calledout.
“It’sme,runninglate.”Shecrossedthelivingroomand,asalways,thoughtabouthowmuchmoreopenitwouldbewhenshetookoutthewallthatblockedoffthekitchen.
Shehadthemoneyforthatprojectearmarked,somaybeinthefall.MaybebeforeChristmas.Maybe.
“I’mnotrunninglate,”Ninacalledback.“AndI’vegotadate!”
Ninaalwayshadadate.Butthenagain,Morganthought,shewasgorgeousandvivaciousandonlyworkedonejob.
Shepausedattheopenbedroomdoor.
Severaloutfits—obviouslyrejects—litteredthebedwhileNinamodeledanotherinfrontofafull-lengthmirror.Herraven-blackhairspilleddownthebackofareddressthathuggedeverycurveonhertinybody.DarkeyessparkledastheymetMorgan’sintheglass.
“Whatdoyouthink?”
“IoftenthinkIhateyou.Okay,whereareyougoingandwhoareyougoingwith?”
“Sam’stakingmetoFresco’sfordinner.”
“Fancy!Yeah,thered’sakiller.”
Whichsheenviedalittle.TheonlygenuinedisappointmentbetweenthehousematescamefromthefactthatwithMorgan’slong,coltishframeandNina’spetite,curvyone,theycouldn’ttradeclothes.
“Goforit.Isn’tthisnearlythreesolidweeksofdatesexclusivelywiththehunkifiedSam?”
“Almostfour.”Ninadidatwirl.“So…”
“I’llbeveryquietwhenIgethome.”
“Ireallylikehim,Morgan.”
“SodoI.”
“No,Imeanreally.”
“Oh.”Anglingherhead,Morganstudiedherfriend.“Ialreadyknowhe’sinseriouslikeandmorewhenitcomestoyou.It’salloverhim.Ifyou’reheadingthere,I’mgivingyouthefullfriendapproval.”
Afterflippingthatgorgeoushair,Ninaletoutoneofherdreamysighs.“PrettysureI’malreadyheadedthere.”
“Fullapproval.I’vegottochangeforwork.”
“Fromworkforwork.I’vegottoputallthisawayandcleanupthisroom.Idon’twantSamtothinkI’maslob.”
“You’renotaslob.”Chaotic,Morganthought,butNinakeptherchaoscontainedtoherownspace.
UnlikeNina’scheerfulchaos,lavenderwalls,avanitytoplitteredwithmakeup,hairproducts,andGodknew,Morgan’sspacewasjustcontained.
Sheusedthethirdbedroom—closet-size—asanoffice,sothiswassanctuary.Quietbluewalls,someartshe’dboughtfromstreetartistsinBaltimore,thewhiteduvetandpillows,asmallbutcozyreadingchair.
Shetookoffofficemanager—graypants,whiteshirt,navyblueblazer—putonbartender—blackpants,blackshirt.Inthebathroom,sheopenedthedrawerwhereshekepthermakeuporganizedforeasychoices.Andchangeddaytonight.
Theshort,angledcutofherblondhairworkedfineforbothjobs,butthebartenderwentformoredramaontheeyes,deeperonthelips.
Withyearsofpractice,shefinishedthetransitioninsidetwentyminutes.
Sinceshewouldn’tbeeatingfancyatFresco’s,shedashedtothekitchen,grabbedayogurtoutofthefridge.Sheatestandingup,imaginingthewallgone,newcabinetdoorsandhardware,someopenshelves,some—
“Amigamia,youneedtoeatfood.”
“Yogurt’sfood.”
Nina,nowinarobe,putherhandsonherhips.“Somethingthatrequiresaknifeandfork,andchewing.You’vegotthatlong,slimbuildnaturally—bitch—butifyoudon’teat,it’llturntoskinnyandgaunt.Seriously,oneofushastolearntocook.”Sheshotupacoral-tippedfinger,thenpointeditatMorgan.“Inominateyou.”
“Yeah,I’lltakethatupinmysparetime.Besides,you’retheonewithamotherwhocookslikeagoddess.”
“You’llcomewithmeforSundaydinner.Don’tsayyou’vegotwork—yourspreadsheets,orwhatever.YouknowMamaandPapaloveyou.Andmybrother,Rick,willbethere.”
Withtheyogurtinone,thespoonintheother,Morganwavedherhandsasiferasingaboard.“Iamnotdatingyourbrother,nomatterhowcuteheis.Thatwayliesmadness.I’mnotlosingyouasaroommatebecauseyourbrotherandIdate,havesex,breakup.”
Ninaheldupagoldhoopatoneear,adangleofthreecirclesattheother.“Which?”
Morganpointedatthedangles.“Fancier.”
“Good.Andmaybeyou’lldateRick,havesex,andfallinlove.”
“Idon’thavetime.Givemetwoyears,maybethree,thenI’llhavetime.”
“Ilikeschedules,too,butnotforlove.Nowyou’vedistractedme.Youhavetoeat.”
“I’llgetsomethingatthebar.”
“DinnerSunday,”NinainsistedwhenMorgantossedthecontainer,rinsedthespoon.“I’mtellingMamayou’recoming,andonceItellMama,it’sdone.”
“I’dlovetogo,honestly.Letmegetthroughthisweek.We’vebeensodamnbusyatGreenwald’s.Springmakeseverybodythinkofremodelingorpaintingorbuildingdecks.”
Shegrabbedherpurseandkeptgoing.“Haveagreattimetonight.”
“Youcantakethattothebank.I’mcallingMamabeforeIgetmygorgeouson.”
“Yourgorgeousisneveroff.”
Morganjoggedtothecar.Pleasedshe’dalreadymadeupalittletime,shedrovethefive-point-fourmilestothetowncenter.
TheshopsalongwhatthelocalscalledMarketMile(actuallyone-point-six)wouldclosewithinthehour.ButtherestaurantsandcaféswouldkeepMarketStreetlitandbusywellintothenight.
Mostofthebuildings—rosyorwhite-paintedbrick—kepttheretailtostreetlevelandheldapartmentsabove.TheNextRoundwasnoexceptionandtendedtorenttopatronsoremployeeswhohadnoissuelivingaboveabar.
SheswungoffMarket,circledaroundthebackofthebartotheparkinglot.Withhercarsecured,shecrunchedacrossthegraveltothebackkitchendoorandsteppedintotheheatandnoise.
TheRoundrantoburgers,steamers,nachoswithsidesoffries,onionrings,friedpickles,andthreevarietiesofwings.
Whensheopenedherowntavern,sheintendedtospreadouttoafewmore,hopefullysurprising,choicesofbarfood.
Andsheshouldprobablylearnhowtocookfirst,becauseyouneverknewwhenyou’dhavetopitchin.
“Hey,Frankie,”shecalledouttothewomanworkingthegrillassheputherjacketonapeg.“How’sitgoing?”
“Goodenough.”Withherpoofofink-blackhairtuckedunderawhitecap,Frankieflippedthreefatburgers.“Roddyandhisbrothersaregrabbingsomedinnerbeforetheirdarttournament.Begladyouweren’tonforhappyhour.Wewereslammed.”
“Ilikeslammed.”
Sheexchangedgreetingswiththetwolinechefs,theteenagedishwasher,andthewaitresswhoswungintopickupanorderofloadednachos.
Thoughshehadtenminutesbeforehershift,shewalkedthroughthedoorandintothebar.
Adifferentkindofnoise,shethought.Notthesizzleofmeatonagrill,thewhackofknives,theclatterofdishes.Herevoicesfilledthebigroomwithitslongblackbar,itstablesandbooths.Musicpumpedfromthejuke,butnotloudenoughtooverwhelmconversation.
ShesawRoddyandhisbrothers—regulars—attheirusualboothnearthedartboard,drinkingbeerandchowingdownonbarnuts.CoorsforRoddyandhisbrotherMike,shethought,andHeinekenforbrotherTed.Iftheirfatherjoinedthem,he’dorderabeer—ontap—andabump.
Shetookthepass-throughbehindthebarwherethebartendersworked.
She’drelieveWayne,currentlyaddingasliceoflimetoabottleofCorona.
“Gotalittlebitofalull,”hetoldher,andgaveherhisfull-wattagesmile.“Guyattheendofthebar’srunningatab.He’sonhissecondvodkatonic,sokeepaneye.”
HeservedtheCoronatoanotherstoolsitter,exchangedafewwordsbeforeheslippedbacktoMorgan.
“Waitingforhisdate—Match.com—firsttime.She’slate,he’snervous.”
Cute,Morgandecided,onthenerdyside.She’dputdownmoneyhehadafullgamingsysteminhislivingroom.
“Gotit.”
“I’mgonnaclockoutthen.Haveagoodone.”
Asalways,shecheckedhersupplies—theice,thelimesandlemons,theolives,thecherries.Shefilledacoupleofordersfortables,andwasabouttoworkherwaydowntoCoronawhenshespottedawomanofaboutthirtystepin,lookanxiouslyaroundbeforesheapproachedtheguyatthebar.
“Dave?I’mTandy.I’msosorryI’malittlelate.”
Hebrightenedrightup.“Oh,don’tworryaboutit.It’snicetomeetyou.Doyouwanttogetatable?”
“Thisisfine.Isthisfine?”Sheslidontothestoolbesidehim.
Morganshifteddownthebarastheysmiledateachotherwithexpressionsofanxietyandhope.
“Hi.WhatcanIgetyoutonight?”
“Oh.Um.CouldIgetaglassofChardonnay?”
“Yousurecan.Iloveyourearrings.”
“Oh.”Tandyputonehanduptoherleftear.“Thanks.”
“They’rereallypretty,”Daveadded.“Youlookgreat.”
“Thanks.Sodoyou.”ShelaughedasMorganpouredthewine.“Youreallyjustdon’tknow,doyou?Iwassonervous,Iwalkedaroundtheblock.That’swhyI’malittlelate.”
“IwassonervousIgotheretwentyminutesearly.”
Icebroken,Morganthoughtassheservedthewine.
Andthis,sheadmitted,wasoneofthereasonsshelovedworkinginabar.Youneverknewwhatmightstart,mightfinish,mightbloomorbreakinafriendlyneighborhoodbar.
BythetimeRoddyandhisbrothersplowedthroughtheirburgers,theplacestartedfillingup.TheMatch.comcoupledecidedtogetatableafterall,andaplatterofnachos.
Morganmadeamentalbetonaseconddatethere.
VodkaToniccashedout,leftamiserlytip.
Dartsthwackedagainsttheboardtocheersandcatcallsofonlookers.
Amaninhisearlythirtiescamein.Hemadeherthinkofanincognitomoviestarwithhisdarkblondhair,chiseledfeatures,gym-fitbodyinjeans,boots,andapalebluesweater—lookedlikecashmere.Heslidontoastool.
Shesteppeddowntohim.“WelcometotheNextRound.What’syourpleasure?”
“I’vegotalotofthem.”Hegrinnedather—easy,charming.“Butwe’llstartwithabeer.Anylocalbeerontap?”
“Ofcourse.”Thoughtheyhadlistsprintedinholdersonthebar,shereeledthemoff.
“Maybeyoucanpickoneforme.”
“What’reyoulookingfor?”
“Anotherloadedquestion.”
Sheshothimasmile.Lookingforsomeconversation,shejudged,alongwiththedrink.Andthatwasfine.
“Inabeer.”
“Smooth,butnotbland.Rich,butnotoverpowering.Towardthedarkside.”
“Let’strythis.”Shegotatastingglass,pulledatap.
Ashesampledit,hewatchedherovertherim.“That’lldo.Goodchoice.”
“That’smyjob.”
Beforehecouldspeakagain,oneofthewaitressescameup.“Girltableoverthere’sstuckinthenineties.FourCosmos,Morgan.”
ShecarriedthetrayofemptiesintothekitchenwhileMorgangottowork.
“Youknowwhatyou’redoing,”thenewguycommentedasshemixedthedrinks
“I’dbetter.Areyouintownonbusiness?”
“Don’tIlooklikeIbelong?”
Closeenough,shethought.Hisclothessaidupscale,butnotin-your-face.“Haven’tseenyouinherebefore.”
Acheereruptedacrosstheroom.
“Darttourney,”shesaid.
“SoIsee.Serious?”
“Oh,initsway.CanIgetyouanythingelse?Wouldyouliketoseeamenu?”
“Isthefoodanygood?”
“Itis.”Shepulledoutamenu,laiditbesidehim.“Havealook,takeyourtime.”
WiththeCosmosready,shemoveddownthebar.Tookorders,filledorders,chattingwithregularsasshedid.Sheworkedherwayback.
“I’lltryaMarketStreetBurger,unlessyoutellmeI’mmakingamistake.”
“It’saclassicforareason.Ifyoulikeakick,alittleheat,gowiththespicyfries.”
Heliftedhishands.“You’veneversteeredmewrong.”
Shelaughed,pluggedhisorderinthemachine.
Roddy,allsix-fourandtwohundredfiftypounds,walkedovertothebar.“Anotherround,sweets.How’sitgoing?”hesaididlytoHandsomeGuywhileMorganfilledtheorder.
“Coldbeer,beautifulbartender,livesports.It’sagooddeal.”
“Yeah,itis.Itooktheleadinthesemis.Givemesomeluckforthefinals,Morgan.”
Sheleanedover,touchedherlipstohis.“Goget’em.”
“Damnright.”Hetookthebeersandwalkedoff.
“Boyfriend?”
Shelookedoverathercustomer.“Oh,no.Roddyandhisbrothers—thedartplayers—areregulars.Iactuallyworkwithhisgirlfriendatmyotherjob.”
“Twojobs?Ambitious.What’stheother?”
“Officemanagerforaconstructioncompany.Whatdoyoudo?”
“I’dliketosayasIplease,becauseatleastItry.I’minIT.I’mintheareaforacoupleofmonthsdoingsomeconsulting.”
“Whereareyoufrom?”
“Itravelalot.SanFranciscooriginally,butI’mbasedinNewYorknow,orforthemostpart.Isthishometownforyou?”
“Itisnow.”
Anotherwaitresscameup,rattledoffanotherorder.
“Armybrat,”shesaidasshefilledit.
“Thenyouknowthetravelinglife.”
“Ido.AndI’mhappytohaveleftthatbehind.”
Whenhisordercameout,hegavetheplatealonglook.“Youdon’tskimponportionshere.”
“Wedon’t.Wouldyoulikeatable?”
Hesentherthatcharmingsmile.“Iliketheviewrighthere.I’mLuke,”headded.“LukeHudson.”
“Morgan.Nicetomeetyou.”
Heate,orderedasecondbeer,stayedthroughthetournament.
Heaskedquestionsbutdidn’tseemintrusive.Barconversation,inMorgan’smind.Sheaskedherown.
Hewasstayingatalocalhotel.Hiscompanywouldrentahouseforhim,buthelikedhotels,andenjoyedgettingintothelocalflavorwhereverhetraveled
Heaskedwhereherfatherhadbeenstationed,whichplacesshe’dlivedshelikedbest.Easybreezywhileshemixeddrinks,moppedthebar,chatteredwithothercustomers.
“Ishouldgetgoing,”hesaid.“Ididn’tintendtostaysolong,butitlookslikeI’vefoundmylocalwateringhole.”
“It’sagoodone.”
“I’llseeyouagain.”Whenherose,hesurprisedherbyofferingahandtoshake.Andheldherswhilehesmiledintohereyes.“It’sreallybeengreatspendingtimewithyou,Morgan.”
“It’sbeennicetalkingtoyou.”
“We’lldoitagain.”
Hepaidincash,leavingaverygeneroustip.
Acouplenightslater,Lukewanderedinlaterinhershift.ItwastrivianightattheRound,andthenoiselevelboomedasvarioustablesandgroupsshoutedoutanswers.
“Pickanotherlocaldraft,”hetoldMorgan.“Something…adventurous.”Heglancedbehindhimatthegameplayers.“Nodartstonight?”
“Trivianight.It’safree-for-all,soshoutoutwheneveryouwant.”
“What’stheprize?”
“Satisfaction.”Sheofferedhimatastingglass.
“Interestingandadventurous,”hedecided.“Gotsomedarkcherriesgoing.Let’sgoforit.”
Asshepulledthetap,shesmiledover.“Anythingtogowithit?”
“Justthebeerfornow.Hadalongday.”
“Lifeinthetechworld?”
“Likethebeer,it’sinterestingandadventurous.Howarethingsinyourworld?”
“Busy,butIlikebusy.”
Shefilledorders,workingherwayupanddownthebar,butwithtriviainfullswing,shehadalull.
“Whatdoyoudowhenyou’renotbusy?”Lukeaskedher.
“I’llletyouknowifIevergetthere.”
“Gottatakesomedowntime.Mind,body,spirit,andallthat.Paintmeadayoff.”
“Paint’saccurate.Myhouseneedsmoreofthat,butit’snotquiteready.Andwithspringcomingon,we’llworkonplanting.”
“We?”
“Myhousemate.”
“Sohe’shandy?”
“She,andshe’sterrificwhenitcomestocurbappeal,planting.Sheworksforagardencenter.Inside,Nina’snotsomuch,butI’mnotbad.”
“Constructioncompanyjob.”Hepointedather.“Handy.”
“Ithelps.”
“Alotofmaintenancewhenyou’reahomeowner.Iguessthat’swhyI’venevergonethere.I’mnothandy.Andthere’sthejob.”Hepointedatheragain.“Armybrat,soyouwantedtoplantroots.”
“Exactlyright.”
Shemixedawhiskeysour,pulledtwobeersbeforehecaughtherattentionagain.
“Whatmadeyoupickthisarea—ifyoudon’tmindmeasking.”
“IthadwhatIwanted.Fourseasons,closeenoughtothecitywithoutbeinginit,notasmalltown,notabigone.Rightinthemiddle.”
Shesetoutafreshbowlofpretzelsforhim.
“It’sanicearea,primeforsomeoftheupgradingyouseemtobedoingwithyourplace.That’swhyI’mhere.Homeownersandbusinesseslookingtobumpuptheirtech,acoupleofdevelopmentswherepeoplewanttooptionsmarthomes.Oldhouses,newbuyerslookingtofliporjustrefresh.”
Heshrugged.“WhatIdoispartoftheinfrastructure.Everyonehashomeofficesnow,andIcansetthemup.Youmusthaveone.”
“Ido.It’snotespeciallysmart,butitworks.”
Triviaendedwithcheersandboos,andarunondrinksandsnacks.Assheworked,shenotedhechattedupanotherstoolsitter.Baseball.Heappearedtoknowenoughtokeepthatconversationlively.
“Readyforanother?”
“Yeah,thanks.Howaboutyou,Larry?Onme.”
“Don’tmindifIdo.How’sNina’scarrunning?”
“Barely.”
Larryshookhishead,rubbedathisshortbeard.“She’sgottabringitin.”
“I’lltellher.Larry’sthebestmechanicfromheretoBaltimore,”shetoldLuke.“He’skeptNina’scarrunningwellbeyonditsexpirationdate.”
“IdowhatIcan.YoustilllikingthatPrius?”
“It’sperfect.”
Shesettheirdrinksinfrontofthem,filledanotherroundforatableofsix.Larry’sconversationturnedtocarsandengines,andLukeappearedtoknowenoughagaintoholduphisend.
“Gottageton.”Larrypushedtohisfeet.“Thewife’llbehomeorgettingthere.It’sherbookclubnight,whichisafrontfordrinkingwineandgabbing.Nicetalkingwithyou,Luke.Thanksforthedrink.”
“Anytime.”
“Anotherround?”Morganaskedhim.
“Two’sthelimit.Ishouldgeton,I’vegotmyownbusydaytomorrow.”Hepaidhistab,tippedmorethanwell.“I’dsaydon’tworktoohard,butprettysureyouwill.Niceseeingyouagain.”
“Goodluckintechworld.”
Hesentheragrinandstrolledout.
HeshowedupagainonapackedFridaynight.Sheworkedwiththepart-timeweekendbartendertohandlethecrowd.Lukeleanedonherendofthebar,asbuttsfilledeverystool.
“Surpriseme.It’sbeenadamngoodweek.”
“Congratulations.Weekendoff?”
“Ah,somepaperworkandplanningtomorrow,butyeah.AnysuggestionsonhowIshouldspendtherestofit?”
“YoucoulddriveintoBaltimore.InnerHarbor,aquarium,andit’sopeningdayfortheO’satCamdenYards.”
“Wanttokeepmecompany,showmearound?”
Shecouldn’tsaytheoffercameoutoftheblue.Sheknewwhenamanwasinterested.Sheplayeditlight—partofthejob.
“Can’tdoit.Homeowner’sstuffonSaturday,andI’llberighthereSaturdaynight.Sunday’salreadybooked.ButIappreciatetheoffer.”
Hesampledthebeersheoffered.“I’mgettinganeducationonthelocalbrews.It’snice,drawmeone.”Hewaiteduntilsheservedhim.“Look,ifit’spushyoryou’realreadyinvolved,justsay.Noharm,nofoul.Butwouldyouliketogoouttodinnersomenight?Anightwhenyou’reactuallynotworking?
“Nopressure,”headdedwhenshehesitated.“Justamealandconversation.Doyoulikepizza?”
Forwhateverreason,thecasualtonerelaxedher.“I’msuspectofanyonewhodoesn’t.”
“ThepizzaatLuigi’sisgood.”
“Youhitthetopofthelinearoundhere.”
“Somaybepizza,somewine.Icouldjustmeetyouthere.”
Shehadn’thadanactualdatein…shedidn’twanttothinkaboutit.Whythehellnot?
“I’mfreeMondaynight.”
“Seveno’clockatLuigi’s?”
“Sure.Soundsgood.”
“Okaywithyouifweexchangephonenumbers?I’mhopingyoudon’tchangeyourmind,butincaseyoudo…”
Shepulledherphoneoutofherpocket,tookhissotheycouldaddtheircontacts.
“Ifyou’replanningonstayingawhileandwantaseat,thecouplethreeandfourstoolsdownshouldbeleavingaftertheyfinishtheirdrinksandnachos.”
“Thanks.I’llhover.”
Sheshothimasmile,wentbacktowork
Hegrabbedastool,hadhistwobeers,andleftjustaftermidnight.
“Mondaynight,”hesaid.“Enjoytheweekend.”
“You,too.”
“Thatisonefinespecimen.”Graciethewaitresslookedafterhim.“Andhe’sgothiseyesonyou,cutie.”
“Maybe.Heseemsnice,steady—andhe’sonlyintheareaforafewmonths.”
“Strikewhiletheiron’ssizzling.”
“Maybe,”shesaidagain.ChapterTwo
ShespentherSaturdaymorningonthehouse.Laundry,cleaning,dreamingofopeningwalls,freshpaint,newcounters.Shedidtheweeklymarketing,includingNina’slist,leftthereceiptonthekitchenboardfortheirmonthlyaccounting.
WhenNinagothomefromworkthatafternoonwithaflatofpansies,bagsofsoilandpeat,theyhauledtheirpotsoutofstorage.Oneday,Morganthought,shewantedwindowboxes.Butshealsowantednewshutters,andacutelittlefrontporch.
Byhercalculations,shecouldaffordallthatthefollowingspring.Andfornow,potsofpansiesfilledthebill.
“TellmemoreaboutthisLuke.”
Withherhoodiezippedagainstthenot-quite-Aprilbreeze,Morgantampeddownsoilaroundhappy-facedpansies.
“Notmuchtotellreally.He’sanITguy,andmustbegoodatitorhiscompanywouldn’tsendhimoutforweeksandmonthsatatimetotakeonaterritory.Orwhateverthey’dcallit.Plus,hedresseswell.Notsnottywell,justwell.”
“Yousaidhewasgorgeous.”
“Idid,becausetrue.Goodmanners,friendly.Two-beerlimit.It’sapizzadatewithatravelingman,Nina.We’renotpickingoutchina.”
Ninapusheduphersunhat.“Whenwasyourlastpizzadate,ordateofanykind?”
“Don’tgothere.”
“Youdon’tgotherebecauseyoualwayssmileandsayno.Whydidyousayyes?Becausegorgeous?”
Morganshrugged,alittlesheepishly.“Itdoesn’thurt.Icanbeshallow.Buthe’sinteresting,andhedoesn’tjusttalk.Helistens.It’snice.Ithinkhe’snice.”
“Andtemporary.”
“Yes,andtemporary,andthat’saplusrightnow.It’llalsobeniceinsay,five,six,maybesevenyearstogoforpermanent.”
Hereyes,bottlegreenliketheColonel’s,wentalittledreamy.
“Fallinlove,takesometime,thinkaboutstartingafamily.I’vegottogetmedonefirst.God,theseflowersaresosweet!HowsmartwasItogetagardenerasahousemate?”
“Thesmartest.Whenmytimecomes—andSamisdefinitelyleadingthepack—Iwantabig,crazygarden,soIhavetohaveabigyard.Littlehouse,noproblem,butabig,giantyard.”
Shelaybackonthecoolgrass.“Shadetreesandornamentals,pathsmeanderingthroughcuttinggardensandbutterflygardens.Crazybirdhousesandwaterfeatures.Iwanttheworks.”
Morganstretchedoutbesideher.“Weshouldgetacrazybirdhouse.I’mnotsurewhatacuttinggardenis,butnowIwantone.”
“Icanmakethathappen.”Shereachedover,gaveMorgan’shandasqueeze.“Idoloveithere.Notthebig,giantyardofmydreams,butit’sfullofpotential.Especiallysinceyouletmehavemyway.”
“Weplaytoourstrengths.”
“YoushouldaskGorgeousGuyoverfordinner.”
“Wedon’tcook.”
“Wecanputsomethingtogether.IcanaskMamaforsomethingsimplebutimpressive.She’llknow.We’llcleanthisup,thengoinandfigureoutwhatyou’llwearonyourdate.”
“It’sjustpizza,Nina.”
“Todaypizza,tomorrowwhoknows?Weplaytoourstrengths,”Ninaremindedherasshesatup.“Datingismyarea.IthinkcasuallysexyforpizzadatewithGorgeousTravelingMan.”
“Imaynothaveanythingthathitsthatmark.”
“Trustme,Icanmakethathappen,too.”
She’dwonderedifGorgeousTravelingManwouldbreezeintotheRoundonSaturdaynight—thenaskedherselfwhatitmeantaboutherthatshewasdisappointedhedidn’t.
Shetoldherselfitwasjustaswell,asthey’dbeenslammedagain.Andshe’dpickedupashortafternoonshiftwhentheSundaybartenderhadanemergencyappendectomy.
She’dgonestraightfromworktoNina’sfamilydinner,enjoyedsomeamazingpaella,alotoflaughs.
AfterworkonMonday,shebikedhome.Sinceshe’dspentpartofherbriefdowntimeovertheweekendcheckingandrecheckingherfinances,projectinghowmuchshecouldafford,she’dtalkedtoheroffice-managerjobbossaboutthecostsoftakingdownthewall,redoingthekitchen—newappliances,newcounters,newcabinets.Theworks.
Withthatnumberinmindshebikedhome,adjustingherplanstofitthosefinances.Paintthecabinetsinsteadofreplacing—fornow,becausesherefusedtogiveupthekitchenislandofherdreams.
Whensheparkedherbike,Ninacametothefrontdoor.
“You’recuttingitclose.”
“I’vegotanhourandahalf.Nearly.”
“Getinhere,amigamia.We’vegotworktodo.I’mdoingyourmakeup.”
“Iknowhowtodomymakeup.”
“Youknowoffice-managermakeup,andjust-flirty-enough-bartendermakeup.Butdoyouknowsexy-casual-pizza-datemakeup?”
“That’sveryspecific,butprobably.”
“Noprobablys.”Ninatickedafingerintheair.“Mybathroom.Isetitallup.Igotastoolforyou,sinceyou’resixinchestallerthanme.”
“Sixandaquarterinches.”
“Rubitin,Legs.”
BeingNina,shetooknearlyhalfthetimeMorganhadlefttoperfectherwork.
“Ithinkmyfacegainedfivepounds.”
“Wortheveryounce.Justlookatthatface.You’vegotthosebeautifulgreeneyes,butnowthey’reamazing!Idogoodwork.”
Shecouldn’targue,notwhenhereyeslookedhugeandthegreendeeper,andherskindewyandfreshdespite(becauseof?)theendlesslayeringandblending
“Theredglossonthelipsreallyworks,”Ninadecided,studyingtheresultsofherlabor.“Themattewould’vetakenitovertosexy-sexy.Thisisgood.Youhaveperfectlips,justfullenough,justwideenough.Gogetdressed.”
“Whatareyoudoingtonight?”
“Stayingin.”Ninafollowedherintothebedroom,justtobesureMorganworewhatshe’dalreadychosen.
“Really?”
“PlentyofMama’sleftoversfromlastnight.I’mtakingarestandbeautynight.Bubblebath,hairmask,facemask.Alongbubblebathwithaglassofwineandcandles.Aneveningofself-care.ThenIwanttohearallaboutyourdate.”
“It’sjustpizza.”Andnowallthisprepmadehernervous.
“You’vegottostartsomewhere.God,you’vegotagreatass,”sheaddedasMorganwiggledintosnugjeans.“Ayardoflegstoppedbyatinylittleass.”
Morganlookedoverhershoulder,shookthatass.“Youhittingonme?”
“IfTravelingGuydoesn’t,something’swrongwithhim.”
“I’mnotlookingforhits.”Morganslidintothebrightbluesweater.“Maybe,depending,asubtlenudgecouldbeacceptable.”
UnderNina’swatchfuleye,shechangedherearringsforsomedangles,pulledonherbestboots,thenslippedonthestone-grayleatherjacket,aChristmasgiftfromhermother.
“DoIpass?”
“Casualsexypersonified.”Ninatookasmallatomizeroutofherpocket.“Walkthroughthespray,”sheordered,andspritzed.
Withaneyeroll,Morganwalkedthrough
“Perfect.Nowwe’regoingtohaveadrink.”
“I’mgoingtohaveaglassofwinewithdinner.”
“You’regoingtohaveaquarterofaglassnow,justtosmootheverythingout.Andifyougonutsandhavetwoglasseswithdinner,takeyourdateonawalkaroundMarketStreet,downtotheparkandthepondandback.Infact,youneedmybluefloralscarf.It’lladdjusttherighttouch.”
Atsevenonthedot,despiteNinainsistingsheshouldn’tberightontime,shewalkedintoLuigi’s.
Ithummedinthewayshethoughtagoodrestaurantshould,andsmelledofsauceandspiceandmeltedcheese.
ItrelievedhertoseeLukealreadyinabooth,andthesmilehesentwhenhesawherdidn’thurtheregoonebit.
Heslidoutoftheboothassheapproached,tookherhand,kissedhercheeklightly.“Youlookamazing.”
“Thanks.Ihopeyouhaven’tbeenwaitinglong.”
“Onlyjustgothere.Terrificjacket,”hecommentedashehelpedhertakeitoff.
“Agiftfrommymother.”
“She’sgotexcellenttaste.IorderedabottleofredwhenIgothere.Ihopethat’sokay.Wecanchangeitifyouwantsomethingelse.”
“Red’sfine.Howwasyourweekend?”
“Productive.Ididtakeyouradvice,spentalittletimeattheInnerHarbor.”Hegavethewaitressthatsmilewhenshebroughtthewine.
“Haveyoudecidedonwhatyou’dlike?”
“Maybegiveusafewmoreminutes.”
“Noproblem.Takeyourtime.”
Lukeliftedhisglass.“Toapleasanteveningingoodcompany.Ireallythoughtyoumightchangeyourmind.”
“Andmissfreepizza?”
Helaughed.“Whatdoyoulikeonit?”
“Anything,everything,ornothing.Pizzaisneverwrong.”
“You’retalkingmylanguage.Now,howwasyourweekend?”
“Alsoproductive.NinaandIplantedsomepansies.TheymakemesmileeverytimeIcomehomeorleavethehouse.”
“Thehousematewhoworksinagardencenter.”
“That’sright.”
“You’regoodfriends.”
“Weare.”Thefirstreal,permanentfriendshe’dmadeinhernomadiclife.“It’sgreathavingsomeonewhogetsyourrhythms.She’sgenerallyupandgonebeforeIgetupforwork,andusuallyinbedbythetimeIgethomefromtheRound.”
“Thatprobablyhelps.Imeanyoubothhaveyourownschedules,soitaddstohavingyourownspace.”
“Yeah,sowhenwesharethatspace,weenjoyeachother.Isitoddnothavingaregularroutine,neighbors,friendsaround?”
“Rightnow,thisworksforme.”Hesatback,amancomfortablewithhimself,confidentinhimself.Andshefoundthatveryappealing.
“OnedayIimagineI’llwanttostick,settle.ButIgettoseealotofthecountry,meetalotofinterestingpeople.”Thequick,dazzlingsmileflashed.“Likeyou.”
Hehadagoodrhythmhimself,shedecided.Justflirtyenough.
“Youmustlikethework,andIhavetothinkyou’rereallygoodatit.”
“Ilovethework.Creatingsystemsthatsuittheclients.Fixingproblems,makingpeople’sliveseasier,expandingtheirhorizons.Maybeyou’llshowmeyourhouseoneday,andIcouldgiveyousomeideas.”
“Maybe.”
Hesmiledagain.“So,pizza.”
Sheendedupdrinkingtwoglassesofwine,andenjoyedeveryminute.Hetoldherstories,howhe’ddesignedthesmarttechforaranchinButte,Montana,andwatchedbisongrazeinthefield.
Andhelistenedtoherplansforanewkitchen,evenofferedsuggestions.Onesgoodenoughtoaddtoherlistofhopesanddreams.
Hesuggestedthewalk.
Theeveningbreezekickedabit,butfeltgoodaftertheheatoftherestaurant.Andithadbeensolongsinceshe’dtakenawalkwithsomeone,hadsomeoneholdherhand.
Itwasnearlyten,muchlaterthanshe’dplanned,whenhewalkedhertohercar.
“I’dliketoseeyouagain,likethis.NotthatIdon’tenjoyridingastoolatthebarwhileyou’reworking.ButI’dliketoseeyouagain.Myschedule’sflexible.Icanworkaroundyours.”
MaybeNinahadcrawledinsideherhead,butshefoundherselfinvitinghimtodinner.
“NextMondaynightatmyplace.It’sthemostopenforme.”
“Youcook?”
“No.I’mgoingtohavetoaddthattomylistofthingstolearn,butno.”
“Ninacooks.”
“No,buthermotherdoes,andshe’llwalkusthroughsomethingifyou’rewillingtoriskit.”
“Adventure’smygame.Issevengood?”
“Sure.Seven’sgreat.”
“I’llbethere.Gotanaddress?”
Sheheldoutahandforhisphone,addedittohiscontacts.“Icangiveyoudirections.”
“I’mgoodfriendswithMr.Google.I’llstillbedroppingbythebar.Imighteventrymyhandatdarts.”
“Roddy’sakiller.”
“I’llriskit.”
Heleanedinthen,andshe’dhavecalleditasubtlenudge.Justtherightamountofnudgethewayhislipsmethers.Hedidn’tpush,butmadeanimpact.Andthefluttershehadn’texperiencedinalong,longtimeaddedtheperfectcaptotheevening.
“Goodnight,Morgan.”
“Goodnight.Ihadareallygoodtime.”
“Me,too.Drivesafe.”
Shedrovesafe,thoughshefloatedabitonthequietrushofagood-nightkiss.
Andwhenshefloatedintothehouse,Nina,glowingfromherself-care,cozyinherpj’s,waited.
“Okay,Icantakeonelookandknowthiswasamajorsuccessinfirstdates.Tell!Didhehitonyou?”
“Theperfectamount.Ireallylikehim.”Withahappysigh,shedroppedintoachair.“He’sjusteasyandfuntotalkto.He’sbeensomanyplacesandtellsagoodstory.Helistens.”
Sheliftedhershoulders,letthemfall.“Andwhenhekissedmegoodnight,mystomachfluttered.”
“Whatkindofkiss?Bedescriptive.”
“I’mgoingtosaysoft,andjustalittledreamy.Nopush,noblastofheat.Justeasy,andeffective.IendedupaskinghimtodinnernextMondaynight.”
“Whoa!”Jumpingup,Ninadidaquickdance.“Holyshit.Hedidn’tdrugyou,didhe?Orusesomesortofmindtrick?”
“He’sanice,great-looking,interestingman.That’sit.”
“Morethanenough.We’llhaveMamahelpuscooksomething.OrdoyouwantmetodisappearMonday?”
“No.”Thatcameimmediateanddecisive.“Please,don’tdisappear.Iwouldn’thaveinvitedhimunlessyou’dbehere.”
“ShouldIaskSam?”
“Yes,thatevensitoutorsomething.Nothingfancy,Nina.Anice,easydinner.Let’sstaycasual.”
“Casualsexy.We’vegotthis,Morgan.”
“Ifwedon’t,we’llgetsomethingdelivered.”Sherose.“Ihavetogetreadyforbed.Youshould,too.Youstartateighttomorrow.”
“I’mgoing,I’mgoing,butI’mgoingtotextMamafirstsoshecanthinkaboutwhatweshouldmake.I’mnotgoingtotellyoutohavesweetdreamsbecausethat’sagiven.Seeyoutomorrow.Oh,Ican’twaittomeettheguyMorganAlbrightaskedtodinner!”
LukedroppedintothebarTuesdaynight.Heslidrightintoconversationwithher,andwithsomeoftheregulars.Hehonedhisdartskillsforawhile—hewasn’tbad.Hehadhistwobeers,somewings.
“Gotyourselfaboyfriend.”Graciewiggledhereyebrows.
“No.He’sonlyintownforacouplemonths.”
“Didn’tsaylifetimelover.”Asthelightsblinkedforlastcall,Gracierolledhershoulders.“Hesureissmooth.Me,Idon’ttrustsmooth.AboutfifteenyearsbackIhadanalmostfirsthusband.Hewassmooth.SosmoothheslidrightoutofmybedintomycousinBonnie’s.”
“Goodthinghe’snotmyalmostfirsthusband.”
“Soyoucanenjoythesmooth.”
Andwhynot,Morganthoughtwhenhecameinontrivianight.Thefactthathejoinedinearnedhimsomepointsonherpersonalscorecard.
Shehadaninterestingmanobviouslyattractedtoherand,givenherschedule,notmuchone-on-onetime.Whichseemedokaywithbothofthem.
Itdidn’tmeanshedidn’tlookforwardtoMondaynightwithfearofactuallycookingandanxiety,duetosecond-datesyndrome.
Sheflexedsometime,tookoffanhourearlyfromherdayjob.Ridingherbikehomeinairthathadsoftened,really,finallysoftenedintoAprilgaveheralift.
Inamatterofweeksspringwouldgetseriousandstartpoppingoutcolor.Shesawsomeoftheneighborhood’sforsythiahadalreadyjumpedinwiththeirbrightbutteryellow,andthebigwillowonthecornerofherblockhaditsearlygreenhaze.
Inherownyard,tulipsbloomedlipstickred,andtheazaleasthatNinahadadvisedontheirfirstgardencentermeetinghadbuddedupandwouldpoptheirsweetpinkinnotime.
Maybeitwassilly,buthavingthemmadeherfeellikepartoftheneighborhood.
Sheparkedherbike,smiledatthepansies,andwentinsidewheremusicpumped
Obviously,Ninahadbeatenherhome.
Shetossedherkeysinthebowlonthetablebythedoor,hungupherjacket,tuckedherpurseinsidetheclosetwithit,thenwalkedintothekitchenandchaos.
NinahadherhairbackinatailandworeanapronsplatteredwithGodknew.Nina’smamahadgivenheranapron,andsentonehometoMorgan.
Bottles,jars,shakerslitteredtheirstingycounter.FromwhereMorganstood,itlookedlikesomeofeverythingmadeupthesplattersonNina’snewbibapron.
“Ididit!”Nina’seyesstayedwideandalittlebitwild.“Ididthemarinadeforthechops.Ididit,Morgan.”Sheflungopenthefridge.“See?”
Gingerly,Morganleanedin,staredthroughtheplasticwrapontheglassbowl—borrowedfromMamaforthisexpresspurpose.
“Ididitwiththesehands!”
“Anditlooks”—sheleanedincloser,sniffed—“andsmellsjustlikeit’ssupposedto.Doyouneedtositdown?”
“Maybe.Youhavetodothepotatoes.Havingmenfordinner,meatandpotatoes.AndsinceApril,asparagus.Andwehavetocookallofthat,setthetableandmakeitnice,andmakeourselveslookgood.
“Whatwerewethinking?”
“Toolateforthatnow.Thetable’snoproblem,you’vegotthat.Butifyouhavetroublethere,Icanhelp.They’realwaysshowingtablesettingsonHGTV.Icandothosedamnpotatoes.Ifyoucandothemarinade,Icandothedamnpotatoes.Letmeat’em.”
Shedonnedanapron.Bythetimeshe’dscrubbedthepotatoes,cutthemintowedgesasNina’smother’srecipeinstructed—thenfrettedbecausethewedgesweren’tthesamesize,andwhatdidthatmean?—itpleasedhertoseeherapronwasn’tnearlyasclosetoaJacksonPollockpaintingasNina’s.
ShefollowedMama’sinstructionstotheletter,andthatwasn’tasnap,as,ratherthanprecisemeasurements,Mamahadinstructedherto:Useyoureyes,useyournose.
Soshestarted.Mixingspicestogetherinabowl,shesniffed,eyed.Thenaftertossingitalltogether,addingtheoil,shespreadthepotatoesonabakingsheetandhopedforthebest.
SheleftthetabletoNina,wheresheshined,anddivedintothekitchencleanup,whereshedid.
Alreadyexhausted,shechangedoutofherworkclothesintocroppedkhakisandabrightpinkT-shirt,andshewondered,sincerely,howpeopledidthissortofthingeveryday.
Andtheystillhadtheasparagustodealwith,therollstowarm.Shedonnedherapronagain.
Nina,lookingasfreshasaspringmorning,metherinthehallway.
“Sojustolives,cheese,somerawveggies.We’regoodatthatpart.It’stoobadthekitchen’ssosmall,noreallet’s-all-hang-aroundspace.”
“Nextspring,”Morganvowed.“Itactuallysmellsgoodinhere,Nina.Itsmellslikeweknewwhatweweredoing.”Inthekitchen,theystoodhip-to-hipandstaredintotheoven.“Itlooksright,too.Areyousureit’sonly,like,tenminutesfortheasparagus?”
“Mamaknows,”Ninasaid,voicesolemn.“Butwetrimitbeforetheygethere,sothat’snow.Then,sayaboutseven-fifteenorso,wereallycasuallystarttheasparagus.Whichfiveminutesdoyouwant,sautéorsteam?”
“God.God.Steam.”
“That’sthepartIwant.So.”Ninaheldoutafist.“Onthree.”
“Damnit.”MorganhissedwhenNina’srockcrushedherscissors.
Byseven,theyhadthemusicdowntoamurmur,theovenoncoast,thefingerfoodarranged.
Theknockcamepromptly.
“Apronsoff!”Ninaordered.
Theyansweredthedoortogether,andfoundtwomenontheirstoop.
“Wepulledupatthesametime.”AdorableSaminhishorn-rimsofferedNinaabouquetofpinktulipsandMorganabottleofwine.
“I’llreversethat.”LukehandedMorganaclutchofpurplehyacinthsinaclearballoonvase.“Hi,Nina.I’mLuke.”Andofferedheranotherbottleofwine.
Andafteralltheworkandworry,itwaseasyafterall.
Theycrowdedintothekitchenandtheexcuseforadiningalcovewithglassesofwine.ItseemedtoherthatLukeandSambondedquickly—theITguyandthemore-than-casualgamerhadplentytotalkabout.
Hopingtheirluckheld,Morgandroppedbutterintotheskilletfortheasparagus.
“Nothinglikeahome-cookedmealwhenyou’reontheroad.”Lukegaveheracasualkissonthecheek.“Ireallyappreciateit.”
“Let’shopeitendsupbeingahome-cookedmealandnotacryforhelp.”
Helaughed.“Itsmellsfantastic.MindifIgowashup?”
“Sure.Hallwayontheleftofthelivingroom,doorontheright.”
“Ten-minutecountdownabouttostart,”Ninaannounced,andSamslidanarmaroundher.
“Ican’tbelieveyouguysdidallthis.Workedallday,thenmadeameallikethis.”
“Youhaven’ttastedityet,”Morganremindedhim.
“Workedallday,”Samrepeated,andkissedthetopofNina’shead.“Andspentallthistimemakingdinner.”
Pleased,Ninaliftedherfaceforakiss.
“Okay,heregoes.”Morganslidtheasparagusintothemeltedbutter,setfiveminutesonherphone.Shestirredandshookitaround,triedtousehereyesandnosewiththesalt,thepepper.
Whilesheworkedtheskillet,SamhelpedNinatakethechopsandpotatoesoutoftheoven,slidetherollsintowarm
“Teamwork.That’smyfive.You’reup,Nina.”
Theyshiftedpositions,withMorganarrangingthechopsonaplatter—Mama’s—andaddingthefreshrosemaryasgarnish—asinstructed.
“Sorry.”Lukecamebackin.“Igotaphonecall,hadtotakeit.”
“Noproblem,we’recomingdowntothewire.”Morganlookedoverathim.“Everythingokay?”
“Ohyeah,justaminorschedulechangefortomorrow.CanIhelphere?”
“Whydon’tyoutopoffthewine,incaseweneedit.”
Atthetable,thecookingandservingdone,Samtookthefirstbite.“Babe,”hesaidtoNina,thensmiledatMorgan.“Otherbabe.”
Ninasampledabiteofchop.“Uh-oh.We’regoodatthis,Morg.Nowwhat?”
“Home-cookedmealontheroad.Ladies?”Lukeliftedhiswineglass.“Tothechefs.”
“AndtoMama.Wedidherproud,Morgan.”
Despitethelongday,Morganenjoyedeveryminute.Anactualdinnerparty,inherhome—afirstthatdidn’tincludetakeoutordelivery.Conversation,laughter,theoccasionaltouchofLuke’shandonhers.
Shefounditsweetthemeninsistedonhandlingthecleanup,andrelaxedintothelingeringafter,overcoffeeand—bakerybought—redvelvetcake.
“Ihatetobreakthisup.Tonight’sgoingtobeahighlightofmytrip.Buttheschedulechangehasmeon-siteateighttomorrow.”
“Whereareyouheading?”Samaskedhim.
“They’retakingmeintoBaltimore.Houseflipperboughtapairofrowhousesandwantstoconnectthemintoone,andwantsitsmart.ItlookslikeI’llneedtostayoveracoupledays.Maybethree.”
Heshrugged.“Theysqueezeditintomyscheduletheendoflastweek.Afriendofoneofthebosses.”
“Eighta.m.inBaltimore.That’searlytorise.”
HenoddedatNina.“Yeah,itsureis,andanicechallenge.Convertingacoupleofoldrowhousesintoasmarturbanmini-mansion—whilemaintainingthehistoryoftheplace.”
Heglancedaround.“I’dlovetotacklethisoneforyou.You’vegotgoodboneshere,Morgan.”
“Ithinkso.Whenthatwallcomesdown,maybeI’lladdsmartaswellasspace.”
“Whenyoudo,youcallme.I’llmakesureIcanworkyouin.That’sapromise.Thanks,Nina,andthankyourmother.”Herose.“Everythingwasamazing.Reallygreatmeetingyou,Sam.AndIshouldbeabletotakealookatyoursystemnextweek.There’salwaysawaytoaddsomebellstothewhistles.”
“Thatwouldbegreat.”
Morganwalkedhimtothedoor.
“I’llstopintothebarwhenIgetback.Coupleofdays.OkayifItextyounowandagainwhenI’minmylonelyBaltimorehotelroom?”
“Sure.”
“CanItakeyououttodinnerwhenIgetback?Maybeastepupfrompizza?”
“Thatsoundsnice.”
Whenhekissedher,justalittledeeperthanthatfirsttime,withhisbodypressedjustalittlecloser,shethoughtitsoundedverynice.
“GoodluckinBaltimore.”
“Whenyou’regood,youdon’tneedluck,butI’lltakeit.Goodnight,andthanks,reallythanks,fordinner.”
ShewatchedhimwalktohiscaratthecurbthroughanAprileveningthathadstartedtomistwithrain.
Andwhensheshutthedoor,shethoughtmaybe,inastrangesortofway,shedidhaveaboyfriend.Temporarily.
Ninapokedout.“Iheardthedoorclose,so…Ireallylikedhim!”
“Me,too.”Sampokedoutwithher.
“SodoI,soit’sunanimous.”
“YoushouldinvitehimtodinneratMama’snextSunday.She’syourMarylandMama,andshe’dloveit.”
“Maybe.I’llthinkaboutit.I’mcallingitanight.Seeyouinthemorning,Sam?”
“Surveysaysyes,”Ninasaid,andmadehimgrin.
Shegotreadyforbed.Justassheslippedin,shegotatextfromLuke.
Wednesday,Thursdaylatest.I’llmissseeingyouuntilthen.
Evenasshesmiled,feltthewarmthspread,shehesitated.Thenshookherheadandrespondedwiththetruth.
I’llmissyou,too.G’night.
Whenshestretchedoutinbed,shewasstillsmiling.ChapterThree
Consideringitsageandlackofmaintenanceonthepartofitsowner,itwasnosurprisewhenNina’scarwouldn’tstartonTuesdaymorning.
TheobligingSamdrovehertowork,thehead-shakingLarrytoweditintohisshop.
ShecamehomecomplainingaboutascratchythroatandLarry’sbadnewsonrepairs.
“Newbatteryamust,somethingaboutfanbelts,andsomething-somethingandthetransmission.Larryestimatesfivehundred.”Sheflickedherhandsintheair.“Poof,that’sgone.”
“Sorry.Reallysorry.”Andbecauseshewas,Morganaddedahardhug.“Youneedsometeaandhoney.I’llfixit.”
“Thanks.”Eyesheavy,prettyskinpale,Ninaploppeddown.“Ihatespringcolds,andthat’swhatthisfeelslike’scomingon.Betweenthatandthefivehundred,Ifeelcrappy.”
“Howaboutsomesoup?”Morganopenedacupboard,tookoutacan.“Chickenandstars.Itain’tyourmama’schickensoup,but.”
“That’dbegood.IthinkI’lltakeahotshower,thensnuggleintobedwithchickenandstars,sometoastandteaandstreamahappymovie.Thensleepoffthispoopyday.”
“Yougogettheshowerandsnugglein.I’llmakeyoupoopy-dayfoodandbringitin.”
“Bestlandlordever.I’dhugyouagain,amigamia,butIdon’twanttogiveyouwhateverImighthavecomingon.”
WhenMorgancarriedthetrayin,Ninawasproppedupinbedwithherlaptopandaboxoftissues.
“Thanks.Big,giantthanks.Ialreadyfeelbetter.”
“Maybeyoushouldtakeasloth-in-beddaytomorrow.”Aftershesetthetray,MorganlaidahandonNina’sforehead.“Doesn’tfeellikeyouhaveafever.”
“JustastupidAprilcold,andwe’rereallybusyatwork.”
“Youcantakemycarifyougoin.”
“I’vegotarideinandback,butthanks.Morebig,giantthanks.”
Sheliftedthetea,blewonit,sipped.“Oh,thisisjustthething.Ioweyou.”
“Whenthatstomachbughitmelastfall,whotookcareofme?”
“Idid,becausegirlfriends.I’llconkearly,sleepthisoff.”
“Textmeifyouneedanything.Iwon’ttextyouincaseyou’resleeping,butI’lllookin,makesureyou’reconkedwhenIgethome.”
“GotallIneed,andI’mgoingtochugsomeNyQuil.That’llconkmeforsure.”Shespoonedupsomesoup.“It’snotMama’s,butchickenandstarsalwayswork.Haveagoodone.”
Whenshegothomeafterhershift,shefoundNinafastasleep.Andwhenshewoketoanemptyhouse,assumedNinahadturnedthecorner.
Aroundmidmorning,Lukesentatextthathe’dlikelybeanextradayon-siteinBaltimore.Morganreaditbetweengeneratinganinvoiceforafinalizedbathroomremodelandtakingaphonecalltosetupanestimateonadeckaddition
Shesatinhercombinationoffice/receptionareawithherviewoftheparkinglot.Shedidn’tmindtheview;itprovidedaheads-uponwhocameandwent.
Asnakeplantthrivedinthecorner—oneplaced,accordingtoherinformation,bythebigboss’swifesometwentyyearsearlier.Itnowstoodnearlysixfeettallinaredpotshecouldn’thavegottenherarmsaround.
BillGreenwald—second-generationboss—toldherhismotherinsisteditservedasthebusiness’sgoodluckcharm.Aslongasitthrived,sowouldthebusiness.
Bill’swife,Ava,stilldonnedahardhatandtoolbelttoworkwiththecrew.On-site,everyoneknewAvawasthejobbossandnottobemessedwith.
Bill’sbrother,Bob,alocallawyer,handledthatendofthings.BillandAva’stwochildren,JackandElla,workedalongsidetheirparents.
Sheoftenthought,whenthedaycametoopenherownplace,she’dmissworkingfortheGreenwalds,andtheirtight,squabblingfamily.
Asshereadthetext,Billwalkedthroughinhisusualuniformofcarpenterjeans,T-shirtwithaflannelshirtopenoverit.
Hehadsalt-and-pepperhairunderaGreenwald’sBuilderscap,kindeyesbehindsquare-framedmetalglasses,andarmsropedwithmuscles.
“Iseethatface.Gotamessagefromyournewfella?”
“He’snew,butIwouldn’tcallhimmyfella.”
Heshotafingerather.“Whenyouknow,youknow.MydadhiredAva,andIworkedwithherforamonthormore.Thoughtnothingmorethansheknewhowtoswingahammerandtakesnoshit.Thenoneday,sheletsoutthislaugh.Youknowthatlaugh.”
Bigandbawdy.“Yes,Ido.”
“Thelaughsunkme.‘That’stheone,Bill,’Itoldmyself.‘Notwoways.Youmightaswellgetusedtoit.’Twenty-sevenyearslatercomeSeptember,I’mprettywellusedtoit.Soyou’llknowwhenyouknow.
“Anyways,I’mheadingouttomeettheinspectorontheMorenijob.GonnaswingbytheLangstondemoafter,seeifIcanhearthatlaugh.Thingsgoastheygo,Ishouldbebackbythree.OrI’llletyouknow.”
“I’llholdthefort.”
“Youalwaysdo.”
Andshelikedit,MorganthoughtasBillleftandsheclearedupalittlemorework.
Shefilledherwaterbottlefromthebubbler,then,sittingbackatherdesk,sentLukeareply.
Hopethatmeansit’sgoingwell.Ifyou’reback,andfreeonSunday,wouldyouliketojoinusfordinneratNina’sparents’?
Ittookafewminutes,butheresponded
Soundsgreat!It’sgoingreallywell,andI’llbeback.
Gladtohearit.Sundaydinner’sontheearlyside.Weusuallygooveraboutfour,eataroundfive.Warning:Lotsofpeople,lotsofnoise,lotsoffood.
I’mallin.CanIpickyouupatfour?
Sure.
HopetoseeyouFridaynight,butabsolutelyonSunday.Havetogo.
Headdedafloweremoji.
Whenhersmileyfaceemojipoppedonhisscreen,heusedhissolenoidcardtoopenthepatheticlockonherbackdoor
People,especiallywomen,weresodamnstupid.
Heglancedaroundahousethatrateddumponhisscale.Still,thegoodbones,thelocationmadeitworthwhile.
Inandout,heremindedhimself,andmovedstraighttoherhomeoffice.He’duninstallthesoftwarehe’dinstalledduringhis“bathroombreak”thepreviousMondaynight.
Nobreadcrumbsleftbehindthere.
Thenhe’dfinishaveryprofitablefewweeksinamatterofhours.Topitalloffhisway.
She’dseehimbeforesheexpectedto.
Heimaginedkillingherintheparkinglotofthebar,besidehercar.Butifshewasn’t—assheusuallywas—thelastoneout,he’dbeinthecar,tuckedintheback.
Then,surprise!Andthenthefinale.Dumpherbody,drivethecartoanassociateinBaltimore.MakeanexchangefortheI’m-wokePrius,andbeonhismerry,merryway.
Atleasthehadn’thadtofuckherfirst.Thenagain,hewasamanwhoknewhismarks,andhadknownstraightoffMorganAlbrightwouldn’tbeaneasylay.Savedtime,effort,andbullshit.
Butboy,she’dbeeneasyineveryotherway.
Withhandscoveredinsurgicalgloves,heopenedherlaptop.
Hebooteditup,andhonestlywonderedwhythewomandidn’t—orhadn’t—spentanyofherhard-earnedmoneyonnewerequipment.
He’dalreadystartedtheuninstallwhenheheardthepadoffootstepsbehindhim.
Heturned,innocentsmileinplace,asNina—definitelynotlookingherbest—steppeduptothedoorway.
“Luke?”Voicehoarse,shecoughedonthename.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Hey!ItalkedMorganintolettingmeaddsomesoftwaretoherlaptop.Icameintheback.Didn’twanttowakeyou.”Noquestionshewassick,hedecided,sotimetoimprovise.
Andputonhisbestsympatheticface.
“Shesaidyouweren’tfeelingwell,probablysleeping.I’msorryIwokeyou.”
“Springcold.Lousy.Mybosssentmehome,drovemehome.Iwasjust…HowdidMorganknowIwashomesick?DidAngiecallher?”
Toocomplicated,hedecided.Andshemust’veseensomethinginhiseyes,becausehesawsomethinginhers.Itsaid:Run.
Beforeshecould,hegrabbedthelaptop,swungithard.Itcrackedagainstthesideofherhead,andtheothersideofherheadcrackedagainstthedoorframe.
Shebarelymadeasound.
Asshewentdown,heswungthelaptopagain—pieceofshitanyway—andhitheragain.
She’dfuckeditupforhim,andthere’dbenocappingitoffhiswaywithMorgannow.
Sosubstitution.
“Wrongplace,”hesaidashekneltdown,draggedherontoherbacksohecouldputhishandsaroundherthroat.“Wrongtimeforasickday,bitch.Wronggirl,butyou’llhavetodo.”
Itgavehimarush,alwaysgavehimarush,tosqueezedeathoutoflife.
Thoughhereyeswheeled,herheelsdrummed,shenevercamefullyaround.
Heleftherandthebrokenlaptoponthefloor.
Adjusting,hehuntedthroughthekitchen,foundatrashbag.HeloadeditwithNina’slaptop,herphone,somejewelryhedidn’tjudgeasworththepawning,foundahundredandfifty-eightdollarsbetweenherpurseandherunderweardrawer.
HewentthroughMorgan’sroom.Sheactuallyownedacoupledecentpiecesofjewelry.Diamondstuds—small,butgoodcolorandcut—agoldlocket—lookedold,probablyafamilypiece.Hetossedinsomeofthecrapjewelrywithit.
Hethoughtwastenot,wantnotasheloadedup.
Marksalwayssquirreledsomecashinthehouse.HefoundMorgan’s—fivetwenties—rolledinapairofathleticsocks
Hegrabbedherkeysfromthebowlbythefrontdoor,thenwentoutthewayhe’dcomein.
Heusedhiselbowtobreakoneofthepanesofglassonthebackdoor.
DaylightBandEgonebad,gonetragic—that’showitwouldlook.
Toobad,sosad.
Heunlockedthecarwiththefob,tossedthegoodiebagintheback.
Hebackedoutofthedriveanddroveintheoppositedirectionofthecitycenter.HummingalongwithBillieEilish’scoverof“Yesterday,”hedrovetowardBaltimore.
AshowerhitjustasMorganstartedtoleavework.Shecheckedtheradaronherphone.Aquickone,headingwest.
SheoptedtowaititoutandtextedNinatosaysoandaskifshewantedinonsomeChinesetakeout.
Thelackofresponsemadeherfrown.
“Lingeringcold,maybe,”shemurmuredasshewatchedtherain.“Post-worknap.”Sheorderedsomeextranoodlesandsweetandsourshrimpjustincase.
Fifteenminuteslater,sheheadedoutinthedampairundersunnyskies.Shestoppedforthetakeout,secureditandherpurseinthebasket.
SheexpectedafairlyquietnightattheRound,asWednesdaytendedtobeslower.Theyhadn’topenedtheoutdoorseatingareayet,butsoonwould.
Whenshegotherplace,shewantedafullpatioareawithapergola,andshe’dhaveheaterssocustomerscoulduseitexceptinthecoldestorrainiestofweather.
Moreseating,moresales,moreprofit.
Whenshedidn’tseehercarinthedriveway,herheartjumped.ThensherealizedNinamusthaveneededtogosomewhere.MaybemoreNyQuil.
Still,shealwaysasked.
Shewentinside,noddedwhenshesawtheemptykeybowl.Shehungupherjacket,stowedherpurse,thendetouredtoNina’sroom.
Definitelycamehomeandwentoutagain,shedecided.Thetissueboxwasbackonthebed.
Moreteaandhoney,shethought,andwenttothekitchentoputthekettleonandstowthetakeout.
Shefroze,simplyfrozewhenshesawthebrokenpaneinthedoor,theshardsofglassonthefloor.
Shebackedup,breathalreadycatchingasshefumbledoutthephoneinherpocket.Herbrainwouldn’tfunctionbeyondnine-one-one.
“Nine-one-one.What’syouremergency?”
“Abreak-in,abreak-in.Thekitchendoor.”
Shelookedtowardthebedrooms,thentowardheroffice.
Andsawthehand,theforearm,thebloodinthehallway.
“OhGod!OhGod.It’sNina!”Shesprintedtotheoffice,droppedtothefloor.“Hurry,pleasehurry—229NewberryStreet.She’shurt.There’sblood.She’snotmoving.”
“Help’sontheway.Canyougivemeyourname?”
“Morgan.Nina’shurt,there’sblood.Ithink—Ithinkshe’sdead.No.No.No.WhatcanIdo?WhatshouldIdo?”
“Morgan,isthereanintruderinyourhouse?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknow.She’snotbreathing.Ican’tfindapulse.Helpme.”
“Help’scoming.Canyouhearthesirens?Youshouldgooutsidenow,Morgan,waitfortheambulance,thepolice.”
“I’mnotleavingherhere.ShouldIdoCPR?I—Itookaclass.She’scold.God,she’ssocold.Ishouldgetablanket.”
“Nina’scold?”
“I’llgetablanket.”
“Morgan,theambulanceispullingupnow.Doyouhearthesirens?Goletthemin,Morgan.Goopenthedoor.”
Sheveeredofffromherracetograbthethrowoffthesofaandyankedopenthefrontdoor.
“Hurry,please.She’scold,andshe’sbleeding.Shewon’twakeup.”
SheranbehindtheEMTs,thenstoodwithherhandscrossedoverhermouth.
One,awomanwithdarkredhairandsoftblueeyes,lookedather.“Ma’am,howlonghasshebeenlikethis?”
“Idon’tknow.Ijustgothome.Iwaslate,therain,andtheChinesetakeout,andIgothomeandsawthebrokenglass,andthenNina.Canyouwakeherup?”
“I’llcallit,”theotherEMTmurmured,andthefemalewalkedtoMorgan.
“Let’ssitdown.”
“Areyoutakinghertothehospital?”Somethinghardandheavypressedonherchest.Shecouldn’tgetherbreath.Somethinghighandsharpranginherears.“Sheneedstogotothehospital.”
“I’msorry,verysorry,butthere’snothingwecando.Yourfriend’sdead.”
“No.No.”
“I’msorry.You’reinshock.Let’ssitdown.”
“No.No,”Morganrepeated,evenastheEMTguidedhertowardthesofa.“I—Idroppedthetakeout.Idroppeditonthefloor.”
“We’llworryaboutthatlater.”
SheeasedMorganontothesofa,tuckedthethrowaroundherasshestartedtoshake.
Thenlookedoverastwouniformedofficerscameintheopendoor.
“DBdownthathallwithmypartner.Nine-one-onecaller’sinshock.DB’scold,goneacouplehoursatleast.Canyoutellmeyourname?”
“Morgan.MorganAlbright.She’sNina,NinaRamos.”Tearsbegantospill.“Please,can’tyouhelpher?”
“I’mgoingtogetyousomewater.Sitrighthereandtalktothisofficer.”
“Ms.Albright.”Thecopsatbesideher.Morgantriedtofocusonhisface,butitblurredinandout.
“I’mOfficerRandall.Canyoutellmewhathappened?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tknow.Itwasraining.Ididn’twanttoridehomeintherain,soIwaited,andIwantedChinese,soIgottakeout.Ninadidn’tanswerwhenItexted,butshehasacold,somaybetakinganap,Ithought.Maybe.Andmycarwasgone,andhersisintheshop,somaybeshetookittogetsomething.That’sokay.She’sknowsit’sokay.”
“Yourcar?Whatkindofcar?”
“Um.Thankyou.”Everythingseemeddistantnow,faraway.Likethewrongendofatelescope.
Shetookthewater,usedbothtremblinghandstoliftit.“APrius.”
“Whatcolor,whatyear?Doyouknowthetagnumber?”
“It’sblue.Darkblue.2019.I—Ican’trememberthenumber.Ican’tthinkofit.”
“That’sallright.YoucamehomeandfoundNina?”
“Icamehome,andIlookedinherroom.She’dcomehomefromworkbecauseshehadtheboxoftissuesonthebed.Shehasacold.AndIwasgoingtomakehertea.Iputthekettleon.IforgotIneedtoturnitoff.”
“Idid,”theEMTtoldher.“It’sfine.”
“Isawthebrokenglass.Isawit,andIgotscaredandIcallednine-one-one.ThenIsawher.Isawherarm,andtheblood.”
“Wherewereyoubeforeyoucamehome?”
“Atwork.AtGreenwald’sBuilders.Itstartedtorain.”
“Rightaboutfiveo’clock.Didn’tlastlong.”
“No.IlookedattheradarsoIwaiteditout,andIcalledintheorderfordinner.”
“How’dyougethome?”
“Onmybike.Iusuallyridemybiketomydayjobiftheweather’sokay.AndifNinadoesn’thaveadateandIhavetime,weusuallyhavesomethingtoeatbeforeIgobacktowork.”
“AtGreenwald’s?”
“No,no.TheNextRound.”
“You’rethebartender,”Randallsaid.“IthoughtIrecognizedyoufromsomewhere.I’vebeeninafewtimes.Ms.Albright,istheresomeonewecancallforyou,somewhereyoucanstaytonight?”
“Ilivehere.”
“Maybethere’ssomeplaceelseyoucanstaytonight?”
“Idon’t…”Ithither,hard,sohard,andeverythingcameintoviciousfocus.“She’sdead.Nina’sdead.Somebodybrokeinanddidthattoher.Wedon’tevenhaveanythingthat’sworthanything.Wedon’thaveanything.”
“Whydon’twelookaroundjusttoseeifyounoticeanythingmissing.HowaboutinNina’sroom?”
Shegotup,walkedthroughtheterribleclarityintoNina’sroom.
“Idon’tseeherlaptop.HerparentsgaveheraMacBookforChristmas.Notthisone,theonebefore.Itwaspink.Thecover.Andherphone—iPhone.Butitcouldbeinherpocket.”
Shetookadeepbreath.“Someone’sbeeninherdresser.She’smessy,butshedoesn’tleavethedrawersopenlikethat.”
“Canyoulookinwithouttouchinganything?”
“Theboxesareonthefloor.Theclearorganizersforherjewelry.Shedidn’thaveanythingimportant,butshekeptherjewelryinthoseboxes,andthey’reonthefloor.She’dhavehadalittlecash—Idon’tknowhowmuch—butalittleinwithherunderwear.Itcouldn’thavebeenmorethanahundreddollars.”
“Anythingelse?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“We’lllookinyourroom.”
Shecrossedthehall,tookalongbreath.
“I’mnotmessy.Somebodywentthroughmythings.Ihad,ohGod,Ihadsmalldiamondstudsandanantiquegoldlocketthatwasmygreat-grandmother’s.Everythingelsewasjustcostume.Ihadfivetwentiesrolledinthosesocksonthefloor.”
Sheclosedhereyes,feltherselfwanttosway.Stiffenedagainstit.
“Mylaptop,backinmyoffice.Theroomwhere—theotherroom.Itwasonthefloor.Itwasonthefloorandbrokenandtherewasblood.Itdidn’treallyregisterbefore.Theyhitherwithit.Itwasbrokenandbloodyonthefloor.Theyhitherandtheykilledher.AndIwasn’thometohelpher.”
Sheswipedattearsthatwouldn’tstopfalling.“Thekeyfobwasn’tinthebowlbythefrontdoor.Theysawit,andjustdroveawayinmycaraftertheydidthistoher.”
Shedrewanotherbreath.“Licensenumber5GFK82.”
“That’sveryhelpful.”
“Youhavetofindwhodidthis.She’dhavegiventhemanythingtheywanted.Theydidn’thavetodothis.SheworksatLetItBloomGardenCenter.Somebodywouldhavebroughtherhomebecausehercar’sintheshop.Sosomebodyknowswhenshegothome.Hermama—”
Thatbrokeher,soshedroppeddowntothefloorandletallthetearscome.
Theywantedtogiveheramildsedative,butshewouldn’ttakeit.Feelingwasallshehad,andshewouldn’tletgoofit.Theyurgedhertostaysomewhereelsewhiletheydidwhatevertheyhadtodo.
Shewouldn’t.
Shesatoutside,alone.Forcedherselftocallthebar,whichsetoffmoretears,andmoreofferstostayelsewhere.
Billshowedup—shesupposedhernightbosscalledherdayboss.Hesaidnothing,justsatbesideher,puthisarmsaroundher.
“You’regoingtocomehomewithmenow,”hesaidaftershe’dstoppedthelastboutofweeping.
“Ican’t.Ican’t.IfeellikeI’dneverbeabletocomebackifIleftnow.IfeellikeIcouldn’teverlivehereifIlefttonight.It’smyhome.Ineedmyhome.”
“I’mgoingtofixthatbrokenglassandputadeadboltonthedoor.I’mnotleavinguntiltheysayIcandothat.AndI’mgoingtohaveAvabringovermycar.You’regoingtoborrowmycar.Igotthetruck.I’mnotleavingyouherewithoutacar.That’sfirm.”
“Okay.Thankyou.Theyhavetofindmycarsotheycanfindwhodidthis.Thentheyhavetogotoprisonforever.”
“Youbetyourass,sweetheart.Don’tyoucomeintoworktomorrow.Don’tyoucomeinuntilyoufeelyoucan.Youunderstand?”
“Iwantto—needto—gotoNina’sfamilytomorrow.Idon’twanttointrudetonight.IjustfeelIshouldn’tbetheretonight.AndSam…Thepolicesaidthey’dtalktohim,didn’twantmetotellhimyet.I’mnotstupid,theywanttomakesurehewasn’there.He’dneverhavehurther,buttheyneedtotalktohim.Ineedtotalktohimtomorrow.”
“Ifyouneedanything,thereareplentyofpeoplewho’djumptohelp.Youmatteraroundhere,Morgan.”Hegaveherapatontheknee.
“I’mgoingtoseeaboutfixingthatdoor.”
When,longaftermidnight,shewasfinallyalone—itseemedlikedaysratherthanhours—shelookedatthecardoneofthecopshadgivenher.Foracrimescenecleanup.
Thecrimescenetheysaidthey’dcleared,likeatableofdirtydishes.
ThecrimescenewhereNinahaddied.
Butshewouldn’tcallthem.ItwasNina,andshe’ddoitherself.Thelastthingshecouldreallydoforsomeoneshe’dlovedlikeasister.
So,lateintothenightinahousethatechoedwithsilence,shegotthebucket,thescrubbrush.
They’dtakenthelaptop—evidence.They’dtakenphotosandvideosanddustedforprints.Thedetectiveshadtalkedtoher—questions,questions,overandover.Butthey’dleftthebloodbehindonthefloor,thedoorjamb,thewalljustinsideheroffice.
Ittookalongtime,longerbecauseshe’dgottensickonce,thenbrokendowntwice.Butshemanaged.She’ddoitallagaininthestrongdaylightifsheneededto.
Shetossedthetakeout,allowedherselfasingleglassofwineinhopesitwouldhelphersleep.
Andinthequiet,intheempty,shelaydowninNina’sbed,huggedthepillowthatsmelledlikeNina’sshampoo.
Thoughshethoughtshe’demptiedherselfoftears,sheweptagain.
AsdawnbrokeonanotherAprilmorning,shefinallydriftedintothepeaceofsleep.ChapterFour
Morgantreadwaterinawellofgrief.Shecouldn’tsink,couldn’tallowherselftojustgounder.Shehadtotalktothepoliceagain.Answerquestions,makeformalstatements.Itkeptthegrieffreshandthewaterinthewelldeep
Nina’sfamilyhadbecomeherfamily,andshecouldn’thelpthemifshesank.Shesatwiththem,mournedwiththem,didherbesttohelpwiththefuneralarrangements.
Bothherbossesinsistedshetakeaweekoff,andcoworkersdroppedofffood.Casseroles,pastadishes,ham,chicken.
SheshareditwithSam.Ifhewasn’twithNina’sfamily,hewaswithher.
Hehadhisownwell.
Shesatwithhimwhiletheybothpickedatthelatestcasserole.
“Stillnowordonyourcar?”
“No.”Sincehe’dbroughtwineashiscontributiontothemealneitherofthemmuchwanted,shesippedatherglass.“Iguessit’sgone.Thecopsdon’tsaythatrightout,butwhattheydosaymakesitprettyclear.Ifiledtheinsuranceclaimtoday.”
Hegaveherhandasympatheticrub.“Nightmares?”
“Yeah,well.”
“Me,too.Offer’sstillopenformetostayanynightyouwant,orforyoutobunkwithme.”
“Iknow.”
“Orifyouhaveabadone,justcallme.”
Nowsherubbedhishand.“Samegoes.Bill’sbeengreataboutlendingmehiscar,butIneedtostartlookingforone.BeforeIgobacktowork.”
“Ifyouwanthelpwiththat,justask.”
“Thanks.”
Shedidn’tmentiontheinsurancepayoffwouldbeahellofalotlessthanshe’dpaidforthecar—alreadyusedandwithsignificantmileage—minusherhighdeductible.
Butthatwasaproblemforanotherday.
“Wefinishedpackingupherroomtoday.Nina’ssisterandmotherandI.”
Henodded,methereyes.“IstoppedtoseeherparentsbeforeIcameover.Thephotosyouhelpedthemchoosefortheserviceareperfect.”
“Theydon’tblameme.”
“Becauseyou’renottoblame.”
“Myheadknowsthat.Orit’salmostgotthat.But…Inever,neverimaginedanyonebreakinginhere.Honestly,whatdidthesonofabitchgetoutofit?Eventhecarisn’tworththatmuch.IfI’dputinbetterlocks,orinvestedinanalarmsystem.”
“Stop.”Thistimehetookherhand,heldit.“Stopthat.Shetextedmeherbosssentherhome—sowecouldsaywhatifherbosshadn’tsentherhome.WecouldsaywhatifI’dcomeovertobringhersomecoldmedicine,makehersomesouporwhatever.Plentyofwhat-ifs.Butthefactis,nobody’stoblamebutthepersonwhodidthis.Nobody.”
Becausesheknewthat,shenodded.Andstill.
“Itwassohardtoboxupthelastofherthings,Sam,andtakethemoutofherroom.Togobackintherealone,andtherewasnothingleftofherthere.”
“Shelovedlivingherewithyou.IknewIwasgoingtohaveahellofatimetalkingherintomovinginwithmebecauseshelovedlivingherewithyou.”
Tearsroseintoherthroat,burnedthere.“Youweregoingtoaskher?”
“Iwasgoingtogiveitalittlewhilelonger.”Withahalfsmile,hetappedthesideofhishead.“Strategy.Iknowwe’donlygottenseriousforafewweeks,butI’dbeenseriousaboutheralotlonger.”
“Sheknew.”
“Didshe?”
Andinhiseyesshesawthesorrow,asimmeasurableasherown.
“Ohyeah.Youweren’taflingforher,Sam.Itwould’vetakensomeconvincing,sometime,butshe’dhavesaidyes.”
“Howarewegoingtogetoverher,Morgan?Whatarewegoingtodowithouther?”
“Ihavenoidea.Ithinkabouthowwepaintedherbedroombeforeshemovedin.Ionlyhadthisplaceafewweeksbeforeshedid,soNinawashererightfromthestart,really.Shehadthatlilacpaintinherhair,onherfacebythetimewe’dfinished.”
Morgancouldseeit,couldseeNina,asclearasyesterday.
“Andhowsheshowedmehowtoplantflowers,andhowshewouldn’ttakeno,anddraggedmetomyfirstRamosfamilydinner.”
“Nothinglikethem.”
“Shewantedtosetmeupwithherbrother,Rick.”
Samswiggedsomebeer.“Yeah,well.No.”
Thatteasedahalflaughoutofhertightthroat.
“IrememberthenightshebroughtyouintotheRoundsoIcouldsizeyouup.”
“Wehadtequilashots.”
“Youdid.AndohGod,thenightwemadedinner.WhenIcamehomefromwork,shewasstandingrightoverthere.Thekitchenlookedlikeshe’dsetoffabomb.Shewaswild-eyedbecauseshe’dsuccessfullymadethemarinadeforthechops.”
“Itwasareallygoodnight.”
“Anexcellentnight.”
Hepushedmorefoodaroundhisplate.“Youstillhaven’theardfromLuke?”
“Ithink,likemycar,that’sgone.HeneveransweredmytextorcallaboutNina.Somepeoplejustdon’thandle,ordon’twanttohandleemotionalupheaval.”
Sheshrugged.“It’sgoodtoknowbeforethingswentanywhere.”
“Heseemedlikeareallysolidguy.”
“Transient—hewasupfrontonthatatthestart.Butsolidinthemoment.”Sheshruggedagain.“Gonenow.Itdoesn’tmatter,”shesaid,andmeantit.“Hedoesn’tmatter.”
BeforeSamlefthecheckedthelocksonthebackdoor,ashealwaysdid.
“I’llseeyoutomorrow.OrIcanpickyouup,takeyouifyouwant.”
“I’vegotBill’scar.”
“I’veneverbeentoafuneralMass.”
“Meneither.”Andeventheideahadherstomachchurning.“We’llsticktogether.”
“Right.”Hehuggedher,ashealwaysdid.“Lockthedoorbehindme.”
Sheknewhewaiteduntilheheardthelocksclick,justassheknewshe’dobsessivelycheckthebackdoorlocksagain.Thenthefrontdoorbeforeshewenttobed.
Alone,shewalkedintoNina’semptyroom,wherethecheerfulwallsshowedtheirdeepershadeswherepictureshadhung.
Flowerposters—alwaysflowersforNina.Andthefadedsquarewhereshe’dhadhercorkboardtopinupdrawingsfromyoungcousins,herniecesandnephews.She’dpinnedupnotestoherself,appointmentcards.
NothingleftbutthoseshapestosayNinaRamoslivedhere.
She’dhavetogetanotherhousemate.Shecouldn’treallyaffordthemortgageandeverythingelsewithoutthatincome.Butshedidn’tknowhowshecouldbearhavingsomeoneelseinthisroom.
Sheshutoffthelight,closedthedoor,andtoldherselfshe’ddealwithitbecauseshehadto.
Attenthenextmorning,shesatwithSaminapewbehindtherowsofNina’sfamily.
Herparents,grandparents,siblings,cousins,aunts,uncles,nieces,nephews,somewho’dtraveledinfromoutofstateandasfarawayasMexico.
Family,friends,coworkers,othersshe’dgonetoschoolwith,customersfromthegardencenter,packedthechurch.Oneofhercousinssang,andbeautifully.
Thoughhersistergavethecoreeulogy,othersspoke.SinceNina’smotherhadaskedMorgantospeak,sheslidoutofthepew,walkedbytheflower-drapedcasket,andtalkedofherfriendship,talkedofhowNinahadhelpedhermakeherfirsthomeahome,taughtherhowtoplantherfirstgarden,hadgivenherfamilywhenshe’dbeensofarawayfrom
Itwasalllikeadream,theritual,themusic,theflowers,thewords—evenherownwords.
Whenitwasdone,shewonderedwhyshefeltnodifferentthanshehadwhenitbegan.Asshedrovewiththeotherstothecemetery,shethoughtthataftertheburial,afterthatritual,thosewords,she’dfeelsomelesseningofgrief,somesenseofclosure—ortheinchingtowardit.
ButwhenagainshesatbesideSam,thistimegrippinghishandasifshe’dfloatawaywithoutthatanchor,nothingchanged.Thepriestsaidmorewords,andshesensedcomfortinthemevenifshecouldn’tfeelit.
ShefeltthecoolAprilaironherface,sawthegreenofthegrass,thegraysandwhiteofmarbleheadstones.Theflowers,somanyflowersforNina.
Somewhere—notfar—abirdsang.
Thesundashedoffthepolishedwoodofthecoffin.Itilluminatedtheblanketofwhiterosesoverit.
ShethoughtofNinainsideit,inthepalepinkdresshermotherhadchosen.They’dhadnoviewing,butMamawantedhertowearthepinkdress,tohaveawhiterosebudinherhair.
Butshewasn’tinthere,Morganrealized.Ninawasn’tinsidethesilk-linedboxinherpinkdresswitharoseinherhair.
She’dgonetowhereverthosewholeaveusgo.She’dgonebeforeMorganhadcomehometofindherlyingonthefloor
Alreadygone.
Gravesandstonesandwordsandmusicweren’tforthedead,butthelivingtheyleftbehind.
Somehow,believingthat,sheallowedherselftosink,foramoment.Foramoment,shepressedherfacetoSam’sshoulder,letthegrieftakeherunder.
Whenshecouldbreatheagain,feelthatcoolspringairagain,she’dinched,justalittle,towardclosure.
Sheembracedthefamily,onebyone.Shegaveandexchangedcondolencesthroughaheadachethatcameonlikeastorm.
AsshewalkedbacktoBill’scar,shethought,onemorepart.Onemoreleftintheritualfortheliving.Backtothefamilyhomeforfood,forcommunity.
Ithelped,morethanshe’danticipated,thatcommunity.Withthefood,thedrink,thetears,somelaughteraspeoplesharedstoriesandmemories.
Still,sheslippedawayafteranhourastheheadacheragedandfatiguesetin.Shewantednothingsomuchastotakeofftheblackdress,onesheknewshe’dneverwearagain,thentoliedownandsleep.
Tobealonebeforeshehadtofacewhatcameafter.
She’dhavetofacelifeagain.
Asshepulledintoherdriveway,twopeoplegotoutofacarparkedatthecurb.Shepausedastheystartedupthewalkintheirblacksuits.
Notreporters,shethought.She’dlearnedtospotandavoidthemoverthelastweek.
Morecops?shewondered.Insurancepeople?
Whynow?Whatmoredidtheywantfromher?Whatmorecouldshesay?
“Ms.Albright?”Themalesuit,grayinghair,compactbody,heldupabadge.Asdidthewoman,darkskin,hairinshort,darkcoils,deepbrowneyesoddlycool.
“FBISpecialAgentsMorrisonandBeck.Couldwespeakwithyou?”
Astheheadachepounded,pounded,Morganstaredattheidentification.“FBI?Idon’tunderstand.”
“Weknowyou’vehadadifficultday,butifwecouldcomeinandexplain.”
“It’saboutNina?”
“Yes,ma’am.”
Shefeltthattinyinchtowardclosureslideawayagain.
“Allright.”Sheledtheway.“I’vetalkedtothepolice,andgaveastatement.Ihonestlydon’tknowanythingelse.”
Sheunlockedthedoor,wentinside.
“Icanmakecoffee,”sheoffered,onlybecauseshethoughtsheshould.
Thewoman—Beck—noddedslightly.“Ifit’snottoomuchtrouble.”
“No,it’sokay.Sitdown.It’llonlytakeaminute.”
Insteadofsittinginthelivingroom,Morrisonfollowedher,stoodjustinsidethekitchen.“Youhaveanicehouse.”
“Thankyou.”Shesawhisgazeshifttothebackdoorasshestartedthecoffee.“Bill,myboss,fixedthedoor.Thepolice—thedetectivesthatcameaftertheotherpolicethatday,andthecrimescenepeople—theysaiditwasokaytofixthebrokenglassandputinthedeadbolt.”
“Ofcourse.”
“Itjusthadthethumblockbefore.Hebroketheglass,andjustreachedinandflippeditopen.”
“He?”
“He,she,they,Idon’tknow.”
“Shewashomeunexpectedlyfromwork?”
Again,shethought.Shehadtosayitallagain.
“Theysentherhomesick.Shehadacold,anditgotworseatwork.ThecoworkerwhodroveherhomebecausehercarwasintheshopsaidtheystoppedsoshecouldbuysomeDayQuil.Shemust’vebeeninbedbecausethebottlewasonthenightstand,andaboxoftissuesonthebed.”
Shekeptherhandsbusy,gotoutmugs,creamer,sugar,spoons,atray.
She’dsayitallagain,shethought,thenthey’dgoawaysoshecouldsleep.
“Thedetectivessaiditlookedlikehewenttomyoffice,eithertostartthereortohidethereifheheardher.Thehouseshould’vebeenempty,butitwasn’t.Hewasinthere,andshewalkedinorstartedto,andhekilledher.
“HowmanytimesdoIhavetosayit?”
“Whydon’tItakethattrayinforyou?”
Shelethimbecauseshewantedtositdown.Shewantedtositandgetthisalloverwith.
Beckpickeditupassoonastheywalkedin.
“Youkeptyourcarfobinthehouse.Inplainview?”
“Yes,Jesus.”Thereasonablepartofherknewtheydidajob,buttherestofherjustdidn’tcare.
“Isaidallthis,too.Ikeptitinthatbowlbythedoor.Comein,putitinthebowl,alwaysknowwhereitis.Hethoughtthehousewouldbeempty—that’swhatthedetectivesthink.”
Struggling,shepressedherfingerstohereyes.
Justgetitoverwith.
“Hebrokein,killedNinabecauseshewashere.Hetookherjewelryandmine—notworthmuch—Ihadahundredincashrolledinasock,hegotthatandwhatevercashshehadinherdrawer.Itwouldn’thavebeenmuch.HetookherMacBookandherphone.Nopointintakingmylaptop,sinceitbrokewhenhebrokeher.Itwasfiveyearsoldanyway,andnotworthmuch.Thenhetookthefoboutofthebowlanddroveawayinmycar.
“Idon’tknowanythingelse.”
Beckopenedaslimbriefcase,tookoutaphoto.“Doyourecognizethisman?”
Hishairwaslongerandsortofcarelessly,stylishlywindblown,butotherwise…
Theheadacherollednauseaintoherbelly.
“LukeHudson.”
“Howdoyouknowhim?”
“HecameintothebarwhereIworknights,aboutthreeweeksago.TheNextRound.Hecameintothebar.Itendbar.Hewantedalocaldraft,struckupaconversation.Hesaidhewasintheareaforafewmonths.ITwork,smarthomesandoffices.”
Becauseherhandsshook,sheslidthemunderherthighs.“Butthat’snottrue,isit?Oryouwouldn’tbehere.Didhedothis?Idon’tunderstandhowthatcouldbe.Didhedothis?”
“Washeeverinhere?”Morrison,ignoringthequestion,pushedon.“Inyourhouse?”
“Once.Wehaddinner.Me,Nina,him,andSam—NinawasseeingSamNichols.Wehadthemoverfordinnerthe…the…the…”
Shepaused,pressedherlipstogether.“TheMondaynightbeforeshedied.Mynightoff.”
Beckwrotesomethinginanotebook.Morganbegantorubherhandsoverarmsthathadchilled.
“I…Hecameintothebarafewtimes.Hadlocaldrafts,somefood,conversation.Hewasfriendly,butnotpushy.Hetalkedwithsomeoftheothercustomers.Afterhecameinafewtimes,heaskedmetodinner.Casual,pizza,andIdecidedwhynot?ImethimatLuigi’sandwehadpizzaandwine.”
“Didyouhaveasexualrelationship?”
ShelookedatBeck.“No.Hecameintothebarahandfuloftimes.Wehadpizzaonenight,andNinaandIdecidedtohavehimandSamtodinner—Monday’smynightoff.Isaidthatalready,”sheremembered.“IhaveSundayandMondaynightsoffunlesswe’reshort-staffedatthebar.”
“Sohecametodinner,”Morrisonprompted.
“Yes.”Shetuckedherhandsunderherthighsagain.“Wecooked—thefirsttimeeitherofusmadearealdinner.Andhehadachangeinhisschedule,hesaid,andhadtodoajobinBaltimore,twoorthreedays.Hetextedmeafewtimeswhilehewasgone.”
“Didheleavetheroomwhereyouwere,thethreeofyouwere,atanypoint?”
“No,we…”Shepulledherhandsfree,pressedherfingerstohereyesagain.Nowtheheadachelivedthere,too.
“Yes.Yes,hedid.Heaskedifhecouldwashup.Thehalfbathisdownthere.”Shegestured.“Whenhecameback,heapologizedfortakingsolong,saidhegotacallhehadtotake.”
“Howlongwashegone?”
“Idon’tknow.Weweredrinkingwine,talking,and…Wait.Wait.”
Sheshovedherhandsthroughherhair.“Asparagus.Ithink…Yes,nearlytenminutes.Didhedothis?Whoishe?Whywouldhedothis?ForaMacBookandausedPrius?That’scrazy.”
“HisnameisGavinRozwell,andthisiswhathedoes.He’sapsychopath,aconartist,aserialkiller.Andyou,Ms.Albright,arehistype.”
“I’mhistype?Whattype?”
“Slenderblonde,single,betweentheagesoftwenty-fourandthirty.Theandrogynousname’saplus.”
SheheardthewordsasBeckspokethem,buttheyseemedtocomeoutinsomestrange,foreignlanguage.“What?”
“ItmakesitsimpleforhimtostealyouridentityandbecomeMorganAlbright.Hewouldhaveselectedyou,researchedyoubeforehewalkedintothatbar.”
“Stillcrazy,”sheinsisted.“Whywouldhewanttostealmyidentity?I’mnobody.Idon’thaveanything.”
“Youhavethishouse,”Morrisonpointedout.“Youhadacar.Youworktwojobs,soyou’reboundtohaveabankaccount.”
“Andfirstandforemost,”Beckadded,“heenjoysit.Doyouhaveanycreditcards?”
“Ihaveone.Iuseitprimarilyforfoodandgas,payitoffmonthly.It’sgoodtobuildmycreditrating.”
“He’slikelyrunthatup,openedatleastonemore,andrunthattoitslimit.Doyoubankonline?”
“Yes.Myworkschedule…”
“Haveyoucheckedyourbankaccountinthelastweek?”
“No.WhywouldI?WejustburiedNina.Today.WeburiedNinatoday.”
“Couldyoucheckitnow?”
Shenearlygotuptogotoherofficeandlaptopbeforesheremembered.Andtookoutherphone.
Whatcolorshehadleftinherfaceleachedaway.“Thiscan’tberight.Itcan’tbe.ItsaysIhavelessthantwohundreddollars.Ihadovertwelvethousand,justover.I’vebeensavingforyears.Thisisamistake.”
“It’scybertheft,Ms.Albright.I’msorry,”Morrisonwenton.“It’slikelyworse.You’reahomeowner,andthat’ssomethinghetargets.It’sverylikelyheusedyouridentityandtheinformationhegotoffyourcomputertotakeoutequityloans,maybeabusinessloan.He’dhaveusedlendingcompaniesratherthanbanks,agreedtoahigherinterestrateforthequickturnaround.Themalwarehelikelyinstalledonyourcomputerinthattenminutesallowedhimtochannelaccesstoyouraccounts.”
“He’sveryskilledinthisarea,”Beckcontinued.“It’sprobablehegotintothehouse—hewouldn’thavebrokenthewindowinitially.Hewouldhaveuninstalledthemalwareandwalkedoutagain.ButMs.Ramoswashere,shesawhim.Hestagedthebreak-in,tookyourvaluables,thecashonhandtocovertherest.”
“Ms.Albright.”Morrisonwaiteduntilherglazedeyesshiftedtohisface.“We’veverysorryforwhat’shappenedtoyou.Verysorryforwhathappenedtoyourfriend.MypartnerandIhavebeenafterRozwellforyears.Whathappenedheredidn’timmediatelygetourattention,asMs.Ramosisn’thisusualtype,histargettype.Shewaspetite,darkhair,hername,nohomeownership,andtheclumsyburglary.Thenanarticlecameupinasearchandmentionedyou.Yourhouse,yourcar.”
“Andyouarehistype,”Beckcontinued.“Whenhewasfinishedwipingyououtfinancially,hewouldhavekilledyou.Heknowsyourschedule,yourhabits,hadgainedyourtrust.He’dhavegottenyoualoneanddonetoyouwhathedidtoMs.Ramos.”
“Butyou’realive.You’rethefirstoneofhisvictimswe’vebeenabletospeakwith.”
“Ihaveto—”Sheshovedup,dashedtothehalfbath.Whenshewasfinishedbeingsick,shesplashedwateronherface,scoopedmoreoutofthefaucettoclearhermouthandthroat.
Inthemirrorshesawaghostofherself,sheetwhite,glassyeyes.Nowthatthesicknesspassed,allshehadwasnumb.
Shewentback,loweredintothechair.“WhatamIsupposedtodo?”
“Iknowthisisashock,”Morrisonbegan.“Iknowthisisavery,verydifficulttime.Canwecallsomeoneforyou?”
“No.WhatamIsupposedtodo?”
“You’rethefirstwe’vebeenabletointerview,”Beckrepeated.“Theonlysurvivorweknowof.Weneedyoutotelluseverythingyoucanremember.Whathedid,whathesaid.Yousaidhetextedyou,sowe’dliketocopythose.Regardingtheidentitytheft,yoursituation?I’dadviseyoutohirealawyerassoonaspossibletotrytodealwiththat.”
“Withwhat?”shedemanded.“I’mbroke.HecameintothebaronaTuesdaynight,”sheremembered,andtoldthemeverythingshecouldthinkof.
Itgotworse,andkeptgettingworse.
Overthenextsixweeks,thefullextentofthedamageGavinRozwellwroughtdroppedhard.He’dmanagedtorerouteherlastmortgagepayment,suckedupherlasttwodirectdepositpaychecks—onefromeachjob.He’drunuphercreditcardtothetuneof$8,321.85aswellastakingouttwomoremajorcardsforatotaltherethathitoverfifteenthousand.
He’dtakenoutahomeequityloanonherhouse,inhername,usingallherfinancialdata.Hercareful,hard-wonhomeimprovementshadincreasedthevalueofherhousesinceshe’dpurchasedit,andhercreditscorewasexcellent.He’dtakenoutthemaximumallowed,andhadwalkedawaywithtwenty-fivethousand.Andthatinadditiontoabusinessstart-uploanhe’dwrangled,withherhomeascollateral,foranothertwenty-fivethousand.
Heshouldn’thavebeenabletogettwoloans,twodifferentlenders,buthe’ddoneit—asshelearnedhe’ddoneitbefore.
Theinsurancepaymentonherstolencarbarelycoveredtheamountsheowedonit.
Shehadnothingleftbutdebt,legaltangles,andgrief.
Worse,somehowworse,he’dusedtheMacBooktowipeoutNina’smeagersavingsinthehoursbetweenherdeathandwhenMorganfoundher.
Shehadnopridelefttoswallowwhenshecalledhergrandmotherandaskedformoneytohirealawyer.
Thoughbothheremployersofferedherfinancialhelp,thatshecouldn’tswallow.
Andthoughitshamedher,sheacceptedtheofferofNina’scar.
Shehadtowork,andneededtransportationtogetthere.
Sheplantednogardenthatsummer.
OnaSundaymorninginmid-July,shelearnedofyetanotherloantakeninhernamewhentwomencametothehouse.
Onelooktoldher:billcollectors,sosheturnedoffthelawnmowerandwaited.
“LookingforMorganAlbright.”
“I’mMorganAlbright.”
Thetwomenexchangedalook.“Don’tlooklikehim.”
“BecauseI’mnotahim,”shesaidwearily.“Ifthisisabouttheequityloan,thebusinessloan,thecreditcardcharges,mylawyer’shandlingit.”
“You’reoverdue,Morgan.Mr.Castlelentyouthetwentyingoodfaith.FullpaymentandinterestdueJulyfirst.Interest’sdoublingeverydaysincethefirst.”
“Idon’tknowaMr.Castle,andhedidn’tlendmeanything.I’mdealingwithidentitytheft,andcangiveyouthecontactformylawyerandtheFBIagentsinvestigating.”
“Mr.Castle’snotinterestedinyourproblems,lady.MorganAlbrighttookthemoney,MorganAlbrightpays.”
“Howaboutyougiveustenpercent,showofgoodfaith,”thesecondmansuggested.“Youdon’twantanytrouble.”
Theymightaswellhaveaskedherforthemoonandacoupleofplanets.
“Ihavenothingbuttrouble!Idon’thavetenpercentofanythingbecausehetookeverything.You’relookingforamannamedGavinRozwell.HetookthisMr.Castle’smoney.”
Shethrewupherhands.“IworktwojobsandIcanbarelycoverthebills.I’vegotlawyer’sfeespilingupbecausehetookouttwootherloansinmyname,andit’sanightmare.ForGod’ssake,hebeatandstrangledmyfriend.Gofindhim.Gofindthesonofabitchbecauseitdoesn’tlooklikethecopscan.”
“That’ssomestory.It’sgoingtobuyyouaweek.Thingswon’tbesopolitewhenwecomeback.”
Shecalledthepolice,shecalledthespecialagents.
AndthenextmorningshefoundthetiresslashedonNina’scar.
Tearswerefinished.Shemighthavetrembledallthewaytowork,buttearswerefinished.Shedidn’ttellBill,oranyonebutthepolice.Eventheideaoftalkingaboutitexhaustedher.
Tohelpmakethemortgage—nobodywantedtorentamurderedwoman’sroom—shetookextrashiftsonMondaynights.
Agiftfromtheboss,sheknew,asshewasn’tneeded.
Ratherthanbikinghome,changing,maybemakingasandwich,she’dgrabbedherbarclothesaftershe’dseenthetires.ShechangedinthebathroomatGreenwald’s,didwhatshecouldwithhermakeup.
Itwouldmeanbikinghomeaftermidnight,butshehadreflectorsandaheadlight.It’sfine,shetoldherself.
Sheservedlocals,mixeddrinksfortourists.
Amansatonanemptystool.Stockybuild,mid-fifties,ink-blackhairwornwithahintofwave.Heworeababy-bluegolfshirt—Lacoste—andsummer-weightkhakis.
“Niceevening,”hesaid.
“Itcertainlyis.WhatcanIgetyou?”
“Bombayandtonic,twistoflime.Niceplace,”headdedashelookedaround.“Gotanicefeeltoit.”
“Wethinkso.Firsttimein?”
“Yep.Justpassingthrough.Fromthearea,areyou?”
“Iamnow.”Whensheservedhisdrink,helaidapieceofnotepaperwithanumberonit.“That’swhatheowesmeasoftoday.”Thenheheldupahand.“Ididn’tbringyouanytrouble.Cameheretohaveaone-on-one,publicplace.”
Herthroatclickedasshetried,andfailed,toswallow.“Idon’thaveanymoney.”
“Isaidthis”—hetappedthepaper—“iswhatheowesme.Notyou.Hescrewedoverbothofus.Myemployeesbroughtmeyourstory.Igetalotofsadstories,lotsofbullshitstories,butyourscheckedout.”
Heliftedhisdrink,watchingherashesipped.“NicepourontheBombay.So,I’mtellingyou,youwon’thaveanytroubleonmyend.”Heputthepaperbackinhispocket.“It’snotyourdebttopay.Didn’tseemrighttoaddthattoyourlistoftroubles,soyoucancrossitoff.”
Hedranksomemore.“Hegavemeasadstory.He’sgotawaywithastory.Noneedtogointoit.Pissesmeoff.Yourname,youraddress,whereyouwork.Bothjobs.AnythingabouthimyouknowIdidn’treadinthenewsreportsandsuch?”
“Idon’tknow.Ididn’treadanyofit.Icouldn’t.”
Hejustnodded.“Ireadaboutyourfriend,sawherpicture.Beautifulgirl.Onlysickfuckersdothattobeautifulgirls.”
Hetookoutamoneyclip,peeledofftwofifties.
“We’reclear,youandme.Mywordonit,andmyword’sgood.I’msorryforyourtroubles.”
“Mr.Castle.”Shenudgedthebillstowardhim.“Thisistoomuch.”
Heshookhishead.“Ipaymydebts,”hesaid,andwalkedout.
Whenshesteppedoutofthehousethenextmorning,Nina’scarhadfournewtires.ChapterFive
SummerrolledintoautumnwithoutanyofMorgan’susualpleasureinthechangeofseasons.
Realityhadtobefaced.
Juggling,juggling,juggling,she’dtriedtoholdon.Butthelawyerfeesmountedtobeyondwhatshe’daskedhergrandmothertolendher.
Shecouldn’tbringherselftoaskformore,notwhenshesoclearlysawherlifebecomeanendlesscycleofwork,bills,debt,worry.
Theywantedtocome,hermother,hergrandmother,butshecouldn’tfacethateitherandputthemoff.
Evenworkingnearlyeightyhoursaweek,shefellbehind.Nina’scar—itwouldforeverbeNina’scar—neededmorework,andthoughsheknewLarrybottomeddownhispriceforher,itcutintothebudget.
Herwashingmachinedecidedtorevoltandfloodthedayaftershe’dstolenenoughfromthebudgettoreplacethebaldingtiresonherbike.
Thenherlightswentoff.
She’dpaidthebill,butitseemedGavinRozwellhadtakenonemoreshot.Usingheraccountnumber,he’ddiscontinuedservice.Assheworkedtostraightenthatout—withthepowercompanyrepinsistingturningthepowerbackonrequiredafee—shelearnedhe’dcanceledherhomeowner’sinsuranceandfiledahugefraudulentclaimagainsthermedicalinsurance.
Itcouldallbefixed,thelawyerassuredher.Formorelegalfees,morecourtcosts,moremoneypouredoutinhopesofrecoupingitlater.
ByNovembersheacceptedshewasinoverherhead,andshe’dnevercomeupforthethirdtime.
WithSam,shevisitedNina’sgravewithitspurewhitestone.Thewindblewhard,scattereddeadleaves,andoverheadtheskyheldthickandgraywitharainthatwouldcomeicywhenitfell.
Theyhadn’tbroughtflowers.They’dagreedNinawouldhateforthemtolayflowersthatwouldwitheranddieinthecold.
“Iknowshe’snothere.”MorgantippedherheadtowardSam’sshoulder.“Istillfeelherinthehousesometimes.Ithelps.Isthatweird?”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Heslidanarmaroundher.“Igooverforfamilydinnereveryfewweeksbecauseithelps.Ihaven’tseenyouthereforawhile.”
“Ibarelyhavetimetocatchmynextbreath.”
“I’msosorry,Morgan.Ikeephopingit’llleveloutforyou.”
“I’mputtingthehouseupforsale.”
“Oh,comeon.”Steppingback,hegrippedherarms.“Therehastobesomething.”
“Ican’tholdontoit.IfIpaythemortgage,Ifallbehindonsomethingelse.IfIpaythesomethingelse,Imissthemortgagepayment.I’mburiedinlegalfees,butthehitskeepcoming.”
Shebreatheddeep.“Canwewalk?IfeellikeI’mdumpingthisonNina,andthatisweird,sinceIjustsaidshe’snothere.”
“We’llwalk.”Hetookherhandastheydid.“There’sgottobeawayIcanhelp.Youhavealotofpeoplewho’dhelp,Morgan.”
“Iknowthat,buthedidn’tjustruinme,he’sruinedthisplaceforme.Hesuckedallthejoyout,Sam.Thehouseisaburdennow,notmyhome,justanotherweighttotrytolifteveryday.Idon’tknowhowlongitwouldtakemetogetbackonmyfeet,butIknowit’lltakeyearsformetogetbacktowhereIwas.”
“Thesonofabitch.Whycan’ttheyfindthesonofabitch?”
“Idon’tknow.Wayback,whenhefirststartedcomingintothebar,Gracie—youknow,headwaitressattheRound—shesaidhewassmooth.Andshedidn’ttrustsmooth.God,shewasright.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
“Sellthehouse.TheRealtoradvisedmetowaituntilMarchorApril,andthatitmighttakethatlongtosellanyway.ButI’vegottogetstartedonthat.I’llstickitoutuntilitsellsbecauseIdon’thaveachoice,butIhavetogetstarted.”
Shelookedoutattheheadstones,themonuments,theflowersthatwouldwitheranddie.
“ThenI’mmovingtoVermont.”
“Ahhell,Morgan.”
“Ican’tstayhere,goingbackward.Movingintoanapartment,knowingeverythingIhadisgone.SeeingthateverytimeIgotowork,tothegrocerystore,putgasinNina’scar.Ican’t.”
“Igetit,Morgan.Ido.”
“Italkedtomymother,mygrandmotherlastnight.They’lltakemein.Iguesstheydon’thaveachoiceeither.”
“Maybeyoucouldwaituntilafterthefirstoftheyearonthehouse,giveyourselfalittlemoretime.”
“It’snothomeanymore,”shesaidagain.“Andthejobs,they’rejustjobsnow.Getup,gotowork,turnaround,gotowork,gotobed,doitallagainworried,allthetimeworried.Idon’twanttolivelikethat.”
“Takeabreakfromallthis.Comewithmetofamilydinner.”
“Ican’t,really.They’llpushaboutThanksgiving—theyalreadyare.Andit’seasiertomakeexcusesoverthephone.Ican’tpretendtobethankfulthisyear.Don’ttellthem.Pleasedon’t.”
Shestopped,turnedtotakebothhishands.“I’lltellthemwhenthehousesells.”
“Ifthat’swhatyouwant.”
“Itis.I’vegottogetback.I’vegotalonglistofthingstheRealtorsuggestsIdobeforesheshowsit.”Hereyesfilled.“Ihavetopaintoverthelilacwalls.Nina’sbedroom.”
“Shewouldn’tmind.”
“No.”Morganlookedbacktowardthewhitestone.“She’dunderstand.”
Paintwascheap,andsowasherlabor.Shepaintedthewallsaneutraloff-whiteshedecidedshepersonallyhated.TakinghercuesfromHGTV,shewentsell-this-houseneutraleverywhere.
Sheremovedpersonalitems,boxedupphotographs,somesweetandsillyknickknacks.
Shecleanedeveryinchofwhathadbeenherhomeandnowrepresentedafightshe’dalreadylost.
ThehousesatonthemarketforsixweekswithoutasingleofferbeforetheRealtoradvisedaslightpricereduction.
Morganagreed,andcleanedthehouseagainforwhattheRealtorcalledapostholidayshowing.BythemiddleofJanuary,andasecondslightpricecut,she’dsoldherlivingroomfurniture,whichhelpedpaybillsandallowedheronedeepbreath.
Andshestartedresearchingbankruptcy.
Anoffercamein.
“It’stwentythousandbelowaskingprice,sothey’relowballingyou.Isuggestwecounterwith—”
“Justtaketheoffer.”ShesatatthetableonaSundayevening,knowingpeoplehadgonethroughthehouseyetagainwhileshe’dnursedcoffeeinacafé.Gonethrough,judged,criticized,imaginedwhatthey’dchange.
“Morgan,Iknowthishasn’tbeeneasyforyou,butwithsettlementfees,thatofferwon’tcoverwhatyouowe.LetmedowhatIdo.Letmecounter.”
“Allright.”Shestaredintothebowlofcannedsoupshe’dtriedtoeat.“ButI’mgivingyoupermissiontotaketheofferiftheybalkatyourcounter.Totaketheircountertothecounteriftheymakeone.Ineedtomoveon.”
“Understood.I’llgetbacktoyou.”
“Thanks.”
Pushingthesoupaside,shepulledovertheoldlaptopSamhadgivenher.Noarguments,Morgan,sherememberedhimsaying.Justtakethedamnthing
She’dtakenthedamnthingandnowdidsomecalculations.
BelindatheRealtorhaditright,ofcourse.Theofferonthetablewouldn’tcoverherdebt.Butinsteadofowingaboutthreehundredthousand,she’doweroughlyseven.
Shecouldlivewiththat.Shewascurrentlylivingwithalotworse.
Belindacalledback.“Thebuyersarewillingtosplitthedifference.I’dliketocounter.”
“Takeit,please.Justtakeit.Itgetsmeoutfromunder.”
“Iunderstand,butIhateforyoutosettleforlessthanit’sworth.”
“Belinda,awomanwasmurderedinthishouse.Webothknowthatlowersthevaluetomostbuyers.”
“Youdeservebetter.”
“I’lltakewhatIcanget.Howsooncanwesettle?”
“Thirtydays.”
“Okay,I’llbeready.Thanksforthis.Imeanit.”
Shesatback,shuthereyes,andrealizedshefeltnothingbutrelief.
Thirtydaysmovedfast.Shegaveherbosseshernotice,helpedtrainherreplacements.Sinceshe’dhavenoneedforthem,shesoldorgaveawaytherestofherfurniture,thecontentsofherkitchencabinets,evenhercleaningsupplies.
Nomatterhowshe’dbracedforit,sayinggoodbyeprovedharderthanshe’dimagined.
Onthemorningofthesettlement,whenshelockedtheemptyhouseforthelasttime,thereliefshefoughttoclingtodroppedintomisery.
She’dcrylater.Shepromisedherselfachampion-levelcryingjag,butlater.
Withthepaperworkcomplete,thenewownersbeaming,shecomfortedherselfthatsomeonewouldlovewhatcouldnolongerbehers.
Maybethey’dtakethatwalldown,andbuildasweetlittlefrontporch.
Shewalkedoutofthesettlementofficewithacheckthattotaledhardlymorethantwoweeks’pay.Sinceitseemedbestnottothinkabouthowthrilledshe’dbeenwhenshe’dwalkedoutofthatsameofficeasahomeowner,sheblockeditout.
ShegotintoNina’scarwithhersuitcasesalreadyloaded,anddrovenorth.
Whenshe’dmadeherannualtrektoVermontforChristmas—exceptthispastone,whichshe’dspentalone—she’dtakenthetrain.
Ahappylittletrip,shethoughtnow,withhersinglesuitcase,bagofgifts,andallthatholidaycheer.
ThedrivefromtheoutskirtsofBaltimoretoWestridge,Vermont,wouldtakeherasolideighthoursaccordingtotheGPSonherphone.
Shehopedtomakeitwithoutanovernightstop.AndwithbiggerhopethatNina’scarwouldmakeit.
Shedroveawayfromthefirstwhispersofspringandintothefirmgripofwinter,withitsshiveringtreesandaquicksquallofsleet.
AfterskirtingPhiladelphia,thenNewYork,shestoppedtogasup,stretchherlegs.IntheparkinglotsheatehalfthePB&Jshe’dpackedandwatchedacouplewalkabig,curlyhaireddog.
Adoghadbeeninherlong-rangeplans,sheremembered,aftershe’destablishedherownbusiness.Notabigdog,shethought,butnotoneofthosepocketjobseither.Anicesensible-sizedogwho’dcurlatherfeetwhenshedidpaperworkandromparoundthebackyard—nodigginginthegarden.Asweetandquiet-natureddogshe’draisefromafriskypuppy.
Shesawherimaginarydogstretchedoutonherfinishedbackdecktosoakupthesummersun.Sittingpatientlyinheropen,cheerfulkitchenwhileshefilledhisfoodandwaterbowls.Greetingherwithwaggingtailwhenshecamehomefromwork.
She’dneedadogdoor,ofcourse,leadingoutfromthekitchentothedeckandyard.And…
Shecaughtherself,closedhereyes.
“Stop.Juststop.That’sdone.”
Appetitegone,shewrappedthesecondhalfofthesandwichandcontinuedonherway.
ShedrovethroughConnecticut,intoMassachusetts.Snow,whiteandthick,coveredeverythingoneithersideofthehighway,andthesky—grayaslead—surelyheldmore.Windstreameddownfromtherisinghills,sentsnowflying,drifting.
Trafficslowedtothepointshefeltherselfdriftinglikethesnow.Soshepulledoffagain,walkedinthefrigidair.Withlightleachingoutoftheday,shenearlygavein.
Adecentmotel,awarm,quietspace,sleep.
Sheboughtalargecoffeeinsteadandtextedhermothershe’darriveinafewhours.
We’llbehere.Gotabigpotofbeefstewwaiting.Drivesafe.
Sheaddedaheartemoji,andfeelingobligated,Morganansweredwithanother.
Ignoringthesignsoflodging,shecrossedintoVermontandtheGreenMountains.
Therewasbeautyhere—maybefrozenatthistime,butbeauty.Shecouldn’tdenyit,andhadalwaysenjoyeditonherholidayvisits,hershortchildhoodtripsinsummer.
Mountainsandforestsandvalleys,snowdrenched,madeawinterpainting,allAmericana.Shedroveandwoundthroughthedreamofit,andfeltsomethingnearlyreleasewhenthemoon—justasliceofit—brokethroughthecloudstodropitsbluelightonthewhite.
She’dhikedtheforestwithhergrandfatheronrareandall-too-shortsummervisits.Hekneweverytrail.Itstruckherthatshemissedhimmorehereasshedroveclosertowherehe’dlivedhislifethanshedidanywhereelse.
He’dlistenedtoherdreams.
Tobefair,sohadhergrandmotherandhermother.Thoughhermotherhadalwaysseemedjustalittledistracted.ButPahadlistened,asifnothingelseexistedinthatmomentbutherwordsandwishes.
Shethoughtofhimnowasshetraveledthroughhisworldandrememberedthelittlethingshe’dtaughther.
Howtohammeranailwithoutbangingherthumb.Howtouseacompass.Howtorecognizeadeerprint,abear’s.Howtofish,somethingshedidnotforpleasurebutjusttospendtimewithhim.
Hewouldn’tbeherethistime,sherealized,andthatcold,hardfactachedinherheart.
Shepushedon,veeringwestwiththeroadoutoftheforest,throughthetowns,theiroutskirts,thevillagesandtheirs.
Andatlast,atlast,nearlytenhoursaftershe’dbegun,shecametothesturdyoldTudorridingitsslopeofsnowwithlightsshininginthewindows,smokecurlingfromitspairofchimneys.
Afterparkinginfrontofthegarage,heavingasighthatshe’dmadeit,shegotoutonherrubberylegstodragherpairofsuitcasesoutofthecar.
Thecoldcutlikeknivessheathedinice,andthemoanofthewindcrackledthroughthefrozentrees.
Butthey’dblownthesnowoffthedrive,awayfromthewidebrickedpath.Atherlimit,shebumpedthesuitcasesupthepairofstepstothecoveredentrywayandknocked.
Thedooropenedquickly,toldherthey’dbeenwaiting.Inaninstantithither,thatstudyinsharedDNA.Soalike,theslimbuilds,theboldblueeyes,thebeautifulforeverbonesoftheirfaces.
Aninstantmoreenfoldedherinfemalearms,thescentofwomen.
“Closeoutthatcold,Audrey.Letmegetalookatthisgirl.”
OliviaNashtookMorgan’sshoulderstoholdherbackandtakeagoodstudy.“Worntothenub,aren’tyou?”
“Longdrive,Gram.”
“Well,getthatcoatoff.We’llgetsomestewinyou.I’dsaywhiskeywithit,butyouneverhadatasteforitasIrecall.”
Hermothertookhercoat,scarf,hat,thenstoodholdingthem,takingherowngoodstudy.“Howaboutsomewinetogowiththatstew?”
“That’dbegreat.”Thoughshedidn’twanteither.Shewantedbedandadarkroom.
Butsheletherselfbehandled,takenfromthefoyer,pastthelivingroomwithitsroaringfire,thenthestudythathadoncebeenhergrandfather’sretreat,intowhatthey’dremodeledintoagreatroomwithitscozylounge,itsdiningarea,itsspaciouskitchenthatopenedtothesnowyyardandwoodsbeyond
Allpinneatand,reflectingthetwowomenwholivedthere,bothpracticalandfemale.
“Sitrightthereatthecounter,”Oliviaordered.“Audrey,yougetthewine,I’llgetthestew.”
Theybustled,workinginawaythattoldMorgantheyknewhowtoworktogether,betogether,livetogether.
Hergrandmotherhadletherhairgograyassteel—likeherspine—woreitshortasaboy’s.Shedidn’tmove,inMorgan’sestimation,likeawomanwhohadseventyintherearviewmirror.
Fromthepotontheshiningstovetop,sheladledtwiceasmuchstewasMorgancouldhaveeatenonherbestday.
Audreyputaglassofdeepredwineonthecounter,ranahandoverMorgan’shair.“We’vegotfreshsourdoughbread,too.Ibakeditthismorning.”
“Bakedit?”
“Afriendgavemethestarterlastfall,soIneededtoatleasttry.Ilikeit,andI’vegottengoodatit.Ithink.”
Shecutagenerousslicefromaroundonthecuttingboard.
Shestillworeherwheat-field-in-the-sunhairlong,pulledbackinaneattail.Herhands—they’dalwaysseemedsoelegant,delicatetoMorgan—nudgedthebuttercrockover.
“Letmeknowwhatyouthink.”
“Stickthin.”Oliviasetthebowl,aspoon,aclothnapkininfrontofMorgan.“We’llfixthat.We’llfixit,”shesaid,andgaveMorgan’shandaquicksqueeze.“Let’sallhavesomewine,Audrey.”
“Ohyes,let’s.”
Ashermothergotmoreglasses—theWaterford,Morgannoted—shespoonedupsomestew.“It’swonderful.”Thennibbledatthesliceofbread.Surprisedshecouldspeakpuretruth,shesmiled.“It’sallwonderful.Thanksforlettingmecome.”
“Iwon’thearthat.”Oliviastabbedafingerintheair,pickedupthewinewithherotherhand.“I’llhearnoneofthat.You’remyonlygrandchild.Yourmother’sonlychild.Thisishome.Whetheryoumakeanotheronedowntheroad,thisisalwayshome.It’sthethreeofusnow.”
Sheliftedherglass.“Andhere’stothethreeofus.”
Withanod,Morganliftedherownglass,sipped.
“You,ah,putglassfrontsonsomeoftheuppers.Itlooksnice.”
“Theylightup,too.”Walkingover,Oliviaflippedaswitchthatilluminatedglassware,thegoodchina.“Decidedonit—whenwasthat,Audrey?”
“Lastspring,duringourspringcleaning.Isentyoupictures,didn’tI,Morgan?”
“Yes,butseeingit…I’msorryIdidn’tcomeforChristmas.Iknowyoubothwantedtocometome,butI…”
“Leavethatfornow.”Oliviatookoneofthestools.“Leaveallthatfortonight.We’lltalkaboutallofit,allyouneedtotalkabout,andI’llsayagain.We’llfixit.Tonight,letitbeenoughyou’rehere.”
Morgannoddedagain,atemorestew.“How’stheshop?”
“Oh,itbustles,doesn’tit,Audrey?”
“Winterpeople.”Audreytookherownstool.“Theylovecomingintotownandfindingsomethinglocaltotakehome.We’readdingawine-slash-coffee-slash-teabar.”
“Really?”
“Shetalkedmeintoit.Nag,nag,nag.”Oliviarolledhereyesatherdaughter,thenlaughed.“Ihateshe’srightaboutitwhenIdraggedmyfeet.Weshouldhaveitupandrunningnextweek.”
“Fancycoffeesandteas,hotchocolatethistimeofyear.Icedcoffeesandteas,freshlemonade,thatsortofthingforthesummerpeople.Andwineallyearround.”
“Soundsgreat.”Evenifshecouldn’timaginehermotherthinkingofit.“Whereareyouputtingit?”
“That’sthedraggingoffeet.”
“ShepusheduntilIgavein.Weboughtthedustyoldfakeantiquesshopnextdoor.Hadtoopenupthedamnwallbetweenthebuildings,fixthedustyoldmess.Shetookadvantageofmyoldageandweakmind.”
“Asif.We’reputtinginafewtablesandbooths,offeringcookies,scones—simplethings.Peoplecanshop,havecoffee,orhavecoffeeandshop.Orwineandshopmore,”Audreysaidwithalaugh.
“Weopenedtheuselessoldfireplaceinthere,haditfixedup,putinanelectricinsert.”
“That’s—reallysmart.”
“Wewentbackandforthonit,didn’twe,Mom?Arealwood-burnerwould’vehadthatgenuineVermonttouch,butthisissaferandcleaner.”
Theyhadn’ttoldheranyofthis,Morganthoughtassheate,asshelistenedtothemtalkaboutthedetails.Becausethey’dknownshe’dbeenmiredinherownproblems.
Eventually,shenudgedthebowlaway.“Ican’teatanymore.It’sgreat.So’sthebread,Mom.I’mseriouslyimpressed.Ijustcan’teatanotherbite.Thedrivewipedmeout.Ifit’sokay,I’dliketogoup,settlein,andgetsomesleep.”
“Youdon’thavetoaskforpermission.”Oliviarose.“Let’sgogetyousettled.”
Theyhauledthebagsuptothebedroomshealwaysused—twodoorsawayfromthemasterandacrossfromhermother’s.
Butwhenshewalkedin,morechanges.
Nomoreold-timeyrosebudwallpaper.Insteadthey’dpaintedthewallsaquiet,soothingbluethatheldsoftagainstthedarktrim.Thefloorsgleamed,asalways,butnowablue-and-creamrug,asubtlefloralpattern,gracedthem.
They’dchangedoutthebedtoaqueen-sizewithabrasshead-andfootboard,coveredwithawhiteduvet,blue-and-whiteshams,andathrowfoldedatthebottomofvariegatedblues.
Insteadofbeingonthewalls,pinkrosebudsstoodinavaseonthedresser.Achair,withalittleroundtableandreadinglamp,nestledinthecorner.
“It’sjustlovely.”
“Itgetsbetter.”
Oliviaopenedadoorintoanattachedbath.Agenerousshower,adarkbluevanitywithawhitetopveinedwithblue.Openshelvesholdingfluffytowelsandthefemaletouchofglassjarsfilledwithbathsalts,oils,cottonballs.
“It’sso—Youdidn’thavetodoallthis.”
“Enoughofthat.Nashwomen—andyou’vegotplentyofNashinyou,”Oliviaadded,“dowhattheywanttodo.Maybenotatfirstoreverytime,buteventuallyandmosttimes.”
“Wejusttooktheroomnextdoorforthebathandcloset.Westillhaveplentyofbedroomsifwehaveaguest.It’sniceweallhaveourownbathrooms.”
“Easiertolivetogetherthatway,”Oliviafinished.“Stillgotthefullbathattheotherendofthehall,andthepowderroomdownstairs.Thisbigoldhouseneededsomechanges.”
Shenarrowedhereyesatherdaughter.“Thatdoesn’tmeanwe’llbetearinguptheotherbathsanytimesoon.”
Audreyjustsmiled.“Eventually.Canwehelpyouunpack,baby?”
“No,no,it’snotthatmuch.”
“We’llletyougetsomerest.”Oliviasteppedforward,kissedhercheek.“There’sbottledwaterinthatcabinetundertheshelvesinthebathroomifyou’rethirsty.Youknowwhereweareifyouneedanything.”
“Ido.Andyou’regoingtohavetoacceptmesayingthankyou.Thankyou,bothofyou.Thisisreallybeautiful.”
Audreygatheredherin,pressedcheektocheek.“Goodnight,Morgan.”Theywentout,closedthedoor.
Needingtogetitdone,sheunpackedfirstwithoutgivingmuchthoughttowhatshouldgowhere.Justgetitallputaway,outofsight,alongwiththesuitcases.
Becauseitfeltasifshe’dwornherclothesforayear,shestrippeddown,pulledpajamapantsandashirtoutofthedresserwhereshe’djustputthem.
Shegotintheshower,letthewaterraindown.Warm,sowarm.
Shehadhercryingjagwhilethesteamroseandthewaterstruckthetiles.
She’dlost,she’dfailed.Shehadnothingleftofherown.
SheweptforNina,herbeautifulfriend
Sheweptforthehomesomeoneelsenowlivedin.Forthejobsshe’dloved,thelifeshe’dbuilt,andthefutureshe’dhopedfor.
Emptiedout,sheturnedoffthetaps,putonherpajamas.
Asshe’dbeentaught,shehunghertoweltodrybeforegoingintohernighttimeroutine.
Thenshesatonthesideofthebed,listeningtothewind,thesettlingofthehouse.
Ahousewhereshelived,hadthislovely,lovelyroom,becauseofthegenerosityoftwowomenwholovedher.
“Whatnow?”shewondered.“WhatdoIdonow?WheredoIstart?”
Tomorrow,shetoldherselfassheclimbedunderthecrispsheets,thefluffyduvet.She’dfigureitouttomorrow.Orthedayafterthat.
Or,shethought,andturnedoffthelight,shuthereyes.
Andfellintosleeplikeastoneintoariver.ChapterSix
Shewokedisoriented,andforamomentthoughtshedreamed.Theprettyroomwithallthesoothingblues,thewaythelightslidthroughthewindows,allseemedsostrangeandunfamiliar.
Thensherememberedandhadtofightthedeepdesiretojustclosehereyes,justescapeintosleepagain.
Nottheway,shetoldherself.Hidinginsleepsolvednothing.Whenshewoke,Ninawouldstillbedead,thelifeshe’dbuiltstillinruins.
Sheneededtomoveforward—somehow,somewhere.Theonlychoicewastomoveforward.Move.
Shegotup,dressed.Outofingrainedhabitshemadethebed,fluffedthepillowsbeforewanderingdownstairs.
Oliviasatatthekitchenisland,wearingablacksweatshirt.Itswhiteletteringsaidsimply:
idissent
Shesippedfromanoversizemugofcoffeewhilesheworkedacrosswordonhertablet.
Morganpointedatthelettering.“Towhat?”
“Whatchagot?Letmefixyousomecoffee.Wewentforthatfancymachinewhenweredidthingsaroundhere.”
“Icangetit.I’mabartender—was,”Morgancorrected.“Coffeemachinescan’tdefeatme.I’msorryIsleptsolate.”
“Afterthedriveyouhad,Iexpectedyoutosleeplonger.Howaboutsomebreakfast?”
“No,nothingnow,thanks.Pleasedon’tfussoverme.”
“Grandmothersaredesignedtofussovertheirgrandchildren.Itmakesushappy.Don’tyouwantmetobehappy?”
“Coffeemachinesdon’tdefeatme,”Morganmutteredasbeansground,ascoffeestreamedintothemugshe’dsetbelow,“butgrandmothersdo.”
“Becausewe’resowise,andwisdomhonessneaky.AndIseeyoustilltakesomecoffeeinyourcreamandsugar.”
“Ithoughtyou’dbeintown,attheshopbynow.”
“Yourmother’stakingthemorningshift.Sheonlyjustleft.”
Sipping,nodding,Morganleanedbackagainstthecounter.“Meaningyou’retakingshiftskeepinganeyeonme.”
“Looksthatway,”Oliviasaideasily.“AndIaskedforthismorningbecauseIthinkitmaybeeasierforyoutotellyourgrandmotherwhat’sinyourheartandmindrightnowthanyourmother.IfI’mwrong—thoughwhenamIwrong?—IcanswitchwithAudrey.”
“What’sinmyheartandmind.”Morganclosedhereyes.“Ilosteverything,mostvitallymyclosestfriend.”Sheopenedhereyesagain.“Nina’smothertoldmeyouwroteher,sodidMom.Itmeantalottoher.”
“WeonlyknewNinathroughyou,butthatmadeherpartofthefamilytous.”
“AfterNina…Well,Ilosteverythingelse.Mysavings—gone—myhome—someoneelse’snow.Mycar,andIknowthat’snothingreally,butIlovedthatdamncar.Myplans,mygoals,mypride,mysenseofsecurityandself.Poof.”Sheflickedherfingersintheair.“Ayearago,justoneyearago,Ihadeverythingundercontrol,everythinglinedup.Now?I’vegotnothing,literallynothing,andI’mlivinginmygrandmother’shouse.”
“Allright.”Olivialiftedhermug,sipped.“You’reentitledtofeelallofthat.Infact,inyourplace,I’dhavemyselfafirst-classrageparty.”
Notpityparty,Morgannoted.Noself-pityforOliviaNash.“I’vehadafew.”
“Good,that’shealthy.Youdeservethem.You’reentitledtofeelallthat,”Oliviarepeated,“evenwhenyou’rewrong.”
“WhereamIwrong?”
“Yousayyouhavenothing?YouhaveMorganNashAlbright,damnit,anddon’teverforgetit.Andthisisnotyourgrandmother’shouse,thisistheKennedy-Nashfamilyhome.I’mgivingyourgrandfatherfirstbillingonit.
“Now,youcantakeasmuchtimeasyouneedtowallow,tosleeplate,torage,tocursewhicheverdeityworksbestforyou.Youwerevictimized,andforastrong,smartwoman—andyou’reboth—that’sdevastatingasmuchasit’sapurepisser.Whenyou’refinished,you’llfigureoutwhattodonext.”
“Itisapisser.Itisapurepisser.Whyhasn’tanyonesaidjustthatbeforenow?”
“Becausenooneelseisyourgram.Haven’tyousaidityourself?”
“IfeltguiltywhenIeventhoughtit.”Butshedidn’tnow,sherealized,becauseGramhadsaiditfirst.“Everyonefeltsorryforme,but—”
“Nobodygotpissedforyou—orshowedit.Trustme,I’mplentypissedforyou.So’syourmother,inhermoredelicateway.I’dliketokickthatbastard’sballsbluebeforeItwisthisdickoffattheroot.”
Withashrug,Oliviadrankmorecoffee.“Butthat’sjustnot-so-delicateme.”
“Ican’tsayexactlywhy,”Morgansaidafteramoment,“butthatreallyhelps.”
“Good.”
“Ihavetogetajob.”
“There’sno‘haveto’rightnow.Sitdown,I’mmakingyouanomelet.”
“Gram—”
“Nobodyturnsdownoneofmyomelets.”Oliviarose.“Nowsit.I’mgoingtoaskyouforafavor.”
“What?”
“Taketwoweeks.Sleep,eat,read,watchmovies,takewalks,buildasnowman,whatever.”Shegotouteggs,cheese,freshspinach.“Thestressofthispastyearshows,babyofmybaby.Itshows.”
Hardtoarguethat,Morganthoughtasshesat.Shesawiteverytimeshelookedinthemirror.
“Youtakesometime.Ifyouneedsomethingpracticaltodo,fine.Comeintotheshopandwe’llputyoutoworkafewhoursaweek.Otherwise,it’stimetocatchupwithyourself.”
“Ineedtoearnaliving.”
“Youdo,ofcourse,andyouwill.Twoweeksoutofyourlifewon’tchangethat.AndyourmotherandIwantsometimewithyou.Ithink—andagain,whenamIwrong?—youneedtimewithus.”
MorgansaidnothingasOliviawhiskedeggsinabowlwhileaskilletheatedonthestove.
“Ifeellikesuchafailure,Gram.”
“You’llgetoverthat,becauseyou’renotandneverhavebeen.Youhadyourworldfallawayfromunderyou.Iknowwhatthat’slike.Ihadminefallaway.”
“WhenPadied.”
“Then,butwehadalifetimetogether,andallthosememories.Icanpickoneout,likechocolatesfromabox,andeveryonehasitsownflavor.Butalongtimeago.Ilostachild.”
“What?”Morganshotupstraight.“When?Ineverheard—”
“Yourmotherwasbarelytwo,soshedoesn’tremember.InevertalkedtoheraboutituntilafterStevedied.”
“I’msosorry.”
“SteveandIbuiltthishouse,thisbig,wonderfulhouse,andplannedtofillitwithchildren.Wewantedatleastfour,andwhenAudreycamealong,weweresohappy.Ourbeautifulgirl,ourfirstchild.Itwasallsoeasy,really.Andthen,rightonschedule,wehadanothercoming.”
Shepouredeggsintheskillet,addedthecheese,thespinach.“Iwaseightmonthsalong.Wewerefinishingthenursery,arguingovernames,allthethingsyoudo.Andsomethingwentwrong.Everythingwentwrong.Ilostthebabyandanychancetohaveanother.Alittleboy.Heneverhadachancetotakehisfirstbreath.”
“Oh,Gram.”
“Withthegrief—IknowwhatNina’smotherfeelsbecauseIfeltit—butwiththegrief,Ifeltafailure.Ilostmychildandtherewouldneverbeanother.”
SheflippedtheomeletwiththepanacheofaFrenchchef.
“Wegotthroughit,butitwashard.Itwasbrutal.Wehadourbeautifuldaughter.Stevehadhiswork.Istartedthrowingpots.”Shelaughedatthat.“Iwasabsolutelyterribleatit,andnevergotbetter.I’mabusinesswomanandnoartist,buttryingtobegavemeadeeprespectandadmirationforartists,craftspeople.Soitgavemeanewdirection.”
“Thelopsidedgreencuphekeptpencilsinonthedeskinhisstudy,”Morganremembered.“Hetoldmeonceyoumadethatinthelongago.”
“Itwassupposedtobeavase.”Oliviashookherhead.“Thatmanlovedme.‘Sellthestuff,Livvy,’hesaidtome.‘Youknowwhat’sgoodandyouknowhowtosell.Youjustneedaplacetosellit.’”
“CraftyArtswashisidea?”
“Anotherchocolatefromthebox.SoIgaveupmakingbadpottery,andwestartedtheshop,justatinyplaceatfirst.Butitgrew,andsodidAudrey.AndIhadaworldagain.AdifferentonethanI’dalwaysplanned,butagoodworld.”
ShesettheplatedomeletinfrontofMorgan.“You’llmakenewplans,buildanewworld.Noweat.”
“Thanks.Thanksfortellingme.Gram?CouldIhavethatcup?Thelopsidedgreencup?It’llremindmeofhim,andyou,andfindingnewdirections.”
Oliviacamearoundtheisland,pressedakisstoMorgan’stemple.Heldonanextraminute.
“Ofcourseyoucan.Now,youkeepthisinyourbusymind.Themanwhodidallthis?He’llpay,onewayortheother,whetherornotyoueverknowaboutit,he’llpay.Karma’snotjustabitch,she’sarighteousbitch.Andhewon’tbreakyou,becauseyouwon’tlethim.
“Twoweeks,”sheadded.
“Twoweeks,”Morganagreed.“Iloveyou,Gram.”
“Ofcourseyoudo.Iloveyourightback.Noweat.”
Sosheate,andsheslept.Shetookwalksandsatbythefirewithabook.Bythethirdday,shewonderedhowmuchlongershecouldkeepitupwithoutlosinghermind.
Hergrandmothermightrequesttwoweeks,butMorgan’swiringdemandedbusy.Ondaythree,withbothOliviaandAudreyatwork,shesatdownatthesecondhandlaptop,openedthespreadsheetshe’dcreatedmonthsbefore.
Realityhadn’tchangedsincethelasttimeshe’dgoneoverit.Brokestillequaledbroke.Butthistimesheworkedonprojections.Noquestionshecouldliveintheprettyblueroomaslongasshewantedorneeded,rentfree.Butwiringalsorequiredshepullherweight.
Shecouldtakeoversomehouseholdtasks,butherladiesalreadyhadaweeklycleaningcrew,andthetrioofwomenwhotendedtheramblingoldTudorhaddonesoforadozenyears.
Ifshetookovercleaning,sheputpeopleoutofajob.
Unacceptable.
Laundry—thecleaningtrioalreadydealtwithmostofthat.
Shecoulddothemarketing—something—butshecouldn’tsubjecttheladiestohercookingunlessshegotalotbetteratit.
Marketing,doingthedishesaftermeals?Thatshouldkeepherbusyforaboutthreehoursaweek,whichdidn’tbegintofillthehole.
Sheneededwork.Ajob.Neededtoearnanincome.
Tostartonthat?Driveintotown,lookaround,visittheshop.Andno,shewouldn’tworkthere.Itsteeredmuchtooclosetolivingrentfree.
Sheputonmakeup,andsinceshehadn’tindulgedinaprofessionalcutandstyleinmonths,triedafewsnipshereandthere.
Shedefinitelywouldn’tgetajobatasalon,butitwasn’tterrible.
Shedressedinsomethingotherthansweats.Winter-weightleggings,boots,aredsweateroverathermalshirt.Beforeshecouldchangehermindandjustretreattoherroom,again,shedraggedonhercoat,woolcap,scarf,andsteppedoutintothefrigid,unrelentinggripofwinter.
AndprayedNina’scarstarted.
Itcoughedalittle,wheezedalittlemore,butturnedover.
Inundertenminutesshebrokethroughthesnow-coatedtrees,crossedthenarrowbridgeoverthefrozenwhipofriver,andturnedontoHighStreet.
Westridgeranked,shesupposed,somewherebetweenbigtownandsmallcity.Picturesque,certainly,especiallyinitswintercoat.Itdrewtourists,sheknew,ineveryseason.Wintersports,summersports,fallfoliage,springhikes.Hunting,fishing,birding.
TheResortatWestridge,withitsclassycabinsandclassierhotelsuites,drewthewell-heeledintothearea,offeringallthoseactivitiesalongwithexceptionalfood,anadmirablewinecellar,twobars—averycasuallodgebar,andthemoreupscaleglass-walledbarwithafour-sidedstonefireplacethatcateredtoaprèsski,oraprèswhatevertheguestswished.
Thetownofferedabanquetofrestaurants,fromdinerstyletofive-starfancy,shops,boutiques,sportinggoods,Vermont-flavoredsouvenirs,artgalleries,andmore.
ManyofthosenestledtogetheronHighStreet,includinghergrandmother’sCraftyArts.Or,asthesignreadnow,Morgannoted,CraftyArtsandWineCafé.
Eventhislateinthewinterseasonandbeforethespringthaw,it…well,itnearlybustled,sheadmitted.Sinceshereallywasn’tfamiliarwiththegeography,shehadtohuntforparking.SherememberedasmalllotbehindCraftyArtsbutdidn’tknowhowtonavigatearoundthehillyroadsandbusyintersectionstofindit.
Still,streetparking—whenshefoundit—offeredherachancetocheckoutthemaincommercialareasandpossibleopportunities.
Restaurants,retail,cafés,abakery,anupscalebar.Shecouldwaittablesifshehadto,butthebarhittopofherlist.Onsidestreets,shespottedagallery,low-riseapartments,moreshops,adoctor’soffice,awineshop—withasmallwinebar.Nextonherlist.
Onalessblusteryday,shepromisedherself,she’dexplorefarther.Butfornow,shestoppedinfrontofCraftyArtsandWineCafé.
Someone,shethought,haddoneacraftyandartyjobonthedisplaywindow.Tablesandstandsofvaryingheightsheldblownglassartarrangedwithwoodenbowls,pottery.Asoftgraythrowdrapedoverthebackofarockingchair.
Insideshefoundwarmth,notjustintheair,butthelight,inthegleamofthewoodfloors.Paintingscoveredthewalls.Oldcabinetsdisplayedhandcraftedjewelryandsmallpiecesofpottery,silverwork,copper.Anotherhighlightedcandles.Openshelvessparkledwithblownglass.
Alongantiquebookcasetransformedintothecheckoutcounterwhereawomanchatteredawaywithacustomerwhileshewrappeduppurchases.Behindher,agloriousstainedglasspeacockspreaditstail.
Thecounterwomanglancedup,smiled.“CanIhelpyoufindanything?”
“Notyet,thanks.Justtakingitin.”
Shewanderedon.They’ddonesomuch,sherealized,sinceshe’dlastbeenin.Woodorironworktablesheldmorepottery,lamps,cuttingboards,platters.
Shewalkedupstairs.Ifmemoryserved,thesecondfloorhadoncebeenusedasstorageandhergrandmother’soffice.Nomore.Hereshefoundtextiles.Handcraftedscarves,gloves,hats,tablecloths,andrunners.
Handmadesoapsandlotions,morefurniture,moreart.
Itoccurredtoherifshe’dwalkedintothisshopandstillhaddisposableincome,she’dneverhavewalkedoutempty-handed.
Whenshewalkeddown,shepassedacoupleheadingup,andfoundthecounterclerkjustfinishingupwithanothercustomer.
“Doingokay?”
“Yes.Sorry,Ishould’vesaid,butyouwerebusy.I’mOlivia’sgranddaughter.”
“You’reMorgan!Ohmygoodness.”Reachingout,shegrabbedbothofMorgan’shands.“Iwenttohighschoolwithyourmother!It’ssonicetomeetyou.I’mSueNewton.”
“It’snicetomeetyou,too.”
“They’reinthecafé—openingthisSaturday.Somefinishingtouchesgoingin.Yougorightonover.It’sgoingtobegreat.”
Asheetofplastichungoverthewidecaseopening.Shepushedthroughintothelightandbright.They’dhungplasticoverthewidefrontwindow,somethingshefoundclever.
Keeppeopleguessinguntilthebigreveal.
Shejudgeditwouldbebig.
They’dcarriedthesamewoodflooringthroughforflowfromspacetospace.Thecreamwallsheldmoreart—nevermissachanceforasale.They’dgonedarkandmoodyonthemillworkforcontrast,anditworked.
Thebarmatchedthemillworkwithacountertopofgranitethatmarriedthecreamwithstreaksofthedark.They’dscatteredlowtops,hightops,fourtops,afewboothsindeepblueleather.
And—nottomissatrick—hadasmallretailsectionofwinetoppers,glasses,corkscrews,mugs,teacups,coffeeandteaaccessories.
They’dcofferedtheceiling,addingtheclassyandthecozy.
Becauseshecouldn’thelpherself,shewalkedbehindthebar.
Shelves,afridge,anicemaker,awinecooler,aspeedrack,asectionfortools,anotherforbarmops.Shepulledoutaleather-boundmenuandfoundhereyebrowsrisingupattheextentoftheselection.
Beforeshecouldputitbackandstepout,herladiescameoutfromtheback.
“It’sgoingtowork,”Audreywassaying,thenspottedMorgan.“Whatasurprise!Whatdoyouthink?”Shespreadherarms.
“IthinkI’mstunned.It’samazing,everything.Youchangedtheupstairsnextdoor,andit’swonderful.Andthis?It’sbeautiful.Fancybutnotfussy.Efficientbutnotstaid.”
“Stillneedsafewtouches,butwe’llbereadyforSaturday.”Oliviagestured.“Comelookatthekitchen.We’reofferingbakedgoods,andthatmeantadamncommercialkitchen.Butit’llbeworthit.”
Shewalkedthroughtheswingingdoor.
Itshined,asthebackofthehouseshould.Stainlesssteelgleamed;steelshelvesheldcookwareandtools.Thebigcommercialhoodoverasix-burnerstovetop,thewalk-inrefrigeratorsaidprofessionalandimpressive.Dishwasher,sink,mopsink,andthebiggest,shiniestmixershe’deverseenaddedmoreofthesame.
“You’vegotitall.Areallygooduseofthespace.”
“Anditpassedfinalinspection.”Audreyswipedahandoverherforehead.Thenbouncedalittleonhertoessohershinytailofblondswung.
“Weneededitcompactbecauseweneededroomfor…”
Sheopenedadoor.
“Holycrap!”
They’dcreatedawinecellar,fillingthreewallswithracks,fillingrackswithbottles.
“You’vegotyourwhites,”Audreybegan,“domestic,French,Italian,andsoon,thenthereds,thenrosés,thensparklingsoverhere.Thesommelierattheresorthelpedus.”
“Becausehe’ssweetonyourmother.”
“Mom.”
“Ispeaktruth.”
Thefaintflushthatroseintohermother’scheeksleftMorganstunnedspeechless.
“Maybealittle.Anyway,officeandmorestorageupstairs.We’reusingtheoldofficespaceabovetheshopformorestock.”
“Isaw.Iwentup.It’swonderful.”
“Itreallyis.Wehaveadoor—lockedfromtheofficeside—sowecanwalkoveranddownifweneedto.It’sallsomuch,soI’minaconstantstateofterrorandexcitement.”
“I’mgoingtosay,withoutbiasorhesitation,it’sbrilliant.”
“I’msogladyou’rehere.”Audreygaveheraone-armedsqueeze.“Youcanbepartofit.You’llcomeonSaturday,won’tyou?”
“Absolutely.I’llhelpworkthebarifyouneedit.”
“Really?”
Audreybeamed;Oliviajustsmiled.
“Notforajob,forfamily.You’vehiredbartendersbynow.”
“Wehavetwo,”Oliviatoldher.“Wethinkonehasmanagerialpotential.ButIknowwe’dwelcomeyouropinionthere.Anditwouldtakealotoffourmindsifyou’dmoreorlesssuperviseonSaturday.”
“Done.I’mgoingtostartlookingforworknextweek,butI’llpitchinhere.Ifthere’ssomethingIcandotohelpyougetgoing,I’lldoit.”
“Howaboutnow,withthosefinishingtouches?”Oliviagesturedthemout.“Weneedtodresstherestroom.”
“Unisex,ADAcompliant,”Audreyadded
“Weneedtochoosetheart.Atableorconsole,somethingtogoonit.Weneedtodressthetablesinthecafé,andthisandthat.”
“Myschedulehappenstobeopenatthistime.”
“Excellent.Whenwe’redone,I’mtakingbothmygirlsouttodinner.”
Sheenjoyedit.Forafewhours,shedidn’tthinkofwhatshe’dlostandwhatshehadtodonext.Sheenjoyedspendingtimewithbothwomen,debatingappropriateartandfurnishings,placingthem,changingthem.
Andmaybeputtingjustalittlebitofherownstamponafamilybusinesswithherideaofaddingfairylightsaroundthebigwindowforalittlesparkle.
Sheenjoyeddinnerout,which,insteadofthefancyshe’dassumedhergrandmotherwouldchoose,turnedouttobepizzaandacarafeofredhousewine.
Bythetimeshewenttobed,shefeltshe’dactuallyaccomplishedsomething.Maybe,hopefully,she’dpulledoutofwallowingtime.
Forthenextfewdaysshesplithertimebetweenpolishingupherrésuméandhelpingprepforthegrandopening.Sheunpacked,washed,andstoredthecups,saucers,creamers,andsugarbowlshergrandmotherhaddesignedforalocalpottertocreate.
Whitewitharedclover—theVermontstateflower.
“They’reperfect,Gram.”
“Theyare.”
“Youneedtopricetheseforsale.”
“Ithoughtaboutit.”
“Ihopeyoudo.Ihadthisotherthought.”
“Howmuchisitgoingtocostme?”
“Ithinkit’lldotheopposite,inthelongrun.It’sawinebar,yes,andyou’retappinglocalvineyardsforsomeofthat.Howaboutyoutaplocalforyourcoffeebeans,yourtea?Thenyoucansellit—prettytinsoftea,classybagsofcoffee.Thereareacoupleofroasterslocalenough,andyoucouldworkwithateafarm.Vermonthasafew.”
“That’sathought.”Andeyesnarrowedonit,Oliviaconsidered.“That’sadamngoodthought.”
“CraftyArtsisallaboutVermontartsandcrafts.Itplaysonthat.Ididalittleresearch.”
Shereachedinherbag,pulledoutafolder.
“Alittle?”
“Well,onceIgotstarted.Soit’ssomethingtothinkabout,goingdowntheroad.”
“AndIwill.”Oliviaputontheboldredcheatershangingfromthechainaroundherneck,skimmedthefirstpagesinthefile.“It’sagoodidea,Morgan.You’vebeenanenormoushelpthelastfewdays.Goodbrain,goodeye,andastrongback.Muchappreciated.”
Sheloweredthefile.“Ican’ttalkyouintomanagingthenewspace?”
“Youdon’tneedme,Gram.Ifyoudid,I’datleastgetyoustarted.ButyouandMom?You’vegotthis.Ineedtogetmyown.”
“Iexpectedthat.SoI’mgoingtotellyouIheardAprès—that’sthemainbarattheresort—islookingforabartender/manager.Orwillbenextweek.Theirheadbartenderjustgavehisnotice.HiswifegotajobofferinSouthCarolina,andthey’rerelocating.”
Oliviasetthefiledown.“BecauseIloveyou,Isuckeditup,andIspokewithLydia.”
“Lydia?”
“LydiaJameson.SheandIgoback,fartherthaneitherofuscaretoremember,andherhusbandwasgoodfriendswithyourpa.Shekeepsherhandin—hell,bothhandsin.Youcansendinyourrésumé,andthey’lltakealookbeforetheystartthejob-openprocess.”
“Attheresort.I’veneverbeeninAprès,butIcheckedouttheirwebsite,anditwasonmylist.Thankyou.”ShepulledOliviaintoahug.
“Itdoesn’tmeanyou’vegottheposition.”
“Iknow.That’suptome.Butit’sachance,andachancetodowhatI’mgoodat.”
“YousendyourrésumétoLydia.I’vegotheremail.LikeIsaid,wegoback.Writeyourselfasolidcoverletter.”
“Iwill.Thankyou,Gram.I’llstillpitchinhereasmuchasIcan,whetherornotIgetthisjob.”
“We’recountingonit.”
Thatevening,shegoogledLydiaJamesontogetasense,andsawwhyLydiaandOliviawentwayback.BothbornandraisedinVermont,bothfromNewEnglandstock.Educated,culturedwomen,rock-ribbedandsteel-spined.
Businesswomen,both.Lydia’sbusinessdwarfedhergrandmother’s,butbusinesswasbusiness.
Shespentasolidhourdrafting,revising,andrefiningacoverletter.Formalandrespectful,shedecided,withapersonaltouchinherthanksfortheconsideration.
Afteradeepbreath,onehandonthatlopsidedgreencup,shehitsend.
Anewchance.Andshehadothers,sheremindedherself.Maybeshehadn’tlandedwhereshe’dexpected,butshehadopportunitieshere.
Anopportunitytotransplantthoserootsshewantedsomuch.
Restless,shewentdownstairs.Hairloosearoundhershoulders,Audreystoodinthekitchenpouringaglassofwine.
Therecamethatlightflushagain.
“Caughtme.”
“HowaboutIjoinyou?”
“I’msonervous.Ithoughtaglassofwinemighthelpmesleep.Ican’tbelievewe’reopeningthecafétomorrow.Itwasanidea,thenitwastheplanning,thentheworkandmoreplanning.Andnow?”
ShehandedMorganasecondglass.“It’shere,andI’mnothingbutnerves.Yourgram’suptheresleepinglikeababy.Shehasnonerves,Iswear.”
“Becausesheknowsyou’vegotahitonyourhands.”
“Youreallythinkthat?”
“No.Iknowthat.Listen,retail,art—liketheshop—that’snotinmywheelhouse.Butawinebaris.Islippedintothewineshopafewblocksdown,anditswinebar’slovely.Small,dark,andmoody,wellrun,heavywood,deepcolors.Yours?Airy,arty,adifferentvibe.Andthewayyou’veopenedit—orwilltomorrow—totheverywell-establishedshop?It’sjustdamnsmart.Likeaddingthecoffeeservices,theteaoptionsissmart.Thebakedon-sitepastriesandscones?It’sallthere,Mom.”
“Ikeeptellingmyselfthat,butitsoundsbetterwhenyousayit.”
She’dalwaysconsideredhermotherontheflightyside.Awomanwhocouldn’tsettledown,couldn’tmakeadecisionandseeitthrough.Butshedidn’tseethatnow.
“I’msorryIdidn’tkeepintouchmore,visitmore.”
“Youhadalifetobuild.Andyoudidkeepintouch.Sweetie,Ihavefriendswhoonlyhearfromtheirgrownkidswhentheymaketheeffort,onlyseethemwhentheytravel.Youcalledeverycoupleofweeks,youemailed,youvisitedeveryChristmas.Don’tbesorry.I’msoproudofyou.”
“Thatmakesoneofus.”
“Youstopthat.IfI’dbeeninyourplace,I’dstillbehidingunderthecovers.You’readoer,Morgan.Youalwayshavebeen.”
“Sowereyou,”Morganrealized.
“Me?”Audreylaughed,sippedwine.“Iwasmoreofagoing-alonger.”
“Idon’tthink—”Shebrokeoffasthephoneinherpocketsignaled.“That’smyemailtone.Whocouldthatbe?It’saftereleven.”
“Findout.”
Morganpulledoutthephone,swiped,stared.“OhGod.IhaveaninterviewSundayatelevenatAprès.”
“Oh!That’sgreat!That’swonderful!Nowwecanbothbenervouswrecks.Oh!Let’stopoffthiswine,takeitup,andpickoutwhatyou’regoingtowear.That’swhatI’mgoodat.”
“I—sure.Yeah.Ineverexpectedtohearanythingsofast.”
“LydiaJameson?Intheracebetweentheturtleandthehare,she’sthehare.Andshealwayswins.Let’splayshopyourcloset.”ChapterSeven
Thoughshe’dneverattendedanactualgrandopening,Morganratedthecafé’sasprettydamngrand.Sharpattenthedoorsopened,andsharpatten,peoplestreamedin.Shehelpedservethecomplimentarymimosas,coffee,tea,andsconesofferedforthefirsthour.
Shemetthemayor,awomanwithabubbleofblondhairandacacklinglaugh.Thepolicechief,earlythirties,handsome,lanky,killerblueeyes,wanderedin—blackcoffeeforhim.
Healsoseemedtoknoweverybody,whichshecountedasaplusinapolicechief.Whenshenoticedheleftwithashoppingbag,shefiguredhe’dseensomethinghewantedorknewthevalueofsupportinglocalbusinesses.
Maybeboth,butitearnedhimanotherplus.
Thenewspacerangwithvoices,approval,questions.
Herintentiontopitchinforthefirsthourmovedintothree.
“Youneedtotakeabreak,”OliviatoldherasMorganbusedanothertable.
“I’mgood.I’mwiredforbusy,Gram,andfeelmorelikemyselfthanIhaveinwaytoolong.Seethosewomenatthefourtopoverthere?Mimosasandscones?Collegedormmates,tenyearsago.Theyusedtomeetupforaweekeverysummer.Theyallhavefamiliesnow,sothey’vetakenitdowntoalongweekendthistimeofyear.They’restayingattheresort,cameintotowntoshop—it’stheirlastday.”
“Howdoyouknowallthat?”
“I’madamngoodbartender.Peopletalktome.They’vehadagreattime,andconsiderfindingthisplaceabonus.AndasyoucanseefromtheCraftyArtsbagsunderthetable,they’llbetakinghomeplentyofmemories.Youshouldgosayhello,”Morganaddedasshewipeddownthetable.“They’dloveit.”
“ThenIwill.”
Eighthoursafterthedoorsopened,theyclosed.Andtheentirestaffletoutacheer.Giventhenod,Morganpoppedabottleofchampagneandpouredcelebratoryglassesallaround.
Oliviaorderedinpizza—whoknewitwashergrandmother’sgo-to?—addingmuch-appreciatedfueltotheendofasuccessfulday.
Andattheendofthat,whenitwasjustthethreeofthem,Oliviasat,putherfeetuponachair.“Notjustrestingmyachingfeet,butbasking.”
“Webrokeoursingle-daysalesrecordintheshop,Mom.”
SmugpoweredOlivia’ssmile.“SoI’mtold.”
“Andevenwithouropening-weekspecials,today’sgiveaways,thecafépulledinasolidtwentypercentmorethanweprojected.Boom!Pow!”Audreydroppedintoaseat,liftedherarmshigh,didenthusiasticjazzhands.
“Youseehereawomanwho,asachild,couldn’tkeepadollarinherpocketifIsewedittothelining.Nowsheaddsupprofitandlossinherhead.”
“Iwasalwaysgoodwithnumbers.Justnotasmuchiftherewasadollarsigninvolved.”
Sheputherbootswiththeirshort,skinnyheelsuponanotherchair.Andwithasigh,pulledoutthesilverdragonflyclipthathadsomehow,magicallytoMorgan’smind,keptallthathairscoopedupandbackallday.
“I’mbasking,too.”Afterscoopingherhandsthroughherhair,givingherheadatoss,allthathairfellasifshe’djusthaditstyled.
Magic,Morganthoughtagain.
“Wedidn’texpectyoutogiveusthewholeday,Morgan.Youweresuchanenormoushelp.Andyou’resounflappable.EverytimeIgot,well,flapped,I’dlookatyouandseehowyoujustbreezedthroughitall.”
“DoyouwanttoknowwhatIthink?”
“Absolutely.”
“I’mgoingtomakeuscappuccinos,andtellyou.”
Shewentbehindthebartothecoffeestationandbegan.
“It’sjustdayone,andyouwon’tpacktheminlikethisroutinely.”
“Oh.”Audrey’sjazzhandsdroppedwithflicksofherfingers.“Bubbleburst!”
“But”—amused,Morganglancedbackatthetable—“youhaveanunqualifiedhitonyourhands.Andhere,asIseeit,iswhy.”
Themachinehissedasitsteamedmilk.
“First,youhavealovelyvenueandyoupaidattentiontothesmalldetails.Itmatters.You’veputtogetheragoodstaff.Acoupleofthenewhiresdon’tquitehavetheirrhythm,butthey’reontheway.You,bothofyou,treatyouremployeeswithrespectand,boy,doesthatmatter.”
Shetrayedthethreecoffees,addedspoonsandasugarbowl,thencarriedthetraytothetable.
“Idon’tknowyourbusinessplan,anddon’tneedto.ButIdoknowyou’reservinganexcellentproductanddoingitwithclass,casually,asthevenuecallsfor.But.”
“Uh-oh,”Audreymuttered.
“Youneedonemorehire.You’regoingtoneed—especiallyduringhighseasons—someonewhocantransitionfrombusinesstobusiness.Someonewhocanservewine,makecoffee,busatableinapinch,waittablesinthatpinch,andhandleretailintheshop.Someoneknowledgeableortrainedtobeknowledgeableenoughabouttheart,thecrafts,andthosewhocreatethemsotheycananswerquestions.Therewerequestions,andthestaff—includingthisvolunteer—hadtoreferthequestionstoyouoroneofthestaffintheshop.”
“Youmakeagoodpoint.Wantthejob?”
Morganshookherheadathergrandmother.“It’snotwhatI’mbestat.Whatyouneedisacoordinator,akindofutilityplayer.You’vegottimetofindtherightfit.Andonceyouhavethatinplace,youreallyneedtodoaphotobook,withrecipesfromthecafé’skitchenandbar,withsomeoftheartsandcraftsincluded.Photosofwine,forinstance,inglassessoldnextdoor.Thecafé’scoffeecakedisplayedononeofyourdishes,biscottiarrangedonanother,andlikethat.Youhavealocalphotographerdothepictures—thatkeepsitwithyourmissionstatement—andyousellithere,exclusively.”
Oliviasatback.“Listentoyou!I’mcursedwithcleverprogeny.”
“Youstartedit,”Audreyremindedher.“Aphotobook,likeacoffee-tablebook.Icanseeit!Youknowwho’dbegreatforthephotos?”
“ToryPhelps,”theysaidtogether.
“Hivemind.”Oliviaheldupahand.“Thenewhirefirst.Morgan’srightthere.Thedaysofeitherofusworkingeighttotenhoursaday,sevendaysaweek,aredone,Audrey.”
“Agreed.ButIcanfeelToryout,justseehowmuchshethinksshe’dchargeforsomethinglikethis.Thatwaywe’dknowifit’sevenfeasible.She’sgood,”shetoldMorgan.“Wecarrysomeofherworkintheshop,hadashowingforherlastyear.Sheteachesphotographyatthecommunitycollege.”
“Yourmotherdoesloveanewproject.”
“Shedoes.”Morganlookedaroundthecafé.“Thisoneturnedoutreallywell.”
“Can’targuewithtruth.”Oliviagaveherdaughter’shandapat.“Now,let’sgetourtiredbuttshome.Thisonehasajobinterviewtomorrowandneedsagoodnight’ssleep.”
Shedidn’tgetone,notwhenhermindrefusedtoturnoff.
Whatifshedidn’tgetthejob?Shecouldlookelsewhere,ofcourseshecould.But…
Shouldshetellherladiesshe’dtakethatcoordinator’sjob?Shecouldhandleit.Shecouldlearnaboutthearts,thecrafts,theartisansandartistsandcraftspeople.Shealreadyknewhowtomanagestaff,howtomanageabusiness
Maybeitwastimetoputawayhergoalsanddreamsandacceptwhatstoodinfrontofher.
Butshewasn’treadyto,notreadytojustburyeverythingshe’dworkedtoward.
Still,ifsheworkedfiveyears,livedhereandworkedandsaved,shemightbeabletoreallystartagain.
Maybe.
Shefellasleeponthemaybe,thenwokeearlytolieinbedandgooveritallagain.
Whenshewentdownforcoffee,hermothersatatthecounterwithherlaptop.She’dbraidedhersun-kissedhairbackthismorningandworeacandy-pinkrobe.
“Goodmorning.I’mresearchinghowtoproducecoffee-tablebooks.It’salot!”
“Iguessitis.”
“It’ssuchagoodidea.Nowit’sinhere.”Audreytappedhertemple.“Ican’tletitgo.IwanttogetasmuchcalculatedandorganizedbeforeIhityourgramwithit.Thatwayworksbestwithher.”
MorganstartedtoreachforamugandsawtheCraftyArtsboxbesidethecoffeemachine,andthecardwithhernameonit.
“What’sthis?”
“JustalittlesomethingfromGramandme,forgoodlucktoday.Ifyouhatethem…pretendyoudon’t.IputittheresinceIwasn’tsureifyou’dbeupandaroundbeforeweleftforwork.”
Preparedtolieifnecessary,Morganopenedthebox.Thediamondetchingonthesilver,cuff-styleearringsmadethemsparkle.
Shedidn’thavetopretend.
“They’rebeautiful.”
“Wethoughtthey’dgowellwithwhatyoupickedouttoweartoday.”
“Ithinkyoupickedthatout.”
“Well,Ihelped.Buttheoutfitwasinyourcloset,afterall.Doyoureallylikethem?”
“Ilovethem.”Sheputthemontoproveit.“Howdotheylook?”
“Likeyou.Smart,justalittlesleek,andverywell-crafted.Howaboutsomebreakfast?”
“Can’t.”Morganpressedahandtoherbelly.“I’mnervous.”
“Ofcourseyouare.Whowouldn’tbe?ButallyouhavetodoisbeMorgan.Theresortwillbeluckytohaveyou,andI’msayingthatasabusinessmanager—somethingIneverthoughtI’dbeinmylife.Iwatchedyouyesterday,baby,andyouknowjustwhatyou’redoing.”
“Iusedtothinkso.AndI’mnotgoingintothiswithanegativeattitude.Ineedaboost,Ican’tpretendIdon’t.Ineedsomeonewhoisn’tmymotherorgrandmothertotellmeI’mgoodenough.”
“Thatbastarddidanumberonyou.”
Morgan’seyebrowslifted.“Listentothemouthonmymother.”
“Oh,I’vealwayshadthat.Youjustdidn’thearit.Maybethatwasamistake,mealwaysputtingontheeverything’s-finefaceforyou.ButIcan’tgobackandchangethatnow.Yougointheretoday,andyoubeMorgan.Iftheydon’tgiveyouthatboost,they’reidiots.”
Audreyclosedherlaptop,rose.“I’vegottogetdressed.We’llprobablybegonebeforeyouhavetoleave.”Eyesonherdaughter’s,sheliftedahandtoMorgan’scheek.“Willyouletusknowhowtheinterviewgoes?Text,evendropbytheshop?”
“Iwill.Thanksfortheearrings.Icanfeeltheluckpumpingoffthem.”
Sheputonthemother-approvedoutfit.Thesage-greenshirt,theslimblackpants,thetallblackboots.Addedthebutter-softleatherblazer.Andhadtoadmit,asusualwhenitcametofashion,Audreyhitthemark.
Shelookedprofessional,confident,andlikeherself.
Now,shejusthadtoremembertoactthatway.
Downstairs,shegaveherselfapeptalkwhileshedonnedheroutdoorgear.
Youknowwhatyou’redoing.
Yourrésumé’ssolid.
Youmaydecideyoudon’twantthejob—butyou’lltakeitbecauseyouneedit.
Hissingagainstthecoldblast,shewalkedtoNina’scar.Letoutarelievedbreathwhenitstarted.Andknowingtheheaterwouldn’tdoadamnthinguntilshegotoutagain,shiveredherwayintotown.
Aquickglanceshowedheracouplecomingoutofthecaféentrance.Bothheldshoppingbags.Bodedwellfordaytwo,shethought,anddrovethroughtownandoutagain.
Sheturnedleft,bumpedoverabridgewherethewaterbelowshivereditswayoverrocksthewaysheshiveredatthewheel.
Anotherturnwithsnow-drenchedwoodsoneitherside.Shetestedtheheaterassheclimbedahill,andwhenitcoughedoutcoolratherthancoldair,decidedtotakeit.
Shespottedthefirstcabinstuckedinthosesnowywoodsandadmittedshe’dneverunderstandtheappealofawintervacationthatinvolvedwinter.
Atropicalbeach,now,asun-washedItalianvilla,thosemadeabsolutesense.ButacabinintheVermontwoods,payingtofreezeonaskiliftorskateonafrozenlake?
Forgetit.
“Andyoucanjustkeepthoseopinionstoyourselfifyouhopetobagthisjob.”
Shefollowedthesignstothehotel,windingherway.
Itstood,whiteagainstthewhite,dignifiedratherthanglamorous,risingfourstorieswithitsstraight,sturdylines.
Thefirststoryjuttedoutoneitherside,whichshealreadyknewfromporingovertheirwebsite.
Insideshe’dfindshops,tworestaurants,twobarsandlounges,anindoorpoolandfitnesscenter,asmallspa,meetingrooms,aballroomforweddingsandevents,andfifty-twoguestrooms,includingadozensuites.
Behindit,themountainsroseup,andtheskislopesstreakeddown.Shedecidedonthespotshe’dhavetobedraggedupthereatgunpoint,andeventhen,abulletmightbethebetterchoice.
Sheturnedintotheparkinglot,notedthatevenonthisedgeofseasonsshehadtohuntforaspace.Theyofferedvalet,butsheconsideredthatforguests,sohikedwhatseemedlikeafootballfieldfromNina’scartothefrontentrance—awide,stone,heatedportico.
Inside,morewhiteinthesparklingspreadofmarblefloors,afour-sidedroaringfirewherepeopleincushychairsorsofasenjoyedalate-morningcoffee.Aroundtablesimplysmotheredinagorgeousflowerarrangementthatsmelledofspring.
Breathingin,breathingout,shecrossedthelobby,walkedthroughawidearchwayandintoAprès.
She’dstudiedthewebsite;sheknewwhattoexpect.Butallshecouldthinkwhenshesteppedinwas:OhGod,ohGod,Iwantthisjob.
Aglasswallopenedthebartotheworldoutside.Themountains,theslopes,asliceofthelake,thewoodsandtrails,whatshesupposedwouldbegardensaroundagenerouspatiooutsidewhenwinterlooseneditsgrip
Tablesgleamed,darkwood,againdignified,andeachheldasmallglass-domedtealightandabudvase.Thechairsandboothsinvitedlingeringonthesoft,stone-grayleather.
Thebarspreadalongthesidewall,givingthosebehindthestickafullviewoftheroom.Darkwoodlikethetables,itlookedantiquewithitsdeepcarving,itsfour-columnedbackbarwithmirroredarches.
Sheinstantlycoveteditforherown.
Thecoffeemaker—copperandelaborate—stoodonitsowncounterbesidethebackbar,withthecash-outinadiscreetalcoveontheotherside;swingingdoorswouldgotothebackofthehousebehindit.
Shemadementalnotesforherfuture—thedecor,allclass;theflow,excellent.
Shereallywantedtogetbehindthatbar,checkoutthesetup,checkthetaps—ahalfdozenofthemoneithersideofthebar.Shecrossedtoit—maybejustaquickpeek—butamancamethroughtheswingingdoorscarryingatub.
Tall,ontheganglyside,hairinshort,neattwists.Heworeawhiteshirt,blackvestandpants.ThebrasstagonthevestreadNICK
“Goodmorning.”Heflashedasmile.“Aprèsdoesn’topenuntileleven-thirty,buttheyservecoffee,tea,hotchocolateinthelobby.I’dbehappytotakeanorderforyou.”
“No,thanks.I’mheretomeetMs.Jameson.NellJameson.I’malittleearly.”
“MorganAlbright?”Hissmilewidenedashesetthetubonthebar,thenwalkedover,handextended.“NickTennant.I’mthedayman.You’rehereforthemanager’sslot.Nicetomeetyou.”
“You,too.Reallynicebar.”
“I’llsay.”Hislookreadprideasheglancedaround.“Ofcourse,I’mbiased.Workedheretenyears—inAprès.Fouryearsmorefortheresortsummerandholidays.”
“Tenyears.”
“Yep.”Hisdeep-setbrowneyesstayedonherface,assessing.“AndI’llanswerwhatyou’retoopolitetoask.Didn’twantit—themanager’sslot.Ilikeputtinginmyeight,goinghomefordinner.Wejusthadababy.”
“Oh,congratulations.Let’ssee.”
Grinningnow,hepulledouthisphonetodisplaythescreensaver,aninfantwithherfather’ssoulfuleyesandacurlycapofhair.Thepinkbowinitandfrillypinkdresssaidgirl.
“Lookslikeherdaddy.What’shername?”
“Shila.Gothermama’smouth,butotherwise,that’smeallover.Yougotkids?”
“No.”
“Changeseverything.”
Hegavethebabyonhisscreensaveralastsmilebeforehetuckedhisphoneaway.
“Ithoughtaboutmanaging,takingtheeveningworkthatcomeswithit.Orthecominginwhenaproblemhits.Thescheduling,thepaperwork.Bumpupthepaycheck,but…Nope,ten-thirtytosix-thirtysuitsme.Comeinatten-thirty,checkthestock,checkthekeglevels,makethegarnishes.Hell,youknowthedrill.”
“Ido.”
“Openherup,thenmanthestick,getherdone,andclockout,somostnightshomebyquartertoseventomygirls.Bestofboth.”
“Itsoundslikeit.”
“Haveaseatatthebar.I’lldrawyouasoftdrink.”
“I’lltakeit.CouldI…I’dreallylikeapeek.”
“Comeonthrough.”Heledheraround,gotaglass.
Clean,shiny,organized,shenoted—asitshouldbe.Icemaker,speedrack,sinkshiningclean,cooler,shakers,corkscrews,knives,swizzlesticks,barmops,cocktailnapkins,allaspristineasthebottlesandglasswareonthebackbar.
“Whatchathink?”
“Ithinkthepeoplewhorunandworkinhereknowwhatthey’redoing.”
Heshotafingerather,thenputherdrinkonthebar.“IcantextuptoNell’soffice,letthemknowyou’rehere.”
“That’sokay.Thisgivesmetimetoseethelayoutandgearup.”Shewentaround,tookastool.“I’mnotusedtosittingonthisside.”
“Howlongyoubeenrunningthestick?”
“Nearlysevenyears.Istartedmylastyearincollege,andknewthatwaswhereIbelonged.Idon’thavetoaskifyoulikeworkinghere.Youdon’tstrikemeassomeonewho’dputinadecade—plusthefouryearsofsummersandholidays—ifyoudidn’t.”
“It’sagreatplacetowork.Imetmywifehere.Corrine’sinReservations.Well,she’sonmaternityleave,butshewantstocomebackatleastpart-timewhenShila’ssixmonthsold.Madegoodfriendshere,gettreatedfairhere.Hal?He’sheadbutlerontheClubLevel?Twenty-sevenyearsin.Andthat’snottherecord.”
“It’snot?”
“Mrs.Finski—andeverybody,eventheJamesons,calledherMrs.Finski—thirty-sixyearswhensheretired,headofHousekeeping.”
“Thatsaysstaffloyalty.”
“Earnedit.TheJamesonsaregoodpeople.”
“Thanks,Nick.”
Morgan’sfirstthoughtwasNellJameson—photoonthewebsite—filledtheairwithenergy.
Shehitaboutfive-fourinherstylishboots,andpresentedagym-fitfigureinaknee-skimmingdressofrustyred.Sheworeherbeautifullyhighlightedbrownhairbackinacasualtwist.
Andthoughshetookadamngoodphoto,Morganconcluded,shelookedbetterintheflesh.Maybeitwasthatenergy,orthedepthsofhersoulfulbrowneyes.
Shewalkedwithutterconfidence.“NellJameson.”
“MorganAlbright.”
Theyshook,andsizedeachotherup.
“AmIlate?”
“Iwasearly.”Beyourself,Morganthought.“Iwantedtogetafeelforthebarbeforetheinterview.”
“Andwhat’syourfeel?”
“Theactualbar?”Morganranahandoverthesurface.“Iwantitformyown.”
“Can’tblameyou.MygrandfatherhaditshippedoverfromDublin.”
“Ithoughtitwastherealthing.Therest?It’swonderful.Classy,butcomfortablewithit.Organized,agoodflow—thingsguestswon’tnecessarilypinpoint,butthey’llfeelit.Andtheview,well,that’sagift.”
“Thermalwindows,tintedtocutglare.Youcanwatchtheslopes—doyouski?”
“Absolutelynot.”
“Okaythen.Spring,summer,intothefall,there’saviewoftheninthteeovertowardthelake.Doyougolf?”
“No.ButI’vesatingardens,evenplantedsome,andIassumetheviewofthosewhenthey’renotburiedinsnowisprettyspectacular.”
“Theyare.Well,we’lltakeatableandgetstarted.”Nellheldupafinger.“Beforethetable,whydon’twestartwithyoushowingmesomepracticalapplication.HowaboutyoumakemeaKirRoyale?”
“I’dbehappyto.IneedtoseeyourID.”
SheheardNicksuckinaquickgasp,butkepthereyesonNell.
“Areyouserious?”
“Ican’tserveyouotherwise.”
“I’mtwenty-seven.”
“That’swhattheyallsay.Sorry.Youcouldpassfortwenty.CouldbeexceptionalDNAandbonestructure,butit’snotworththehittothisvenue,ortome,toriskit.”
“Isthatyourpersonalpolicy?”
“Itis,andIhopeit’syourbusiness’spolicyorI’mthewrongpersonforthisposition.”
“Isee.”Nellsetherbriefcaseonthebar,openedit.Shetookaslimleathercasefromoneofthepockets,slidoutherlicense.
Morganstudiedit,smiled,said,“Thankyou.”
Herhearthammeredasshewalkedaroundthebar.Thensettled.Sheknewwhatshewasdoinghere.
Shefilledaflutewithiceandcoldwater,setitasidewhileshelocatedabottleofcrèmedecassis,alemon,aparingknife.
“ThewebsitelistsyouasheadofHospitality.”
“That’sright.”
Morgantookabottleofchampagnefromthecooler.“Sothat’sAprès,theLodgeBar,therestaurants,roomservice?”
“Thejuicebarinthefitnesscenter,thesnackbarattachedtothelift,groceryrunsforstockingthecabinsperguestrequests.”
“Alot,”Morgansaidassheopenedthebottlewithanelegantlymuffledpop.
“Ihaveanexcellentteam.”
“I’veonlymetNick,butifhe’srepresentative,youdo.”
Shedumpedtheice,eyeballedatablespoonofthecrèmedecassisintotheflute,tippedtheglasstopourthechampagne.
“Doyouthinkitaddselementsofcomfortandchallenge,workinginafamilybusiness?”
“Ido.”Intrigued,Nellproppedherchinonherfist.“Areyouinterviewingme?”
“Justmakingconversation.”Sheusedtheknife,slicedthelemon,cutoutthepulpandmadeaperfectspiraltwist.Toppedoffthechampagne,addedthelemontwist,thensetthefluteonacocktailnapkin.“Enjoy.”
Nellsipped,settheflutedown.“Okay,that’sperfect.Iwasn’tgoingtoactuallydrinkit,butI’mgoingtomakeanexception.Let’stakethattable.”
WhenNellwalkedtoaboothbythewindows,NickgaveMorganagrinandathumbs-up.
“I’mgoingtogetthisoutoftheway,”NellbeganwhenMorgansatacrossfromher.“I’msorryaboutwhathappenedtoyou,whathappenedtoyourfriend.I’mverysorry.”
“Thankyou.”
“Parttwoofgettingoutoftheway.Iwasannoyedwhenmygrandmothersetupthisinterview.Steppingonmytoes.”
“Oh.”Shit!“Ican’tblameyou.”
“Grandmothers.”NowNellshotoutamegawattsmile.“GoodthingIadoremine.”
“I’mgoingtosaythesameformeandmine.”
“Allright,we’llclosethosedoorsfornow.”Onceagain,Nellopenedherbriefcase.Thistimeshetookoutaportfolio,openedit.“Yourrésumé’simpressive.Butitdoesn’tlistyourmanagingtheNextRoundbarinMaryland.”
“Itendedbarthere.ImanagedtheofficesforGreenwald’sBuilders.”
“YouremployerattheNextRoundtoldmeyouoftenhandledscheduling,inventory,ordering,evensmallrepairsandmaintenance.”
“Asneeded.”
“Twowordstoliveby.Healsotoldmethatyouwerethesecond-bestbartenderhe’shadinthethirty-oneyearsofowningthebar.”
“BigMac.Numberone.”
Nellsmiledagain.“Exactly.BigMacbeatyououtbecausehecouldsinglikeanangelandintimidatedanypotentialtroublemakerjustbyhissize.Butyouweremoredependableandflexible—soit’saclosecall.Hehopedtosellyouthebusinesswhenheretired.”
“He—”Thathithard.“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“Apparently,neitherdidhe,untilyourelocated.AreyouplanningtostayinWestridge?”
Itshookher,theideashe’dbeenjustthatclosetohavingherown.Shehadtoputitasidenow,becausethatwasgone.Andthiswasthehereandthenow.
“Iwantroots.I’vetransplantedthemhere.Ihavenothingtogobackto,andmyfamily’shere.”
“You’velivedalotofplaces,beinginamilitaryfamily.Anyfavorites?”
“No.Notreally.It’salltemporary,andyouknowitgoingin.”
“Sodon’tgetattached.”Nellnodded,andthoughshehadMorgan’srésuméonthetable,didn’tlookatit.“Youworkedincollege,soyouhaveexperiencewaitingtables,servingthepublicinthatway.Whichshouldgiveyouanunderstandingofwhatwaitstaffhandles.Onthemanagerialsideagain,yourbossatGreenwald’sBuilderssangyourpraises.”
Itamazedherthey’dalreadycheckedherreferences,butsheansweredsmoothly.“TheGreenwaldswerewonderfultoworkfor.”
“Afamilybusiness.”
“Yes,verymuchso.”
“Yourgrandmotherandmotherrunafamilybusiness.”
“Theydo.”
“IloveCraftyArts,bytheway,andreallyneedtogetintotownandcheckoutthenewcafé.”
“It’sterrific.”
“Butyoudon’twanttoworkthere?”
“Awinebar’slovely,butit’snotafullbar.Theycoulduseme,buttheydon’tneedme.”
“Doyoufindfamilybusinessesofferlevelsofcomfortandchallenge?”
Forthefirsttime,Morganlaughed.“Yes,Ido.”
Nellsatback,sippedherdrink.“Whyabar?”
“Ilikepeople.Peoplegatherinabar.Whenyou’rebehindone,theylooktoyoutoservethemadrink.Butyouhavetoknowhowtogaugethemood.Happy,celebrational,lookingtobrushoffatoughday,sad,pissedoff,justlookingforcompany.Andthat’swhatyouserveupwiththedrink.I’mgoodatmixingdrinks,andatgaugingmoods.Ilikebars.They’retheirownlittleuniverse.”
“Howso?”
“Theworld’srevolvingoutthere.”Shecircledafingerintheair.“Butinhere,it’sarespite.Yourmeetingtanked,youdidn’tgetthatraise?Respite.Yourkidacedhisspellingtest,yougotapromotion?Aplacetocelebrateandsharegoodnews.Aresortbar,moretransitoryclientele,butstillsomelocalsdroppingin.
“Businessmeetingoverthere.”Shegesturedtoanemptytable.“Acoupleofhoneymoonersmooningovereachotherthere.Twocouples,oldfriends,takingamini-vacationtogether.Abridalpartycelebrating.Icanseeallofthemfrombehindthebar—it’sasmartlayout—andstillgivemyattentiontothestoolsitters.”
“Whatdoyouexpectfromthewaitstaff?”
“ThesameasIexpectfrommyself.Serve,gaugemoods,andplaytothem.Don’tchatterunlesstheychatterfirst.Youwanttips?Smile,makeeyecontact,payattention,anddon’tneglectonetableforanother.Friendlyservicestillhastobeefficient.Servenow,bitchlater.Ifyouneedhelp,tellme.It’smyjobtostepin.Asneeded.”
“Okay.I’vegotaboutfifteenminutes.Let’stalkterms,thenIneedtopassyoutomyassistanttoshowyouaround.”Shetookanothersipofherdrink.“Ifwecometoterms,youcanstarttrainingnextMonday.I’dwantyoutohaveasolidweekwithDon,ourcurrentmanager,beforeyouflysolo.”
Morganputherhandsinherlap,foldedthemtogether,grippedthemtight.“Justlikethat?”
ThistimeNellstudiedherdrinkbeforeshesipped,beforeshemetMorgan’seyesstraighton.“Iknowhowtogaugepeople,too.”
Ninetyminuteslater,stilldazed,MorganwalkedintoCraftyArts.AhalfdozencustomersbrowsedwhileSuerangupasale.
“Heythere,Morgan.Yourmomandgramjustwentuptotheoffice.”
“Thanks.”
Shemadeherwayup,foundthembothatthecomputerandhergrandmotherhoveringoverAudrey’sshoulder.
“Ithinkinterestin,Mom,ratherthanexperiencein.Wecantrain—Morgan!”
Audreyclaspedherhandsunderherchin.“Weretheearringslucky?”
“Asluckyasitgets.I’mhired.”
“Ofcourse.”Oliviasaiditwithashrug,buthereyesshinedasAudreyleapeduptograbMorganandbounce.“TheJamesonsaren’tidiots.”
“Istarttrainingtomorrow,andI’llworkonaprobationarybasisforthreemonths.Afterwhich?Automaticraiseinsalary.Jesus,theyofferedmorethanIwasmakingattheRound,withbenefits.And,and,ohGod,I’llmanageateamoftwenty-three,includingbackofthehouse.”
“Wehavetocelebrate,”Audreydeclared.“We’lltakeyououttodinner.”
Morganfollowedimpulse.“I’mgoingtomakeporkchops.”
Audreyblinked.“You’regoingtocook?”
“It’sNina’smother’srecipe.Imadeitonce,Icandoitagain.I’mgoingtomakeporkchopsandherspicypotatoes,”sherepeated,becauseitwouldcloseoutanuglymemory.“Andwe’llusethegoodchinaandstemware.That’showIwanttocelebrate.”
Shedrewback.“Thankyou,Gram,foropeningthedoor.ThankyoubothfortheluckyearringsImaynevertakeoff.I’mgoingtothestore,thenmakingdinner.”
Shegavethembothasqueeze.
“Ifittasteshorrible?Lie.”ChapterEight
Thedepthofstupidity,lacedwithgullibility,inthehumanraceneverfailedtoamazehim.
Anddelighthim.
Afterall,withoutthoselovelyweaknesses,howwouldhelivehislifeinthestylehedeserved?
GavinRozwellhadlearnedearlyonthefemaleofthespeciesofferedalmostendlessopportunitiestoexploitandmanipulate.Themethod,ofcourse,dependedonthemark.Forsome,itonlyrequiredgoodlooks.
Hehadthose,andhadbeenassuredofitallhislife.
Others?Addcharm—andhecouldsprinkleiton,pileiton,shovelitoutasthemarkandsituationcalledfor.
Hehadthattalent.
Thenagain,somelikedtheroughstuffandnoproblem.Buthekepttheroughontheeasyside.Untiltheend.
Therewerethosewhofellforthelonewolf,thebrooder,thepoet,thelaidback,orthetightlywound.
Hehadamillionpersonashecouldwearlikeabespokesuit.
Sobstoriesprovidedopeningsforcertaintypes.Trytherecentwidower,orthecuckoldedhusband.
Thetrick?Bewhothetargetwantedyoutobe.
Andheexcelledatit.
Again,he’dlearnedfromanearlyage,watchinghisownmotherfallforlineafterline.She’dtrulybelievedpeopleheldinsidethemacoreofgood—nomatterhowdeeplyburied.
Nobody,accordingtogoodoldMom,waspurelybad,notthroughandthrough.Andinherworldevilhadn’texisted.
Godmadetheworld,afterall,andGodwasgood.
She’dbelieved—nomatterhowoftenshe’dbeenknockedflat—kindnesstriumphed.
Hismother,thesaint.
Hismother,theidiot.
She’dconsideredhimagift—herhandsome,cleverlittleboy.Sure,hisfatherhadknockedheraroundontherareoccasionshe’dpaidanyattentionatall.Thencametheexcuses,fromher—neverhim.Hehadahardday,hegetsupset,Ishouldn’thavesaidanything
Andwhenhe’ddumpedthem,takingeventhemoneyshe’dtuckedawayunderhercheap,serviceablewhitebrasandpanties,she’dmadeexcuses.
Helovesustoomuchtostay
Sohe—hergift—sawweakness,awoman’sweakness,ripeformining.
Forher,hebecametheloving,devotedsonwhilesheworkedmenialjobsforassholeswhobarelypaidherenoughtomakerent.Asimpleclutchofdandelionsoraheartcutoutofconstructionpaperensuredshewaitedonhim,handandfoot.
Andeitherdidn’tnotice,ornevermentioned,thefiveortenbuckshe’dtakeoutofthecoffeecanshekepttuckedinthekitchencabinet.
Hedidwellinschool.Hehadagoodbrain,comportedhimselfwithabsolutepoliteness.Andusedthetrusthe’dcarefullybuilttorunshortconsonstudentsandteachersalike.
Hehadaknackforcomputersand,honingit,destroyedhiseighth-gradehistoryteacher’slife.
BastardgavehimaB-minus!
Thehackingprovedremarkablysimpleoncehegotgoing.LoadingupMr.Stockman’shomecomputerwithchildpornhadpresentedachallengehe’daccepted.
Stockmanlosthisjob,hiswife,andhischildrenanddidsixyearsinafederalpen.
There’syourB-minus,asshole.
Hisspeechasvaledictorianathishighschoolgraduationbroughthismother—andothers—totears.HeacceptedascholarshiptoMichiganState.Thoughhe’dhadseveralcollegestochoosefrom,he’dclaimedheneededtostayclosetohome,nearhismotherinDetroit,sohecoulddrivebackregularlytohelpher.
Hedidso,faithfully,waitinguntilthespringofhissecondsemestertomakeherhisfirstkill.
Ashock!Atragedy!Thesenselessmurderofaforty-one-year-oldwomanduringabreak-inofherrattrapofarentalhousewhileheronlyson,herlovinganddevotedson,sleptninetymilesawayatcollege.
Hernineteen-year-oldson,who’dbrokentopiecesatherfuneral.Andatnineteen,ofage,clearofanyriskoffosterhomesorlegalguardians,he’dtastedfreedom.
Hecashedinherlifeinsurancepolicy,onehe’dconvincedhertotakeout—onlyfifteendollarsamonthforpeaceofmind—andGavinRozwell,anatural-bornpsychopath,hittheroad.
Hethrived.
Forawhilehejusttraveled,livedhigh.Buttheinsurancemoneycouldn’tlastforever.
Heransimpleconsforawhile,andthatprovedfunandprofitable.Thenhemovedtoidentitytheft,andthatbroughtmoreprofitandsatisfaction.
Butitlackedagenuinethrill.Nobigkick.Nowildbuzz.
Sowhilehetraveled,heplanned,heplotted,andfoundhistruecalling.
Heknewhekilledhismotheroverandoverwiththeterminationofeachmark.He’dacedhispsychecourses,afterall.Butsowhat?Heenjoyedit,eachtime,everytime.Endingthem,lookingintotheirshockedeyeswhenhechokedthelifefromthem,broughtbackthemomentoflookingintohismother’s.
Whosaidyoucan’tgohomeagain?
Anditservedastheculminationofthethrill,thepleasureoftakingeverythingtheyvaluedfirst,justthewayhisfatherhadtakeneverythinghismotherhadvalued.
Well,exceptforhim,ofcourse.
Now,onalovelyspringmorning,goingbyOliverSalk,hesatontheterraceofhishotelsuiteinMaui,takingintheair,theviewwhilehesippedhissecondcupofcoffee.
Inthetwelveyearssincehe’dmurderedhismother,he’dlivedwell,livedhigh.Thequarter-milliontermpolicyhadgivenhimthemeansandtheopportunitytopursuethelifestylehe’dbeenbornfor.
Heliftedhiscup,toasted.“Thanks,Mom.”
He’dearnedit,justashe’dearnedeverypennysince,becauseitwaswork,andworkthatrequiredtime,skill,brains.Theweeks,oftenmonthsofresearchandplanningtookatoll.Thenaddintheexpenseofmaintaininghislookswhilechangingthemjustabitalongtheway,thecostofacquiringnewidentitiesandthewardrobetosuitthem
Someofthemarksexpectedsex,somethinghe’dhonestlyneverenjoyed.Butheconsidereditthecostofdoingbusiness.
There’dbeenthatoneinPortlandthree—no,fouryearsago,heremembered.God,she’dbeenrelentlesssexually.Thenagain,he’dclearednearlyeighthundredthousandbeforeheendedtheirrelationship.Andher.
He’ddoneverywellforhimself,enjoyedhislife,hiswork,histravels.Andhissuccessratehadbeenperfect,becausehe’dearnedperfect.Hedeservedperfect.
UntilMorganAlbright.
Theonethatgotaway.
Itgratedstill,andhecouldadmitthemisshadlefthimshaken.Morethanalittleshaken.Enoughtotakeabreak,indulgeinalongvacation.
Thebitchwould’vetalkedtothecops,tothoseassholefeds,andmaybe,justmaybe,he’dletsomethingslipwithherheshouldn’thave.
Notlikely,butthenaggingmaybepushedhimtotakeabreather,toputafewthousandmilesbetweenthem.
Hecouldaffordit,afterall,sometimeinSanDiego,thenacoupleofmonthsinMalibu,beforesomeislandhoppinginHawaii.
Nothingbetterthanafinehotelonabeach,tohismind.
Andasthesayingwent,allworkandnoplaymadeGavinadullboy.
Buteveninfinehotelsonfinebeaches,hethoughtofher,andthoughtofher.He’dtakenwhatwashers,butshe’dlived.She’dbrokenhisstreakandthatateawayathim.
Hehadtofixthat,fixher,reclaimhisluck.Toaddtoit,hewasbored.Workwasplayforhim,andhemissedit,andmissingit,hadgoneintoresearchmode.
He’dneedtoreclaimthatluck,startanewstreakbeforedealingwithMorgan
Hehadtwolikelycandidatesonthemainland,andhe’dchoosetheluckywinnersoon.ButMorgan?Sheprovedpeoplewerestupid,gullible,andalwaysripeforthepicking.
She’dchangedherpasswords—asifthatmattered—andhadshutdownheralreadysparcesocialmediaaccountsoverthelastyear.
Buthermotherhadthemall.ShepostedregularlyforthefamilybusinessinVermont.Prettyphotos,cheerfulmarketing,withapersonaltouch.
SoheknewMorgan,flatbroke,hadmovedtoVermont,backwithMommyandGrandma.Andallthosehappypostshelpedhimkeepaneyeonher.He’dresearchedherfamily,thefamilyhomeandbusinessbeforehe’dwalkedintothattwo-bitbar,soheknewthesetup,thefinances.
Whenhewasready,he’dusehermother’saccountstofindabackdoorandhackrightbackintoMorgan’s.
Whenhewasready.
Maybehe’dbeenmeanttomissherthefirsttimearound.Theideaof“meantto”soothedhim.She’dhurthimbyliving,hecouldhurthersomuchmorebylettingherliveawhile,thentakingeverythingagain.
Asecondshotrequiredachangeoftactics,adifferentmethodaltogether.Butwiththepotentialofmore,muchmore.Moremoney,morepain,morepleasureforhim.
Whatif,justwhatif,hekilledallthree?
Somethingtothinkabout.
Butfirst,hehadtogetbackinthegame.Timetochoosethatluckywinner,hedecided,andstartedmakingaplan.
Morganlovedgoingbacktowork,theroutine,thestructure,theschedule.Puttingonheruniformmadeherfeelproductive,capable.Meetingthestaffmeantshewas,again,partofateam.
Trainingprovedstraightforwardenough.Aprèswascertainlyabiggerandmoreupscaleoperationthananyshe’dworkedinbefore,butshe’dhandleit.
Maybehervisittothewinecellarleftheralittlebreathless—thoseracksuponracks,andthevintagesfarbeyondanyshe’ddecantedinthepast—butshe’dhandlethat,too.
ThemenufromthebackofthehouserankedseveralclassystepsabovetheRound,andguestsreceivedmaple-roastedalmondsandpicholineoliveswiththeirdrinksinsteadofpretzelsandbarnuts,butthatwasallamatterofstyle.
Shebreezedthroughhertrainingweek,servingguestsnotunlikethoseshe’dpaintedforNellduringherinterview.ThoughsheconsideredNickthebestofthosewhotendedbar,shehadnocomplaints.
Asforthewaitstaff,theirtrainingshowed.
Attheendoftheweek,shereceivedasummonsfromLydiaJameson.
She’dexpectedanelaborateoffice,somethingregaltosuitthephotoofthewomanshe’dstudiedandthebiographyshe’dgoogledtogowithit.
Insteadshefoundamodest,workmanlikeroom,aserviceabledeskwithachairasstraight-backedasLydia’sspine.
Sheworeherdarkhoneyhairinsoftwavesaroundastrongfaceofsharppoints.Cheekbones,chincutlikediamonds.Thedecadesoflinesdidn’tdetractfromitbutmadeherlookwise.Andformidable.
Hereyesweredeepgoldenbrownbehindthelensesofblack-framedglasses.Herpoppy-redlipsdidn’tsmileasshestudiedMorgan.
“Haveaseat.”Thevoicematchedtheface—strong—asshegesturedwithahandadornedwithaweddingsetwithablindingsquare-cutdiamondsolitaire.“AndwelcometotheJamesonfamily.”
“Thankyou.I’mverygratefultobeapartofit.”
“IseeOliviainyou,andsomeofAudreywithit.Iimagineyougottheeyesfromyourfather.”
“Thecolor,yes.”
“IhaveagreatdealofrespectforOlivia,andinthelastseveralyears,foryourmother.It’swhyyou’rehere.OrIshouldsayit’swhyyouweregiventheopportunitytobehere.”
“Iknowthat.I’mgratefulforthat.”
“Asyoushouldbe.IhadNellinterviewyou,asIfeltIshouldstepback.Ialsohaveagreatdealofrespectformygranddaughter.”
“Asyoushould.”
Lydia’seyebrowscockedupatthat.
“Nelltellsme,asdidDon,you’llbeanassettotheresort.”
“I’mdeterminedtobe.”
“Areyouadeterminedindividual,Ms.Albright?”
“Yes,ma’am,Iam.”
LydialetthathangamomentwhileshecontinuedtostudyMorganinsilence.
“It’sdifficultforadeterminedindividualtostartover,butwithoutdeterminationthere’snochanceofsucceeding.Yourpreviousemployersalsotoutedyourloyalty.Weprizeloyaltyhere,andwillgiveitinturn.”
“Iappreciatethat,andI’vealreadyseenit.NickTennant,tenyears;OpalReece,twelve;AdamFine,sixteen.Andotherswiththatmuchormore.Peopledon’tstayhappilyatajobifthey’renottreatedwell,ifthere’snotrespectandloyaltyonbothsides.I’mgoingtogiveyoumybest,Mrs.Jameson,andmybestissolid.”
“I’dexpectnothinglessfromOlivia’sgranddaughter.Onceagain,welcometotheJamesonfamily.”ThistimeLydiarose,heldoutahand.
“Thankyou.”
AsshewalkedtoAprès,Morganletherselfbreatheagain.Shewasprettydamnsureshe’dpassedthelasttest.
OnherfirstofficialdayasmanagerofAprès,sheworeherluckyearrings.AndcameinanhourbeforeshiftforameetingwithNellandhermother—DreaJameson,Eventscoordinator.
TheymetinDrea’soffice,alargerspacethanLydia’sthatincludedarosy-huedloveseatandtwofloral-printchairs.
Morganthoughtthefemininetouchessuitedthewoman,withhertumbleofauburnwaves,porcelainskin,anddreamyblueeyes.
Sheworeaplum-coloredsheathwithawaist-lengthjacket.Morganimaginedtheslim-heeledgraypumpsboostedthepetitewoman’sheight.
“I’msosorryIhaven’thadachancetocomeintoAprèsandintroducemyself.”
“Twoweddings,ananniversaryparty,acorporatebanquet,andtheGrotottifamilyreunionoverthelastcoupleofweekswouldn’tleaveyoumuchtime.”
Dreasmiled,andMorganwonderedifthefactherlipshadeexactlymatchedtheloveseatwasdeliberateorahappyaccident.
Shevoteddeliberate.
“Nellsaidyoupayattention.”
“Eventstaketablesinthebar.”
“Theydo.So.”ShehandedMorganafolder.“Eventsscheduledforthenextfourweeks.Donlikedbothelectronicandhardcopiesmonthly.Therewillbechanges.Additions,cancellations,andyou’llseefinalnumbersinred.”
Morganopenedthefolder,skimmedtheprintouts.“Busy.Busy’sgood.I’mfinewithjuste-copiesformyself,butI’dliketoposttheprintoutinthebackofthehouse—andIcangeneratethat.Updatingasneeded.”
Shelookedup.“Isitpossibletohavetheeventslistfourtosixmonthsout?”
“Ofcourse.Donlikedtokeepthingsmorecompact.”
“Itwouldgivemeabiggerscopeandmorelong-rangeplanningforvacationtime,requestedshiftchanges,whicheventsrequirebarsetupsandbartenders.Andwiththose,fullbarorwine,beer,softdrinks.”
SheturnedtoNell.“Iunderstandthatfallsunderyoursupervision,buttheprivatebarsdecreasethetablesinAprès,atleastduringthecourseoftheevent,butstillrequirestaffpulledfromAprèsortheLodgeBar.”
“Trueenough.”Nellcockedherhead.“More?”
“Well,whilecorporatemeetingsarearelativelysmallpartoftheresort’sbusiness,attendeesusethebarfornetworking,casualmeetings,sosixmonthsouttherewouldensureIhadenoughstockonhand.Wehadtoborrowabottleof1800SilvertequilafromtheLodgeBarlastFridaynight.”
“KnoxSeedandSoil,”Nellsaid.“Fridaynighttequilashots.Weshould’vebeenprepared.”
“Don’sheadwasoutthedoor.”Drealiftedhercoffeecup.“Andthat’sunderstandable.Icangiveyousixmonthsoutonallbookedevents,withatwo-monthview,deliveredtoyourresortinbox.”
“Thatwouldbeperfect,thanks.”
Nellangledherhead.“Andstillmore?”
Aprèsmightnotbeherbar,but.
“SinceI’masking,Imightaswelltrymyluckwithonemore.I’dliketofeatureaseasonalspecialtydrink,likethespadoeswithscrubsandlotionsforservices.Apple’sthestatefruit,sowecouldtryfeaturingacider—hardandsoft—cocktailforfallorwinter,ormaybemulledforwinter.Asparklingcidermixforspring,sangriaforsummer,thatsortofthing.Or,ifyouapprove,Icouldcoordinatewiththespa,playintowhateverthey’refeaturing.”
“Andifthey’refeaturinglavenderscrub?”Nellwondered.“That’scomingupnextweekforthespringlaunch.”Nellsetdownheremptycup.“WhichI’mbettingyoualreadyknow.”
Asshedid,Morganwasready.“Lavendermargarita,lavenderginfizz,lavenderchampagnecocktail.I’dneedtoknowandorderthesimplesyrup,andhavethesprigsonhandforgarnish.Butthere’salotyoucandowithitforspringorsummerdrinks.”
“I’dlikealavendermargarita,”Dreadecided.“Itsoundslovely.Whatdoyouthink,Nell?”
“Resort-wide,orexclusivetoAprès?”
“Thatwouldbeuptoyou.”
“Yeah,itwould.Let’strythespacoordination.Resort-wideifittakes.YoucantryitinAprèsnextweek.”
“Great.I’llorderwhatweneed.”
“I’llwalkoutwithyou.”Nellrose.
“Welcomeaboard,Morgan.”Drearoseaswell.“AndtellyourmotherandgrandmotherImisstheminyogaclass.”
“Yogaclass?”
“StudioOm,onSouthAlleyoffHighStreet.Wetrytomakethenineo’clockclassonWednesdaymornings,butwiththenewcaféprojectandmyschedule,we’vemissedclassforamonth.Morelikesixweeks,forme,Ithink.TellthemI’mdeterminedtomakeitthisweek.”
“Iwill.”
“Shemeditates,too,”Nellsaidwhentheywalkedthroughtheouterofficewithitsringingphonesandbusyassistants.“Doyoumeditate?”
“OnlywhenI’munconscious.”
Withalaugh,Nellshookbackherhair,leftdowntoskimhershoulderstoday.Amorecasuallooktogowiththegraypantsandnavysweater.
“Me,too.Idon’tknowwhethertobefascinatedorbaffledbytheideaofalavendermargarita.”
“Comeinnextweek.I’llmakeyouone.”
“Ijustmight.”Shepulledherbuzzingphonefromherpocket.“Well,nomeditationormargaritasforme.Goodlucktonight,”sheadded,andfast-walkedintheoppositedirection.
“Busy’sbest,”Morganmurmured.
Sheexchangedwavesornodswithsomeofthestaffshe’dmetasshewalkedtowardthelobby,overthemarblefloors,andthroughthearchway.
Itwas,shethought,startingtofeellikeshe’dfoundherplace.
Thebarbuzzed,asabarshouldinheropinion,withpeoplerelaxingwithadrinkbeforedinner,orsettlingdownforbarfood.Ataquickscan,shespottedacoupleofcorporatetypes,headstogether,conversationintense.Atrioofwomenlaughingtogetheroverglassesofwine.
Thenstoppedshortwhensherecognizedthetwomenhavingabeer.MoreJamesons,sherealized.Thepatriarch,Michael“Mick”Jameson,themanwho,alongwithhiswife,LydiaMilesJameson,hadexpandedwhathadbeenahandfulofcabinsandatwenty-roomhoteltotheResortatWestridge.
HesatwithNell’sbrotherLiam,theyoungestsibling.
Theymadeapicture,Morganthought,thegenerations.Thegrandfatherwithhissleekpewterhairtoppingacraggyface,theyoungerwithacarelessmopofbrownandafacesmoothandunlined.
Andyetyouwouldn’tmistakethemforanythingbutfamilyastheysat,firstgenerationinasweatshirt,youngerinahoodie,holdingananimatedconversationovertheireveningbeer.
Business,pleasure,orboth?shewonderedasshemadeherwaytothebarandbehindit.
“You’reearly.”Nickpouredanotherround—Chardonnay,Zinfandel,andaCab—sheidentifiedforthetrioofwomenattablefive.“Tabsrunning,alltables,”hetoldMorgan.
“TwojustsatdownonthelobbysideasIcamein.”
“Lacy’sonit.She’sinthebackpickingupacheeseplateforthatside.Bossesattableeight.”
“Sawthat.”
“HeadyToppers,”hesaid,identifyingthebeer.“Iftheygoforanotherround,addthecheesefrieseveniftheydon’torderit.Micklovesthecheesefries.”
“Gotit.Gohome.I’lllogyourtips.”
“You’rethebossnow.”
“Looksthatway.”
Amanwholookedlikehe’djustwakedfromalongnapslidontoastool.
“Goodevening.WhatcanIgetyou?”
Hegaveheradreamysmile.“Ijusthadmyfirsthotstonemassage.Youeverhadone?”
“Notyet.”
“Doyourselfafavor.OnlytimeI’vebeenmorerelaxedisnever.Mywife’sgettingone,meetingmehere.It’sourfirsttimecominghere.”
“Andhowareyouenjoyingit?”
“I’mthinkingaboutmovingin.Mywife’sgoingtowantaglassofchampagne.Thegoodstuff.Shedoesn’tknowityet,butshe’sgonna.Me,I’lltrythatlocalbrew.Marie.That’smywife’sname.”
MorganthoughtMariewasaluckywoman.Anddecidedshe’dbeenrightwhentheluckywomancameinmomentslater.
Marieallbutmeltedontoastool.“God,Charlie.Wherehasthatbeenallmylife?”
SheblinkedwhenMorgansetaglassofchampagneinfrontofher.
“Champagne?”
“Youdeserveit.Eighteenyears,”hetoldMorgan.“Threekids,andourfirstsologetawayinsixteenyears.”
“AndnowIfeellikeaprincess.Iknowwe’resupposedtodressupandhaveafancydinner,but,Charlie,I’mawetnoodle.”
“Righttherewithyou.Isthefoodanygoodinhere?”heaskedMorgan.
“Icantellyouitis.Whydon’tyoutakeaboothbythewindow.I’llbringyourdrinks.Takealookatthemenu,andifyoudecidetohavedinnerhere,I’llcancelyourreservationforyou.”
“That’ssonice.”Mariejustsigheditout.“Everythingandeverybody’sjustsonice.Ilovethisplace.Charlie,weowemysisteragreatbigbouquetfortellingusaboutit.”
WhileMorgantookcareofthem,theJamesonsbroughttheiremptiestothebarandtookstools.
“Anotherround.HeadyToppers.”
Morganputtheemptiesintothesink.“Cheesefrieswiththat?”
Mickbrokeintoagrin,andforaninstantlookedasyoungashisgrandson.“Myreputationprecedesme.Howaboutit,Liam?Splitsome,anddon’ttellyourgrandmother.”
“You’repaying?It’sinthevault.”
Shepluggedtheorderin,begantodrawthebeer.
“Idon’tknowwhatyousaidtothecoupleoverthere.”MicknoddedinCharlieandMarie’sdirection.“Butitmadethemhappy.That’sthegoalhere,makepeoplehappy.”
“Hotstonemassageshadalreadydonethatjob.Theymademewantoneofmyown.”Sheservedthebeer,caughtthesignalCharliesenther.“Excusemeaminute.”Asshewalkedover,shewavedtheserveroverwithher.
Whenshecameback,shegotoutachampagnebucket.
“TheGlade’slosingareservation.CharlieandMariearedininghere:clubsandwichforher,steaksanforhim—holdtheonionsbecauseCharliehasplans.”Shewiggledhereyebrowsasshefilledthebucketwithice.“They’recappingtheirfirstdayoftheirfirstvisittotheresortwithabottleofchampagne.Thegoodstuff.”
“Champagne’sonthehouse,”Micktoldher.
“Oh,that’s—that’sgreat.”
“I’lljustgosayhellowhileyougetabottlechilled.Don’teatallthefries,Liam.”
“That’sallMick,”Liamsaid,shakinghishead.
Shecashedoutthecorporatetypes,madeacoupleofdrymartinis,watchedCharlieandMarieclinkglasses.
“You’vegotaneasywaywithahardjob,”Mickobservedashepolishedoffhisbeer.“Iappreciatewhatittakestomakeahardjoblookeasy.Let’smosey,partner.”HeslappedLiamontheshoulder.
Mickslidthreetwentiesontothebar.“Keepitup.”
“Thankyou,Mr.Jameson.”
“Mick.We’refamilyhere.”
“Youski,Morgan?”
SheshookherheadatLiam.
“We’regoingtofixthat.”
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Ifitdoesn’tinvolveskisorhikingbootsorziplines,thisonedoesn’tseethepoint.”
Mickgaveherawinkbeforetheymoseyed.
Itsurprisedhertofindbothherladieswaitingwhenshegothome.
“Whatarethetwoofyoudoingup?It’snearlytwointhemorning.”
“Firstdayasmanager.WemadeapotofteawithournewVermonttea.”Audreypouredathirdcup.“Sitdown,havesometea,andtellushowitwent.”
“Ihadtotalkheroutofcomingintothebar,sobegladit’sjustteainthemiddleofthenight.”
Morgantookthetea,thendroppeddowninachairnearthestill-simmeringfire.“Itwentgreat.IhadthemeetingwithMs.Jameson—LydiaJameson—thenmetwithDreaandNell.DreasaidtotellyoushemissesyouatyogaandhopestomakeitWednesday.”
“Sodowe.Didtheyliketheideaaboutthespecialtydrinks,theseasonalones?”
“Igotthego-aheadtotryitout.ThenImetMr.Jameson—Mick—andLiaminthebar.Sothatonlyleavesoutthesecondgeneration—RoryJameson—andtheoldestofthesiblings,third-generationMiles.”
“Thefamily’sdoneagreatdealforthearea.”Oliviasippedhertea.“Wegetalotofbusiness—andsodoestherestofdowntownWestridge—frompeoplestayingattheresort.”
“Theyalwayshaveideastoshare.Likeyou.”Audreytoastedwithherteacup.“Idefinitelythinkthetea’sgoingtobeahit.”
“Theycertainlyseemtight—atightfamily.Ireallylikeworkingthere.AndsinceIam,andI’mdrawingapaycheck—anddamngoodtips—Iwanttostartpayingrent.”
“Absolutelynot.Isaidno,”OliviacontinuedasMorganstartedtoprotest.“Iwillnottakeyourmoney.DoItakeyours,Audrey?”
“No.”
“Andthereyouhaveit.I’dhavebeenaloneinthishousewithoutAudrey,andIlikelycouldn’thavekeptit.Toomuchforawomanmyageallalone,andtooempty.NowIhaveyouhereaslongasyouwanttostay.You’llmakeyourownhomeagainoneday,butfornowit’shere.Youwantsomeotherresponsibilities,that’sdifferent.Youcanmakedinneronceamonthonyourdayoff.”
“Youwantmetocook?”
“Yourporkchopdinnerwasreallygood,”Audreyremindedher.“Wedidn’thavetolie.Youcanjuststickwiththatorexpand,whatever.MomandIliketocook,butit’dbenicetohaveamealwedidn’tcookourselvesorbringhome.”
“Preparingamealteachesindependence,”Oliviaadded.“I’malwayssurprisedyoudon’t,sincethat’syourmiddlename.”
“Mymiddlename’sNash.”
“Exactly.”AndOliviasmiledwithit.“Andyoucanstartsavinguptobuyacar,onethatdoesn’thaveyourmotherandmeworriedeverytimeyoudriveoffinit.WecanbegratefultoNina’sfamilyandstillknowthat’sabreakdownwaitingtohappen.Icanusepeaceofmindmorethanmoney.”
“Allright.”
“We’llbegardeningsoon,andcanuseyourhelpthere.”
“And,Jesus,child,stopsnippingatyourownhair.”Oliviarolledhereyes.“Gotothesalon.Stylingrightdownfromtheshopdoesgoodwork.”
Morganpushedahandatherhair.“IthoughtIwasdoingokaywithit.”
“No.”Audreyspokedefinitely.“Iknowyou’vemadeabudget.That’shersecondmiddlename,”shesaidtohermother.“Budgetinhair.Youmeetthepubliceverydaynow.Youneedtolookyourbest.”
“Afacialwouldn’thurt.”
NowMorganslappedbothhandsonherface.“Myface!”
“Isbeautiful.”Audreysmiledandsoothed.“Butyouneedsomepampering.Theydoamazingfacialsattheresort,andyou’dgetanemployeediscount.Youneedtotreatyourself.Nowweshouldalltreatourselvestosomebeautysleep.”
“I’vegotthedishes.IcansleeptillnoonifIwant.”Wouldn’t,Morganthought,butcould.
“Nightthen.”Audreywrappedherinahug.“Congratulationsonyourfirstdayasmanager.”
AsMorgandealtwiththedishes,sheconsideredthatshe’dalwayslivedinafemalehousehold.Herfatherhadsofrequentlybeenabsent,thenjustgone.Thenshe’dlivedwithNina.
Butshe’dneverbeenoutnumbered,twotoone.ChapterNine
Fridaynight.TheendoftheworkweekformanymeantabusynightatAprès.AndthatputMorganrightinherelement.Asshemixed,shook,stirred,tapped,shedecidedthatdespitethehorriblelastyear,she’drungthebell.
She’dneededajobbecausesheneededtoearnaliving,andwiththefirstswing,she’dlandedonesheenjoyed.AndonethathelpedherfindMorganagain.
ThecapableMorgan,theMorganwhomadeplansandworkedtowardthem.TheMorganwhohadaknackforbringingabrightspottoastranger’sday.
WhateverGavinRozwellhadstolenfromher,shestillhadherskills,andafterabumpyroad,she’drelocatedherspine.Sheintendedtomakegooduseofboth.
Atthebar,sheservedKeithandMartin,acouplecelebratingtheirfifthanniversary—dryvodkamartinis,threeolives—andlistenedtotheirweekendplans
“He’llhitthegym.”Keith,adorableinhisnavyblueglasses,rolledhiseyesbehindthem.“Anddragmealong.”
“BecauseIloveyou.”
“Yeah,yeah.”
“Thenaswim.”Martintookthefirstsipofhisdrink.“Whoa!Nowthat’swhatIcallamartini.HowaboutyoucomebacktoBurlingtonwithusandmakeallourFridaynightmartinis?We’dtreatyoulikeaprincess.”
“DoIgetatiara?”
“Naturally.”
“Signmeup.”
Shesliddownthebartofillatableorderfromoneofthewaitstaff.
AndsheknewOpal—twelveyearsin—hadplentyofreservationsaboutthenewmanager.
WhileMorganfilledtheorder,Opal—forty-three,sturdybuild,brownhairinano-nonsensebowlcut—rangupthecheckforasecondtable.
“Whenyou’reslowonthedrinks,itcutsintoourtips.”
Morganaddedanorangesliceandcherrytoawhiskeysourwhileshefilledapilsnerfromthetap.
“Areyougettingcomplaintsontheservice?”
“Notyet.”
Maintainingpleasant,shepouredaglassofMerlot,completedatraditionalsidecar.“Letmeknowwhenyoudo.”
“Donworkedfaster.”Withthat,Opalhustledoffwithherdrinks.
Couldn’twinthemallover,atleastnotallatonce,Morganremindedherself.Butifthatkeptupmuchlonger,she’dtryaone-on-one.
Shefilledanothertableorder—nobitchingaboutherspeedonthisone—servedbarsnacksanddrinkstothestools.FlirtedharmlesslywithKeithandMartinbecausetheylikedit,beforeshecashedthemoutaroundmidnight.
Fromthecornerofhereyeshesawamanslideontoastoolattheendofthebar.Lookedlikeasolo,shethoughtashescrolledonhisphone,andsheworkedherwaydowntohim.
“Goodevening.WhatcanIgetforyou?”
“GlassofCab,”hesaidwithoutlookingup.
Shegotaredwineglass.Loner,shedecided.Conversationnotrequired.Despitetheflannelshirtandjeans,themassofdensebrownhairfallingovertheshirt’scollar,somethingabouthimsaid“suit.”
Shesetthewineinfrontofhim.“Ifyou’dlikeanythingfromthekitchen,they’reclosinginabouttenminutes.”
Headdown,thumbsbusilywritingatext,heshookhishead.
Shelefthimalonewithhiswineandhisphone.
Thirtyminuteslater,whentablesstartedtothinoutandnightcapperswanderedin,hewasstillthere,endofthebar,workingonhisphone,halfthepourstillinhisglass.
Minutesbeforelastcall,agroupofthreemencamein.Earlyforties,shejudged,andthey’dunquestionablyenjoyedanynumberofdrinksalready.
Laughinguproariously,theyploppeddownatthebar.Theoneinthemiddleshotafingerather.“You’renew.I’vebeenherethreetimesbefore,andyouwereaman.Sixmonthsago—wasitsixmonths?—sixmonthsago,youwereaman.”
“You’rehalfright.I’mnew.”
Hegaveherathoroughlydrunkensmile.“You’reawholelotprettiernow.”
“Thankyou.WhatcanIgetyou?”
Heleanedforward,grinned.“Guess.”
“Iguessifyou’renotstayingattheresort,I’mgettingyouanUber.”
Heblinkedatherwhileheprocessed,thenslappedthebarandlaughed.“AnUber,”herepeatedwhilehiscompanionsjoinedthehilarity.“What’sinanUber?”
Allsmiles,sheleanedforwardtomeethisglassyeyes.“Youandyourfriendsunlessyou’restayingattheresort.”
“Wegotusthepresi-fucking-dentialontheClubLevel.”Sincehesaiditwithprideratherthantemper,pulledouthiskeycardtowavearound,shekeptsmiling.
“Ihearit’sfabulous.Whatareyoucelebrating?”
“Mydivorce.I’mafreeman!”Hetossedouthisarms,clockedbothofhisfriends,whofoundmorehilarity.“Howaboutyoucomeonupandcelebratewithme,cutie?”
“Oh,that’stempting,buthowaboutIserveyouyourlastdrinkofthenight?”
“Aw.We’redrinkingboilermakerslikemen,insolidarity.”
“Yougotit.”
“Shetriedtoemasculinateme,”heclaimed,whileMorganbegantomixthedrinks.
“Sinceyou’redrinkingboilermakerslikemen,shedidn’tsucceed.”
“Gavehertwelveyears.”Hiscompanionspattedhisshoulderoneitherside,anddugintothealmondsshesetout.
“Here’stothenexttwelve.”Shesettheboilermakersonthebar.“Drinksareonme.”
“Aw.Youknow,cutie,ifI’dbeenmarriedtoyou,I’dstillbemarried.”
“That’sthenicestthinganyone’ssaidtomeallnight.Enjoy.”
Shehandledtherestofthestragglersandnightcappersbeforemovingdowntothelonerattheendofthebar.
“Lastcall.WouldyoulikeanotherCab?”
“Icewater,still.”Thenhelookedup.“Youhandledthatwell.”
Shewentblank.Hiseyesweretigereyes,tawny,focused,alittlefierce.Foraninstantthat’sallshesaw.Thentherestpushedthrough.
Thesharplydefinedplanesandangles,thetake-a-punchlineofthejaw.Addforty-five,fiftyyears,changetheeyestoblue,he’dbehisgrandfather.
“Thankyou,Mr.Jameson.”
“Miles.That’showwerunhere.”
Heglanceddownthebaratthetriowhileshegothisicewater.“IletSecurityknow.They’llmakesuretheygetbackupstairssafely.”
“They’reharmless.He’sjustsad.”
“Ishe?”
“Divorce,evenwhenyouwantit,evenwhenyouneedit,isboundtomakeyousad.”
“He’llwakeupwithabangerofahangovertomorrowandbesadder.”
Hisphonesignaled—thefirstnotesof“BadtotheBone.”
“Hell.”Whenhepickeditupoffthebar,shelefthimalone.
Whenthetriostumbledoutofthebar,Milesgotup,leftatwentybehind,andfollowedthemout.
SheendedherfirstsoloweekwithaslammedSaturdaynight—herideaofperfection.OnSunday—adayandnightoff—shewatchedhermotherbakebreadandhergrandmotherroastachicken.
Herassignment?Scrubandquarterpotatoes,peelcarrots.
Itfelthomey,relaxing,andhappywithhermotherrhapsodizingaboutseeingcrocusesbloominginthesnow.
“It’sgoingtogouptothefiftiestomorrowandTuesday.”
“SnowshowersonWednesday.”
Audreysighedathermother.“Iknow,butI’mtellingyouwe’reoutofit.Snowshowers.SpringinVermont’sonlyprettierbecauseittakessodamnlongtogethere.You’regoingtodothoselavenderdrinksthisweek,aren’tyou,Morgan?”
“Iam,solet’sstickwithshowersandfocusonthecrocus.”
Outthewindow,thesnowstillblanketed,butshecouldseethinningpatches,evensomegroundhereandthere.Shrubsandbushesshookoffthewhite.Iciclesdrippedandsparkled.
ShethoughtofthepansiessheandNinahadplantedjustaboutayearago.She’dbuysome,plantsomeinmemory,andtomakeherladiessmile.
Shesteppedbackfromthecuttingboard.“DidIdotheseright?”
“They’lldo.Nowyou’regoingtotossthemtogetherinthatbowlwitholiveoil.”
“Howmuch?”
“Useyoureyes.”
“God.”
“Afterthat,you’regoingtoaddalittlehoney,zestsomelemon.Salt,pepper,oregano.Youknowhowtomixadrink.Figureitout.”
Shefigureditout—shehoped—thenspreadthemonabakingsheetandstuckthemintheoven.
“Mommeasuredwhenshemadethebreaddough.”
“Baking’sdifferent.”
Ratherthanargue,Morganchangedthesubject.
“IforgottotellyouImetthelastoftheJamesonsiblings.Miles?”
“Didyouhaveameeting?”Audreyasked.
“No,hecameintothebarFridaynight.Late.NursedaglassofCabforaboutanhourwhilehesentandansweredtextsonhisphone.”
“Workhorse,”Oliviastated.“Alwayshasbeen.”
“Takesonetoknowone.”
Oliviashruggedatherdaughter,thenchoseabottleofwhitefromthewinecooler.“Showhorseslookpretty,workhorsesgetthingsdone.”
“He’snotprettylikehissiblings—toomuchruggedinthefaceforpretty.Buthe’sareallygood-lookingworkhorse.”Morgangotoutglasses.“They’reallreallygood-looking.”
“Theyare.Myaunt—ontheNashside—marriedaJamesoncousin.Iwasflowergirl.IguessIwassixorso,andIrememberhowbeautifulitallwas,”Oliviasaid.
“Ididn’tknowthat.”
Inhergraysweatshirtwithitsrainbowpeacesign,Olivialookedback.
“Yourgreat-great-auntanduncle,they’dbe.Soyou’vegotdistantJamesoncousinsscatteredaround.Iworeapinkorgandydressandpinkrosebudsinmyhair.”OliviatookthewineMorganoffered.“Irememberthat,too.Anddancingwithmyfather,thenwithmybrother,Will.”
WilliamNash,Morganknew,who’dgonetoVietnam,anddiedthere.
“Anyway,thefamiliesgoback,andbothhadtheirshareofshowhorsesandworkhorses.”
Audreytookherbreadoutofthebottomoven,gavealittleshoulderwiggleofsatisfactionassheputitonthecoolingrack.“Wasn’tMilesengaged?”
“No.Cameclose,rumorhasit,butdidn’tgetthatfar.AndLydia’sprettyclosemouthedonpersonalfamilybusiness,butIknowshewasgladitdidn’t.”
“Dreanevertalkedaboutheratyoga,nowthatIthinkaboutit.Whowassheanyway?Ican’tremember.Notalocal,though.”
“SugarhouseprincessfromdowninBrattleboro.”Torestherfeet,Oliviaslidontoastool.“Allshowhorse.EdgarWineman’sgranddaughter.Societypagedarling.Dotheystillhavesocietypages?IgavethemupforRollingStonemagazinewaybackintheday.”
“Probably.”Fascinated,Morgansatbesideher.“Sowhathappened?”
“Couldn’tsay.ButIsuspectagrandchildofLydiaandMickJamesonhasmoregoodsensethantotiehimselfupforlongwithashowhorsewholikestoflauntandprancearoundinsteadofgettinganythingdone.”
“Okay.Givemeanoverviewofthefamily,onebyone.I’vegotLydiaJameson,buttherest.”
“Allrightthen.Mick,smart,hasvision,andisn’tafraidtogethishandsdirty.He’dspendallhistimeoutdoorsifhecould—andheandStevespentplentyofthattimetogether.Bornathlete.IhadaterriblecrushonhimwhenIwasaboutthirteen.”
“Getout!”
“LuckyforyouIgotoverit,oryouwouldn’tbeheredrinkingthatwine.Rory,firstborn,wentintolaw.Hehandlesthefamily’slegalbusiness.Gothisownfirm,andoneofhissister’sdaughtersworkswithhim.Hissister,Jacie—she’saboutyourmom’sage—studiedarchitecture,andmetherhusbandincollege.They’vegottheirownbusinessinNewYork,butyou’llseethemattheresortacoupletimesayear.Seconddaughterthere’sininteriordesignandworkswiththem.”
“Thefamiliessticktight.”
“Sotheydo.YoushouldhaveasenseofDreafromyourmeeting.She’sasharpone.”
“Andkind,”Audreyadded.
“Sheis,hasJob’sownpatience,andIimagineneedsitwithhandlingtheevents.Ifyou’vegotsomethingstickytohandle,Drea’stheonetoaskforadvice.Diplomatscouldtakealesson.Stirupthosevegetables,Morgan.”
Sherosetoobey.“Andthethirdgeneration?”
“We’llstartwiththeyoungest.Liam’snotjustaprettyface,though,jumpingJesus,he’sgotone.Takesafterhisgrandfather—athletic,outdoorsman,andtheyweresmartenoughtolethimplaytohisstrengths.Morelikehismotherinthatpatience,I’dsay.Cheerfulsortofyoungmaninmyexperienceswithhim.”
“That’showhestruckme,”Morganagreedasshesatagain.
“Nell,achipoffhergrandmother’ssteelyback.Solidasarock,suffersnofools.Doesn’tflaunt,andmakessureshefrequentsthelocalbusinesses.
“Now,Miles.”Oliviatookathoughtfulsipofherwine.“Notaseasytofigure,thatMiles.He’sgotthefamilyhomenow,alltohimself.LydiaandMickdecidedtheplacewastoobigforthem—andit’sbig—andpassedittohim.I’mthinkingRoryandDreaarehappyintheirown,sotheywentdownageneration.WhereLiamhasthatcheerfulnatureandcan—asI’veseenit—talktoanyoneaboutanything,hisbrother’smorethequiettype.Polite,well-mannered,asI’venoted,butkeepsmoretohimself.Thenagain,withMickandLydiaabouthalf-retired,Rorywithhislawfirm,he’srunningtheship,orwillbe.”
“It’salayeredanddetailedship.”
Olivianodded.“Lotsofdecksonitandaproudlegacytokeepafloat.Areyouhappythere,Morgan?”
“Ireallyam.It’snotwhatIplanned,butIfeellikeI’vestuckthelanding.It’sagoodplacetowork,andIcan’taskformorethanthat.”
“Ofcourseyoucan.”Oliviapattedherhandbeforesherosetobastethechicken.“Butit’sastart.”
Onceamonth—threeo’clocksharponSunday—theJamesonsheldafamilymeeting.TraditiondecreedthemeetingtookplaceattheramblingVictorianwhereMiles’sgrandparentshadlivedmorethanahalfcenturyoftheirmarriedlives
Thoughthehousehadcometohim,hestillconsideredthemthehostsandthehead.Asachild,he’dspentthemeetingportionofthatSundayinthelibrarywithabook,orplayinginthebackyard,alternatelytorturingorignoringhissisterwhenNellcamealong,lordingoverorjoiningforceswithLiamwhenhearrived.
Goodtimes.
Atsixteen,he’dsatproudathisfirstmeeting,andlearnedtheresponsibilitiesandchallengesofrunningafamilybusinessthatnotonlysustainedfamilybutbroughtrevenueandemploymentandinteresttothecommunity.
Decadesoffamilymeetingsmeanttheyransmooth,hadstructure,evenasthedynamicsofthatfamilyranthroughthemlikeariver.
Hecouldn’timagineitanyotherway.
Hepreppedforthemeeting,reviewingspreadsheets,ledgers,reports,andprojectionsinhisofficeonthesecondflooroftheeastturret.Itoverlookedthefrontyard,thehills,andthelittleappleorchardwherehe’donceclimbedbranchesandthoughtthelongthoughtsofchildhood.
ThedogMilesneverintendedtohavesleptinfrontofthefireplace—oneofthedozenthehouseboasted.
ThedogMileseventuallycalledHowl,becausehedid,hadlaidclaimtoMilesandthehousethewinterbeforeasastrayofquestionableoriginandquirkymanners.
Reviewdone,Milestookhislaptop,hisfileofhardcopies,andswitchedoffthefireplacehisgrandparentshadconvertedtogasalongtheway.Howlopenedoneeye,grumbledinhisthroat.
Ignoringhim,Milescontinuedout,tookthebackstairsdowntothekitchen.
Thedog,ashealwaysdid,followed.Hewatched,ahulkofbushygrayfurwithasweepingtailandlong,floppyears,asMilessethislaptopandfileonthediningroomtable,switchedonthediningroomlights,litthefire.
Mileswalkedbackintothekitchen,openedtheFrenchdoors,said,“Out.”
Howlploddedoutontothedeck,downthesteps,andintotheyard,wherehe’dspendsometimeguardingthepropertyfromsquirrels,rollinginthepatchysnow,andhowlingwiththewind.
Throughtrialanderror,fitsandstarts,Mileshadtrainedhimtocometothemudroomdoorwhenhewantedin.AndHowlhadtrainedhimtokeepasupplyofoldtowelsinthemudroomordealwithtracksofsnow,mulch,mud,dependingontheseason.
Sincehismotherwouldbringaham,heonlyhadtoprovidethecoffee,softdrinksforthemeeting,thewineforthepost-meetingmeal.Theyrotatedthefoodcontribution,whichrequiredanotherspreadsheetandacalendar,butitworked.
Hemadethecoffee,prizingwhatheprizedmost—thesilenceandsolitude.Helovedthehouse,forallitssizeandquirks.Helovedthewarrenofroomsevenwhileheappreciatedhisgrandparents’decisiontotakedownthewallbetweenthekitchenanddiningroomtoopenthespace.Justasheunderstoodthepracticalityofconvertingallthefireplacesabovethemainlevelfromwood-burningtogas.
Sincehe’dmovedin,he’dchangedlittle.Whychangesomethingwhenitsuitedyoujustfine?Andchange,heknew,rarelymeantonething.Thedominoeskepttumbling.
Nowhecarriedthecoffeeservice,thecupsintothediningroom,seteverythingonthewalnutsideboard.Hepouredhimselfacupandstoodatoneofthewindowswatchingthedogrollinapatchofsnowasifitwereasummermeadow.
Buthealsosawbudsformingonthetrees,swathsofgreen—anemicyet,butgreen—spreadingontheground.Beforelong,maintenancewouldswitchfromsnowblowersandshovelstolawntractorsandfreshmulch.
Whichthedogwouldrollin.
Thetrilliumwouldburstcolorinthewoodsandalongthehikingtrails.Theredbudwouldshowitsneonbloomsbeforeleavesunfurledbackwhere,longbeforehewasborn,hisfatherandgrandfatherhadbuiltatreehouse.
Jamesonsbuilttolast,hethought,thenheardthevoicesandfootstepsofhisparents—firstarrivals—who’dcomeinwhilehe’dbeendaydreaming.
“Youcansmellspringcoming,”hismothersaidashisfathersetthebigplatteronthekitchenisland.
“Ismellham.”
Athome,hismotherslidbakingdishesintotheovens,setthemonwarm.
“Itdoessmellgood,butspringlastslonger.”
“Where’sthatdog?”Roryhelduparawhidebonethesizeofaredwood.
“Outside,gettingwetanddirty.”
“Asadogshould.”Rorysetdownthebonebeforetakinghiswife’scoat.Hehunghisandhersinthemudroom.“Wantcoffee,babe?”
“No,thanks.Hi,stranger.”ShegaveMilesahardhug.“Ihardlysawyouallweek.”
“Busydays.”
“Don’tIknowit.”
WhileDreasetupherlaptopandfiles,Rorywanderedtothedoortolookout.Tall,lean,hestoodwithhishandsinhispockets.HeworearedcordedshirtMilesassumedhismotherhadpickedout,andjeansgoingwhiteattheknees,hisusualwhenlawyergarbwasn’trequired.
Hishairhadgonegrayatthetemples,andafewstraystrandswanderedthroughhisthickbrownhair.
“Howlong’sthatdogbeenoutthere?”heaskedMiles.
“Oh,twoorthreedays.Ilethimfendforhimself.”
Rorysentalookoverhisshoulder.
“Maybetenminutes,andhelikesitoutthere.Obviously.”
“Helikesitinhere,too.I’mgoingtolethimin.I’llwipehimdown,Mr.Fussy.”
“HemissesCongo,”DreamurmuredwhenRorywentintothemudroomtocallthedog.
“Iknow.”
Ifhe’dhadthechoice,Rorywould’vetakentheoldBostonterriertocourtwithhim.Asitwas,he’dtakenthebelovedCongointohisofficeeverydayashisSilentPartner.
“Ido,too.Seventeenyearsisalongtime,andit’shardtosaygoodbye.Iknowwedidtherightthing,poorlittleguywassuffering.Butuntilyourdad’sreadyforanotherdog,he’sgoingtolavishthatloveonyours.”
Heheardhisfathertalkingtothedogandthedog’showlsofdelight.
“SoIhear.”Andsincehealsoheardhisgrandparentscomeinandknewtheirhabits,hewenttopourmorecoffee.
Atthree,thefamilysataroundthediningroomtable,hismotherwithspringwater,LiamwithaCoke,andtherestwithcoffee.
Theyranthroughreports,projections,closedoldbusiness,outlinednew.OneofthenewLiampresentedwasaropescourse.
“Ididthecostanalysisforthebuild,theinsurancecost,andDad’slookedintothelegal.Shouldbeonyourscreensnow.”
“Iknowthey’repopular,”Dreabegan,“butIhonestlydon’tseewhypeoplewanttoclimbaroundonropesandswingingplatforms.”
“Forthesamereasonstheywanttogodownhillsonapairofskisorsnowboard.It’sfun.AnditwouldaddtoourwarmweatherAdventurerevenue.”
“Usedtobehiking,canoeing,kayakingwereenoughforthat.”Peeringthroughherreadingglasses,Lydiastudiedtheprojections.
“Timeschange,darlingofmine.”
Sheglancedacrossthetableatherhusband.“Yes,theydo.”
“Theclimbingwallweputupfiveyearsagoworked.Duringthesummerseason,it’sbookedsolidonweekendsandbetweenfortyandseventypercentofrunninghoursweekdays.Theziplinekillsit.We’regoingtoincorporatethemintoanAdventurepackagethisseason.Addtheclimbingwallorziplinetoyourhikingorbiking,kayaking.Completethreeadventures,getfifteenpercentoffapurchaseatOutfitters.Wecouldaddtheropescoursethisseasonifwebuilditintime.Ornext.”
Lydiatappedafingeronthetable.“Miles,youhaven’texpressedanopiniononewayortheother.”
“Liamshouldmakehisowncase,andIthinkhehas.HenaggedmeuntilItookatriptoWhiteRiverResorttotrytheirs.It’schallenging,butit’sfun,anditworks.”
“WhiteRiveristhreetimesoursize.”
Liamgrinned.“Smallbutmighty,Grand.”
“Obviously,Liamvotesforit.”Mickspreadhishands.“Miles,I’massumingyoudo?”
“Ido.”
“Nell?”
“I’manaye.”
“MydarlingDrea?”
Asshetossedbackherhair,shesentherfather-in-lawaflirtysmile.“I’lltellyou,mydarlingMick,I’llneverunderstandwhyanyonewouldpaytohangontoarope,butI’llvoteyes.”
“Sodoeslegalcounsel,”Roryadded.
“AndI’lladdmyaye.Wanttomakeitunanimous,Lydia?”
“Ifyoudon’tbendtochanges,youbreak.”Shepointedatherhusband.“Don’tthinkforoneminuteyou’reclimbingropes,Irish.”
“Spoilsport.”
“Yeah!I’llgetstartedonitwiththedesignerandbuildernextweek.Thanks.YounevertoldmeyouwenttoWhiteRiver.”
Milesshrugged.“Lastfall.Iwouldn’thavetoldyouifIthoughtitsuckedeither.Youmadeyourcase.”
“Anymorenewbusiness,Liam?”
“No,Pop.I’mgoingtotakemyvictoryandretirefromthefield.”
“Drea?”
“SomeseasonalchangesinpackagesforEvents.AndNellandIareworkingontheidea,forsummer,ofamidweekpicnic.Asetmenu,everyWednesdayevening,longtablesbythelake,twobars,buffet-stylefoodandcarvingstations,musicalentertainment.”
“PicnicbytheLake.”Nelltookupthetheme.“I’mworkingwiththeLodgechefonthemenu—keepitsimple,friendly—makesuretherearekid-friendlyoptions,vegetarianandveganoptions.BasicallywhatwedoforBuffetNightintheLodgeonSundays,butmidweekandoutdoors.”
“IusedtocampoutnearthelakewhenwewerejusttheLodge.”Mickstudiedthecostprojections,andhiseyebrowsshotup.“Priceofthesegrillsisahellofalotmorethanacookstoveoraskilletoveracampfire.”
“Timeschange,”Lydiasaid,andhelaughed.
“That’satouché.Igottasay,Ilikeit.Thelongtables,peoplesittingtogether.Makescommunity.”
“We’llhavefirmnumbersbeforeournextmeeting.”
“Andthemenu—whichwillbesubjecttochangeasneeded,”Dreaadded.“Hospitalityiscoordinatingwiththespaonaseasonalspecialtydrink,beginningwithlavender-infusedmargaritas.”
“Whatthehellkindofdrinkisthat?”Mickdemanded.
“ThenewAprèsmanager’sidea.Ithinkit’sacleverone.Nell’snotcompletelysold,butIlikeit,”Dreacontinued.“EspeciallysinceMorganmademeone.”
“Shedidn’tmakemeone.”
Dreashruggedatherdaughter.“Youdidn’tsayyouwantedtotryone.Shealsoclaimsshecanmakeaspecialdrinkwithwhateverscrubandlotionthespahighlights,andIbelieveher.Inaddition,I’veshiftedourpolicyinordertogiveheralistofeventsbookedforsixmonths.”
“ThatIagreewith.Itkeepsstaffingmorestructured.Shecardedmeduringherinterview.Istillcan’tgetoverit.”
“Whatdoyoumean‘cardedyou’?”Milesasked.
“Iwantedtowatchhermakeadrink,andshesaidshehadtoseemyIDbeforesheservedme.”
Roryletoutarollinglaugh.“Babylove,takeitasacompliment.”
“Whatitwas?Ballsy.”Nellshrugged.“Ihavetoagreewiththat,too.IhatedlosingDon,butIhavetosayshe’sbetteratmanagingstaff.Opalcomplainsshe’sslowermixingandpouring—”
“Opalcomplainswaterisn’twetenoughwhenshe’scranky.”
“True,”shesaidtoLiam.“Andthefactis,tipsareup,andso—marginally,sofar—isAprèsrevenue.”
“She’snotslow,”Milescommented.
NowLydiaangledherhead.“Oh?”
“IwasinthereFridaynightforawhile.Aboutmidnight,Iguess,andatthatpointsheworkedthebarsolo.Goodcrowdinthere,andtheservicewasquickenough.Ididn’tseeanybumpinitevenwhenshedealtwithaguyover-celebratinghisdivorceandhistwoclose-to-sloppy-drunkfriends.Allofthemprettywellsmashedbythetimetheysatatthebar.”
Becausehe’dhithislimit,Milesswitchedfromcoffeetowater.“Sheestablishedtheywereguestsoftheresortbeforeservingthem,butinawaythatdidn’tputtheirbacksup.Andwhendivorceguyhitonher,shedeflectedinawaythatlethimkeephispride.”
“She’sOliviaNash’sgranddaughter,afterall,”Mickstated.
“YouwereatAprèswhenyoutextedme?”
“Youtextedmefirst.”
Nellopenedhermouth,rethought.“Maybe.”
“BothofyoushouldbedoingsomethingbesidesworkonFridayatmidnight.”
“Theybothtextedme,andIwasdoingsomethingbesideswork.”
Nellturnedtoheryoungerbrother.“What’shername?”
Hejustgrinned.
“Andwiththat,thismeetingisadjourned.”Mickwinkedathisgrandson.“Let’seat.”ChapterTen
Onherdayoff,MorganbowedtopressureandsatinachairatStylingsalon.
Thestylist,Renee,woreherpink-tippedgolden-brownhairinagorgeousfishtailbraid.ShetookonelookatMorgan’shairandsighed.
“Woman,whathaveyoubeendoing?”
“Ijust…”Indefense,Morganpushedahandthroughherhair.“Snippedalittle.”
“We’regoingtomakeadeal.”
“Weare?”
“IfyoulikewhatIdo,youneversnipagain.”NowshecombedherfingersthroughMorgan’shair.“Niceandhealthy.Naturalblonde,too,likeyourmom.You’realuckyone.Whatareyoulookingfor?”
“Simple,easytodealwith.Iusedtowearitalittleshorter,moreangled.ButIwasafraidtosnipthatmuch.”
“PraiseJesus.”Reneenarrowedhereyes,studyingMorganinthemirror.“You’vegotagoodface,strong,pretty,diamondshaped.We’regoingboldandsassy.”
“Oh,well—”
“Trustme.You’regoingtoloveit.”Aftertheshampoo,whichfeltwonderful,Morgansatbackinthechair.SoundsandscentsbouncedaroundthesalonasReneesnipped.
She’dneverspentmuchtimeinsalons,justaquickcuteverysixweeksorso.Inandout.Herepeopleseemedtolinger,holdingconversationsinthepedicurechairsoratthemanicuretables,whilemorevoices,thesnapofscissorsorbuzzofrazorscarriedaroundwithvoicesfromthechairs.
Likeabar,sherealized,itwasakindofworldwithregulars,walk-ins,andthosewhoservedthem.
“It’sagoodcut,”Reneedecidedasshesquirtedsomethinginherhands,rubbedthemtogether.“Andyougotbody,soyouwon’tneedalotofproductunlessyouwanttofussitup.YougetsomeofwhatI’musing.”Shebegancombingherfingersthroughagain.“Likethis,beforeyoublow-dry.Oryoucanuseitbetweenshampoosondryhair.”
“Okay.”
Reneesmiledasshebegantowieldtheblow-dryerandabrush.“WatchwhatI’mdoinghere.It’llbeeasytomaintain.You’regoingtohavethesassy,thelayers,atouchofshaggy,right?Andthislongsweepoffringefromrighttoleft.Gotyourbold.It’snotgoingtolookalldoneup,andit’llhavenicemovement.”
Amazed,Morganwatchedthetransformationuntilshesatcomplete.Gonewastheblunt,angledcutshe’dwornbefore.Gonetheadmittedlyinexpertattemptstotrim.
Herhairlookedfreshandfun,andno,notalldoneup,whichshedidn’thavethetimeorskilltomaintain.
Whatshehad?Easy,casual,and—shesupposed—boldandsassy.
SheliftedhergazetoRenee’sinthemirror.“Iwillneversnipagain.”
“That’swhatIliketohear.”
“CanIbookanappointmentforwhenyouthinkIneeditdoneagain?”
“Ilikehearingthatevenmore.We’llsetyouup.”
Shedrovetothenurseryafewmilesoutsideofthetownproper,boughtpansiesandpotsandeverythingsheneededtoplantthem.
Whensheheardherladiescomehome,shepouredwine.
“Morgan,thepansies!They’resosweet!Somethingsmellssogood.Didyoucook?It’snotyourdayto—OhmyGod!”Hermotherstoppeddead.“Yourhair.Yourhair’sadorable!”
“Isit?”
“Yes.Turnaround,turnaround.Iloveit.Mom,lookatourgirl!”
“Iam.Itsuitsyou.Young,confident.Whatareyoumakinghere?”
“Ifoundarecipeforleftoverchicken,anditseemedeasy.Italwaysseemseasierthanitis,soIwon’tbelievethatagain.ButIthinkit’sgood.Itastedit,andIthinkit’sgood.Chickenchili.”
“Whatasurprise.Threesurprisesatonce.Andallwonderful.”Audreytookthewine.“Whatabusydayyou’vehad.”
“Itfeltgood.Itallfeltgood.”
“Let’sallsitdownaminute.”Oliviapickedupherwine.“Andfeelgood.”
WhenNellhustledintothebarjustbeforenoon,Morganstoodbehindthebarhandlingthesetup.
“First,greathair.”
“Thanks.CanIgetyousomething?”
“Notyet.Where’sNick?”
“Inthedentist’schairgettingarootcanal.”
“Ouch.”InstinctivelyNellsuckedairbetweenherteeth.
“Remindsmetogetalocaldentist.”
“Areyouworkingadouble?Couldn’tyougetanyonetocover?”
“Charlene’skid’shomesick.Robhastwoclassestodayandfinalscomingup,soIdidn’twanttopullhimin.I’dhavetriedBecsbutsheworkedadoubleyesterdaybecauseCharlenehasasickkid.TheLodgehasaprivateeventsoitdidn’tmakesensetotapthemwhenIcouldcomein.It’sfine.I’vegotit.”
“Howsick?Whichkid?JackorLilah?”
“Jack,andhisfeverbrokethismorning.He’sbetter.”Anditmattered,Morganthought,thatNellhadasked,andknewthenamesofCharlene’schildren.
“Okaythen.Mybrothersarecomingin.We’rehavingameeting,grabbingsomefood.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“I’mearly.Mileswillbeontime.Liamwillbelate.”Slidingontoastool,shetappedthesignplacedinfrontofsprigsoflavenderinabudvase.“So?”
“Movingnicely.Groupoffive—spapackages,annualrepeaters—orderedtworounds.Wanttotryone?”
“Notyet.Mymothersaidtheoneyouhaddeliveredtoherwasdelicious.Thatwascageyofyou,pinningherlocation,sendingherone.Irespectcagey.”
“I’mgladshelikedit.”
“Shedid.Actually,Icouldusealatte.”
“Howaboutalavenderlatte?”
ThelookthatcrossedNell’sfacecombinedfascinationwithhorror.“Areyoujoking?”
“I’mnot.Yougame?”
“IfIsayno,I’maweenie.Andthat’smorecagey.”
“You’renoweenie.”Morganwalkedtothecoffeemachine.“Ifyoudon’tlikeit,I’llmakeyouaregular.Iheardaboutthenewsummerevent—thePicnicbytheLake.”
“Really?”Shifting,NellwatchedMorganwork.“Wordtravels.”
“Itdoesifyoulisten.It’sagreatidea.Yours?”
“SomethingmymotherandIcameupwithbrainstorming.”
“Goodbrains.I’mgoingtohavestafffightingduelstoworkit.Andit’sawaytokeepthingsfreshandnew.Likealavenderlatte,”shesaidasshesettheoversizecupinfrontofNell.
“We’llseeaboutthat.Haveyouheardabouttheropescourse?”
“No.I’mobviouslynotlisteninghardenough.You’readdingaropescourse?”
“It’sLiam’sbaby,andwhywe’remeetingtoday,ormostly.”Shepausedtotakeacautioussipofcoffee.Thenanother.“Andokay,thisisreallygood.Whothehellthinksofthingslikethis?”
“IthinkitgotitsjumpstartinAsia.”
“Wherever.”Shesippedagain.“I’llhavemyassistantmakeupanothersign.Which,fromthesmuglookonyourface,youhopedfor.”
“Isthismysmuglook?”Morganpattedherhandsonherface.“IthoughtIputonmyquietlysatisfiedlook.Somethinglikethiswouldn’thavegoneoverattheNextRound,butwithyourclientele,it’llwork.Keepitpricedfortheseasonthesameasastandardlatte—thecostinadditionalingredientsandlaborisminimal—andwe’llmoveit.”
“Done.Miles.”Nellshiftedagainasherbrotherwalkedin.“Tastethis.”
Heshookhishead,lookedatMorgan.“Blackcoffee.Didyoushifttodays?”
“Rootcanal,”Nellbegan,“sickkid,finals.She’spullingadouble.Onetaste.”
“Jesus.”Hetookaquickglug,thenlookedsincerelybaffled.“Floweredcoffee?Why?”
“Milesisacoffeepurist.It’snotcoffeeunlessit’sblack.”
“Thenthisshouldfillthebill.”
“Right.Liam’llhaveaCokewhenhegetshere.”
“Cheesefrieswiththat?”
MilesheldMorgan’sgaze.No,notaprettyshowhorse,shethoughtagain.Butareally,seriouslygreat-lookingworkhorse.
“Probably.We’llgrababoothintheback.”
Stillnosuit,Morgannotedastheywalkedaway.Blacktrousers,crispblueshirt,goodshoes—whichheworeaseasilyashisbluntattitude.
She’dgaugedNellasatoughnut,butshe’dmadesomecracksthere.Milesstruckherastougheryet,butshe’dfindaway.
Peoplebegantowanderin.WiththeprivateeventattheLodge,guestswhowantedacasualmealwouldhitAprès.Good,shedecidedasshefilledthefirstdrinkorders.She’dkeepbusy.
WhenLiamrushedin—hikingboots,blacksweater,jeans—Morgangesturedtothebackbooth.
“I’malittlelate.Theydidn’torderyet,didthey?”
“No.”
“Cool.CanIgeta—”
SheofferedatallglassofCokewithalemontwist.
“Great,perfect.Readmymind.”
Hehustledbacktothebooth.
Notatoughnut,thatone,Morganthought.Butkindofasweetheart.Thensheturnedherattentiontothetwowomen,obviouslysisters,potentiallytwins,whoslidontostools.
Theoneontheleftfrownedatthebarsign.“What’salavendermargarita?”
“Delicious,”Morganassuredher.
Sheworkedthedouble,andbeforefive,placedthelavenderlattesignonthebar.Nellwasasgoodasherword.
Atmidnight,whenshestartedtodreamaboutanicehotshowerandasoftwarmbed,shehadsixtables,fivebooths,andfiveoftheeightbarstoolsoccupied.
Milescamein,tookastoolattheendofthebar,tookouthisphone.
Thetwins—thirty-eight,downfromMiddleburyforathree-daysistertrip—cameinforapost-fancy-dinnerdrink.Lavendermargaritas.Onceshe’dservedthem,shemoveddowntoMiles.
“GlassofCab?”sheasked.
Hejustnodded,soshepouredthedrinkandlefthimtoit.
Fortyminuteslater,shesaidgoodnighttothetwins,andwonderedwhatherlifewouldhavebeenlikeifshe’dhadatwinsister.Orbrother.Oranysiblingatall.
Whentheboisteroustableofsixcalleditanight,thenoiseleveldroppedwiththeirdeparture.Thatleftherwithtwoguysonstoolswithacoupleofswallowsofbeerleftintheirglasses,apartyoffourpolishingoffabottleofwine,acouplesippingtheirsecondmartinis,andMiles.
“Lastcall,gentlemen.Wouldyoulikeanotherround?”
Theydeclined,cashedout.Thepartyoffourleftminuteslater.
“I’llcashouttablethreeforyou,Holly.Youcancallitanight.”
“Itwasanight.Ithoughttablethreewouldbemakingthebedspringssinganhourago.”
“Martinisasforeplay.”
Withalaugh,Hollywentintothebackforhercoat,andMorganpouredtwoglassesofstillwateroverice.ShesetoneinfrontofMiles.
“Thanks.”Hedidn’tlookup.“You’vehitlastcall,andMr.andMrs.Martiniarestilldrinkingsotheymissedthecutoff.Youcouldn’tletHollyclosethebar.”
“Thecaptain’sthelasttoleavetheship.AndMr.Martini’smarried,butthat’snothiswife.”
Helookedupnow,tigereyessteady,curious.“Howdoyoufigure?”
“He’swearingaring;she’snot.”
“Couldbehavingitsized.”
“Could.Not.She’stwelve,maybefifteenyearsyounger.”
“Nothingtothat.”
Andseeingshe’dgainedhisinterest,thoughtshefeltthefirstcracksinthattoughnut.
“Notbyitself,no.”Sheglancedoveratthemasshesippedherwater.“Whenthey’renotinvolvedinthenumerousPDAsthey’veindulgedin,heexpoundsandshelistens,wide-eyed,likehe’sthemostfascinatingmanshe’severmet,andwhenshewentouttotheladies’,hewatchedherass.Hedidn’tdrool,butitwasclose.”
“Maybethey’restillveryattractedtoeachother.”
“Hegotacallwhenshewasintheladies’,andI’mbettingthatwasMrs.Martini.Itannoyedhim.Hewasbrief.Youmightsaycurt.Thenhetookaseriousdrink,scowled,andfiddledwithhisweddingring.That’swhenheorderedthesecondround.”
“Circumstantialevidence.”
Morganleanedonthebar.“Areyouawageringman,Miles?”
“Maybe.”
“I’llbetyouacrispdollarbillI’mright.”
“Imightnothaveacrisponeonme.”
“Youcanoweme.Anyway,hetoldhiswifehehadout-of-townbusiness.Shedoesn’tbelievethat,soshe’scalledandtextedseveraltimes.He’stoldhisnewtonewishsidepiecehe’sinthemiddleofadifficult,protracteddivorce.Maybeshebelievesthat,maybenot,buteitherway,she’sgettingspatreatmentsandaclassyhotelroomandthatplatinumcuffshekeepsplayingwiththatcameoutoftheresort’sjewelryboutique.Itwasinthedisplaywindow.It’sgorgeous.
“Excuseme.”
Mr.Martinisignaled.Morganputtheirbillinafolder.
Mileswatchedherdeliverit,holdaquickconversationasheaddedatip,signedthebill.
“Havealovelynight,Mr.andMrs.Cabot.”
ThewomangiggledandsnuggledupagainstMr.Martini.“Oh,we’renotmarried.Yet.”
Morganliftedtheempties,wipedthetablewiththebarmop,andtuckeditinherwaistband.
“Ioweyouadollar.”
“Yes,youdo.Acrispone.”Sheloadedthemartiniglasses,thewineglass,thewaterglasses,theshakers,thegarnishplatesontoatray,tookthembackintothekitchen.
Whenshecameout,hewasgone.Withashrug,sheemptiedtheice,wipeddownthesink.Sheclosedtheregister,lockedthecashdrawer,gavethebarandbottlesalastthoroughwipedown.
Hecameback,wearingablackcoatandscarf.
“Sorry,sir,thebar’sclosed.”
“I’llwalkyouout.”
“Oh.Thanks,butyoudon’thave—”
“Ihavetogetmycaranyway.Getyourcoat.”
Shegothercoat,herknitcap,herscarf,hergloves.
Hetookonelookatherbundledup.“TakingasidetriptotheArctic?”
“ThesecoldVermontnightsdon’ttranslateintospringformeyet.”
Heturnedoffthelights,andshetookoneglanceback—everythinginorder—beforegoingthroughthearchwithhim.
Theycrossedthequietlobbywherethenightmanreadapaperbackatthedesk.
“Goodnight,Walter.”
“Night,Morgan.Goodnight,Miles.Drivesafe.”
Theysteppedoutintotheslapofcold.Nottheblastithadbeenthemonthbefore,Morgandecided,butstillasolidslap.
Theyturnedleft,downthewidewalkway,awayfromthefrontgardensandguestparkingtothestafflot.Theownershadreservedparkingwiththeirnamesonthecurb.His—ahuskyblackSUV—satalone,buthewalkedpastitwithher.
“I’mrightoverthere.Thanksfortheescort.”
“Doyoumeanthat?”HewalkedseveralstepsclosertoNina’scar.“Youneedmorethanadollarifyou’redrivingthat.”
Herhacklesmighthaverisenifithadn’tbeenpuretruth.“I’mlookingatcars.”Soon,shethought.
“Lookfaster.I’llwaittomakesureitstarts.”
“It’llstart.Thanksagain.Goodnight.”
Shecrossedtoit,gotoutofthecoldairintothesomehowcolderairofthecar.Itgrumbled,itcoughed.Sheclosedhereyesandprayed.Andwhenitturnedover,shepromisedherselfshe’dlookseriouslyforacaronhernextdayoff.
Butfornowitonlyhadtogetherhome.Sheglancedintherearview,sawMilesstanding,handsinhiscoatpockets,watchingherdriveaway.
Andshethought,yes,she’dmadethatfirstnarrowcrackintheshell.
Theweekzippedby.Shebankedherpay,thebulkofhertips,thenspentherMondaymorningresearchingusedcarsonline.Sheconcludedshecouldaffordadecent,dependableusedcar,butcouldbetteraffordoneifNina’scarlivedonemoremonth.
“Onemoremonth,”shemurmured.
Winter’sbackwasbroken,andifspringhadn’ttakenfulladvantage,ifsnowandcoldcontinuedtothreaten,theworststilllayinretreat.
Anothermonthmeantamoresubstantialdownpayment,lesstofinance.AndNina’scaronlyhadtogethertoworkandback,runtheoccasionalerrand,getintotownifshehelpedoutatthecafé.
Sheputthataside,startedtoresearcheasyrecipesinstead.
Whenthatscaredheroff,shedecidedtotakeawalk.
Clearthehead,shethoughtasshepulledonboots.Figureoutwhatsteptotakenext.Shecouldn’tkeeprunninginplaceindefinitely.
Yes,shehadajob,sheremindedherselfasshesteppedoutside.Agoodjob,oneshelikedagreatdeal.Shehadshelter,andshe’dfoundlivingwithherladiesaneducation.
Shedidn’tmissherhouse.Ithadn’tbeenherhomeafterNinadied.ShemissedNina,andalwayswould,andthefriendshipshe’dhadwithSam.Hercoworkersandbosseswho’dbecomeherfamilywhenshe’drooted.
Shepaused,lookedovertheshockinglyblueskytowardthemountains.Shehadn’thadthis,shethought.Hadn’thadthispaintinginherownbackyard.
She’dhavefourseasonshere,too.Couldn’tshealreadyseethefirsthintsofspring?Andyes,thechangeintheair,inthelight.
Thenextstep?
“Thecar,Morgan.Youknowit.Suckitup,andgofindacar.”
Becauseitwasn’tjustthemoney,itwaslettinggoofthatlastpieceofNina,thatlasttiewiththebefore.
Shewentbackinside,dressedlikeawomanwhoknewherownmind.Shegotthepaperwork—thetitleNina’sparentshadsignedovertoher,herinsurancepapers,bankinginformation,whatevershecouldthinkof.
Witheverythinginafolder,sheputonherluckyearrings.Negotiatingapriceandgettingfinancingwouldtakesomeluck.
Shecouldexpecttherockiestofrockbottomonatrade-in,butshe’dmakeitwork.
“Dealershipswanttosellcars,don’tthey?They’dmakeitwork,too.”
Shefussedwithherhair—sassyandbold,sheremembered.Thenwentdownstairs,draggedonhercoat.
Whensheopenedthedoortoleave,SpecialAgentsMorrisonandBeckstoodintheportico.Everythinginsideherfroze
“Ms.Albright.You’regoingout?Wecancomeback.”
ShestaredatMorrison.“Iwasjust—No,it’snotimportant.Comein.”Shesteppedbacklikesomeonecaughtinadream.“I’lltakeyourcoats.”
Whenshehad,shehungthem,veryprecisely,inthehallcloset.“I’llmakecoffee.”
“Don’ttrouble,”Becktoldher.“Whydon’twesitdown?”
“Yes,ofcourse.We’llsitdown.”
Inthelivingroomtheyeachtookachair,soshesatonthecouch.Grippedherhandstogetherinherlap.
“He—hediditagain,tosomeoneelse.You’vecometotellmehe’sdoneittosomeoneelse.Isshedead?”
“AwomaninTennessee,outsideofNashville.Single,”Beckcontinued,“aslenderblonde,agetwenty-nine.Shewasfoundtwodaysagobyhersisterwhenthevictimdidn’tanswercallsortextsorreporttowork.”
“Herbankaccountshadbeenemptied.Multipleloanshadbeentakenoutinhername,usingherhouseasequity.Hercarwasstolen.ThesisteridentifiedGavinRozwellasthemanhersisterhadbeenseeingforafewweeks.”
“Isee.”Butshedidn’t.Shejustcouldn’t.
“HewentbythenameJohnBower,”Becktoldher.“Heclaimedtobeafreelancephotographerworkingonabook.HernamewasRobinPeters.”
“I’msorry.I’msorrythishappenedtoher.I’msorryforherfamily.Idon’tunderstandwhyyou’vecomeallthiswaytotellme.”
“Previously,heleftnothingbehind.Ifthevictimworejewelry,hetookit,alongwithanythingelseofvalue.Inthiscase,thevictimwasfoundwearingthis.”
Becktookoutaphoto,passedittoMorgan.
“That’s—that’smylocket.Thelocketmygrandmothergaveme.Itwashermother’s.There’repicturesinside.Mygrandmother’sparentsinside.Idon’tunderstand.Hegavethistoherbeforehedidthis?”
MorrisonwaiteduntilMorganlookedathim.
“Wedon’tthinkso.Thesistercouldn’tidentifyit.Noneofhercoworkershadseenherwearit.Ratherthanthephotosyoulistedinyourstatementatthetimeoftheincident,thislocketheldthese.”
Shetookthenextprintout,andstaredatthephotoofherownface,andoneofthemanshe’dknownasLukeHudson.PARTIINewStart
Tomorrowtofreshwoods,andpasturesnew.
—JOHNMILTON
Allbeginningsarehard.
—GERMANPROVERBChapterEleven
Panic.Itoverwhelmed,ranginherears,closedherthroat.
“Whatisthis?Whatdoesitmean?Hecan’tpossiblythinkofusasacouple.Wenever—itwasn’tseriousthatway,notevenwhenIthoughthewas…”
“Rozwelldoesn’thaverelationshipsinthenormalway,Morgan.”Beckspokecarefully.“Webelieveyou’retheonlywomanhe’stargetedwhosurvived,andasfarasweknow,thisisthefirsttimehe’sleftatrophyhe’stakenfromatargetonasubsequentvictim.”
“Trophy,”sherepeated.
“Itemshemaykeep,”Morrisonexplained.“Weknow,aswe’verecoveredsomeitems,hetendstosellorpawnthemorevaluable,butthere’snoevidenceleadingustobelievehedisposesofall.It’sprobablehekeepsoneormoreobjectsfromhisvictims.”
“Astrophies.”
She’dheardofthis,ofcourseshehad.Shereadbooks,shewatchedmovies.Butitbroughtfreshhorror.
“Like—likeadeerheadonthewall.Buthedidn’tkeepmylocket.”
“Heplaceditonthisvictim,knowingwe’didentifyitasyours—evenwithoutthephotosinside,wewouldhaveidentifieditasoneoftheitemsstolenonthedayofMs.Ramos’smurder.”
“Whywouldhedothat?”Butsheknew.Shealreadyknew.“Toscareme,”shesaidbeforeeitheragentcouldspeak.“Toletmeknowhehasn’tforgottenaboutme.To—toalludewe’reconnected.Whydoeshecare?”shedemanded.“Hewon.HekilledNina,hekilledmyclosestfriend.Hetookeverythingfromme.IlosteverythingI’dworkedfor.Ilostmyhome.”
“Youlived,”Becksaidsimply.
“Ninadidn’t.”
“Hedidn’twantNina.Hekilledheroutofnecessity,notdesire.Forthefirsttime,hefailed.Hemissed.Youlived,”Beckrepeated.“Andyou’rerebuildingyourlife.”
Step-by-step,shethought.Brickbyhard-wonbrick.
Andnow?
“You’resaying—orheis—he’snotfinishedwithme.You’retellingmehecouldtryagain.WhatamIsupposedtodo?”Shepushedup,huggingherselfasshepaced.“Moveagain,gointohiding,changemyname?Andwhatgoodwouldanyofthatdo?Ifhewantstofindme,he’llfindme.”
“Hewantsyoutobeafraid,”Morrisonsaid.“Hewantstoliveinyourhead.Youliveinhis.Andthatburns,Morgan.Itscrapesagainsthisego,andthatburning,thatscrapingcausedhimtomakeamajormistake.We’reforewarned,andsoareyou.”
“Whatgooddoesthatdome?”Shedroppedintothechairagain.“NowIlivelookingovermyshouldereveryday,waitingforhimtocomeafterme?Whataboutmymother,mygrandmother?”
“I’dadviseyoutoinstallasecuritysystem.”
“Wehaveone,”Morgansaidwearily.“Weneveruseit.”
“Start,”Morrisonsaidflatly.“Morgan.”Heleanedforward.“I’mnotgoingtosayyouhavenothingtoworryabout,butyouhaveadvantageshere.”
“Howaboutyounameafew,becauseI’mnotfeelingit.”
“Youknowwhathelookslike.Hechangeshisappearance—haircolor,facialhair,coloredcontacts,glasses—butyouknowhim.Hecan’tusehisusualmethodswithyou.Hehastodeviseanotherway,andyoucanputuproadblocksthere.Securitysystem’snumberone.”
“Youworknights,”Beckcontinued.“Buyapanicbutton,haveyourkeysandthepanicbuttoninyourhandwhenyouleavework.HaveSecurityorothercoworkerswalkyoutoyourcar.Checkthetirepressureandgasgaugeinyourcarbeforeyoudriveanywhere.Neverleaveitunlocked,andcheckthebackseatbeforeyougetin.”
“We’vealreadygivenlocallawenforcementRozwell’sphoto.YoushoulddothesameforSecurityatyouremployment,andtothestaffatyourfamily’sbusiness.Tohurtyou,hehastogetclosetoyou.Makeithardforhimtogetclose.”
“Hecouldjustshootmeintheheadfromadistance.”
“There’snosatisfactionforhiminthat.”Becksaiditsoeasily,Morganchokedoutalaugh.
“Oh,wellthen.”
“Forhim,ithastobeclose.Ithastobepersonal,becauseforhimitispersonal.It’spossiblehedidthisjusttothumbhisnoseatusandfrightenyou.ButI’dstronglyadviseyoutotaketheseprecautions.”
“Keepyourphonechargedandwithyou,”Morrisonadded.“Getintouchwithus,andthelocalpolice,ifhemakesanyattempttocontactyou.Contactusevenifyoujustfeelsomething’soff.Takingabasicself-defensecoursewouldn’thurt.I’dgivethatsamesuggestiontoanyone,frankly.”
“Yourbestweaponagainsthimistoliveyourlife.”
“Withthiscriteria.”
Beck’stonechanged,softenedjustalittle.
“Mostofit’scommonsense.You’reasensiblewoman,Morgan.Staysensible.I’msorrywehadtobringthistoyou.I’msorrywehaven’tcaughthim.Webelievehespentmostofthispastyearinhidingbecauseyouspookedhim.Buthe’scomeoutnow,andhe’smadesomemistakes.”
“Thelocket.”
“Andothers.”
Beckglancedatherpartner,gotasubtlego-aheadnod.
“Evidenceindicateshekeptthisvictimaprisonerinherownhomeforovertwenty-fourhoursbeforehekilledher.That’sariskhe’snevertakenbefore.Hersisterhadakey,whichheknew.Shemighthavecomeinatanytime.Hespoketooneofthevictim’sneighborsduringthisperiod—deliberatelywentoutsidethehousetostartaconversation.Inherstatement,thewitnessdescribedtheconversationandhisdemeanorasodd,andshe’dfounditunusualforthevictimnottocomeoutsideherself,asshewasakeengardener.Shedidn’treportanyofthis,butshemighthave.Heriskedthat,verypossiblytostrokehisownegoafterhisfailureandtimeawayfromhiswork.”
“Andthewomanisstilldead.”
“Yes.Shedidn’tknowhimanddidn’thavetheopportunitytotakeprecautionsagainsthim.Youdo.”
Beckputamanillaenvelopeonthetablebetweenthem.“InsideareseveralphotosofRozwell,alongwithadescriptionandlistofhisknownhabitsandroutines.Mycardandmypartner’sarealsoinside.We’vespokentothelocalpolice.Pleasegivethesetoyouremployer,yourfamily.Ifthat’sdifficultorawkwardforyou,we’lldoso.”
“I’lldoit.”
“We’rebothavailableanytime,dayornight.”Morrisonrose.“Taketheprecautions,Morgan.”
Shewould,ofcourseshewould,shethoughtwhenshestoodintheemptyhouse.Whatchoicedidshehave?
She’dstartwiththealarmsystem,somethinghergrandmotherhadinstalledshortlyafterPadied.And,Morganknew,nooneeverbotheredtouse.
Shehadtolookuptheinstructionsandthecodeinhergrandmother’sfiles,butshesetitbeforeshetooktheenvelopeandleftthehouse.
Shehatedthewayherhearthammeredwhenshewalkedoutside.Andthetremblinginsideasshewalkedtothe,yes,unlockedcar,checkedthebackseat.
Three-quartersofatank,sothatwasgood,butshehadnoideahowtochecktirepressure.
She’dlearn.
EvenontheshortdriveintoWestridge,shefoundherselfobsessivelycheckingherrearviewmirror,tensingupwhenacarapproachedontheothersideoftheroad.
ShelockedthecarinthelotbehindCraftyArtsandwalkedintothewarmwelcomeoftheshop.
Sueandacustomerlaughedtogetherlikeoldfriends.Maybetheywere.Hermotherstoodatadisplaycasewhileanothercustomertriedonapendant.
AudreysentMorganasmileasshespoketothecustomer.“Itlookswonderfulonyou,sogoodwithyourcoloring.Iliketheseearringswithit.Theycoordinate,butthey’renotmatchy.”
“You’rethedevil,Audrey.”Butthewomanheldoneoftheearringsuptoherleftear.
“Trythemon.Youknowyouwantto.Seehowtheyfeel.Whatdoyouthink,Morgan?Irene,thisismydaughter,Morgan.”
“SothisisMorgan.”Ireneturnedasshetookoffoneofherownearrings,passedittoAudrey.“Yourmomtalksaboutyouallthetime.Nowonderyousaidshewasbeautiful,Audrey.Shelooksjustlikeyou.Anddamnit,Ilovetheseearrings.”
“Theylookwonderfulonyou,”Morganmanaged.“Andthependant’sstunning.”
“Whenyou’reright,you’reright.Okay,Audrey,ringeverythingup.ThenI’mgettingoutofherebeforemycreditcardburstsintoflames.”
“IsGramaround?”Morganasked.
“Shejustwentupstairs.”
“Doyouthinkyoucouldcomeupwhenyou’redone?Foraminute?”
“Sure.”
Shewentthroughthecafé—threetablesofteadrinkers—andmanagedtosmileatthecounterserverbeforeshewentintothebackandupthestairs.
Givingin,shesatonthemamoment,betweenkitchenandoffices,steadyingherself.Getitdone,shetoldherself,androse.
Sheheardhergrandmother’svoicebeforeshesteppedintotheoffice.Oliviasatbehindthedesk,studyinghercomputerscreenasshetalkedonthephone.
“Ifyoucandelivernextweek,we’lltaketwoofeachforatotalofsix.Don’tscrewwithmeonthetonalquality,Al.Thesound’sasimportantasthecraftmanship.I’mgoingtotrustyou.Tuesdayworks.We’llseeyouthen.Bye.”
Shehungupthephone.“Windchimes.Halfadozen.Andwe’vegothummingbirdfeeders,gardenstakes,birdhouses,andwhat-allcominginnextweek.That’sasuresignofspring.”
ShereachedforherteaandtookagoodlookatMorgan’sface.“What’swrong?Something’swrong.”
“Ijust—”
ShebrokeoffasAudreyrushedin.“Whathappened?What’swrong?Icouldseeitinyoureyes.”
“Everybodysitdown,”Oliviaordered.“Takeabreath,Morgan,thensayit.”
“Hekilledsomebodyelse,awomaninTennessee.OhGod.God.TheFBIagentscametothehousetotellme.”
“Audrey,getyourgirlsomewater.”
“I’mokay,I’mokay.”Aftershereachedforhermother’shandtostopher,Morgancontinued.“Mylocket—yourlocket,Gram—heputitonher.Hereplacedthepicturesinsidewithoneofmeandoneofhim.Theysaidthatwasamistake,but…”
Shetoldthemwhatthey’dsaidaboutthemurder,thesister,theneighbor.
“Whattwistssomeoneintoamonster?”Oliviamurmured.“Aretheybornthatway,orisitachoice?Isupposeitcanbeeitherorboth.”
Rising,Audreypouredaglassofwaterfromthebottlealwaysonhand,gaveittoMorgan.“Sipslow.You’renotleaving,notmovingsomewhereelse.Icanseethatthoughtinyourhead.”
“Ifit’sinthere,itbettergetout.TheNashwomenarestickingtogetherthistime.Andthat’stheendofthat.”Withasliceofherhand,Oliviacutoffthediscussion.
“HekilledNinabecauseshewasthere.Whatif—”
“Whatif,whatif.”NowOliviathrewupherhands.“Whatifhegetsrunoverbyatrucktomorrow?Listentome.You’renotleavingyourmotherandmetoworryaboutyou,leavingusinthathouseworryingifyou’reallright.Westicktogether,andthatbastard’snotgoingtosplitusup.Bedonewiththat,Morgan.
“Westartusingthatdamnedalarmsystem.”
“IsetitbeforeIleft.Theysaidtodothat,soIdid.AndI’msupposedtogetapanicbutton.Iwantbothofyoutogetone,too.”
“Thenwewill.”AudreyreachedovertorubMorgan’sarm.“We’lltalktothepolicechief.We’lltalktoJake.”
“Theyalreadydid.Andtheysaidyoushouldhaveoneofthesepicturesofhim,andtheircards.”
AfterstudyingthephotoMorgangaveher,Olivianodded.“We’llpostoneoftheserightintheshop,andanotherinthecafé,wherepeoplecanseehismurderingface.”
“Oh,Gram.”
“We’llmakecopies,Audrey,andtheothermerchants,they’llpostthem.LethimshowhisfacearoundWestridge.Lethimtry.Nobodyfuckswithmygranddaughter.”
“Mom!”
“Isavethatwordforwhenit’smostusefulandappropriate.Iexpecttheytoldyoutogivethistotheresort.”
“Yes.”
“Idon’tknowwhatelsetheytoldyou,butsofar,itsoundslikesense.Here’swhatI’mtellingyou.You’regoingtoturninthatrattletrapyou’redrivingandbuyanewcar.Anew,safe,dependablecar.I’mgoingtofinanceit.”
“Gram.”
“Don’tinterruptyourgrandmother,”Audreytoldher.
“I’mgoingtochargeyouinterest,andyou’llmakemonthlypaymentstomejustlikeyouwouldafinancecompany.We’lldoanamortizationschedule.YourmotherandIgetpeaceofmind,andyoukeepyourpride.Bothmatter.”
“I’vebeenlookingatusedcars—”
“New.”Oliviaslicedherhandagain.“New,safe,dependable,andabletohandleVermontwinters.I’mgoingtogiveyouthenameofthesaleswomanIboughtmylasttwocarsfrom.Wecametoterms,andifshewantsmyfuturebusiness,she’lldothesameforyou.”
“Besmart,Morgan,andsaythankyou.”
“IdothankGram.Ithankbothofyou.”Thegratitudeburnedinherthroat,herheart,herbelly.“Butthefactis,Idon’tknowifI’llhaveajobafterItakethistotheJamesons.”
“Don’tbuytroublewheneveryonecangetitforfree,”Oliviaadvisedher.“Godowhatyouhavetodo.Thenyougotothedealership.I’vegothercard.”
Shetookoutabusinesscardfolder,thickasabrick,flippedthrough.“Hereitis.I’mgoingtocallher,tellherwhatyou’reafter,andwhatIexpect.”
Nextshetookoutacheckbook.“Don’tyoucomehomewithoutadecentvehicle.”Shemadeoutachecktothedealership,dated,signed,lefttheamountblank.“We’llworkoutthepaymentswhenyougethome.”
“We’llbetherewhenyougethome.”TakingMorgan’shand,Audreybroughtittohercheek.
“We’llbehome,butwewon’tbeabletogetinthehousewithoutthedamncode.Whatthehellisit?”
Surpriseditwasinthere,Morganchokedoutalaughandtoldher.
EventhoughNina’scarwheezedonthedrivetotheresort,Morgantoldherselfnottothinkaboutcarsyet.Shecouldendupdrivingawayfromtheresortunemployed,andifthathappenedanewcarwaspointless.
Intheemployeelot,shelockedthecar,headeddownthewalkway.Inside,thelobbyboastedafreshfloraldisplay,allspring,andshethoughtagainhowmuchshelikedworkinghere.
Thepeople,theatmosphere,theenergy,herresponsibilitiesalsoappealed.
NowGavinRozwellcouldtakeitallaway,takesomuchawayagain.
ShemightnotworkMondays,butshehadeveryone’sscheduleinherhead.Nell,directsupervisor,hadameetingfinalizingthemenuforanupcomingwedding
Notonlydidinterruptingthatorwaitinguntilitfinishedseempointless,butshefeltsheshouldtakethisissuestraighttothetop.
AndLydiaJamesonworkedinherofficeonMondays.
ShemadeherwaytotheofficeareaandfoundLydia’sdooropen,thewomanbehindthedeskonhercomputer.
“Anotherdouble?”
“No,ma’am.Ifyouhaveaminute?”
Lydiasignaledacome-ahead.Morganwentinside,shutthedoor.
Asshedid,chiefofpoliceJakeDooleysatinMiles’soffice.They’dbeenfriendssincemiddleschoolandheknewMilesaswellasheknewhimself,soJakelaiditallout,quickandclear.
Ashelistened,MilesstudiedthephotoofRozwellJakegavehim.
“Okay.Nowgivemeyourtake.Nottheirs,yours.”
“Hetookstupidrisks—talkingtotheneighbor,keepingheraliveforacoupledayswhenhersisterhadakey.ThekindofriskseverythinginthefileI’vereadsayshe’snevertaken.”
Shifting,Jakeleanedforwardandtappedafingertowardthephoto.
“He’snotoneofthetypeswhowantstogetcaught,Miles.Heenjoyswhathedoestoomuchforthat.He’snotonlyapsychopath,asadist,he’sspoiled.He’sgreedy.Andhe’sbeen,upuntilnow,verycareful.
“Thelocket?”Jakecontinued.“Notonlyleavingitonthevictim,butreplacingthepicturesinside?PuttinghisownintherewithMorgan’s?Thatmessageisclearenough.”
“Herstatementistheyweren’tinvolvedasacouple.”
“Notacouple,no.Butshe’sonhismind,she’sconnected.She’sthereasonhisluckchanged.Andhewantshertoknowhe’snotdonewithher,toknowandbeafraid.”
“Ifshe’snot,she’sanidiot,andshedoesn’tstrikemeasanidiot.I’lltalktoSecurity,tothefamily,toher.”
“Good.Whenyoutalktoher,makesuresheknowsshecancontactme,anytime.Shehasquestions,I’lltrytoanswerthem.Iknowthey’vegotasecuritysystem.Ifthey’renotusingit,they’regoingto.”
“Countonit.”
“I’mgoingtohuntupNell.”Jakerose.“She’sMorgan’sdirectsupervisor,right?Iwanttolaythisoutforher.”
“Fine.I’llletyouknowwhatMorganhastosaywhenItalktoher.”
Alone,hespentanotherminutestudyingRozwell’sphoto.Thenherose.He’dstartwithhisgrandmother,hedecided,thenworkhiswaythroughtherest.
“Youhavetroublealloveryou,”LydiasaidtoMorgan.“AprobleminAprès?”
“No,ma’am,it’spersonal.”
“Sitdownthen.Let’shearit.”
“You’reawareofwhathappenedwhen—beforeI—”
“Takeyourtime,”LydiasaidwhenMorganbrokeoff.“Thisistodowiththemanwhokilledyourfriendandstoleyouridentity.”
“Yes.Theagentsinchargeoftheinvestigationcametotellmehekilledanotherwomanafewdaysago.”
Shesaiditallfast,gotitoutwhileherstomachchurned.
“You’vegothispictureinthatenvelope?”
“Yes.”
“Well,let’sseeit.”
Shefumbled,hadtousebothhands,butgotoneout,rosetohanditoverthedesk.
“Mrs.Jameson,Iunderstandifyoudon’twanttobringthistroubletotheresort,tothestaff,theguests,yourfamily.Iunderstand.”
“Handsome.Slick-looking,though.Slick’sneverbeenmytype.”Shesetthephotodown,foldedherhandsonit,thenlookedupatMorgan.“You’veworkedhereaboutamonthnow.”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“Iratedyouassomeonequickontheuptake—oneofthereasonsyougotthejob.Fastlearner.ButifyouthinktheJamesonsaresoweak-kneedandcarelessastoletyougooversomethinglikethis,Iwaswrongaboutyou.”
Italljustfloodedthroughher,atsunamiofemotion,stress,relief.Burstingintotears,shedroppedintothechairagain,coveredherfacewithherhands.
Afteronequickknock,Milesopenedthedoor.“Grand,I—Well,hell.”
“Givethegirlahandkerchief.”
“Idon’thaveone.”
“Comeinhere,closethedoor.”
“MaybeIshouldjust—”
“Now!”Asshespoke,Lydiaopenedadrawer,tookoutaboxoftissues.“Giveherthetissues,gethersomewater.Don’tbeajackass.”
“I’msorry.Ijust—”
“Youcryitout.You’reentitled.ThatmurderingsonofabitchkilledanotherwomaninTennessee.”
LydiagavehimthedetailsmorecoherentlythanMorganhadmanagedtogivethemtoher.Andthoughhealreadyknew,Milessaidnothing.
“Shethoughtwe’dfireheroverit.”
“Thenshe’sstupid.”
“She’snotstupid,she’soverwrought,asanybodywithsensecansee.”
“I’msorry.”Strugglingforcomposure,Morganmoppedattears.“I’msorry.”
“What’veyougottobesorryfor?”
MorganliftedherdrenchedeyestoLydia.“Idon’tknow.Ijustdon’tknow.IwishIdid.”Shepulledoutmoretissues.“God,I’mamess.Icanbesorryforthat.”
“Apologyaccepted.Miles.”
“Sure.Jake—policechief,”headdedincaseMorgandidn’tknow,“alreadyspokewithme.We’llmakecopiesofthephoto,makesureSecurityhasthem.Reservations,check-in,restaurantandbarmanagers,andsoon.Grand,weneedtolendheroneofthestaffvehicles.Youshouldseethepileofcrapshe’sdriving.AbreakdownbetweenhereandtheNashplaceisinevitable.”
“I’mgoingtogetanewcar.I’mgoingtoday.Mygrandmotherwouldn’ttakenoonit.”
“OliviaNashisawomanofsense.Iexpectthesamefromhergranddaughter.You’realsopartoftheJamesonfamilynow,andwetakecareofourown.Understood?”
“Yes,ma’am.I’mverygrateful.”
“Continuetodogoodwork,asyouhavebeen.That’sthanksenough.Miles,walkMorgantohercar.”
Morganrose.“I’lldogoodwork,andI’llstillbegrateful.Thankyou.”
“Let’sgothisway.”
Heledhertotheleft,pastmoreoffices,andpausedatarestroom.“Goinanddosomethingwithyourface.”
“Thatbad?”
“Badenough.”
Shewent,sawhehadn’tlied,anddidthebestshecould.
“Better?”sheaskedwhenshecameout
“Closeenough.SomebodyfromSecuritywillwalkyoutoyourcarafterclosingeverynight.Jakesaidyouhaveanalarmsystemonthehouse.Useit.Don’tbuyanotherpieceofcrap.Youneedfour-wheelorall-wheeldrive.”
Somethingabouttheblunt,no-bullshit-takentonebroughtsomestrangesortofcomfort.“Iknow.”
“Haveyoueverboughtacarbefore?”
“Yes.IhadanicePrius.Hestoleit.”
“Don’tpaystickerpricebecauseyou’retiredandhaveaheadache.”
Everythinginherfeltoffanddullandstupid.“Iamtired.Idohaveaheadache.”
“Don’tpaystickerpriceorfallforalltheadd-ons.”Hewaitedwhilesheunlockedthecar.
Shejustnodded,gotinthecar.
Heheldthedooropen,lookeddownather.
“Morgan,whensomething’syourfault,youtakeresponsibilityforitoryou’reanasshole.Whensomething’snotyourfault,you’restupidtotakeresponsibilityforit.Noneofthisisonyou.Gobuyacar,”hesaid,andshutthedoor.
Onceagain,hestood,handsinpockets,towatchherdriveaway.Thenhewentbackinsidetoscheduleanemergencyfamilymeeting.
Itwouldtakelesstimethatway.
Sheboughtacar.Shedidn’tgointoitorcomeoutofitwiththesamepurejoyshehadbefore,butsheboughtacar.Andshedidn’tpaystickerprice.Still,Morgancreditedthatmoretohergrandmother’spatronageofthedealerthanherownnegotiatingskills.
Eitherway,shenowownedanewcompactSUVthatwouldhandlewinterwhenitcamearoundagain.Ahybridthatsatisfiedhereconomicandenvironmentalvalues,anddidn’twheeze,clunk,orcough.
Sheconsideredthefactthatgivingheranythingbutapityinglookasatrade-inonNina’scarwasabonus.
Aspromised,herladiesbeatherhome,andmusthavewatchedforher,astheybothcameoutwhenshepulledintothedrive.
“Oh,it’ssocute!”Audreyclappedherhandstogether.“Whataprettyblue.”
“Lookssturdy.”Asshecircledit,Olivianoddedapproval.“Andsafe.”
“Sturdy,safe,andcute.Goodjob,Morgan.”
“It’sahybrid.Idon’tdoalotofdriving,andtheyhaveacoupleofchargingstationsattheresort,soit’spractical.”
“Hitsallthenotesthen.”Readytosoothe,AudreyputanarmaroundMorgan’swaist.“You’rewornout,baby.Let’sgoin,getsomefoodinyou.Grammadehersmokedtomatosoup.HowaboutImakeyouanicegrilledcheesesandwichtogowithit?”
“Thatsoundsgreat,thanks.”Inside,AudreyhunghercoatbeforeMorgancould.“Theydidn’tfiremeoraskmetoresign.”
“Ofcoursetheydidn’t.Howaboutsometea?Whydon’tyouputthekettleon,Mom?”
“Agoodstiffdrinkmightputthecolorbackinherface,butwe’llstickwithtea.Sitdown,Morgan.Yougotthroughit,andgettingthroughit’swhatcounts.”
Shesatatthecounter,pressedherfingerstohereyes.“Icried.God,Ijustlostit,rightinMrs.Jameson’soffice.”
Afterturningtheflameonunderthekettle,Oliviaturnedback.“Idoubtit’sthefirsttimeLydia’shadtearsinheroffice.”
“ThenMilescameinwhileI’monmyjag.HesaidIwasstupid.”
Busyslatheringbutteronslicesofsourdough,Audreypaused,andhereyesfired.“Forcrying?”
“No,no,forthinkingtheyweregoingtoletmego.AndIfeltstupid,andrelieved,andtheyweresokind.Matter-of-factkind,soIfeltevenmorestupidandrelieved.”
Shedroppedherhands.“HeactuallysaidtheyneededtolendmeacarbecauseIwasdrivingacrappile.”
“Well,thecrappilepartwastrue.”Generously,Audreylayeredsharpcheddaronbread.“NooffensetoNinaorherfamily.”
“Ninaknewitwasacrappile.ItoldthemGramdecreedIgetanewcar,today,andMrs.JamesontoldMilestowalkmetomycar,andhe’stellingmetofixmyfacebecauseIlooklikehell.AndIdid,Ireallydidafterthatcryingspree.Thenhe’sall‘Don’tpaystickerprice.’”
“There’samanforyou.”OliviasettheteainfrontofMorgan.“Justassumingawomandoesn’thavethebrainstomakeagooddeal.”
“ImorethinkitwasbecauseIlookedlikehell,andI’vehadthisfogovermybrainsinceIopenedthedoorandfoundtheFBI.Prettysureitshowed.”
Tired,sotired,sheknuckledhereyes.“Ihalfexpectedhimtotellmehe’dgowithmeandmakethedealsoIdidn’tscrewitup.Insteadhesaidtakingresponsibilityforsomethingthat’syourfaultmeansyou’renotanasshole,buttakingitforsomethingthat’snotmakesyoustupid.Orsomethinglikethat.”
“Didyouscrewitup?”Oliviaaskedwhilethesandwichsizzledintheskillet.
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Areyoutoblameforwhatthismonsterdid?”
“No.”
“Don’taddthebut.Theanswer’sno.”
Tootiredtoargue,Morgannodded.“Ihaveallthepaperworkonthecar,thetotalafterthetrade-in.”
“We’lldealwithallthattomorrow.”OlivialadledsoupinabowlwhileAudreyflippedthesandwichintheskillet.“We’llfigureoutthepaymentschedule,andyoucanmakethefirstoneonthefifteenthofMay.Thenthefifteenthofthemonththereafter.”
“Okay.Ithasalotofsafetyfeatures.”
“Andit’scute.”Audreysetthesandwich,cutonthediagonal,bythebowlofsoup,addedaclothnapkin.
“Itiscute.IknowI’llloveitwhenthisfoglifts.”Shespoonedupsomesoup,feltitslide,warmandsoothing,throughherbatteredsystem.“Oh,thisissogood.”Sighingout,shetookabiteofgrilledcheese.“It’ssogood.”
WhenAudreystrokedherhair,Morganturnedherfaceintohermother’sshoulder.
“It’sallright,baby.”Shemethermother’seyesoverherdaughter’shead.“It’sgoingtobeallright.”ChapterTwelve
TheJamesonsgatheredaroundatableinthesmallmeetingroom.Milesorderedsandwichesandsidesaladsfromroomservice,sinceschedulingconflictsmeanttheycouldn’tmeetuntilnearlyseven.Inthiscase,sincehe’dtakenthewheel,hesatattheheadofthetable.
“IcanupdatethetextsIsentoutnowthatI’vetalkedtotheagentsincharge.There’slittletoaddtowhatweknewbeforewehiredMorgan,andwhatshetoldGrandthisafternoon.TheyhaveevidenceholdingGavinRozwellresponsibleforthemurdersoftenwomen,includingthevictiminTennesseeafewdaysago.”
“Ten,”Mikemurmured.“GoodGod.”
“Overaperiodofthirteenyears.Theirprofiletagshimasapsychopath,amalignantnarcissist,asociopathincapableoffeelingguiltorremorse.Jakeaddssadisticandgreedytothat,andhe’snotwrong.”
“Heruinsthemfinancially.”NellstudiedthephotoofRozwellthatMileshadpassedout.“Thenmurdersthem.No,I’dsayJake’snotwrong.”
“Thewomenhetargets,”Milescontinued,“orhasspecificallytargetedoverthelastfouryears—slenderbuilds,blondes,single,androgenousfirstnames,whoownahome,acarortruck—representhismother,accordingtotheirprofile.Hismotherwasthefirstofhistenvictims.”
“Hekilledhismom?”Caughtbetweenshockanddisgust,Liamtossedhissandwichbackonhisplate.“Jesus.”
“Hisfatherabusedher,habitually,thentookoff—aftertakingoutaloanontheirhome,clearingoutthebankaccount,takinghercar,”Nellsaid.“Jakegavemesomeinformation.Basically,he’splayinghisfather,usingthesewomentopunishhismotheragainandagain.”
“He’ssmart,andaveryskilledhacker,”Milesadded.“Comesoffcharming,andtakesondifferentlooksandpersonastoappealtothetargetofthemoment.Theybelievehedoesextensiveresearchonthewomenbeforeheselectsone,butgenerallyonlyspendstwotofourweeksinsertinghimselfintotheirlivesbeforeheassumestheiridentitytocleanthemout,andkillsthem.”
“Soruiningthemfinanciallyisn’tenough.”Rory,stillinasuitforacourtcase,consideredthereport.“Heruinsthemfirst,benefittingfinancially—thatsupportshislifestyle.Hebetraystheirtrust,andthatisn’tenough.Hestranglesthem—verypersonal—usinghishands.”
“Buthedidn’tgethishandsonMorgan,”Dreaconcluded.
“Hekilledherfriend,”Liampointedout.
“ButnotMorgan,andshe’stheonehespenthistimeandefforton.”
“Exactly.”Milesnoddedathismother.“Asfarastheinvestigatorsknow,she’stheonlyonewhosurvived.”
“Andanarcissistdoesn’tfail.”Nellpokedathersalad.“Can’tadmitfailure,anyway.Sothelocket.Leavingthat’stoyingwithher,makingsuresheknowsheintendstosucceed.Onhisownschedule.”
“TheFBIagreeswithyou,andsodoesJake.AndIagreewiththem,”Milesadded,“onourpart.Securityhashisphotoandallsalientinformation,asdoalldepartmentmanagers.I’veaddedguestservices,doormen,valets,andthebutlerstafftothat.OneoftheSecurityteamwillwalkMorgantohercarafterclosing.She’llparkintheguestlot,infront.”
“Better,”Mickagreed.“Wehavesecuritylightsinthestafflot,buttheguestlot’sinviewofthefrontentrance.”
“We’llputasinglenumber,directtoSecurity,onherphone.”
“SheoftenclosesAprèsalone,”Nellconsidered.“Ithinksheshouldhavesomeonewithher.”
“Goodpoint.”Dreacontinuedtomakenotesonhertablet.“Thismaniacislesslikelytotrytohurtherwhensomeone’snearby.Witheverythingelseheis,he’salsoacoward.”
“Icouldshifthertodays.It’sawasteofherskills,butwecouldmoveher.”
“She’llbalk.”Milesshookhisheadathissister.“Ithoughtaboutit,butinadditiontoherpushingbackhere,peopletendtobemorecarefulatnight.Sheisn’tcareless,soIdon’tseehertakingrisks.”
“She’sasensibleyoungwoman.”Lydiaspokeforthefirsttime.“Wealreadyhavepoliciesandprotocolinplacetoensurethesafetyofourguestsandourstaff.Weaddtheselayerstoitforthesecircumstances.Areweallagreedonthat?”
“Ofcourseweare.”Mickpattedhiswife’shand.“She’spartoftheresortfamily,andwelookafterfamily.I’mgoingtoaddIlikeherstylebehindthebar.Gotasmoothway.Imaynotunderstandhowanyonemixeslavenderwithtequila,butshe’sgotasmoothway.”
“Thelavendermargarita.Icoulduseonerightaboutnow.”
“HowaboutIbuyyouadrink,babe,whenthemeetingadjourns?”
Dreasmiledatherhusband.“You’vegotadeal.”
“That’sallIhaveatthemoment.I’mgoingtokeepincontactwiththeagentsincharge,withJake,andwecanadjustwhatwe’redoing,depending.Nell,willyoutextMorganaboutherparkingarrangements?”
“Cando.I’mgoingtoaskhertocomeinthirtyminutesearlytomorrowsowecangooverallofthis.I’dalsoliketoknowwhyshewenttoGrandinsteadofme.”
“Shethoughtwe’dlethergo.”
Liamgoggledathisgrandmother.“Getout.Sheoughttoknowbetter.”
“Nowshedoes,”Milessaid.
“Still.Anyway,I’lltalktotheAdventuremanagersinthemorning,coverthatend.Ifwe’redone,I’mgoingtotakeoff.I’vegotadate.”
“LiamJamesonhasadate.”Nowhissisterfeignedshock.“Alertthemedia!”
“You’rejustjealous.”
“Alittlebit.”
Hepokedherasherose.“You’dhaveadate,too,ifyouweren’tsopicky.”
“You’dhavefewerdatesifyouweremoreselective.”
“Maybe,butthenI’dbeheadingtothemoviesalone.Night,all.”
“Ah,tobetwenty-five.”Micksighed.
“Attwenty-five,youwereengagedtome.”
HegrabbedLydia’shand,kissedit.“Exactly.Whydon’tIbuyyouadrink,myowndarling?”
“Whydon’tyou?”
“Miles,Nell,wanttojointhepreviousgenerationsinsomelibation?”
“Iwould,butI’vegotsomeworktocatchupon.”Ashespoke,Milesgatheredpapers.
“I’llgetinonit,”Nellsaid.“Joinyouinafewminutes.”
Whentheywerealone,Mileslookedathissister.“What?”
“Doyouthinkhe’llcomehere?”
“Ithinkit’salotlesslikelyhetriesforherherethanatherhome,orontheroadbetweenthereandhere.”
“That’swhatIthink,andthere’snothingwecandoaboutthat.Still,wetaketheprecautionshere.”Nellrose,hookedthestrapofherbriefcaseonhershoulder.“Ilikeher.”
“She’slikableenough.”Hewrappedthesandwichhehadn’ttouchedinanapkin.
“Bringthatnapkinback.”
“Right.I’mgoingtofinishupthisworkathome.”
“I’llcallroomservice,havethemclear.”
“Areyoutakingtheotherhalfofyours?”
“No,I’mgoingtohitPopupforsomebarfood.”
Hegrabbedanothernapkin,wrappedthesecondhalfofhersandwich.“I’llbringbothback.Nell,walkoutwiththefamilywhentheyleave,wouldyou?”
“I’mnothistype.”Shegaveherownbrownhairatug.
“Justdon’twalktoyourcaralone.Indulgeme.”
“Consideryourselfindulged.”
Satisfied,hewalkedoutwithher,thenpeeledofftogohome.
Onherfirstdrivetoworkinhernewcar,Morganfeltthefirsttinysparksofjoy.Itransosmooth,soquiet,itsmelledsogood.Shelovedthescreen,andpromisedherselfshe’dprogramhomeandworkandtheshopintotheGPSfirstchance.
Forfun.
Shedidn’tlovetheordertouseguestparking,butshe’dobeywithoutargument.TheJamesonsofferedtheirfullsupport,andtheydidn’thaveto.Theleastshecoulddowasfolloworderswithoutcomplaint.
Shecaughtthelookinthedoorman’seyeasshewavedonherwayin.Wordhadspread.Shewouldn’tcomplainaboutthateither,andshe’dworkonnotfeelingsooddandexposed.
Morelookshereandthereasshemadeherwaytotheoffices,andshetoldherselfitwasonlynatural.Peoplewereconcernedorcurious,orboth.
Nell’sdoorstoodopen.Insideshepaced,energyvibrating,asshetalkedonaheadset.She’dscoopedherhairuptoday,andworebrownpants,aV-necked,sleevelessshirt.Acream-coloredleatherjackethungoverthebackofherdeskchair.
“Absolutelyandcompletelyreadywitheverydetailinplace.Yes,Hospitalitywilldelivereverythingrequestedtothebride’sroomattwo,andmakethedeliverytothegroom’sroomattwo-thirty.”
SheshotMorganalook,rolledhereyes,pointedtoachair.“Ispokewithmymotherjustthismorning.Shehaseverythingforthetablesettings.Yes,thefavors,too.Noneedtoconfirmthatwithher.It’sgoingtobeabeautifulwedding,Mrs.Fisk.Wehaveeverythingundercontrol.Yes,we’relookingforwardtoit,too.SeeyouSaturday.”
Nelldisconnected,thendroppedintoachair.“Themotherofthebride.”
“Ihadafeeling.”
“Ibetyouamilliondollarsshecallseithermeormymotherback,orbothofus,beforetheendofthebusinessday.”
“EvenifIhadamilliondollars,Iwouldn’ttakethatbet.Oryourjob.”
“Good,becauseIactuallylikemyjob.Theremaybesomethingdeeplywrongwithme,butIlikeit.So,Iwantedtotellyouwehaveeverythinginplacewithsecurity.”
“Iappreciateit,verymuch.Iknowitaddstimeandtrouble.”
“Verylittleofeither.Wehavegoodsecurity.Nowwehaveawarenessofasituation.Iwanttoaskyou,Morgan,whyyoudidn’tcometomewiththatsituation.IfyouthoughtI’dbelesssympatheticandsupportivethanmygrandmother.”
“No.Oh,God,no.Youwereinameeting,theSaturdaywedding.”
“OhJesus,Mrs.Fiskagain.”Shepushedahandthroughherhair.“Ididn’trealizeyou’dcomeinduringthattimeslot.Wouldyouhavecometomeotherwise?”
“Yes.”
ThelackofhesitationhadNellnodding.“Okaythen.Iwantedtomakesureyouknewyoucouldcometome.Becauseyoucan,”sheadded.“Evenifit’sjusttounload.Ihonestlydon’tknowwhatI’ddoinyourplace.Idon’tknowhowI’dhandleit.”
“Youprobablywouldn’tbreakdownintearsinfrontofyourbosses.”
“Plural?”
“Mileswalkedinrightafterthedambroke.”
Nell’slipscurvedasshestretchedoutherlegs.“I’mnotsmilingatyou,butathisreaction,theonethatjustplayedinmyhead.Itgoessomethinglike:‘Ohshit.’”
“Somethinglikethat.YoucouldsayIunloaded.I’mokaynow.”
“Areyou?”
“WhatelseamIgoingtodo?Ihavetolive,Ihavetowork.We’reusingthealarmsystemathome.I’msupposedtocheckthegasgauge,thetirepressurebeforeIdriveanywhere.Lockthecar,andstillcheckthebackseat.Iorderedpanicbuttons,asadvised.AndI’mgoingtolookintoaself-defensecourse.”
“Onthelast,looknofurther.”
“What,you?”
“No,but…Don’tIlooklikeIcanhandlemyself?”Nellcurledupherrightarm,flexed.
“I’dhavesaidyesbefore.Now,Isay:wow.”
“BuiltbyJen.Personaltrainer,andfitnesscentermanager.Partofyourbenefitsisuseofthefitnesscenter.Yougetpersonaltrainingatadiscount,andJenteachesaself-defensecourseeveryquarteratWestridgeHighSchoolgym.Youjustmissedthespringclass,butyoushouldgoseeheratthefitnesscenter.”
Nellcheckedherwatch.“You’vestillgotnearlytwenty-fiveminutes.Goseehernow.”
“Now?”
“Whywait?I’lltexther,letherknowyou’recoming.”
Don’targuewiththeboss,Morganremindedherself,andtrottedherwaydowntothefitnesscenter.
Insidefifteenminutes,shehadherfirstsessionbookedforthefollowingday
Shehadyogapants.Shedidn’treallydoyoga,butshehadthepants.Shehadasportsbraeventhoughshedidn’tdosports.Thatseemedadequate,sinceshecalculatedshecouldfitatrainingsessionintoherscheduleonceaweekuntilshegainedsomeskillwithself-defense.
Withthediscount,thecostwasdoableevenonherstrictbudget.Addedtoit,shelearnedthatJen—wholookedterrifyinglyfit—wasNick’ssister.Morganfiguredthatgavethemabondthatwouldtranslateintoeasytraining.
Asinstructed,shearrivedfifteenminutesearlytowarmuponherchoiceoftreadmill,elliptical,orinclinebike.
Shelikedtobike,buttheinclinelookedweird,andtheellipticaltoocomplicated.Walkingseemedthesafestchoice
Afewpeoplescatteredaroundusingthescary-lookingequipment,liftingweights,doingwhatlookedlikepainfulstretchesonmats.
Shesteppedontoatreadmill,andafterabriefstudy,programmeditfortheallottedfifteenminutesatamoderateinclineandspeed.Withthemusicfromherphonesingingthroughherearbuds,shefeltrighteous.
Theriseandfalloftheterrainoutsidethewindowsgaveheraviewofafewshrubsthinkingaboutwakingupforspring,andsomebravedaffodilsandtulipsintightbuds.
Pleasant,shedecided.Shecoulddothis,evenenjoythis.Afterall,nowthatshe’destablishedaroutine,shemissedherweekdaybiking.Notthesame,ofcourse,asshejusttookthisbriskkindofwalkandstayedinoneplace.Maybebysummer,she’dhuntupagoodsecondhandbike,tryoutthehillyroads.Shecouldevenbikeintotownnowandagain.
Shehadmoretimenowthanshe’dhadbeforeshe’dmoved.Theideashe’dtoyedwithofgettingasecondpart-timedayjobjustdidn’twork.Withthatshecouldn’tcoveranydayshiftsatAprèsifnecessary,orhelpoutatthecaféifherladiesneededher.
Still,evenwiththecarpayments,herbudgetworkedandallowedhertostartslowlybuildinghersavingsagain.
Sixmonths,shedecided.She’dtakesixmonths,thenletherselfstartplanningsomelong-termgoalsagain.
Itsurprisedherhowquicklyandeasilythefifteenminutespassed.ShegaveherselfamentalI-worked-outpatonthebackandsteppedoff.
ShespottedJen,fitandfabulousinaredworkouttankandtightswithredandblackswirls,whichmadeMorganimmediatelyfeelunfitandnon-fabulousinheroldblackyogapants.
Shestoodtalkingtoamanintheweightsectionwhilehedidcurls.Ittookheraminutetoworkherwayuplong,stronglegsinblackgymshorts,asleevelessgrayshirtalreadyshowingalineofsweat,andtherippleofmusclestofocusonhisface.
Herinitialwonderastowhysweatlookedsodamnsexyonsomepeopleturnedtoajolt.
WhoknewMileswasbuiltlikethat?
Andwhy,dearGod,whydidhehavetosweatinthegymwhensheworeoldyogapants,astretched-outsportsbra,andanancientT-shirt?
Obviously,shecouldn’tgooverthere,soshelookedaroundforsomethingtodothatwouldlooklikesheknewwhattodo.
She’ddecidedmostofthemachineslookedliketorturedevices,whenJenhailedher.
“Morgan!”Jenliftedahand,curledfingersinacome-ahead.
Ohwell,Morganthoughtasshestartedover.Milesshiftedtheweighttohisotherhand,keptcurling.
“Sorry,IhadaquestionforMiles.”
“That’sokay.Noproblem.”
“Youdidyourfifteen?”
“Yes.”
“Howfardidyouget?”
“Far?Oh,almostamile,Iguess.”
“We’llbumpthatupnexttime.Let’sgetstarted.Thanks,Miles.”
Hesaid,“Uh-huh,”andkeptcurling.
“IusethisroomforPTwhenthegym’scrowded,”shebegan.“Orforone-on-oneyogasessions.”
Small,ithadonewallofmirrors,shelvesholdingstabilityballs,medicineballs,bands,mats.Arackoffreeweightstuckedintoacorner.
“So,whatdoyoudoifyou’reattacked?”
“Punchhimintheface?”
“Throat’sbetter.”
“Really?”
“But.Somehulkingassholecomesafteryou,what’syourrealfirstinstinct?”
Morganhikeduphershoulders.“Screamandrun.”
“Exactly.Ifyoucanscreamandrun,youscreamandrun.Ifyoucan’t,youhide.Eitherofthosecancomefirst,dependingonthesituation.Ifneither’sanoption,fight.”
Morganballedherfist.“Punchhiminthethroat.”
Jenpivoted,grabbedMorganfrombehind.“How?Youdon’thaveroomtouseyourfist.”
“Backtoscreaming?”
“Makeallthenoiseyoucan,butdefendyourself.We’llstartwithabasic:SING.”
“I’veheardofthat.”
“Solarplexus.”JenpokedMorganinhers.“Instep,”shecontinued,demonstrating.“Nose.Gonads—orgroininpolitecompany.Comeuponmefrombehind,grabme,andwatchitthemirror.Iwon’thurtyou.”
WhenMorganwrappedherarmsaroundJen,Jentippedherownweightforward.“Youleanyourweightforwardtogiveyourselfmoreroom.Then?”ShefeltthelighttapofJen’selbow,solarplexus
“Theelbow’syourstrongestweapon.Strongerthanyourfist—useitandmeanit.Theideaisnotonlytohurtyourattacker,buttoloosenhisgripsoyouhavemoreroom.Hisinstepisaweakspot,hitit.”Jenbroughttheheelofherfootdown,gently,onMorgan’s.“Mostlikely,hisgripwillloosenenoughwiththosetwoblowsforyoutoturn.This.”
Sheheldupherhand,heelout,tappedtheheelwiththeother.“Strong,stiff,fastupwardblowonthenosefromthenostrilsup,thenrecoil.Thenknee,hard,sharp,straightintothosegonads.These?Elbow,heelofthefoot,heelofthehand,knee.They’restrongandhard.They’lldodamage.”
“SoIcanrunandscream.”
“Damnrightifit’sanoption.Let’sjuststartwiththesefoursteps.”
Itfeltgood,almostlikeadance.Itfeltlikeaction.
“Good,that’stheway.Youdon’thavetothinkaboutit,youjustSING.NextweekI’llhaveavolunteerinherewearingapaddedsuit.Youcanreallyletitrip.”
“I’dlikethat.WhoknewI’dliketheideaofhittingsomebody?”
“Butlet’ssayhe’sgotyourbacktothewall.”AfternudgingMorgantothewall,Jenpressedclose.“Andhe’sgothishandsaroundyourneck.”
Jenliftedhers,thendroppedthemagain,steppedback.“God,I’msorry.Iwasn’tthinking.”
“It’sallright.Iknowyou’vebeenalerted.ThisiswhyI’mhere.Showme.”
“He’sgotyouagainstthewall,youcan’tgetyourkneeuporgetananglewithyourelbow.Mostpeople’sinstinctistoclawatthehandscuttingofftheirair.Don’tbother.What’shisweakspotinthissituation?Hiseyes.Gofortheeyes.Fingersaregood,thumbsarebest.Pushyourthumbsintohiseyeballslikeyou’regoingtoshovethemrightthroughthebackofhishead.”
“CanIsayew?”
“Afteryou’reclear.Thumbs,andhisgrip’sgoingtoloosenbecauseit’sgoingtoburnlikethefireofathousandsuns.Ifyou’reuprightlikethis,busthisballs,bringthatkneeuphard,elbowthegut.Ifyoucangetinapunch?”
ShetookMorgan’shand,balledit,broughtittoherownthroat.“Aimthere,orhere.”Thenshiftedittohernose.“Fistorheelofyourhand,fast,recoil.Let’strythat.”
Theypracticedhalfadozentimes.
“Good,reallygood.”Jengaveheralight,friendlypunchintheshoulder.“Youcatchonfast.”
“Istillhavetothinkaboutitand,well,Iknowyou’renotgoingtohurtme,sothere’snopanic.”
“It’llgettobeinstinct,theninstinctwillcutthroughthepanic.Trustme.I’vebeenthere.”
“Oh,sorry.”
“Maybewe’llexchangewarstoriessomedayoveroneofthoselavendermargaritas.Butnow,you’vegottwentyminutesleft.We’regoingtoshiftfocus.WhenIaskedaboutyourfitnessregimen,youadmittedyoudon’thaveone.Youdidusetobikeingoodweatherabouttenmilesaday.That’swhyyou’vegotstronglegs.”
“IsolditwhenImoved,butI’mthinkingaboutgettingonetowardthesummer.”
“Good.Youlikebikingsoyou’lldoit.Meanwhile.”Smiling,shegaveMorgan’sbicepsasqueeze.“We’regoingtoworkonupperbodystrengthandtone.”
Defensively,MorgancrossedherarmsasJenwalkedtothefree-weightrack.“Arewereally?”
“Mostmenwhoattackwomenseethewomanasweak,asavictim.We’vegoneoversomeoftheactionsanddefensesyoucantakeagainstanattacker,onewho’slikelystrongerthanyou,biggerthanyou.Thatdoesn’tmeanyoucan’tgetstrong,andwhenyou’restrong,thoseactionsanddefensesaremoreeffective.”
Whenshecarriedovertwoweights,handedthemtoMorgan,Jensmiledagain.“Let’sgetyoustrong.”
Forthenexttwentyminutes,shedidn’tjustlearnhowtocurl,extend,press,buthowtobreatheandstand—twothingsshe’dassumedsheknewhowtodoalready—howtostretchthemusclesshe’dworkeduntilthey’dburned.
“Good,verygood.Youbrokeasweat.”
“I’llsay.”
“Sametimenextweek.Meanwhile,Iwantyouinthreetimesaweektostart.”
Rubbingarmsthatmadetheirobjectionknown,Morganfoughtnottojustdeflate.“Inhere?”
“Outtheretheothertwodays.Fifteenminutescardio—andbumpthatupsoyouhitamileorover.Fifteenupperbody,fifteenlower,five—tostart—oncore,andaten-minutestretch.IfI’mnotaroundtoshowyouthelowerbodyandcorework,KenorAddywillbe.”
“Idon’talwayshaveanhourto—”
“Threehoursaweek—fornow.Getmotivated,maketime.Restdaysinbetween.”ShehandedMorganabottleofwater.“Hydrate.Seeyoudayaftertomorrow.”
“Thanks.Sortof.”
Laughing,Jenwentout.
Afterguzzlingwater,Morganfacedthemirror,flexed.Said,“Ow,”andrubbedherbiceps.“Threetimesaweek?ThreetimesaweeksoI’mnotweak.”
Okay,shethought,okay,she’dtryit.Foramonth.Justonemonth.
Shestartedout,thenstopped,facedthemirroragain.
“Ican’twearthisthreetimesaweekforamonth.I’lllooklikeanidiot.”
Outfitters,shedecided.Withherdiscount,howmuchcoulditsting?Itwouldsting,shethought,butwalkedouttowherepeoplelifted,sweated,ran—bychoice.
Onemonth,shepromisedherself,andshe’dconsiderthegearshehadtobuynottolooklikeanidiotaninvestmentinherownstrength,fitness,andself-esteem.
Itstung,evenwiththediscount,morethanshe’dexpected.
Whenshereportedtoworkthatevening,shereportedwithsorearms,asoreass—damnsquatlifts—andlegmusclesthatremindedhershehadn’tfast-walkedamileinaverylongtime.
Nickbeamedather.“Jensaidyoudidgreat.”
“Yoursisterisamonster.”
“Yeah,that’swhattheyallsay.Littlesore?”
“Whatdoyouthink?”Afteraquickscanoftablesandbooths,shebreezedintothebackofthehouse,didhercheckthere.
“You’llgetusedtoit,”hesaidwhenshecamebackout.
“Idon’tthinkso.”
“So…wehadacrowdforhappyhour.Oursignaturesaremoving.”
“Goodtoknow.Catchthatguyattheendofthebar,thenyoucanclockout.I’llgetthisorder.”
“Yougotit.Mymom’swatchingthebaby,andwe’regoingtothemovies.Ilovethatgirltopieces,butit’llsurebenicetogooutwithmysweetheart.”
Hedrewadraftfortheguestatthebar.Setaglassofwhitewinebesideit.“Expectinghiswife,runningatab,room305.I’mout.”
“Haveagoodtime.”
Shepouredanddrew,moppedandserved,andalmostforgotaboutthenaggingsoreness.
Almost.
Nearmidnight,Milestookastool.
ShesetaglassofCabinfrontofhim.“Notyourusualnight,”shecommented.
“Ihaveausual?”
“Fridaynight.”
Heshrugged.“I’vegotsomework.Haven’tseenyouinthegymbefore,”hesaidbeforeshecouldmoveawayandleavehimtoit.
“Myfirsttime.Inthatgymorany.”
Ambereyesstudiedherfaceasifshewereapuzzletosolve.“You’veseriouslynevergonetothegym?Ever?”
“Ihadotherprioritiesbesidesagymmembership.”
“Soyoustreamedworkoutsathome?”
“No.”Whydidthatmakeherfeelembarrassed?“Noteverybody…someofus…Ibiked.Ibikedtomydayjobmostdays.”
“Okay.”Buthepickeduphiswineinsteadofhisphone.“And?”
“Ibiked,”sherepeated.“Abouttenmilesround-trip.Andthings.”
“Whatthings?”
“Like…normalthings.”
Asmilecameintohiseyes.Shehadn’tseenthathappenbefore.Intoirritationsnuckawishshecouldkeepitthere
“Jenworkyouout?”
“Itwassupposedtobeaself-defenseclass,anditstartedthatway.Thenit’s‘Taketheseweights.Givemefivemorereps.’”
“Feelingit?”
“God,yes.NowshesaysIhavetogointothattorturechamberthreetimesaweek,andI’mafraidifIdon’t,she’llhuntmedownandmakemepay.”
“You’llgoin,butnotforfearofJen.”
“Whyelse?”
“You’renotaquitter.”
Notsurewhattomakeofthat,shemoveddownthebartofillatableorder.Whensheglancedback,histhumbswerebusytexting,soshelefthimalone.
Atlastcall,shesetaglassofstillwateronthebar.“Areyouinheretokeepaneyeonme?”
“Ihadwork,wantedaglassofCab.”
“LoufromSecuritycameinatclosinglastnight,hungarounduntilIwasfinished.Isthatwhatyou’redoing?”
“I’mabouttofinishthisglassofwineandthiswork.ButsinceI’mhere,I’llwalkyououttoyourcarwhenyouclose.”
“I’mwonderingwhenyourfamilymaydecideI’mmoretroublethanI’mworth.”
Nowhesethisphonedown.“First,that’snothowwework.Andifyouthinkyou’renotworthsometrouble,youshouldworkonyourself-esteem.”
“Ithoughtthat’swhatIwasdoingtodayinthegym.Ithurtsalittle.”
“You’llgetoverit.Lasttable’sleaving.”
“Yes,Isaw.”
Whenhewalkedherout,hecircledhercar.“Bigimprovement.”
“Iknow.I’msupposedtocheckthebackseatbeforeIgetin,thencheckthegasgauge,thetirepressure.Thiscarletsyouknowifyourtiresarelow.Idon’tknowhowitknows,butitdoes.”
“Goodprecautions.”
“Doyoutakethem?”
“No.”
Thatmadehersighasshecheckedthebackseat.“I’mgoingintothatdamngymnotbecauseI’mafraidofJen—thoughI’malittleafraidofher—andnotbecauseI’mnotaquitter.I’mgoingbecauseIwon’tbeweak.”
“That’sbasicallythesamething.”
“Maybe.Thanks.”Shepressedthefobtounlockthedoor.“Goodnight.”
Shecheckedthegaugesbeforedrivingaway.Therehestoodagain,shethought,watchinghergo.
Shewasgettingusedtoit.ChapterThirteen
Springmovedin.Flowerspopped,leavesunfurled,andwithgratitude,Morganputawayherwintergear.
Whilehergrandmotherwouldn’tacceptrent,Morganknewshe’dneverrefuseflowers.HertriptothegardencenterfloodedherwithbittersweetmemoriesofNina.Buthavingherfriend’svoicewhisperinginherearasshewandered,asshechoseplantsbroughtcomfort.
Shespentahappymorningandafternoonselecting,buying,hauling,designingthearrangementsinpotspulledoutofthegardenshed,placingcolorfulannualsinthebedswiththesproutingperennials.
Whenherphonealarmsignaled,sheputhertoolsaway,wentintocleanupandchangeforwork.Agood,productiveday,shethought.Notlookingforsomethingtodobuthavingsomethingtodo.
Herdayonlygothappierwhenshecamedownandheardexcitedvoices.
“Oh,lookatthosecolors!Andhowshe’ssetthosepotstogetherthatway,atdifferentheights.Likeashowpiece.”
“Itellyouwhat,Audrey,Imeanttothrowthatold,ricketystandaway.Lookatitnow.”
“Spraypaintandnewscrews,”Morgansaidasshesteppedoutontothebackpatio.“Youlikeit?”
“It’swonderful.”Audreyleanedovertodrawinthescentofheliotrope.“Whatawonderfulsurprisetocomehometo.Andtheflowersyouplantedoutfront,allsopretty.Youmust’veworkedallday.”
“Itwasfun.Ididn’tgettoallofit.”Shegesturedtotheremainingflats.“ButIthoughtyou’dbothliketohavesomefun,andsomesayinwhere.”
“Didyoubuythegardencenterout?”Oliviawondered.
“Notnearly.They’reloaded.Ididn’thaveachancetogetthepatiofurnitureoutandcleanedup,butIcandothattomorrow.”
“I’dappreciatethat,Morgan.Iappreciatethis.”
Stillglowing,Audreylookedaround.“Ihadnoideayouknewhowtodoallthis.”
“Ninataughtmeaboutplants.Andwhenyou’reonatightbudget,thingslikewirebrushes,sandpaper,andpaintarebestfriends.Anyway,I’vegottogettowork.Seeyoutomorrow.”
“Shelookedsohappy,”Audreymurmured.
“Shedid.She’scomingalong.She’sagirlwhoneedstodo,andshe’sdoing.”
Audreybrushedherhandoverthecloudsofsweetalyssumspillingoutofoneofthepots.“Ireallydidn’tknowshecoulddothis,notlikethis.”
“Nowyoudo.”
Foramoment,Audreytookhermother’shandinasqueeze.“Iguesstherewasalotaboutmeyoudidn’tknow.”
“Daughtersgrowupandmaketheirown.That’showitshouldbe.”
“Idon’tknowwhereI’dbeifIhadn’tbeenabletocomebackandmakemyownhere.”
“Youwere,andyouhave.”
“Iknowshemaynotstay,but…Ihopethetimewe’vegothere,together,closesthedistance.Thedistanceismyfault.”
“Stopit.”
“Itis,”Audreyinsisted.“Ishould’vedonebetter.Ihadchoices,andshedidn’t.AndIknowshewouldn’thavecomebackhere,tome,nottome,ifshe’dhadachoice.”
“LiketheladsfromLiverpoolsaid,allyouneedislove.MaybeI’daddcomfortableshoesandanadultbeverageafteralongday,butlovemattersmost.Shelovesyou,Audrey.”
“Shedoes.I’msoluckyshedoes.MorganandI,webecamedifferentpeopleapartfromeachother.Nowwe’vegotthistimeto,well,growtogetherliketheflowerssheplanted.I’mgoingtotreasureeveryminuteofthattime.”
“SowillI.Whydon’twetakealookintheshedbeforedinner,seewhatelsewemeanttotossawaythatgirlcanplaywith,sinceitmakesherhappy?”
Insteadofheadinghomewhenhelefttheresort,MilesdetouredtoJake’s.Hisfriendlivedontheedgeoftowninacompacttwo-storyframehousewithasmall,coveredfrontporch.
MileshadhelpedJakebuildthedeckofftheback—andthepitchedroofoveritsoJakecouldgrillyear-round.
InJake’sworld,ifitwasn’ttakeoutordelivery,itwentonthegrill.
Whenhepulledup,Milesnotedtheduoofhangingpotsspillingsomethingcolorfulabovetheporchrail.AndthatmeantJake’smotherhadstoppedbyatsomepoint.
Jakewouldwaterthem,outofdutytohismother—andahealthyfearofherwrath.
Asmuchathomethereasanywhere,Mileswalkeduptothefrontdoor,andin.
Hecouldseestraightbacktothekitchen,whereJakestoodatthecounter,slappinggroundbeefintoahamburgerpatty.
“Hey.Wantabeer?”
“Nowthatyoumentionit.”
Milesopenedthefridge,whichheldthebeer,aquartofmilk,Cokes,ajugofthemangojuiceJakewasinexplicablyfondof,andasinglelonelystickofbutter.
“IjustgotinfrombreakingupadisputeoverdogshitinAnneVincent’snewlytilledflowerbed.Youknowher?”
“No.”
“Avoidifpossible.Convincedtheshithadcomeoutofherneighbor’sPomeranian—that’sGigi—Ms.Vincentscoopedupthepoopandproceededtodeposititonherneighbor’sfrontsteps.Aswitnessedbysaidneighbor’seight-year-oldson.That’sCharliePotter.”
“Don’tknowhimeither.”
“Charlieinformedhismother—thatwouldbeKatePotter.”
Milestookaseatatthecounter,sippedhisbeer.“Stilldon’tknowthem.”
“Theensuingaltercation,whichinvolvedshouts,hardlanguage,someshoves,alarmedyoungCharlieenoughtohavehimcallthepolice.”
“That’swhereyoucamein.”
“Iwasheadinghome.It’sontheway.”SinceMileswasthere,Jakestartedonasecondpatty.“Bothwomenwere—I’mgoingtoreachbackfortheold-fashioned—hetup.Ican’tsayIfearedformylife,butIdidfearI’dhavetohaulacoupleofwomenin.”
“Nottomentionthekidandthedog.”
“Nottomention.Theone’sclaimingGigidoesn’tleavetheyardunleashedsincetheonetimelastfallthedogslippedthroughanddugintheneighbor’schrysanthemums.Andtheother’sgoingoffaboutbarkingandpoopingwhenoutcomesCharlie,holdingthesuspect.
“Grabthebunsandthatbagofchips.”
Hegesturedtotheslidersandthedeckbeforecarryingtheplateofpattiesoutsidetothealreadysmokinggrill.
“Now,whileIdoconsidermyselfwellversedinbullshit—youcan’trisetochiefofpoliceotherwise—Idon’tclaimtobeanexpertondogshit.ButitonlytakesonelookatthesizeofthatdogandthesizeoftheshittoconcludeGigi’sinnocence.”
Thepattieshitthegrillandsizzled.
“Didyoupointthisout?”
“Idid,inmorecivilizedandprofessionallanguage.Furtherinvestigation—Charlieassistswithsomeinsight—revealsthereareseverallargerdogsintheneighborhood,including,Charliestates,abiggoldenretrievernamedStujustdownthewaywhooftenescapeshisyardandenjoyspoopingelsewhere.”
Jakeflippedtheburgers.
“InconclusionItellAnneVincentI’llremovethepoopifsheagreestopayforthecostofhavingtheevidenceanalyzedtoidentifythebreedofthedogitcamefrom.Whichis,ofcourse,bullshit.Otherwise,she’llremoveitandcleanthestep,andKatePotterwillagreenottopresscharges.Iadviseheragainsttakingsimilaractionanytimeinthefuture.
“Shesquawks—alot—thensaysshe’sgoingtoshootthenextdogthatcomesonherproperty.”
“JesusChrist.”
“Yeah,avoidifpossible.Itellherifshedoesthat,she’lllandinoneofmycellsinahalfaquickminute.Iputmyhard-assfaceonforthatbecauseIfeltlikeone,andshebackedrightoff.”
Heflippedtheburgersbackontheplate.
Sinceheknewhisfriend,Mileshadalreadygottenthecondimentsandpaperplatesfromthecabinetunderthegrill.
TheysatatthetableJakehadbuiltinhighschoolwoodshop,doctoredtheirburgers,openedthechips.
“Sohowwasyourday?”
“Notasgrippingasyours.”
“How’sMorgandoing?”
“Handlingit.ThedayyoucameintotellmeaboutRozwellIwalkedintoGrand’soffice,andshe’sinthere.Crying.”
“Well,it’salot.”
“It’salot.ThenIdecidetogointothefitnesscenterforaworkout,andIseeherononeofthetreadmills.Strolling.What’sthepointofgettingononeifyou’regoingtostroll?”
Heshrugged,ate.
“ThenIfindoutshe’sworkingwithJen—self-defense,personaltraining.”
“JentheDestroyer?”
Milesgrinnedatthat,shruggedagain.“Istoppedintothebarthatnight.Shewasfeelingit.Anyway,sheboughtadecentcar.”
“Make,model,year,color?Wewanttokeepaneye.”
WhenMilestoldhim,Jakefileditaway.WatchingMiles,hecrunchedintoachip.“Soundslikeyou’rekeepinganeye.”
“Security’sonit,”Milesbegan.
“Nodoubtthere.Imeantyou.Personally.”
“Sheworksforus.”
“SodoesagoodportionofWestridge.Iknowwhenyou’regettingathing.”
“I’mnotgettingathing.Andshe’sgotenoughtodealwith.”
“Can’targuewiththelastpart.Wantanotherbeer?”
“No,thanks.Ibroughthomesomework,andI’vegottogetthereandfeedthedog.”Buthesatanothermoment,nursingtherestofhisbeer.“Thingsarecomplicated.”
“Tellmeaboutit.”
Thegymdidn’tmakeMorganhappy,butshestuckwithit.Maybe,sheadmittedasshegroundherwaythroughtricepskickbacks,becauseJenintimidatedher.Andmaybe,alittle,becauseshefeltatinybitstronger.
Andalot,sheknew,becausethethreehoursaweekprovidedsomethingtodo,somethingactiveandproductive.
Plus,sweaty.
Now,theself-defenseportiondidmakeherhappy.Itmadeherfeelstrongerandsmarterandmoreself-aware.Shehadtoadmitshe’dthoroughlyenjoyedbustingonRichiethebellmaninthepaddedsuit.
Butshedidnotenjoythelifting,thelunging,themeanmachines,oranyofthetorturesJenoutlinedforher.Still,knowingJen’shawkgazecouldzeroinonheratanymoment,Morgansquatteddownintowhatherformidableinstructorcalledthegoddessposition—screwthat!—andbeganthebiceps-burningseriesofcurls.
“I’vebeentextingyou.”
Morgandidn’tquitedefeatthesnarlassheglancedupandsawNell.Nellwithherperfectsweepofglossyhairandmakeup.Nellinhernon-sweat-stainedspringdressandprettypinkslingbacks.
“I’mworkingout.Myhandsarebusy.”
“SoIsee.Traciesaidshesawyouinhere.”Assmoothlyasacatcherbehindtheplate,Nellsquatteddown.“Ineedafavor.”
“Youneedafavor?”Determinedtoseeitthrough,Morganshiftedtheweighttoherotherhandandbeganthesecondhalf.“IfIsayyes,willyoudothecoreworkI’vegotcomingafterthis?”
“Thatwouldn’tdoyouanygood.IhadLorenfromtheLodgeandTriciafromAprèsworkingtheJansonweddingtonight.”
“Iknowthis.Canthighssplitopen?”Morganpantedout.“Ithinkminearegoingtosplitopen.WhydoesJenwanttokillme?”
“Lorendislocatedhisfinger.”
“Workingout?”
“Playingbasketball.Righthand,ringfinger.It’snotbroken,butit’sinasplint,andwillbeforawhile.”
“I’msorry.Thathadtohurt.Maybeasmuchasthighssplittingopen.Maybeevenmore.Obviously,hecan’ttendbarattheJansonweddingtonight.Youneedanotherofmyteam?”
“Ineedyou.”
“Ilostcount,butIknowthathadtobefifteen.”Morganstraightenedslowly.“Ifinishedtheset.Ifinished,andI’mstillalive.Everythingburns,everything.”
“It’ssupposedto.Listen—”
“Easyforyoutosay.You’vegotarmslikeLindaHamiltoninTerminatorTwo.”
“Thanks.Morgan—”
“Yeah,yeah.”Shedroppeddownonabench.“Evenwiththewedding—that’saroundtwohundred—Friday’soneofourbusiestnights.”
“Itwon’tbeasbusyfromseventomidnight,astheJansonweddingisfullythirty-fivepercentofouroccupancythisweekend.Nickagreedtoworkadouble.Icouldn’treachyou,”NellsaidwhenMorganswipedatsweatandstaredather.“Iaskedifhe’dcoverifyoutooktheevent,andheagreed.”
“Hecouldworktheevent.”
“Hecould,but.Tricia’sonweekenddaysatAprèsbecauseshe’soneofthebest.Loren’sthemostexperiencedbartenderintheLodge.Nick’sexcellent,butIdon’twanthimcoveringthisafterworkingafullshift,unlessIhaveto.
“ArielJenson,”shewenton.“She’sthebride.She’sMrs.Fisk—rememberMrs.Fisk?She’sMrs.Fiskonsteroids.Sheputsthe‘zilla’in‘bridezilla.’Ineedthisperfect.Mymother’salsoaskingforthisfavor.”
“Youpayme.Youcouldjusttellmetodoit.”
“Butthat’snotwhatwe’redoing.We’reasking.”
Morganpickedupthegymtowelonherbench,moppedherface.“DoyouknowwhenI’vesweatthismuchbefore?”
“No.”
“Never.Wineandbeerorfullbar?”
“Fullbar.Twofullbars,oneonthenortheastcorneroftheballroom,oneonthesouthwestcorner.She’sgottwosignaturecocktails.Hercolorsarelavenderandpeach,soanIt’sPeachy—aBellini.AndaFlyingHigh,anAviation,becauseit’slavender.I’vegottherecipefortheAviation.”
“IknowhowtomakeanAviation.”
“Really?I’dneverevenheardofit.NeitherhadLorenorTricia—thoughtheymadethemforthetastingandpassed.Thisiswhyweneedyou.Youalreadyknow.”
“Fine.Sure.What—”
“Great.Manythanks.I’lltextyoueverything,butyou’llneedtobeherebysixforthefinalbriefing.Ceremony’satseven,plateddinneratseven-thirty,followedbydancing—liveband—eight-thirtytomidnight.Iftheygobeyondmidnight,it’llcostthem,butMomthinkstheywill.Planonmorelikeone.”
“Allright.Youreallywon’tdomycorework?”
“Igaveyouanicebreak.Plus,Jensaysyou’reamachine.”
Morgannearlyperkedup.“Really?”
“Amachinethatneedsalittlemoreoilinghereandthere,butamachine.”Reachingout,NellpinchedMorgan’sbiceps.“It’shappening.I’vegottorun.I’lltextyou.”
Morgansatonthebenchanothermoment,flexed,pinched.Maybealittlewashappening.
NowshehadtofacethehorrorofcrunchesandbicyclesandlegliftsbeforeshecheckedtomakesureNickwasset,thenwenthometoshowerandrescheduletherestofherday.
Thoughshe’dworkedweddingsbefore,she’dneverworkedonesoelaborateorformal—orsominutelyregimented.
They’dtransformedtheballroomintoaspringgardenandonethatsparkledwithcrystals,shimmeredwithcandles.Evenherbarheldasmallarrangementofpeachrosesinaslimsilvervase.
Morearrangements,hugeones,flankedtheraisedplatformwherethebandwouldperform.Currentlyawhitecurtainseparateditfromtherestoftheballroom.
Thebride’sdemand.
Stillmoreflowersflankedtheballroomdoorswhereshewouldenter.
Tables,drapedinlavenderclothswithpeachrunners,heldarrangementswheretheflowerssparkledwithfairylights.Chairs,alsodraped,hadnosegaystuckedintotheirbackties.
Anarborsmotheredinflowersstoodattheendofawhiterunner.Toitsfarleftastringquartetwouldplaybeforetheceremony,andwouldcontinueasthebride’sattendants—eightofthem,plusflowergirlandringbearer—madetheirprocession.
They’dprovideselected—bythebride—musicforportionsoftheceremonyandthroughoutthedinnerservice.
Groomsmenwouldbegintoescortgueststotheirassignedtables,staffwouldtaketheirdrinkorders—limitedbeforetheceremonytothechampagneatthetable,oneofthesignaturecocktails,ornonalcoholicchoice.Bartenderswouldfilltheordersuntilseven—sharp—whenthegroomandhisbestmanenteredbythesideballroomdoors.
Anyguestsarrivingaftertheseveno’clockmarkwouldwaitoutsidetheballroomuntilthebrideandherfatherreachedthearbor.
Noexceptions,byorderofthebride.
“Theceremonyrunsfifteenminutes,”Dreacontinued.“Whenthebrideandgroomareplayedout,guestsarefreetoorderdrinksfromthetable,gotothebarswhilestaffremovesthearbor,therunner.Thebulkofthephotosaredone,andthephotographerandvideographerwillworktheceremony,buttherewillbeanotherfifteentothirtyminutesofpost-ceremonyphotos.Thebridewantsdinnerservicetobeginatseven-thirtywiththesaladcourse.Thenthey’llannouncetheweddingparty,theparentsofthegroom,ofthebride,thenthehappycouple.Oncethey’reseated,dinnerservicecontinues,andthebarsareagainopen.
“Ateight-thirty,thecurtaincomesdown,andthebandbegins.”
Sheranthroughtheritualsandtheirtiming—firstdance,mother-son,father-daughter,cakecutting,bouquettossing
Atsix-thirty,Morgantookherstationandguestsbegantocomein.
Theysuitedtheroomintheirblacktieandsleekgowns.Shethoughttheoohsandaahsastheytookintheballroomwelldeserved.
Thenshegotbusymixingpeachandlavenderdrinksandpouringsparklingwater
Shedidn’tknowwhethertocreditthedemandingbrideorDrea,butitallransmoothwhenatthedotofseventhemusicchanged.Theattendants,intheirlavendergownswithcrownsofpeachrosebudsontheirheads,proceededdowntherunner.
Theringbearerandflowergirlearnedeverysmile—heinhistinytuxandlavenderwaistcoat,sheinherfrothypeachdress.
Thenthedramaticpausebeforethebride,onthearmofherfather,steppedintothedoorway.
Morganbarelysmotheredanoohofherown.
Sheworeafairyprincessgown,snow-white,milesofskirt,andasnug,straplessbodicethatsparkledasitcaughtthelight.Herhair,ravenblack,sweptupandbackwithafewartistically,perfectlyloosenedstrandstocurlaroundherface.
She,too,woreacrownofflowers,moreelaboratethanherattendants’andwithaveiltrailinglikeagossamerclouddownherback.
Shemayhavebeenhelltoworkwith,Morganthought,butthewayshelookedatthemanwaitingunderthearbor,thewayhelookedather,said“love.”
Dreaslippedin,sidledovertoMorgan.Shesaidquietly,“Whew.”
“It’sstunning,everythingisjuststunning.”
“That’swhatshewanted.Andthis?”Shenoddedtowardwherethebrideandgroomexchangedvows.“It’sthefirsttimeI’veseenherrelaxedandhappyinweeks.”
Sheslippedoutagain.
Morganwatchedthekiss,watchedhowthegroomliftedhisbride’shandtohislipswhentheyturnedtofacetheirguests.
Shewonderedhowitfelttolooklikeaprincess.
Butmore,shewonderedhowitfelttohavesomeonelookatyouthewaythegroomlookedatthebride.Asifeverythinghe’deverwanted,everwouldwant,livedrightthereinhereyes.
Thentheysweptdowntherunnerand1out,andshegotbusyfast.
Thebandknockeditout.Playingtoanaudienceofthreegenerations,theywoveinsomeoldstandards,pushedcoversofcurrenthits,sprinkledinplentyofclassicrock.Thedancefloorstayedpacked,clearingonlyfortheritualslikethecuttingofthemassivefour-tieredweddingcake.
Bymidnight,Morganestimatedabouthalftheguestshadsaidtheirgoodbyes.Buttheotherhalfkeptrightonpartying.
Itdidn’tsurpriseMorganwhenshegotwordthefatherofthebrideagreedtoanhour’sextension.
Shepoured,stirred,shook,andenjoyedthemusicandtheshow.
ItdidsurpriseherwhenMileswalkedin—anddidn’tlookoutofplaceamongthetuxesandgownsinhiscasualshirtandjeans.
Shecreditedtheinvisiblesuit.
“I’msorry,sir,thisisaprivateevent.”
Heglancedbehindheratthefewremainingbottlesofchampagneoniceinsilvertubs.
“Howmanyofthosedidyougothrough?”
“Includingthetablebottles,youcouldroundituptoahundred.ThesignatureBelliniandstraightchampagnewerepopular.TheAviationscameinadistantthird,bymyestimates,behindthechampagneandbeer.”
“Sunglassesorpilots?”
“It’sadrink,Miles.”
Oncue,thebestman—sansjacket,tie,andwaistcoat—cameuptothebar.
“How’sitgoing,Morgan?”
“It’sgoinggreat,Trevor.AnotherroundforyouandDarcie?”
“Yougotit.Bestpartyever.I’llbebackforthedrinks.Gottadance!”
“Youknowthatguy?”Milesasked.
“Idonow.Heandthegroom—that’sHank,theoneouttherewiththecrownofflowersonhishead—havebeenfriendssincegradeschool.”
Shedumpediceintoafluteandamartiniglasstochillthem,thengotoutashaker.“TrevorandDarciehavebeenanitemforabouttenmonths.It’sserious,”shesaidassheaddedicetotheshaker.
“AnAviation,”shecontinued,“or,asoneofthetwosignaturecocktails,aFlyingHigh.Gin,lemonjuice,maraschinoliqueur,andcrèmedeviolette.”
Assheshooktheingredients,shegrabbedabottleofchampagneoutoftheicetub.Sheliftedoffthesilverstopper,dumpedtheiceoutoftheflute.
AsMileswatched,shemanagedtopourthechampagne,strainthefirstdrinkintothemartiniglass.SheaddedpeachnectartothechampagneandhadthedrinksoncocktailnapkinswhenTrevordancedback.
“Allright!”Heduginhispocket,pulledoutamoneyclip.“Onlygottwentiesleft.”
“Don’tworryaboutit,”Morganbegan
“Nah,you’reworthit.”Hestuffedatwentyinthetipjar.“Hey,thisyourgirl?”heaskedMiles.
“No.”
“Makingamistake.Bestbartenderintheuniverseofbartenders.Plus,hot.Ah,don’ttellDarcieIsaidthatlastbit.”
“Lipsaresealed,”Morganassuredhim.“Flyhigh,Trevor.”
“Betyourass!”HetookaslugoftheAviation,thencarriedthedrinksofftothedancefloor.
“It’spurple.Whyisitpurple?”
“Violet,”Morgancorrected.“Andbecauseofthecrèmedeviolette.”
“Igetthatpart,butnotwhy.They’vegot,what,aboutanotherfifteen?”
“About.”
“I’llbeback.”
Atquarterafterone,onlystaffworkedtheballroomwhilethebandfinishedbreakingdown.Shehelpedcateringsecurethealcohol,startedtotieupherlastbagofempties.
“Cateringwillhaulthatouttothebin,”Milestoldher,andglancedaround.“You’reclear.”
“It’smyfirsteventattheresort,butIcansayyouguysknowhowtorunone.”
“We’vegotanotheroneinheretomorrow,sowe’llundressthetablesandchairs,butleavesome.”
“WithLorenout,doyouneedcoverage?”
“No.Smaller,lesselaborate,second-time-aroundevent.You’reclear,”hesaidagain,thentookherarm.“I’llwalkyouout.”
“Actually,I’mgoingtojustswingbyAprèsfirst.”
“It’sclosed.”
“Iknowthat,andNick’sgreat.He’sthoroughandhe’sresponsible,buthe’salsonotusedtoclosing,especiallyonaweekendnight.Aprèsismyresponsibility,soI’mjustgoingtocheck.”
Withashrug,heledherthroughthehallways,aroundtothelobby,andthearchway.Whenheflickedonthelights,shescannedtheroom.
Tables,booths,chairslookedclean.Housekeepinghitthefloorseverymorning,thewindowseveryweek.
“Satisfied?”
Ignoringhim,shewalkedin,circledthebar.
Clean,backbartidy,tubsandtrayscleananddraining,sinkswipeddown.
“Whydon’tyoulooktired?”hewonderedasshedidhercheck.
“I’macreatureofthenight,”shesaidabsently.
“Owlorvampire?”
“Dependsonthenight,anddespitetheevent,itlookslikeAprèshadagoodnight.”
“Icanseethestock.”
Hecamearoundthebarhimself,gotabottleofCabernetofftherack.“I’mhavingadrink.”Heglancedatherwhilehedrewthecork.“Areyouhavingadrink?You’reoffduty.”
“I…Sure.”Shesettworedwineglassesonthebar,thenfixedawinekeeperonthebottleafterhe’dpoured.
“Booth.”Hegestured,walkedover,andsat.
Whenshewentovertojoinhim,sat,sheletoutasigh.“Idorememberhowtosit.It’sbeenawhile.”
“You’reentitledtobreaksduringanevent.”
“Yeah,TriciaandIworkedthemout.”Butitfeltdamngoodtojustsit.Shesippedthewine,sighedagain.“Doyoudothisalot?Sitinanemptybar?”
“No.You?”
“Actually,yeah.NotdrinkingCab,especiallythislabel,butanemptybarhasitsownpersonality.Thisone’squietcomfortwithatouchofsubtleelegance.It’snice.”
Heshouldn’task;hedidn’tlikesmalltalk.Butheaskedanywaybecausehewantedtoknow.
“Whybartending?”
“Well,Igettohangoutinbars—andstaysober.Ilikebars.Ilikepeople.Youhavetowhenyou’reinhospitality.”
“I’minhospitality.Idon’tespeciallylikepeople.”
Shestudiedhimasshedrank.Thoseeyes,shethought,sureknewhowtofocusinwhenhewantedto.“That’scrazy.Youhavetoworkwithpeopleeveryday.”
“Pointmade.”
“Well,Ilikepeople.Workingbehindabar’sabusyplace,butit’susuallyacheerfulone.Peoplecomeinbecausethey’rereadytounwindorcelebrate.You’vegotyourlonelieswhojustwantsomeonetotalkto.That’swhatyou’retherefor.WhydoyoucomeinonFridaynights,especiallyFridaynightswhenthebar’sgoingtobecrowded,ifyoudon’tlikepeople?”
“Comeintoacrowdedbarforadrinkandit’snotlikelyanyone’sgoingtotrytotalktoyou.Icangetsomeworkdone,unwind,andhaveaglassofwine.Comeinwhenit’snotcrowded?Somebody’sgoingtotrytostartaconversation.‘Someweatherwe’rehaving,’‘HowaboutthoseCubs,’something.”
Aha,shethought.Nowshegotit.
“Youuseyourphoneasaforcefield.”
Hesmiledalittle.“Iuseitforwork,andyeah,itdoublesasaforcefield.WhatIwonderishowyougotintotendingbar,and,accordingto—wasitTrevor?—haverisentothebestbartenderintheuniverseofbartenders.”
“Trevorwasflyinghigh,”sheremindedhim.
“I’veseenyouwork,andIknowwhymymotherandsisterwantedyouonthatverydemandingeventtonight.”
“Iwaitedtablesincollege.Jesus,that’shardwork.”
Whetheritwastheemptybar,theCab,orthecompany,shefeltabsolutelyrelaxed.
“Itcanberewarding,butthefactistherearetypes—andalotofthemforvariousandsituationalreasons—who’lltakeoutanythingthatdoesn’tworkforthemwiththemealontheserver.IdecidedIdidn’twanttowaitressforalivingorrunarestaurant.”
Shesettledback,sippedagain.“Profitmarginsinrestaurantsarewaferthin.Youmakethemoneyatthebar.Forstrictlycynicalreasons,ItookabartendingclassandIlikedit.Ilikeditalot.SowhenIhittwenty-one,Iquitwaitressingandstartedbartending,andIlikeditevenmore.”
Feelingeasy,sheclosedhereyesamoment.“Theideawastosaveupenough,getenoughexperienceandsaveenoughtoopenmyownplace.Nicelittleneighborhoodbar.Ihadaboutthreeyearstogo,bymycarefulcalculations.Andthen…”
Sheshrugged,sippedalittlemore.
“Yoursiseasytofigure,”shecontinued.“Third-generationhotelier,oldestmalesiblingingenthree.Everthinkaboutdoingsomethingelse?”
“Sure.”
“Likewhat?”
“IndianaJones.MyversionofIndianaJones,theloneadventurer/anthropologist.”
“Everykidwho’swatchedthosemovieswantedtobeIndy.”
“Thiswaslastyear.”
Shelaughed,shookherhead.“You’dneedthehat.Nobodycouldpullitoffwithoutthehat.Butdidyouwantthis”—shegesturedtoencompasstheresort—“andalltheworkthatgoeswithit?Becauseyourfamilyputsinalotofwork.”
“NothingelseIthoughtaboutwantingstuck.Yeah,Iwantedthis.Weputinalotofworkbecauseweallwantthis.”
“Itcomesacross.Peoplewhoworkhereliketheworkandtheconditions,sothey’regoodatit.Thatcomesdownfromthetop.Mydayjobbeforewasafamilybusiness.Smallerscale,sure,butitcomestothesame.AndthebarwhereIworkedlast,goodmanagement.TheonewhereIworkedmylastyearofcollege,Ican’tsaythesame.ButIlearned,andthat’swhatcounts.”
Shesetdownheremptyglass.“I’llpouryouanotherifyouwant,butIhavetogethome.”
“No,onedoesit.”
Shetooktheglassesintothekitchen.Inthebar,shetookalastlookaroundbeforesheshutoffthelights.
“Nick’saseriousasset.”
“Weknowit.”
“Hissister’salsoaseriousasset.She’stheshe-devilfromhell,butanasset.”
“Theydon’tcallhertheDestroyerfornothing.Nojacket?”
“I’vegotoneinthecarifIneedit.”Shesteppedoutsideintothecoolandfragrant.“Don’tneedit.Speakingofassets,yourgroundscrew.”
Theycrossedtothelot,circlingtheislandwhereflowersbloomedinwindingriversofredsandwhitesanddelicatepinks.
Atthecar,shecheckedthebackseatbeforesheunlockedit.
“Thanksforthedrinkandtheescort.”
“Noproblem.”
Shegotin,checkedthegauges.Ofcoursehestoodandwatchedherdriveaway.
Andasshedroveawayshethought,inaweirdway,they’djusthadsortofakindofdate.
Shedidn’tknowwhattothinkaboutthat,anddecidedheprobablydidn’tthinkofitthatwayatall.Butifhedidconsideritaweirdsortofdate,shefoundshedidn’tmind.ChapterFourteen
ShesleptinonSaturday,andwhenshefinallywandereddownforcoffee,shesawhergrandmothersittingonthepatiowithaglassoficedtea.
Morgangrabbedamuffin—someonehadmademuffins—tookitandhercoffeeout.
“Oh,feelthatair!Perfect.Nothot,notcold.”Lovingit,Morgansat,bitintothemuffin.“Where’sMom?”
“Sheranintotheshopforacouplehours.Oneofourartistsisbringinginanewjewelryline,andshewantedtogetitpricedandondisplay.Itoldhertogoahead,butIwasgoingtositoutandenjoythefruitsofmygranddaughter’slabors.”
“YouandMomputinsometime.Ilovethosewindchimes.”
“Howdiditgolastnight?”
“I’veneverbeentosuchafancywedding.Wecoulduseeveryflowerweplanted,andeveryperennialyouplantedbefore,doubleit,andstillnothaveasmanyflowersastheyhadinthatballroom.Honestly,itwasbreathtaking.Allofit.Allthosemeninblacktie,andthewomenineveninggowns.Butthebride’sdress—thatwastheshowstopper.”
“Asitshouldbe.”
“Shelookedradiant,fairyprincessradiant.AndafterdrivingDreaandNellcrazyformonths,alsolookedhappyandrelaxed.God,itwassoromantic.Flowers,music,candlelight.Youhavetogivehercreditforknowingexactlywhatshewanted,andtheJamesonsformakingsureshegotit.”
“Andherfather,Iassume,forfootingthebill.”
“Hadtobeawhopper.Imadeoverthreethousandintips.”
“I’msorry,what?”
Withalaugh,Morganliftedherarmstothesky.“Threethousand,twohundredandsixty-sixdollarsinpersonaltips.I’veworkedweddingsbefore,andyoucantakehomeanicechunk,butneveranythinglikethis.”
“MaybeIwentintothewrongbusiness.”
“It’salmostlikegettingpaidforgoingtoaparty.Notquite,becausethosepeoplekeptusbusy.Worthit.Completelyworthit.”
“Obviously,youdidanexceptionaljob.”
“Iliketothinkso.Openbarscangoeitherway.Somepeopletendtotipgenerouslybecausefreedrink,otherpeoplethinkfreedrinkanddon’tbothertotip.Inthiscase,generositywonthenight.”
Shenibbledmoremuffin.“Towardtheend,Milescamein.Iguesshe’smycarwalkeronFridaynights.”Sheshifted.“You’veknownhimalongtime.Haveyouevernoticedhedoesn’treallywearsuits,buthedoes?”
“Idon’tfollow.”
“Well,like…LikeSupermanwearshissuitunderhisclothes—whichisridiculous—buthewearshisSupermansuitunderhiscivilianclothessonobodyseesit.WithMiles,it’stheopposite.It’slikehewearsthisinvisiblebusinesssuitoverhisregularclothes.Likethepowerthing,Gram.Supermanwearsitundersoyoudon’tsee.Mileswearsitover,butit’sinvisible.It’sstillpower.”
“Ican’tsayI’venoticed.”
“Ican’tquitefigurehimout.”
And,sheadmitted,sincehe’dfirstsatattheendofthebar,she’dwantedto.
“IthinkIhavetherestofthem,butIcan’tquitefigurehim.Lastnight,aftertheevent,IwantedtojustcheckAprès.Nick’snotusedtoclosing,andonaFridaynight.”
“Myresponsiblegirl.”
“Iamresponsible.Sowegoin,andI’mdoingmymentalchecklist.Hegetsabottleofwine,asksifIwantadrink.Ithinkwhynot,sowesitdown,haveaglassofwineandanactualconversation.ThenwhenI’mdrivinghome,Ithinkitsortof—weirdly—feltlikeakindofdate.Doyouthinkitwas?”
“It’shardtosay,sinceIwasn’tthere.”Obviouslyintrigued,Oliviaangledherchairalittlecloser.“Werethereadvances?”
“No.No.Nothinglikethat.Itwasjustadrinkandconversation.But,likeIsaid,anactualconversation,whichisn’thisusualmode.Whybartending,andfromme,didyoueverwantanythingbutthefamilybusiness?Youknow,thatexploratorysortofconversationyouhaveonafirstdate.”
“It’sbeenafewdecadessinceIhadafirstdate,butIdoremember.”
“Therewasavibe,eventhoughitwasjustcasualafter-workconversation.”
“He’saveryattractiveyoungman.”
“Sure.They’reallattractive.”
“Andareyouattracted?”
“Physically?I’mastraightwomanandhe’sgorgeous,soofcourse.Hecanbebluntandbroody,andInormallywouldn’tfindthatattractive,butit’soffsetbysomething,Iguess,kind.Hedoesn’tjustwalkmetomycar—somethinghecouldpassofftosomeoneelseevenwhenhe’saround.HewaitsuntilI’vedrivenaway.It’sjustanextraminute,butit’sconsiderate.”
“He’dhavebeenraisedtobeagentleman,torespectandvaluethepeoplewhoworkforhim.He’dgooutwithMicksometimes,hangwithSteveintheshop.”
Olivialookedtowardthewoodshop,tuckedintothetreesatthebackoftheproperty.
She’dgivenhisclothesaway,changedhisoffice,butshe’dneverbeenabletocleanouthiswoodshop.
“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“Milesalwaysstruckmeasanoldsoul.Somethingintheeyes.”
“He’sgotgreateyes.”
“Mm-hmm.Wouldyoubeinterestedifhewas?”
Morganthoughtyes,thenqualified.“Probablynotsmarttogothere,isit?Idoworkforhim.Notdirectly,buthe’soneofthebigbosses.Iguessitwasjustnicetositdownandhaveadrinkwithagood-looking,interestingman.It’sbeenawhile.Areallylongwhile.”
“Youshouldgetout,meetmorepeopleyourage.”
“Oh,Gram,Imeetpeopleallthetime.Comeswiththeterritory.Ijusthaven’tmetanybodyIwanttositdownandhaveadrinkwith.Rightnow?I’mokaywiththat.I’mfeelinglikemeagain,evenwitheverythingthathappened,evenwithcheckingthedamntirepressureeverynight,I’mfeelinglikemeagain.”
GavinRozwell,nowusingthenameCharlesP.Brighton,strolledtheFrenchQuarter.Heenjoyedthenightlife,theidiottourists,theridiculousdrunks,andtheeaseofwalkingfromtheluxuryofhishotelsuitetoshops,restaurants,musicvenues.
Amansuchashimselfcouldblendsoeasilyinthecrowds.
He’dgonebacktoclean-shavenandhadlethishairgrowconsiderably.He’ddyeditastrongredas,inhisexperience,peoplewouldnoticethemaneofredhairandnotmuchelse.
Ifanyoneweretoask,he’dcometoNewOrleanstoresearchhisnovel,toallowhimselftobecomeabsorbedintheculture,theambianceofNewOrleans.
CharlesP.Brightonwasapompousass,anothercharacterRozwellenjoyedplaying.
ButdespitehisappreciationfortheVieuxCarré,andtheamusementofplayingapompousass(withatidytrustfund),hefelt—asCharleswouldsay—considerableennui.
Thelastkill—RIPRobin—hadlefthimoddlydissatisfied.
She’dbeentheperfectmark.Attractive,accommodating,trusting.Withtheloanshe’dtakenoutonherhouse,accessingherbankaccount,whathe’dnettedonherspanking-newHyundai,he’dclearedjustoverseventythousand.
Ithadallbeensoeasy.
Tooeasy,hethoughtnow,strollingwithhistakeawayrumpunch.Nochallengewhatsoevertoplayawomansoeagertostartarelationship.AndinRobin’scase,shehadn’thadclosefriends.Thesister,yes,buttheyhadn’tlivedineachother’spockets.
She’dbeenprimeforhisskills,Robinhad,andturnedintoadisappointment.
She’dnearlyboredhimbrainlesswithherdelightinhisattention.Whilehe’dbeenhappytokillher—atlast—there’dbeennocrescendo,norush.
Itwasn’tonlyaboutthemoney,afterall.Themoneyprovidedthelifestylehewantedanddeserved.Butthekill?Thekillbroughthimtothebuzz,thebang.Itofferedthegloryhecouldliveonforweeks,evenmonthsafter.
ButnotRobin.
AndnotwithMorganAlbright’sridiculousroommate.
Heneededthatbuzz,thatbang,thatfuckingcrescendo.
Hedeservedit.
Twowomenwalkedbyhim.Young,theoneontheleftabitheavyintheassforhistaste.Tinyshorts,tinycroptops—askingforit,noquestion.Adddrunkenlaughter.
Hecouldhavekilledthemboth,soeasilyreally.Followthemintothenextbar,strikeupaconversation,payfortheirdrinks.
Entertainingtheidea,hekeptaneyeonthem.Itwouldn’ttakemuch,hemused.Lurethemuptohishotelsuite.Womenthoughttheyhadsafetyinnumbers.Easytoroofiethembothifhehadto.OrjustdisableFatAss,thenplaywiththebrunetteawhile.
Sinceitgavehimamuch-neededlifttoimagineit,hetossedtherumpunchandslippedintoahole-in-the-wallbehindthem.
Acrowdedhole-in-the-wallwherethebeerrancoldandthezydecohot.Peoplerubbedasses,womenshooktheirtitsonadancefloorthesizeofasilverdollar.
Sincetheystoodtwodeepatthebar,hehadtimetostudythem.
FatAsshadthebetterface,andblondhairifheignoredthesolidinchofblackroots.Butthebrunettehadthelonger,slimmerbuildhepreferred.
Mashthemtogether,hethought,notingthewomenorderedginfizzes,andgetonewinner.Andwouldn’thousekeepinggetashockinthemorning?
Hestartedtostepupbehindthem.Makethatthree!he’dsay.
Boredomdidn’texcusestupidity,heremindedhimself.Hecouldkillthem—ohyes,hecouldseeexactlyhowhe’ddoit—butthenhe’dhavetopack,leavethehotel,leaveNewOrleans,andwithonlywhattheseslutshadintheirpockets.
Nothowheplayedthegame.
Hewanderedout,butsincehecouldn’tgettheideaoutofhismind,stoppedandboughtaballcap,aNewOrleansSaintsT-shirt,andapairofgoofysunglasses.
Maybemixingupthegamewouldpullhimoutofhisslump.
Withhishairpiledunderthecap,theT-shirtlayeredoverhisown,andthesunglassesinplace,hewalkedbackintothehole-in-the-wall.
FatAssshookitonthedancefloor.Thebrunettegiggledwithacoupleofcollege-boytypesatthebar.
He’djustorderabeer,seeifopportunityknocked.
Beforehecould,itknockedloudandclearwhenFatAssheadedtowardtheback
Maybetopee,maybetopuke,buteitherwayitlookedlikedivideandconquertimetohim.
Hegaveitacountoftenbeforehefollowedherback.
Plentyofpeoplecrowdedonthedancefloor,plentyofothersmassedatthebaroratthetables.Themusicpoundedagainstthewalls.
Inhismind,hepracticedtheslurredOops,wrongdoorifhefoundanyoneelseinthebathroom
Themusicmaskedhisentrance.Noonestoodatthesingle,wall-hungsink.Onlyonepairoffeetshowedunderthestingytwostalls.
Opportunityknockedagain,andlouder.
Hedidn’tseeanypointinignoringit
Helockedthedoorbehindhim.
Risky,definitelyrisky,butheneededthatbuzz,thatbang.
Theinstantheheardtheslideofthestalllock,hemoved.
Hereyespoppedwhenhepushedinthedoor.Big,almostbeautifulbrowneyesthatglazedoverwhenhesmashedhisfistintoherface.
Shebarelymadeasoundasshesliddown,andhewentdownwithher,closedhishandsoverherthroat.
“Lookatme,FatAss.Iwanttowatchthelightsgoout.”
Toodrunk,toodazedfromtheblowtoputupmuchofafight,shejustbattedherhandsathim,gurgledwhileaCajunaccordionwentintoalong,hotriffthatpulsedagainstthebathroomwalls.
Hewatchedherdie,waitedforthatbuzz.Andwhenhefeltnomorethanafainttingleofsatisfaction,hepunchedheragain.
“Bitch.”Heslammedherheadagainstthesideofthestallashepulledoffthesmall,cross-bodybagshewore.
Hetuckeditintothebackofhiswaistbandandleftheronthefloorofthestall.Whenhewentoutagain,themusicstillpumped,peoplecontinuedtodance,andthebrunettecackledatsomethingthecollege-boytypessaid.
Hewantedtokillher,too,justforbeingthere,forhavingtherightbodybutthewronghaircolor.
Aftertossingthesunglasses,hewalkedanotherblock,pulledoffthecap,letitlandonthesidewalkwhereheassumedsomeonewouldgrabitup.
Ashewalked,heimaginedthescreams,thechaoswhenthenextwomansteppedintothathole-in-the-wall’sbathroom.That,atleast,gavehimalittlesatisfaction.Andwouldn’tthebrunettefeelguilty?Flirtingwithdrunksatthebarwhileherfriendgotherselfmurdered.
Moresatisfaction.
Hedecidedtheefforthadn’tbeenwasted.Tryingnewthingsneverhurt.He’dkilledsomeoneinapublicplace,sopointsforhim.
Obviously,heneededtopickanothertarget.Hehadotherchoices,andselectingBoringRobinfromthemjusthadn’tdonethejob.
Morganwould,noquestionofthat.
Butnotyet,hethoughtashewalkedbackintohishotel.
Becausewhenherturncamearoundagain,hehadtomakeitvery,veryspecial.
InthebloomingtimeofMay,Morgan’sbudgetspreadsheetlookedmorepromising.Maybe,shethought,lifeingenerallookedmorepromising.Agoodjobwithgoodtipsprovidedherwithmorefreetimethanshe’denjoyedinthepreviousdecade.
Sheputittogooduse.
Whensheheardherladiestalkaboutupdatingthepowderroom,shetookalookatitherself.Somemeasurements,atriptothehardwarestore,andafewhours’workwouldhandleit.
Shehadnearlyallthefinishingtouchesinplacewhentheygothome.
“Morgan,we’rehome!Whataday,”Audreycontinued.“Awine-with-dinnersortofday.”
Morgansteppedbackfromstraighteningouttheprintsshe’dhungandpickedupthegardentubshe’dusedasamakeshifttoolbox.
“Doyouhavetimetoeatbeforeyou—”Asshepassedbytheopenpowderroomdoor,Audreystopped,stared,andactuallyletoutalittlesqueal.“What—Howdidyou—OhmyGod,Mom,comeseethis.”
“Seewhat?Ineedtogetthesedamnshoesoff.”
Thenshe,too,stoppedatthedoorway.Afteralongblink,shefoldedherarms.“Well,well,”shesaid.
“Okay,Iknowyouplannedtocallyourhandyguys,pickoutanewsink,updatethefixtures,paint,andsoon,butit’sareallysmalljob,andthesink’sgreat.”
Sheranahandovertheold-fashionedwhiteporcelain.
“Thechromelegsweredated,andthefixtures.Ithoughtpaintingthelegsmatteblack,gettingthenewfaucetinthesamefinishshoweditoff.Andwiththewallsthisfreshblushcolor,it’slikealittlegirlydrama,especiallywiththebitofblingonthenewlight,andthisoldmirrorIfoundintheattic.You’vegotalotofgreatstuffupthere.”
“IboughtthatmirrorbeforeAudreywasborn,”Oliviamurmured.
“Andit’sgreat,justneededsomecleaningup.Andpaintingtheframeblacktiesitin.Acoupleofnewguesttowelsontheblackbarforfresh.IstoleoneofyourAfricanvioletsforthewindowsill,pickedupanewshadeforthelight.Thefringeislikebling.Igottheprettysoapsandthetwoprintsfromtheshop.Thelittlerug’sfromthefleamarket,butIthoughtthefactit’sfadedsomeaddedcharacter.”
Concernedshe’dgonetoofar,Morganshiftedthegardentub.“Anyway,ifitdoesn’tworkforyou,youcanstillcallthehandyguys.”
“Iloveit.Mom,lookhowthesesweetflowerprintspickupthepinkandblack.It’salladorable.Classy,justalittlegirly,andadorable.Wheredidyoulearntoinstallfaucets?”
“IlearnedalotatmydayjobinMaryland.”
“Itwasalreadyinthere.”Armsstillfolded,Oliviastudiedthewalls.“Gotitfromyourgrandfather.It’snotwhatIimagined,andIthoughtthatsinkhadseenitslastdays.”
“It’sawonderfulpiece.”
“Itisnow.It’snotwhatIimagined.It’sbetter.Now,Iwanttoknowwhatyouspentonallthis.”
“Ilivehere,too.Iusethisbathroom.AndIenjoyedeveryminuteoffixingitup.”
“It’sagift,Mom.”Audreyputahandonhermother’sshoulder.“Someonealwaystoldmetobegraciouswhenofferedagift.”
“Bitinthebuttbymyownwords.Thankyou,Morgan.Yourgrandfather’stoolboxisupinthewoodshop.Yougetthat,anduseit.”
“Iwill.”
“Nexttimewegetideasaboutbuffingsomethinguparoundhere,we’recomingtoyoufirst.Nowweneedtoseeaboutmakingsomefood.AndI’mwithyou,Audrey,onthewine.”
“I’llskipthewine,butI’lltakethefood.I’mstarving.Ijustneedtoputthetoolsawayandchangeforwork.”
AfterMorgandashedaway,Audreytookonemorelook.“Likethegarden,Ihadnoideashecoulddosomethinglikethis.”
“Butareyousurprised?”
“No,I’mnot.Itmadehersohappy,”shecontinuedastheywalkedtothekitchen.“Notjustourreactions,butfiguringitout,doingit.Sheneedstopayyouback,Mom.Youneedtolether.”
“Iknow.Itgratesabit,butIknow.Howaboutchickenandricewithanicesalad?”
“Soundsgood.”Audreywenttothepantryfortherice.“Idon’tknowmydaughteraswellasIshould.”
“TherewasatimeIdidn’tknowmineaswellasIshould.Wefixedit.You’llfixthis.”
“IhopeIwill.Rightnowit’senoughshe’shereandhappy.Afteryogatheotherday?Dreathankedmeforraisingsuchasmart,capabledaughter.AllIcouldthinkwasIhadsolittletodowithit.”
“You’rewrongaboutthat,Audrey,andwhenyoufixit,you’llknowthat.”
AsMayrolledintoJune,Morganswitchedfromlavendertoapricotwithapricotcoladasandapricottea—hotorcold.Withherprobationaryperiodbehindher,andAprèsopenforoutdoorseating,shedugindeeper.
Afterformulatingherideas,shewenttoNell.
Shefoundhersupervisorleavingheroffice.
“Iguessyoudon’thaveaminute.”
“Ihaveafewofthemifyoucanwalkandtalk.IneedtocheckonthesetupforaneventinthePresidential.”
“Cocktailpartyforfifty.Loren’sworkingthebar.MarisolandKevinserving.”
“Youkeepup.Wine,beer,softdrinks,hotandcoldhorsd’oeuvres,andaselectionofminidesserts.”Afterpressingthebuttonfortheelevator,NellsignaledforMorgantocomeahead,steppedin,tappedhercardonthepadtoaccesstheClubLevel.“What’sonyourmind?”
“Theseasonalhiresareworkingoutwell.Opalwhippedthenewwaitstaffintoshapefast.”
“Shewould.”
“Startingthere,I’dliketorecommendherforabonus.Sheputalotoftimeandeffortintotrainingthenewhires,andit’spaidoff.Ihaveadetailedreporttosendyou.”
“Dothat.”Nellsteppedoff,turnedleft.
“Iloveituphere.Rusticelegance.Thehighceilingsandbeams,thewarmcolors,theuseofAmericanantiquesandart.AndtheLoungeisreallywelcoming.Thefireplace,theflowers,thesit-and-stay-awhilefurnishings.”
“Wethinkso,too.”Attheendofthehall,shetappedhercardonthepadonasetofdoubledoors.
“Okay,wow.I’veneverbeeninhere.Prettypresidential.”
Thegenerousfoyer,paperedinadreamyblue,heldarusticbench.Ahunttabledisplayedflowers,candles,withtwohigh-backedchairsflankingit.Shesawabedroomontherightwithabedfloatingunderafluffywhiteduvet,andpillowsmassedagainsttheheadboardupholsteredindull,classygold.
Thefoyeropenedintoalivingareaspaciousenoughforapairofsofasandalongdiningtabledrapedinwhiteandholdingseveralwarmingstations.Theportablebaralreadynestledintothecorner.
Butthestaroftheshowshinedinthewallofwindowsanddoorsthatopenedtoaterraceandthestunningviewbeyond.
Thelake,dottedwithkayaksandcanoes,shinedblueagainstthegreenofrisinghills,theroundedpeaksofthemountains.
“I’veseenthephotosonline,butyoucan’tcapturethis.”
“Twobedrooms,twoandahalfbaths.Whatwethinkofasabutler’spantrywecanstockwithsnacksandbeveragesattheguest’srequest.Orwhenbookedforaparty,likethis,aplaceforthecateringstafftostowdishesandtraysandsoon.”
“It’sbeautiful,andstilldoesn’tfeelstiffandformal.”
“Webattledtheinteriordesignertogetourway.Wewon.WhatelsecanIdoforyou?”
“Sorry,distractedanddazzled.I’dliketotrainoneofthenewhiresasabartender.BaileyMyerson,she’salocal,workingherwaythroughgradschool.She’sanexcellentserver,andshe’sexpressedinterestinlearning.Withtheadditionalseasonalseating,wecouldusesomeonewho’swillingtoshiftwhereandwhennecessary.”
“DidyouaskOpal?”
“Iwantedtorunitbyyoufirst.”
“Andyouhaveadetailedreportalreadywritten.”
“Ido.”
“Sendit.TellOpalI’dlikeherinputaswe’reconsideringit.”
“Allright.Last,I’dliketopromoteNicktoassistantmanagerwiththeappropriateraiseinsalary.Hedeservesit,Nell.Itwouldn’tmeanextrahours.HealreadystandsinasassistantmanagerwhenI’mnotthere,andisready,everyshiftchange,tofillmeinonanyissuesandorderingneeds,andisalwayswillingtopinch-hitwhenweneedhim.”
“Inhisquarterlyevaluations,DonindicatedNickhadanexcellentworkethic,wasateamplayer,handledhisjobwithskill,butlackedmanagerialskillandabilities.”
“Idisagree.”
“SodidI,whichiswhyweofferedNickyourposition.Whatmakesyouthinkhe’dtakethisone?”
“Becausehe’salreadydoingeverythingI’dwantinanassistantmanager,andifatanypointIneededmore,he’dgiveit.Whathe’slackingisthetitleandthepaygrade.”
“Itwouldbeasalariedpositionratherthanhourly.”
“Andhe’dmakemorethanheisnowifcompensatedappropriately,whichIbelieveyou’dseeto.He’dmakewhathedeserves.”
“Sendmeyourreport.Butler’spantry,”Nellinstructedascateringstaffrolledinatableholdingwine,andbeeralreadyonice.“Askhim.Sinceweofferedhimyourjob,we’llcertainlyapproveofthisifhewantstheposition.Askhim,andifhedoes,tellhimtocontactmesowecandiscuss.”
“Thanks.I’vegotaboutfifteenminutesbeforeI’monifyouneedanyhelpwiththesetup.”
“It’sokay,”Nelltoldherasanothertableholdingglasswarerolledin.“I’vegotit.Halfbehindthebar,halfinthebutler’spantry.”
Satisfied,MorganusedherphonetosendthereportsassheheadeddowntoAprès.
Nickgreetedherwithhisusualgrin.“Theresheis!We’rekillingitwiththepatioseating.Whowouldn’twanttositoutsideonadaylikethis?Andourapricotcoladajusthitnumberoneonthecocktaillist.”
“Really?”
“You’regoingtoneedtoordermorepuree.”
Hefilledmoreorderswhenshesteppedbehindthebar,checkedthenight’sscheduleandinventory.
Shewaitedforalull.“TheJamesonsaregoingtoofferyoutheassistantmanagerposition,withasalarycommensuratetothejob.”
“What?Wait.Theyalreadyhaveyou.”
“Andtheyhaveyou,andvalueyou.You’realreadydoingthejob,Nick.It’stimeyou’recompensatedforit.Itwon’taddtoyourhours,butitwillbesalariedratherthanhourly.I’verecommendedthatsalary,basedonyourexperience,yourskill,andwhatothersinthepositionareoffered.”
Whenshenamedit,shelefthimlongenoughtoservethenexttwoguests.
“WhywouldtheygivemethatmuchmorefordoingwhatI’malreadydoing?”
“Forthesamereasonyou’veworkedhereforyears.Gohome,thinkaboutit,talkitoverwithCorrine.Ifyouwanttopursueit,contactNellanddiscusstermsanddetails.”
“YouwenttoNelltosayallthis?”
“That’spartofmyjob,likeit’llbepartofyourstotellmeifI’mmissingsomething.”
Hewalkedover,kissedhercheek.“Thanks.Imeanit.Whateverwedecide,Imeanit.”
He’dtakeit,shethoughtasheclockedout.She’dmethiswife—andtheiradorablebaby—andknewCorrinewasasensiblewoman.
Sheconsideredthatdutycheckedoff,thenwatchedOpalonthefloor.Hopefullyshe’dcheckoffthenextwithouttoomuchresistance.ChapterFifteen
Whenshehitanotherlull—MorgancreditedthepartyinthePresidentialandthedinnerhour—shecalledoveroneofthemoreexperiencedservers.
“I’mtakingabreak.”
“Younevertakeabreak.”
“I’mtakingone.Coverthebar,watchyourownsection.Tenminutes.Thingsareslowrightnow.”
Shewentouttothefloor,tappedOpal’sshoulder.“Ineedyouforafewminutes.”
“DoIlooklikeIhaveafewminutes?”
“Yes.Suzanne,coverOpal’ssection.Tenminutes.”
ThoughshefollowedMorganout,shegrumbledaboutit.“Ineedtokeepaneyeonthenewhires.Thepatio’sfull.”
“Yes,butthefloorandthebararen’t.”Shewentoutside,keptgoinguntiltheywereoutofeye-andearshot.“IwanttotalktoyouaboutBailey.”
Opalwentimmediatelyonthedefensive,handsonhips,eyeshotunderbowl-cutbangs.
“She’sdoingfine.Ifyou’vegotaproblem—”
“She’sdoingmorethanfine.Iwanttotrainheronthebar.”
“Ibarelygothertrainedtherightwayasaserver.Ican’tspareher.Yououghtaknowthatifyouknowhowtomanage.”
“Idoknowhowtomanage,andwecandiscussyourproblemswithmeanothertime.”
Andsincetherewereproblems,Morganthought,theyneededtobedealtwith.
“Icancomeinbeforeshiftanydayyoulikeandwe’llsitdownonthat.Meanwhile,Icanuseanotheron-callbartender,andIseeBaileyassomeonewiththeabilityandtheenergytocoverthebarandthetables,asneeded.Itwouldgiveherasmallpayraiseandanotherskillset.Nellwantsyourinput.”
ThehandsonOpal’shipsballedintofists.“Youwentovermyhead?”
“No,Iwenttomydirectsupervisortomakethisrecommendation.That’smyjob.Youheadupthefloor,sonowourbosswantsyourinput.Baileywantstolearn.Iwanttogivehertheopportunity.Ifyoucan’tspareherandshe’swilling,Icantrainheronherdaysoff.We’llcoordinatetheschedule.”
“Couldbethegirlhasalife.”
“Ifitdoesn’tsuither,shecansayno.Askheryourself.”
NowOpalfoldedherarms.“Shesaysno,thenyouwriteinherevalhowshe’suncooperativeandlacksambition.”
“WhythehellwouldIdothat?JesusChrist,Opal.”
“Don’tyouswearatme.”
Screwthat,Morganthought.Justscrewthat.
“Don’tyouaccusemeofunderminingoneoftheteam.Ifshedoesn’twantthetraining,shesaysthanksbutnothanks,andthat’stheendofit.It’sherchoice.Putuproadblocksifthat’showyoufeelaboutit,butdon’tpointfingersatme.
“Pickaday,halfhourbeforeshift.Weneedtohavethisout.”
“Idomyjob.”
“Youdo.Ifwecan’tresolvethis,we’llbothkeepdoingourjobsandrubbingeachotherthewrongway.Icanlivewiththat.BesuretogiveNellyourinputonBailey.”
Morganwalkedbackin,tookoverthebar,andtriednottosteam.
Inabouttenminutes,Baileycameuptothebar.
“Opalsaidsincewe’reslowrightnowyoumighthavetimetoworkwithme.”
“Sure.”SatisfiedOpalhadn’tputupthoseroadblocks,MorgangesturedBaileyback.“Untilyou’reneededbackonthefloor,you’regoingtobackbar.Assist,”Morganexplained.“Keeptheicewellfull,prepgarnishes,replacebottles,clearandreplaceglassware.Rightnow,thestoolsareempty,soit’stableservice.It’swellbartending,andforthatyouneedgoodcommunicationskillswiththeservers.”
“Igetthat.”
“Backhere,it’sclean,sanitary,organized,andcalm—evenwhenthingsgetrushedandyoufallbehind,youneedcalm.Ifyoustayorganized,thecalmwon’tbesohardtofind.Afteryouuseabottle,putitbackwhereitgoes.Everytime,whetherit’spremiumoronthespeedrack.”
Shegesturedunderthebar.“Unlessacustomercallsthebrandorlabelorspecificmixer,theseareyourcommongo-tos.Thetwowomenjustcomingin?They’reoldfriendstakingafewdays.They’regoingtotakestools.”
Whentheydid,Morganmovedtogreetthem.“Howwerethemassages?”
“Heavenly.”Theoneontheleft—aboutfifty,red-framedglasses,blondhairinamessytail—sighed.“I’msurprisedeitherofuscansitupright.”
Hercompanion—darkmopofcurlyhair,sleepybrowneyes—laughed.“Butwe’llmanage,becausewe’retoppingthingsoffwiththosedeliciousapricotcoladas.”
“Gotyoucovered.Chargetoyourroom?”
“Please.”
MorgannoddedapprovalwhenBaileyhandedheradishofbarsnacks.“Weusebrandysniftersforthese,”shetoldBaileyassheaddedicetotheblender.“Buildandblend.Apricothalvesinheavysyrup.Pineapplejuiceconcentrate,coconutmilk,rum,andlightcrèmedecacao.”
“Youdidn’tmeasureanyofit.”
“Idid,butbyeyeandcount.”Shehittheswitch.
“Lovethatsound,”thebrunettesaid.“Prettyquietinheretonight.”
“Midweekquiet,andaprivatepartyontheClubLevel.”
“Andtheydidn’tinviteus,”theblondesaid.
“Theirloss,ourgain.”
Morganpouredthedrinksintothesnifters,garnishedeachwithasliceofpineapple.“Enjoy.”
Quickontheuptake,Baileywashedtheblender.“Igetthebyeye,butnotthebycountwhenyou’repouring.”
“Iuseafour-count.Withmypours,foursecondsanounce.Youshouldtakehomeoneoftheempties,andyoucanborrowajigger.Usewater.Measureitfirst,anounce,ounceandahalf,twoouncesintoaglass.Useanotherglasstopracticeyourfreepour.Byeyeandcount.”
“Likeone-Mississippi,two-Mississippi.”
“That’sit.You’vegotpeopleskillsfromserving.They’renotmuchdifferentbehindthestick,butyouneedtostudy,getfamiliarwithdifferenttypesofalcohol,differentkindsofdrinks,andbasiclingo.”
“Iknowsomeofitjustfromserving.”
“You’llpickuptherest.Ifyouhaveaquestion,ask.”
“Ihaveone.Howdidyouknowthey’dsitatthebar?”
“Theywereinlastnightandtoldmetheylikedtositatthebarbecauseyoucanmeetinterestingpeople.”
Theyfilledtableorders,withMorgantalkingBaileythroughtheprocess.
Aquickstudy,Morganthoughtagain,andhadtostopherselffromheringrainedhabitofbackbarringasshewent.
ShecaughtaglimpseofLiaminthearchwaywithawomanwhohadaboutayardofredhairandwhatlookedlikebarelyayardofblackdress.
AndheardBailey’smumbled,“Shit.”
Sheglancedover.“Problem?”
“No.I—Iknowher,theonecominginwithLiamJameson.Wewenttohighschooltogether.”
“Letmeguess.Meangirl.”
“OhGod,somuchmeaninthatgirl.AtleastIknowIwon’tbeworkinghertable.”
“Calm,”Morganremindedher.“They’llcometothebarfirst,givemeanorder,thenmovetoatable.That’sLiam’sway.”
Theydidjustthat.
“Hey,Morgan,how’sitgoing?”
“Movingrightalong.It’llprobablystartmovingfastersoon.Thepartyupstairsshouldbebreakingup.Whatcanwegetyou?”
“What’llyouhave,Jessica?”
“Averydrymartini,HangerOneandCarpanoBianco,threeolives.Ipreferpicholineolives.”
Automatically,Morganchilledamartiniglass.
“Soundstoosophisticatedforme,”Liamdecided.“I’llstickwiththeusual.”
“We’llhavethesesenttoyourtable.Insideorouttonight?”
Beforehecouldspeak,Jessicaletoutalittlelaugh.“Bailey?BaileyMyerson?Ialmostdidn’trecognizeyouwithwhatyou’vedonetoyourhair.You’rebartendingnow?”
“Hello,Jessica.It’sbeenawhile.”
“Itreallyhas.BaileyandIwenttohighschooltogether.”AsshelookedupatLiam,Jessicaslidherarmthroughhis.“SoyoumovedbacktoWestridge?”
“Forthesummer.”
“I’mjustvisitingfortheweek.IliveinNewYorknow.Wereallyshouldcatchup,shouldn’twe,whenyou’renotworking.Weshouldgetthattable,Liam,andletthemgetbacktowork.”
“Sure.Seeyoulater.”
“We’regoingtomakeheraperfectmartini,”Morganbegan,“eventhoughwedon’tlikeher.”
WhileshehadBaileydrawLiam’sdraft,shedemonstrated.
“I’lltakethedrinksout.”Baileyliftedthetray.“Highschool’sover,andI’mabiggirlnow.”
Withinthehour,thingsstartedtopickup,aspredicted.OpalsentwordsheneededBaileybackonthefloorinfifteen.
“Ilearnedsomuchalready.Thanks,Morgan.”
“Anytime.Imeanit.”
Liamslid,solo,ontoastool.
“Anotherround?”
“No,justaCoke.I’mheadinghomesoon.”
“Andyourdate?”
“Notadate,justadrink.Bytheway,Bailey,Ilikeyourhair.”
“Oh.”Flustered,shebrushedatit.“Thanks.I’vegottogetbacktomystation.”
“Takeyourbreakfirst.You’vestillgottencoming.”
“She’snotworkingthebar?”LiamaskedwhenBaileyhurriedoff.
“Training.Bailey’sasummerhire,ingradschool.Youdidn’tgotohighschoolwithher?”
“WewenttoLincoln—differentdistricts.OneofmyfriendsdatedJessicabackthenforawhile,soIknewheralittle.Weranintoeachotherintownearliertoday.”HeliftedhisCoke,rolledhiseyes.“Somepeoplejustdon’tchange.Ilikecats,butnotthetwo-leggedones.”
Nowhewinced.“Thatwasprobablyreallysexist.”
“Inthiscase,yougetapass.How’dshelikeherdrink?”
“Shesaiditwasfine,thewayyousay‘fine’whenyou’retoleratingsomethingsubstandard.Before,whenBaileybroughtthedrinksout,sheneedledher.Youknow?”Withhisthumbandforefingertogether,hetwistedthemsharply.“AndBaileyjustsmiledandsaid,like,itwassointerestingtocomehomeforthesummerandrunintosomeonefromhighschoolwhohadn’tchangedabit.Allsmiles,butitwasn’tacompliment.”
“Goodforher.Awkwardforyou.”
“Kindoffascinatingreally.”
“I’dsayyoucouldchalkthisuptoafortunateescape.”
“Youdon’thavetotellmetwice.”
Shekeptaneasyconversationwithhim,andanotherwiththegroupmid-bar,filledorders,watchedthefloor.
“Youknow,”Liamsaidtoherwhensheworkedherwaydowntohimagain,“Ididthebackbarthingoneschoolbreak.”
“Didyou?”
“LawoftheJamesonLand.Youputtimein,ineverycapacity,soyouknowhoweverythingruns.Orshould.I’mprettysureIsuckedatit.”
“Idoubtthat.”
“Icouldn’tdowhatyoudo.I’msittingherewatchingyoudoit,andcan’tfigureouthowyoudoit.”
Sheleanedtowardhim.“Ican’tski.”
“Icouldfixthatnextseason.”
“Youwillneverhavethechance.Weirdbootsstucktoacoupleofskinnyboards,ahillofsnow?Hardpass.”
“Nowyou’vemadeitachallenge.”Hestood,laidsomecashonthebar.“Iloveachallenge.Seeyoulater.”
“Haveagoodnight.”
Rightbeforeclosing,Opalmarcheduptothebar.“Tomorrow,halfhourbeforeshift.”
“Allright.Let’smeetinthewinecellar.It’sprivate.”
“Fine.”
Reallyangry,Morgannoted.Butatleast—hopefully—she’dsoonfindoutwhy.
ShearrangedherdaytomakethemorningmeetingwithenoughtimetoswingintoCraftyArtsforanearlylookatthephotosforashowherladieshadbookedfortheweekend.Beforesheleft,shebroughtinthemailandsorteditintopiles.
Thoughsheassumedshe’dfindasolicitationfromtheoneaddressedtoherfromacreditcardcompany,sheopeneditandpreparedtotossitintotherecyclingbin.
Thenstood,staredasherskinrancold,thenhot.
Threethousand,two-hundredeighty-sixdollarsandtwenty-eightcents.Onacardshedidn’tpossessforpurchasesshehadn’tmade,intwostoresinNewOrleans,whereshe’dneverbeen.
Everythinginsideherbegantoshake.Herthroatslammedshut;herlungsshutdown.Foraterriblemoment,hervisionwentgray.Shedidn’tfeelherselfsliding,butendeduponthekitchenfloor,clutchingthebill,whileherearsrang.
Sheclawedherwayup,stumbledovertothesink,leaningoverituntilthenauseapassedenoughforhertosplashcoldwateronherface.
Stilltrembling,shemanagedtogettoacounterstoolandsit.Thenjustloweredherheadtothecounteruntilshecouldbreatheagain,couldthinkagain.
Pullingoutherphone,shescrolledthroughhercontacts,calledSpecialAgentBeck.
“He’s—he’sinNewOrleans.Orhewas.”
“Morgan.”
“I—he—gotanothercreditcardinmyname.MorganNashAlbright.Heusedmymiddlenamewithitthistime.Igotthebillinthemail.Over—overthreethousanddollars.”
“Morgan,Ineedyoutostaycalm.”
“Ican’t.”
“Staycalm.Iwantyoutotextmethebill.Takeaphotowithyourphoneandtextittome.We’regoingtosendsomeonetopickupthehardcopyfromyou,sodon’tdestroyit.Buttextmeacopy.Canyoudothat?”
“Yes.”
“Areyoutakingtheprecautionswediscussed?”
“Yes.”
“Good.Morgan,Iknowthisisupsetting.”
“Upsetting.”Shehadtopressahandtohermouthtomuffleaquick,hystericallaugh.
“ButIwantyoutohearme.Thisisanothermistake.He’stelegraphedwhereheis,ormorelikelywas.He’sgivenusawaytotrackhim.”
“Doyouthinkhe’scominghere?”
“Heknewyou’dgetthisbill,andhe’dknowwhenyou’dgetit,withinadayortwoofwhen.Itwouldn’tmakesenseforhimtocometherenow.Hewantsyoutobeafraid,upset,confused.Heneedstobelievehe’sinthefrontofyourmind.”
Sheclosedhereyes.“ThewayIaminhis.That’swhatyou’renotsaying.”
“Ifyouare,it’scausinghimtomakethesemistakes,taketheseunnecessaryrisks.Wecancometoyouifyouneedusto.”
“No,no.Findhim.”
“We’reworkingonit.Ipromiseyou.Sendmethetext.”
“Allright.I’llsenditnow.I—Ihavetogotoworksoon.Ifsomeone’scomingtogetthisbill,theyneedtocometomywork.”
“We’llarrangethat.Ifwehaveanynewinformation,we’llbeintouch.That’sanotherpromise.”
Shesentthetext,thenmadeherselfwalktohergrandmother’sofficeforamanillaenvelope.Shesealedthebillinside,tuckeditinherbag.
Insteadofgoingintotheshop,shedroveaimlesslyuntilshefeltascalmasshecouldmanage.
Asaresult,shewasafewminuteslateforhermeetingwithOpal.
“Mytime’sasvaluableasyours.”
“Iapologize.”Sheofferednoexcusesastheystoodfacingeachotherinthecoolairofthewinecellar.
Opal’seyesnarrowedasshestudiedMorgan’sface.“Areyousickorsomething?”
“I’mfine.Youhavespecificcomplaints.Thisisthetimetocommunicatethem.”
“Oh,I’llcommunicatethem.IfyourgrandmotherandLydiaJamesondidn’tgoback,youwouldn’thavethisjob.”
“You’reprobablyright.”
“Noprobablyaboutit.TheJamesonstendtopromotefromwithin,butnotthistime.You’renottheonlyoneontheresortwhocanmixdrinks.Andyou’reslowatitbecauseyou’resobusyflirtingwitheverymanwhowalksin,comingontothem,especiallytheJamesonmen.It’sdisgraceful,anditreflectsonallofus.”
“‘Flirting’?‘Comingonto’?Forfuck’ssake.”
“Don’tyouswearatme.”
“Oh,fuckthat,too.Reportme.You’restandingtherecallingmethenextthingtoaslut.”
“Ifitfits.IsawyouwithLiamjustlastnight,andyou’resuredoingwhateveryoucantosnuggleuptoMiles.Havinghimwalkyououttoyourcarafterclosing.Itwouldn’tsurprisemeifyou’dtrygivingNellarollifyouthoughtitwouldgetyouahead.”
Morganletoutalaughatthat,couldn’thelpit.“I’llhavetotuckthatoneintomybackpocketifIcan’tworkoutathree-waywithMilesandLiam.”
HotcolorspreadoverOpal’sface.“Shameonyou.”
“No,shameonyouandthegutteryourmindlivesin.Iengagewiththeguests—andtheJamesons—asIreadthem.Maleorfemale.It’spartofmyjob.IwasnotflirtingwithLiamlastnight.Wewerehavingaconversation,andonethatmostlycenteredaroundBailey.”
“Afteryousentherouttheretowaitonthatbitch.”
“Ididnotsendheroutthere.Shewantedtogooutthereandsheheldherown.Justlikesheheldherownatbackbarring.SomethingLiamsawandappreciated,soifhedidn’tnoticeherskillsbefore,hewillnow.”
“Ishegoingtostartwalkingyououtafterclosingnow?Maybeyoufiguretopitonebrotheragainsttheother,playingdefenselesswoman.‘Oh,somethingbadhappenedtome,protectme.’”
Genuinelyshocked,Morgantookastepback.“Yes,somethingbadhappenedtome.Alotworsehappenedtomyclosestfriend.She’ddead.Hebeatherhalftodeath,thenstrangledher.Shewastwenty-sixyearsold.”
AfreshflushworkedupOpal’scheeks.“I’msorryaboutwhathappenedtoher,but—”
“There’snobut.There’snogoddamnbut.Ifshehadn’tcaughtaspringcoldandruinedhisplans,I’dprobablybedead.Hewantsmedead.Hewantstokillme.”
“Soyousay,and—”
“SoIsay.SotheFBIagentssay.Sowouldthewomanhekilledafewweeksagosayifshecould,sinceheleftthelocket—mygrandmother’slocket—hestolefrommeonherdeadbody.”
Itjusteruptedoutofhernow,everythinglockedinsideerupted,hotashellfire.
“Youthinkthisisagametome?SomesortofgamewhereIuseittogettheJamesonsto,what,feelsorryforme?I’mgoingtowarnyouonce,andonlyonce,whateverproblemsyouhavewithme,youleavethisoutofit.Youleavethisthehellalone.”
“Everybody’sgothardships.Itdoesn’tmeanyougethiredoutoftheblue,getspecialtreatment.Anditdoesn’tgiveyoutherighttomaketimewithanotherwoman’shusband.”
“Ihaven’tbeenmakingtimewithanyone.Andifyou’retalkingaboutyourversionofflirtingwithMilesorLiam,they’renotmarried.”
“Nickis.”
“Oh,for—Evenyouhavetoknowthat’sjustridiculous.AndnowI’llaskifyou’requestioningtheJamesons’judgmentortheirrighttohirestaffastheyseefit?”
“No,butI’vegotarighttomyopinion.”
“Whichyou’vegiven.Asyouholdsuchalowopinionofme,I’llagainoffertoswitchyoutodaysifyou’dprefer.”
“No.”
“Allright,thenwe’lljusthavetokeeprubbingeachotherthewrongway.”
She’ddealtwithworse,Morganthought.Shewasdealingwithworse.
“Iwon’tchangewhoIamorhowIworktosuityoursetofstandards.Asyourmanager,I’msorrywecan’tresolvethisinamoreproductiveway,butaslongaswebothdoourjobswell,we’lljustdeal.Asawoman,I’mgoingtotellyoutomindyourowndamnbusiness
“Now,isthereanythingelse?”
“I’vegotnothingmoretosay.”
“Okaythen.Let’sgettowork.”
Shewentuptoasolidearlyeveningcrowd.Partofherrelaxedinthefamiliarasshewalkedbehindthebar.BeforeshetookoverfromNick,shedrewacoupleofdraftswhilehefinishedup.
“Talkedtothebosslastnight.Camein,hadameetwithNell.Meetyournewassistantmanager.”
“Yes!”Sheslappedhighfives.“That’sthegoodnewsIneededtonight.Youneedtogohomeandcelebrate.”
“IcalledmymomafterIsignedup.Shecriedalittle.Inamomway.”
“Aw.”
“ThenshesaidhowI’dbemanagerinsidesixmonths.”
“Hey!”
Laughing,heclearedatab.“IsaidhowcouldIgivehermoregrandbabiesifIworkedallthetime,andshechangedthattunefast.Thensaidtothankyouforpushingmealittlebit.”
“She’swelcome.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”
Thenshestoodatthebar,lookedoutatthefloor,lookedthroughtheglasstothepatiotables.She’dgetthrough,shetoldherself.
She’dgetthroughbecauseshehadto.
Andshehadtotellherladies—nochoicethereeither.Whenshecamedowninthemorning,itgaveheralifttoseethetwoofthem,bothdressedforwork,sittingoutonthepatio,surroundedbyflowersastheydranktheircoffee.
She’dputadamperonthatmorningritual,butthey’dgetthroughthat,too.
Aftermakingherversionofmorningcoffee,shewentouttojointhem.
“You’reupearly,”hermothercommented.“GramandIwerejustluxuriating,sincewedon’thavetogoinuntileleven.Maybeevenstretchittonoon.”
“AndI’mthinkingwebringhomepizza.Shouldbeearlyenoughforyoutograbasliceortwoifyouwant.”
“Whosaysnotopizza?”
Morgansatandtookamoment,justonemoremoment.
Ahummingbird,brightasanemeraldinthesun,gorgedatthefeederwhileadownywoodpeckerdrilledmadlyatthesuet.Flowersthey’dplantedinthespringbloomed,spiked,spreadincheerfulabandon.
Here,inthisonemoremoment,everythingheldgoodandsweetandlovely.GavinRozwellwantedtospoilthat,toendthat.
Shesimplycouldn’tlethim.
“Ispokewiththefederalagentsyesterday.”
“Whathappened?”Quickly,Audreystraightenedinherchair.
“Iwantyoutoknowthey’rehandlingit,butIgotacreditcardbillinthemail.Notmycard,notmycharges.”
“Thatcreature,”Oliviabegan,“becauseIwon’tcallhimaman,isrelentlesslyevil.”
“Noargument.ButAgentBecksaidhe’dmadeanothermistakewiththis.Ibelieveher.HechargedthingsinNewOrleans,sotheyknowhewasthereonthosedates.”
“Hewantstoscareyou.”
“Andhedid,Gram,butI’mokaynow.Honestly,theconfrontationIhad—no,itwasafight,callitwhatitwas.ThefightIhadwithOpalReeceatAprèswasalmostworse.Andwiththis,theFBI’shandlingit,they’lldealwiththecreditcardcompany,they’lltrackhismovementsinNewOrleans.Maybe,withluck,figureoutawaytofindwherehewentafter.It’stoomuchtohopethathe’dstaythere,butthey’llhaveatrail.Ithink.”
“Weshouldplanalittletrip.Afewdaysaway.Gotothebeach,”Audreycontinued.“Situnderumbrellasanddrinkmaitais.”
“Mom.”Morganreachedouttopathermother’shand.“Theanswerisn’tinbeachesandmaitais.Andit’swaytoosoonformetotaketimeoff.I’mbeingcareful.Everyone’sbeingcareful,andit’sapainintheass.WhatIwant?Iwanttobeabletositoutherejustlikethis,lookingatthegarden,watchingthebirds,andknowingGavinRozwellissittinginacelllookingthroughbars.ThedayIcandothatisgoingtobeahappyday.”
“That’sadaywe’lldrinkmimosasinsteadofcoffee,”Oliviastated.“Meanwhile,what’sthisfightwithOpal?She’stheheadwaitressinAprès,right?Idon’treallyknowher.”
“Iofferedheranair-it-outmeeting,andwehadityesterday.Formypart,Iwasn’tinthebestofmoodswiththiscreditcardthing,butIdidn’tfeelIcouldcancelit.Anyway,doesn’tmatter.Sheresentsme.ResentsthatIgotthemanagerslotthroughconnections.She’snotaltogetherwrongonthat,butI’malsoqualified,andI’mdoingadamngoodjob.”
“Ofcourseyouare.”
“You’dhavetosaythat,Mom,butIam.ShebitchesI’mtooslowbehindthestick,whichisbullshit,plustherevenue’sactuallyincreased.Thensheaccusesmeofflirtingwithmenwhocometothebar—especiallytheJamesonmen.”
“That’sridiculous!”OutrageshimmeredinAudrey’svoice.“Andsowhatifyoudid?Flirting’snotillegalinthiscountry.”
“Ifitwere,alotofbartenderswouldbedoingtime.It’snotjustaboutmixingdrinksbutmakingaconnection.Makingthecustomerfeelspecial.Orbeinginvisibleifthat’swhattheywant.She’sworkedinAprèslongenoughtoknowthat.”
“Whatareyougoingtodoabouther?”Oliviawondered.
“Absolutelynothing.Shewantstoworkwhileseethingoverhermanager,that’sherproblem.Plus,Iknowsheexpectsmetowriteherupinherevaluation.I’mactuallyfinishingthoseuptoday.WhywouldIdothat?She’sgoodatherjob.Morethangood.Shedoesn’thavetolikeme.”
“Smartgirl.Inanycase,shesoundslikeaveryunpleasantwoman.”
“Onlytome,apparently.FromwhatIsee,thewaitstafflovesher,guestsrelatetoher.Repeatersrememberher,andtheJamesonsvalueher.”Morganshrugged.“Icandealwithit.”
“Smartgirl,”Oliviarepeated.“AndaNash-toughwoman.”
“Nashtoughmeanstough.I’mactuallygoingtogoinandfinishupthoseevaluations.ImightaswellgetthemtoNelladayearly,sincethey’reallbutdone.”
“Youcouldbringyourlaptopouthere,enjoythedaywhileyou’reatit.”
“Nowthat”—MorganshotafingeratAudrey—“isafineidea.I’llberightback.”
Audreywatchedhergoinside,thenlookedoverathermother.
“She’llbefine,baby.We’rerighthere.”
“Iknowshewill.OrIalmostknowshewill.But.”
“Ifworry’sprotection,she’swearingimperviousarmor.”
“God,that’sthetruth.Andatleastwe’renotworryingfromadistance.”
“Notanymore.”ChapterSixteen
SpecialAgentsBeckandMorrisonstoodinthetwo-stallbathroomatabarcalledBourbonBeat.Twoweeksbefore,JennieGladewalkedin,lookingforherfriend,andfoundKayleenDresslerdeadonthefloorofthefirststall.
Theinvestigationremainedopen,andstalledwiththeconclusionofarandomattack.
Thevictim,visitingherfriendfromMobile,Alabama,knewnooneelseinthebar,orinthecity.
“LocalLEOsseeitasafatalmugging.Nosexualassault,”Morrisoncontinued.“Theassailant,likelymale,followedherin,disabledherwithablowtotheface,strangledher.Secondaryblow,sideoftheheadagainstthesideofthestall,postmortem.Shecarriedasmallhandbag,withID,somecash—undeterminedamount,butundertwohundred—lipstick,aVisacard.”
“It’sRozwell,Quentin.”
“Nothisstandardmethodorvictim.”
“NeitherwasNinaRamos.Thisoneleansintothatmethod.Strike,kill,strikeafterdeath.That’sfrustration,thatbatteringafterhekillsthem.Hedidn’tgetwhatheneeded.Theirfault.”
Becausehefeltthesame,Morrisonnodded.“Thevictimwasblond,andinthepreferredagerange.Butthisisnew,Tee.Crowdedbar,someonecouldhavewalkedin.Orcertainlyseenhimgoinorcomeout,givingadescription.”
“Helikelyfollowedthem.Theyhitseveralbars.He’srestless,ontheprowl,thinkingaboutMorganAlbright.Thevictimhitsthedancefloor.Hewatches.Sheheadsbacktothejohn.Herfriend’sstandingatthebar,talkingtopeople,doesn’tnoticeKayleengotowardtheback.”
“Peoplearedrinking,dancing,lookingtogetlaid,”Morrisoncontinued.“NobodynoticesRozwellfollowher.Nobodynoticesforaboutfifteenmoreminutesthatshedoesn’tcomeback—ornoticeRozwellwalkout,leave.”
Beckwalkedtothedoor.“Hegivesheraminute,followsher.Stepsin.Ifsomeoneelseisinherebesideshistarget,gameover.It’sjustoops,laugh,backoff.Butnobodywas,sohe’sin.Locksthedoorbehindhim.”
“Hejusthastowaituntilsheopensthestalldoor,”Morrisoncontinues.“Blowtotheface.”Hemimedajab.“Knocksherback,down,dazesher.Music’splaying,andit’sloud.”
“Evenifshecriedout,who’dhear?He’sthinkingaboutMorganwhenhestranglesKayleen,Quentin,butit’snotMorgan,anditdoesn’tgivehimthatrush.Soheslamsherheadagainstthestallwall,takesherbag,andleavesher.Backtohishotel,andhe’sgonethatnight,orthenextday.”
“Playsforme.”
“Yeah,itplays.Goodhotel,asuitewithaviewinagoodhotel.IntheQuarter.”
“Yeah,yeah,”Morrisonagreed.“That’shisstyle.”
“Let’sfindit.Whenwedo,whenwe’resure,I’llcontactMorgan.”
Andthehitskeptcoming,Morganthoughtasshesetdownherphone.She’dbarelyhadthirty-sixhourstoadjusttothegutpunchofthecreditcardbill,andnow,anotherwomanwasdead.
ByRozwell’shands.
Somepoorwomanwho’ddonenothingmorethangooutforafun,foolishnightwithafriend.Hehadn’tknownherand,accordingtoBeck,hadn’tresearchedher.He’djustpickedheroutofacrowd.
They’dfoundhishotel.Thoughhe’deitherdyedhishairorwornaredwig,they’dlocatedhishotel.He’dcheckedouttheafternoonafterthemurder—afterdoingalittleshoppingonthefakecardwithhernameonit—andhadtakenacabtotheairport.
Buthehadn’tgoneinside,notaccordingtothesecurityfeed.
Nothingshecoulddo,Morganremindedherself,butwhatshewasdoing.Andthatmeantgoingtowork.
AFridaynightweddingrehearsaldinnermeantaninfluxofweddingpartypost-dinneralongwiththeweekendguests,thedrinks-at-the-resortlocals.
Shehadtothankthetimingbecauseitwouldkeephertoobusytoobsess.
ShehadBaileyworkingthebackbaragain,primarily,shefeltcertain,becauseBaileyhadappealedtoOpal.Howeveritworked,Morganputhertogooduse.
“Youcanfillthistableorder.AShiraz,aChardonnay,ahousechampagne,andaPinotGrigio.Doubleorderofcheesefries,fourplates.”
Trustingher,Morganhittheblenderforatrioofapricotcoladas.
Sheworkedonauto,fillingorders,chatting,offeringtastingglasseswhenaguestcouldn’tdecideonabeerorwineorwhiskey.
Aguyroundingfortycameuptothebar,crookedafingerather.
“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“I’mplayingstumpthebartenderwithmytable.Ifigureyou’reyoung,can’thavebeendoingthisforlong,somychancesaregood.”
“What’stheprize?”
“Theypickupmygreensfeetomorrow.”
“Nice.What’sthedrink?”
Smiling,heticktockedafingerintheair.“Nofairgoogling.”
Sheheldupherhands.
“TheBone.”
“ImustbeolderthanIlook.DoyouwantWildTurkeyryeorbourbon?”
“Sonofa—”Thenhelaughed.“Rye.Makeitfour.”
“Fourmanlydrinks.We’llbringthemouttoyou.Sorryaboutthegolf.”
Shechilledfourglasses,gotouttwoshakerssoshecouldmaketwoatonce.
Itboostedhermood,asdidthecouplewhoorderedabottleofchampagnetocelebratetheirengagement.
“God,thisisfun!”Breathless,Baileyrefilledthegarnishtray.“Iknowit’ssuperbusy,butit’sfun.Probablybecauseit’sallsonewtome.”
“It’snotnewtome,andit’sstillfun.”Laughterburstfromabackbooth.“Andnotjustforus.”
Theplacefilledup.Hikers,bikers,golfers,honeymooners,theweddingparty,andmore.
Aroundmidnight,Milescamein,tookhisusualseat.Andpulledouthisphone.
ShepouredhimaCab.
“You’reluckytofindaseat.”
“Resort’satfullcapacityfortheweekend.Soundslikehalfofthemareinhere.”
“Youshould’vehearditanhourago.It’sstartingtoquietdown.”
ShemovedawaytoacouplepolishingoffaMerlotandavodkatonic.“Anotherround?”
“Justintime.Andwe’llhavesomeofthosespicyfrieswithit.”
“I’msosorry.Thekitchenclosesatmidnight.”
“Oh,comeonnow.”Themantappedastifffingeronthefaceofhiswatch.“It’sonlyfiveafter.Maybeyoushould’vegottentoussooner.”
“I’msorryaboutthedelay.LetmeseewhatIcando.”
Sincesheknewthey’dalreadyshutthefryerdowninthebackofthehouse,sheorderedfromroomservice.
“Thefrieswilltakeafewminutes,sothey’reonme.”
“That’smorelikeit.”
“Thanksforyourpatience.”Shemovedsteadilydownthebar.
“Insidemyhead,”Baileymurmured,“myeyesarerolling.”
“Aslongasitdoesn’tshow.”
Faceblank,Opalcameuptothebar.“TwoBellinis,apricotcolada,andaCorona.”
“I’vegottheCoronaandtheempties.Thanksforlettingmetraintonight,Opal.I’mlearningsomuch.”
“Ineedyoubackinyoursectiontomorrow.”
“I’llbethere.”
Withtheblenderwhirling,Morgangotouttheflutes,thenhandedBaileythebottleofchampagne.“Youmakethem.”
“Really?Myfirstofficialcocktails.”
WithoneeyeonBailey’spour,Morganshutofftheblender,finishedthecolada.
“Looksperfecttome.Goodwork.”Aftersettingthedrinksonthetray,MorganstartedtoglanceatOpal.Amovementcaughthereye.
Shesawhim,walkingtowardtheglassdoorstothepatio.Hisheadturnedaway,butshecaughtaglimpseoftheprofile.Thegildedhair,thebuild,eventhewayhemoved.
Everythinginherwentweak.
“Hey,Morgan,areyou—”
Theneverythingwentfierce.
Sheshotaroundthebar,caughthimjustbeforehereachedthedoorsandgrabbedhisarm.“Yousonof—”
Startled,heturned,andshelookedupatastranger.
“I’msorry.I’mverysorry.Ithoughtyouwere…”
“GladI’mnot.”Heofferedapuzzledsmile.“Badbreakup?”
“I’mverysorry,”shesaidagain.
Turning,breathbackingupinherlungs,grayclosinginonthesidesofhervision,sherushedout.
“Patio,tablethree.”OpalpushedthetrayatBailey.“Serveit,coverthebar.”
Shedartedout,endeduponMiles’sheels.Hecameupshortoutsidethewomen’sroom,justpointed.
Opalpushedin,foundMorgansittingonthefloor,backagainstawall,gaspingforair.
“Slowitdown.”Shecrouched,putherhandsoneithersideofMorgan’sface.“Breatheslownow.”
“Can’t.Can’tbreathe.”
“Yes,youcan.Slow.Niceandslow.”
“Hurts.Chesthurts.”
“Sureitdoes.Pushtheairout,niceandslow.Pullitinagain.It’sapanicattack,sowe’regoingtocalmrightdown.That’sit.Inandout.Mysisterusedtogettheseaftersomeassholejumpedherincollege.Keepitcoming.”
“Ithought—Ithoughthewas…”
“Yeah,Igotthat.Youholdon.”
Straightening,shewenttothedoor,shoveditopen.“Sheneedssomewater.”
Whenshesteppedback,Morganhaddrawnupherlegs,hadherfacepressedtothem.“I’mokay.I’mallright.I’msoembarrassed.”
“Don’tbestupid.”Opalwalkedoverattheknockonthedoor.Tooktheglass.“Giveusanotherminute,”shetoldMiles.
“Drinkit.”ShekneltinfrontofMorganagain.“Don’tgulpit.”
“Thankyou.HejustlookedsomuchlikehimuntilI…”
“You’resureitwasn’t?”
“Yes.”
“Goodthingyoustoppedthen.”AsMorgansippedwater,Opalsatbackonherheels.“Youwerewindinguptopunchhim.”
“OhGod.”Sheloweredherheadagain.“Thatwould’vecappedit.”
“Showsyou’vegotsomegrit.MorethanIfigured.Ifiguredyouwerestringingitallout,playingthevictim.SoI’msorryaboutthat.”
“We’llcallitawash.”Eyesclosed,sheleanedherheadbackamoment,thenjolted.“Jesus,Ileftthebar.Bailey—”
“Canhandleitforafewminutes.I’vekeptmyeyeonher.You’retrainingherright.Ofcourse,you’vegotprimematerialtoworkwith.”
“Ido,butIhavetogetback.”
“Well,yourcolor’scomingback,andyoustoppedshaking.Trystandingup,andwe’llsee.”
Whenshedid,Opalnodded.“Allrightthen.”
SheledthewayouttowhereMilespacedinthehalloffthelobby.“Overtoyou,”Opalsaid,andwentbacktowardthearch.
“Comeon.I’lldriveyouhome.”
“No,God,no.Ihavetogetback.”Beforehecouldorderotherwise,andshesawthatinhiseyes,sheheldupahand.“Ineedto.Formyself,Miles,Ineedto.IfIdon’t,hewinsanotherround.”
Afteralonglook,hegesturedtothearchway.
“I’msorryabout—”
“Saveit,”hetoldher.
Hewentbacktohisstool;shewentbackbehindthebar.
Aftergrabbingabarmop,shegaveBailey’sarmasqueeze.“Sorryforrunningoutonyou.”
“It’sokay.You’reokay?”
“Yeah,allgood.”
“Thefriescamein,andIfilledatableorderfromthespeedrack.”
“Great.Canyoudomeafavor?”
“Ofcourse.”
“FindoutwhattheguyInearlyaccostedandhispartyaredrinking.Iwanttosendhistablearoundonmebeforelastcall.”
“Sure.”
Usingthebarmoptokeepherselfsteady,Morgancheckedonthestools.Thespicyfriescoupledidn’thavemuchtosaytoeachother,shenoted.Alcoholandcarbscouldn’talwaysfixabadmood
ThetwowomengigglingtogetherastheydrankChardonnaymadeherthinkofthedeadwomanandherfriendinNewOrleans,andherhearthurt.
Attheendofthebar,Milesworkedonhisphone.
“Partyoffive,”Baileyreported.“TwoHeadyToppers,amojito,margaritarocks,andaMerlot.”
“Thanks.Howaboutyouhandlethebeerandwine?”
Shetookthedrinksoutherself,letthecoolingnightairwashoverherasshecrossedthepatio.
“Onme,”shesaidassheserved,“withamortifiedapology.”
“Well,thanks,butnobigdeal.Might’vebeenifyou’dlandedthatpunchIthinkIsawcoming.”
“Myrighthook’sdevastating.”Smiling,smiling,smiling,sheflexed,andclearedacoupleofemptieswhilehiscompanionslaughed.
“Ibettheexisahandsomebastard.”
“You’vegothimbeatonthehandsomepart.Thanksforunderstanding.Enjoy.”
Steadier,shewalkedbackinside.
SpicyFriesfinishedup,andleftasingledollaronthebarastip.Gigglinggirlsorderedanotherroundatlastcall.
MorganhadBaileyservethem,thenhandedherthedollar.
“Keepthisasareminder.Youcandoeverythingright,andsomepeoplewillstillstiffyou.”
“Whatajerk.”
“Prettysurehiswifeagrees.Regardless,ifhecomesintomorrow,westilldoeverythingright.”
“Becausewetakeprideinourworkevenwhentheguest’sastingyjerk.”
“Evenwhen.Andbecausewerepresenttheresort.”
Byone,afewguestslingered,insideandout,asstaffclearedtables.Gigglinggirlscalleditanight,laughingtheirwayoutasnot–GavinRozwellstoppedbythebar.
“Thanksforthedrink.”
“You’remorethanwelcome.”
“Ifyoueverwanttotalkbadbreakups,overdrinksonme.”Heputabusinesscardonthebar,flashedasmile.“Gladyoudidn’tlandthatpunch.”
“Me,too.”
Asheleft,Baileyleanedover.“Hewastotallyhittingonyou.”
“You’llhavethis.”Shestuckthecardinherpocket.“Mileswillwantaglassoficewater,still,thenyoucanclockout.Youdidreallygoodtonight,Bailey.”
“Icanstay,helpyouclose.”
“Youalreadyhave.Youemptiedthetrash,replacedtheliners,cleanedandlockedthebeertaps,clearedtheicebins.Cleanedandrestockedglasses.I’mgettingspoiled.”
“OpalsaidIcouldhaveacouplehoursTuesdayifNick’swilling.IworkdaysonTuesday.”
“Goodidea,andhewillbe.You’llseethedifferentstylesandrhythms.”
Withthelastguestsheadingout,andthestaffcallingtheirgoodnights,Morgancontinuedtheclosingprocess,onlypausingwhenMilescamebehindthebar
“Sit.”
“Istillhaveto—”
“Iknowhowtocloseabar.Sit.”
“Youdon’tnecessarilyknowhowIcloseabar,plusit’smyjob.”
Ignoringher,hebeganwipingdownbottles.“Iworkedthebackbarforacouplemonthsbackwhen.Bailey’salreadygotalotofthisdone.”
“Shepaysattention.”And,Morganthought,sodoyou.
Theyworkedinsilence.Onceshe’drestockedthebeerandwinecoolers,shestartedtolockthem.
“Don’tlockthewinecooler,andgosit.IsCabyourdrink,ordoyouwantsomethingelse?”
“Ididn’tsayIwantedadrink.”
“Ifyouwantedone,whatwoulditbe?”
She’dneverthoughtofherselfasparticularlystubborn,butevenifshewere,shedidn’tthinkshe’dreachhislevel.
“Maybesomethinglighter.Pinotgrigio.”
Hepouredaglassofred,aglassofwhite,thenlockedthewinecooler.
“Let’staketheseoutside.Youmaybetired,”hecontinued,“butyou’rewoundupwithit.Sowinddown.”
Hetookbothglasses,waitedforhertocrossoverandopenthedoor.
Whenshe’dcloseditagain,hetooktheclosesttable,sat.
“DidhereallylookthatmuchlikeRozwell?”
Shakingherhead,shegaveupandsat.“No.Thebuild,thehair,andhewasdressedinthatI’m-casual-but-stylishway.”
“Uh-huh.DidJenteachyoutochasedownamurderingbastardandpunchhimintheface?”
“Ofcoursenot.Ijust…reacted.”
“Iwassittingrightthere.Security’sacoupletapsawayonyourphone.”
“Icouldn’tthink,sureashelldidn’tthink.”Shesampledthewine.Coolandlight,liketheair.“It’snotanexcuse,butIdon’tthinkI’dhavereactedthatwayexcepthekilledanotherwoman.”
“When?”
“Idon’tknowexactly.Acoupleweeksago.Ijustfoundout.Hegotanothercreditcardinmyname,”shecontinued,andtoldhim.
“Theyfoundhishotel.Heeitherdyedhishairorworearedwig.Hecheckedoutthedayafterhekilledherandtookacabtotheairport.Butheneverwentintheterminal.Hestoleacarfromlong-termparking.Hehadfivedaysbeforetheownergotbackandreportedit,sohecouldbeanywhere.”
“Hewouldn’thavegottenpastSecurityandwalkedintoAprès.”
“Ididn’tthinkaboutSecurity.Ididn’tthinkatall.Ipanicked.”
“No.”Mileskepthisgazelockedwithher.“Youdidn’tpanicuntilyourealizedyou’dgrabbedthewrongguy.Upuntilthen,youlookedreadytokicksomeass.Areyoupronetopanicattacks?”
“Notbefore.Notever.Since?I’vehadafew,Iguess,butnothinglikethat.”
“Mad’sbetter,ifyoucanholdontoit.Areyougoingtocallhim?Theguyyoumistook.Hegaveyouhiscard,”Milesaddedwhenshelookedblank.
“Oh.No.Definitelyno.First,it’sbadpolicywhateverthecircumstances.Second?Circumstances.AddthelastguyIdated—andonlyacoupletimesatthat—turnedouttobeaserialkiller.Sortofputsyouofftheprocess.”
“You’refeelingbetter.”
Shetippedherheadbacktolookupatthestars.“IguessIam.”
“Thenthere’stheassholewiththefries.”
“Ohyeah.Hewasawinner.”Sheliftedherglassintoast.“Thesortwhoknowsleavingasingleonthebar’smoreinsultingthanleavingnothing.”
“What’shisstory?”Mileswondered.“You’dhaveone.”
“Helikesbeinganasshole.Itmakeshimfeelimportant,especiallywhenit’stoservicepeopleorunderlings.HeworeaRolex,lookedliketherealdeal,andhisroomnumber’soneofthesuitesontheClubLevel,sohecanaffordtobegenerous.He’sjustnotmadethatway.He’saterribleboss,impatient,demanding,andrudebecausehecanbe.”
Sippinghiswine,Mileswatchedher.“Whatabouthiswife?”
“Shedidn’tsayaword,butsheshotmeonequicklook.Itsaid:Youthinkthisisbad?YoushouldseewhatIputupwith.I’dsayshe’saboutdoneputtingupwith.”
Sheshrugged.“That’smytakefrombehindthestick.”
“Itslidesalongwithminefromtheendofthebar.Andyet,youlikepeople.”
“TheguyInearlyhitwasgraciousaboutit.Thetwowomenatthebar—sharingaroomnotontheClubLevel—leftatwenty-fivepercenttip.Opalleftherstation—whichsheneverdoes—tohelpmethroughthatidioticpanicattack.Andyou’resittingherehelpingmeshedadifficultnightwhenyoucouldbehomeinyourboxerswatchinglate-nightESPN.Soyeah,Ilikepeople.”
Hestudiedhislastsipofwinebeforedrinking.“ImostlylistentoESPNratherthanwatch.AndforallyouknowIwearbriefs.”
“No,absolutelyaboxersguy.Andthat,”sherealized,“isabsolutelyinappropriate.Ishouldclearandheadhome.”
Herosewhenshedid.“I’mdrivingyouhome.”
“What?No.I’mfine.”
“Betterisn’tfine.We’lltakeyourcar.Oneofthenightmenwillfollowinmine.”
“Iamfine.”
Hejustheldouthishand.“Keys.Youknowthedrill.”
“They’reinmybag.Thisisstupid.”
“BadpolicytocalltheCOOstupid.”
“Ididn’tsayyouwerestupid,”shemuttered,snaggedtheglasses.“Although.”
Heclosedandlockedthedoorbehindthem,thenwaitedwhileshedealtwiththeglasses,retrievedherpurse.
“Listen,Miles—”
“Keys.”
“Jesus.”Sheyankedoutthefob,droppeditintohishand.“I’mlikingpeoplelessatthemoment.”
“Probablyastepintherightdirection.”Heshutoffthelights.
Bothcarswaitedattheentrance.Feelingridiculous,shegotinthepassengerseat.Milesslidbehindthewheel.“You’vegotlonglegs,”hecommented.“Ibarelyhavetoadjustit.”
Shesnappedonherseatbelt.“Whenyouleavetheresort,youheadintotown,then—”
“Iknowhowtogettoyourplace.”
“Oh.”
“Grandparents,”hesaidashepulledawayfromthecurb.“Yours,mine.Friendly.Itaggedalongwithmygrandfathersometimes.”
Ofcourse.Gramhadtoldherthat.
“Yourshelpedmebuildabirdhouseforaschoolproject.”
Heglancedover.“Iacedit.”
“Butyoudon’tlikepeople.”
“Ilikedyourgrandfather.”
“SodidI.”Thestiffnessinhershouldersmeltedaway.“ItwasahighlightwheneverIgottovisit.Itdependedonwheremyfatherwasstationed,butafterthesplit,weusuallyhadaweekinthesummer,maybeafewdaysatChristmas,dependingonwherewewere.”
“Lotsofmoves.”
“Lotsofmoves,”sheagreed.“Thearmy,andthenafter,mymothercouldn’tseemtosettle.Ineverimaginedshe’dsettlehere.OrIwould.”
Sheshifted.Andbecauseshedidfeelbetter,becauseshewondered,sheasked,“Haveyoueverthoughtoflivingsomewhereelse?”
“Ilikeithere.”
“Ifitwasn’tforthefamilybusinessandallofthat.”
“I’dstilllikeithere.”
She’dbeenrightaboutthat,Morganthought.Shelikedbeingrightaboutthat.“It’stheroots.They’redeep.Ialwaysenvieddeeproots.”
“You’vegotplentyoftimetoplantandgrowthem.”
Hedrovesmoothlyalongemptyroads,thenthequietstreetsofWestridge.
Justbecauseshe’dlosttime—andsomuchmore—didn’tmeanshedidn’thavetime.She’dplantedherselfhere,shethought,byneedratherthanchoice,atleasttostart.Butshe’dplantedherself,andcouldfeelthoserootsbegintotakehold.
Shelikedthequietstreetsasmuchassheenjoyedhowtheymovedandthrivedduringtheday.Sheenjoyedthesolitudeofawalkinthewoodsasmuchasalively,crowdedbar.
Shedidn’thaveahouseshecouldtransformintoherhome,butshehadahome
Whenhepulledintothedrive,shedidn’thavetoremindherselftobegratefulforit.
Hetookherfoboutofthetray.“Keys.”
Reachingout,gratefulforthehourhe’dgivenher,shetookhishandfirst,heldit.“Thankyou.”
Shelostabeat,justonequickbeat,lookingintohiseyes.Thendrewherhandandthekeysaway.
Whentheystoodonoppositesidesofthecar,shehitthelockbutton.“Goodnight,Miles.”
“Lockthedoorbehindyou.”
Hestood,ofcourse,watchinguntilshewalkedtothedoor,untilsheunlockedit.Sheglancedbackonce,feltatugshedidn’twanttofeel.Thensteppedin,shutandlockedthedoorbehindher
He’dbeenkindwhenshe’dneededkindnessmorethanshewantedtoadmit.Giventhecircumstances,sheremindedherselfasshewalkedupstairs,itwouldn’tjustbeunwisebutahugemistaketoletherselffeelanythingbutgratitude
Anattractiveman,shemused,andaninterestingone.Anappealingone,sheadmitted.Sowasn’titnaturalshefeltsomeattractionandinterestandappeal?Absolutely,aslongassheleftitthere.Rightthere.
Shesatonthesideofthebed,tryingtoignorethatflutter,thattelltaleflutter.AndwishedsomuchshehadNinatotalkherthroughit.ChapterSeventeen
HehadSundayoff,andMilesintendedtodolittletonothingwithit.Nopressingwork,nomeetings—evenfamily—nocrises,smallorlarge,onthehorizon
Ahandfulofhouseholdchores,sure,buthecouldenjoythemwhenhedidn’tneedtosqueezethemin.
Hedidhisversionofsleepingin,sorolledoutofbedbeforenine,letthedogout.Then,becausehe’dhadtheforesighttoinstallacoffeestationinhiscloset,heenjoyedhisfirstSundaymorningcuponthebedroomterrace.
AsusualHowlpatrolledtheperimeterofthebackyard,defendingagainstanypossibleinvaders.Sometimeshewonderedwhatwentoninthedog’smind,andusuallydecidednotawholelot.
Troopingdowntothebasementandhishomegym,heputinasolidhour,feltrighteous.
Hegrabbedashower,alongone.Sundaymorningindulgence.Aftertossingaloadoflaundryin,hefedthedog,scrambledsomeeggs,toastedabagel.Withasecondcupofcoffee,hesatoutonthebackpatioandreadthepaperonhistabletwhileenjoyingbreakfastinthesummersunshine.
Andbecauseofthesunshine,hehungthelaundryouttodry.
Heputfreshsheetsonthebed,hungfreshtowelsinthebath,dealtwiththedishes,andconsideredhisindoortaskscomplete.
Becausethedaycalledforit,heputteredaroundthegardens.Theydidn’trequiremorethantheputtering,asthegroundscrewfromtheresortwouldtendtothemifandwhenhedidn’thavetime.
Still,heknewhowtotend,aspartofhistraininghadbeenasummerworkingwiththegroundscrew.
Howllayonthegrassinthesunandwatched.
Heworkedinthequietbecauseheprizedthequietwhenhecouldgetit.Justthechirpofbirds—whichremindedhimtofillthefeeders—theoccasionalmutterfromthedog,thehumofbeesdoingtheirwork.
Deliberately,ashedideveryfullSundayoff,he’dlefthisphoneinsideonthecharger.Ifsomethingvitalcroppedup,someonewouldcomegethim.Otherwise,hewas,foroneday,incommunicado
Asanexperiment,hedugoutatennisball,showedittoHowl.Thentossedit.And,asalways,Howlsat,watchedtheballfly,land,thenlookedatMilesasiftosay:What?Gogetityourself
“Whatkindofdogareyou?”
Howl’sgrumblesandmuttersequaledacanineshrug.
Milesgottheballhimself,stuckitbackinthegardenshed.
Bytwo,laundrydry,folded,putaway,sunteachilling,allchoresstoodcomplete.Nowthedaystretchedahead,temptedhimtocheckhisphone.Hewouldn’t,amatterofdiscipline,butittemptedhim.
Hecouldsitonthefrontporchandreadabook.Hecouldputonhisbootsandgoforahike.He’dhavetotakethedogbecauseitseemedwrongnotto.
Ahike,thenthebookmadesense,butifhereversedit,hecouldswingintotown,pickupsomethingfordinner,sparehimselfthecooking.
Whateverhedid,ithadtobeoutside,asheconsidereditacrimetowasteaperfectsummerSundayafternoonlazingaroundindoors.
Besides,despiteMorgan’sESPNcomment,hedidn’twatchmuchTV,sportsorotherwise.
Thinkingoftheoffhandcommentmadehimthinkofher,whichhe’dstudiouslyavoideddoingallmorning.
Hereallyhadnobusinessthinkingofher,atleastnotbeyondthebarmanager.Buthefoundhersodamninteresting.Noquestionsheexcelledatherwork—andasNellhadconcludedduringthelastfamilymeeting,theywereluckytohavesomeonewhomixedcreativeandorganizedinequalparts.
Hedidn’tlikeworryingaboutherbutcouldn’tseemtostop.Thewayshe’dgonefromragingfurytohelplesspanicwhenshe’dgrabbedthatgueststayedimprintedonhismind.
He’dadmiredthefury;sympathizedwiththepanic.
She’dlosteverythingbuthaddugdowndeeptostartagain.
Headmiredthat,too.Andmore,respectedit.
Shehaddreams,goals,hopes,hethoughtashepickedupthebookhe’dbarelystarted.HowmanyofthosehadRozwelltaken?
Someonewantedtokillher,andwouldn’tletherforgetit.Yetshegotupeveryday.Shewenttowork,didherjob,livedherlife.
Ortheoneshe’dstartedtomake.
Thecombinationofvulnerableandtoughjustfascinatedhim.
Hecouldtellhimselfthatfascinationhadnothingtodowithherlooks,buthedidn’tliketolietohimself.Thoselooks,hethought,thewayshelitupwhenshelaughed,thewayshemovedbehindthebar—likeitwasafreakingdancefloor.Andthoseeyes,simmeringgreenandsomehowalwaysalert.
Andnow,Jesus,he’dstopthinkingabouther.Metaphoricallyputherwithhisphoneonthechargerandgoreadhisbook.
Whenhestartedtowardthefrontdoor,Howlhowled.Hecouldcomeout,ofcourse,andMileswouldleavethedooropensohecouldcomeandgo.Butsincehedidn’tcarrytheleash,thedogknewdamnwellhecouldn’tgobeyondthefrontporch.
Theroadwasawaysoff,butstill.
“Dealwithit,”Milessaid,andopenedthedoor.
Andthereshestood,likehe’dconjuredherupjustbythinkingaboutherforonlyafewminutes.
SheworearedT-shirtandfadeddenimshorts,andthoselong,longlegsdamnnearkilledhim.Inherhandssheheldsomesortofcontainer,andevenwithhersunglasses,hecouldseetheaweinthemasshelookedup.
“Youhaveturrets,”shesaid,andtheawespread.
“Thehousedoes.”
“Twoturrets,”shesaidagain,thenHowlwalkedontotheporch.“Andadog!”
Howlmuttered,grumbled,letoutahightrioofwhinesashewaggedfromheadtotoe.
“Turretsandatalkingdog!”
Milesfeltthedogdancinginplacebesidehim.Hestartedtotellthedogtosit,thenHowlbrokeaprimaryrule.
HeracedofftheporchandstraightatMorgan.
Ratherthanalarm,sheshowedonlydelight,shiftingthecontainerunderonearmsoshecouldcrouchdownandgreethim.
Helicked,herubbed,herolledoveronhisbackforabellyrub,makingaconstantseriesofhappynoises.
Notevenforhisfather,Milesthought,didthedogmakesuchanassofhimself.Butthen,Morganlaughed,rubbed,cooed,nuzzled.
“Oh,whatagoodboy.Whataverygoodboy!Aren’tyouhandsome?What’syourname?What’shisname?”
“Howl.He—”
Toillustratewhy,HowlhowledandmadeMorganlaugh.
“He’snotsupposedtogoofftheporchwithoutaleash.”
“Oh,but—Oh,theroad.Goodpolicy.Comeon,Howl,wedon’twantyoutogetintrouble.Sorry,myfault.”
Shestraightenedonthosedamnflamingolegs,andthedogpranced—heneverpranced—besideheronthewaytotheporch.
“Andsorry,”shecontinued.“Igotdistracted,becauseturrets.Iwasjustgoingtoleavetheseontheporch,thentextyou.Ididn’tmeantointerruptyourdayoff.”
“Leavewhat?”
“Ibakedyoucookies.”Sheheldthecontainerouttohim.
“You…”Ifhe’dbeenthrownoffbefore,nowhewascompletelyfloored.“Bakedmecookies.”
“TothankyouforFridaynight.I’lladmititwasmymother’sidea,andthey’regoodcookiesmostlybecauseshesupervisedeverystep.Butthethank-you’ssincere.”
Hetookthecontainer,openedit,thensampledacookiewhilesheturnedthedogintoapuddlebykissinghisnose.
“Theyaregoodcookies.”WhenHowlsparedhimaglance,Milesshookhishead.“Notyours.”
“Nochocolatechipsforyou.”MorganstrokedHowl’sears.“They’renotgoodforyou.Whatishe?”
“Adog.”
“Imeantwhatkindofdog.”
“Nobodyknows.Bestguessisasheepdoggotbusywithabeagle.”
“Well,that’sacombo.I’mtryingtobesorryIendedupinterruptingyourdayoff,butotherwiseIwouldn’thavemetHowl.And…”
Nowsheglancedup,andhealreadyknewhe’dhaveahardertimesayingnotothoseeyesthanHowl’s.
“Doyouhavefiveminutes?”
“Probably.”
“IfIcouldjust…couldIseeinsidetheoneturret?Justapeekinsideoneofthem.”
“Probably,”herepeated.“Why?”
“I’veneverbeeninsideaturret.Ihaveathingforhouses,andyoursisabeautifulVictorian.Theturretsjustpunchitupanotherlevel.”
“Okay.”
“Oh,thanks.Fiveminutes,Iswear,thenI’moutofyourhair.Andyouhavecookies.”
Hegesturedherin.
“Oh,itreallyisbeautiful.Just…Youkepttheinteriorwallscurvedatthebaseoftheturretforthesittingroomorreadingroomormorningroom.Whatever-you-want-it-to-beroom.Thewoodwork!Youhaveceilingmedallions.Oh,thefloors—aretheyoriginal?”
“Yeah.”
Hethoughtshelookedatthesittingroomoffthefoyerasifhe’djustopenedAladdin’scaveforher.
“Gorgeous,they’rejustgorgeous.Andthewindows!And,sorry,I’meatingupmyfirstminute.Ilovehouses.Oldhousesespecially.Newconstruction’sjustso,well,new.Youcanreallyfeelthehistoryinhere.Imean,lookatthestaircase!”
Shewalkedover,thedogtrailingheradoringly,tostrokethenewelpost.
“Yougettouseitifyouwantalookinsidetherestoftheturret.”
“AndIreallydo.It’ssoelegant,butnotformalorfussy.Feelslikeahome,”shesaidassheclimbedthestairswithherfingersbrushingtherail.“Whichitis.It’syours.”
“Nowitis.”
Asheledthewayalongthesecondfloor,hethoughthowcompletelyodditwas,givingherakindofhousetourwhilehecarriedacontainerofhomemadecookies.
Sheletoutasoundsortofbetweenamoanandasighwhenshesteppedintohisoffice.Heorderedhimselfnottofindthatsoundsexual.
Hefailed.
“Ohyes!It’sperfect.It’sjustperfect.Thecurvedwalls,theviewoutthetallwindows—allthatwonderfulnaturallightjustpouringin.Youhaveyourdeskfacingthedoorbecausewhocouldgetanyworkdonewiththatview?
“Curvedshelvesoncurvedwalls,andthefireplace,thecarvingonthesurround,themetalwork.It’sabsolutelymagical.Thenyouhaveyourhigh-techcomputeronthehandsomeantiquedesk,chocolate-brownleatherchairs.Respectingthehistoryofthehousewhilegettingtoday’sworkdone.”
Shegavehimafriendlypunchonthebiceps.“Kudos.Majorones.”
ThenshebenttorubthedeliriousHowlagain,andsentsomegrayfurfloatingintotheair.“DoyoucurlupandsleeponachairwhileDaddyworks?”
“Notothechair,andabignotoDaddy.He’sadog.I’mnot.”
“Aw.”Butshesmiled.“Thanks,big-time,forindulgingme.”
“Youdon’twanttoseetherestofit?”
“I’mdyingto.Idon’tseehowitcanbemoreperfectthanyourofficesetup,butI’dreallylovetosee.”
Shefollowedhimout.
“It’sabighouse.”
“Ilikespace.”
“Me,too.MyhouseinMarylandwasprettysmall,butIwasgoingtoopenitupsome.Then,bigplans,afterIhadmyownsuper-successfulbar,I’daddasecondstory.Bedroomlevel,andI’dhavemyofficedownstairs.Anyway…”
Shetrailedoffwhenshesteppedintothetopstoryoftheturret.
“Andmoreperfect.It’slikeahideaway.Somewheretostretchoutonthatsofa,orsitbythefireinthewinter,sipsomewhiskey,andthinklong,deepthoughts.Orjuststandatthewindowandlookoutat…everything.”
Shesighedagain,strokingthedog,whoclungtoherside.“NowIcancrossstandinginaturretoffmylistofthingsthatmustbedone.”
“Youhavealist?”
“Ilivebylists.Listsandspreadsheets.Ididn’tevenknowthisonewasonthelistuntilIsawyours.Nowitgoesonandgetscheckedoffinthesameday.Prettygooddealforacouplebatchesofcookies.”
Sheturnedawayfromthewindowwherethesunlightstreamedoverher.
Hewonderedhowshecouldlookasifshebelongedthere.
“Andnow,aspromised,I’llgetoutofyourway.Thoughit’sgoingtobehardtosaygoodbyetomynewbestfriend.”
“Youwanthim?”
“Stopthat.”Sheflickedafingeronhisarmasshewalkedby.“Ibetyouhaveoneofthoseenormousatticswithexposedbeamsjustfulloftreasures.”
“Youwanttoseethat,too?”
“Apromiseisapromise,butImayfindmyselfbakingcookiesagain—whichisharderthanyou’dthink.Mygrandmother’shousehasone.Igoonattichuntsonmydayoffsometimes.”
“Forwhat?”
“Treasures.Youcangetverycreativelivingonastrictbudget.Ifoundthisterrificoldlampupthereacoupleweeksago.Anewshade,somerewiring,andvoilà.”
Hethoughtofthoselong,slenderfingers.“Yourewiredalamp.”
“Googleknowsall,andforme,thatwaseasierthanthecookies.Addedbenefit,I’mnowexcusedfrommakingdinneronmydaysoff—whichhaditshitsandmisses—andencouragedtorewirelampsorrefinishanoldtablewhereIfindthem.”
“Weprobablyhaveoldlampsupthere.”
“Anatticstaple.Ireallydoappreciateit,Miles.”
Onthemainfloor,sheturnedtosmileathimagain.
“Igotcookiesoutofit.”
“ThoseareathanksforknowingwhatIneededFridaynightandmakingsureIgotitevenwhenIdidn’twantit.So…”Shestartedtoturntothedoor,turnedbackagain.“Iwanttoaskyouaquestion,andwanttosayeitheranswerisabsolutelyokay.”
“Youwanttoseethebasement?”
Shelaughed.“No—well,yes,butthat’snottoday’squestion.I’djustliketotakeitcompletelyoutoftheresortbox,sojustmeisaskingjustyou,ifthat’sallright.”
“HowdoIknowifit’sallrightuntilyouaskthequestion?”
“Right.It’salittleawkward.Thethingis,I’mprettygoodatreadingpeople.Well,withonemajorexception,butI’mprettygoodatit.Thenewkidinschool,intheneighborhood,ontheplaygroundlearnstobe.OrIdid.SoI’maskingifI’mjustcompletelyoffonthis,orifI’mreadingtheremaybeathing,potentiallyathing,here.”
Shegesturedtohim,toherself.
“Outoftheresortbox,”sherepeatedquickly.“Iknowwhensomeonehigherupthechain’sputtingthatkindofpressureon,thosekindsofmoves.Iquitajobincollegeoverthat.That’snotthis,atall.AndIdon’tmeantoaddpressureormovesfrommyside.IwonderifI’mreadingitrightfromyourendofthings.Ifyou’reinterestedinme,outsidetheresortbox.”
“We’reintheresortbox,Morgan.”
“Right.Yes.Okaythen.Sothanksfortheturrettourandthedogfix.Enjoythecookies.”
Hewaiteduntilshe’dopenedthedoor,toldhimselftowaituntilshewasoutofit.Buthedidn’t.
“You’renotreadingitwrong.”
Sheshutthedoor,leanedbackagainstit.“ThankGod.Okay,nowit’satwo-partquestion.Canweagreethatifthepotentialthingbecomesathing,myjobhasnothingtodowithit?Ilovemyjob,Miles,and—stillreading—it’sclearyouloveyours.Thisisn’taboutthat,andIrealizeit’strickierforyou,inyourposition,thanitisforme,inmine.”
“MaybeI’dgettiredofyouandfireyou.”
“First,Nell’smydirectsupervisor,andsecond,andmoretothepoint,youwouldn’tbecauseyou’renotmadethatway.Icouldgetpissedoff,fileasexualharassmentclaim.”
“First,I’vegotakillerlawyer—he’smyfather—andnoonewouldbelieveyouanyway.Second,andmoretothepoint,youwouldn’tbecauseyou’renotmadethatway.Icanreadpeople,too.”
“No,Iwouldn’t.Wecouldspellitallout,putitinwriting.Howweenteredintothisthingduetomutualattractionandinterestwithoutpressureorcoercionfromeitherside.Yourfathercoulddrawitup.Howlcouldwitnessit.”
“It’sgoodyouaddedthatsoIknowyou’rebullshitting.Andthething’scalledsex,Morgan.Ifwethinkwe’regoingtohaveit,weshouldbeabletosayit.”
“Ifthesexdoesn’tworkout,Istillpromisenottoquit,orholditagainstyou.”
“Icanpromisenottofireyou,orholditagainstyou.Eventhoughifitdoesn’tworkout,it’llbeyourfault.I’mgoodatit.”
“Nowyou’rebullshitting,butthesadfactis,I’mwayoutofpractice—whichaccountsforalotoftheawkwardnessofthisconversation.Youshouldinitiallygradeonacurve.”
Hedidn’tknowwhattomakeofher,orthis,butknewthemomentmattered.
“Areyouusedtomengradingyouinbed?”
“Thememorydims.It’sbeenafewyears.”
“Didyousay‘years’?”
Hershouldershunched;herhandsslidintothepocketsofhertinyshorts.“Don’trubitin.”
Heheldupafinger,thenwalkedtoatabletosetdownthecontainerofcookies.“I’mgoingtoprolongthisridiculousconversation,whichIfindstrangelyarousing,andaskwhy.Iunderstandthelastyear,butyousaid‘afew.’”
“Iwasbusyandfocusedonotherthings.”
“Ikeepbusyandfocused,andstill.”
“Iworkedtwojobs.”Whenhesaidnothing,shesighed,shrugged.“Allright,ontopofthat—andIknowthisisgoingtofeedyourego—therewasn’tanybodywhoflippedtheswitchsoIwantedtomakethetimetobewiththem.Untilnow.It’llbefineifthisturnsouttobeaone-off,orshort-term,or—”
“Iwishyou’dshutupnow.”
“I’dbereallyhappytoshutupnow.Ishouldgo.”Sheopenedthedoor.Shutitagain.Thenmovedstraighttohim,intohim,fixedhermouthonhis.
Forsomeonewhoclaimedtobeoutofpractice,shehadskills.
Dimly,heheardthedog’stailthumpingonthefloorasMorganwrappedaroundhim.Hecouldn’tclaimhefounditeasy,buthelethertakethelead.Thistime.
Drawinghimin,sparkingfireinhisblood.Theneasingbackagain.
“Ihavesomethingmoretosay.”
“Doyoualwaystalkthismuch?”hewondered.“IthinkI’d’venoticed.”
“Ithink,inthiscase,wecoulddispensewiththewholeritualofdating.Likedrinks,dinner,movies,livetheater,salsadancing.Whatever’syourusualpattern.”
“Idon’thaveapattern.”
“Ifyoudid,wecouldditchit,andIcouldditchmine—thewholetaking-it-slow,give-it-a-few-weeksthingI’vealwaysrunon—andjumpstraighttothesex.”
HisSundayoffshotlikeabullettothetopofthebest-oflist.
“You’renotgoingtobuymedinnerfirst?”
“I’lloweyou,”shesaid,andtookhismouthagain.
Hecircledheroutofthefoyer,intothelivingroombecause,damnit,she’dlitthisfireinhim,andthebedroomwastoofaraway.
Ashecircled,hetuggedoffhershirt,tosseditaside.
“Don’tjudgemeontheunderwear.”Breathless,shedraggedathisshirt.“Iwasn’tplanningonsexwhenIputitonthismorning.”
“Let’sjustgetitoutofsightthen.”One-handed,heflippedopenthebackhookofherbra,madehertremble.
“Youaregoodatthis.”
“Quiet.”Hetumbledherontothesofa.“Ilikethequiet.”
Shecouldn’tquitemanagesilence,notwithwhathedidtoherbodywithhishands,hismouth.Tobetouchedagain,tofeelaman’sweightontopofher,tohavehismouthjusttakehersover.Shefeltthoseshocksofpleasureineverycellofherbody.
Andthefeelofhimunderherhands,warmflesh,hardmuscle,rockedheralreadyshudderingsystem.Hismouthwaseverythingshe’dimaginedwhenshe’dletherselfimagine.Hotandmasterful.Herheartthuddedunderthatmouthasitroamedandpossessed.
Withabarebrushofhisfingers,heshothertopeak.
Itrippedthroughher,tearingherbreath,shatteringhermind,electrifyingherbody.Givinghernotimetorecover,hedroveherupagain,smotheredhercrieswithhismouthwhileherbodyarchedunderhis.
Thenhewasinsideher,deep,holding,holdinguntilherhipsbegantopump,untiltheworldwentmad.
Hewatchedher,thosetigereyesonhers,asshewrappedherlegsaroundhim,urgedhimtothrust,fasteranddeeper.
Ashewatched,hesawthepleasureonherface,theshockofitinhereyes.Shehadmore,anditcosthimtogivemoreratherthantake.Buthegave,andgave,whileherbodyroseandfellwithhim.Hegaveuntilshecriedoutagain,untilherhandreachedbacktogripthearmofthecouchasiftokeepherselffromflying.
Hegaveuntilshewentlimpandlaxandliquidunderhim.Thenhetookhisfill.
Shecouldhavedriftedontheechoesofpleasureforhours,maybedays.Weeksdidn’tseemoutofthequestion.Sheletherselffocusonthedrift,andthepleasure,howitfelttohavehisheartracingagainsthers.Shecouldaddinsatisfaction,ashisbodylayaslaxandlimpashersnow.
Outofpractice,maybe,butshe’dgottenthejobdone.
Sincetheywererightthere,sheranherhandsoverthemusclesofhisback.
“Thesedon’treallyshowunderyourinvisiblesuit.”
Hedidn’tstir.“Ihaveaninvisiblesuit?”
“Youweariteveryday.Well,notrightnow,butotherwise.”
“Whatdoesitlooklike?”
“Charcoalgray,single-breasted,inthatfineItalianwool.Crispwhitecottonshirt,steel-bluesilktie,singleWindsor,blackcap-toeoxfords.Italian,ofcourse.”
“That’sveryspecific.”
“IfIhadamilliondollars,I’dbetyouyou’vegotsomethingdamnclosetoitinyourcloset.Itlooksgoodonyou.”
“Whyisitinvisible?”
“Youdon’tneedanybodytoseeittoknowyou’reincharge.Itjustis.Butnow,we’renaked,andit’sreallynice.”
Helevereduptostudyher.“MaybesexdimmedyourvisionandI’mstillwearingit.”
Shejustsmiled.“Nope.Naked.Igotyounaked.Itwasmyidea,andIwantfullcredit.”
“Itwasmoreofaconceptthananidea,andIgotyounakedfirst.Butthen,Ididn’thavealottodealwith,sinceyouwerewearingthosereallytinyshorts.”
“IwasgoingtosandandpaintthislittlebenchafterIdroppedoffthecookies,so…Ohshit!Ihavetotextmyladies.IsaidI’dberightback.”
“Yourladies.”
“MomandGram.Myphone’sinthecar.Ireallymeanttojustputthecookiesontheporch.Thentherewasaturretandthedogandthesex.Ineedmyphone.”
“You’renaked,”heremindedher.“We’reprettyprivatehere,butyoumightnotwanttogoouttoyourcarnaked.”
“I’llgetdressedfirst.”
“Okay.”Heloweredhishead,pressedhislipstothesideofherneck.“Youcoulddothat.”
“Iwill.”Sheclosedhereyes,wentbacktodrifting.“Injustaminute.”
“Okay,”hesaidagain,movedtoherjaw.
“No.Wait.Damnit.Idon’twantthemtoworry.”
Whenheshifted,shewiggledoutfromunderhimandstartedtograbupherclothes.“IsitbetterifImakesomethingup—notlie,that’snotit.Icanjustsayyougavemeatourofthehouseifthat’sbetter.”
“Betterforwhat?”
“Ifyoudon’twantthem—people—toknowwehadsexonyourcouch.It’sfineifyoudon’t.”
“Youthinktoomuch.”
“Ido.”Shepulledonherclotheswhilehewatched.“Ican’tstop.IhadtofakemeditatewhenIwenttoyogawithmyladies.ButIbeteverybodyelseisfaking,too.”
“Waytoomuch.Getyourphone,tellyourladiesyou’llbeawhile.”
“I’llbeawhile?”
“Youowemedinner.We’llfigurethatoutafterIgetthosetinyshortsoffyouagain.Asfortherest?WhythehellwouldIcareifpeopleknowwe’reinvolved?Andmoreimmediate,whenyoudogetbackhome,you’regoingtolooklikeawomanwho’shadsex,andoddsareyourladieswillcluein.”
He’dsaid“involved,”sherealized.Notsexonthecouch,ornotonly.
“Stopthinking,”headvised,andreachedforhisboxers.“Gogetyourphone.Ivotewetakethisuptothebedroom.”
“I’dliketoseeyourbedroom.”
“Great.We’lldothat.”
“I’llgetmyphone.Isaidboxers,”sheremindedhim.“Howl’sonlypretendingtobeasleep,”sheaddedasshedashedforthedoor.
Milesglancedovertowherethedogcurledinfrontofthefireplace,oneeyeopen.
“Mindyourownbusiness.”ChapterEighteen
Hisbedroomliveduptotherestofthehouseshe’dseen,orsoshejudgedaftersheactuallyhadtheopportunitytoreallylookatit.
Andreallylookingatitfromthemiddleofthegloriousfour-posteronlyaddedtoit.Anelegantmarblefireplace,Frenchdoorsleadingouttoaterrace,acozysittingarea,localartdisplayedonwallsofrich,deepbluesetatoneofrelaxedindulgence.
Andlyingunderhim,shefeltbothrelaxedandindulgent.
Sheimaginedthelovelycedarchestatthefootofthebedheldblanketsandthrows,andthedoublemahoganysix-paneldoorsopenedtohiscloset.
She’dstillbetthatimaginarymillionhehadasuitinthereveryclosetohervision.
She’dgottenaglimpsethroughtheopendoortotheensuiteanditsbigfreestandingclaw-foottub.Butonlyaglimpse,ashe’dbeendraggingherclothesoffashepulledherintothebedroom.
“You’rethinkingagain.”
“Notreallythinking.Moreadmiring.Thisisabeautifulroom.Ifthethird-floorturretroom’sahideaway,thisisasanctuary.Youdon’tworkinhere.”
“NotifIcanhelpit.”
“It’salot,whatyoudo.”Absently,shetoyedwithhishair.“Itmakesmyjobeasier.”
“How’sthat?”
“MostguestswhocomeintoAprèsarehappy.They’vehadaspatreatment,ortakenahike,hadanadventureoragoodmeal.They’rejustlookingtocontinuethehappyoveradrink.Theserviceshines,andthatcomesdownfromthetop.Thedetailsshine,andditto.Itspreadsouttothecommunitywhenguestsgointotown,wanderaroundtheshops.AnytimeIhelpoutatCraftyArtsIseeguestscomein.Andtheyrarelyleaveempty-handed.
“Soit’salot,whatyoudo.”Relaxed,sorelaxedsherealizedifsheclosedhereyesshe’ddropstraightintosleep,shegavehisbackalaststroke.“I’vebeenawhile.Ishouldgo.”
“Youowemedinner.Itookacoupleofsteaksoutofthefreezerwhenyouwereoutonyourphone.I’llgrillthem.Youcanhandletherestandwe’llcalliteven.”
“Therest?What’stherest?”
“It’ssteakonthegrill,Morgan.Youdosomethingwithpotatoes.”
Hewantedhertostayfordinner,andthatwaswonderful.But.“Ireallyonlyknowhowtodotwosomethingswithpotatoesthatdon’tcomefrozeninabag,andonlyonethingI’vedonemorethanonce.AndIusuallyhavesupervision.”
“You’llwingit.”
“I’llwingit.”
Later,shegotanup-closelookatthebathroomandenjoyedasexy,steamyinterludeinthebiggestshowershe’deverseenoutsideofHGTV.
Shecouldregretshehadn’tbroughtsomuchasatubeoflipstick,buthe’dseentherestofhernakedanyway.
Thenshegotalookatthekitchen.
“Oh,thisissosmart.Openthisup,becausethisishowpeoplelivenow,andstillrespecttheorigins.It’swhatGramandmymotherdidwiththeTudor.Doyoucookalot?Becausethisisaveryscarystove.”
“Notalot,no.Enoughtogetby.”
“Mygettingbyusedtobeasalad,takeout,ororderin.”
“Withfrozenpotatoes.”
“MyTaterTotsareexcellent.Icanmakeporkchops.It’smyonething.AndMexicanpotatoes—they’respicy.”
“Ilikespicy.”
Shewanderedtotheglassdoors.“Yourbackgardensarefabulous.Andyouhaveherbs,soIcanusefresh.It’sNina’smother’srecipe,buttheproblemisshe—andeveryoneinmyhouse—doesn’tunderstandorbelieveinusingprecisemeasurements.”
“Youdon’tmeasurebehindthebar,”hepointedout.
“Don’tattackmewithlogicwhenI’mobsessingoverpotatoes.Wherearethey?”
Hepointedtoalowercabinet,whereshefoundwirebasketsandredpotatoes.
“Doyouhaveascrubberthing?”
“Underthesink.Howlongdotheytake?”
“AboutanhouronceI—Crap,I’msupposedtopreheattheoven.See?Supervision.Jesus,there’salotofknobsonthisthing.”
Becauseitamusedhim,heletherfigureitoutwhilehechoseabottleofwine.“Ihavewhiteifyou’drather.”
“No,theCab’smorethanfine.There!Didit.Ithink.I’malreadyfeelingtheflopsweat.”
Whileshescrubbedthepotatoes,Howlsatbesideher,headpressedtoherleg.Mileswenttothedoor,openedit.Said,“Out.”
“He’snotbotheringme.”
“Heneedstopatrol.”
“Hedoes?”
“It’shisidea,notmine.”Afterheclosedthedoor,heturnedtoher.“Areyougoingtosaythismealrequiresasaladoragreenvegetable?”
“I’mabsolutelynotgoingtosaythat.”
“I’mstartingtothinkyoumaybe,almost,theperfectwoman.”
Hesetaglassofwineonthecounterbesideher.
“Ilikesaladsandgreenvegetablesfine,butI’mcurrentlyobsessingaboutpotatoes.Idon’thaveroomformorethanthat.Ineedtousethatcuttingboardandoneofthoseknivesyouhaveonthatmagneticstriplikearestaurantkitchen.”
“Gorightahead.”
“ThenIneedtheherbsandspicesandoliveoilandabakingsheet.AndscissorsorshearssoIcancutsomeoftheherbsoutthere.Heactuallylookslikehe’spatrolling.”
“Becauseheis.”Hesetoutabakingsheet,kitchenshears,andpointedtotheoliveoildispenser,thentoacabinet.“Spices.”
Hewatchedhercutthepotatoesintowedges.Amusedalloveragainattheintensityofherfocus,heleanedbackonthecounter,sippedhiswine.
HeenjoyedhisSundaysolitude,hereallyenjoyedit.Buthefounditsurprisinglypleasanttohaveherinhiskitchen.
Shemutteredsomethingaboutgarlic,sohepointedagain.
Whenshewentoutfortheherbs,Howlinterruptedhisroutinetoracetohersotheyhadanotherroundofmutualadmiration.
Shecamebackin,choppedthingsup.Pulledmorethingsoutofthespicecupboard.Dumpedthingsonthepotatoes,usedawoodenspoontostirandcoat.Grabbedthepeppermill,addedthat—obviouslyforgotten,asshestirreditallupagain.
“Okay,IthinkI’vegotit.Anyway,heregoes.”
Sheputthebakingsheetintheoven,setthetimer.
“Yousaidanhour.That’sthirtyminutes.”
“Becausethat’swhenI’msupposedtostiritallupagain.Idon’tknowwhy,anddon’tcare.It’sjustwhatI’msupposedtodo.”
Shegrabbedherwine,said,“Whew!”Anddrank.
“Didyouhavekitchendutyinyourresorttraining?”
“Ohyeah.”
“That’swhyyoursissoorganized.Iskippedkitchentraining.Mymothercooked.Whenmyfatherwasdeployed,weorderedinorwentoutabouthalfthetime.Otherwise,dinneratsevensharp,andtherewouldbegreenveg.”
“Strict.”
“Youbet.Lookingback,Irealizeshe’dgetnervouswhenshestarteddinner.I’dsetthetable,butshe’dcheckthat.Everythinglinedupjustso.Militaryprecision.Afterthedivorce,shekeptthatupawhile,thenshe’dtosssomethingtogetherorwe’dorderin.”
Sheliftedashoulder,sippedmorewine.“Anyway,thatmightbewheremykitchenphobiacomesfrom.NowsheandGramcooktogether,talk,laugh.Mombakesbread.”
“Fromflour?”
“Iknow,right?”Withalaugh,shetossedbackherhair.“Shesaysitrelaxesher,anditreallyseemsto.Sofar,I’vemanagedtoescapeherattemptstoteachme.
“WhatdoesHowlpatrolagainst?”
“Uncertain.Theoccasionalsquirrelgetsbyhim,butI’veyettoseeabearordeergetthroughtheperimeter.Let’ssitoutside.”
Hetookthebottle.
HowldesertedhisdutiestoprancetothepatiotableandlayhisheadonMorgan’slap.
“It’ssoquiet,”shemurmured.“Youmustloveit.”
“Ido.Seemuchofyourfather?”
“Hmm?Oh,no.None.Ilackthedesiredchromosomes.ForwhichI’mgrateful,”sheadded,“orI’dprobablybesalutingorbeingsalutedrightnow.”
“Plentyofwomengointothemilitary.”
Sherolledhereyeswithanotherlaugh.“TheColonelbelieves,firmly,womenhavetheirplace.Thisisnotinuniformunlessassignedtoofficeworkornursing.”
“Strict,”Milessaidagain.
“Ohhell,he’sadown-to-the-marrowmisogynist.Ididn’tknowtherewasanameforitwhenIwasakid,butIknewwhatitwas.Anyway,hemarriedagainrightafterthedivorce,whichmadeitprettyclearthatwasthereasonhewantedout.I’dsaywe’reallbetteroffthisway.”
Maybethroughherfilter,Milesthought,buthecouldn’tseecuttingachildoutofhislifethatway.
“DoesHowlpatrolwhileyou’reatwork?”
“WhathedoeswhenI’mnothereishisbusiness.”
“Butwhenitrains?Thenthere’sthewinters.”
“He’stheonewhodecidedtolivehere.”Thenheshrugged.“He’sgotadoghutinthesideyard.”
Asifheknewthediscussioncenteredonhim,Howlgrumbled.
“Isthatright?Allthoselatenights,shiveringinyourhut.”
“It’sheated.”Hedidn’tlikeadmittingit,butboththedogandthewomanstaredathim.“Andthemudroomhasadogdoor.”
“Allrightthen.That’sagooddeal,”shesaidtoHowl.“Youtakecareofyourpet.”
“He’snotapet.He’smoreofatenant.”
“Atenant.”Hereyeslaughedovertherimofherwineglass.Thoseeyesofsizzlinggreen.“What’stherent?”
“Hekeepsbearoutofthebirdfeedersanddeeroutofthegardens.”
“Fairenough.I’mgoingtokeepallthatinmindifIevergetadog.IwantedonewhenIgotmyownplace,butitdidn’tseemright.Twojobs,hardlyeverthere.Rightnow,Gram’snotready,notwhenshelostPaandtheirLabwithinweeksofeachother.”
“Samewithmyfather.Notready,sohespoilsthisoneeverychancehegets.”
“Whocouldhelpit?Lookatthatface.”Shecrooneditwhileshetookthatfurryfaceinherhands.
“Timer!”
Shedashedtothekitchen.
“Icanhelpit,”hetoldHowl,thengotuptoturnonthegrill.
Whensheannouncedshelikedhersteakmediumrare,sheedgedcloseryettotheperfectwoman.
Andthepotatoesshe’dobsessedoverhittherightaccompanyingnote.Whiletheyate,Howl—fedandknowingtherules—settleddownseveralfeetaway.
“Sowe’resquare,”Milesannouncedasthesunbeganitswesterndip.
“Ifmakinghalfamealqualifies,I’lltakeit.AndI’mabouttofeedyouregoagain.”
“Icanmakeroom.”
“I’msorelaxed.Idon’tthinkI’vebeenthisrelaxedin—probablynever.Thanks.”
“I’llsayyou’rewelcome,thoughit’sbeenprettyobviouslymypleasure.”
“AndallIhadtodowasbakecookies.I’lladdtothatbydoingthedishesbeforeIgo.It’soneofmytopskills.”
Whenthey’dputthekitchentorights,hegrippedherhips,boostedherup.
“Let’sfinishwherewestarted,”hesaid,andtookherbacktothecouch.
Whenthey’dfinishedwherethey’dstarted,shegotdressedagain.“DoIreallylooklikeI’vespenttheafternoonandmostoftheeveninghavingsex?”
“Yes.Ididmyjob.”
Shepushedahandthroughherhair.“ThenthereactionwhenIgethomeisonyou.Youbeagoodboy,”shetoldHowlwhilesherubbedandstrokedhimintodelirium.
“You’vegottomorrowoff.”
“Monday’sfunday.”
“Notforme,butIshouldworkittogethomebyseven.Comeback.”
Shelookedupfromthedog,metthosefascinatingeyes.“Icouldstopintown,pickupapizza.”
“That’llwork.Getalarge.Pepperoni,andanythingbutmushrooms.”
“Allright.”
Backinhisboxers,hewalkedhertothedoor.“Seeyoutomorrow.”Thenhebackedheragainstthedoorandkissedheruntilherbonesmeltedandpouredoutofherbody.
“Goodnight.’Night,Howl.”
Hewaitedinthedoorwaywhileshegotinhercar,waiteduntilshe’ddrivenawaybeforeheclosedthedoor.
Whenhedid,thedogletoutamourninghowl.
“You’reagrownwoman.”Morganlecturedherselfasshewalkedfromhercartothefrontdoor.“Agrown,singlewoman.You’reallowedtohavesex.”
Besides,theycouldn’tgroundher.
Shewentin,dealtwiththealarm.Andseriouslyconsideredthecowardlyrouteofgoingstraightuptoherroom.There,shecouldshutthedooranddoacrazedhappydance.
Becauseshehadn’tjusthadsex.She’dhadlotsandlotsofgreatsexandfelt,simultaneously,asifshecouldsleepforthenextthreedaysandscaleamountain.
Cowardlyandrude,shetoldherself,becausesheheardtheirvoicesfromthekitchen.Shestrolledback,casually,shethought,tofindthemsittingatthecounteroverteaandcake.
Audreysmiledather,blinked,thenratchetedupthesmile.
“JustintimeforsomeofGram’sfamouspoundcake.Didyouhavedinner?”
“Yes.SorryIwasgonesolong.”
“Youshouldhavefunonyourdayoff.Sit,havesometea.We’rethinkingofaddingthepoundcaketothecafémenu.Haveasliceandseewhatyouthink.We’retoyingwithservingitwithraspberriesandcream.”
Sincethey’dbrewedapotoftea,Morgangotoutacup.
“So,youandMileswentouttodinner?”
ShefeltherbackitchasOliviaaskedit.
“No,hegrilledacoupleofsteaks.ImadethosepotatoesIknowhowtomake.”
“Isn’tthatnice?”
Theitchturnedintoaburnasshegrabbedadessertplate.
“Andyes,wehadsex.Lotsofsex.AndI’mgoingbackformoretomorrow.”
Silencerangforabeat,thenasecondwhilesheliftedthedomeoffthecakeplate.
“Well.”Oliviasippedathertea.“Thosemust’vebeensomecookies.”
AtAudrey’sburstoflaughter,Morgancouldonlystare.
“Oh,sitdown.”Audreypattedastool.“GramandIrememberwhatitwaslike.We’renotgoingtopry.Wereallywanttopry.”
“It’skillingme,”Oliviaadmitted.
“Butwewon’t.I’llsayImissedyourfirsttime.Ididmissyourfirsttime,didn’tI?”
“Yes.”Morgangotafork,sat.“College.Itwasn’twonderful.”
“Imissedyours,”OliviasaidtoAudrey.“ButIknewwhenyougothomefromspringbreak.”
“Thatuniform.Iwasagoner.”
“You’renottalkingaboutDad?Dadwasyourfirst?”
“Firstandonly.”
“Theonly’syourownfault.IbetthatsommelierwouldputthelookinyoureyethatMorgan’sgotinhers.”
“Mom.Wasn’tPayourfirst?”
“Please.”Snickering,Oliviaateaforkfulofcake.“Remembertheera.Freelove,baby.”Shetossedupapeacesign.“No,hewasn’tmyfirst.Buthewasmybest.”
ShelookedoveratMorgan.“IknowMilesisagoodman.Abitofaworkaholic,butthatwouldsuityou,asyou’rethesame.Hewouldn’thavepressuredyouintosex,andyoudon’twearthelookofawomanwhofeltpressured.Allthatmatters.”
“IguessIsortofstartedit.Hehasturrets.”
“Isthatasexualeuphemism?DoIhavetolookitupintheUrbanDictionary?”
“No,Gram.”NowMorganlaughed.“Literalturrets.Onthehouse.Hecaughtmegogglingatthem.Andhehasthisadorabledog.IaskedifIcouldseetheinsideofaturret,whichisjustwonderful.Andonethingledtoanother.”
“Doyoulovehim?Isthatprying?”Audreywondered.
“Iraisedaveryold-fashioneddaughter.I’mstillnotsurehowthathappened.Audrey,they’reyoung,healthy,singleadults.”
“Ilikehim,”Morganqualified.“I’mattractedtohim,obviously.He’ssointeresting,withalltheselayers.Andyeah,Irespecthisworkethicandhisdedicationtothefamilybusiness.We’llseewhereitallgoes,butI’mabsolutelyfinewithwhereitis.
“Thiscakeisfantastic.Irememberthiscakenow.Andyeah,Icanseetheraspberriesandcream.Prettypresentation,plusseriousyum.”
“YoucouldtakesomeforMileswhenyougoovertomorrow,”Audreysuggested.
“That’sokay—hehascookies.AndI’mpickingupapizzaontheway.”
“Ah.”Sittingback,Oliviasighed.“Pizzaandsex—thosewerethedays.It’shardnottoenvyyouth.Andnow,sinceI’mold,I’mgoingupsoIcanfallasleepreadingmybook.”
“You’renotold,Gram.”Morganpushedoffthestooltohugher.“You’retimeless.I’lltakecareofthedishes.”
“Timeless.”Oliviagaveheranextrasqueeze.“Evenifyouweren’tmyonlygrandchild,you’dbemyfavoritejustforthat.Goodnight,ladies.”
“Sheistimeless,”Audreyagreed.“AndIonlyhopeIhaveherenergyinanothertwenty-oddyears.”
Maybeitwasthemood,ormaybeitwasthemoment,butMorganturnedtohermother.
“I’mgoingtopry.”
“Ican’tthinkofathingIhavethat’sworthpryinginto.”
“Whynoonesincethedivorce?”
“Oh,Idon’tknow,Morgan.”Audreysighedalittle,flushedalittle.“Imean,atfirstIwasn’tsurewhattodoorwheretodoit.Youwerestillyoungenoughtoneedmearound,butIhadtowork.Iwasn’tgoodatanything.”
“Whydoyousaythat?That’sjustnottrue.Youcouldpackupahouseonamoment’snotice,thenunpackeverythinginanewplaceinnotime.Youranthehouse,andwhenhewasn’taround,youdideverything.Ibarelyhadchores.”
“Iwantedyoutomakefriends,havethekindofhappy,easychildhoodI’dhad.Whichwasstupidbecauseitwasn’tatallthesameforyou,ever.”
“It’snotaboutmerightnow.I’maskingaboutyou,andIrealizeIshouldhaveaskedalongtimeago.Youweren’thappy.Youpretendedtobe,butyouweren’t.Whydidyoustay?”
“Ilovedhim.Oh,Ilovedhimsomuchrightfromthefirstminute,anditlookmealongtimetogetoverthat.”
Idly,sheturnedherteacuparoundandaroundinitssaucer.
“Maybethatwastheproblem.Ifellsohard,sodeep,sofast.Ionlywantedtobeagoodwife,agoodmother,andIdidn’tmeasureuponeither.”
“Stopthat.Imeanit.”
“Youneverlackedforanything—otherthanasolidplace,asolidgroupoffriends—andthosematteredsomuchtoyou.Youhatedmoving,andIkeptthatrightupafterthedivorce.Iwassoafraidofmakingamistake,admittingI’dmadeone,thatIkeptmakingthem.
“Youmadeyourownplace,yourownlife,so—”
“Notaboutme,”Morganrepeated.“Notnow.”
“Allright.”Afterlettingoutalongbreath,Audreynodded.“Allright.IstayedbecauseIlovedhim,andbecauseIwantedyoutohaveafather.Iwanted—andittookalongtimeformetounderstandit—butIwantedbothofustohavewhatmyparentshad,whatIhadbecauseofwhattheyhadtogether.”
“Theylovedeachother.Theylovedyou.”
“Always.Justalways.Icouldn’tmakethathappenforme,foryou,anditmademefeellikeafailure.”
“Hefailed,”Morgancorrected.“Hefailedus.”
“Yes.Yes,hedid.I’vebeencarefulwhatI’vesaidabouthimbecauseIkepthopinghe’dsoftentowardyou,reachouttohisonlychild.Buthehasn’t,andhewon’t.”
“Heneverlovedme.”
Audrey’seyeswelled,butsheshookherhead,drankmoretea.
“No,I’msosorry.Heneverlovedeitherofus.Orjuststopped,I’veneverbeensure.Weweren’twhathewanted,orfeltentitledto,Iguess.I’dgetsonervouswhenhewasabouttocomehome.”
“Itshowed.”
“Parentscanbesoblindtowhattheirkidsknow.Iwasafraidofhim—notphysically,”shesaidquickly.“Notthat.Never,everthat.Butofdisappointinghim,whichIconstantlydid.Hedidn’treallywantchildren,butifhehadone,hewantedason.ThenIdisappointedhimbygivinghimadaughter.Hewantedmetogetmytubestiedafteryouwereborn.Iwastwenty-four—barely—andwantedmorechildren.ItprobablystandsastheonlythingIabsolutelyrefusedhim.Sohegotavasectomy,andthatwasthat.”
“He’scruelinhisway.”
“No,no,notcruel,Morgan.Justalwaysrightinhismind,andrigidwithit.Iwantedachild,Ihadachild.Aslongasyouwereclean,well-fed,well-mannered,well-educated,he’dfulfilledhisdutyashesawit.Hedidn’twantmetoworkoutsidethehome,soIdidn’t.Youandthehouse,whereveritmightbe,theyweremyduties.Myperformancerating,onhisscale,neverreachedaboveadequate.
“Weweren’tsuited,”sheconcluded.“Ishould’veletgo,takenyou,comehome.Butthatmeantfailure,soIdidn’t.Thenheletgo.Hemetsomeonehewanted,whosuitedhim.Sohetoldmehe’dfiledforadivorce,laidouttheterms.Ishouldn’thavebeenshocked,butIwas.Shouldn’thavebeenbrokenhearted,butIwas.”
“Youcriedatnightforweeksafterweleft.”
“Whatwethinkourchildrendon’tknow,”Audreymurmured.“Still,Ididn’tcomehome.GramandPaneverlikedhim.Theygavehimrespectasmyhusband,asyourfather,buttherewasneveranygenuineaffectionthereoneitherside.SoIdidn’tcomehome,becausethatmeantI’dfailed.”
Andthat,Morganrealized,sheunderstoodperfectly.Hadn’tshedonethesamethingafterRozwell?
“Instead,Idraggedyoufromplacetoplace,tellingmyselfwe’dfindjusttherightoneandsettle.ButIwasrunningfromthatfailure.”
“Youdidn’tfail.”
“Itfeltlikefailure.Hemarriedagainthedayafterthedivorcefinalized.”
“Ididn’tknowthat.Notthatfast.”
“Theverynextday.God,thatwasaslapintheface.Replaced,justthateasily,afteralltheyearsoftryingtobewhathewanted.SoIkeptrunning,thenyouwentofftocollege,andIwaslost.”
“Mom.”
“ItcamehometomethatI’dneededyoumorethanyou’dneededme.You’resolikeGram,baby.Strong,driven,independent,andJesus,soclever.Andsomewhereinthere,IrealizedI’ddoneareallygoodjobraisingyou,andI’ddoneitonmyown.Afterawhile,Icamehome,anditwasn’tlikefailure.Itwascominghome.Andsomewhereinthere,Istoppedlovinghimandsawthings,sawhim,moreclearly.Hefailed,justasyousaid.Hefailedasahusband,andGodknowshefailedasafather.Andwe’restillokay.”
“We’remorethanokay.Inevergaveyouenoughcreditfordoingsomuchalone.I’mgivingittoyounow.”
“Itmeansalot.”ShesqueezedMorgan’shand.“I’msoproudofyou.Icanregretnotcominghomesooner,bringingyouhere,toyourgrandparents,givingyouthatsolidfoundation,butifIhad,maybewewouldn’tbehererightnow,likethis.”
“Iresentedthemoves.”
“Oh,baby,Iknowyoudid.”
“ButtheyhelpedmakemewhatIam.Sonoregrets.Ithoughtyouwereweak,Mom,butwhatyouwereandareisincrediblystrong.Nashwomen.”
Audreyleanedover,huggedhard.“Forpurelyselfishreasons,I’mreallygladyouhadsexwithMiles.”
Onarollinglaugh,Morganleanedback.“Okay.Why?”
“Because,forwhateverreason,itopenedthisdoor—oneIkeptclosedtoolong,andjustdidn’tknowhowtoopenagain.Nowwe’vewalkedthroughittogether.Andwe’rejustfine.”
“We’remorethanfine.I’mgladIcamehome.Thereasonswhyarehorrible,butI’mgladIcamehome.Didyoukeephisnamebecauseofme?”
“I…Ididn’twantyoutohaveadifferentlastnamethanyourmom.”
“Youshouldletthatgo,too.Hell,soshouldI.”Theideastrucksorightshewonderedwhyshe’dneverthoughtofitbefore.
“Youknow,Mom,webothhavethesamemiddlename—Gram’sname.”
“Panevermindedshekepthername.‘LivvyNash,’he’dsay,‘comeseethis.’”
“Iremember.We’dallhavethesamenameifwebothwentwithNash.Legally.Nashwomen,Mom.Itcan’tbethatcomplicated.”
“Isthatwhatyouwant?”
“Samequestiontoyou.”
“Nashwomen.Yes.Oh,Ilikethat.Ireallylikethat.”
“Let’sdoit.”
“Ifyou’resure,IcancallRoryJamesontomorrow,askhowwegoaboutit.”
“Yes.Let’sbewhoweare,Mom.AudreyandMorganNash.”
Later,inherroom,shestudiedherselfinthemirror.Shecouldn’tsayifshelookedlikeawomanwho’dhadalotofgreatsex,butshelookedandfeltlikeawomanwho’dfoundakindofcontentmentshehadn’texpected.
Yes,thereasonsforfindingitbeganwithhorror,andshewouldn’tthankGavinRozwellforit.Shewouldn’tthanktheColoneleither,cometothat.
Butshelivedinahouseholdofstrongwomen,hadworksheloved,and—atleastfornow—hadamanshelikedverymuchwholikedherback.
“MorganNash,”shemurmured,andsmiledtoherself.“That’swhoIam,andnobodycantakethataway.”ChapterNineteen
Shehadsexbeforepizza,whichdidn’tsurpriseherintheleast.Andwhentheyfinallysettleddowntopizzaandwine,andHowltotherawhidebonethesizeofaBuickshe’dboughtbeforethepizza,shetoldhimabouttheconversationwithherladies.
“Soyouwererightaboutthemknowing,andnowIknowmygrandmotherwasatleastalittlebitofafree-lovehippiebeforeshemarriedmygrandfather.”
“Ialreadyknewthat.”
“How?”
Heliftedhisglass.“Ialsohaveagrandmother.Whileshewasn’treallyafree-lovehippie,she’sexpressedsomeadmiration,anditstrikeslikemaybealittleenvy,foryourgrandmother’syouthfullifestyle.”
“Really?Ithink,giventimeandopportunity,I’mgoingtogetGramtorevealmoreaboutthatyouthfullifestyle.Ialsohadalong,overduetalkwithmymomabouttheColonel.Iwasakid,soprettyself-absorbed,andreallydidn’tunderstandhowhardhewasonher.Orhowhardthedivorcewasforher.Shekeptusjumpingfromplacetoplaceafter,andIresentedthat.Iwantedroots.”
Sheglancedaroundathisyard,backathishouse.“Likeyouhavehere.WhatIdidn’tunderstandisthatshewasn’tflightyorweak.Shewascoping.Shelovedhim.It’shardformetoseewhy,butshelovedhim.”
“Love’sastrangeandinexplicablething.”
“Apparently.”Shebitintoanotherslice.“Everbeenthere?”
“No.”
“Meneither.Attraction,seriouslike,butnotthatlasttumble.Hedidn’tfeelitforus,anditfeltgoodtoreallyacknowledgethat,betweenthetwoofus.Mymothertalkedtoyourfathertoday.”
“Okay.”
“AboutthelegalitiesofdroppingAlbrightandbeing—legally—theNashwomen.Mygrandmother’sname,bothourmiddlenames.MomkeptAlbrightbecauseofme,Ikeptitbecauseitwasjustalwaysthere.Itdoesn’thavetobe.Theprocessisn’treallycomplicated,butit’salotofsteps,startingwiththecountyprobatething.Yourdad’sgoingtotakecareofit—lotsofdocumentstochange.”
“Driver’slicense,socialsecurity,passport.”
“Yeah,likethat.We’llendupwithspanking-newidentification.It’snotreallynewidentities,though,justhavinganamethatmatcheswhoweare.Allthreeofus.”
“Yourmother’sbirthnamewouldbeKennedy,right?”
“Yeah,butgoingwithNashallaroundfeelsright.Itfeelsgood,thewholething.Soanothersidebenefittoushavingallthatsex.”
“I’mplanningonmore,sowecanseewhatelsecomesoutofit.”
Shesmiledathimoverherwine.“So,canIaskhowyourworkdaywent,ordoyoulikeleavingthatbackattheresort?”
“Workneverstaysjustattheresort.That’srunningafamilybusiness.”
“Igetthat,entirely.Myladiesarealwaystalkinganewpiece,anewidea.Justlastnight,whenIgothome,theywerehavingpoundcakebecausethey’ddecidedtoaddittothecafémenu.So,workday?”
“Mondaymorningmeetingwithdepartmentheads,arequestfromtheheadbutlertoupdatetheirkitchenandstorageareas.Accountingreports,andIwassparedfromthatforatoo-briefperiodwhenJakecameby.”
“Jake?”
“JakeDooley.”
“ChiefDooley?”Herthroatwantedtoclose.“Isthere—”
“No.We’refriends,goodfriends.Wewenttomiddleandhighschooltogether.He’s…Well,he’sfamily.”
“Imethimatthecaféopening.Ididn’trealizeyouwerefriends.”
“Notquitewombtotomb.Morepubertyandbeyond.Hewantstodoateam-buildingdealwithhisforceontheropescourse.He’sworkingitoutwithLiam.”
Justnormalthings,Morganrealized.Howwonderfultotalkofnormalthings.
“Haveyoutriedityet?”
“It’stheJamesonway.Youoffersomethingtoguests,youtryitout.Weexcusedmygrandparents.”
“How’dyoudo?”
“Ididfine.Liam’slikedamnSpider-Man,butIdidfine.Youshouldtryit.”
“MaybeIwill—inmynextlife.ButIcouldprobablydoit.I’mgettingbeefedup.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Iam!Comparatively.”
“Wannaarm-wrestle?”
“No.Butwecanbody-wrestleafterpizza.”
Hetookanotherslice.“Damnclosetotheperfectwoman.”
Whenshegothome,slidintobed,shefeltdamnclosetoperfect.
Inthemiddleoftheworkweek,hecameintothebaroneeveningwithhisbrotherandsister.Anotherthird-generationmeeting,shedecidedwhentheygrabbedatableintheback.
Shefilledtheirtableorderwhentheirservercametothebar.
ThreeAprèsburgers,doubleorderofcheesefriestoshare.Liam’sfavoreddraft,whitewineforNell,andtheCabernetforMiles.Abottleofstillwaterforthetable.
Whilesheworked,sheobserved.
Theytalked.Somelaughs,someheadshakingorrolledeyes.Mildarguing—no,moredebating,shedecided.Pausestospeaktotheirserver.
Theystayednearlyninetyminutes,andstoppedbythebaronthewayout.
“Nicemidweekcrowd,”Nellobserved.
“We’dhavemoreoutsideifwedidn’thavethesummershower.”
“Speakingofoutside,Ineedtotalktoyou—tomorrow’sfine—aboutalast-minutebookingforthepatio.Surprisebirthdayparty,twenty-sixguests.Theyjustdecidedtheywanttobookthepatio,nextThursdaynight,betweensevenandeleven.”
“We’llmakeitwork.”
“We’lltalkdetailstomorrow.”
“I’llbehere.”
“Haven’tseenyouonthenewropescourse,”Liamcommented.
“I’llgettherein,oh,fifteen,twentyyears.”
“You’vegottotryit.I’ll—ha!—showyoutheropes.Haveagoodone.”
“You,too.”
WhenMileswalkedoutwiththemwithoutcomment,shesimplyraisedhereyebrowsandkeptworking.
Hecamebacktwominuteslater.
“AnotherCab?”
“No.IhavethemonthlyfamilymeetingonSunday.”
“Okay.”
“Sowhydon’tyoucomehomewithmeFridaynight?”
Shemoppedthebar.“Ithappensmyschedule’sopen.”
“Good.IhavesomethingIhavetohandlenow,soI’llseeyouthen.”
“Enjoyyourevening,”shesaid,verypleasantandprofessional.
Andsmiledtoherselfwhileshefilledanotherorder.
ShehelpedwiththeyardworkonSaturday—andprovedsheknewhowtohandleagarden.Helikedthecompanymorethanhe’dexpectedto.
Whenhehadtogointodealwithsomework-relatedcallsandemails,shestayedoutsidewiththedog.
Hecameouttofindanoldgardentubonthetableholdingflowers,andwatchedMorganwingthetennisballacrosstheyard.
Tohisshock,Howlnotonlyracedgleefullyafterit,butracedgleefullybacktoherwiththeballclampedinhisteeth.
“Whatthefuck!”
Shespunaround,theballbackinherhand.“Sorry.IsawtheballwhenIgotthetub,andthoughtitwasforHowltochase.”
“Heranafterit.”
“Well,yeah.He’sadog.”
“Heneverdoesthat.Giveit.”
Shedroppedthedrool-lacedballinhishand.Milestossedit;Howlsatandstaredupathim.
“Oh,”Morgansaid,andthethroat-clearingdidn’tdisguisethelaugh.“Isee.”
“Doyou?Doyoureally?”Onthat,Mileswalkedacrosstheyard,fetchedtheballhimself.HebroughtitbackwhileshestoodinherlittleblackshortsandskinnywhitetankstrokingHowlbetweentheears.HehandedtheballtoMorgan.“Throwitagain.”
Whenshethrewit,Howlranafterit,tailwagging,eyesgleaming.Heprancedbacktodropitinheroutstretchedhand.
“Whatagoodboy!”
“Myass.That’sjustinsulting.Whofeedsyou?”
HowlleanedlovinglyagainstMorgan’slegs,andMilesknewhedidn’timaginethesmirk.
“Maybehethinksyourheart’snotinit.Wanttotryagain?”
“No.”
Shetossedtheballherself.“Ithoughtsinceyouhavethatfamilythingtomorrow,flowerswouldbenice.IcanputtheminavaseforyoubeforeIchangeforwork.”
“Sure,fine.”
AfterpraisingHowl—anddidn’tthedogjustlapthatup—sheputtheballbackintheshed.Astheywentinside,Milesstartedtoclosethedooronthedog,butHowllookedso,well,smittenwithMorganhedidn’thavetheheart.
“Gotavase?”sheaskedwhileshewashedherhands.
“Bottomofthediningroombuffet.Takeyourpick.Wantabeer?”
“No,thanks.Nevergotarealtasteforthem.”
“Coke?”
“That’llwork.”Shecroucheddown,openedoneofthedoorsonthelowerbuffet.“Wow.Quiteacollection.”
“Grandtookwhatshewantedwhentheymoved.They’remostlyhercollection.”
“Thisisbeautiful.”Sheheldupavaseofsmoothwood.“IsitfromCraftyArts?”
“Yeah.AguyIknowmakesthem.Hehadashowtherelastfall.”
“It’sperfect.”Shebroughtitout,startedontheflowers.“Youmustknowalotofpeople.Theadvantageoflivinginthesameplace,goingtothesameschools.”
“Noteverybodystays.”
“No,ofcoursenot.Butalotdo,don’tthey?Mostofmystaffgrewuphere,orhavelivedhereforyears.NotnecessarilyinWestridge,butthegeneralarea.”
“Plentyofjobopportunities.”Hehandedheraglass.“Goodschools,lowcrime,asolidartscommunity.It’sscenic,offersanabundanceofoutdooractivitiesandinterest,andit’sclosetothenationalforest.”
“Idon’tsupposethechamberofcommercecoulddoanythingaboutthelengthofwinter.”
“Youlearntoembraceit.”Becausehelikedwatchingher,heleanedbackonthecounterwithhisbeer.“Skiing,snowshoeing,ice-skatingonthelake,pickuphockeygames,icefishing.”
“Idon’tgetwhyanyonewantsafishenoughtodrillaholeintheiceandsitinashanty.”
“It’snotforeverybody.”
Sheglancedover.“You?”
“Notinthislifetime.It’sfreakingcold.”Whenshelaughed,heshrugged.“Butplentygoforit.It’snotjustthefish,it’sthebeer,thecamaraderie.Liamlikesit,butmostlyheandourgrandfatherjustliketositthereandhangout.Thenhe’llgoaroundtotheshanties,bullshitawhile,goback,andtellPopthenews.”
“Liam’sgotthesocialskillsofacruisedirector.Butthen,hesortofis.”
Shesteppedback,studiedtheresultsofherwork,adjustedacoupleofflowers.
“Icouldsaythesameaboutyou.”
“Me?Notreally.Hisisnatural,innate.Ihadtoworkatmine.Youcan’tbeshywaitingtablesortendingbar—atleastnotifyouwanttopulltips.Sothathelpedmepushthrough.”
“‘Shy’isn’tawordI’dusetodescribeyou.”
“Notnow.”Shecenteredthevaseontheisland.“Youdidn’tknowmewhen.Ididn’thavearealdateuntilcollege.”
“Werealltheteenageboysblindanddeaf?”
Thatnotonlyearnedhimasmile,butshesteppedover,kissedhim.“Iwastheskinnynewgirlwhodidn’thavemuchtosayforherself.Theonewhosatinclass—fullyprepared,becausethem’stherules—butprayedtheteacherwouldn’tcallonher.
“Now,college,IknewI’dbethereforfouryears,soIcouldreinventmyselfalittle.AndIpracticed.”
“Youpracticed?”
“Sure.Today,I’mgoingtospeaktothreepeople,andI’mgoingtopayattentiontowhattheysay.Today,I’mgoingintothatcoffeeshop,andI’mnotgoingtositalonehunchedoverthetable,becauseI’mgoingtogetajob.AfterawhileIdidn’thavetothinkaboutiteverytime,ortalkmyselfintoit.”
Shepattedhischest.“You’vealwaysbeenconfident.Someofuspretendtobeuntilwelearntobe.”
“Lookslikeyoulearned.”
“Idid.”Shewalkedback,adjustedonemoreflowerinthevase.“IexpectLiamwasalwayssurroundedbyfriends,orthosewhowishedtheywere.Nell,populargirl,butnotoneofthemeanclique.Shehadthelooks,thestyle,thebrains,andthatsenseoffairplay.You?Morethelonerwithasmall,tightgroupofrealfriends.Likethepolicechief.Noneofyouhadtobattleshynessbecauseyoualways,alwaysknewwhoyouwere.IhadtofigureoutwhoIwantedtobe,and,well,be.”
“Anddidyou?”
“Idid.”Sheleanedintohim,comfortable,easy,withtheflowersshe’darrangedbehindher.“Hethoughthestolethatfromme.Rozwell.That’shispurpose,totakewhoyouare,eraseit.ForawhileIthoughthe’dsucceeded.Buthedidn’t.Whateverhetook,I’mstillme.”
Hestrokedahanddownherback.“Itseemstomethatwhoyouareisn’tsomeoneyouhadtofigureout,justsomeoneyouhadtodigout.Shewasalwaysthere.”
“That’sanicewaytothinkaboutit.Andthis.”Sheliftedherface,kissedhimagain.“Thishasbeenreallynice.NowIhavetogoupandgetreadyforwork.Idon’twanttobelate.Thebosscouldfireme.”
Thedogfollowedherupstairs.Milesnearlydidhimself,beforehetoldhimselftostopbeingridiculous.Whenshecamebackahalfhourlater,hairstyled,makeupperfect,uniformcrisp,hesatatthecounterworking.
“Havetogo.Haveagoodmeetingtomorrow.Andyou.”Shebenttothedog.“BeagoodboyandplayfetchwithMiles.”
“Mileswillnolongerparticipateinthatactivity.”
“Hard-ass.”Butshekissedhimyetagain.
Hewalkedhertothedoorbattlingtheurgetoaskhertocomeback,tojustcomebackagainaftershe’dclosed.Andtoldhimselfitwastoomuchandtoofast.
Hewatchedherwalktohercarwiththedogwhimperingbesidehim.Maybeheregrettednotaskingher,buttheybothneededtheirownspace,theirowntime.
Whenheclosedthedoor,hefoundhimselfannoyedbythesilence,andannoyedhefeltannoyedbyit.
Helikedthequiet.
Hewentback,grabbedwhatwasleftofhisbeer,hislaptop,tookthembothoutside.Andwentbacktowork.
Themealportionofthefamilymeetingwouldconsistofchopsonthegrill,bastedinhisgrandfather’sspecialsauce,hisgrandmother’spotatosalad,grilledvegetables,andhismother’sstrawberryshortcake.
Butbusinesscamebeforefood,andforthis,theygatheredaroundthediningroomtablewithglassesofsunteaorlemonade.
Events—summerweddings,engagementparties,familyreunions,afewnewfallpackagesunderconsideration.
NelldiscussedNick’spromotion,somechangestomenus,andthesuccessof—andtheglitchesin—PicnicbytheLake.
“Thefeedbackfromguestshasbeenverypositive,”shecontinued.“EnoughI’dliketocontinueintothefall,asweatherpermits.Vermontfoliageisalwaysadraw,especiallyifweaddacampfire,offergueststhemakingsfors’mores.Fromtheaccounting,youcanseewhatweloseattherestaurantsandroomservice,wemorethanmakeupwiththepicnicbookings.”
“Somelaprobes,likeweoffertopatioguests,”Micksuggested.“Latesummer,earlyfalleveningscangetchilly,especiallyonoldbones.”
“We’dneedtoordermore.Ithinkit’sworthit.”
Heglancedathiswife,thenatMiles.“Miles?”
“Thefeedbackispositive,andso’stherevenue.I’mgoodwithit.”
“Thenit’sovertoyou,”NellsaidtoLiam.
Hewoundhiswaythroughhisreport.“AndtheWestridgepoliceforce’steambuilding,Thursday.I’mgoingtoworkthatmyself,andgetsomeshotsforthewebsite.Ithinkweshouldtrytomarketthesamedealtothevolunteerfiredepartment,withthesamediscount.”
“Ilikethat.”Hismothersippedsomesuntea.“Withsomemarketingwemightdrawinotherpoliceandfiredepartments.Butlet’sgetthephotographer,Liam.You’regoingtobebusywiththegroup.”
“Thewebsiteneedsupdating.I’vebeenworkingonit,”Milessaid.“Wecanaddthisin.I’llcontactTory.”Hemadeanote.“MakesureshehasThursdayfreetotakethephotos.”
“Savesme.Yourturnnowanyway,”Liamtoldhim.
Ittookawhile,buthesummedupthemonth’sbusiness,anystaffchanges,currentandprojectedupdates,offeredatemplateoftheprogressofthewebsiterefresh,somenewbrochures.
“Inaddition,Ihadathoughtthattiesin,moreorless,withtheteambuildingandthatmarketing.Icefishing.”
“Dowehavetothinkaboutwinter?”Nellletoutasigh.“I’mhardlyusedtowearingsandalsagain.”
“It’llcomewhetherwethinkaboutitornot.Icefishingcontest,threedaysrunning,cashprizes.Forthemostpart,”Milescontinued,“thiswouldinvolvelocals.Someguests,sure,butI’dwantitopentoallcomers.Keepthefeereasonable.Wetag,say,adozenfish.Dad,youcouldworkoutthelegalitiesonit,butanyonewhocompetedwouldneedalicense.Say,ahundreddollarsforsixofthem.Athousandfortherest—exceptone.Tenthousandgrandprize.”
“That’sahellofafish.”Mickrubbedhishandstogether.“Letmeat’em.”
“Youalreadyknowwecouldn’tcompete.Evenwiththeentryfees,wecouldlosemoney,butit’sgoodcommunityrelations,goodmarketing.Ifitworks,wemakeitanannualevent.”
“Ithinkit’sabrilliantidea.”Lydiatippedherheadtowardhim.“Youdon’ticefish.Ever.Whatmadeyouthinkofit?”
Heshrugged.“Winterscome,andtheystick.We’dgetalotoffreemarketingoutofit.LocalTVcrews,internet,wordofmouth.Wegiveitablastonthewebsite,onsocialmedia.”
“I’mthinkingtwodozenfish—youfigurethatout,Rory,”Micktoldhisson,“theinsandouts,thecashprizes,andhowthatworks.”
“Willdo.”
“Yourhundred-dollarfish,yourfive-hundred,thousand,andthebigkahuna.”
“Wecoulddoprizesfortheshanties—bestdecorated—wouldn’tthatmakeapicture?”Dreaconsidered.“Theywouldn’thavetobecash.Afreenightorweekend,discountcardsatthespa,theshops,therestaurantsandbars.Wesetuptohavehotchocolate,coffee,maybesomebakedgoods.NellandIcanworkonthat.SomethinglikewedoinJanuary,Nell,fortheicesculptureevent.”
“Wecanrockthis.”Liamnoddedashemadehisownnotes.“Ishould’vethoughtofitmyself.”
“Takeyourropescoursevictory,”hismotheradvised.
“Oh,Ido.Anythingelse?I’mstarving.”
“Onemorething.Itcrossesresortbusinessandpersonal.”
“Afamilybusiness.”Drealiftedherhands.“Somuchdoes.”
“Itdoes,”Milesagreed.“Andinthatvein,I’mlettingyouallknowI’mseeingMorganAlbright.”
Heexpectedthepause,andmaybeamomentofconfusion.Hegotboth.
“Ah,seeingMorgan,”Dreasaidslowly,“asindating?”
NellgaveMilesthesharpeye.“Asinsleepingwith,Mom.Damnit,Miles.”
“Sorry.Didyouwanttosleepwithher?”
“Aren’tyoujustadorable?AretherenotenoughwomeninVermontyoucanchoosefromwithoutsleepingwithsomeonewhoworksattheresort,andinmydepartment?”
“Apologiesagain.I’verunthroughalltheothers.Shewastheonlyoneleft.OnceI’mdonewithher,I’mhittingonNewHampshire.”
“Allright,kids.”Theirfatherheldhishandsup,palmsout.“That’senough.First,thisisMiles’spersonallife,andhe’sentitledtoitjustliketherestofus.Next.Everyoneatthistable,everyonewhoknowshimwouldhavenoreason,whatsoever,tothinkhe’dinanywaycoerceorpressureanywoman,anyemployeeintoasexualrelationship.”
“Morganmaynotfeelthatway.”
Liamletoutanimpatienthissasheturnedtohissister.“Comeon,Nell,Morgan’sworkedforuslongenoughtogiveasolidimpression.Ifshefeltpressured,andIdon’tbuythat,notwithMiles,she’dcometoyou,orGrand,orMom.Or,morelikely,she’dtellMilestobackrightoff.I’veseenherhandleguestswhocomeclosetotheline.Sohaveyou.”
“Ialsoknowshe’scomingoutofatrauma.Majortrauma,andonethat’snotover.”
“I’maware.”Hespokecoolly—aclearwarningsignal.“Andyou’recrossingthelineifyouthinkI’dtakeadvantageofthat.”
“Idon’t.I’msayingshemight.Ineedtotalkwithher.Ido,”shepressedbeforeMilescouldspeak.“I’mherdirectsupervisor.I’mresponsible.”
“Ihavesomethingtosay.”
WhenLydiaJamesonspoke,nooneinterrupted.
“RoryisrightinthatthisisMiles’spersonallife,andhisfamilyneedstorespectthat.Andhisfamilyshouldtrusthim,ashe’snevergivenanyofusreasontodootherwise.
“Nellisright,”shecontinued.“ThoughIhavenodoubtMilesisconfidentthisrelationshipisonmutualandevenground,Nell,asMorgan’ssupervisor,shouldhaveanopenandfrankdiscussionwithMorgan.She’sOliviaNash’sgranddaughter,andsoIhavenodoubtLiamisalsoright.Ifshedidn’twantarelationshipofthisnaturewithMiles,shewouldmakethatclear.
“But,”shecontinuedafterapause,“wecan’tforgetwhatshe’sbeenthrough,isstilldealingwith.Nell,Ithinkwe’dallappreciateitifyou’darrangetohaveaprivateconversationwithMorgantomorrow.Iexpectyou’llhavetheanswersandresponsesthatallowallofustolettwounencumberedadultslivetheirpersonallives.”
“I’llarrangeit.”
“That’ssettledthen.”Mickknockedafistlightlyonthetable.“Mileswill,nodoubt,respectwhateverMorganhastosayonthesubject.”
“OfcourseIwill.”
“She’saveryappealingyoungwoman.”Micksmiledwithit.“Onseverallevels.Andanassettotheresort.Welookafterourown.I’lladdifMileswasn’twhoMilesis,hewouldn’thavebroughtthisupatthemeeting.Andnow,let’sfireupthegrill.”
Outside,NellmadeapointtodrawMilesaway.Andwatchingthem,Dreawinced.
“Letthemhashitout.”Rorygavehershoulderasqueeze.“Wedidn’traiseshrinkingviolets.”
“That’smyworry.I’dhatetoseethisendupinafight.”
“Wouldn’tbethefirsttime.”
“Notevenclose.Butyou’reright,letthemhashitout.Wecanmopupthemetaphoricalbloodlaterifnecessary.”
NelldrewMilesaroundtothesideofthehouse.“Listen,Ihavetodothis.”
“Soyou’vesaid,andsoeveryoneagreed.”
“It’snotthatIdon’tknowyou,don’ttrustyou.”
“Itisn’t?”
“No,andyoudamnwellknowit,sogetoffthehighhorse.”
“Icouldn’tgetinthesaddlebecauseyoutookupalltheroom.”
Shepacedafewfeetaway,pacedbackagain.“You’renotgoingtopissmeoff.”
“Wannabet?”
“Miles!”Shethrewupherhands,thentappedherfistsagainsthertemples.“Youcansympathize,youcanbeoutragedabouttheideaofsomeoneinpowerpressuring—insubtleorovertways—awomantohavesex.Butyoucan’tknowwhatit’sliketobeinthatwoman’sposition.”
“Andyoudo?”
“Yes,Ido.Iknowwhatit’sliketofeelcorneredbyaguywhothinksIshouldbeinterested,orgrateful,orcompliant.And—”
“Holdthehellon.”Takingherbythearms,hestareddownather.“Who?Whodidthat?”
Shegavehimalook,bothaffectionateanddisdainfulatonce.
“Doyouwantmetostartreelingoffnamessincehighschool?I’mnotgoingtodothat.Ihandledit,andI’llkeephandling.ButIknowwhatit’slike,andyoujustcan’t.Andyeah,Liam’sright.I’veseenherhandleherself.Butyou’renotaguest,notanothermemberofthestaff.You’retheboss.SoI’mgoingtotalktoherandestablishthere’snotanydoubtorhesitationinherabouthavingasexualrelationshipwithyou.
“Isitjustsexual?”
“Who’sasking?TheheadofHospitalityormysister?”
“Iguess,inthiscase,it’syoursister.”
“ThenIdon’tknowyet.”
Shenodded.“That’sfair.Ineverknoweither.”
“Mysisterdoesn’thavesexualrelationships.She’spureanduntouched.”
“That’sright.”Nowshepattedhischeek.“Justlikeourmother,whoconceivedandborethreechildrenthroughachastemiracle.”
“That’smytheory.”
“Iloveyou,Miles,andyoudidn’tpissmeoff,soyoulosethebet.”
“Day’snotover.”
NellwentbackandforthoverwherebesttomeetMorgan,andintheendtextedarequesttogototheNashhouseonMondayatten.
Somewhere,shethought,Morganwouldfeelcomfortable,andafterherfamilyleftforworksothey’dhaveprivacy.
Whenshearrived,Morganansweredthedoorquickly.
“Hi,thanksforseeingme.I’dforgottenwhatalovelyhousethisis.Idon’tgetoutthiswayoften.”
“Comeonin.AtfirstIwassurprisedyouwantedtocomebythismorning,thenIrealizedIshouldn’thavebeen.”
“Milestoldyou?”
“No,hehasn’tsaidanything.ButIknowyouhadafamilymeetingyesterday,soIguessitcameupthatMilesandIareseeingeachother.”
“That’sjustthetermheused.Isn’tthatinteresting?”
“We’dbettersitdown.Whydon’twegotothegreatroom?Icanmakecoffee.”
“That’dbegood.Ihavetosayyoucantellthreewomenlivehere—andImeanthatinthebestpossibleway.Itjustlooksfeminine.Smellsfeminine.Andoh,youryard!Sopretty.Ilovethebirdfeeders.”
“Me,too.Coffee,latte,cappuccino—yourchoice.”
“I’dlovealatte.”
“We’llmakethattwo.Haveaseat.”
“There’ssomethingsoartisticandsoothingaboutyourbackyard.Italkedmyselfoutofanapartmentandboughtasmallhouse.Smallenough,Itoldmyself,soIcouldmaintainitmyself,withayardsmallenoughIcoulddothesame.
“Ifailed.”
“I’mgoingtosaythat’shardtobelieve.”
“Somethingalwaysgotneglectedorputoff.I’llgettothattomorrow,ornextweek,andIknowwhenyoudothatit’sjustgoingtopileup.SoItoldmyselfI’dbemoreefficientifIhiredsomeonetomaintainit.”
“You’regivingpeoplejobsthatway,andpaychecks,”Morganpointedout.
“There’sthat.Andstill,yourbackyardissomuchmoreappealingandcreativethanmine.IsthatwindchimefromCraftyArts?”
“Itis.”
“I’mgoingtostopbythereonmywaytoworkandgetone.Doyoumindifwesitoutonthepatio?”
“Oneofmyfavoritespots.”ChapterTwenty
Whentheysatatthepatiotable,Nelllookedaroundonemoretime.
“I’dwanttoliveouthere.Doyoudrinkyourcoffee-flavoredmilkandsugarouthereeverymorning?”
“Usually.”
“MileshasaZenplacelikethis,andactuallymakestimetoworkinthegardeneveryweekunlesshe’sreallyslammed.Iguessyouknow.”
“Yes,it’sbeautiful.”
“Okay,well.”Nelltuckedherhair,loosetoday,behindherear.“Idon’twantthistobeawkward.”
“Toolate.”
Nellmadeasmallsoundofagreement.“Iguessthere’snoavoidingtheawkward.Iwantedtotalktoyouhere,yourturf,yourhome,andnotmyoffice,soyou’dbeascomfortableaspossible.”
“Iappreciatethat.Ido.CanIcuttomypersonalendofthelineandaskifyou’refiringme?”
“What?Jesus,no!No.Tossthatoutrightnow.”Asshespoke,Nellshotahandintheairasifwingingsomethingaway.
“Okaythen.”Morganbreathedout.“I’llthrowouttheworryandwecanjuststickwiththeawkward.”
“Iwishitwasn’tawkward,becausethisisaboutyourcomfort,Morgan.IknowMiles,obviously.IloveMiles,butIstand—orsitrightnow—asyourdirectsupervisor,andyoursupport.IunderstandyouandMilesnowhaveapersonalrelationship,andIwantyoutotellme,tofeelabsolutelysecureandsafeintellingme,ifyoufeltinanywaypressuredtoenterthatrelationship.EvenifMilesdidn’t—”
“Youcanstoptherebecausethat’sabig,solidno.Hedidn’tpressureme,Ididn’tfeelpressured.Hedidn’tmakeanymoves.Idid,andIthoughtthat’swhyyoumightfireme.”
“Oh.Aminute?”Sheliftedhercoffee,drank.“Hedidn’tsharethatpart,andofcoursehewouldn’t.He’sMiles.Itwould’vebeenhelpful.We’dstillhavehadthisconversation,butitwould’vebeenhelpful.”
“Icanbehelpful.HewasmorethankindtomeafterIhadtheincidentFridaynight—aweekagoonFridaynight.You’dknowaboutthat.”
“Yes,andI’msorryithappened.”
“SoamI.Ialsofelt,evenpriortothat,hemightbeinterestedinme.Heneversaidordidanything,but—Ohhell,Nell,youknow,right?Whenaman’sinterested.Youmightmisinterpret,butyougetasense.”
“Allright,yes.”
“Iwasn’tgoingtoactonthefactIwasinterestedbackbecauseIlovemyjob,andIneedit,butIbakedhimcookies.”
“Seriously?”
“Mymother’sidea.”
“Oh,Igetthat,too.”Nowshelaughed,shookherhead,drankmorecoffee.“Soyoubakedhimcookies.”
“Withalotofhelp,butyeah,thenIwasgoingtodropthemoffathishouse,butIsawtheturrets.”
“It’sagreathouse.”
“Itreallyis,andthenHowlcamerunningout,andIwassocharmed,andMileslookedsobaffled.Iaskedtoseeinsidetheturret.Istillwasn’tgoingtoactontheattraction,Ijustreallywantedtosee.ThenIwasleaving,and…”
“Oh,don’tstopnow.”
“AndIjustfeltwhatIfeltwasmutual,soIaskedifhewasattractedorinterested,andhewassocarefulIfiguredI’dmisinterpreted.ButthenhesaidIhadn’t,andwesortoftalkedthroughthesituationandhowtoputthatwholethingaside—mutually.ThenImademymove,andonethingledtoanother.”
Morganshrugged.“Isthathelpfulenough?”
“He’dneverhavetoldmeallthat.I’mgladyoudid.”
“Ifthisisgoingtocauseanyproblems…Idon’tknowwhattodo.Thejob,livingherewithmyladies,nowMiles?ItallmakesmefeelmoremyselfthanIhaveinsolong.Idon’twanttogiveanyofitup.”
“Whywouldyou?You’reanexcellentmanager,thisisalovelyhomethatfeelshappywithit.Andthoughasmybrother,Milescanirritatethecrapoutofme,he’saninterestingman,withastrongmoralcode.Ineededtoknowwhereyoustoodandhowyoufelt,andwhy.NowIdo,andcansaythisnowsitsasyourpersonalbusiness.”
“Good.Thanks.Andwhew.IknowI’mprobablynothisusualtype.”
“Idon’tthinkhehasone.”
“Well,Imeanlikethatwomanhewasseeingnotthatlongago.”
“CarlieWineman?Please.”Nellrolledhereyes.“Iknowaladder-climberwhenIseeone,andokay,Ididn’tseeitforawhile.AndIshouldn’tsayanyofthis,butthehellwithit.I’mnowMiles’ssister,notheadofHospitality,andI’mgoingtosaythis.She’sgorgeousandknowshowtoshowoffherlooks.Sheknowsartandwine,skislikeachamp,speaksFrenchlikeanative.”
“Noneofthisinspiresself-confidence.”
“I’mnotdone.Afterawhile—ittookawhile,becauseshecouldbeverycharming—IrealizedMileswasastepupforher.Socially,financially.Andmore,shejustlikedthewaytheylookedasacouple.Everythingaboutherisaboutasdeepasarainpuddle,excepthervanity.”
“Allright,maybeadribbleofself-confidencecomingback.”
“Ilikeyou.IlikeyouforMiles.Idon’tknowifthisisjustasexthing,but—”
“Idon’tknoweither.”
“Understandable.OnceIgottoknowCarlie,Ididn’tlikeher.AndIreallydidn’tlikeherforMiles,andwasthrilledwhenhebrokethingsoff.Idolovemybrotherevenwhenhepissesmeoff,whichiswithsomeregularity.Ialsopisshimoffwithsomeregularity.”
“Becauseyou’resomuchalike.”
Overtherimofhercup,Nellshotalong,coollook.“Nowyou’llpissmeoff.”
“Youhavetoknowthat.You’reveryself-aware.Youcameherebecauseyouwantedmetobecomfortableandfeelmoreincontrol.That’skindandrespectful.Milesiskindandrespectful,he’sjustmorebrusqueaboutit.Liam’smorefreewheeling,butyouallgetthejobdone,andwell.Partofthat’sworkethic,andpartofitisadeeploveforthefamilyandthebusinessitcreated.”
“Maybeyoushould’vegoneintopsychology.”
“Agoodbartenderisapsychologistwhomixesdrinks.Didyoulikethatpartofyourtraining?Liamsaidyoualltrainedineveryareaofthebusiness.”
“Didhe?Well,he’srightaboutthat.Ican’tsayIlikedthework,butIfoundthetrainingvaluable.Itmademeunderstandit’salotmorethanmixingthosedrinks.
“Now,thoughI’dliketojustsithereforanotherhourinthisspot—itremindsmewhatitistorelax—it’snotmydayoff.Ihavetogobuyawindchime,thengettoworkandletyougetbacktoyourdayoff.”
“I’mgladyoucameby.”
“SoamI.”Nellrose.“Idon’tmakerealfriendseasily,buttendtokeeptheonesImake.Anddamnit,that’sexactlylikeMiles.Anyway,weshouldhavelunchsometime.”
“Lunch?”
“Ordrinks.AndnowitsoundslikeI’maskingyouout.MaybeIam,inaway.A‘let’sseeifthere’sapossiblefriendshipinhere’sortofway.”
“Idon’tmakefriendseasilyeither.I’dliketotrythatkindoflunchordrinks.”
“Great.I’lltextyoupossibleopeningsinmyschedule,whichisexactlywhyIdon’tmakefriendseasily.”
“I’mabigadmireroftheschedule.”
“That’sagoodlaunchingpointforpossiblefriendship.”
Theypartedonthoseamiableterms,thenMorgansatandletthereliefwashoverher.Shewasn’tgoingtobefired,shewouldn’thavetochoosebetweenthemanandthejobwhenshewantedboth.
And,overandaboveitall,Mileshadtoldhisfamily.
“Turningaround,”shesaidquietly.“Itreallyfeelslikethingsareturningaround.”
GavinRozwellenjoyedthebalmyoceanbreezesandthegoldensandsoftheSouthCarolinabeach.Thelocalseafoodsuitedhispalate.Whiletheviewfromhisfrontdeckaffordedviewsofseaandsandandsunrise,hehadtoadmithemissedtheterraceofhishotel.
Butwhenamanbookedahotelforacoupleofmonths,heearnednoticeandtalk.Amanwhorentedabeachhousedidn’t.He’dhavetomakecertaintherewardwasworththesacrifice.
Here,hewasTrevorCaine,asuccessfulghostwriterworkingonaproject,andcarvingouttimeto—hopefully—finishhisowntoo-long-neglectednovel.
He’dgoneforthecasualscruffylook,asitseemedtoreflectthebeachsettingandhiscurrentpersona.He’ddarkenedhishairtoachestnutbrown,addedsomesun-kissedhighlightsandagoatee.Aspraytancompletedthebeachylook,alongwithacollectionofshorts,T-shirts,distressedjeans.
HetoppeditoffwithaMetsfielder’scaphe’dbatteredabitsoitlookedwell-worn,andapairofRay-Bans.
Hedecidedhenotonlylookedthepartbutlookeddamngood.
Whilehedid,occasionally,strollonthebeach,hespentmostofhistimeathislaptop.Insteadofwriting,hecontinuedhisresearch,refinedtheoutlineofhisplan.
Histarget,QuinnLoper,hadherownbeachhouse—withsomeveryniceequitytherein—ownedandoperatedacleaningcompanythatservicedtherentals,contractedthroughthebookingagency.
Shenolongerdidanyofthedirtywork,andforaslidingscaleoffees,offeredwipedowns,deepcleanings,windowwashing,andsoontootherlocals.
QuinnhadanMBAandasolidbusiness.Shealsohadwell-offpaternalgrandparentswho’drelocatedfromNewYorktoMyrtleBeachwhenthey’dretired,fortheweatherandthegolf.
HermotherhaddiedinanaccidentwhenQuinnwassix—sosad!Boo-hoo!—andherwidowedfathermovedherandhereight-year-oldsistertoSouthCarolinatobeclosetofamily.
HerfatherremarriedsevenyearslaterandnowlivedinAtlanta.Hersisterrecentlymarriedanotherwoman—hedidn’tgetthat,butliveandlet.Theyboughtanoldplantation-stylehouseinCharleston,rehabbedit—andranaBandB
Anenterprisingfamily!
HeconsideredQuinnaprimechoice.She’dbeenonhislistforacoupleofyears,andsinceFatAssinNewOrleans—bigdisappointment!—he’dgonedeeperintohisresearch.
Single—andnotgaylikebigsister—twenty-eightandathleticenoughtorunonthebeachmostmornings.Shealsohadamembershiptoalocalgym.Sheworkedoutofherhome,savingthecostofofficespace,andranacrewofsixteen,full-orpart-time.
ShesuppliedtheequipmentandsuppliesunderthecompanynameofBeachyClean
Toocutesyforhistaste,butitworked.Shehadjustoverseventy-fivethousandinequitybuiltintoherfour-bedroom,two-and-a-halfbath,two-levelhome—withfrontandbackdecksandahottub.ShedroveaMercedesconvertibleandownedaDodgepickuptruck.
Herbusinessaccountremainedhealthy,andherpersonalaccounts—well,thatMBAandthoserichgrandparentspaidoffhandsomely.
Hecalculatedhe’dnetbetweentwohundredandtwohundredfiftythousandbeforehekilledheranddroveoffintheMercedes.
Thetruckwasloaded,newer,buttheconvertiblewassweet
Withhisresearchdoneandhiscoverfirmlyinplace,heonlyhadtoengineerameet-cute.
Heheadedtothebeachjustaftersunrise.Whensheran,thatwashertime.Herantwomilesthatdayandthenextwithoutseeingher.Hehadtoremindhimselftobepatient,remindhimselfheestablishedapatternforanyotherearlyriserswhowalkedthebeachordrankcoffeeontheiroceanfrontdecks.
TheguyintheMetscapwhojogsinthemorning.
Thethirddayshebeathimthere,sohefellintoplacebehindher.
Longlegs,tightbody—thewayhelikedthem.Shehadalongponytailthroughthebackopeningofherballcap.Otherthanthelengthofthehair,sheremindedhimofMorgan.
Maybeshehadmorecurves—buttheyremindedhimofhismother,soitallworked.
Primecatch.
Afterasolidmile,sheturned.He’dpacedhimselfsothey’druntowardeachotherjustlongenough.Heflashedasmile,tappedhiscap,tappedafingerintheairathers.
“Goteam!”
“Havingagoodyear,”sheresponded,onlyslightlybreathless,andkeptgoing.
“Hotbats.”Heranon,thenturned,pacedheragain,keepingaboutsixfeetbetweenthem.
Whensheslowedtoawalk,hegaveherahalfwaveasheranby.She’dwalkanotherquartermileorthereabouts.He’dwatchedherroutinethroughbinoculars.She’dcooldownwiththewalk,stretchalittle,thenwalkupthepathbetweentheoceanfrontsandbacktoherownhouse.
Hestoppedatthatpoint,bentovertobracehishandsonhisknees,pantedsomeuntilshewalkedcloser.
Withahalfsmile,hestraightened.“It’saprettyrun,butI’mnotusedtorunningonwetsand.”
“Youdidfine.”
“Youdidbetter.FromNewYork?”
“Bornthere.”Keepingacarefuldistance,shebalancedononelegforaquickquadstretch.“ButI’velivedheremostofmylife.”
WhichsoundedclearlyinhercoastalSoutherndrawl.
“IinheritedmylovefortheMetsfrommygrandfather.NewYork?”sheaskedinturn.
“ImovedtoBrooklynrightaftercollege.Foundmyplaceandmyballteam.NicetomeetafellowMetsfaninSouthCarolina.They’replayingtheMarinerstonight.BassittagainstCastillo.”
“I’mlookingforwardtoit.So,youandyourfamilyonvacation?”
“Nofamily,justme.Workingvacation.Can’tbeattheview.”Hegesturedback.“I’mtwobackfromthesebig-assoceanfronts.TheycallitRidingtheWave.”
She’dcheckonhimwiththatinfo,hethought.Justashewantedherto.
“Ah,TrevorCaine.”Heofferedahand
“QuinnLoper.Enjoyyourstay.”
“Oh,Iam.MaybeI’llseeyouontheruntomorrow.”
Sheshotasmileoverhershoulderasshewalkedaway.“Maybe.”
Hetimeditwellthenextday,andsheranjustbehindhim.Heslowedjustenough.“Hellofagame,”hecalledout.
Hehadn’twatchedit,buthe’dgatheredallthestatsandhighlights.“Thatdoubleplayinthebottomoftheninth?Sweet!”
Theyrantogetherforastretch,tossinggametidbitsbackandforth.Thistimeheslowedtoawalkwhenshedid.
“Takingatipfromyou,”hetoldher.“Walkingitdown.Toomuchsitting,Iguess,andnotenoughtimeinthegym.”
“SameformeifIfalloffroutine.Whatkindofworkdoyoudo?”
Shealreadyknewthebasicsoftheidentityhe’dbuilt,hecouldtell.
“I’mawriter,workingonanovel.He’ssaidforthreeyearsandcounting.”Sheepishsmileforthatone.“GhostwritingpaysthebillswhileIdo.”
“Ghostwriting?Like,youwriteabookandsomebodyelseputstheirnameonit?”
“It’snotassimpleasthat.It’smoresomebodyneedssomethingthey’vewrittenfixedup,orhasanidea,butitneedsfleshingout.”
“Booksandbaseballaremythings.”
Andheknewthat,hencethecapandthecover.
“Whohaveyouwrittenfor?”
Hegaveherasmileandliftedshoulders.“Thethingaboutghostsiswe’reinvisible.Can’tsay.It’sacontractualdeal.Idecidedtocomedownhere,finishupaprojectforaclient,andgivemyownsomeserioustime.”
Helookedoutoverthewater.“It’sworking.IthinkIcanfinishthecontractbookbytheendoftheweek.Then,noexcuses,it’smytime,mystory.”
Helookedbackather.Easyandcasual,butletinterestshowthrough.“Whatdoyouliketoread?”
“Agoodstory.Thriller,mystery,romance,horror,fantasy.Justtakemeawayforawhileandwe’regood.”
“That’sthegoal.Whatdoyoudowhenyou’renotreadingorwatchingbaseball?”
“Irunacleaningcompany.BeachyCleantakescareofyourcottage.”
“Seriously?”Hetippedhiscapback.“Youcleanmyrental?”
“Notmepersonally.Iruntheoperationthatdoes.”
Notownit,henoted.Beingcareful.
“I’mgoingtostartpickingupalotmorebeforetheweeklycleaningsoIdon’tgetreportedbacktoyouasaslob.”
Hersmilecamewideandbright.
“Thecrew’slikeghostwriters.Verydiscreet.AndI’vegottogettoit.Goodluckwiththewriting.”
“Thanks.”
Bydayfourheplannedtoruntogether,butshedidn’tshow.Hesettledfordayfive.Ondayseven,sheaskedhimoutforadrink,beatinghisscheduledaskbytwodays.
Hefollowedupwithaninvitetodinner—allcasual,friendly,andafriendlygood-nightkissbeforehedeliberatelymissedaday.
“Pulledanall-nighter,”hetoldher,andputonshiningexcitement.“Itjuststartedtoroll,andIcouldn’tstop.”
“Yourbook,right?”
“Yeah,allmine.”
“What’sitabout?”
“Can’tsay—that’sstraightsuperstition.It’slikeifItalkaboutit,it’llstoprolling.”Helookedupasgullswingedandcalledoverhead.“Thiswastherighttime,therightplace.IfIevergetitfinished—andIwill—andpublished—andIwill—I’llsendyouacopy.Ihonestlythinkthesemorningrunswithyougottheenginegoing.”
“That’sgreat,Trevor.”
“HowaboutItakeyoutodinner—maybetomorrownight—tocelebrate?”
Shesmiled.“Howaboutyoudo?”
Ittooknearlythreeweeksforthematingdancetoendupatdinneratherplace.Itgavehimanopportunitytostudythelayoutandgetafewminuteswiththedesktopinheroffice.
Shewantedsex,andthatwasfine,notunexpected.Hecouldhandleit,couldgethardimaginingthekill.
Plus,shehadalaptopinherbedroom,sohegainedtwopointsofaccess.
Hemethergrandparents,atebarbecuedribsontheirdeck.Andsincetheyjustlaidtheopportunityoutthere,hetookit,uploadedhisprogramintotheoldman’sofficecomputer.
Noreasonnottoaddtohistakewithachunkoftheirinvestmentaccount.
He’djustaddacoupleofdaysontohisschedule.
Itonlytookamonth,andhe’dgivenhimselftwo.AftersecuringtheloansasQuinnLoper,bankingthetake,hedrainedheraccounts,sweeteneditwithahundredKfromhergrandfather.
Hethoughtaboutkillingthegrandparents,buthecouldn’tfindthethrillinit.Instead,hefoundthethrillimaginingtheirshock,theirtearsafterhe’dkilledtheirbelovedgranddaughter.
Heslippedintotheirhousewhiletheyslept—theyleftthewindowsopentoheartheocean.
Idiots.
Heremovedhisprogram,slippedoutagain.
Quinndidn’tleavethewindowsopen,butherfrontdoorlockwasajoke.
Hemovedthroughthedarkenedhouse,intothebedroomwheresheslept.Hewastemptedtowakeherupfirstsoshe’dhavemoretimetoknowwhatwashappening,moretimetofeelit,fearit.
Butsheworkedout,andheknewshe’dputupafight.
Soheeasedontothebed,pinnedherarmsunderhisknees.Hereyespoppedopenwhenheclosedhishandsoverherthroat.
Shecouldn’tmakeasound,notmorethanapeep,butshebucked,triedtoroll.
“You’rejustanotherwhore.”Tighter,tighter,cuttingofftheair,watchinghereyesroll.“Youthinkyou’respecial,butyou’renot.I’mmakingyounothing.”
Hermouthgapedopenasshefoughtforair,beneathhisholdonherarms,herfingersclawedatthesheets.Herheelsdrummed.
“ItookeverythingIwanted,doyouunderstand?Yourhouse,yourbusiness.It’sallminenow,andnothingyoueverdidwillmatterbecausenowyou’renothing.”
Shestoppedstrugglingandconvulsed.Eveninthedimlight,hesawthelifedrainoutofhereyes.
Andshewasnothing;andhewasagod.
Oh,thethrill.Itcoursedthroughhim,hot,bright,strong.
Butnot,herealized,perfect.
She’dbeengood,much,muchbetterthanFatAssNewOrleans,butnotperfect.
Nothingwouldreachperfectagain,untilhefinishedMorgan.
Outofhispockethetookthebracelethe’dfoundinMorgan’sdrawer,andheslippeditonQuinn’swrist.
“Here,youcanhavethis.IwanttoremindherI’mcomingforher.”
HetookthekeystotheMercedes,droveittheshortdistancetohisrentaltoloaduptheluggagehe’dalreadypacked.Justashe’dalreadyshaved,ashe’dalreadydyedhishairblackandgeneratedanewidentity.
Bythetimeanyonefoundher,he’dhavetradedtheconvertibletoacontacthehadinNorthCarolina,andwithanewride,headwestforawhile.
Ashedroveoffintothenight,hesmiledtohimself.
“Andthat’showit’sdone.”
Morgandidn’twantthesummertoend.Everyday,rainorshine,offeredheranotherbuildingblockinhernewlife.Alife,she’ddiscovered,shegenuinelyloved.
Nothingcouldchangethetragedythathadsetheronthisnewpath,butshecould,andwould,notonlywalkitbutappreciatethesceneryontheway.
Shecouldandwouldbegrateful.
OnasunnySunday,sheintendedtoshowsomegratitudewithasurprise.
“Ireallyappreciateyouhelpingout.”
Astheydrove,MorganreacheduptostrokeHowl,whopressedagainstherseatinMiles’sburlySUV.
“Iknowyouhaveaweekendroutine.”
“It’saroutine,notacommandmentcarvedinstone.”
“Eitherway,I’llnevermovethatconcretebasealone,whichiswhyit’sbeensittinginmygrandfather’sworkshopforadozenyears.Butthethreeofuscanmoveit.”
“Yeah,thedog’llbealotofhelp.”
“He’shereformoralsupport,aren’tyou,Howl?Andhegetsanouting.It’slikealittlevacation.”
“Everyday’savacationwhenyou’readog.”HepulledintothedriveattheTudor.
“Myladieswon’tbebackuntilafterthree,probablylater.Thisisgoingtowork.”
“Everytimeyousaythatitcomesoutalittlelessconfident.”
“Ijustneedtogetstarted.I’mnervous,butthat’llpassonceIgetstarted.”
Sheledthewayaroundthehouse,withHowllookingeverywhere,sniffingeverythingonhisdoggievacation.
“Isetthesolarpanelforthepumpoutyesterdaysoitwouldcharge,buteverythingelseisintheworkshop.There’sadolly,butIwasafraidtotrytomoveitbymyself.”
ShegrinnedatMiles.“You’rethemuscle.”
“Looksgoodbackhere,”Milesobserved.
“Andwhenwefinishthisproject,evenbetter.It’stheonethingthat’smissing.OrtheonethinguntilIthinkofanotherthing.”
Theworkshop,afadedcedarsquarewithabrightbluedoor,stoodatthebackoftheproperty,tuckedamongthetreesandbackedbyanarrowstream.
“JustlikeIrememberit.ThedogyourgrandfatherhadwhenIwasakidlikedtostretchoutinthestream.Ourgrandfatherssometimessatonacoupleofoldfoldingchairs,hadabeer,bullshitting.HealwayshadacoldCokeformewhenItaggedalong.”
“Helovedkids.”Sheopenedtheshopdoor.“Theywantedabigfamily,butGramhadcomplications.”
“That’sashame.Jesus,itlooksjustlikeIrememberinhere.‘Aplaceforeverything,Miles,’he’dsay.‘Andeverythinginitsplace.Becausewhenyouneedatool,youdon’twanttowastetimehuntingforit.’”
Runningherhandoveraworktable,sheglancedaroundatthepowertools,thepegboardholdinghandtools,thebigredtoolchest,thelabeledmasonjarsholdingscrews,nails,washers.
“Itstill,somehow,smellslikehim.Ithinkthat’swhyGramhasn’tgivenawayanyofhistools,orsoldthem.It’sbeenhandyforme,withthelittleprojects.”
Mileswalkedovertoaconcretepedestal,easilythreefeethighwithawidetop.
“Thisthing?”
“Thatthing.Idon’tknowwhyhehadit—neitherdoesGram.IhopeheapprovesofwhatIdowithit.I’vealreadydrilledtheholesinthefrog.”
Nowhewalkedtotheconcretefrogonanotherworktable.
Itsatcross-leggedonaperchinsideawidecopperbowl.Itshandslaycupped,palmsuponitsknees.Itworeabeatificsmile.
Theholesinthecuppedpalmsofferedaclue.
“You’regoingtopumpwateroutofhishands?”
“IknewwhatheshouldbeassoonasIsawhim.Thesubmergiblepumpgoesunderhisseat,andthewireforthepanelgoesdownthroughthebase—seetheholesIputin?Thesunshinerunsit.”
“Didyourgrandfatherteachyouhowtoworkadrillthatway?”
“Notreally.Ididn’tspendthatmuchtimehere—andthat’saregret.Butsomebasics—hammer,nail,measuretwice,cutonce.Thenthere’salwaysatutorialonYouTube.It’sgoingtowork.”
Whilethedogexploredtheshop,Mileswalkedovertogetthedolly.“Doyouknowwhereyouwantit?”
“Theexactspot.”
“Saideverywomanever.”
“That’sverysexist.Possiblytrue,butverysexist.”
Hestartedtotipthebasetoslidethedollyunder,stopped,andshotheralook.“Jesus,Morgan.”
“Iknow,it’saton,whichmaybewhyit’sstillinhere.We’llgetit.”
Together,theymaneuvereditontothedolly.WhileMilesrolledit,shebalancedit.
“Ifitgoes,”hewarnedher,“don’ttrytocatchit.Itgoes,itgoes.”
“It’snotgoingto.”
Ittooksomedoing,alotofmuscleandsweat,butitturnedoutshedidhaveanexactspot.Inthefullsun,beyondtheshadeofaweepingpeach,andinfrontofaswathofthrivingNikkoBluehydrangeas.
“Okay,justholditthere!”Sheranbackforaslabofslate—holedrilled—thenthepumpandwire.
Onceshehadthepumpset,theyeasedthebaseontotheslabofslate.
Milesgaveitapush.“It’lltakeatornadotoknockthisthingover.”
“Exactly.”
Sheranback,Howlrunningwithher,togetthefrogandbowl.
“See,thepumpfitsintotheseat,theseatinthecopperbowl—thatcamefromtheshop,alocalcraftsman—andthefrogontheseat,withthepipegoingup,andintohisbutt.Couldyougetthehose?”Shegestured.“It’llreach,Ichecked.”
“I’msureyoudid.”
Shedidn’tmissatrick,hethought,whenhehikedovertoturnonthehose,walkedbackwithit.
“It’sgoingtowork,”shemuttered.
“Fillitup?”
“Please.Ilovehowthesunplaysoffthecopper.Ithoughtaboutgettingaregularbirdbathbowl,butthecopperjustpopsout.Thefrog’ssocute.TotallyZen—whichiswhatIcallhim.Ithinkthey’llloveit.Okay,momentoftruth.”
Sheturnedonthepump.Waited.Waited.
Waterspurtedoutfromthecuppedhandsinprettyfountainsthatspilledbackintothecopperbowl.
“Itworks!”Shespunacircle,grabbedMiles,kissedhim,spunanother.“Oh,it’sadorable,right?Adorableandquirkyandunique.”
“You’rehandy.Youbuiltadamnfountain.”
“Ilearnedtobehandy,anditwasmorelikeputtingpiecestogether.Iloveit.Iftheydon’t,they’llsaytheydo,butI’llknow.Let’ssitonthepatio,seehowitlooksfromthere.I’llgetusadrink.”PARTIIIRoots
Beauty,strength,youthareflowersbutfadingseen;
Duty,faith,love,areroots,andevergreen.
—GEORGEPEELE
Loveisstrongasdeath;
jealousyiscruelasthegrave.
—SONGOFSOLOMON8:6ChapterTwenty-one
Asshefilledtwotallglasseswithice,Morgandidalittledance.Outthekitchenwindow,beyondthepatio,theZenfrogtossedwaterintotheair.Nowshecouldimagineherladiessmilingatitwhiletheyenjoyedtheirmorningcoffeeoreveningwine.Throughtherestofthesummerandintothefallbeforetheairblewtoocold.
Picturingitperfectly,sheopenedtherefrigeratorforthepitcheroflemonade,thenpausedwhenthedoorbellrang.Adelivery,shesupposedasshewenttoanswer.Still,therulesofherlifehadbecomethehabitofherlife.
Shecheckedoutthefrontwindowfirst.
Andallthesimplepleasureofthedaydrainedaway.
Sheopenedthedoortothetwofederalagents.
“You’dhavecalledifyou’dcaughthimbecauseyou’dwantmetoknowrightaway.That’snotit.”
“No,Morgan,I’msorry.That’snotit.Canwecomein?”Beckaskedher.
“Yes,ofcourse.”Sheclosedthedoorbehindthem.“Whowasshe?”
“Let’ssitdownfirst.”
“Sorry,yes.I…”Shelookedbacktowardthekitchen.“I’mnotalone.Ihavemy…”
What?Shecouldn’tsay“boyfriend”—hewasn’taboy.Partner,no,shedidn’tthinkofthemaspartners,notreally.Loverwastrue,butnotall.
“Outback.Miles—MilesJameson.We’reinvolved.”Thatsoundedreasonableandtrue.“Hewashelpingmewithaproject.Heknowsaboutallofthis.”
“Yes,we’vespokenwithhim.”Morrisonglancedbackasshedid.“Doyouwanttogoout,includehiminwhatwehavetotellyou?”
No,shethought.ShewantedtositinthesunshinewithMilesandlemonadeandwatchthefrogfountain.
But.
“He’llneedtoknowanyway.Iworkattheresort.Hisfamilyownstheresort.And,asIsaid,we’reinvolved.Iwasjust…gettinglemonade.Thatsoundssonormal.”Shelaughed,shovedahandatherhair.“SosummerSundayafternoon.I’llgettwomoreglasses.”
Shewalkedthembacktothekitchen.ShecouldseeMileshadalreadywoundthehosebackonitsreel.Nowhestoodtherewithhishandsinhispockets,studyingthefrogfountain.
“CanIhelpyouwiththat?”
“No,”shetoldMorrison.“I’llgetatray.Youshouldgoout.Ineedaminute.Ijustneedaminute.”
Sheworkedonsteadyingherselfasshegotatray.NowshesawMilesturn,sawhisbemused,relaxedfacetighten.
Shefilledtwomoreglasseswithice,thencarriedeverythingoutside.
Theycontinuedtostand,thethreeofthem,whilethesunstrucklightagainstthecopperbowl,whilethefrogsmiledhispeacefulsmile.
Shecouldn’tsaywhyitmeantsomuchwhenMilescrossedtoher,tookthetray.Hesaid,“Sitdown.”
Eventhoughitsoundedlikeanorder,itsteadiedheralittlemore.
Whenshesat,hepouredthelemonadeintotheglassessotheicecrackled.Itsoundedlikemachine-gunfiretoherear.
Howllaidhisheadonherknee.
“Whowasshe?”Morganaskedagain.
Becktookthelead.
“HernamewasQuinnLoper,agetwenty-eight,single.SheownedherownbusinessinMyrtleBeach,SouthCarolina.Shefitshisprofile,toptobottom,thoughshewassubstantiallymorefinanciallywell-offthanmostofhisvictims.Andinthiscase,hewasalsoabletoaccesshergrandparents’accounts.Hedidn’tharmthemphysicallybutskimmedahundredthousand.Hecouldhavetakenagreatdealmore.”
“Hetooktheirgrandchild,”Milescountered.
Becknoddedathim.“Yes,andmaybethatwasenoughthistime.”
“Herentedabeachhouse,atwo-monthrental,underthenameTrevorCaine,”Morrisoncontinued.“Whilehemaynotusethatidentityagain,youshouldkeepitinyourrecords.Heposedasawriter.”
Theylaidoutthefactsandevidencethey’dgathered.ThenBecktookoveragain.
“It’sourconclusionherentedahouseratherthanbookingahotelbecauseit’sanareawherebeachrentalsarecommon,andhe’dattractlessnotice.”
Beckleanedover,laidahandoverMorgan’s.“Morgan,Iknowitmightseemwe’vemadenoprogressfindinghim,stoppinghim,butwewereabletotrackhimfromNewOrleans,andeventually,wefoundtheagencywhereherentedthecarheusedtodrivetoSouthCarolina.He’dchangedhisappearance,buttwoofthestaffthereID’dhim,soweknewthenameheused,thelookheused.Usingthose,wetrackedhimtoMyrtleBeach.Wefoundthehotelwherehe’dstayedacoupleofdays.”
Morgansaidnothing,justnodded.
“Wealertedlocallawenforcement.We’dbeguncanvassingtherentalagencieswhenthealertonQuinnLopercamein.Wemissedhimbyhours.”
“Butshe’sdeadanyway.I’msorry,Iunderstandhowmuchtimeandworkyou’reputtingintothis.Butshe’sdeadanyway.”
“Yes,sheis.”
Theregretcamethrough,enoughthatMorganwishedshehadn’tspokenthehorribletruth.
“Weweren’tintime.Buthemademistakes.Hestolehercar,ahigh-endMercedesconvertible.Andhedidn’tdisablethetrackingsystem.”
“I’mnotsurewhatthatmeans.I’mnotinthehigh-endcarclub.”
“It’sanembeddedsystem.Itmeanstheytrackedhim—trackedthecar.”Miles’seyesnarrowed.“Butyoudon’thavehim.”
“No,butwehavetheindividualwhoboughtthecar,andwho’spreviouslytakenintradeorinsaleothervehiclesfromRozwell.Wehavethispersonincustody.”
“HeknowswhereRozwellis?”
Morrisontookover.“Heclaimsno,andwebelievehim.HeclaimshethoughtRozwellwasacarthief,thatheknewnothingaboutthemurders.Wetendtobelievehimonthat,especiallysincefacingpotentialchargesofaccessoryafterthefact,multiplecountsofmurder,he’scooperating.”
“Weknowthevehiclehetookintrade,”Becktoldthem,“andthenameheusedfortheregistration.Wehavehisdescriptionatthattime,andwhichdirectionhetook,whenhetookit.Thesearemajormistakes,Morgan,abreakdowninhisdiscipline.WehaveanAPBoutonthevehicle,onthenamehe’susing.”
“Ishecominghere?”
“Ourinformationishebroughtupamaponhislaptopwhilehisnewcarwaspreparedforhim.Hemappedoutaroutewest,likelyasfarasKansas,sonothere.Ourconclusionishe’snotreadyforyouyet.”
Beckopenedherbriefcase,tookoutanevidencebag.“Heputthisonthevictim.”
“Mybracelet.”Inthesummersunlight,herskinwentcold.“TheonehetookwhenhekilledNina.”
“Hewantsyoutoknowhe’sthinkingaboutyou.Tokeepyouonedge.Butthefactis,Morgan,he’sonedge.Hewouldn’thavemadesomanymistakesotherwise.Heknowscars,heknowstech,butheforgotaboutthetrackingsystemintheMercedes.”
“Wecanputyouinasafehouse,”Morrisonbegan.
“Mymotherandgrandmotherlivehere.Whatifhecomesforme,andhurtstheminstead?”
Thethoughtofit,theriskofit,turnedthehardknotinherbellytoice.
“AndhowlongdoIstayshutawaysomewhere?Aweek,amonth,ayear?Ican’tlivelikethat.Noonecanlivelikethat.Miles—”
“No,”hesaid.“Youcan’tlivelikethat.We’redoingeverythingyouadvisedustodo.Ifthere’smore,tellusandwe’lldothat.Howmanytimesisshesupposedtolethimtakewhatshehas,whatsheis?Howmanytimesdoesshehavetostartover?”
Sayingnothing,Morganwatchedhim.Hisvoicestayedabsolutelycalm,andturnedcoldenoughtofreezetheair.
Theinvisiblesuit,shethought.Heputontheinvisiblesuit.Forme.
Whathesaid,howhesaidit,meant,inthatmoment,everything.
“Sheshookhisconfidence,isn’tthatit?”Milesdemanded.“Youhaveprofilers—isn’tthatthereasonhe’sfuckingup?Shedentedhisshield,soshehastopay.Buthehastomakesurehedentshers,too.Shakesherconfidence.Otherwise,he’dhavegoneafterherrightaway.It’sgottoeatathim,buthe’swaitedmorethanayear.
“Shescareshim.Andhedamnwellshouldbescaredofher.”
“Idon’tdisagree,”Becksaid.“Butunlesswestophimfirst,hewillcomesoonerorlater.Becauseyes,iteatsathim.Thethreewomenhe’skilledsinceMorgansurvived?They’resubstitutes,andasubstituteneversatisfiesliketherealthing.”
“Thenyou’dbetterfindhimfirst.”
Becksatback,pickedupherglass,setitdownagain.“Ifhe’dwaitedonemoredayinSouthCarolina.We’djustwalkedintotheagencyheusedfortherental.Ifwe’dwalkedinafewhoursearlier.Butwedidn’t,andhedidn’t.”
“It’shardforme.”MorganstrokedHowl’shead.“It’shardforbothofyou.”
“It’sthejob,”Beckbegan,thenbothherandMorrison’sphonesbeeped.“Excuseme.”Sherose,steppedaway.
“Isthatyourdog?”MorrisonaskedMorgan.
“No.He’sMiles’sdog.”
“Moreorless,”Milesmuttered.
“Itwouldn’thurttogetadog.Adog’sagooddeterrent.Youcould—”
“We’vegotabreak,”Beckinterrupted.“HecheckedintoahotelinKansasCity,Missouri.LocalLEOsrespondingnow.We’vegottogo.We’llbeintouch.”
Morganstoodtowalkthemout,buttheywerealreadyrushingaway.“Goodluck,”shecalledout.“Maybethistime,”shesaidtoMiles.
“Maybe.You’reokay.”
“Youthink?”
“Nopanicattack.”
“There’sthat.Iwanttotellyou,itmeantalot,whatyousaid.”
“Isaidalotofthings.”
“ThatI’mnotgoingtolethimtakemylifeawayagain,thatheshouldbeafraidofme.Youstoodupforme.ItmattersthatIknowI’llstandupformyself,thatyoubelieveIcanandwill,andyou’dstillstandupforme.Itmatters.”
Hesaidnothingforamoment,justwatchedherasshesat,thedogstretchedoutunderherchair.
“Morrisonhadagoodpoint.Youshouldkeepthedogwithyou.Idon’tknowifhe’smuchofaguarddog,buthe’dmakenoise.”
“Andgiveupthatfancydoghouse?”
“I’mprettysurehe’dsleepoutintherainifyou’dgivehimapatonthehead.”
Smiling,shegaveHowlarubwithherfoot.“You’rehishome,andhisroots.Iknowwhatit’sliketobeuprooted,sono.Butthanks.Thoseagents?Thisisn’tjustajobforthem.Theywanttostophim,andit’snotforagovernmentpaycheck.”
Shepaused,dranksomeofherlemonade.“IthinkIdiddenthisshield,thewaytheysaid.Ifwhathappenedtome,andwhatdidn’t,shakeshimenoughtohelpthemfindhim,stophim…I’llbegoodwiththat.Morethan.AndIhopeheknowsthatdespiteeverythinghetookfromme,Ihaveagoodlifehere,withmorethanIknewIwanted.Ihopethatshakeshim,too.”
“I’mjustgoingtogetthisoverwith.”
Hesurprisedherbyreachingouttotakeherhand.Herarelymadegesturesofcasualaffectionorintimacy.
“AmIgoingtolikeit?”
“That’snotthepoint.I’mattractedtoyou.That’sobviousorwewouldn’tbehere.Ilikebeingwithyou,andnotjustforthesex.ForsomestrangereasonIlikethewayyoumakeafountainoutofafrog.”
“Youhelped.”
“Iwasjustthemuscle,anddon’tinterrupt.I’denjoywatchingyouworkbehindthestickevenifitwasn’tforus.It’slikeafreakingballet.Ilikeyourbody,andIappreciateithasagoodbraintogoalongwithit.Butallthataside,asthey’rereallyjustdifferentaspectsofattraction,Iadmirethehelloutofyou.”
Herearliersurpriseshotstraightuptostunned.“Oh,well.Wow.”
“Don’tinterrupt,”hesaidagain.“Idon’tknowhowI’dhavehandledwhatyou’vehadto.IfI’dlostwhatyoulost,andthewayyoulostit.IfI’dhadtofacelosingsomeoneclosetome,family,thewayyoudid.Becausethat’swhatNinawastoyou.Shewasfamily.IsureashellhopeIneverhavetofindoutifIhavethatkindofcourage
“Youcantalknow.”
“I’mprettysureI’mspeechless.”
“That’dbeafirst.”
Howlstirred,muttered,thenpushedoutfromunderthechair.
“Ithinkyourladiesarehome.”
Beforehecoulddrawhishandaway,shetightenedhergrip,thenreachedouttotakehisother.“You’vejustturnedareallyhardknockaround.I’llthinkofmoretosaylater,butrightnow,youturneditaround.”
“Miles,hownicetoseeyou!”Seriouslyprettyinpink,Audreysteppedout.“No,don’tgetup.Don’t.Oh,andthisisthesweetdogMorgan’stoldusabout.Aren’tyouhandsome?”AudreyallbutpurreditwhileshebentdowntopetthewaggingHowl.“Andlistentoyou.Iagree.”Shelaughedashetalked.“Itisabeautifulday.Andabusyone,”sheaddedasshestraightened.“Wenearly…Oh,oh,Morgan!Wheredidyougetthat?It’swonderful.Abirdbath,afountain.Ayogafrog!It’sadorable.Mom!Youhavetocomeouthereandsee!”
Amused,charmed,Milesjustsatandwatched.
Morgan’smother,prettyasacupcakeinherpinksundress,bouncedonhertoeswithherhandspressedtogetherunderherchin.
Morganhadthatchin,herealized,andthoselong,narrowhandswithlong,slenderfingers.ThenOliviaNashcameout,teenagertriminwhitelinenpants,asleevelesslipstick-redshirt.AndhesawMorganthereaswellinthatsamechin,andthecheekbones.
“Whatintheworld,Audrey.Hello,Miles,andhello,Howl.Don’tyouhavethesweetestface?”
“Thanks,”Milessaid,andearnedalaugh.
“Bothofyou.”
“Mom,wouldyoulook?”Tomakesureofit,Audreytookhermother’sarmwithonehand,pointedwiththeother.
“Oh,for…Well.”
“Morgangotusayogafrogfountain.”
“Shebuiltit,”Milescorrected.
“Ididn’tbuildit.Ijustfoundthepiecesforitandputthemtogether.”
“Morgan,that’sthedefinitionof‘build.’”
“It’sthatoldconcretebaseyourdadcouldneverfigureoutwhathewantedtodowith,Audrey.Andthat’sDougGund’scopperbowl.Isawwe’dsoldit,butnobodymentionedwe’dsoldittoyou,Morgan.”
“Iaskedthemnotto.Isitokaythere?Doyoulikeit?”
Studyingthefountain,OliviapattedahandonMorgan’sshoulder.“Hewould’vegottensuchakickoutofthat.”Thenshebentdown,kissedthetopofMorgan’shead.“He’dbesoproudofyou.Iloveit.IloveitalmostasmuchasIlovethatsomeofhisclevernessrubbedoffonyou.”
WithahandonMorgan’sshoulder,herotherholdingAudrey’s,OliviaturnedtoMiles.“I’mbettingshedraftedyouintohaulingthattonofconcreteoverthere.”
Hejustflexedhisbiceps.
“IhopeyouandHowlwillstayfordinner.Wepickedupsomenicetilapiaonthewayhome,andI’veamindtoblackenit.Youlikespicy,Miles?”
“Whatmanwouldsayno?”
“That’ssettledthen.Itlookslikeyou’vealreadyhadsomecompany.”
Morganrose,pickeduptheagents’glasses.“Sitdown,andI’llgetsomefreshglassesandtellyouaboutit.”
Audreystoppedherwithatouchonthearm.“Thisisabouthim.AboutGavinRozwell.”
“Yes,butit’snotallbad.Letmegettheglassesfirst.”
Audreywatchedhergo.“I’mgladyouwerehere,Miles.I’mgladshewasn’talone.”
“SoamI,butshe’sright.It’snotallbad.”
Oliviasat.“Whateveritis,we’lldealwithit.”
Theylistened,withthesummersunstreaming,withthefaintestbreezejustwhisperingintheair.AndhewatchedasAudreytookherdaughter’shand,asOlivianevertookhereyesoffMorgan’sface.
“Hemadehercareabouthim,”Audreymurmured.“Hetookallthattimetogainhertrust,andmore,makehercareabouthim.”
“Becausethecrueltyisthepoint.Hedidn’tkillhergrandparents,”Oliviacontinued,“becausethat’snotwhathedoes.Butmore?Ithinkmore,becauseheknewhowmuchthey’dsuffer.Thecrueltyisthepoint.Whatasick,twistedlifehelives.”
“It’stimeheliveditbehindbars.It’swaypasttime.”
Morgangavehermother’shandasqueeze.“Thatmaybecoming,Mom.Hemadethatmistake,notdisablingthetrackingsystem,andtheygotallthatinformationfromhis—I’mnotsurewhatI’dcallhim—thecarguy.”
“Hecouldswitchcarsagainanytime,”Oliviapointedout.
“Hecould,buttheyknowwhereheis.Ididn’tgettothelastthing.Whiletheywerehere,theygotanalert.He’dcheckedintoahotelinKansasCity.Thelocalpolicewereresponding.Theycouldhavehimalready.Itcouldbeover.”
Hewantedtodosomeshopping,andwalkaroundtostretchhislegsandgetafeelfortheareasurroundinghishotel.Healwaysmadeapointofcheckingoutthetrafficpatterns,thelocalhotspots.Plus,he’dgrowntiredofthebeachlook.Hiscurrentidentitycalledforamoreartywardrobe.
Italiansandals,apairofanimal-stripedVans,blackjeans,somenewshirts,andastrawboater.
Heenjoyedhimselfenoughtostopandtakeanoutdoortableatabistro,orderaglassofMalbecandaFrenchdip.Withhisshoppingbagstuckedunderthetable,hesetuphislaptop,checkedoutthenewsreportsforMyrtleBeach.
Thereshewas!Averynicephoto,allsmilesandbeach-blondhair.TheartistdrawingofTrevorCaine—suspect—wasn’tbad,heconcluded.Thenagain,TrevorCainewasasdeadasQuinnLoper.
Hereadthereportwhileheate,andfoundhimselfmildlydisappointedthey’dyettoconnecthim,therealhim,toCaineorthemurder.
Theywould.Hecountedonit.Amanneededrecognitionforaccomplishments,afterall.
HewonderedifthosebumblingSpecialAgentsBeckandMorrisonwereonthecaseyet.Hehopedso.Itgavehimsuchsatisfactiontofrustratethem,timeaftertime.
HadtheytoldMorgan?Oh,hereallyhopedso.Hemadeamentaltoastasheimaginedhershiveringwithfearinadarkroom,doorlocked,whilehermotherandgrandmotherweptinconcern.
Hismotherhadspentplentyoftimelockedindarkroomsnursingblackeyes,crackedribs.
Hecongratulatedhimselfonnotdisposingofthejunkjewelryhe’dtakenfromMorgan’sdrawer.Leavingthosepiecesonthewomenhe’dfinished?Inspired,ifhesaidsohimself.
Andhedid.
Whatwouldshethinkwhenshefoundoutacorpseworehercheap,tackybracelet?Hedrewapictureinhismindofhercurlingintoaball,crying,hysterical,beggingforsomeonetoprotecther.
He’dseethat,hepromisedhimself,inreality,inthefuckingflesh.Andthatwouldbalancethedamnscalesbeforehefinishedher.
Hefinishedhiswine,paidthecheck,andbecausehismusingsputhiminafinemood,addedageneroustip.
CarterJohnWinslowIIIcouldaffordgenerositythankstoaheftytrustfund.Itallowedhimtopursuehisartwithoutworryingaboutapaycheck.
Notthatheneededthatbackgroundstoryatthemoment.Hewouldn’tstayinKansasCitymorethanacoupleofdays.Heplannedtoheadsouthoftheborder,bookasuiteataresortonthePacificCoast.AniceRandR.
Godknewhe’dearnedit.
Ifhehadn’ttakenthatwalkaround,donesomeshopping,stoppedforabitetoeatandaglassofwine,hewouldn’thaveseenthepolicecarsandtheblackSUVpullupinfrontofhishotel.
Hewouldn’thavebeenhalfablockawaywhencopspouredoutandrushedintothehotellobby.
Hewouldn’thavebeenabletokeepwalking,justkeepwalkingwithhisheartpoundinginhisthroatandsheershockringinginhisears.
Howhadtheyfoundhim?How?He’dditchedtheCaineIDbeforehekilledthebitch.Hehadn’tleftatrail
Hekeptwalking.
Somehowhehadleftatrail,andnowhisWinslowIDwasuseless.Andhisthings—cash,otherIDs,otherelectronics,clothes—they’dhavethosenow.
Thesweatthatslickedhisskinturnedicyashewentintoadrugstore.Heneededhairdye,somehaircuttingtools,somebasicsupplies.
NoMexiconow.No,hecouldn’triskabordercrossingnow.North,he’dgonorth.Montana,maybeWyoming,wherecowsoutnumberedpeopleandpeoplemindedtheirownfuckingbusiness.
Hecouldn’tgettohiscar,sohe’dhavetostealone.Someoldjunkerhecouldhot-wire.Hehadtofindaplacetodealwithhishair.Cheapmotel.Hehadcashonhim,andwaystoaccesshisaccounts.
Acheapmotel,changehislook,stealacar,getthehelloutofgoddamnKansasCity.
No,no,stealthecarfirstandgetout.Roadblocks,manhunt.Hismindwhirledwithfear,withwhat-ifs.
Hewalkedoutwithoutbuyinganything,andkeptwalkinguntilhefoundabusstop.Hegotonthefirstonetocomeby,kepthisheaddownandturned.Buseshadcameraslikeeveryotherdamnthingnow.
Heremindedhimselfhehadthelaptop,atleasthehadthelaptop.
Buthishandsshookandmoresweatpooledatthebaseofhisspine.
Ittookhimnearlyanhourofwalking,riding,walkinguntilhefoundalikelycarinthevastparkinglotofaWalmart.
Theyhadn’tbotheredtolockit,anditstankofporkrindsandloadeddiapers,buthethoughtthecarseatinthebackwouldprovidesomecover.
Hegotitfiredup,woundhiswayuntilhehitInterstate29,andheadednorth.Hecursedwhenhehadtostopforgas,butheneededit,neededtokeepgoinguntilhegotclear.
HepaidatthepumpwiththeLukeHudsonVisacardhe’dkepttoremindhimofMorgan.Alesserrisk,hethought,thangoinginside—camera—orusingtheWinslowcard.
He’dgettosomewhereinNebraska,hedecided,findthatcheapmotel.Dealwithhishair.Inthemorninghecouldbuywhatheneededtogenerateanewidentity.
Ashedrove,hebeatahandonthewheel.Allofhisthings!Allofthem,gone
Hehadtoslowhisbreathing,concentrateonhisdriving.Ifhegotstopped…
Hewouldn’tgetstopped.Couldn’tgetstopped,sohewouldn’t.
GettoNebraska.Herockedbackandforthtocalmhimself.Findsomecrapmotelwheretheydidn’tlooktwice.He’dhavetoditchthestolencar—airport,long-termparking—tobuysometime.SomebumfuckairportinbumfuckNebraska.
Ormaybeajunkyard.Theyprobablyhadplentyofthosepiledupinthegoddamncornfields.
Switchtheplates,ditchthecar.Maybebuyanewoneforcashfromsomeyahoo.Orrentone,waitandrentoneoncehehadthenewID.
Hecouldn’tdecide.Hecouldn’tthink
Hehadtofindsomewheretoholeupfirst,toholeupandfigureoutwhatheneededtodonext.
Becauseforthefirsttimeinhislife,GavinRozwellwasontherun.ChapterTwenty-two
Morgansatinthequietoftheemptyhouse.Shestillheldherphone,andhalfexpectedtohavetouseittocallforhelpwhenthepanicattackcame.
Butitdidn’tcome,soshestood,stuckthephonebackinherpocket.
She’dwork,shethought.She’dtakehermindoffthingswithwork.Summerwouldend,andwithfall,newdrinkspecials.
Shecoulddosomeresearch,andmaybestartfleshingoutthevagueplansshehadforAprèswithHalloween.
Shecouldsitoutsideandwork,letTotallyZenkeephercalmandlevel.
Whenthedoorbellrang,shejumped,feltherchestconstrict.
Shepushedtheairout,tellingherselfnottogivein,andbracedonthebackofachair,keepingthatairgoinginandoutuntilshecouldwalktothedoor.
OutthewindowshesawMilesandamanshedidn’trecognize.
Sheopenedthedoor.
“Morgan,ClarkReacher.He’sgoingtoinstallyourhomesecuritycameras.”
“Mywhat?”
“Mileslaidoutwhatyouneed,soyoudon’tneedthesalespitch.”Reacher,amanofaboutfortywithapleasantfaceandawirybuild,smiledather.“Bestwe’vegot.”
“I’llexplainittoher.Whydon’tyougetstarted?”
“But—”
MilesjusttookMorgan’sarm,steeredhertothebackofthehouse.“You’llhavesecuritycameras,front,back,andonthesidedoor.Somebodytriestogetin,yougetanalert.Withthedoorbellpackage,youwon’thavetolookoutthewindowwhensomebodyringsthebell.Youjustlookonyourphone,yourtablet,whatever.Clark’llfixitup.”
“Ididn’torderthis.DidGramarrangeforthis?”
“No,Idid.”
“Butyoujustcan’t—”
“Let’sgooutside.”
“Miles,youcan’tarrangeforallthiswithouttalkingitover.”
“Idid,soIcan.”Henudgedheroutside.“Idon’tthinkI’llgetanargumentfromyourladies.”
“You’regettingonefromme.”Shestoodherground.“Youcan’thaveallthisinstalledonsomeoneelse’sproperty.It’sbeyondpushy.”
“I’llgiveyoupushy,butIamhavingitinstalled.You,yourgrandmother,andyourmotherwillhavemorepeaceofmind.AndsowillI.”Hewaitedasinglebeat.“Youwouldn’ttakethedog.”
“Oh,forGod’ssake!”
“Whataboutwhenyou’reworkingnightsandthey’reherealone?”
“That’snotfair.”
Thoseeyes,thosetigereyes,wentjunglefierce.“Idon’tcareaboutfair.Ihavenofuckstogiveaboutfair.IthoughtaboutwhatitwouldbeliketolosesomeoneIcaredabout,someonewhomattered.Idon’tlikeit,soit’snothappening.Youmatter.”
“That’sreallynotfair.”Sheturnedaway,scrubbingherhandsoverherface.
“Iagreethere.Ididn’twantyoutomatter,butyoudo.Sothisishappening.It’spushy,it’snotfair.Dealwithit.”
She’dneverhadanyonejustorderheraround.TheColonelhadn’tcaredenough;hermotherhadcajoled.
Nowshetriedtofigureouthowtohandleit.
“Youcouldhavesuggestedwedosomethinglikethis.We’dhavethoughtaboutit.”
“Whileyou’rethinkingaboutit,it’sgettingdone.Ifyourgrandmotherwantstohaveaconversationwithmeaboutit,I’llmakemyselfavailable.
“Idon’tlikethesedamnsystems,”headded.“Idon’tlikethewholeideaofthem.Butrighthere,rightnow,it’snecessary.”
“Idon’tlikebeingrolledoverthisway.”
“Don’tblameyouabit.Itsucks,andI’llapologizeafterthatsonofabitchisinacell.Ifit’sanyconsolation,whenhegetsdonehere,he’sputtingoneofthesesystemsonmyplace.Idon’tlikeitanymorethanyou,butyouspendtimethere.”
Sheturnedback,droppedintoachair.“Itmakesmefeelhelpless.”
“That’sstupid,andyou’renot.Youdentedhisshield,remember?Nowyou’llhaveone,andhewon’tdentyours.”
Hesatacrossfromher.
“Partofyoustillfeelscominghere,livingheremakesyouafailure,aweakone.That’sbullshit.Cominghere,startingoverafterwhathappenedtoyouiswhatprovesyou’restrong.Strongenough,Morgan,thatwhensomeonehandsyouashield,youtakeitandyouuseit.”
“It’sreallyunfairwhenyou’relogical.”Shepressedherfingerstohereyes.“It’sjustbeenaday,andstillhasawaystogo.”Shedroppedherhandsbackonthetable.“IgotanupdatefromtheFBI.”
“Okay.”
“Ineedtowalk.Canwejustwalkaround?IneedalittleZen.”
“Sure.Givemeasecondfirst.”
Whenhetookouthisphone,shepressedherfingerstohereyesagain.“Youhavetogetbacktowork.We’lldoallthislater.”
“Don’tberidiculous.Givemeasecond.”
Herose,movedaway.Asheworkedwithhisassistantonsomerescheduling,hewonderedwhyasensible,groundedwomanlikeMorganfounditsohardtoaccepthelp.
Whenhewalkedback,heheldoutahand.“Let’swalk.”
“Theydon’thavehim.Ishouldgetthatoutofthewayfirst.”
“But?”
“Hewasn’tinthehotelroomwhenthepolicewentin,butalotofhisthingswere—clothes,IDs,electronics.Andthecarhe’dgottenwhenhesoldortradedhislastvictim’swasinthehotelgarage.Theyhavethenameheusedtobookthesuite.He’dgoneoutshopping,hadsomelunch.Theyhavecreditcardreceipts.”
Shepausedbythefountain,sotheystoodamoment.Hewaitedwhilethewaterfountainedandthesunlightstruckthecopper.
“Fromthetimestamps,theyposithesawthepolicegoingintothehotelwhenhewaswalkingbackfromhislunch—chargedonthecardunderthenewname.Itwasallaboutthetiming.”
Milesroundeditup.“Sotheyhavewhatheleftinthehotelroom,havethecar.”
“Yes,andmore.Hewalkedsomedistance,caughtabus.Theyhadhisnewdescriptionfromthehotel—fromwitnessstatementsandthelobbycameras.Hecaughtabus—andtheyhavehimonthatcamera,too.Andfromwherehegotoffandwhen,theybelievehestoleacarfromaWalmartparkinglot.Theyhavethemakeandmodelofthecar,theplates.HeusedtheIDhehadwhenImethimtobuygas.Theyfoundthecarinlong-termparkingattheairportinOmaha,Nebraska.That’swheretheyarenow.”
“He’srunning.”
“That’swhattheysaid,yes.They’recanvassinghotels,motels,carrentals,stolencarreportsinOmaha.Hedidn’tgointotheairport.Theyseemsureofthat.Hemayhavestolenanothercarfromthatsamelot.They’renotsureyet.”
Shehadn’tjustdentedRozwell’sshield,Milesthought.She’dobliteratedit.Andthatworriedhim.
“Helosthistools,hisequipment.”
“Hewascarryingalaptopbagwhenheleftthehotel,”Morgantoldhim.“Hehassomething,butsinceheusedtheLukeHudsonVisacardforgas,theythinkhedoesn’thaveanyIDonhimthatisn’tcompromised.Fornow.”
“He’dneedsuppliestomakemore,andaplacetohidewhilehedoes.He’sinoraroundOmaha,Morgan,andyou’renot.”
“Iknow.AndIknowthey’refrustrated.IcouldhearthefrustrationinAgentBeck’svoiceeventhoughshe’sgoodatsoundingverymatter-of-fact.Frustrationthattheyweresoclose,minutesreally.Andexcitementthattheywerethatclose.
“So…that’swhereweare.”
“Hescrewedup,andhehastoknowit.”
Hemayhavefeltfrustration,butallMorganheardinhisvoicewassatisfaction.“Forsomeonewhoknowssomuchabouttech,hedidn’tremembertodisengagethetrackingsystem.HeusedtheblownIDforgaswhenheshould’veriskedgoingin,payingcashforit.Itwould’vetakenthemlongertotrackhimthatway.”
Shehadn’tthoughtofthat.Everythinghappenedsofast.“Maybe.”
“Prettylikely.Somelittlepump-and-gooffthehighway.Thenthelong-termparking—he’susedthatploybefore,hasn’the?Betterifhe’dchangedtheplatesanddriventhestolencarofftheroadsomewhere.”
“Yes.I…Yes.”Thesheercoolheadedlogicofitcalmedhernerves.“Itwasn’tsmart.Hewasn’tsmart.”
“He’sheadedintosparselypopulatedareas,whynotusethattohisadvantage?Instead,hegoestoapopulationcenter.Ortakethecarinforacheappaintjob,getmoremilesoutofitbeforeditchingit.Checktheads,buyajunkerdirectfromtheownerforcash,andgetmoremiles.”
Frowning,sheturnedtohim.“IfI’meverontherunfromthelaw,Iwantyouwithme.Whatwouldyoudonext?”
Heansweredwithouthesitation.“Changemypattern.Cheap,off-brandmotelwherenobodygivesashit.GetthesuppliesIneedtochangemyappearanceagainandgenerateacoupleoffreshIDs.Hehastohaveaccesstohismoney.”
Thinkingoutloudandwantingtodistracther,hewalkedwithheraroundtheyard.“TimeforapopulationcenterwhereI’dopenaccountsinatleasttwodifferentbankssoIcouldhavesomefundswiredin.Ditchthejunker,buyanewcarthroughmynewbankaccounts.ThenI’dcontinuebreakingpatternbyfindingascenicandremotearea,rentingahouseorcabin.I’dsettleinsoIcouldthinkaboutthemultitudeofwaysI’dscrewedup.”
Heglancedback,sawClarkinstallingthecameraonthebackdoor.
“Afterenoughtimehadpassed,”Milescontinued,“I’dbookaprivateplaneandflyto…maybetheCanaryIslands,andsettleinforanice,longvacation.”
“TheCanaryIslands?”
“Forinstance.Alotofmilesbetweenhereandthere.Buthe’snotgoingtodoallofthat.”
“No,he’snot.Butwhydoyousaythat?”
“Theevidenceisprettyclearhecan’tadmitmistakes.IfherealizestheytrackedthecarfromSouthCarolina,it’snothisfault.It’llbetheguywhotookthecarintradewho’stoblame.Whoeverhestolethenextcarfrom—theirfaultitwasn’tfilledupwithgassohehadtousetheoldID.”
“AndmyfaultmostofallbecauseI’malive.”
“That’sright.”Hetookherbytheshoulders,turnedhersoshecouldseetheinstallation.“Sothisishappening.He’salsonotgoingtodoallthatbecausethepatterniswhoheis.Heneedsthepattern.Hemaychangeitbriefly,butonlybecausesomeoneelseistoblame.Buthe’llgobacktoit.Hehasn’tgotthegutstouproothislifeandplantitsomewhereelse,insomeotherway.”
“Whatyou’renotsayingisbecauseofthat,becauseofwhoheis,he’llhavetocomehere.”
“Idon’thavetosaywhatyoualreadyknow.Buttheoddshaveshotup,Morgan,wayup,they’llfindhimfirst.”
“Doyoureallybelievethat?I’dratherhavehardtruththanagentlelie.”
“Ido.Witheverythingyou’vejusttoldme,Idobelievethat.He’srunning,he’spanicked,andhe’sfuckingup.You’renotdoinganyofthat.Andhe’salone.”Thehandsonhershouldersrandownherarms,upagain.“You’renotalone.”
“ButIhavetolearntolivewithhavingcamerasonthedoors.”
“Millionsdo,apparently,andlikeit.”
“They’llhelpkeepmyladiessafewhenI’mnothereatnight.”Shelookedupathim.“Butitwaspushy.”
“Right.Andyourpoint?”
Sheonlysighed,thentippedherheadtowardhisshoulder.“Iguesshe’dbettershowmehowitallworkssoIcanshowtheladies.ButI’mnotsayingthankyou,atleastnotyet.”
“Idon’tcare.JustlikeIdon’tcareyou’regoingtobalkwhenIsayyou’regoingtostarttextingmewhenyougethomeafterclosing.”
“Oh,for—”
“Onequicktext—‘I’mhome,’‘Allclear,’‘Fuckoff’—sentafteryou’reinsideandlockedup.”
“YoudoknowwhattimeIgethome.”
“I’maware.”
Becauseshecouldn’thelpherself,shereachedouttostrokehischeek.“I’mjustgoingtowakeyouup.”
“Thatwouldbemyproblem.I’monlyaskingyoutotextacouplewords.Don’tmakemepulloutmymother’srarelyusedbuthighlyeffectiveguiltpower.”
Heknewhehadherwhenhesawamusementratherthanannoyanceinhereyes.“What’sthepower?”
“Youaskedforit.”Headoptedalong-sufferingtonetwinedwithglitteringaffection.“Ijustcan’tunderstandwhyyou’dwantmetoworrythisway.It’snotlikeyoutobesoselfish.It’ssuchalittlethingtoask,andwoulddosomuchtorelievemymind.”
“Oh,that’s…that’smasterful.”
“Shedoesn’tuseitoften.Doesn’tneedto,”headdedwithahintofaggravation,“astheaftereffectscanlastforyears.Possiblydecades.Justaquicktext,Morgan,afteryou’resafeinside.”
No,noonehadorderedheraroundbefore.Andnoonebutherfamily,herladies,hadeverworriedaboutherlikethis
“AremoteversionofyouwatchinguntilIdriveoutofsightorgointothehouse.Okay,fine,butdon’tblamemeformessingupyoursleepcycle.”
“Let’sgogetthattutorial.Heclaimsthere’snothingtoit.”
“I’mnotgoingtothankyouforthecameraanddoorbellthing,but.”Takinghisfaceinherhands,shekissedhim.“I’mgladyoucamebysosoonafterIgotthecallaboutRozwell.I’mgratefulIhadyoutotalkitthroughwith,andappreciateyourearrangedthingsatworksoIcould.SoI’llsaythanksforthat.”
“Itoldyou,youmatter.Nowlet’sgofindouthowthisdamnthingworks,sinceI’mgettingstuckwithone,too.”
Shetookhishandsagain.“Ilikethatpart.”
“Can’tblameyou.”
Whenhelefther,Milescalledhisofficeandrescheduledsomethingelse.He’dworklate,makeupthetime.Unlikeapsychopath,hecouldchangepatternsandhabitswhennecessary.
Sohedrovebackintotownandtothepolicestation.
HeconsideredhimselfluckytofindJakeinhisownoffice,coffeeathiselbowashescowledathiscomputerscreen.
“ThankChrist!Adistraction.Paperwork,therootofallevil.Closethedoor.”Hewavedatit.“I’mtakingfive.Wholetyououtofthecageatthistimeofday?”
“Mydoor’salwaysopen.”Evenknowingitwouldtastelikeoverheatedtar,MileshelpedhimselffromJake’scoffeepot.“Haveyouheardfromthefedstoday?”
Jakeproppedhisfeet,cladinhisusualblackConverselow-tops,onhisdesk.“Whywouldyouask?”
“BecauseIjustgotanupdatefromMorgan.”
“Ihaven’tgottenanynewinformationsinceMorrisonletmeknowtheymissedhiminKansasCity,butfoundanicetreasuretroveinhishotelroom.Fucker’sluck’sgottochange,butfromthelookonyourface,I’dsayithasn’tchangedenoughforthemtohavebaggedhim.”
“Notyet.”
WhileMilesfilledhimin,Jakesatback,sippedhiscoffee.Someonewhodidn’tknowhimwellmight’vethoughthewasdriftingoff.Milesknewhimandverywell.
“He’snotonlyrunning,he’sleavingatrail.He’sbreakingdown.He’snotusedtothingsgoingsouthonhim,andinalotofwaysthey’veheadedtheresincehemissedMorgan.”
Notjustthesamepage,Milesthought,butthesameparagraph.Anadvantageofknowingsomeonealifetime.
“Doyouthinkhe’llkeeprunning?”
“Forawhile.Heneedstofindaholehecanlivein,andwith,andreplacesomeofwhathelost.Heneedsallthatnotonlytocontinuewhatheseesashiswork,buttoregainhisconfidence.Howcanyoufeelsuperiorwhenyoulostsomeofthetoolsthathelpyoufeelsuperior?He’sgottobescared,andhe’sgottobepissed.”
“And?”
“Ifyoupissoffarabiddog,Miles,thatdog’sboundtogoforyourthroat.Still,there’sahumanbraininthisrabiddog,sohe’sgoingtodowhateverheneedstodotoprotecthimselfbeforehegoesforherthroat.”
Jakedrankmorecoffee.“Youdon’thavetoask.We’llkeeppatrollingbythehouse,andI’lladdtothat.”
“IhadClarkinstalloneofthosehomesurveillancesystems—thatyoucancheckonyourphone.He’sputtingoneonmyplacenow,sinceshestaystheresometimes.”
Jakeletoutasnort.“MilesJameson’sputtingoneofthosesmartandfancysecuritysystemsontheoldhomestead?Son,you’vegotitbad.”
“I’vegotwhatI’vegot.Plus,it’stemporary.”
“Morganorthesystem?”
Milesstartedtospeak,thensettledforashrug.
“Well,Igottasay,Ineverfiguredyou’dsettleinonanyonelikethathigh-endbrunette.Theblondenow,yeah,she’srightupyouralley.”
“Idon’thaveanalley.”
“Pal,we’vebothgotalleys.She’salooker,nodoubt,butthatrunssecondorthirdinyourpersonalalley.She’sfuckingresilient,andthatlivesinyouralleyalongwithsmart,responsible,androoted.”
And,Milesrealized,thedisadvantageofhavingsomeoneknowyouforalifetime.
“Shehasn’thadachancetoroot.”
“Wantsto,though,doesn’tshe?That’seasyenoughtosee.Ilikeher,butevenifIdidn’t,I’dmakesurewedoourbesttokeephersafe.”
“Iknowit.”Countedonit.“I’vegottogettowork.”
“Me,too.Butbeforethat,Ishouldtellyou,sinceIliveinthefriendshiplaneofyouralley.”
“Alleyshavelanes?”
“Oursdo.SoI’mtellingyou,Italkedyoursisterintohavingdinnerwithme.”
Mileshadstartedtostand,andnowsatback.“What?”
“Ittooksomedoing,butwehaddinnerlastnight,andhavingworkedachinkinthatwall,IconvincedhertogokayakingnextSunday.Noneofthatshouldbeabigsurprisetoyou,seeingasItoldyouwhenwewere—what,ten,eleven?—howIwasgoingtomarryyoursister.”
“YoualsotoldmeyouweregoingtoclimbMountEverestandpitchfortheRedSox.”
“Well,somedreamsfadewithtime,somedon’t.Or,inthiscase,somefadeforawhile,thencomebackinstrong,boldcolors.”
“Idon’twanttothinkaboutthis,”Milesdecided.“Idon’twanttothinkaboutNellbeingrightupyouralley,orthetwoofyouinstrong,boldcolors.It’s…disturbing.”
Jakeonlygrinned.“I’vebeenyourbestfriendfortwentyyearsorso.Ifyoucan’ttrustmewithNell,thenwho?”
“Youdon’thaveasister.”
“That’strue.”
“SoI’mnotgoingtothinkaboutit.”Nowhestood.“Excepttosay…she’sgotsoftspots.Theymaynotshow,butthey’rethere.”
“Miles,I’veknownNellfortwentyyears,too.Iknowwhosheis.I’mgoingtotellyou,theunvarnishedtruthisshe’sahellofalotmorelikelytohurtmethanIamher,asshe’sbeenmysoftspotoffandonsinceIwasten.”
“EitherwayIenduppissedoffatoneofyou.”Shakinghishead,Mileswalkedtothedoor,thenstopped.“YouandNellhaven’t—”
Whenhebrokeoff,Jakesmiledagain,liftedaneyebrow.
“No,no,forgetInearlyasked.Idon’twanttoknow.”
Hedrovebacktotheresort,intendedtogostraighttohisoffice,thenwalkedintoNell’s.
“Miles,great.Iwasjustfinalizingsomeofthechangesfornextweek’spicnic,and—”
“Whydidn’tyoutellmeyouandJakeweredating?”
Nellangledherhead.Sheloopedoneofthetrioofchainssheworearoundafinger,smiledathim.“Becausethatcomesundertheheadingof—whatisitnow?Ohyeah.NoneofYourDamnBusiness.”
“You’remysister,he’smyoldest,closestfriend.Thatsoundslikeitfallsrightintomydamnbusiness.”
Shepickedupthebrightblueresortwaterbottlefromherdesk.“Miles,you’renotseriouslygoingtoattempttodictatewhoIdate?”
“No,butthisisdifferent.”
“Inwhatway?”
“Sister.”Heliftedonehand.“Bestfriend.”Thentheother.“AndyouknowJake’shadhalfathingforyouforyears.”
“Onehe’scontainedadmirably,orannoyingly,dependingontheviewpoint.Eitherway,wehaddinnerandenjoyedourselves.Alertthemedia.”
“Knockitoff.You’regoingkayakingonSunday.”
Eyesslitted,sheslammedthewaterbottledownagain.“Doeshetellyoueverything?”
“No.AndIdon’twanttoknoweverything.Butthere’sagoddamncode,Nell.Afriend’sdatingyoursister,heletsyouknow.Itwould’vebeenniceifmysisterletmeknowshewasdatingmyfriend.”
“He’smyfriend,too,anditwasdinner.Justdinner.IfIdecideit’sgoingtobemore,that’smychoiceandmybusiness.Sobuttout.”
Nowhesat.“Ihadonedate—one—withthat…Ican’trememberhername.Thatgirlwhowaspartofyourhighschoolpack.”
“Candy.”
“Yeah,andthenameshould’veputmeoff.Butanyway,onedateandyousnarledatmeforweeks.”
“I’vematured.Howaboutyou?”
“Iloveyou.”
“Backatyou,moron.”
“IloveJake.”
“Jesus,Miles,I’mnotgoingtodraghimintobed,usehimup,thentosshimaway.Orviceversa.Youshouldknowbothofusbetter.”
“Don’ttalkaboutbed.”
Temperdissolvedintoamusement.“I’mgoingtosleepwithhim.Theremayormaynotbeabedinvolved.”
“Pleaseshutup.”
“If,”sheadded,“wedecidetohaveanotherdateortwo,andifwe’rebothofthatframeofmind.Meanwhile,I’vegottentobefriends—outsideofwork—withMorgan.It’shardformetofind—ormake—timetohavefriendsoutsideofworkandfamily.Butwe’vehadlunch,andwehaddrinks.Youcouldalmostsaywe’redating.”
Nowhejustcoveredhisfacewithhishands,scrubbedhard.
“You’resleepingwithher.ShouldIbeworried?”
“Nell—”
“Miles,”shesaidinthesameoverlypatienttone.“YouandIdon’ttakeormakerelationshipslightly.Andthoughitfallsinthatsamecategory—NoneofYourDamnBusiness—I’lltellyouI’vehadhalfathingforJakeforawhile.”
“Well,hell.Youneversaid.”
“Remembertheheading,”sheshotback.“I’malsogoingtosaythatseeingwhatMorgan’sbeenthrough,howshe’sdealtwithit,broughtithometomehowquicklifeandplanscanchange.IfJakehadn’taskedmeout,I’dhaveaskedhim.Iwanttoseewhereitgoes.You’lljusthavetolivewiththat.”
“I’mgoingbacktonotthinkingaboutit.”
“Thatwouldbeverywise.”
“Morgan.”HegotuptograbaCokeoutofhercooler.“Iwasjustoverthere.”
“Noticemenotaskingyouwhatyouweredoingoverthereinthemiddleofaworkday.”
“I’mhavingoneofthosecamerasystemsinstalledonthehouse.”
“Ah.”Sheconsidered,nodded.“That’saverygoodidea.”
“Shedoesn’tlikeit,butshe’lldealwithit.She’djustgottenanupdateonRozwellrightbeforeIgotthere.I’mgoingtogiveyouthehighlights,thenIhavetogetgoing.I’mwaybehindtoday.Youcouldfillintherestofthefamily.”
“Allright.”
Shetooknoteswhilehetoldher.
“I’mmeetingwithMomin…shit,fiveminutes.I’lltellher.Look,let’sgrabdinnerlater,talkthisthrough.YoutoldJake.”
“Yeah,whichishow…alltherest.I’mlate.”
“Me,too.”Theyrosetogether.
“Hey.”Angerforgotten,shecrossedovertohughim.“Don’tworrytoomuch.ThemoreIgettoknowher,themoreIrealizehowself-reliantsheis.Thenaddshehasus,theFBI,andthelocalpoliceonherside.”
“Arabiddogwithahumanbrain.That’swhatJakecalledhim.”
“Thatsoundsaccurate.”
Andsomething,Milesthought,toworryabout.ChapterTwenty-three
EverytimeMorganthoughtshe’dfoundthesweetspotinherworkoutroutine,Jendevisedsomenewformoftorture.
Today’spyramidofdeadlifts,kickbacks,militarypresses,andbicepscurlsinthegoddesspositionrankedastheworstyet.
Shesweatedherwaytothetopofthepyramid,indulgedherinnercamelinathirty-second—allJenallowed—waterbreak,thendidherbestnottoweepherwaydownagain.
Gettingstrong,shelecturedherself.GettingstrongenoughtopunchRozwellinthethroat.Andafterthelastviciousrep,shesetdowntheweights.
Butdiditendthere?No,itdidnot.
Shesufferedthroughtwelveagonizingminutesofcorewithcrunches,bicycles,thedetestedinchworm,andmoreuntilherabsburnedalongwiththerestofher.
Breathless,limp,done,shelayonthemat,eyesclosed.“WhenwillIstophatingit?”
Helpfully,Jentossedheragymtowel.“Whyareyoudoingit?”
Behindherlids,Morgan’seyesrolled.“Togetstrong,bestrong,staystrong.”
“Andit’sworking.You’vedoubledyourweightsandrepssinceyoustarted.Packingsomenicegunsthesedays.”
Morganturnedherhead,openedoneeye.Withitshestudiedherarms.“Sortof.”
“Verynicegunsforyourframeandbodytype.Nowhydrateandstretch.”Smiling,Jenheldoutahand.“BodybyJen.I’mlikingwhatIseehere.”
Morganclaspedhands,groanedherwaytoherfeet.“ThisbodybyJenfeelslikeit’sbeenpoundedwithathousandtinyhammers.”
“Hydrateandstretch,”Jenrepeated,“anditwon’t.You’vecomealongway.Keepitup.Hey,Nell.”
“Jen.I’vegotafreehour.”
“Andtheworldshuddersonitsaxis.”
“Iknow,right?”Inherblackshortsandtank,Nellgrabbedapairoffifteen-poundweights.“I’msqueezinginsomefun.”
Shetookherstance,startedwithaswimmer’spress,andsentMorganalook.“Youlooklikeyou’vefinishedthefun.”
“I’mdone.Donein.She’samonster.”
“Iwearthebadgewithpride.Stretch,”Jensaidagain,herbeadedbraidsswayingasshewalkedawaytofindanothervictim.
MorganstartedherstretchesandscowledatNellinthemirrorwall.“Show-off.”
“AbadgeIwearwithpride.Iwashopingtorunintoyoubeforeyourshift.MomjusttoldmetheFriedmanevent,that’sSunday,wantsanotherbar.”
“Theyalreadyhavetwo.”
“Andnowtheywantthree.Oneformixeddrinks,andinsteadofthesecondforwine,beer,andsoftdrinks,theywanttosplitthat.Onesoftbar,onewineandbeerbar.”
“I’llaskBaileytotakeit.”
Smoothly,NellswitchedtoCrazyEights.“Issheready?”
“Morethanforawineandbeerbar.It’sagoodwayforhertosoloatanevent.I’llletyouknow.Ifshecan’ttakeit,I’llseeifNickwantsit,orcanswitchshiftswithmeandI’lltakeit.BecshasherFridaynightartclass,andIwouldn’taskhertomissitunlesswe’restuck.Tricia’sonvacationuntilSaturday.”
“I’llleaveittoyou.Howareyou?”
Withherhandsclaspedbehindherback,Morgandrewthemdownandletoutasoundthatsignaledrelief.“Ithinkmybonesareburning.”
“Keepstretching,andthat’snotwhatImeant.”
“Ihaven’theardanythingforacoupleofdays.ThelastIdid,theyfoundthecarhestolewhenhedumpedthefirstoneattheairportinOmaha.Heditchedthat—he’dswitchedtheplates—atatruckstopinSouthDakota.Theythinkhemight’vegottenaridefromthere,headingwest,astheyhadapossiblesightinginWyomingtheyweregoingtofollowupon.”
“Sohe’sstillrunning,andintheoppositedirectionfromhere.That’sagoodthing.”
“I’mtryingtothinkofitthatway.”
“I’dtrythat,too.Idon’tknowifI’dsucceed.”Switchingtotwelvepounders,Nellstartedtricepsextensions.“How’sthenewsecuritysystemworkingout?”
“Theladiesloveit.Gofigure.”Asshestretchedherowntriceps,Morganhadtoadmit—asusual—theburnhadturnedtowarmth,andherfatiguetosmugness.“TheybakedMilesadamncherrypie.”
“Ilovecherrypie.Hedidnotshare.Itwasintrusiveofhim,Morgan.Milesdoesn’tintrudeunlesshisfeelingsoutweighhisprettyrigidsenseofstay-out-of-it.”
“Igetthat.Andalongthatline,howareyoudoingwithyourtriangle?”
“Ihaveatriangle?”
“You,Jake,Miles.”
Withalaugh,Nellsetdownthelighterweights.“I’mdoingmybesttoenjoyone,ignoretheother.Andalongthatline,whydon’tweallgoouttodinner,makeitafoursome?MaybenextSundaynightwhenyou’reoff.”
“Oh.”Afterrollinghershoulders,Morganloweredintoarunner’sstretch.WhenNellpickeduptheheavierweightagainforanothersetofshoulderpresses,MorganwonderedhowNellcouldliftsteadywithoutbreakingasweat.“Wouldn’tthatbealittleawkward?”
“Idon’tthinkso.IthinkitwouldbegoodforMilestoseemeandJakeasacouple.”
“Areyou?”
“Ithinkwe’recautiouslyapproachingthatdestination.Icansetitup,keepitcasual.”
“HaveMilesgrill,”Morgansuggested.“Helikesto,andit’snotonlycasual,itfitsthedynamics.Friendsandfamily.”
“That’sbrilliant.Ishould’vethoughtofit.”
“MaybeaskLiamtojoinwithadate.Thatturnsthetriangleintoahexagon.Ithink.”
“Reallybrilliant.I’llsetitup.”
“Letmeknow.NowI’mdonewiththishellholeforanotherday.Listen,whenyouhavetime,dropbyAprès.Ihaveacoupleofcandidatesforthefallspecialstorunbyyou.”
“I’lldothat.Keeptheideascoming,Morgan.”
“I’vegotanendlesssupply.”
Sheheadedout,deeplyconsideredtheelevatorratherthanthesteps.Andweighingguiltagainstconvenience,turnedtowardthesteps.
Milescamedownthem.
“IsNellinthefitnesscenter?”
“Showingoffwithherfifteen-poundweights.”
“Good.Ineedtogooversomethingwithher,andshe’dhaveblownmeoffifItextedwhileshe’slifting.”Heangledhishead,studiedherwiththoseambereyes.“Youlookgood.”
“Areyouserious?”
“Almostalways.You’rekindofrosyanddewy.”
“It’scalledsweat.”
“Itlooksgoodonyou.”
Tohercompletesurprise,hemovedin,cuppedherchin,andkissedher.Alongandseriouskiss.
“Reallygood.IneedtocatchNell.”
Hestrodeoff,leavingherstandingatthebaseofthestairs,holdinghergymbag.Andwithintheeyelineofthespacheck-instaff,whopretendednottonotice.
MorganspentmostofFridayafternoonworkinginthegardenwithherladies.Abriefstormthenightbeforehadtheweedspullinguplikebutter—andremindedherhowtheblastsofthunderhadwakedherinMiles’sbed.
Andhowthetwoofthemhadrolledtogetherlikethatthunderevenafterthestormpassed.Sheglancedover,watchinghermotherdeadheadroses.Howshehummedtoherselfassheworked,howcontentsheseemed.
Asifthoseyearsofuprooting,moving,searchinghadallcometogetherhere.Thistime,thisplace.
Swipingsweatfromherforehead,Morgansatbackonherheels.“HowdoesitfeeltobeAudreyNashagain?”
“Justright.IguessAlbrightneverreallyfitme—orIdidn’tfitAlbright.Whoknewitcouldbesoeasytotakebackwhatwasmineallalong?”
Nowsheglancedover.“Youdid.HowdoesitfeeltobeMorganNash?”
“LikeI’veclosedanolddoorandopenedanewone.Ididn’texpectthat,notreally.LikeIdidn’texpecttobehappyhere.”
“Oh,Morgan.”
“IcamebecauseIhadto,andthatfirstnight,Mom,everythinginmefeltsodarkandhopeless,sortoffrozeninplace,justlikethewinter.Now,movingtowardtheendofsummer,it’stheopposite.I’mheadingtowardthirtyandlivinginmygrandmother’shouse,butIfeellightandhopeandmovement.Thesepastmonthshaveshownmewhoyouare,whoGramis,andwhoIam.Ilikewhoweare,weNashwomen.”
“SodoI.”
“Timeforabreak,”Oliviacalledoutasshecarriedapitcherofsunteatothepatiotable.“Thatsun’sfierce,andnocomplaints,becausewinter’slongandcold.Butit’sfierce.Timeforabreak.”
“Ihearthat.”
MorganstartedoverwhileOliviasetherhandsonherhips.“Idon’tthinkthisyardhaseverlookedbetter.Thethingsyouadded,Morgan,brightenupthebright.I’mgoingtotaketimetositandenjoyitwhileitlasts.”
Audreysat,pulledoffherhat,andfannedherselfwithit.“Nocomplaints,butwhew!We’redueforanotherstormtonight,andthisonemightcoolthingsoffabit.”
Morganthoughtofstorms,andMiles,andsmiledasshepouredtea.
“Ilikeagoodstorm.Iwouldn’tminditcoolingoffalittle.Milessaidtobringmyhikingbootstonight.”
“Youhaven’treallytakenthetimetohike.YoualwayslikedgoingwithPa.”Audreytooktheglassoftea,rubbeditscoldsurfaceoverhercheekbeforedrinking.“I’mgladyou’redoingsomethingfun,somethingthatisn’twork—evengardening’swork.”
“IhaveasuspicionMorganandMilesfindsomethingtodothat’snotwork.And,”Oliviaadded,“Ibetit’snotafriskygameofginrummy.”
“Besidesthat,”Audreysaidwithalaugh.“It’simportanttohavesharedinterestswhenyou’rewithsomeone.Besidesthat,”shesaidagainbeforeOliviacouldspeak.
“Imadeamistakethere.YouandDaddidn’t.Yousharedsomanythings.TheColonelandI,well,wejustdidn’t.MorganandMilesshareinterests.Gardening,theresort,theybothlikedogs,andnowhiking.Andyou’rehavingyourfirstdinnerpartyasacoupleonSunday.”
“Idon’tknowifI’dcallitadinnerparty.”
“It’sdinner,andyou’llhavefun.”
“IfeellikeI’mdesertingbothofyou,spendingsomuchofmyweekendsoverathishouse.”
“Don’tbesilly.”Oliviawavedthataway.“YourmotherandIlikeknowingyou’rewithagoodman.Andyouneedtospendtimewithpeopleyourownage.Makefriends.Friendsarepartoftheroots,too,baby,andkeepwhatgrowshappyandhealthy.”
“MomandIhaveourmonthlybookclub,yogaclasses,theshop,nowthecafé.It’sfuntograblunchwithagirlfriend.Webothmaketimeforthat.”
“Andtomorrowafternoonwe’reheadingovertoTomandIda’spotluckcookout.Wherewe’lleattoomuchandgossipthedayaway.”Oliviasighedwithpleasure.“We’renotoldfogiesyetwhoneedlookingafter.”
“Andwehavethemagicdoorbell.Ilovethatthing.”
Shakingherhead,Morganglancedatthebackdoorcamera.“Iknow.Idon’tunderstandit,butIknowyoudo.”
Spreadingherhands,AudreysmiledatMorgan.“IgotanalertlastweekandwatchedFedExdeliverapackagetothefrontdoor.It’slikeasecretwindow.”
“Thesun’sfierce,thegardensarebeautiful,thatdamnfrogmakesmesmileeverytimeIlookatit,andwe’reallgoingtogetourpartyon.That’sagooddeal,girls.Let’sembraceit.”
Morganpromisedherselftodojustthat.Embraceit.
OnabusyFridaynightatAprès,sheenjoyedthework,thecrowd,andlookedforwardtoaSaturdayhike,aSundaygathering.
“We’regoingtoswitch,Bailey.”
“Sorry,what?”
“I’lltakethebackbar.”
“Oh,but—”
“I’mrighthereifyouneedhelp,butlet’sseehowitgoesforanhour.”
“Areyousure?”
“Iwouldn’tsaysoifIweren’t.”Morgannudgedherforward,steppedback.“You’vegotthestick.”
Andshedidfine,justfine,soMorganletthehourruntoninetyminutes.
“That’sthewayit’sdone.”
“Iforgottobenervous.”
“You’veonlygotafewweeksleftbeforeyougobacktoschool,solet’shaveyoudotwohoursforyournextshiftwithme.Nowtakeabreak.Youearnedit.”
Satisfying,shethoughtasshefilledorders.Satisfyingtoteachsomebodyhowtodoajob,anddoitwell.Notforacareer,notinBailey’scase,buttoearnasolidpaycheckuntilsheforgedthatcareer.
“Youletherhandleit.”Opalstoppedbythebar.“Yougotoutofherwayandletherhandleit.WhenI’mwrongaboutsomebodyorsomething,Isaysorightoutloud.Ihadyouwrong.”
“Theremight’vebeensomeofthatonbothsides.”
“Yeah,might’vebeen.Twosummerspecials,fizzywateronice,doubleBombaytonic.”
“Comingrightup.”
“I’vegotanephewjustturnedtwenty-one.He’sworkingintheLodgekitchenthelastsix,sevenmonths.Doesn’tmuchlikeit,butheworks.Ifhewantedtotrainatthebar,wouldyoutakehimon?”
“IfNellapprovesthechange,I’lltakehimon.”
“Good.”
Shedidn’texpecttoseeMilesuntilshegottohishouse,buthewalkedinatclosing.
“Workedlate.”
“I’llsay.”
“We’llgetyourbagoutofyourcar.Youcanridewithme.”
“Thenmycar’sherewhereI’mnot.”
“We’llgetittomorrow.You’vegotyourhikingboots?”
“Asrequested.”Sheshutoffthelightsonwhatsheconsideredanexcellentshift.“Igotacallfromafriendtoday,”shetoldhimastheywalkedout.
“Oh.”
“Sam.HeandNina…they’dgottenserious.Helovedher,wasonthebrinkofaskinghertomoveinwithhimwhenitallhappened.”
Shestoppedathercar,tookoutherbag.
“You’vekeptintouch?”
“Yeah,andhehasdinnerwithNina’sfamilyatleastonceamonth.Hewantedmetoknowhe’smetsomeone.”
Inhiscar,hewaiteduntilshe’dstrappedin.“Isthataproblemforyou?”
“No.God,no.He’sbeenseeingherforacoupleofmonthsnow,andit’s,well,gottenserious.Sohewantedmetoknow.He’sareallygoodguy,Miles.I’mhappyforhim.It’sbeennearlyayearandahalf—thathitme.Itfeelslongerinsomeways,theninotherslikeyesterday.Hername’sHenna.She’saparalegal.ShehasacatnamedSuzieshespoils,likesoldmovies—like,reallyoldblack-and-whitemovies—andreadingthrillers.”
“Alotofinformation,”Milescommented.
“Oncehegotmyinitialreactionhereallywentonandonabouther.SoI’mhappyforhim.Oh,shealsoskis,sohe’sgoingtobringherupherenextwinter,stayattheresort,introduceus.God,IhopeIlikeher.I’llfakeitifIdon’t,butIhopeIdo.”
“You’repredisposedtolikeher,sounlessshe’snotanythinglikewhathetoldyou,you’lllikeher.Anyproblemstonight?”
“Theoppositeofproblems.”Howshelovedtheselate-nightdrivesthroughthequietdarkwhiletheworldslept.Theairblowingintheopenwindows,anowlcallingsomewheredeepinthetrees.
“AbusysummerFridaynight,”shecontinued.“ItookthebackbarwithBaileyforaboutanhourandahalf,andshehandledit.Oh,andIhadmyfirstrepeater—Imeanforme.ThiscouplewhostayedattheresortlastMarch,backforaweekwiththeirson,hiswife,andtheirtwograndkids.”
“Yourememberedthem?”
“Theirfaces.Iblankedonthenames,butIgotthefaces,soenoughtosaywelcomeback.Andsincetheychargedthedrinkstotheroom,Icouldlookupthenames.James—Jim—andTraceyLowe.”
“They’vebeencomingtwiceayearsincetheirson—that’sManning—wasincollege.Manningmethiswife,Gwen,attheresortononeoftheirsummertrips.Theygotmarriedhere—sentimental.TheirkidsareFlynn—mustbearoundsix—andHaley,aboutfour.”
Ashepulledintothedrive,sheshookherhead.“AndIthinkIbankdata.Igotsomeofthatwhentheycameinfortheirnightcap.”
“Theresortrunsonloyaltyandpersonalizedservice.TheLoweshavebeentwice-a-yearguestssinceIwasinhighschool.”
Astheywalkedtothedoor,Howlletoutatrioofbarksfollowedbyhissignaturehowl.
“Betterthananalarmsystem,camerasincluded.”
“Theoffertotakehim’sstillopen.”
WhenMilesopenedthedoor,thedogstood,dancinginplace,thenrushedtoMorgan.
“Didyoumissme,didyou?Yes,youdid!”WhileshelavishedHowlwithlove,Mileslockedupforthenight.
“Doyouwantanything?”
“Justthissweetdog.”And,tiltingherhead,gaveMilesasidelonglook.“Maybeyou.”
“Thedog’sgothisownbed.”Sosaying,hescoopedherup,tossedheroverhisshoulder.
ItmadeherlaughasHowlmutteredanddashedforthestepsinfrontofMiles.“Well,thisisnew.”
“Justgettingyouoffyourfeetafteralongshift.”
“Isthatit?Mostmenwould’vegonefortheromanticsweepinsteadoftheover-the-shoulder.”
“I’mnotmost.”
“SoI’venoticed.Youknow,yourhouselooksgoodevenupsidedown.”
Hecartedhertothebedroom,wherethelightcamefromcloud-mistedstarsandathree-quartermoon.Anddumpedheronthebed,coveredherwithhisbody.
“Howdoyoulikeitnow?”
“I’vegrownfondofthisparticularview.”
Asshestudiedhimandhestudiedher,sheranherhandsdownhisback,thenupagain.
“Ilikeminebetter.”Eyesstillonhers,hebrushedhermouthwiththelightestkiss.“You’vegotaface.”
“Idefinitelyhaveaface.”
“It’sadamngoodface.”Nowhismouthbrushedhers,lingeredalittlelonger.“IthoughtsothefirsttimeIsawit.”
“Behindthebar.”
“No,thefirsttime.Atyourgrandfather’smemorial.”
“Oh.Idon’tthinkIsawyou.Honestly,I’mnotsureIsawanyone.It’sonebigblur.”
“Everythingshowedonthatface.Thegrief,theguilt,thewishyoucouldgosomewhereelse,anywhereelse,aloneanddealwithit.AndIrememberIwonderedifIsawthatbecauseIfeltexactlythesame.”
Hekissedheragain,justalittledeeper,justalittlelonger.
“ThenexttimeIsawthatface,andthatwasbehindthebar,Isawsomethingelse.Somethingunderthefriendly,efficientbartender.”
Heswitchedtothepulseinherthroat,pleasedtofeelitstarttorace.“Isawgritmixedwithvulnerability.Justfascinating,thatface.IlikeseeingitwhenI’vegotmyhandsonyou.”
“Iwantyourhandsonme.”
Heclosedhisoverhersandusedhismouth,justhismouth,toarouse.
“They’llgetthere.”
Hereleasedonehandtoflipopenthebuttonsofhershirt,thenslowlyfollowedthatgapdownwithhismouth,thenroamedupagain.
Thistimethekissspunoutandoutandoutuntilhefelthergolax.
Hehadn’ttakenenoughtimewithher,hethought,notwiththelatenights,earlymornings.Nowhewould.
Heflippedopenthefronthookonherbra,thedeeplycutwhitelaceheknewsheworeforhim.Andtrailedhisfingersoverher,light,light,light,whilehistongueskimmedoverhers,whileherhumofpleasurespilledintohim.
Andhelookedashetookthattimewiththecrispuniform,theblackandthewhiteindisarray.Withherskintremblingunderhismouthandhands,aroused.
Asheeasedherzipperdown,hismouthtookherbreast,butgently,gently.Norush,nohurryashisfingerssliddowntotease,onlytoteaseevenasshearchedupagainstthem,evenasthehuminherthroatbecamebrokensighs.
Ashetraveleddownher,slidingthosetrimpantsoverherhips,pressinghislipstoherbelly,hefounditunspeakablyerotictobefullydressedwhilehepeeledthoselayersawayfromabodythatshudderedwithneedunderhim.
Hetookherup,watchingher—thatface—ashemetthoseneeds.Shequakedunderhim,shuddering,justasthefirstflashoflightningturnedtheroomwhite,andononeofherbrokensighscamehisname.
Thunderfollowedafter.
Hetookherover;shelethim.Andwithsurrendershefoundpower.Shecouldtakewhathegaveheruntilthepleasureofitshookthroughherlikethesuddengustsofwindatthewindows.
Herbodyfeltasliquidastherain,asifshecouldpourthroughhishandsifhewilledit.Underthosehandssheroseupwheretheworldranhotandtheairthick,thenfloateddowntotheimpossiblysoftandwarm.
Whenhelevereduptodragoffhisshirt,shepressedherhandstothehard,strongwallofhischest.There,thoughhetookhistime,suchexquisitetime,hisheartraced.
“Thatface,”hemurmured,anditmovedhertohearhisvoicebreathless.“IlikehowitlookswhenI’minsideyou.”
“Iwantyouinsideme.”
Lightningflashedagain,illuminatingherasshereachedforhim.
Hecoveredher,andhewatchedherasheslid,slowly,insideher.Andheldthereassheflewupagain,asshetightenedaroundhim.
“Miles.”
“Easy.”Hemurmureditashetookthatexquisitetime.
Whilethestormraged,hegaveherthattime,tobuildagain,tobreakagain.
Thenhetookherhandsinhis,tookhermouthwithhis,solinked,joined,theybroketogether.
Helayoverher,morecontentthanhecouldrememberbeinginthewholeofhislife.Thestorm,alreadypassing,tossedthelastdropsofrainatthewindows.Wherelightninghadflashed,moonlightreturned.
Fromthelibrary,theclockthathadbeenhisgreat-grandfather’sstruckthree.
Heliftedhisheadtolookdownather,andyes,sawcontentmentthere.
“Thatface,”hesaidagain,andwatchedherlipscurve.ChapterTwenty-four
Shesleptlikearockandwoketothescentofcoffee.
“Timetogetyourassup.”
Afterblinkinghereyesopen,shestaredatMiles.Hestoodbesidethebed,fullydressed.
“Whattimeisit?”
“Get-your-ass-upo’clock.”Takingherhand,hepulledheruptositting.
“Whydowomendothat?”hewondered,whenshedraggedthesheetupwithher.“I’veseenyounaked.I’veseenyourbreasts,which,I’veobserved,areverynicelyproportionedtotherestofyou.”
“Because,”shesaid,andleftitatthat.Thenshesawthemugonthenightstand.“Youbroughtmecoffee!”
“Ibroughtyousomethingpretendingtobecoffee.Knockitback,getup.You’vegotthirtyminutes.”
“Howlonghaveyoubeenup?”
“Longenoughtograbashower,drinkactualcoffee,getdressed,andmakewhateveritisyoudrinkinthemorning.”
“Okay,Icandoallthatinthirty,noproblem.AndIappreciateyoubringingmecoffeeevenifyoudon’trespectit.Where’sHowl?”
“He’soutonpatrol.Thirtyminutes,”hesaidashewalkedtothedoor.“Ihavetomakeacouplecalls.”
Inthirty,becausesheconsidereditachallenge,shewalkeddownstairs.Sheworeherhikingshortsandboots,ablueT-shirt,andaredballcap.She’dhitchedonalightbackpackholdingbugspray,awaterbottle,atravelingfirstaidkit,abagoftrailmix,alongwithwhatsheconsideredotheressentials.
Shefoundhiminthekitchen,downinganothercupofcoffee.
“Allset?”
Heturned,lookedather.“Whatisitaboutwomeninbootsandshorts?Sunscreen,bugjuice?”
“Coveredandcoated—withmoreinmypack.”Shewentintothemudroomfortheleash.“WearetakingHowl.”
“Yeah,he’sexpectingit.”
AfterMilesshruggedonhisownpack,theywentouttheback.Andwhenthedogspottedtheleash,hesatwherehewas,lookeddeliberatelyaway.
“Heconsiderstheleashinsulting.”
“Ofcoursehedoes.Asifyouwouldn’tbeagoodboy,”shecroonedasshewenttohim.“Theverybestboy.Butwecan’ttakeyouontheadventurewithoutit.”
Hesufferedtheindignity.
“We’lltakethecar.”
“Oh,Ifiguredwe’dhikethetrailaboutahalfmilefromhere.”
Sinceshehadthedog,Milesgrabbedherfreehand.“TheBirchTrail’sagoodloop,andwhenwe’redone,wecanpickupyourcar.”
“Worksforme.I’mboundtoberusty,”shesaidastheypiledintothecar.“Ihaven’tbeenonaserioushikeinacoupleyears.TimetogetbackingeartheresoIcanhikeinthefallwhentheleaveschange—andthatwon’tbelong.I’veneverbeenhereinthefall.”
“Touristsjamtheplace.”
“Whichisgoodfortheresort,andthetown.”
“Yeah,butthetrailsgetcrowded.We’llhavesomecompanytoday,summerbringsthem,too.ButnotlikeSeptemberandOctober.”
“I’mlookingforwardtoit.Notsummerending,butseeingthefall.”
Afterheparkednexttohercar,shegotout,shoulderedherpackagainbeforegettingHowloutoftheback.
“It’safive-mileloop,”Milestoldher,“butthere’sacutofftoshortenittothree.”
“Icanhandlefive.”Anotherchallenge.
“We’lladdtothatwalkingdowntotheropescourse,zipline.Thetrailhead’srightthere.”
“Irentedabikeinthespring,acoupletimes,soIcouldtourtheresortthatway,getabettersenseofthelayout.Ireallythoughtaboutbuyingone,butit’sjusttoofartobiketowork,andtoolatetoriskbikinghome.”
“Youdon’thavetogetabikejustfortransportation.”
“No,guessnot.”Butshecouldn’tjustifyjust-becauseexpenses.Notyet.
“Anyway,thewaythingsarelaidout?Thewalkingtrailaroundthelake,thehikingtrails—atleasttheonesI’veseensignposted.Thentheziplines,climbingwall,thecutelittleplaygroundarea.Itallmakessense.IstoppedintheAdventureOutlet,obviously,forthebike.Alsosmarttomakeitsoeasytobuyorrentgear,andrightwithinsightoftheskiliftsandruns.Thenthere’sthelake.”
Shestoppedtolookoutatthebluewaterdottedwithkayaksandcanoes.Themountains,greenastheirname,reflectedonit.“I’veneverkayaked.Iguessyouhave.”
“Sure.We’llsqueezeitinsomeweekend.”
“It’ssomething,tohaveallthisatyourfingertipsreally.”
“Mygreat-grandparentsboughtthelandandbuiltthefirstlodge,thefirstcouplecabins,becauseofthelakeandthatview.”
“You’reluckytheyhadthatforesight.Andwhatyourfamily’sdonewithit.Buildingonit,yeah,butwithrespect.WhenIbikedthrough,I’dspotacabin,butitlookedlikeitgrewthere.”
Howl,forgettingtheinsultoftheleash,strolledandsniffedhiswayalongthewalkingtrail.
“Wordisyou’regoingtotransitiontoelectricshuttles.”
“Yeah,bythefallpeak.We’reputtinginmorechargingstations.”
“Alsosmart.”
Theycameinsightoftheropescourse,tuckedinthetrees.Morganshookherheadattheguestsclimbing,balancing,swinginghighaboveherhead.
“Icanseedoingthat,”shesaidasMilessteeredhertothetrailhead,“whenthezombieapocalypsehits,ortheinevitableinvasionbyalienshell-bentonexterminatingthehumanrace.Itmightbenecessarytobuildropebridgesandwalls,learntobalanceonswingingtiresandwoodplanks.Butuntilthen?”
Sheshiftedherpack.“I’llstickwithhikingtrailsformyadventuring.Andthisiswhy,”sheadded,astheystartedtheclimbthroughthebirchtrailthatgavethetrailitsname.
“It’sbeautiful,alreadybeautiful.”
“Itgetsbetter.Letmeknowwhenyou’retiredofhandlingtheleash.”
“We’refine.I’mgoingtotakeamillionpictures,sobepreparedforit.Likenow.Oh,Irememberthis.Wildlupine.”Whenshecroucheddowntoframethespearsofpurple,Howllickedhercheek.
Mileswaited,patientenough,eachtimeshestoppedtocapturesomespottedjoe-pyeweed,orwhatevershefoundinterestinginthebarkonbirches,old-growthmaples.
Theypassedagroupheadingdown,werepassedbyanothercoupleheadingup.
Helikedhercompany,likedshedidn’tchatterendlessly,butcouldappreciatethequietandthesongofbirds.Hehadn’tmadeenoughtimeforthislately,headmitted,forjustwalkingthroughthehillsandforestheloved.
Shestopped,heldupahand.“Wait,Ihear…Isthatawaterfall?”
“Aroundthenextbendinthetrail.It’ssmallbutscenic.LittleWhiteFalls.Resortpropertyendsthere,sowehavethecutofftoloopback,orwecantakethelongerthatrunsthroughthenationalforest.Itgetssteeper.”
“Definitelythelonger,butIwanttoseethefalls.”
Theytumbleddown,dashingintotheriverbelowandfoamingwhiteagainsttheweak-teabrown.
“It’sbeautiful.It’slikemusic.”
Anditsparkledovertherock,beatwateragainstwatersotherivershoweditsfloor.Wheretheshadespread,moss-carpetedlimbsturnedthelightsoft.Yetthesunstruckthetumblingwater,brightasalaser.
Thecouplewho’dpassedthemtookacoupleselfies,thenturnedtotakethetrailbackdown.Agroupofthreerosefromalowrockledge,thencontinuedonupthetrail.
Milestooktheleashsoshecouldpulloutherphoneyetagain.Whileshegotherpictures,hepulledthecollapsiblecupoutofhispack,pouredwaterintoit.
AgratefulHowllappeditup.
Heglancedupintimetoseehertaketheirpictureashecroucheddowntoofferthedogasecondcup.
“Sorry,couldn’tresist.Itossedanoldplasticbowlinmypack.Thecup’sbetter.”
Sheliftedherfacetothesky.“Thisisthemostperfectspot.Ihateselfies,”shesaidlookingbackathim.
“I’mwithyouonthat.”
“Butit’sawaterfall,andI’dliketomakeanexceptiontomyno-selfierule.”
“Goahead.”
“Itincludesyou.It’sawaterfall,Miles,andthelight’sperfect.Soplease,justthisonce.”
Heshould’veknownitwouldhappen,justasheacceptedrefusingmadehimajerk.Hedidn’tmindbeingajerk,buthe’dmindmorespoilingthemoment.
Hesteppedovertoher.
“Thankyou.”Sheheldoutthecamera,turningituntilshegottheangleshewanted.“Onthree.Don’tscowl.”
“I’mnotscowling.”
Tosolveit,sheturnedherfacejustenoughtopressherlipstohischeek.Whenhislipscurved,justalittle,shetookthepicture.
“Whathappenedto‘onthree’?”
“Thatwasbetter.Look.”Shebroughtthephotoup.“We’readorable.AndI’mgoingtodomoreofthis.”Shepocketedthephone.“That’smysolemnvowinfrontofthemagicwaterfall.”
Theycontinuedup.Itdidgetsteeper,andMorgansupposedshehadJen’srelentlessworkoutstothankforthefactsheclimbedwithoutmusclestwinging.
Agroupofteenageboysboundedbylikeantelopes,cacklinglikehyenas.
“It’sallfunandgames,”Milescommented,“untilsomebodybreaksanankle.”
“Whatwerethey,aboutsixteen?Theageofindestructibility.”
“Wherewereyouatsixteen?”
“Ihonestlycan’ttellyou.Iusedtokeepabooktowritedowntheplaceandthedates.Afterthedivorce,wekeptmovingaroundsomuch,Ikeptwritingitdown.ThenItossedit—whichwasstupid—whenIwenttocollege.
“Donewiththat.”Sheflickedherhandasiftossingsomethingaway.“Butitwasmostlyaminortempertantrum,andIregretit.”
“Yourmomprobablyknowsifyoueverwanttoputplacesandtimestogether.”
“Maybe,but…”
Shewentspeechlesswhentheworldopenedup.“OhGod!Youdidn’ttellme.”
“Makesanicesurprise.Notahalf-badview.”
“It’sglorious.”
Aworldofmountains,valleys,hills,riversspreadoutinvividgreens,tenderblues,thesturdygrayofrockinjuttedoutcroppings.Thesoftpeaksastheyrolledonspokeofageandendurance.
I’mhere,andhavebeenlongbefore,willbelongafter.
Shecouldseethefoldsandcutsoflandandwater,theriseoftrees,theclimboftrails,allsoclearunderthewidebowlofsky.Andlikeagift,thewhitetumbleofadistantwaterfall.
Apainting,shethought,unframedandopentoanyonewhostoodatthisspot.
Shewonderedhowitlookedwhenfogcreptthroughandroseinmiststoblurthehills.Orwhenthetreesturnedvividinthefall,orthewinterspreaditsbright,blanketingwhite.
Todayitsaidsummer,withlifeatitspeak.
Thesilencewasmusic.
“Ihavetodoitagain.”Sheturnedtohim.“Sorry,butit’stooperfectnotto.”Sheheldupthecamera.“It’syourownfault.Idon’tevencareifyouscowl.”
Sheslidanarmaroundhiswaist,angledthecamera.
Whenshe’dtakentheshot,shepointedatHowl.
“Yourturn.Sitdown.Gooddogssit.”
Shecroucheddowntoframehimin,withhiseyesfullofhappy,headangledinanticipation.
Thatmight’vebeenthemoment,Mileswouldthinklater,justthemomentwhenhestartedtoslip.Watchingherconvincethedogtopose—anddamnedifhedidn’t—withherabsolutepleasureinthemoment,intheplace,inthequietsoaringlikethehawksoverhead.
Themomentwhenshelookedupathim,glowing,simplyglowingwhilesurroundedbytheworldthathadalwaysbeenhis.
Thenshestood,putherphoneaway,andtookhishands.“Thanks.Youcouldn’thavepickedabetterday,abettertrail.”
“That’sakillerinthefall.”Henoddedtowardtheview.
“Ibet,butrightnow,it’sjustsofullofsummer.”Lookingoutagain,shetippedherheadtohisshoulder.“Fall’sbounty,winter’swaiting,spring’sbeginning.Butsummer?It’sfruition.”
Thesilencebrokeasvoicescarriedupthetrail,sohemovedon.Puttingthemomentaside,hewalkedwithherandthedog.
“Nowyou’vedoneit,”shetoldhimasthetrackwounddownward.“I’mgoingtohavetomakealotmoretimeforthis.Evenanhournowandthenonadayoff.Howdoyoufeelaboutcamping?”
“Ifeelhumanity’sprogressedthroughwork,innovation,necessity,andlucksincetheywerecavedwellersorpioneers,andIrespecttheirefforts,andvaluethoseeffortstowardindoorplumbing,thermalwindows,sturdymattresses,andbroadband.Idon’tseeareasontochoosetoignorethoseinnovationsandsleepinatent.”
“Thatwouldbeanotocamping.I’dsayit’snicethatIalsohaveahealthyrespectforprogressandinnovation.ButIbetyouknowhow,whichwouldbehandyintheeventofthatzombieapocalypseoralieninvasion.
“Andthat’sabear,”shesaid,stoppingdeadwhenonecrossedthepathabouttwoyardsdown.“Anactualbear.”
“He’snotinterestedinyou.”ButMilestooktheleashasHowlbegantomutterandwag.“Brownbear,usuallynotaggressive.We’renottakinganotherselfiewithit.”
“Thethoughtneveroccurred.It’sabear.It’sareallybigbear.”
Butitlumbereditswayintothetrees.
“We’llgivehimaminute.Youhikedwithyourgrandfatherafewtimes,right?Younevercrossedpathswithabear?”
“Ididnot.Hetoldmewhattodo,whatnottodoifwedid.Irememberbeingdisappointedweneversawone.NowIwonderwhy.”
“Wehavesomewanderontotheresortnowandthen,especiallyaroundthecabins.”
Astheywalkedshelookedtowardthedirectionthebearhadtaken,butdidn’tseeasignofit.
“I’dprobablybeexcitedtoseeone—ifIweresittinginsideacabin.”
Heshrugged.“Theywereherefirst.”
Itmadehersmileathim.“DearDiary,todayIsawawaterfall,stoodandlookedoutovermilesofmountains,andhadabearwalkby.”
“Doyoudothat?Keepadiary?”
“No.Whohastime?ButifIdid,I’daddinthebear.I’mgoingtostopbythebakeryafterwepickupmycar,getsomethingfordessertfortomorrow.”
“Nell’sdoingthiscakethingshedoes.”
“Nellbakes?”
“Sometimes.Plus,I’mgrilling—you’redoingthepotatothing.She’snotabouttobeoutdone.”
“Ilikethatabouther.Thewayshecompetes.Ithastobechallenging,beingsandwichedbetweentwobrothers.”
“Maybeit’schallengingtobetheoldest.”
“Isit?”
“Notreally.Butitcouldbe.”
“It’snot,becausewhenitcomesdowntoit,you’reateam.There’soneofyourcabins.Lookhowit’sallnestledinthere,withrockersonthebigfrontporch.Ididn’trealizewe’dcircledbacksoclosetotheresort.”
“Nearlybackwherewestarted.”
“Iseethatnow.”
Theycrossedthelittlebridgeoverthenarrowstream,andthetrailopeneduptotheropescourse.
ShespottedLiamcartingacoupleofharnessesovertoabench.
“Goodhike?”hecalledoutastheycrossedtohim.
“Itwaswonderful.Waterfallsandvistasandbears.Notakersthisafternoon?”sheaskedasshescannedtheemptycourseabove.
“We’rebookedforaprivaterun.”
Heheldoutaharness.
“What?”Nellclaspedherhandsbehindherback.“No.”
“Justthethingtocapoffahike.”
“No,it’snot.It’sjustthethingtomakeyousqueallikeafive-year-oldorcurlintoaballandwhimperforyourmommy.”
“You’renotafraidofheights.”Milespickedupaharness,begantostrapiton.“Notthewayyoustoodupatthelookout.”
“No,I’mnotafraidofheights,but—”
“Ifyouwere,we’dskipthis.”
“I’mnotafraidofheights,butIhaveahealthyrespectforgravity.”
“Youwon’tfall.Seethis?”Liamhelduptheharness,showedherthecarabineronthebelaysystem.“Youclipthison,anditlocks.Itcan’tunlockuntilyouphysicallyunlockit.You’llalwayshaveatleastonesafetylineattachedatalltimes,evenwhenyou’restandingonaplatform.”
“IquestionwhyI’dstandonaplatformupthere.”
“It’sfun!”
“Ifshe’safraid…”Milesletthanhang,startedtoremovehisharness.
“‘Afraid’isastrongword.”Andonesheknewhe’dusedonpurpose.“Wary.Iprefer‘wary.’”
“What’reyougoingtodowhenthezombiesswarm?”Milesaskedher.
“Dieahorribledeath,thenspendtherestofmyzombieexistenceeatingbrains.Damnit,thisisanambush.”Shegrabbedtheharness.“Showmehowthisthingworks.”
Ashehookeditonher,Liamsmiledintohereyes.“This’llholdeasilythreetimesyourweight.We’rebothgoingtobeuptherewithyou,butfirst,I’mgoingtogooverthebasicsrighthereontheground.”
“Iliketheground.”
Liamwasthorough,andthebasicsdidn’tseemtoocomplicated.
“WhataboutHowl?”
Mileshookedhisleashtothelegofthebench,setoutwaterandachewstick.“He’sfine,”hesaid,andhandedherasafetyhelmet.
Shewasn’tthatcompetitive,shethought,butfoundherselfclimbingtothefirstplatformbehindLiamwithMilesbehindher.Ontheplatform,withHowlfarbelow,Liamwentoverthebelayandsafetysystemagain.
“Thebridgewillswaysomeasyousteponthosewoodcrosses,butyou’rehookedon.”
“Yougofirst.”
“Sure.I’llwaitonthenextplatform.”
Hemightaswellhavewalkedacrossasolidstonebridgetwofeetabovealazystream,Morganthoughtasshewatchedhim.
“You’refine,”Milessaidfrombehindher.
Shesparedhimonedubiouslook,heldherbreath,steppedofftheplatform.
Itswayedallright,butshekepthereyesonthesecondplatform,evenwhenHowlhowledfrombelow.
Shedidn’tfall,anddidn’tendupdanglinginhumiliation.
“Youdidgreat!Wanttogoacrossfirstthistime?”
“No,second’sfinewithme.”
“Rememberwhattodo?”
“Yeah,I’vegotthenot-fallingpartdownsolid.”
ShewatchedLiamwalkoververticallogsthatseemedunnecessarilynarrowandspacedunnecessarilywide,thenglancedbacktoseeMilescrossthebridgewiththesameeaseashisbrother.
Show-offs,shedecided,andcarefullyunlockedherfirstcarabiner,switchedittothenextwire,gaveitanicetestingtugbeforeshedidthesecond.
Thelogsswayed,too,buttheideaoffreezinghalfwayacrosskepthermoving,keptherstretchingalegouttostepfromonetothenext.Thefactsheswallowedacoupleofsquealsbeforetheysoundedboostedherconfidence.
Therewerenarrowwoodswingsthatswayed,aropenettotraverse.
Liamletoutahootofapprovalasshemanagedthem.“You’vegotit!Wecouldsignyouuponcrew!”
No,shethoughtasshemadehercarefulwayoveralongverticallog,thenwhatwas,essentially,atightrope.Definitelynotothat.
Sheclimbedaropeladder,feltherabssingassheswayedandbalancedoverthecourseoftires.
Butthetrapezegother.ShewatchedLiamgripit,swinglikeacircusactfromperchtoplatform.
Herhearthammered;hermusclestrembled.Thiswaswork!Butshegrippedthetrapeze,suckedinherbreath,andpushedoff.
Anditwaslikeflying.Forasecond,maybetwo,likeflyingwiththeaironherface,herbody—asthesongsaid—defyinggravity.
Whenshelandedonthelastplatform,herlaughrangout.
“That!”ShethrewherarmsaroundLiambeforesheturnedtowhereMileswaitedonthetrapezeperchbehind.“Whoknew?”
Andthat,heknew,wasthemoment.Shestood,faceflushedwiththeeffort,withthesuddendelight,herarmsstillaroundhisbrother.
Hersmilecould’velittheworld.
Hedidn’tslideoutofaffectionintolove,didn’tslipfromattractionintoforever,butfelllongandhard.Nosafetysystemcouldhavestoppedthefall
Itlefthimbreathless,stunned,andalittlebitpissedoff.
Sohe’dthinkaboutitlater,hetoldhimself.Later,whenhe’dclearedhisheadandshewasn’trighttheredistractinghim.
Whenthey’dstarteddown,heswungover,thenjoinedthemontheground.
“Fun,right?”
“MorethanIexpected,”shetoldLiam.“Alotmorethan.”
“Wannagoagain?There’stimebeforethenextgroup.Iwasn’tsurehowlongitwouldtakeyou,butyou’reanatural.”
“Onceisenough.Absolutely.”
“There’sthezipline,therockwall.”
“Getoutofhere.”Laughing,shegavehimashove.“Thosearedefinitenos.”
“Nexttime,zipline.It’ssucharushandyoucanseeformiles.”
“You’reamaniac.Yourbrother’samaniac,”shesaidtoMiles.“I’mgoingtofreeHowl.”
“She’sgreat,”Liambeganwhenshewalkedaway,thenshiftedhisfeet.“Look,Iwasn’thittingonheroranything.”
“Iknowthat.Andletmeadd,asifshe’dgoforit.”
“Well,youlookalittlepissed,so—”
“No,notthat,andyeah,shedidfine.”
“Ireallylikeher.Imean,sure,ingeneral,butforyou.Ilikeherforyou.”
“SodoI.”Milesunhookedhishelmetwhilethedoggreetedherasifshe’dbeentowar.“Andmaybethatpissesmeoffalittle.”
Liamjustslappedhisshoulder.“You’llgetoverit.Thepissedpart,Imean.”
“Maybe.Thanksfordoingthis.Ifiguredshe’dbemorecomfortablewithyouthanoneoftheAdventurecrew.”
“Itwasfun.”HetooktheharnessfromMiles.“She’sgutsy.Yougottagivehergutsy.Beforewegoover,anymoreonthatasshole?”
“Nothingdefinite.They’restillfollowingleadsoutwest.MaybeOregon.”
“Maybehe’llrunoutofroomandtakeadiveintothePacific.”
“Icouldlivewiththat,butit’sbetteriftheyfindthebastard.She’snevergoingtobeallthewaysteadyuntilsheknowshe’slockedup.”
“Hecan’trunforever,Miles.Nobodycan.”
No,Milesthought,butthatwastheproblem.Soonerorlater,Rozwellwouldstoprunningandtryagain.
Athome,heluredherintotheshower.Notjustbecausehewantedher,andChristknewhedid.Butwiththehopethesexwouldclearhisbrain,returnhisbalance.
Itdidn’t.
Whenshewenttowork,hewanderedaroundhishousewonderinghowitwasshefilledsomanyspacesevenwhenshewasn’tthere.
Hewentintohisoffice,lookedoutoftheturretviewthathadsocaptivatedher.Hesat,workedawhile.Thatfilledspaces,too.
Buthekeptreturningtothosemoments.Themomentatthelookoutwhenhe’dfeltthatslip.Thenthemomentontheropes,whenhefeltthefastfall.
Andothermoments,headmitted.Thefirsttimehe’dseenherworkingbehindthebar.Thatlittleclickinsidehimhe’dignored.Watchingherdriveawayinthatrattletrapexcuseforacarandwondering.Justwondering.
Seeingthewaysheworkedoutinthegymbecauseshewasdeterminedtogetstrongenoughtoprotectherself.
Alotofmomentsuptotheonehe’dsteppedoutsideandseenherstandinginhisfrontyardwithhertubofcookies.
“Sowhatnow?”
Besidehischair,Howlmutteredhisopinion.
“Idon’tneedyouradvice.She’sgotyouwrapped,oryou’vegother.Hell,Iguessit’smutual.”
Hesatback,closedhiseyes.“Sothat’sjustthewayitis.”
Absently,helaidahandonHowl’shead,andrealizedhislittlebrotherhaditright.He’dprettymuchgottenoverthepissedpart.
“She’llbehomeinacouplehours.”
Andthatwasthewayitwas,too,herealized.She’dbehome,andhe’dbewaitingwhenshegotthere.
“Youmightaswelldoyourlastpatrol.”
Theywentdown,andwhileHowldidhislastpatrol,MilespouredaglassofCab.Thoughtofher.
Waitedforhertocomehome.ChapterTwenty-five
Thebitchhadruinedhislife.
GavinRozwellstaredatthenever-endingrainoutsidethewindowofthecrapmotelstuckoffthebackroadsinOregon,andthoughtofsunnyMexicanbeaches.Hethoughtofluxuryhotelsuiteswithdownpillowsandterraceviewsofsunsetsoverbluewater.
Ofchampagnenestledinsilvericebuckets.
Hethoughtofhowitfelttosimplysnaphisfingersforservice,andofstrollingsun-washedstreetsknowinghecouldhaveanythinghewanted.
Everythinghewasentitledto.
MorganAlbright—orNash,asshecalledherselfnow—hadtakenthatfromhim.Temporarily,ohyes,temporarily,butshe’dtakenfromhim.
Hecouldfeelthefuckingfederalagentsbreathingdownthebackofhisneck.Literallyfeeltheirbreathwhenhewokeinsomelumpybedinsomedingyroom.Wokeinacoldsweatinthedark,afraidanddisoriented.
He’dtakentoleavingalightonbecausethedarkhadtoomanymovingshadows
Hecouldn’tshakethem,couldn’tquiteshakethem.Nomatterhowoftenhetoldhimselfthey’dneverlookforhim,neverfindhiminsomedumpofaroomintherain-soakedbackofbeyond,hefelttheminchingcloser.
Twicehe’dhackedintothestatecops’system—onceinIdaho,andagaininOregon—andfoundtohisfuryandhisfearthey’dupdatedhisdescription.
Thesketchesdidn’thithome,buthitcloseenoughtoforcehimtochangehislook,again.
He’drestyledhishair,addedabeard,bothshaggyandnondescriptbrown.Heworeglasseswithcheapblackframes,andhatedthefacehesawinthemirror.
Withthehelpofmakeup,thelinesaroundhiseyeshaddeepened,andhisskincarriedthepallorofashut-in.He’dalreadygainedweightfromallthefastfoodandlackofhotelfitnesscenters
Hechangedlocationsandvehicleseveryotherday.Rustypickuptrucksandroomsthatsmelledofmust.
Andthebitchlivedherlifeontheothersideofthecountry,laughingathimasshesatinthatbig-asshouse.
Heheardherlaughingevenwhenheleftthelightonatnight.
Heimaginedkillinghercountlesstimes,incountlessways.Butthosesweet,sweetdreamsshatteredtoshardswhenheheardherlaughing,whenhefeltthebreathhotonthebackofhisneck.
Itcouldn’tgoon.Itwouldn’tgoon.
Heneededaplace.Luxurymighthavetowait,butheneededadecentplacewherehecouldhuddleinforacoupleofweeks,maybethree.Amonth.
Aplacewithadecentshower,wheretheraindidn’tpoundheadachesintohisskull.Aplacewherehecouldthink,plan,prepare.
He’dheadsouth,southintoNevada.Thedesertheatwouldbakethemoldoutofhisbrainandwarmhisbloodagain.
He’dleavenow,tonight,underthecoverofdarkandrain.
Excitementroseupashethoughtofit.South,towardthesun,whiletheylookedforhiminthesoggyNorthwest.Butwestfirst,towardthecoast.Dumpthebangerhe’dstolenonlythedaybefore,gethimselfatruck.HecouldleavethefuckingfedssomebreadcrumbssoitlookedlikeheheadednorthtowardWashingtonState.
Buthe’ddoublebacksouth.Southtowardthesun.
Wherehecouldthink,wherehecouldplan.
NowhesmiledoutattherainashebroughtMorgan’sfaceintohishead.
Sittinginthatbig-asshouse,thinkingshe’dbeatenhim.Thinkingshe’dwon
“Enjoytherestofyoursummer,bitch,becauseI’mcoming.”
Nowhewastheonewholaughed.
MilesreachedforherwhenhewokeSundaymorning.Whenhefoundthespacebesidehimempty,heopenedhiseyes,studiedwhathadbecomehersideofthebed,atleastonweekends.
Andrealizedhedidn’tlikethatemptyspace.He’dgottenusedtohavingherfillit,gottenusedtothewaysheslept.Onherleftside,onehandunderthepillowasifsheheldherselfinplace.
Annoyed,andmoreannoyedtofindhimselfannoyed,hesatupandnotedthedoghaddesertedhim,too.
Hegotup,pulledonapairofgymshortswiththevagueideaofworkingoutaftercoffee—betteryet,aftersex.Downstairs,ashewalkedtowardthekitchen,hecaughtthemutterofthegreatroomTV.
Oneofthosehomeimprovementshows,heidentified.ThewomanlovedHGTV.
Andthereshewas,inbaggyshorts,abaggierT-shirt,standingatthecountershe’dlitteredwithbottles,wholeandjuiced-outlemonsandoranges.Hisgrandmother’sbigcutglasspitcherglowedadeep,almostpurpleredwithwhatevershe’dmixedinit.
Now,withoneeyeonabunchofpeoplerippingoutugly,shit-brownkitchencabinets,sheslicedanorange.
“What’reyoudoing?”
Stillslicing,sheglancedover.“Morning.Why,I’mwaxingmysurfboard,ofcourse.”
“Ha.”
Hewentstraighttothecoffeemaker.
“I’mmakingsangria.Theflavorsneedtimetoblend.IwasgoingtomakeitwhenIgothomelastnight,butyouhadotherideas,soI’mgettingittogethernowsoit’llhaveblendingtime.”
Helookedoverhisshoulderashereachedforamug.“Ihadotherideasthismorning.”
Thatgotasmileasshedumpedtheorangeslicesinthepitcher.Andpickedupalemon.“That’llhavetowait.Wehaveadinnerpartytoprepfor.”
Coffee.Coffee.Coffee,hethoughtasthescentofitbrewingmadehimyearn.“It’snotadinnerparty.”
She’dsaidthesame,sheremembered.Butnowsheembracedherladies’definition.
“We’rehavingpeopleoverfordinner,thatwe’remaking.Hence,dinnerparty.AndIknowI’mmorewoundupaboutitthanyouare,butIdon’tgettodothiskindofthingoften.Mostlyatall.Thelasttime…”
Sheslidthelemonslicesin,startedonthelime.“ThelasttimewaswhenNinaandImadedinnerforSamandthemanIthoughtwasLukeHudson.Today’sgoingtowipethatonerightoffthebooks.”
Itmattered,hethought.Whatheconsideredjustacasualsummereveningwithfamilymatteredtoher.Forsomanyreasons.
Hesteppedawayfromcoffee,steppedtoher,wrappedhisarmsaroundher.
“Isthatthebiggestpitcheryoucouldfind?”
Hefeltherlaugh,feltherrelax.
“You’rethinkingthatwhileNellmayhaveoneglassoutofsolidarity,theguysaregoingtostickwithbeer,becauseyourballsmayshrivelupifyoudrinksomethingyouconsidertoofussyandgirlie.”
“Thatwasn’tmyexactthought.”
“Sangria’sneitherfussynorgirlie,butaperfectsummeradultbeverage.Andinafewhours,you’lllearnmysangria’sexceptional.”
Hestrokedahandalongherspinebeforegoingbackforcoffee.“Notfussysaysthewomanwho’sdecimatedadecent-sizeorchardandhasmultiplebottlesonthecounter.”
“Oneofthemanysecretsofmysangriaisfreshjuice.”
Whenthedoorbellrang,Morganputdowntheknife.
“I’llgetit,”Milestoldher.
“I’mfullydressed;you’refullynot.”
Heheldupahandtostopherbeforepickinguptheremoteandchangingthechanneltosecurity.
“It’smymother.Whythehellissheknocking?”
HeswitchedthechannelbackandstartedoutofthekitchenasMorganlookeddownatherself.Andsaid,“Shit.”
Whenheopenedthedoor,Drealiftedhereyebrows.“Sleepingin?”
“Whydidn’tyoujustcomein?”
“Incaseyouweresleepinginorotherwiseoccupied.”Shehandedhimabasketofpeaches.“TheMillersareupfromGeorgia.”
“Howmanybushelsthistime?”
“Two.SoI’mdivvyingup.Iknowyou’reseeingLiamandNelllater.Youcanshare.”
“Maybe.Jesus,comein,comeback.We’reinthekitchen.”
“Idon’twanttogetinyourway.”
“Inthekitchen,”herepeated,andstartedback.“Morgan’smakingenoughsangriaforBarcelona.Wehavepeaches,”hesaidashesetthebasketonthecounter.“Youcan’tpossiblywanttostufftheminthere,too.”
“Iwentredwineandcitrus,butifI’dknown.”Morganpluckedoneout,liftedittoherface,anddrewinthescent.“They’regorgeous.Thanks,Drea.”
“ThanktheMillers.Secondcousinsonmyside.TheygrowpeachesinGeorgia.Andyoursangria’swhat’sgorgeous.”
“I’dofferyousome,butithasn’thadtimetoblend,andwouldn’tberight.Howaboutanicedcappuccino?”
“I—thatsoundslikealotoftrouble.”
“It’sreallynot.”
WhileMorgancarriedthepitchertotherefrigerator,Howlracedinfromthemudroom,waggedhiswaytoDreaforagreeting.
“Thereheis.”Dreabentdowntopet.IfshewonderedwhatitmeanthoweasilyMorganworkedinherson’skitchenwhilehestoodinrattygymshortsdrinkingcoffee,shetuckeditaway.
“Howwasthehike?”
“Itwasgreat.”Morganbrewedtheespresso,gotoutabowl.“Ididn’trealizehowmuchImissedhikinguntilIdiditagain.”
“Andtheropescourse?”
“Youmeantheambush?”Tossingherhairback,shewhiskedhalf-and-half,sweetenedcondensedmilk,andalittlevanillawiththecoffee.“MorefunthanIexpected.Haveyoueverdoneit?”
“Familypridedemands,andoncewasenough.Arethosecoffeeicecubes?”
Morganshookthebagshe’dpulledfromthefreezer.“Whydiluteagoodthingwithwater?”
“Shesayswhoaddsalittlecoffeetohermilkandsugar,”Milespointedout.“AndmaybeIwantanicedcappuccino.”
“I’mmakingenough.”
Shegotouttwotallglasses,addedtheicecubes,pouredthecoffeemixtureover.
Dreatookonesip,thenanother.“Maybeyoushouldcomelivewithme.”
“AndI’mwonderingwhythisisthefirsttimeI’mhavingthis.”
“Youdrinkblackcoffee,”Morganremindedhim.“Reallyhotblackcoffee.IfiguredI’dmakethesefortonight,post-dinner.Weshouldprobablydosomethingwithallthesepeaches,right?Likemakesomething,forlater.”
Milespointedathismother.“Shesayswehavetoshare.”
“Well,thatwouldbesharing,andthere’salotofthem.Idon’thaveaclue.”
“Peachcobbler,”Dreasuggested.
“Evenlessofaclue.”
“Cobblersarecobblersbecauseyoucobblethemtogether.Quickandeasy.Notastretchforsomebodywhojustmadeacoupleoficedcappuccinosinundertwominutes.”
“Beverages,noproblem.Food’strickier.”
“Icanshowyou.”
“Really?”
“I’vegottimebeforeIdeliverpeachestomyparents,thengohomeandmakecoffeeicecubes.Andyou’regoingtotextmewhateveryoudidinthatbowl.”
“Deal!”
“I’mgoingtogoworkout.”
Milesdesertedthekitchen.Andhethoughthowshefit,justfitinhislifeasiftherestofhislifewaitedforhertosliderightin.
Bythetimehe’dputinasolidninetyminutesinhishomegym,showeredoffthesweat,dressed,hefoundhismothergone.Peachesfilledabrightbluebowlonthecounterinaseriouslysparklingkitchen.
“Imadeapeachcobbler.”
“Okay.”
“No,thisisbig.Imadeit.”Shepointedtothebakingdishcoolingbythestove.“Yourmomjustsaid,nowaddthis,dothat.Imadeadessertfromscratch.We’llhavetowarmitupagainbeforeit’sserved,shesaid.Maybewithascoopofvanillaicecream.”
“Okay.I’d’vegivenyouahandwiththekitchen.”
“Yourmomhelped.Shewouldn’ttakeno.Shesaidyourdad’sgoingtoworshipherwhensheoffershimanicedcapafterdinnertonightsowe’reeven.
“Ireallylikeyourfamily,Miles.”
“SodoI,morethanmostofthetime.”
“Itshows.Ipokedaround,”shecontinued.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind,buttoolateifyoudid,becauseIalreadypoked.AndIfoundthesewonderfuldishes.Iforgetwhatthey’recalled—alldifferentcolors.”
“Fiestaware.”
“That’sit.Ithoughtwecouldusethemtonight.They’refunandcasual.”
Andwhathisgrandmotheralwaysusedforbackyardparties,hethought.
“Andyouhaveperfectglassesforthesangria.Short,thick,coloredstemsandnapkinsinbrightstripesIthought—”
Shebrokeoffwhenhepulledherinandkissedher.
“Itakethatasayes.”
“Usewhateveryouwant.”
“Ithinkwe’llskiptheWaterfordandfinechina.IknowI’mobsessing,atleastalittle.”
“Atleast.Morgan.”Shesmelledofpeaches.“Let’ssitdownaminute.”
“Allright.Wait!It’snearlytwo.They’recomingaroundsixforcocktails.”
“That’sfourhours.”
“Yes,butIhavethings.Alotofthings.IsawthissummertablesettingideaonHGTVIwanttotry.”
“Ofcourseyoudid.”
“Soflowers,vases,andcandlesandallofit.I’minchargeofthepotatoes,thenthere’sservingdishes.AndIhavetogetmyselftogethersoIlookgood.”
“Youlookgood.”
“Please.I’mstilldealingwiththeshameofthisoutfitwhenyourmotherdroppedbylookinglikethecoverofamagazinewiththecaption‘Casualsummerchic.’”
“Areyougoingtobelikethisanytimepeoplecomeoverhere?”
“Ihopenot,butIthinkIhavetogetoverthishump,successfully.It’syourhouse,yoursiblings,thechiefofpolice.It’sabighumpforme.”
“Okaythen.What’snext?”
Sheletoutalongsigh.“Thanks.”
Heshruggeditoffasshewenttogetthenapkinstopracticesomecleverfoldforthetablelookshewanted.
Itcouldwait,hedecided.Whathewantedtosaytohercouldwait.Andhe’dtakemoretimetothink.
Ittookdamnnearthefourhoursforhertosatisfyherselfwitheverydetail.Flowers,candles,napkins.Herfocusremainedintense,thoughshechattedawaywhileshepreppedherpotatoes,whilehemarinatedchicken,thevegetableshe’droast,madethebarbecuesauce.
Andagain,astheyworkedtogether,itstruckhowwellshefit.Howheranticipationoftheeveninghadhimlookingforwardtoitallmorethanhe’dexpected.
Sheputonadress—shesurehadthelegsforit.Justabreezynumberinpale,palegreenthatmadehimgivethanksforsummer.
Atlast,whenshestoodoutside,givinghertablescapealast,criticallook,shenodded.
“Itlooksgood,right?Italllooksgood.”
“Itoughtto.Youknow,youspentallthattimefancyfoldingthenapkins,tuckinganasturtiumineachone—precisely—andpeoplearejustgoingtoopenthemup.”
“Thenasturtiumsarepretty,andedible—sothere’sthat.”
“There’sthat.I’mgettingabeer.”
“Or,”shesaidashestartedtowardthecoppertubwhere,atherinsistence,he’dnestledbeerandwineinice,“youcouldsamplethesangria.”
“Ithoughtitwasstillblending.”
“It’shadsixhours,sothat’lldo.Justasample,”shesaidassheheadedinside.“Ifyoudon’tlike,youdon’tlike.”
Helookeddownatthedog,wholookedupathim.“Ijustwantadamnbeer.Ifoldedfriggingnapkins.DraggedouttheironingboardIbarelyrememberIhavesoshecouldpressthetablerunnerthat’sgoingtoendupwithbarbecuesauceonit.Ideserveabeer.”
Howlmutteredback,andMilesheardsympathy.Maybesolidarity.
Shecarriedthepitchertothetablewiththecoppertub,theglassware,cocktailnapkins,flowers,morecandles.
“Iaddedsomeclubsodajustnowforalittlesparkle.”
Shepouredtwofingersinaglass,walkedover,andoffered.
“Justseewhatyouthink.”
Hetookasip,scowled.
“Notgood?”
“No,I’mirritatedbecauseitisgood,andIwantedabeer.”
“Youcanalwayshaveabeer,”shesaid,andkissedhischeek.
HeheardNell’svoicefrominside.“We’rehere!I’mputtingdessertonthecounter.”
“Crap.”Morganactuallyslappedtheheelofherhandonherforehead.“Imadecobbler.Iforgotshewasmakingdessert.We’llleavethecobblerinside.”
“Hellno,we’llhaveboth.It’sfine.”
NellsteppedoutwithJake.She,too,woreasummerdress,andMilesdidhisbestnottoimagineJakehad“thoughts”whenhe’dseenNellinit.
Shestopped,staredatthetable.
“Well,wow.Justwow.”ShelookedoveratMorgan.“Italllookssohappy!Oh,isthatsangria?Let’shavesome.Jake,ifMorganmadeit,it’sgoingtobegreat.”
MilesthoughthecaughtJake’slongingglancetowardthebeer,buthesaid,“I’mgame.”
BythetimeLiamarrived,theysataroundathirdtabledrinkingsangria.Hebroughtasloe-eyed,raven-hairedbeautynamedDawn.IttookMilesabouttenminutestojudgeshedidn’tfit.Niceenough,butnotsomeonewho’dslideinwhenLiamwasready.Orwhenhewasn’t.
Ontheotherhand,hecouldn’tsaythesameaboutNellandJake.Heknewthembothtoowelltoignorewhathesawwithhisowneyes.
Theyworked.
LiamkepttheladiesentertainedwhileMilesstartedthegrill.AndJakejoinedhim.
“You’llhurther,”Milessaid.“She’llhurtyou.Peopledoalongtheway,can’thelpit,becausepeople.Andthat’sbetweenthetwoinvolved.”
“That’slife.”
“Yeah,butifyouhurther,I’llhavetokillyou.”
“Whatchoicewouldyouhave?”
“Exactly.”
“Rightnow,she’srunningtheclock.That’sfine.I’vegotplentyoftime.”Jakeglancedbackatthetable.“Andwhenherclockrunsout,I’llbeready.
“Sohowmuchdidyouhavetodowithallthis?Tablelookslikeamagazine.”
“Iwasslavelabor.”
“You’vegotitbad,son.”
“I’vegotit.Can’tsayaboutheryet.Rozwell.”
Onceagain,Jakeglancedback,andkepthisvoicelow.“Theythinkhe’sheadingtoWashingtonState.Thefederaltaskforce,thelocalLEOs,they’realloverit.”
“Doesn’tmatter.Aslongashe’slooseit’shangingoverher.”
Heheardherlaugh,shookhishead.“Butnottonight.”
Whentheysatatthehappytablewithitsflowersandcandles,itsfoodanddrink,hethoughtagain:Nottonight.
Nothinghangingoverhertonight,becauseshewasinthemoment,slidingoverherparticularhump.
LaughingwithLiam,engagingDawninconversationaboutImpressionism—Dawn’sparticularinterest.ShetalkedbaseballwithJake,aboutanythingunderthesunwithNell.
Heknewsomeofitwasaninnateskill,atoolofhertrade.Butitsprangfromsimplyenjoyingpeopleandlisteningtowhattheyhadtosay.
“Allright,Miles,you’vedefinitelymasteredtheJamesonsecretsauce.”Nellnudgedherplateaway.“You’reheadchefnextfamilymeeting,ifIrecallcorrectly.AndIdo.Ivoteforpulledpork.Youcanhandleit.”
“I’llvoteforthat.Andthesepotatoes,”Liamadded.
“ThoseareMorgan’sspecialty.”
“Oneoftwo,”sheputin.“Ifmyladieshaveanythingtodowithit,I’lleventuallyaddatleastonemore.”
“Yourladies?”DawnsentMorganaquizzicalsmile.
“Mymotherandgrandmother.Weshareahouse.”
“Oh.”Shetookadelicatebiteofchicken.“Youlivewithyourmother.Ithoughtyouworkedattheresort.”
“Ido.It’sbeenfascinatingandenjoyabletoliveinathree-generationhousehold.”
Thoughsheobviouslytried,Dawnkeptdiggingthehole.“I’msureyourgrandmothermustfeelsaferknowingyou’reinthehouse.Beingelderly,Imean.”
MilescaughtNell’seye-casttothesky,butMorganjustlaughed.“You’dbetternotletGramhearyoucallherelderly.Sheandmymothergotoyogaclasseveryweek,andthecoupleoftimesIjoinedthem,Icouldbarelykeepup.TheyownandrunCraftyArtsandWineCafé.”
“Oh.I’vebeeninthere.It’swonderful.IthinkI’vemetyourgrandmotherthere.She’sverysharp.”
Morganliftedherglass,butdidn’thidethesmile.“She’sallofthat.”
No,Milesthought,theraven-hairedbeautydidn’tcomeclosetoafit.
Thesunsettledinthewestbeforedesserttimerolledaround.
“Confession,”Morganbegan.“Iforgotyouwerebringingdessert,Nell,thenyourmomcamebywithpeaches.”
“Youmadesomething?”
“Shewalkedmethroughapeachcobbler.”
“Adessert-off!”Liamdeclared,andNellshothimalook.
“No.It’snotacompetition.”
“Isn’teverything?”
MorganthrewinwithNell.“No.We’llconsiderityourluckynight,andyougettwodesserts.Wouldanyonelikecappuccino?Hotoriced.”
“I’veneverhadicedcappuccino.”
“Youwon’tregretaddingitin,”MilestoldJake.
“Doyouhaveskimmilk?”
Tohercredit,MorgansmiledatDawnagain.“Sorry,notonhand.”
“Maybejustahalfacup—hot.”
“You’vegotit.”
“I’llgiveyouahand.”AsNellrose,shepattedJake’sshoulderasasignalforhimtostayatthetable.
“She’syoung,”NellsaidwhensheandMorganwereinthekitchen.“Justatadyoungerthanherage.”
“Sheis,anddidn’tmeananyoffense.Shecomesfrommoney,youcantell—andnothingwrongwiththat.”
“Hopenot,becauseme,too.”
“She’shadanexcellentfineartseducation,andisenjoyingherlastsummerbeforeshetakesherfirstrealjob,atanartgallery,inChicago—thoughshereallywantedNewYork.”
“YougotmoreoutofherthanIdid.”
“She’saneasyread,andshe’saverynicegirl—stillagirl,butnotameanone.NeithershenorLiamwillgiveeachotherasecondthoughtwhenshemovestoChicagonextmonth.”
“No,theywon’t.”
“YouandJake,ontheotherhand,giveeachotheralotofthoughts.”
“MorethanIwantedto,untilIdid.Foracop,hisedgesareprettydamnsmooth,andendupsmoothingmine.”
“Plus,ifyou’llexcusemefornoticing,he’sgotagreatass.”
“Hedoes.It’shardnottonotice.Okay,”shesaidwhenMorganpulledthecobbleroutofthewarmingoven,“thatlooksgreat.Justlikemymother’s.”
“Shestep-by-steppedme.Yourslooksgreat.Whatisit?”
“CherryDumpCake—don’tbeputoffbythename.Youdumpcakemixovercherries,addalittlethisandthat.Bakeit,anddone.”
“Icoulddothat.Icouldactuallydothat.”
“I’lltextittoyou.Arethose…thosearecoffeeicecubes?That’sbrilliant.Givemeone.”
Morganobligedher,andNellsuckeditlikeapopsicle.“God,Icouldmainlinethese.Whydidn’tIeverthinkofdoingthis?I’llgetthedesserts.Youdealwiththecoffee.”
Successfuldessertsledtolingeringbeforethegood-nights.StarssweptacrosstheskywhenMorgansatoutwithMiles.
“How’sthathump?”heaskedher.
“Smoothandlevel,thanks.Itwasfun.Wasitfun?”
“Itwas.Eventhenewandsoon-to-be-forgottengirlhadfun.Youcouldhavesquashedthatforher.Youdidn’t.”
“Shedidn’tmeantobecritical.Shewassurprised.Itneveroccurredtoheragrownwoman—severalyearsolderthansheis—wouldchoosetolivewithhermother,muchlesshergrandmother.Liamobviouslydidn’tfillherin.”
“It’syourbusiness,nothers,sono,hewouldn’t.”
“Iappreciatethat.AndIappreciateyouputtingupwithmetoday.IknowIwasapainintheass.”
“Yeah,youwere.”Helikedherquick,easylaugh.“Youshouldmakeituptome.”
“Icantry.Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”
“WhatIhadinmindthismorningwhenyouweretoobusybeingapaininmyass.”
“Isee.”Sherose,thenstraddledhimonthechair.“Iguessit’stheleastIcando.”
“Itwon’tbetheleastwhenwe’refinished.”
Herosewithhersoshelinkedherlonglegsaroundhiswaist.“Weshouldcallthedogin.”
“Hehastofinishhislastpatrol.Heknowshowtogetinwhenhe’sready.”
“Canwedothisagainsometime?”
“Absolutelynot,”hesaidashecarriedherinside,“ifIhavetofoldnapkins.”
“Youcanbeexcusedfromthatduty.”
“Inthatcase,I’llgiveyouachancetopersuademe.”
“Miles.”Shenuzzledatthesideofhisneck,sparkedlittlefiresinhisblood.“You’resogoodtome.”
Heintendedtobe.ChapterTwenty-six
TendaysafterGavinRozwellleftacrappymotelroomtodriveintotherain-soakeddark,BeckandMorrisonworkedinalesscrappymotelroomwhilerainpoundedthenight.
They’dpinnedmapsonthewalls,markedtrailsthey’dfollowed,trailslocalPDsandstatieshadfollowed.They’dhighlightedconfirmedsightingsinred,possiblesinyellow.
Alongwiththemaps,theyhadphotosanddescriptionsofstolenvehiclesthey’dtracedtoRozwell,separatedthemintorecoveredandnotrecovered.
TheyhadphotosofthelastmotelroominOregon,statementsfromthenot-very-interesteddeskclerk,statementsfromthegoggling-with-interestwaitresswho’dservedhimthefriedchickenspecialintherinky-dinkdinersquattingbesidethemotel.
TheyhadthestatementoftheclerkattheQuickMart—who’dsmelledofpotanddespair—whereRozwellhadboughtasix-packofCokeZero,afamily-sizebagofsalt-and-vinegarpotatochips,andhalfadozenReese’sPeanutButterCups.
TheyhadtherattletrapFordpickup,flattire,nospare—withhisprintsalloverit—abandonedonabackroadoutsideofFallCity,Washington.AndthedescriptionofaDodgeRamreportedstolenfromadrivewaylessthanhalfamilefromtheFord.
Allleadspointednorth.
“WetrackedhimbacktothemoteloutsideofAlpineinOregonbecauseofthemini-martstop.Gothimoncamerathere.”
BeckpacedbackandforthinfrontoftheirmakeshiftevidenceboardwhileMorrisonworkedontheirnightlyreport.
Beckworeasleevelessteeanddrawstringcottonpantsthatservedherfortheselate-nightsessionsandforsleeping
Inthepastthreeweeksthey’dhadascantforty-eighthoursbackinBaltimoreintheirhomeoffice,includingtwonightsintheirownbeds.
Inlieuofadesk,Morrisonusedasidetableaboutthesizeofamanholecoverwherehetappedawayonhislaptop.Hisreadingglasses—pickedupataWalmartafterhesatonhislastpair—keptslidingdownhisnose.
“Why’dhegointothemini-mart?”
Morrisonlookedup,overthehalfrims.“Becausehewantedsugarandcarbsfortheroad.”
“It’sundertenmilesfromthemotel.Themotelhasvendingmachines.Buthedoesn’tgethisfixthere,hegoesintothemart,andhedamnwellknowsthey’llhavethecameraoncheckout.”
“Mostlyluckwehitonthatwitinthefirstplace.”
“Can’targuethere,butitledustothemotel,anditgaveusthetruckheditchedintheparkinglotinMolalla.StillOregonbutclearlyheadingnorth.MajorairportinSalem,buthedoesn’tditchitthere,sowefinditprettydamneasy.”
Morrisonrubbedhiseyes,madethecheatersbounce.“Nothingaboutthisiseasy.”
“Butlook.North.”Shebegantappingthemap.“Cleartrail.Yeah,yeah,itwindsabit,butalwaysnorth.IntoWashington,anditsureashelllookslikehemightbelookingtoslipovertheborderintoCanada,orfindawaytogettofrickingAlaska.”
Morrisontookthecheatersoff,tappedthemonthekneeofhisfadeddadjeansashestudiedthemap.“We’renotdiggingupthebreadcrumbs.We’rejustpickingthemupalongtheway.”
“That’sright.Hashegottenthatsloppy,Quentin?Dowethinkhe’sdroppingclueslikerosepetalsforus?”
“Couldbe.He’srattled.Weknowhe’srattled.Stayingindumps,drivingpiecesofshit.Porkingup,too,accordingtowitnessstatements.He’srattledandrunning.But…”
NowBecknodded.“But.”Shesatonthesideofthebed,foldingherlegsunderher.“I’vehadthisfeeling,andit’sgettingstronger,he’splayingus.Thattruckwefoundyesterday?It’slikeagoddamnneonsignpointingnorth.”
Morrisonrosenow,stretchinghisbacktillitcracked.Oh,howhemissedhisextra-firmmattressinBaltimore.
“AfterhemissedwithMorgan,”Morrisonbegan,“hewentessentiallyayearwithoutakill.”
“Thatweknowof,”Beckqualified.
“Thatweknowof.Goingbywhatwedoknow,hehasn’thadakillsinceMyrtleBeach.He’dpickedupthepacethere—Arizona,NewOrleans,MyrtleBeach.Threekillsinsidesixmonths.”
“Hehadtomakeupthatlosttime,thatlostyear.”Shesteppedtothebigmap,tappedArizona.“Heplannedthisone,tookhistime,gettingbackintheswing.”
“ButDresslerinNewOrleans.Thatwasofthemoment,impulse,alossofcontrol.Thatwasrelease,sosloppy.”
“Hehadtofollowup,gethisrhythmback.Hetooksometime,yes,withthevictiminMyrtleBeach,baggedasolidpayday.Butstill,Quentin,withouthisusualprecision.SlippinguponthetrackingintheMercedes,backtosloppy.Helostthatprecision,whathethinksofashiselegance,withNinaRamos.”
“Andnowhe’ssloweddownagain.Helostmostofhisfancytools,alltheIDshe’dgenerated,andhe’sbeenontherunsinceMissouri.Sohe’srattled,outofhiselement,screwingup.But…”
Again,Becknodded.“He’salsopissedoff.Andwho’stoblameforallofit?”
“MorganAlbright—Nash,”Morrisoncorrected.“Andus.”
“Andus.Hecouldgetalittlepaybackhavinguschasethewildgoose.”
“Doyouthinkhe’sgoingafterNash?”
“No.”Sheshookherhead.“No,notwhenheknowswe’reonhistrail.Hehastofeelusbehindhim.Doyou?”
“No.Heisrattled,Tee,soheneedstimetosettledown,toplanitout.Somewhereinthatsickbrainofhisheknowshe’smademistakes.She’sthebigone.”
Hepickedupthebottleofgingeralehe’dsetonthefloorbythetable,sincehedidn’thaveroomonitwithhislaptopandpaperwork.Sipped,wincedalittle,asithadgonewarm.
Hesatagain,turningthechairtofaceher.Herroomsmelledofthetravelcandleshealwaysburned.Theyhabituallyworkedinherroom,assheclaimedhissmelledlikeagymlocker.
Shewasn’twrong.
Sohesat,stretchedouthislegs,letthescent—peonies,herealized,likeinhismother’sgardeninMaybackhome—quiethisbrain.
Becausesheknewhowheworked,Becksatquiet,saidnothing.
“WeshouldcontactChiefDooleyandtheresortsecurityjustsotheysharpentheireye.”
“Agreed.”
“Buthe’snotasubtleguy.It’sblack-and-whitewithhim.Ifhe’sleadingusnorth,andthemoreIthinkaboutit,themoreIthinkyou’vegotsomething—”
“He’sgoingsouth,”Beckfinished.
“Yeah,hell.He’dplannedonMexico.WegotthatfromhisroominNewOrleans.Maybehe’sfinessedapassport.Butthat’salongwaytotravel.”
“You’rethinkingcloser.SoamI.Listentothatrain,Quentin.IswearI’dkillforsomerealsunshine,someheat.I’llbetyourlefteyehewould,too.”
“Lefteye’smyweakone.Souththen.We’vegotenoughcoverageupheretofollowyournosesouth.Firstlight?”
Shelookedtowardthecurtainedwindow,listenedtotherain.“Ifthereisany.”
“We’llfindsome.”
“Andwe’llfindhim.He’snotgoingtoslipthrough,Quentin.Andhe’snotgoingtogettoMorgan.ButI’mworriedhe’llgetanotherbeforewegethim.”
Sheshookherhead,hershoulders.“Fuckit.YouknowwhatI’mgoingtodooncewehavethatbastard?”
“What’sthat?”
“AfterIkissyouonthemouth—dealwithit—I’mgoinghometomylong-sufferingsaintofahusbandandmakingababy.”
“Isthatright?”
“Betyourlefteye.Onethingthiscasehastaughtme?Lifeisforliving.Let’scatchthismotherfuckerandstartliving.”
“Icangetbehindthat.”Heclosedhislaptop,gatheredhisthings.“I’llfinishthisinmyroom.Let’sgetsomesleep.”
GavinRozwell,nowakaLeoNesser,soakedupthedesertsun.Hefeltrenewed,refreshed,rejuvenated.Eventhelousymotelroomdidn’tharshhisbuzz.
He’dtrimmedhishair—stillshaggy,butmorecarelessthanunkempt.He’dcombedlightenerthroughit,drawnitbackinastubbytail.He’dworkedonthebearduntilitwasmostlystubblewithalittlesoulpatch.Aself-tannerhadturnedthepallorintoamildglow.HelikedthelookwithgreencontactsandJohnLennonglasses.
SortofavagabondartisttypewiththeBirkenstocksandalsandfrayedjeans.
He’dgoneupafullsizeinthejeans,buthe’dsoontakecareofthat.
Hisheadtoldhimapaunch—evenafakebelly—wouldaddtothedisguise.Buthewantedhisbodyback.
Hetooklongwalksinthebakingheat,cartingasketchpadandacamera.
Vegascalledtohimlikeasirenwithitsswankhotelsandcrazednightlife.EvenRenowhispered.Buthestayedaway,hikedsun-blazedcanyons—he’dmeltthosepoundsaway—andamusedhimselfpicturingthefedssloggingthroughtherainandgloominthenorth.
He’dleftatrailablindmancouldfollowbeforehe’dpushedthestolenFiatintoalake,watcheditsink.
They’dfinditeventually.Buteventuallywouldbetoolate.
Atnight,heresearched.Heneededaplace,andthecanyonsanddesertwouldprovide.
Plentyofoff-the-gridsinthiswideworld,andplentyofassholepreppertypesbullshittingonlineinchatgroups.Heonlyneededone.
Hetookhistime.Ifheintendedtospendafewweeks,maybeevenmonthsinsomeweirdo’scabin,hehadtomakesurehefoundtherightone.
Someonewithoutfriendsorrelativeswhomightcheckonhim.Someonewhotookpreppingseriouslyenoughtohaveagoodsupplyoffood,waterlaidin.Adecentroofoverhead.
Hejoinedconversationsunderthehandle“nowhereman,”askedforadvice,stayedoutofarguments.Adviceledhimtoothergroups,andothergroupstomorelocalpickings.
Heresearchedthepickings,tookthehikesanddrivestogetcloserlookswhenpossible.Heateburritos,greasyfriesandhacked.Heatechips—theroadhadgivenhimaseriousaddictiontochipshecouldn’tshake—anddrovetoanotherflopmotel.
Heinvestedinadrone,flewitinthecanyons,andgotsomedecentaerialvideosofacoupleoftheoff-the-grids.
Whenhehaditdowntotwomostlikely,heduguptheoccupants’namesandresearched.
Anddecidednocontestbetweentheforty-seven-year-oldretiredmarinegunny—wholookedasifhecouldeatbouldersforbreakfast—andthefifty-three-year-oldwidowwithropeyarmswhowentbythehandle“Prep4Jesus.”
JaneBootandherhusbandJameshadsettledinthenowherebetweenGabbsandTwoSprings,Nevada,twelveyearsbefore.Apparently,fouryearsago,he’ddiedofcancertheycouldn’tprayaway.Janelivedon.Shekeptagoatformilk,somechickens,butcheredherownpigs,andhadasmokehouseforthemeat.
Shebelieved,fanatically,intheRapture,inCommieswhoranallbranchesofthegovernment,andininevitablewarthathumanitywouldwageagainstaliens—eitherterrestrialorextra.
ShedevouredpostsonQAnonsitesfasterthanheatechips.
Jane,andthenot-so-recently-departedJames,stoodasanti-vaxxers,anti-government,anti-gay,anti-everythingthatdidn’tincludeGodandguns.
AcertifiednutcaseinRozwell’sopinion,withnochildren,onesisterwhohadlongsincedisavowedher,andinternetaccess.
She’dhadadog,butshe’dburiedhimalongsideherhusbandtheyearbefore.
Rozwellexpectedshe’dbewellarmedandmorethanwillingtoshootanintruderdeadasMoses.Buthe’dfigureitout.
Helostthreepounds—fifteenmoretogo—andhisconfidencebuiltashehackedintoheraccountsassmoothasaknifethroughsoftbutter.
Shehadatruck,ofcourse,andfromtheledgershekeptonhercomputer,tookabimonthlytrip,eithertoGabbsorTwoSprings,toselleggsandgoat’smilkandtrinketsshemadefromcheapbeadsandtannedpigskin.
Gross.
Shedidn’tuseAmazon,UPS,orFedEx,andhadanirongateandlinesofbarbedwirewithplentyofKEEPTHEHELLOUTsignageguardingherdirtroadandfivedustyacres.
Butshehadacabin,ashed,awellandindoorplumbing,andsolarforpower—somethingherhandyhusbandhadseentobeforehetookhisdirtnap.Otherwise,Rozwellwould’veriskedthemarine.
Heflewhisdrone.Hewatched.Hewaited.
Onedayhewatchedhergototheshed,andthistimeshedroveoutinthetruck.
Atlast!
Hewatchedher,likeavultureoverhead,hauljugsofmilk,cartonsofeggsoutofthecabinandintothecoolersinthebedofthetruck.Thenshehauledoutacrate—probablythetrinkets—andloadedthatin.
Shehadashotgunandwhathethoughtwasarifleinthegunrackintheback,andagunofsomesortstrappedtoherside.
Sheshutthesheddoor,snappeditsecurewithapadlockbeforegoingbacktothecabin,anotherpadlockonthatdoor
Inherdustybootsandjeans,shelookedskinnyasasnake,buthe’dbetshehadsomestrengthinher.
Withthedrone,hefollowedherasshedrovedownthedirtroad,spewingupmoredust.Buthecalleditbackbeforeshereachedthegate.
SinceherlastledgerentrylistedGabbs,heguessedshe’dheadeasttoTwoSprings.Hegotbackinhistruckandpulledoutamapasifconsultingitifsheturnedhisway.
Ittooktimeforhertoreachthegate,unlockit,openit,drivethrough.Thengetout,shutit,lockitagain.
Thenshedroveeast,andRozwellknewhisluckhadchanged.
Hewaitedtenlongminutesbeforeassuringhimselfshewouldn’tdoubleback.Hecouldn’tjustboltcutthepadlocks,orshe’dknow.Buthe’dspentsomequalitytimeinhismotelwithpadlocksandlockpicksandwikiHow.
Hedidn’tfinditeasy,andbythetimehe’dfinessedthefirstone,thesweatrolled.Ittookhimnearlyahalfhourtoopenallthree,butheopenedthegate.Hewentbackforthetruck,drovethrough,thenlockedupagainbehindhim.
He’dthoughtthispartthroughinthehourskeepingwatchorsittinginthatmotelroom.Heneededtogethistruckwelloutofsight.Hedrovearoundthehouse,hadtoallbutshimmyitthroughthesideandthelean-towherethegoatstoodintheshade.Itscrapedthepaintsome,butwhatdidhecare?
Hedroveitbacktowhereshe’dstrungseverallinesofbarbedwire,towheresagebrushhuddled.
He’dfiguredtheanglesfromthedrone.Shewouldn’tseeitifshedrovetotheshed,notwiththehouseandbrushblockingit.Ifshecrossedtothechickens,shewould.
Buthe’dbeonherifshedidthat.
Shehadalean-toatthebackofthehouse—overanotherpadlockeddoor—andthethree-leggedstoolsheusedwhenshemilkedthegoat.
Everydamnwindowhadshadespulleddowntightsohecouldn’tgetapeekinside.
Hegotoneofhiswaterbottlesoutofthetruck,wenttositonthestoolintheshade.
He’dhearhercominginthatrattletraptruck.Hemightaswellrelaxawhile.
Heplayedwithhisphone,drankwater.Wishedforanair-conditionedsuiteatthePlaza.No,awaterview.Thecactiandsand,thesheercanyonwallsmadehimyearnforthewater.
TheCasaCiprianiifhestuckwithNewYork.
OrhecouldimaginethePacific.PostRanchInn,BigSur.
Or…
Andhereshecame.Rattle,rattle,clunk,clunk.
Aboutdamntime.
Hegotup,usedhisearsfirst,sincehecouldn’triskhiseyes.
Heheardthetruckstop,andyes,thereitwas,thecreakoftheshed.
Nowhewaitedforthetrucktoshutoff,thedoortocreakshut.
Hehadtotakeherfrombehind,plannedoncominguponheraftersheunlockedthecabindoor.She’dhaveherhandsfull.Shealwaysboughtfreshfruit,somevegetablesonthesetrips.
Heheardthedoorshutandthesnapofthepadlock.Heardherbootstepsapproachthehouse,soheslippedaroundtheshedsideofthehouseandpinnedtothewall,sidesteppeddown.
Thenherbootstepsstopped.
Heriskedapeek.
Herbackwastohim,herarmsholdingthecratewithclothbagsinit.Acarrottoppokedoutofone.
Shelookeddown.
Andhesawit,too.Histiretracks,hisfootprints.
Shedroppedthecrate,reachedforthegunatherside.Andhewasrunning.
She’dpulledthegun,startedtospintowardhimwhenhebarreledintoher.Likehittingabagofbones,hethoughtasthegunflew.
Theylandedhard,hardenoughheheardherheadcrackagainstthesideofthenarrowfrontporch.Butitdidn’tslowherdownasshejabbedanelbowintohisgut.
Hedidn’tseetheknifeuntilitsliceddownhisarm.Butthepain,thesmellofhisownbloodbroughtontherage.Hegrippedherknifehand,twisted.Hefeltherwristsnaplikeadrybranchunderfoot.Andherodeherhigh-pitchedscreamashepoundedhisfistintoherface.
“Youcutme!”Hisvoicewaslikeherscreamashepoundedagain,again.“Youbitch!Youwhore!”
Herscreamsturnedtogurglingmoansashebeatherheadagainsttheedgeoftheporch.
Shestoppedgurgling.Shewentsilent,wentstill.Nowsheonlystaredathimasheshovedupandclampedahandoverhisarm.
Bloodsliddown,drippedoffhisfingers,stainedthedirt,ashersdid.She’dopenedhimupsixinchesbetweenshoulderandelbow.
“I’mgoingtohaveafuckingscar,thankstoyou!”
Furiousatthethought,hekickedher,kickedher,thenstompedher.
“Seehowyoulikeit,youstupidoldcunt!”
Heknewshecouldn’tfeelthepainhewantedtogiveher,knewshe’dbeendeadsincebeforethefirstkick,buthecouldn’tstop.Notuntiltheeffortandheatcombinedtomakehimdizzy.
Hepickedupthekeysshe’ddroppedalongwiththecrate,andleftherthereashewalkedupandunlockedthedoor.
She’dhavemedicalsupplies—anyprepperwould.
Hecrossedthelivingareawithitsswaybackedsofa,singlechair,andintothekitchen.Doublethesizeofthelivingarea,ithadlongcounters—butcherblock,probablytheworkofthehandyhusband.Openshelvesranalongthewalls,packedwithcannedgoods,jarredgoods,drygoodsinglassjugs.
Anoldcabinet,maybehandmade,hadafirstaidkit,boxesofgauze,bottlesofperoxide,antiseptics,alcohol,painpills,bandages,theworks.
Hecleanedthegashinthekitchensink.Itstunglikefire,bledinstreamsofred.Then,grittinghisteeth,hedumpedonperoxide,andthatstunglikethefiresofhell.
Tearscourseddownhischeeks,buthekeptatit,usedbutterflybandagestoclosethegash,slathereditwithantiseptic,wrappeditingauze.
Hedrankcoldwaterstraightfromthefaucet.
ShehadExcedrinExtraStrength,andhedownedthree.
Thenhewalkedoutandstareddownather.He’dbedamnedifhe’dburyher,buthecouldn’tleaveherthere.She’dstarttostink,plushedidn’twanttolookather.Orrisksomebodyelsewithadronetakingalook.
Hedraggedheraroundthehouse.Sheleftawidesmearofbloodinthedirt,buthedidn’tgiveadamn.
Whenhegottothebarbedwire,hewentthroughherpockets.Disgusting,butnecessary.Hefoundasmallwadofbills,morekeys,anoldpocketwatch,andapenknife.
Hegottheboltcuttersoutofhistruck,cutthewire,anddraggedherfartherawayacrossthebrush,intoit.
Vulturesandcrows,hethought,they’dtakecareoftherestofher.
Hedrovehistruckback,unloadeditontotheporch.He’dneverleaveanythingbehindinaroomagain,sohehadallheneeded.Hecarriedtheboltcutterstotheshed,dealtwiththelock.
Alittlegoldmine,hethought.Moreprovisionsneatlyshelved,tools,animalfeed.Noroomforthesecondtruck,butnoworries.
Carryingtheboltcutters,hewalkedbacktothehouse,sneeringatthebloodpath.Hehauledupthecratetotakethegroceriesin.
Wastenot,wantnot.
Aglanceathisthrobbingarmshowedhe’dbledthrough,sohechangedthegauzebeforesnappingtheboltonthedoorinthekitchen.
Heexpectedsomesortoflaundryspace,butstoodsurprisedandsmilingatthelockedroom.
Shemayhavelivedlikeahermitinacave,butshehadalotoftech.Solidtech,andhe’dmakegooduseofit.Inadditiontotheelectronics,shehadabanquetofsolartools.Firestarters;flashlights;chargers;waterpurifiers;somesortofmini,foldablesolaroven.Asparesolargenerator.
Invasions,Commies,civilwar,orRapture,hethought,Prep4Jesushaditall.
IncludingwhathethoughtwasanAR-15,orwhateverthehellthosewhacked-outmassshootersloved,hangingonthewallnexttoapictureofJesus.
Hewanderedlikeaboyinatoystore.Andspottedthesafe.
“Isn’tthatanicesurprise?”
Hewantedashower,wantedtochange,unpack,settlein.Buttossedallthatasideandbegantohuntforthecombination.
Hedidfindalaundryspace—anancientwasher,nodryer.Abathroomthatwouldhavetodo,thesinglebedroom.
MorepicturesofJesus,atatteredDON’TTREADONMEflagpinnedtothewall.
Inthecloset,inametalboxwithyetanotherpadlock,hefoundpapers.Oldletters,copiesofbirthcertificates,marriagelicense,thedeedtothelandhestoodon,andthecombinationforthesafe.
Hewentback,andsincethey’dboltedthesafetothefloor,satontheroughwood,followedthecombination.
Insidehefoundcash.Smilingtohimself,hesatthereonthefloorandbegantocount.
“Thirty-sixthousand,threehundredandsixty-twodollars.”
Hethrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“Jane,youdeadwhore,thanksforthetip!”
Hegothisshower,thendealtwithhiswoundagain.Putonfreshclothes.
Hertowelsweresandpaper,andaglanceathersheetssaidthesame.
He’dmakeatripintoTwoSprings—itwasclosestandnearlytwiceasbigasGabbs—buynew,Egyptiancotton.Somedecentsoap.Withhermoney.
Hetossedherclothesintothecrate,anddamnedifhedidn’tfindmorecash.Justacouplehundredhiddenhereandthere,butcashwasking.
Sincealltheworkstirredhisappetite,hegotanice,fatplumfromherrecentshoppingspree.
Thegoatwasbleating,thechickenscackling,thepairofpigssnorting.He’denjoythefresheggs,butdamnifhe’dmilkagoatevenifheknewhow.Andhedidn’tknowhowthefucktobutcherapig.
Still,ifthestupidanimalsstarvedtodeath,he’dhavetodealwithit.
Towardthatoff,atleastfornow,hewentbacktotheshed,dugupthefeedforthegoat.Heevenpumpedoutwaterforitspail.
“I’mafriggingranchhand,soIguessI’dbetterrustleupsomegrub.”
Hefoundeggs,andplentyofthem,andinachestfreezerpigmeat,chickensthatwouldnolongerlayeggs.Roundsofbreadmarkedwiththedates.
Bitchmadeherownbread,forGod’ssake.
Hedidn’tknowhowtocookanyofthemeat,butthat’swhatGooglewasfor.Rightnow,he’dsettleforeggs.
Ahuntthroughhersuppliesnettedhimplentyofcannedgoods,andacoupleofbottlesofgoodwhiskey.
Hescrambledupsomeeggs,alittlesinged,buttheyfilledthehole,hadthemwithwhatremainedofhisbagofchipsandtwofingersofgoodwhiskey.
Whileheate,hemadealistonhisphoneofwhatheneededwhenhewenttoTwoSprings.Sheets,towels,soap,somegoodwine,cheese,flatbreadcrackers,morechips.Maybesomediptogowiththem.
Afterdinner,hesatontheporchandrealized,despitetheburningarm,hefeltrelaxedforthefirsttimeinweeks.Weeksandweeks.
Partofitcamefromthekill.He’dfeltjustalittleofthattingle,eventhoughhe’dkilledhertoohard,toofast.Liketheeggs,itfilledthehole.
Andtherest?Knowinghehadaplace,hadthetime.They’dneverfindhimhere.Whywouldtheyevenlook?Hewassun;theywererain.
They’dstillbechasingtheirtailswhenhewasreadytofinishwithlong-leggedMorgan.
Thattimewouldcome.
Butnow?Hethoughthe’dpouranotherwhiskeyandplaywiththetoysDeadJanehadlefthim.
Afterall,hewasnowhomesweethome.ChapterTwenty-seven
SinceMileshadhisfamilymeeting/dinneronSunday,MorgansleptinonSundaymorning,thenspentsometimeinthegardenwithhergrandmother.
Itamusedherwhensherealizedtheybothworefloppy-brimmedstrawhats,sunglasses,shortswithbigpockets,andbatteredhigh-tops.
“Welooklikeacoupleofhippiefarmers,Gram.”
“Icomebymylooknaturally.You’rejustacopycat.”
Morgantossedmoredeadheadsinthebrightpurpletub.“Momalwayslookslikeamodelforsomethingyou’dcallGardeninginStyleMagazine.Thatskillmissedmeentirely.Ididn’tknowshewasworkingtoday.”
“Darliewokeupwithastomachbug—whichIfigureisaeuphemismforhangover.She’sagoodgirl,agoodsummerhire,anddeservestopartynowandthen.”
“YouandMomaregoodbosses.”SheswipedatsomeoftheAugustsweatasshelookedaround.“Youknow,I’mnevergoingtobesatisfiedwithatinyyardnow.I’mthoroughlyspoiledbetweenplayinghereandatMiles’shouse.Ninastartedit,andwereallydidmakeourlittleyardpretty.ButnowI’mgoingtowantrockgardensandshadegardensandcuttinggardens.”
“AndZenfrogfountains.”
“Absolutely.Vermontwintersarelong,soIwanteverybloomandblossomIcansqueezeinforspringandsummerandrightthroughthefall.”
“You’restaying.”
Surprised,Morganglancedback.“WherewouldIgo?”
“Anywhereyouwant,mybaby’sbaby.Icanhopeit’shere,butthat’sformeandyourmother.Youdidn’thavemuchchoicecominghere,butyou’vemadethebestofit.Nowyou’vehadhalfayearorsotosettleinandgetafeel,sostaying’sachoice.”
“Itis.”Hunkeringdown,Morgantuggedupafewstrayweeds.“Ididn’tknowwhatIwasgoingtodowhenIgothere.Youmadethatroomforme,youandMom,andIdidn’tknowwhattodoaboutthat.ThenIgotthejobattheresort.It’snotwhatIplanned,alltheseyears.Notmyownplace,butit’smyplace.”
Sheshrugged,lookedup.“I’vehadallthesemoments,withyou,withMom,atwork,aloneinthiswonderfulhouse.I’veseenhowyouandMomlivetogether,asfriendsasmuchasfamily.AndrealizeIblockedmyselfofffromthatbecauseIhadsomethingtoprove.”
“Anddidyou?Proveit?”
“Idid.WhathappenedwithGavinRozwellwasallabouthimandreallynothingaboutme.Iworkedhard,andImadealifebecauseIwantedto,becauseIcould.ButIwasmissingthis,Gram,thismomentrightnow,becauseIwassodeterminedtodoitallmyself,formyself.Iwasmissingreallyknowingyou,reallyknowingMom,andthatmeansmissingreallyknowingme,doesn’tit?”
Smiling,Oliviareacheddown,grippedMorgan’schin,gaveitagentlewiggle.“Yougetyourgoodsensefromme.”
“Mom’ssoft,isn’tshe?Softerthanyouandme?”
“Alwayshasbeen.Theglassishalf-fullforAudrey,andmore,waitingtobefilleduptherestoftheway.Thatdoesn’tmeanshedoesn’thavespine.”
“IneversawitinheruntilIcametostayhere.”
“Sheheldmeupwhenyourgrandfatherdied.”Olivialookedovertowardthewoodshopbecauseshecould,andalwayswould,picturehimthere.
“Shewasmyrockwhentheworldfelloutfromunderme.Tookovertheshopforweeks.Iwasgoingtosellthebusiness.”
“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“Icouldn’tseepastthenextminute,muchlessintotomorrow.Theloveofmylife,goneinaminute,andhowcouldthatbe?Butshewouldn’tletmegiveup,keptholdingmeupuntilIfoundmyfeetagain.Sheletyougo,”Oliviasaidgently,“becauseyouneededtogo.Andthattookloveandstrength.”
ThenOliviasighed.“Hefuckedherup.Let’sjustsayitandmoveon.TheColonelfuckedherupgoodandproper.Butshefoundherfeetagain.Sohaveyou.We’reNashwomen,afterall.”
“Weare,soI’mgoingtotellyou,woman-to-woman,Nash-to-Nash,I’vethoughtaboutleavingbecauseofRozwell.Becauseiftheydon’tcatchhimandhecomesaftermeagain,he’llcomehere.YouandMomarehere.”
BeforeOliviacouldspeak,Morganheldupahand.“AndIknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.TheNashwomencanhandleit,andhim.”
“That’sexactlyright.”AfingerpokeintoMorgan’sbellyemphasizedthepoint.
“AndIbelievethat.Iwanttostayhere,somanyreasonswhy,butIcouldn’tifIdidn’tbelievethat.”
“Good.”Straightening,Oliviastretchedherback.“NowI’mgoingtopokeinandaskifoneofthosemanyreasonsisMilesJameson.”
“He’sdefinitelyinthere.It’soneday,ormostlyoneweekend,atatime,buthe’sinthere.”
“Isthatenoughforyou?Theoneweekendatatime?”
“Ididn’texpecttohavethat.That’sonme,too,”Morganaddedastheymovedaroundthegarden.“Ididn’treallymaketimefordating,muchlessrelationships.Iwassofocusedonthegoals.”
“Notathingwrongwithfocusorgoals.”
“No,butifyoucan’tadjust?Beinghere’sshownmeIdon’thavetodoitallmyself,bymyself.Icanhaveafulfillingcareerandareallifeatthesametime.Icanworkhardandstillhavetimeandroomforfamily,andforbeingwithsomeonewhomakesmehappy.”
“Foundyourfeet.Youdon’thaveyourmother’s—orwhatwasyourmother’s—fairy-taleview.You’renotlookingforsomeonetosweepyouoffthosefeet.Butthatdoesn’tmeanyoudon’tlove,andlovehard.”
“Ididn’tplantobeinlovewithhim.”Onasighofherown,Morganpushedthebrimofherhatback.“Likealot,beattractedto,enjoybeingwith.Iwaswithaguyincollege.”
“Ishouldhopeso!”
Withalaugh,Morganrolledhereyes.“Gram.I’msayingthat’swhatitwas,thatlist:like,attraction,enjoy.Thereweretwoothersalongthewaywhomadethatlist.ThenIstoppedmakingtime,makingroom.ThentherewasMiles.”
“Andthistimeit’sdifferent.”
“Yes,forme.Forme,”sherepeated.“Theattraction?Thatwasbang,rightfromthejump.Imean,lookatthisguy.The‘like’didn’ttakelong.Forsomeonewhoclaimshedoesn’tmuchlikepeople,hesureknowshowtolookoutforthem.The‘enjoybeingwith’?Justwow.”
ThistimeOlivialaughed.
“Thelovejustsnuckuponme,littlemomentsbylittlemoments.”
“Bestkindthereis.”
“Isit?”
“Iwasgoingtobangyourgrandfatherlikeahammertoanail,”sheremembered.AndlaughedatMorgan’smuffledsnort.“Buthesnuckuponme.Lovesnuckuponme.”
Whenshelookedoveratthewoodshop,shecouldallbutseehimstandinginthedoorway,grinningather.
“Thenonedayhesaid,‘LivvyNash,nobody’severgoingtolovewhoyouarelikeIdo.Let’sgetmarried.’I’mallsettosay,‘Areyoucrazy?’But‘Yeah,let’sdothat’camerightoutofmymouth.Hehadaplan,Stevedid,andpulledmerightalongintoit.Andmademegladhedid,everysingleday.”
Wasn’titmiraculous,Morganthought,tohavesomeonelovewhoyouare,andneverstop?
“Ilikeaplan.ImustgetthatneedforaplanfromPa.Andthiswasn’ttheplan.Plus,MilesandIhadasortofagreementbeforewegotstarted.SoI’mokaywiththeoneweekendatatime.It’senough.Hewon’tcrushmyheart.He’snotcruel,he’snotcold.Whateverhappens,I’llhandleitbecauseI’vehadthosemoments.Andthisishomenow,Aprèsismyplace.”
“I’mgoingtotellyousomething,thenwe’regoingtogocutacouplearmloadsofthosehydrangeas.Afterthat,we’regoingtoputthemalloverthehouse,thensitourselvesdownwithatallglassoflemonade.”
“Okay,tellme.”
“Whenyoulovesomeone,andlovehimhard,andyou’rereadyforhim,yougoafterhim.Ifhedoesn’tloveyouback,andloveyouhard,ifhe’snotreadyforyou,that’shisloss.Love’sbrave,Morgan.Lovestandsup.”
“Thatsoundstrue.”
“Becauseitis.It’ssolidtruth.”
“I’mjustgettingusedtobeinginlovewithhim,knowingIam.IguessIhavetoworkonbeingready.”
“Whenyouare,you’llknowwhattodo.You’renocoward.Let’sgocutsomeflowers.”
Theyarrangedthosemagicbluehydrangeasalloverthehouse.Butinsteadoflemonade,Morgangotoutingredientsandbartools.
“Ineedsomehelp.”
“Mixingadrink?I’mnotaboveadrinkbeforethreeonaSundayafternoon,butyou’retheexpertinmixing.”
“Notmixing,tasting,followedbyjudging,thenchoosingwhichofthethreewinsforourfallspecial.Justtwosips,becauseI’llusedifferentliquorsinthechoices.MixingliquorsisafinewaytogetDarlie’sstomachbug.”
“Beenthere,donethat.”
“IthoughtIhaditdowntotwo,thenIcameupwithanother,soyou’lljudgethree.”
“DidyouhaveNellorDreasample?”
“Toobusy,allaround.Plus,thiswayIcantakeNelltheonethatwins.”
Rubbingherhandstogether,Oliviasatatthecounter.“Let’shaveit.”
“Okay,firstupstartswithanice,dryRiesling,thenpearbrandy—pear’sthespafalldeal.Thepeareau-de-vie—”
“Wateroflife?I’vegotthatmuchFrenchinme.”
“It’spearbrandy,andgivestheRieslinganicekick.”
“Whodoesn’tlikeanicekick?”Enjoyingherself,Oliviarestedherchinonherfisttowatch.“Italreadylookspretty.”
“It’sgoingtolookprettier.Alittleorangecura?aoforzest,somehoneysyrupforsweet,andfive—notfour,notsix—dashesofbittersforthattouchoflicorice.”
“Itsoundsasprettyasitlooks.”
“Ifwegowiththis,I’llserveitintheclassicCaryGrantchampagneglass,withathinsliceofpearasgarnish.”
Whenshe’dfinished,Morganheldouttheglass.“Onesip.Consider,letitsit.Thenonemoretojudge.Oh,hey,here’sMom.Perfecttiming.Twojudges.”
“Didn’texpectyouuntilfour,”Oliviacommented.
“Darlierecovered,withapologies.Whatarewedrinkingandwhy?”
“We’reMorgan’sofficialjudgesforthefallspecialtydrink.”Oliviasipped,consideredasordered.“Thatisvery,verytasty.”Shesippedagain.“Excellent,andI’mnotabigfanofthepear.”
“Iam,andIcoulduseadrink.Wewereabsolutelyslammedthismorning,Mom.Agroupofday-trippers—twenty-threeofthem.”
“Twosips,”Morgantoldhermother.“Becausetherearetwomoretocome.”
“Oh,that’sreallygood.Sweet,butzingy.AmIreallyonlyallowedtwosips?Itwasamorning.Wehadtwosistersfromthegroupwhogotintoanargument—theedgeofaseriousfight—overwhowouldbuyLacyCardini’sSecretGardenfortheirmother’sbirthday.”
“ThatCardinipainting’spricedateightseventy-five.”Oliviapumpedherfistsintheair.“Woo!”
“Iconvincedthemtosplitit,butittookworkandeveryounceofdiplomacyIown.”
“OnceImaketheothertwo,yousampleandjudge,I’llmakeyourfavorite.”
“Whatareyoumakingnow?I’mgoingtositdown.”
“Thisonehasavodkabase.I’mmuddlingpear,simplesyrup,andnutmeg.Martiniglassforthisone,chilled.Nowthevodka,someTuaca,andB&B—Bénédictineandbrandymix,wellshaken—soyou’regoingtotastevanilla,citrus,butherbalnotesthatsayfall.Garnish,”shesaidasshepouredanddidso,“withthreethincrescentsofpear,unpeeled.”
Oliviasipped.“Ourgirlknowsherstuff.Icanseetheleaveschanging.”
“Letme.”Audreysnaggedtheglass.“Mmm.Timetostartthefire.It’sjustlovely,Morgan.Idon’tknowwhichIlikebest.”
“Don’tdecideyet.We’vegotonemoreintherunning.
“Thistime,I’mmuddlingpear—peeled—honey,andlimejuiceintoathicksyrup.”
“Italreadysoundsgood,”Oliviasaid
“Bourbonmakesitbetter.”Shepoureditintotheshaker,addedice,cappedit,shook.
“Allofthemseemlikealotoftrouble.”
Morgansmiledathermother.“That’swhythey’respecial.”
Shepouredthedrinkintoawide-mouthedlowballglass.“Wetopitoffwithsomegingeraleforeffervescence,garnishwithapearslice.”
“Yougofirstthistime,Audrey.”
“Idon’tusuallydrinkbourbon,butI’lltryit.”Onesipandsheclosedhereyes,said,“Mmm.IthinkIhearkidsatthedoor,trick-or-treating.”
“Myturn.”Olivia’scommentwas:“Well,well,well.”
“Okay,considerallthree,andifyouneedanothersip,goahead.Iwantyoutoholdyourhandbelowthecounter,thenliftitupwithyourfingerssignalingone,two,orthree.Thereisnowronganswer.Obviously,oneofthemgoesoutoftherunning.”
Amused,Morganwatchedthemtakeonemoresipofeachcandidate.
“Handsdown,fingersready.Andreveal!Numberthree,bothofyou?Really?”
“Itwashardtochoose,”Audreyadmitted.“Butthatlastsipdiditforme.Theyallsayautumn,butIthoughtthatonealmostsangit.”
“Ileanedtowardthreemyself,soit’sunanimous.Well,thatwaseasy.”
“Fromthissideofthecounteranyway.Andastheoldestinthispanel,I’mtakingthewinnerformyself.”
“I’llmakeyouone,Mom.”
“No,no,boththeothersareterrific.Ijusthavetodecidewhichonetoclaim.I’lltakethemiddleone.Middleground,that’sme.AndIcan’tbelieveI’msittingheredrinkingacocktailat,what,two-forty-five-ishintheafternoon.Iwasgoingtomakebread.Andwestillhavetomakedinner.”
“Let’sdrinkcocktailsandorderpizzainstead.”
AudreylaughedatMorgan.“Thatsounds…reallywonderful.Whatdoyousay,Mom?”
“Isay:cheers.”
WhiletheNashwomensatonthepatiowithcocktails,theJamesonssataroundthediningroomtableholdingtheirfamilymeeting.
Nellstudiedhertablet.“Allright,lastitemonmyagendaisAprès’sspecialtycocktail,virginoption,andcoffeeforthefall,whichwe’llintroducerightafterLaborDay.Morganhasn’tdecidedonthecocktail,butassuresmeshe’llhavethatformyapprovalearlynextweek.Forthecoffeeshe’sgoingtodowhatshecallsCoffeeIncompearable—getit?”
“Harhar,”Liamsaid.
“It’sacombinationofcoffee,poachedpear,cinnamon,cloves,andsoon.Isaidcomplicated,thenshemademeone.I’msold.Ithoughtwe’dboldanditalicizethepearin‘incompearable.’Wecanpriceitatfourdollars.”
“It’sclever,”Dreacommented.“Butshe’sacleverwoman.We’vegottheStevensonweddinginOctober,andthebride’susingpearsinherdecor.I’mgoingtoaskMorgantocomeupwithasignaturepearcocktail,somethingotherthanwhateverweuseforAprès,andnudgethebridetowardit.Hasshetoldyouwhatshe’sgoingtooffer,Miles?”
“No.”
Shehadn’ttoldhimaboutthecoffeeeither,whichdidn’tsoundlikesomethinghe’dsay“sold”on.Buthedidn’tdoubtitwouldsell.
Theydidtalkaboutwork,some,hethought,whilehismothergaveherEventsreport.Butwhenitcamedowntoit,theirtimetogetherwas…compressed.
That’showthey’dworkedit.Sofar.
Hepusheditoff,tunedbackin,remindedhimselfthiswaswork,andnotthetimetothinkaboutMorgan.
Butwasn’tsherighthere,intheflowersshe’dputonthetableSaturdaymorning?
ThetablepassedfromhismothertoLiamandfallactivities.Naturehikes,photogroups,teambuilding,kids’weekends,fallpackages.Andfromtheretofalllandscaping,tofallmaintenance,safetychecks,seasonalinventory.
Oncebusinessconcluded,foodtookcenterstage.He’dmadethepulledporkasrequested—alotofdamntroubleinhisbook,butitsparedhimfromdoinganythingelseforthefamilymeal.
AndMorganwasthere,too,asshe’dtoldhimtheSundayforecastcalledforaperfectafternoonandevening.Soheshouldusethecolorfuldishesagain.Anddamnedifshehadn’tsatatthecounterandfancyfoldedapileofnapkins,andmadeanotherbig-asspitcherofsangria.
“Thislookssopretty.”Afteronelookatthetable,hismothergavehimtheeye.“Isenseafemininetouch.”
“Apparently,Morganhasathingaboutnapkins.Andsangria.”
“I’mgoingtotryit.”Hisgrandfatherpouredaglass.“Oneforyou,Lydia?”
“Allright.Idon’tthinkI’vehadanysincewewenttoSpain.What’sthat,tenyearsago?”
“Mustbe.Don’tknowwhatIthinkaboutpoachedpearsincoffee,butthisisdamngood.Tasteslikesummer,anditwon’tbeheremuchlonger.Well,lookatthat.Rory’staughtHowltofetch.”
Morganhad,Milesthought.Andthatdamndogstillwouldn’tgoafteraballfortheonewhoprovidedhimwithroomandboard.
Shewashere,inthedamndog,inthestupidnapkins,intheflowersonthetable.Thewomanwaseverywhere.
Theyatepulledpork,hisfather’scoleslaw,hisgrandmother’spotatosalad,cornonthecobhisgrandfathertossedonthegrill.
After,sincehe’dmadethemainandthatexcusedhimfromcleanup,hedrewhisgrandmotheraside.
“Gotaminute?”
“IhopeIhavemorethanone.Let’stakeawalk.Thegroundslookespeciallynicethissummer.You’rethebestgardeneroutofmygrandchildren.”
“Iguessthelandscapetrainingstuck.”
“Apparently.”Sheputanarmthroughhisastheywalked.“IhadlunchwithOliviaNashlastweek.ShetellsmeMorgan’saddedtotheirgroundsaswell.AZenfrogfountain.Youhelpedwiththat?”
“Iwasjustthemuscle.Ilovethisplace,Grand.Idon’ttellyouthatoftenenough.”
“Iseeit,andthat’splenty.Youwantthering.”
Hestopped,stareddownather.“Howdidyouknowthat?”
“Mydarlingboy,Iknowyou.Weallknowyou.”Sheleanedalittlecloser.“Ipromisedyoutheringwhenyoufoundtheoneyouwantedtowearit.Shemaywantherown.”
“No.”Heshookhishead.“It’llmattertoher,thatit’sfromyou,fromfamily.It’llmatter.ButIdon’twanttotakeitunlessyou’resure.”
Lydialookeddownattheweddingsetshe’dwornmorethanfiftyyears.Sheslippedofftheonewiththesquare-cutdiamondthattoppedtheband.“Whatmattersisyou’resure,andIseeyouare.I’mwearingthepledgeandthelifethatgoeswithit.I’mgivingyouthepromiseofthatpledge.Doyouwanttotelltheothers?”
“IfiguretowaituntilIknowwhatshesays.”
“Forasmartmanyoucanbeverythick.Theyalreadyknow.Ican’ttellyouwhatshe’llsay,becauseIdon’tknowherheart,notallofit.Icansayshe’saveryluckywoman.”Lydiaputtheringinhishand,closedhishandaroundit.
“Itmaynotbewhatshewants.Notthering—thepackage.”
“You’llhavetofindout,won’tyou?Life’saseriesofleaps.Now,let’sgotelltherestofuswhattheyalreadyknow.”
Hedidn’thavetosayathing,notwhentheywalkedinandhesawhismother’sgazegodirectlytohisgrandmother’slefthand.Thenwatchedhereyesfill.
“Oh,don’tdothat.”
“I’mentitled.Oh,Rory,ourbaby’sgettingmarried.”
“Idon’tknowthat.Wait.”
“GoodthingIdidn’thitonher.”
Thatchangedquickpanictoderisionforhisbrother.“Yeah,thatwould’veworkedoutforyou.”
“We’llneverknownow.Goodjob,man.She’sawinner.”
MicktookLydia’slefthand,broughtittohislips.“Myowndarling.Goodjob,us.”
“Everybody,pleasebackup.Ifshesaysno,nothingchanges.”
“Justshutup.”Nellmovedintohughim.“First,shewon’t.Next,whatarewegoingtodo,fireher?She’snotonlythebestbarmanagerwe’vehad,butshe’safriendofminenow.”
Thenhisfatherwrappedaroundbothofthem,murmuredinhisear,“Don’tgetdownononeknee.Notherstyle.”
“Iwasn’tplanningonit.Listen,Imeanit.Everyonebackup.Ihavetoaskher,anduntilIdo,nobodysaysanything.”
Theringofthedoorbellsavedhim.“I’llgetit.”
Heshould’vewaited,hedecided.Askedherfirst,thenaskedforthering.Nowhehadhisentirefamilychampingatthebit.
ThenheopenedthedoortoJakeandeverythingelsetookabackseat.
“Sorry,I’minterrupting.RangthebellbecauseIknowit’sfamilymeetingday.”
“We’redone.”Heknew.Ofcourseheknew.“Rozwell.Somebodyelseisdead.”
“Notthatweknowof.ButI’monmywaytoupdateMorgan—Iaskedthefedstoletmedoit.Iwantedtogiveyouaheads-upfirst.”
“Mightaswellgiveittoeverybody.Wantabeer?”
“I’mgoingtoconsidermyselfonduty.”
ThebuzzofconversationdiedawaywhenJakewalkedinwithMiles.
“Youhavenews,”Nellsaidquickly.
“Moreofanupdate.IstoppedbyonmywaytoMorgan’s.”
“Let’sallgositdown.”Rorygesturedtothediningroom.
Whentheyhad,Jakesethishandsonthetable.“They’vebeenfollowingRozwell’strailnorth,wellintoWashingtonState.ItlookedlikehemightplantotrytogetintoCanada.Thethoughtprocesswashe’dtrygoingeastoncehe’dgottenovertheborder,thencrosssouthagain,intoVermont.”
“‘Was,’yousaid?”
“Yes,Pop.”JaketurnedtoMick.“BeckandMorrison,theleadsontheFBI’staskforce,theoneswhoIhavetofigureknowhimbest,suspecthe’sbeenbaitingthem.Leavingafairlyeasytrailsohecandoubleback,headsouth.I’vegottosay,theyconvincedme.
“They’vegonesouth.Therestofthetaskforceisinthefield,thelocalauthoritiesarestilllookingnorth,andthey’rekeepingacloseeyeonbordercrossings.”
“Whysouth?”Milesdemanded.“Sumitup.”
“He’soutofhiselement,usingoff-brandmotels,shit-canvehicles,andhehasn’thadakillsinceSouthCarolina.I’msorry,”hesaidimmediately.“Thatsoundscallous.”
“Itsoundsrealistic,”Lydiadisagreed.“Morgan’spartoftheresortfamily.Andmore,”sheaddedwithaglancetowardMiles.“MickandIhavedonesomereadingonhim,andonhistype.Heneedstherushofthekill.Herarely,ifever,rapes.Thekillishisreleaseandhispower.”
“That’sit,Grand,exactly.Theyfigureheknowsthey’reclose,toocloseforhimtoriskthatkill.Toocloseforhimtoriskwhathereallywants.”
“Morgan,”Dreamurmured.
“Morgan.Butifhecanthrowthemoff—andthat’spartoftherushforhim,too—hecanregroup.Andsouth,theexactopposite,ishowtheyseeit.Helikesthesun,andthey’vehadahellofalotofrainalongthistrail.Sothey’regoingtolookinNevada,Arizona,California.Theycalculatehe’llgetcockyifhethinkshe’sputoneoveronthem.Moreimportanttothoseofussittinghere,theydon’tbelievehe’sheadedthisway.Yet.”
“We’llputresortSecurityonalert.”
“Yeah.Andtrustme,Miles,Westridgepolicealreadyare.”
“It’salotofareatocover,”Liampointedout.“Nevada,Arizona,California.YoucouldaddNewMexico,Utah.”
“Itis,andIwishIcouldtellyousomethingmoredefinite.Butifthey’reright,orevenifthey’rewrongandhe’stryingforCanada,he’snothere.”
“He’llchangehislookagain,”Nellsaid.
“Likelyalreadyhas.Buthe’sputonweight.Abouttwentypounds,andthey’vegothimonamini-martcamera.Theysentmethefeed,andIcantellyou,it’swearingonhim.Andthat’soneofthethings,themini-mart.Hedidn’thavetogoin,justboughtsomejunkfood,andtheytrackedhimbacktothemotelheleft.Vendingmachinesrightthere.He’dknowaboutthecamera,wentinanyway,didn’ttrytoavoidit.”
“Hewantedthemtoseehim,”Milesconcluded.
“That’showitreadstothem,anditreadstome,too.”
“Weappreciateyoucomingtotellus,Jake.You’regoingtogotalktoMorganandherfamilynow?”
“Yes,sir,”hesaidtoMick.
“Go.”DreaputahandonMiles’sarm.“Go.Youshouldbethere.We’llfinishuphere,feedHowl.”
“Iwill.Thanks.I’llridewithyou,Jake.”
“Comebymyplacelater,Jake?”Nellaskedhim.
“I’lldothat.”
Milessaidnothinguntilthey’dgotteninJake’scar.“Areyouleavinganythingout?”
“Nothing,exceptwhatIcouldreadbetweenthelines.Theythinkhe’llkillfirstchancehegetswhenhefeelshe’sshakenthemoff.Andhe’sgotaheadstart.”
Whennooneansweredthedoor,Milesfelthisnervesstarttofray.Theircars,allthree,satinthedrive,butnooneansweredthedoor.
“Let’swalkaroundback,”Jakesuggested.“It’saniceevening.Theycouldbesittingoutsideanddidn’thearthebell.”
“Itwouldsendanalerttotheirphones.”
They’dbarelygonehalfwayaroundwhenheheardthelaughter.Giddy,femalelaughter.Andtheweightinhisgutdroppedawaysofasthemight’vestaggered
Andtheretheywere,allthreeofthem,withapizzaboxonthetable,cocktailglasses.Ifhewasn’tmistaken,allthreewerejustalittlebitdrunk.
“Ladies,”Jakebegan.
Audreyletoutasquealthatturnedintomorelaughter.“OhmyGod,youscaredtenyearsoffme.”
“Rangthebell.Iguessyoudidn’thearit.Orhaveyourphoneshandy.”
“No,we…”Herlaughterdied,andsheclosedahandoverMorgan’sarm.“Baby.”
“Sayitfast,”Morgansaid.“Please.”
“Theydon’thavehimyet,buthehasn’tkilledanyoneelsetheyknowof.Idohaveanupdate.”
“Okay.Okay.”Morganrubbedherhandsoverherface.“Sorry.Iguessweallleftourphonesinside.We’vebeendrinking.Fallspecialtydrinks.Quitealot,really.”
“Pullupsomechairs,”Oliviainvited.“Wecanallhandleourliquorwhenwehaveto.Information’spower,Morgan.Wehavethepowerhere.”
Theylistened.MilessaidnothingwhileJakeranitthrough,justwatchedMorgan’sfaceasshetookitallin.
“Nevada,ArizonainAugust.”Shekeptherhandsfoldedonthetable.“That’snotjustsun,that’sbrutalsunandheat,isn’tit?”
“Neverbeen,butyeah.Thehopeishe’llbelievehe’sshakenloose,treathimselftoafancyhotel.Hedoesn’tlookgood,Morgan.Icanshowyouifyouwant.Theygavemethegoonthat.”
“Iwould,yes.Iwouldliketosee.”
Jakepulledouthisphone,broughtupthefeed,thenhandedherthephone.
“Oh.Iwouldn’thaverecognizedhim,notrightaway.Helooksolder—notjustthehair,thefacialhair,hejustlooksolder.Andtheweight.Helookspuffy.”
“Helookscrazy,”AudreysaidasshelookedoverMorgan’sshoulder.
“Butitshows,anditdidn’t.Itdidn’t.”
“I’dliketosee.”Oliviaheldoutahand.“Sothereheis.Heknowsthecamera’sonhim.”SheglancedupatJake.“Wehavesecuritycamerasintheshop.I’veseensomethinkaboutalittleshoplifting,lookatthecameras,pretendtheyaren’tlooking,aren’tchecking.”
“Iagree.”
“He’slostalotofthestyle,andagainIdon’tjustmeanthehair,theweight.Hehadstyle,confidence,charm.AndIknownowheusedthoseasweapons.Buthedoesn’tseemtohavethemanymore.”
“BeckandMorrisonagreewiththat.Andlikeanyaddict,he’sjonesingforafix.He’snotcomingafteryouwhenhe’sinthisshape.That’stheirtake,andoneIagreewith.Butwe’regoingtokeepaclosewatch.That’sapromise.”
Herose.“Ifyouhaveanyquestions.Ifyouwanttotalktomeaboutanything,youcallme.Anytimeofthedayornight.”
“Thanks.”MorganlookedatMiles.“Areyoustayingordoyouhavetogetback?”
“I’llstayawhile.Thanksforthelift,Jake.”
“Anytime.”
WhenJakeleft,AudreyshiftedtoMiles.“Wehadacontesttopickthefallspecialtydrink.”Shekepthersmilebright,hereyesdirect.“Notaneasychoice,andwe’vetakenourtaskseriously.Morgan,whydon’tyougoinandmakeMilesaglassofthewinner.Hehasavestedinterest,afterall.”
“Ido.”Understanding,helookedatMorgan.“That’dbegreat.I’veheardaboutyourplanneddesecrationofcoffee,sothat’sapassforme.ButI’lltakethedrink.Anddon’tforgetyourphone.”
“Sure.Justgivemeacoupleminutes.”
Shelookedoff,hethought,betweenthealcoholandtheupdate,justalittleoff.Butshegotup,wentinside.
“Whatdoyouwanttotellme?”MilesaskedwhenMorganwasoutofearshot.
“Nottell,ask.Takeherhomewithyou,Miles.Sheneedstogetthisoutofherhead.Ifshestayshere,she’llendupinherroomwiththispreyingonhermind.Mom?”
“Takeherforawalkwiththedog,takehertobed.Distracther.”
Thoughhehadn’tplannedto,Milestooktheringoutofhispocket.“Ihaveadistractioninmind.”
AsAudreypressedahandtoherlips,Olivia’seyesnarrowedonthering.“That’sLydia’sengagementring.”
“Goodeye.It’llbeMorgan’sifshe’llhaveit.”
“Ohno,youdon’t.”ShepointedatAudrey.“Don’tyoustart,andmakemestart.She’llseeandmisinterpret,andhe’ssureashellnotgoingtogiveherthathereandnow.Suckthosetearsup,AudreyNash,andwe’llhaveagood,happyweepwhensheleaves.”
“Okay.Okay.I’msohappy.Miles,Icouldn’tbehappier.”
“We’llseewhatshehastosay.”
“Audrey,putthosesunglassesbackon.Wehadthreecontenders,”Oliviabegan.“Hereshecomesnow,soyoucanjudgeforyourself.”
HetooktheglassMorganoffered,studiedit.“It’sgotvisualappeal.What’sinit?”
Shemanagedasmile.“Tryit,thenguess.”
Becausehethoughtsheneededit,heplayedalong.“Bourbon,”hesaidafterhesampled.“Bourbon,ginger,andthepearcomesthrough.Honey?”
“Verygood,andsomelime.Whatdoyouthink?”
“Ididn’tmakethecuttojudgetheothertwo,butit’sgood.Saysfallorwinter.Whatareyoucallingit?”
“It’sbasicallyaPricklyPear—notthefruit,infactitdoesn’tusepricklypears.Someslightadjustmentstothat,andI’mthinkingmaybePearItDown.”
“Shouldwork.Nellwilllikeit.”
“That’sthehope.”
“Sheclaimedtolikeyourcoffeesabotage.It’sniceouthere.Thatfrogdoesn’tquit.MakesmewonderwhereI’dputsomethinglikethat.”
“Ineedtogetupinyourattic.”
Hesippedhisdrink,watchedher.“Doyou?”
“There’sboundtobeallsortsofthingsupthere.Youcoulduseamirror,someoldpiecewithaninterestingshape,behindthedayliliesintheback.”
Conversationequaleddistraction.Itwasn’thisbestthing,buthecouldmanage.“WhywouldIputamirrorinthegarden?”
“Light,reflection,interest.You’veprobablygotmorethanoneupthere.”
“Maybe.Let’sgolook.”
“Now?Ididn’tmeannow.Ishould—”
“Go,”Audreysaid.“Betweenthepizzaandthecocktails,Ifeelanearlynightcomingon.YouandMilesrunalong.”
“Hehasn’tfinishedhisdrink.”
“Goodthing.”Settingitdown,herose.“Becauseyou’vefinishedmorethanone,soI’mdriving,andyou’renot.IrodewithJake,sothissolveshowIgethome.”
Takingherhand,hetuggedhertoherfeet.
“Idon’thave—”
“You’vegotstuffatmyplace.Yougotyourphonenow?”
“Yes,but—”
“Enjoytherestofyourevening.”
“Oh,wewill.”Audreyshotoutabrilliantsmile.“We’llseeyoutomorrow,baby.”
Sheheldit,helditwhileMilespulledMorganaway.Thenletitgo.
“Oh,Mom.Mygirl.Ourgirl.”ChapterTwenty-eight
“Ididn’tcleanupthebar,”Morgancomplained.“Itakecleanupduty.”
“Soyougetanightoff.Howbigamirror?”
Hetookherkeys,nudgedherintothecar.
“What?Oh,Idon’tknowuntilIsee.Jesus,wehadalottodrink.”
“Inoticed.It’sthefirsttimeI’veseenyoudrunk.”
“Notdrunk,butdefinitelynotfittodrive.Weweren’tgoinganywhere.”Sherestedherheadback.“Theywerehavingsuchagoodtime.Wewere.Iswear,Gramcoulddrinkbothofusunderthetable,thenunderthefloorboards.Andshewasonherwaytodoingjustthat.
“Shewasacompletewildchild,”Morgancontinued.“Didyouknowthat?Ihadsomesensebefore,butholyshit,norealidea.Theyjustseemedlike,youknow,grandparents.ShewenttoWoodstock.ShedraggedmygrandfathertoWoodstock.TheWoodstock.SheclaimsshesmokedpotwithJanisJoplin.Maybeshe’smakingthatup,butwhoknows?Andnowshelivesinthatbigoldbeautifulhouseandrunstwobusinessesandmakesroastchickenandpoundcake.
“Youhavetowonder.”
“Wonderwhat?”
“WhattwistsandturnstakeawomanlikeGramfromWoodstockandJanisJoplintothis.”Shegesturedatthetownastheydrovethrough.“ToWestridge,Vermont.Tostartingabusiness,goingtoyogaclassandbookclubmeetings.Tobeingnotjustcontentbuthappy,satisfied.
“Anyway,wewerehavingareallygoodtime.”
“Inoticed.”He’dgivehergriefaboutnothavingthephonewithherlater.
“Youdidn’thavetocomewithJake,butI’mgladyoudid.AndIhopemyladiesdohaveanearlynight,anddon’tworryaboutallthistoomuch.”
“Yousawthatvideo.Andyouhaditright.He’slosthisedge.”
“Mymotherwasright,too.He’scrazy.Youcouldseethecrazy.He’dburiedthecrazyinMaryland,Miles.Ineversawit.Noonedid.Heplayeddartsandtrivia,andboughtrounds,talkedgamingwithSam.Noonesawthecrazy.”
“Nowhecan’thideitanymore.”Afterhepulledintohisdriveway,Milesturnedtoher.“That’sgoingtomakehimeasiertocatch.”
“Ihopeso.I’mbuzzedenoughtowhineIwantitover.Ijustwantitover.”
“I’mnotbuzzed,andIwantitover.Andthatwasn’twhining.I’lltellyouwhenyou’rewhining.”
Thatmadehersmile.“Youwould.”
Hegotoutofthecar,camearoundasshegotoutherside.Andfrominthehouse,Howlhowled.
Inside,hegreetedMileswithamildstare,aquickwag.ThengreetedMorganwitharushofadoration.
“Maybeit’sthewayyousmell,”Milesconsidered.“It’sprettyappealing.”
“Well,thanks.Who’sagoodboy?Didyouhavefuntoday?Ibetyoudid.Didyourbigbrothergiveyousomeofthatpulledpork?”
“I’mnothisbrother.I’mhislandlord.”
“Don’tpayanyattentiontohim.Let’sgouptotheattic.Won’tthatbefun?”
“Let’swaitonthat.Iwanttotalktoyou.”
Shestraightenedupand,henoted,madeherfaceabsolutelyblank.“Allright.”
“Weshouldsitdown.”
Withthedogallbutpastedtothesideofherleg,shewentwithhim,tookachair.
“Iwasgoingtodothisadifferentway.Ihadn’tfiguredoutthewayyet,butdifferentthanthis.ButIfigureyoubeingslightlyimpairedgivesmeadistinctadvantage.Andwhyareyousittingtherelikeyou’rewaitingoutsidetheprincipal’soffice?”
“I’mnot.Justsayit.I’lldealwithit.”
“Fine.I’minlovewithyou.”
Herfacestayedblankevenwhensheblinked.“What?What?”
“Youheardme,butI’llsayitagainforclarity.I’minlovewithyou.”
“Ihavetositdown.”
“Youaresittingdown.”
“Ihavetostandup.”Shestood,thenimmediatelysatagain.“I’mdizzy.It’snotthedrinking.Miles—”
“Justbequiet.”Impatiencewrappedaroundthewords.“Youtalkedallthewayoverhere,sobequiet.I’mnotdone.”
Sinceshedidn’tknowwhattosaytothat,shesaidnothing.
“Ididn’tplanonit.AndIdidn’tseeitcoming.Shouldhave,butdidn’t.Ican’tclaimitcreptuponme,notwhenitkepthittingmeinthefaceoversomanythings.Thewayyourhandsmovewhenyou’reworking.That’sridiculous,butthereitis.Howyourbrainworks,howyourheartworks,howyourbodyworks.Allofit.”
Becausehefocusedonher,hedidn’tnoticewhenHowlwalkedovertohim,leanedagainsthisknee.
“Buttheknockoutpunchwoundupatthewaterfall,thenstartedcomingatthelookout.AnditknockedmeflatattheendofLiam’sgoddamnropescourse.SoI’minlovewithyou,Morgan.Itwasn’tintheplan,anditwasn’tpartofthedealwemade.Butitwasn’tadealsomuchasguidelines.I’mmovingoutsidethelines,sonowdealwiththat.”
“I—”
“I’mstillnotdone.”Hetookouttheringinhispocket.“We’llgetmarried.”
Hesaiditmatter-of-factly,thewayhemight’vesaidWe’llwatchamovie
Shestared,andhermouthmoved,butittookaminuteforittoformactualwords.“That’s—that’syourgrandmother’sring.”
“Doeseverywomanrecognizeadiamondatsixfeet?SinceI’minlovewithyou,andwe’realreadyoutsidethelines,we’llgetmarried.”
Shestared,thendroppedherheadbetweenherknees.
“Christ,doyoureallyhavetogetsicknow?”
“Notsick.Needtobreathe.Stayoverthereandletmebreathe.”Shewavedahandintheairasiftopushhimaway,thoughhehadn’tmoved.
“Ifyouwantpoetry,Icanprobablystillrecitemostof‘TheRaven.’AndI’vegotsomeYeatsinme.”
“Shutup.DidyougetthatringfromyourgrandmotherbecauseofJake—whatJaketoldyoubeforeyoucameover?”
“IaskedherforitbeforeJakegotthere.Ontheirfiftiethweddinganniversary,shetoldmetoaskforitwhenI’dfoundtheone.WhenIwassure.WhenIwasready.You’retheone.I’msure.I’mready.Getonboard,Morgan.”
“Before,”shemurmured,andliftedherhead.“Notbecauseof.”
Thefacthescowledatherleveledherheartrate.
“It’snotaforcefieldagainstpsychos.It’saring.It’sasymbol.It’sadamnquestionIwishyou’danswer.”
Sheswipedatherface.“Youdidn’taskaquestion.Youmadestatements.Wait.”Sheheldupahandbeforehecouldspeak.“It’sfunny.Justthismorning,GramandIwereworkinginthegarden,andIendeduptellingherIwasinlovewithyou.Itdidsneakuponme.Ididn’texpectit,didn’tlookforit.I’veneverfeltitbefore,butIknewwhatitwas.Ithoughtyouwantedtotellmeyouthoughtweshouldslowthingsdown.”
“Thatwasstupid.”
“Wasit?Maybe.Blamethevodka—thatwasthesecondcontender.Istuckwiththat.Neverhadarealtasteforbourbon.”
Hekeptwatchingher,andsmiled.
“Kingofthejungle.”
“What?”
“Youreyes.Theymight’vebeenwhatstartedthewholethingforme—oryoursparkling,people-pleaserpersonality.We’llgowiththeeyes,”shedecidedwhenhelaughed.“Tigereyes,Ithought.Lionsarekingofthejungle,butwhatever.Thatring.Ican’tbegintosay…you’doffermethatringbecauseIunderstandthepowerandmeaningofthatsymbol.Thatparticularsymbol.”
“I’vebeenadvisednottogetdownononeknee.”
“Pleasedon’t.You’dlookridiculous.AndjuststayoverthereforrightnowsoIcantrytobecoherent.Marriage…Miles,Isawformyselfhowcoldandwrongmymother’swas.Andoneofthereasonswasme.Achild,”shecorrectedbeforehecouldprotest.“Anygirlchildanyway.So,it’simportantweknowhow—”
“Iwantkids—that’swhereyou’regoing.Andplural.Idon’tcarewhattype.Iwantkids.Iwantfamily.Withyou.It’sabighouse.Wecouldfillit.”
Nowtearsswirled.“Iwantthat,somuch.Withyou.”
“Let’sgettherestoffthetable.Ifyouwanttoopenyourownplace,you’llleaveamajorholeintheresort.It’sstillyourchoice,andI’llstandbyyourchoice.Sowillthefamilyifyou’reworriedaboutthat.Butyoushouldunderstand,Aprèsisyoursanyway.”
She’dplanned,andplannedforsolong.Theneverythinghadchanged.
Andnow?
“AprèsiswhatIwant.”
“Okay,good.You’llhavetostartcomingtofamilymeetings.”
“Really?”
“It’spartofthepackage.”Hehesitated,sobriefly,shemightnothavenoticed.Butshedid.“It’sabigpackage,Morgan.”
“Ilikebigpackages.Yourfamilymustknowbecauseyouhavethatring.”
“Theyknow.Sodoesyours.”
“Youtoldmyladies?Ofcourseyoudid.”Overwhelmed,sheswipedatmoretears.“Just—justsitthere,okay,untilIgetthisundercontrol.Idon’twanttoblubberwhenyouputthatringonmyfinger.Notthatring.”
“Thenhurryup.”
“Rozwell.”
“No.”Histonewentsharpasasaber.“Don’tbringhimhere.He’snotinthis.Thisisyouandme.”
“You’reright.DidyoureallydothisnowbecauseI’dbeendrinking?”
“Yes.”
“God,Ilovethat,somuch.Eventhoughyoudidn’tactuallyask,theanswerwouldbeyes,impairedorstonesober.Youcangetupnow.”
Sherosewhenhedid,andheldoutherlefthand.Whenheslippedtheringon,hegaveitawiggle.“It’salittlebigforyou.We’llgetitsized.”
“Icouldjustdothis.”Sheclosedherhandintoafist.“Forever.”
“Yeah,that’llwork.I’llgoinlatetomorrow.We’llhitthejeweler’swhentheyopen.”Hetookherfist,kissedit.“Itshouldfit,becauseyoudo.”
Heslidtheringoff,thenontoherindexfinger.“There,thatdoeswork.Wearitlikethatuntiltomorrow.”
“Problemsolver,”shemurmured,andpulledhisfacetohers.
Thekisswarmedeverythinginher,litupeverythinginsideher.Shehadlove,andthepromisetomakealifewithlove.
No,shewouldn’tbringRozwellintoit,butsheknewnow,withoutasingledoubt,she’ddoanythingandeverythingtodefendthelifetheypromisedeachother.
“Youcouldtellmeagain.”
“Tellyouwhat?”
Shecuppedhisface.“Miles.”
“I’minlovewithyou.YoumightaswellknowI’veneversaidthattoanotherwoman.You’rethefirst.”
“It’smyjobtomakesureI’mthelast.Iloveyou,Miles.You’remyfirst,too.”
Herestedhisforeheadonhers.“ThenI’vegotmyownjobtodo.”Thenhescoopedherup.“Isaywesealthedeal.”
“Yes,please.”
“Ithinkweshoulddothatwherewestarted.”
Shelaughedashecarriedhertowardthesofa.“AnotherthingIloveaboutyou.Sosentimental.”
“Practical.Couchisclose.”
“Practicallysentimental.”
Hetumbledwithhertothecouch.“Quietnow,”hesaidashetuggedoffhershirt.“I’mbusyfinalizingadeal.”
Inthemorning,withthethrillstillsostrong,shewaitedwhilethejewelermeasuredherfinger,measuredthering.
WhenMilesofferedtobuyherwhathecalledastopgap,shenearlytearedupagain.
“No,Icanwait.It’sworthwaitingfor.”
“Youmightwanttoselectyourweddingbands.”Thesaleswoman,allsmiles,beamedatthem.“Wecouldhavethosesizedforyouaswell.”
“Ihadn’tthoughtofthat.Shouldwedothat?Areyougoingtowantaring?”
“Ioughttogetsomethingoutofit,”Milesdecided.“Keepitsimple—keepminesimple.Plainband,nostones.Likethat.”
“Wecouldbothgetoneslikethat.”
“Youcould.”Thejewelerkeptbeaming.“ButifIcouldsuggest?Withagorgeousvintageengagementring,anheirloom,youmightconsideravintageband.Wehaveafewinthiscaseoverhere.”
Andwiththat,sheluredMorgantothelockeddisplaycase.
“Oh,oh,they’rejuststunning.”
ButMileshadseenjustwherehergazelanded,andpointed.“Thatone.”
“Miles—”
“Anexcellentchoice.”Wastingnotime,thewomanunlockedthecase.“It’sfromthesameeraasthesolitaire,platinumsetting,adoubleeternityband,twocaratstotalweight,sothesolitairewon’toutshineit.They’llcomplementeachother.”
“Seehowitlooks.”
“Youshoulddothehonors.”Nofool,thewomanhandedtheringtoMiles.“Goodpractice.Anditlookslikeaperfectfit.Youhavethehandsforit.Thoselongslenderfingers.”
“Looksgoodonyou.”
“Itwouldlookgoodonanyone.But—”
“Youdon’tlikeit?”
“It’sgorgeous.OfcourseIlikeit,anyonewould.Butyoudon’thaveto—”
“We’lltakeit.Andtheotherone—themen’sone.”
“OhGod.”Fast,shethoughtgiddily.Lightningfast,butsoright.“Imighthavetositdownagain.”
“Youcanhandleit.Nowgiveitback.Youdon’tgettohaveituntilthedeal’sfinal.”
“I’llboxitforyou—suchanexquisitechoice.Andwe’llseeifwehaveyoursizeinthemen’sband.Youcanhavesomethingengravedontheinside—nocharge.”
“No,we’lljust—”
“Gethissize,andhecanbuytheweddingband.Thenyougoaway,Miles.Gotowork,”Morgantoldhim.“Ibuyyourring—that’showitworks.AndIgettodecideifIhaveanythingtosayinsideit.”
“I’mtheonewho’llwearit.”
“Yeah.”Shetuggedhimdown,kissedhim.“Andyou’regoingtobestuck.”
Andsheknewjustwhatshewantedengraved.
ADeal’saDeal.
Fromthejeweler’sshewentstraighttoCraftyArts.Shesawhermotherfirst,chattingwithapairofcustomers.ThenAudreysawher.Stopped,andwhenshereadherdaughter’sface,begantobounceonhertoesbeforeshedashedovertograbMorganintoahug.
“Ithappened.Ithappened.Oh,letmesee—Where’sthering?”
“Ithadtobesized,justahalfsizedown.It’lltakeafewdaysorso.ButIhaveapicture.”
“Shehasapicture!CanItell,canIsay?Ihaveto.Youhavetoletme,”shesaidasMorganstartedlaughing.“Thisismybabygirl,andshejustgotengaged.”
Everywomanintheshopapplauded,andseveralwalkedovertolookatthering
“Ionlyhaveapicture.It’sbeingsized.”Sheheldupherphone.
“What’sallthisruckus?”Oliviademandedasshecamedownthestairs.ShewalkedstraighttoMorgan,kissedbothhercheeks.“He’sagoodman,andalmostdeservesyou.Mimosasonthehouse,staffandcustomers.We’regoingtotoasttoabravenewstart.”
RozwellhatedfuckingNevada.Hehatedthegoddamndesert,andhehatedthefilthy,uglyshackhewasforcedtolivein.
Hehatedthepuckeredscabbyscaronhisarm.
Mostofall,hehatedthesolitude,theisolation,theconstantnothing.
Hehadeggs,Christknew,andhewassickofthem.
Hehadtocookforhimself,andcleanupafterhimself,andhewasdamnsickofthat,too.He’dopenedcans—lotsofcans—andeventriedfryingupsomechickenpartsfromthefreezer.
Itturnedoutscorchedoutside,toopinkinside,andhehatedthat,too.Hedidbetterwithrice,carefullyfollowinginternetinstructions.
He’dmadeafewburgersoutofwhathethought—hoped—wasgroundbeef,buthedidn’thaveanybuns.
He’dgonethroughthefreshstuffhisdeadhostesshadprovided,livedoneggs,cans,andboxedfood.Andknewhe’dhavetomakeanothertriptogetsomefoodhecouldjustheatup.Andsomesnacks.
Sowhatifhehadn’ttakenofftherestoftheweight?Maybeputsomebackon.Sothefuckwhat?Whenhehadhislifeback,he’dgetbackinshape.
Hedidn’thaveanythingtodobuteat,dohisresearch,playwiththetechtoys,watchTVonhislaptop,andeatsomemore.
He’dforgottentowaterthegoat,sohe’dhadtodragthedead,uselessthingbackwiththewoman.Whatwasleftofher,andwhatwasleftstanksomuchhe’dnearlylosthisbreakfast.
He’dboughtthesheetsandtowels,butwithoutadryer,thetowelsdriedstiff.Sohe’dmakealist,makeatrip.
Food,numerouno.Andhewasrunninglowonliquor.Maybehecouldgetadecentmeal—onehedidn’tcookorwashupafter—inTwoSprings.Nobodylookedforhiminthisgodforsakendesert,buthe’dbecareful,keeptohimself,thoughheyearnedforvoices,movement.
Hemissedhavingconversations,knowingmostofwhathesaidinthemwerewell-craftedlies.
Hecaughthimselftalkingtohimself,triedtostop.Butlikethechips,hejustcouldn’t.
Makethelist,drivein,getameal,buysupplies,driveoutagain.
Hemumbledtohimselfashepacedaroundthehouse,onethathadbecomeacage.Exceptforthatsideroom.Sohewentintoit,asitalwayssettledhimdown
He’dpulleddowntheJesuspicturesbecausehedidn’tlikethewaysomeguywhogothimselfnailedtoacrossstaredathimwithwhatlookedlikepity.
Hesat,amancarryingextraweightinhisfaceandbelly,onewhosmelledofsweat,dust,andclothespoorlywashed.Rootsshowedinhisdyedhair.Hisnailsneededclipping.
“We’lljustdoalittlecheckonourgoodfriendMorgan.Let’sseewhatthatskinnybitchisupto.”
Hetrackedherusualcharges,payments.Groceries,insurance,gas,themonthlypaymenttohergreedygrandmother.AndfrownedoverachargeforsevenhundredandchangeatajewelerinWestridge.
“What’sallthis,Morgan?Gettingextravagant?Wecan’thavethat,no,wecan’thavethat.NotwhileI’mstuckinthishellhole.Timeforalittlereminder.Timetotouchbase.”
Hesatback,drumminghisunkemptnailsontheroughwoodtable.
“Let’ssee,let’ssee.”
Closinghiseyes,henearlynoddedoffinthechairbeforeheshookhimselfawake,scratchedhisbelly.
Heusedheraccount,orderedsomesluttyclothes—shewasawhore,afterall.Thenwenttoanothersite,andanothertoorderwhatevercaughthiseye.Garbagebags,becauseshewasgarbage,roomdeodorizersbecausegarbagestank,alwayskeepingthepurchaseunderfivehundred.
Hehadsomuchfunhekeptatit,hitanonlinefloristforafuneralwreath,andfilledoutthecard.
Morgan,alwaysremember.
“Thatoughttodoit.Yeah,thatoughttodoitjustfine.”
Thefunworkedupanappetite,sohewentin,openedacanofchili.Hedidn’tbothertoheatitup,butatestraightoutofthecan.
“Anotherfewweeks,that’sall.Justtomakesure,makedamnsure.Headeastbeforemuchlonger.MaybecatchsomeofthatVermontfoliage.That’stheticket.Catchsomeofthatcolor,right?Catchit,killherdead.Killherdeadandclosethatdeal,collectthatdebt.”
Hetossedtheemptycantowardthetrash,lickedthefork.
“Getwhatsheowesme,andit’ssmoothsailingagain.She’sbadluck,that’swhatsheis.Broughtmebadluck.”
Withhisbellyfull,hedecidedtotakeanap.He’dmakethatlist,gointotowntomorrow.Hedidn’tfeellikecleaninghimselfupnow.Tomorrowwasgoodenough.Tomorrowmeantonemoredayclosertotakingcareofbusiness.
Ashelaydownonsheetshe’dsweatedthroughthenightbefore,BeckandMorrisonmadeapassthroughGabbs,thendrovetoTwoSprings.
They’dcheckedbothoutlyingmotels,thesingletwelve-roomhotelintown,shops,eateries.Theysatdownwiththelocalcops.
Ittookmostofthedayandproducednotasinglehit.
Attheendofit,theysatinalittlerestaurantwheretheairranblissfullycoldandatesurprisinglygoodenchiladas.
“We’renotwrong,Quentin,Iswearwe’renotwrong.Therehasn’tbeenasignofhiminWashingtonsincewestartedsouth.”
“Notseeinganythingthiswayeither.”
“Notyet.Butitstillfeelsright.”
“Maybehe’sgonewellandtrulytoground.Takingafriggingsabbatical.Orwe’renotaltogetherwrong,butheheadedeast.Montana,Colorado.Arizona.”
“Let’sdothis.Wegivethisanotherday,getacoupleofrooms,worktheproblemagain,getsomesleep.Startfreshtomorrowandgointothenationalforest,brieftheparkrangers.Wegetnothing,wetakeabreak.Iwanttosleepinmyownbedwithmyhusband.”
“Anotherday,”heagreed.“Wecoulduseabreak,clearthemind,maybefindanewangle.It’sstartingtofeellikechasingourtails,Tee.Ithinkwewererightabouthimbaitingusupnorth,Ithinkwehadthatright.Ijustdon’tknowifwe’vegotthisright.Notadamnsignofhim.”
“Onemoreday,abreak,thenbackatit.Sincewe’restaying,let’shaveabeer.”
“Icangetbehindthat.”
Attheresort,wellbeforehershift,MorganknockedonLydia’sdoor.Sheknewthematriarchwasin,justassheknewwordhadalreadyspread.She’dwantedtowaituntilshehadtheringonherfingeragain,butsincewordspread,sheoptedfornow.
“Come!”
Sheopenedthedoor.“CouldIspeakwithyouaminute?IhaveameetingwithNellcomingup,butIwantedtospeaktoyoufirstifyouhavetime.”
“Allright,comein,sit.ItgivesmeachancetotellyouMickandIareverypleased.”
“Thankyou,thankyouforthat.Butmore,Iwanttothankyou…Ihadaverycoherentandheartfeltspeech.Ipracticed.Butit’sjustgone.Ican’ttellyouwhatitmeanstomethatyou’dtrustmewiththeringMickgaveyou.Theoneyou’vewornallthistime.IpromiseyouI’llcherishit,andI’lldoeverythingIcantobeagoodpartnertoMiles.”
“Hewouldn’thaveaskedmefortheringifIcouldn’ttrustyou.Iwouldn’thavegivenitsowillinglyifIdidn’tknowyou’dcherishhim.”
“Iwill.Ido.Thering’smagic.Thatsoundssilly,but—”
“Itdoesn’t.”Lydia’ssignatureredlipscurvedinawarm,warmsmile.“Nottome.Anditmakesmeveryhappyknowingyou’llwearit,sinceyoufeelthat,too.TheNashesandtheJamesons.IfindI’mnotsurprised.YourgrandmotherandIaregoingtohaveagreatdealoffunharassingyouandMilesoveryourweddingplans.Iasked,andhetoldmeyouplantostay,managingAprès.”
“Yes.”
“Thenyou’llbeexpectedattheSeptemberfamilymeeting,withareport.Nellcanhelpyouwiththebasicprocedure.”
“I’llbethere.”Sherose.“Thankyou,foreverything.”
“Comeseemeoncethering’ssized.I’dliketoseeitonyou.”
“Iwill.”
“Oh,andMorgan,IlikedthatyoubroughtouttheFiestaware,andthecleverfoldsofthenapkins.Littledetailsmakeahome.You’vealreadystarted.”ChapterTwenty-nine
WhenMorganwalkedintoAprès,Nickgreetedherwithabone-crushinghug.
“Congratulations,bestwishes,whateverthehellit’ssupposedtobe.I’msohappyforyou!”
“Thanks.I’msohappyforme.”
“Let’sseeit.Let’s—Hey,where’sthering?”Thosedeepbrowneyesreflectedbafflementandinsult.“WTAF!Hedidn’tgiveyouaring?”
“It’sbeingsized.”
“Oh.”Hisfaceranthegamutfromrelieftoapprovaltodisappointment.“IguessIhavetowaittillitistocatchthesparkle.”
“Ihaveapictureonmyphone.”
“Show!Wait.”Heshotamile-widegrintoastoolsitterwho’dclearedhisthroat.“Sorry.WhatcanIgetyou?”
“We’lltrytwoofthespecialcocktails.”
“Comingrightup!Myfriend—she’smyboss,too—justgotengaged.We’reprettyexcited.”
“Sodidwe!”Thewomanonthenextstoolshotoutherlefthandandtheringonit.“Hesurprisedmewiththisatdinnerlastnight.”
“Congratulations.It’sgorgeous.Drinksonme,Nick,”Morgantoldhimashemadethem.
“That’sreallyniceofyou.”
“Solidarity.”
“Herring’sgettingsized,”Nicktossedout.“Butshehasapicture.”
“Oh,we’dlovetosee.Wouldn’twe,Trent?”
“Sure.”Helookedalotmoreinterestedinthedrink,butdidhisdutyandlookedatMorgan’sphone.Buthisfiancéegasped.
“It’sstunning!Itlookslikeanheirloom.”
“Hisgrandmother’s.”
“Holysh…sparkle.”Nicksetthedrinksdown.“We’lltalklater.Nellreservedatableoutsideforyourmeeting.”
“I’dbettergettoit.Congratulationsagain.Enjoyyourdrinks.”
Onherwayoutside,serverswaylaidherwithmorecongratulations,morehugs.Itfelt,Morganthought,verymuchlikefamily.She’dbarelytakenaseatwhenNellrushedover.
“Late.Ihatetobelate,butithappens.”
“It’s,like,twominutes.”
“Lateislate.Ineedcaffeine.CanNickdoanicedcappuccinoasgoodasyou?”
“Ofcoursehecan.”
“Great.Hey,Barry,icedcappuccino.Two?”sheaskedMorgan.
“Whynot?”
“AndImissedlunch.Howaboutwesplitacheeseplate?Ineedsomething,sinceI’mgoingtosampleyourpotentialfallspecialtycocktailforapproval.”
“Ilikecheese.”
“Great.Thanks,Barry.Now,”shebeganimmediately,“we’llgettothebusinessportion,butfirstIwanttoheareverything.”
“Aboutwhat?”
NellgaveMorganalong,hoodedlook.“Please.AllIgotfromMileswasyeah,yeah,hegaveyouthering,andit’sgettingsized.Iwantdetails.Howdidheaskyou?”
“Hedidn’treally.Hemoretoldme.”
Nellsatback,facecoveredwiththeunsurpriseddisgustonlyasiblingcanmanage.“Ofcoursehedid,theromanticfool.”
“Butthatwasafterhetoldmehelovedme.Hedidthatpartreallywell.”
“Okay.”Willingtowithholdjudgment,NellpickedupthesparklingwaterBarryhadalreadyserved.“Startatthebeginning.”
“Well,thebeginningreallybeganwhenmyladiesandItestedoutthethreefinalistsforthefallcocktail.Enthusiastically.”
“Ohboy,I’mgoingtoenjoythis.”
Andshedid,laughingherwaythroughhalfanicedcappuccinoandaportionofacheeseplate.
“Allright,hegetssomepoints.Andyou’rehappy.We’reallhappy.Ihopeyouknowthat.”
“Iam,andIdo.”
“Sowhenandwhere?Haveyoudecided?”
“Inbroadterms.Iaskedforspringandhesaidfine,aslongasImoveinwithhimbytheNewYear.Hewantstoendandbegintheyearwithme.”
“Okay.”Crackerinonehand,Nellhelduptheother.“Majorpointsforthat.OnMiles’sscale,that’svirtuallysloppyromance.Spring.Thewhere?”
“Iknowwecouldgetmarriedhere,anditwouldbewonderful,but—”
“It’snotbusiness,butitedgesthatway.”
“Alittle,butmore,I’dliketogetmarriedathishouse.”
“Yourhouse,”Nellremindedher.“Itwouldbeyourhouse,too.AndIthinkthat’sperfect,ifmyopinioncounts.Aspringgardenwedding.WhatdoesMilesthink?”
“Hesaid,‘Whateveryouwantisfine.’”
“Youdon’tactuallybelievethat?Sayyouwantedhimtowearalilacmorningcoattocoordinatewiththelilacsyoucarry.”
“I’mwritingthatdownjusttoseehisface.Hedoesn’twanttobepokedbyeverydetail.I’dsayaslongasIdon’twantthatmorningcoatorhorse-drawncarriages—andIdon’t—allgood.”
“It’sgoodyouknowwhoyou’remarrying.YoushouldalsoknowMom’sgoingtowanttogetherhandin.SoamI.”
“I’dbecrazytotossawayexperts,especiallywhenIknowI’mgoingtowantandneedhelp.”
“Saythatagain.”Nelltappedherphone.“SoIcanrecorditforthefuture.”
“Iwantandneedhelpplanningthewedding,”Morganobliged.“Signed,MorganNash.”
“Okay,that’sontherecord.”
“KnowingMiles,he’llwantJakeandLiamtostandupwithhim.Infact,that’stheoneclearansweronallthishegaveme.Nell,wouldyoustandupforme?”
Reachingout,NellgrippedMorgan’shand.“God,Iwashopingyou’dask.I’dloveto.”
“I’msoglad.Howdoyoufeelaboutpuce?Kidding,”shesaidwhenNell’smouthfellopen.“IexpecttoseeareplicaofthatexpressionifItestMileswithlilacmorningcoats.IknowIhavetopickcolors,butIswearwhatevertheyare,flatteringiskey.Doyouthinkit’sweirdI’dliketoaskJentobeanattendant,tobalanceitout?”
“Ithinkit’sperfect.Delicatequestionwhilewe’reonit.Yourfather?”
“No.”Thatcameeasy,andwithoutregret.“Somanyreasons,no.I’llsendhimanote,butnotaninvitation.”
“Doyouwantsomeonetowalkyoudowntheaisle?”
“Yes.Mymotherandmygrandmother.”
Ashereyesfilled,Nellheldupahandagain.“Okay,I’mnosofttouch,butthatgotme.Moreperfect,andsolovely,Morgan.Haveyoutoldthem?”
“Theycried.Wealldid.Anditwasperfect.”
“We’regoingtohavesomuchfunwiththis,anditwillbeperfect.Nothing’sgoingtospoilit.”
Afternudginghercupaside,Nelltookabreath.“Wewon’tsayhisname,nothereandnow.ButI’mgoingtoassumeJakegaveyoutheupdate.”
“Hedid.”
“Morgan,youbecamefamilytouswhenyoutookoverAprès.That’showtheJamesonswork.You’reonlymoresonow.We’vegotyourback,yourfront,yoursides.Anythingwecando,anythingyouwantustodo,it’sdone.”
“Ididn’tknowjusthowmuchIwantedfamilyuntilIletmyselfhavefamily.Ikeepcomingbacktothat.Andinthatspirit,offamily,I’mgoingtoask…youandJake.Anythoughts?”
“Alotofthem,sinceyouask.”
Nelllookedaroundthetables,atpeoplehavingadrink,abitetoeat,relaxingasthesummerdayturnedtosummerevening.“Hewaited,andthatwasreallysmartofhim,towaituntilIwasready.Orclosetoready,whetherIknewitornot.I’mnotready,quite,totaketheleapyouandMilesare.Iwanttogiveitatestrun—that’smeallover.Livetogetherfirst.
“He’sgotaniceplace,butIlikeminebetter.”Sheshrugged,pickedupherwaterglassagain.“Mine’sclosertomywork,hisisclosertohis.Andthepracticalpartofmeknowsthathe’schiefofpolice,andbeingclosertotown’simportant.”
“Findahouseyoulikebetweenthosetwopoints.Thenit’snotJake’splaceorNell’s,it’sJakeandNell’s.”
“Buyahousetogether?That’s…reallysmart.Acompromiseandcommitmentallatonce.He’dlikethat.I’dlikethat.Maybe.Yeah,maybe.I’mgoingtolikehavingasister.”
“SoamI.”
“Okay,Sister,gomakemeadrink,andwe’llgetdowntobusiness.”
Acrossthecontinent,RozwelldroveintoTwoSpringsearlytoavoidtheheatoftheday.Ajoke,hethoughtsourly.Theheatneverleft.Buthewantedtogetthistripoverwith,getthosenewtowels,somefuckingfood,somedecentbooze.
Hewantedtohearvoices,eveniftheycamefromstupiddesertrats.
Thetownwasn’tmuch—he’dcallitahovel—butithadstores,includingabarelydecentmarket,afewtiredexcusesforrestaurants,twobarswithaliquorstoreattachedtooneofthem.Thewesternrubeversionofasheriff’sdepartment—thatdidn’tworryhim—andahuddleofhousesontheoutskirtssomeonewithasenseofhumormightcallthe’burbs
ItlayafewmilesfromthewesternedgeofHumboldt-ToiyabeNationalForest,whichheldnointerestforhim—andsportedviewsofthemountains.
Closeenoughforboredday-trippersorcrazedhikersandcamperstopayacall,sosomeofthoseshopsrantosouvenirs,campingandhikinggear.Andplentyofgunsforsale.
Hemightnotbeafanofthegun,buthe’dcaughtsightofsnakesmorethanonce.He’dtriedshootingthehelloutofthemwiththehandgunhe’dtakenoffDeadJane,triedhershotgun,andtheriflehe’dfoundinthecabin.
AndtestedouttheAR-15,whichobliteratedthesnakeandscaredthecrapoutofhim.
Heputthatonebackonthewall,stuckwiththehandgun.
She’dhadashitloadofammo,buthe’dwastedsomeofitonthedamnsnakes,thenshootingtheshitoutofacactusjusttohearthenoise.
He’dwrittendownthekindofammunitionforthehandgun.
Wouldn’thurttopicksomeup.
Sincehe’dwokenhungry,he’deatenhalfadozeneggsandthelastofthebaconhe’dfoundinthefreezer.Janehadmarkedit—helpful—buthe’dhadtosliceithimself,sotheslicesweremostlytoothin,toothick.
He’djustbuysomedamnbacon.Andsausage.Andwhateverelsecaughthiseyeandappetite.
Heboughttowelsfirst.NoEgyptiancottoninTwoStupidSprings,he’ddiscoveredbefore.Buthesettled.Heboughtanewfryingpan,sincehe’dburnedtheoneatthecabin,thentosseditasfarashecouldtoss.
Hehittheliquorstore.Beer,wine,whiskey,vodka,mixers,tonic,and,hell,whynottequila?
“Havingaparty?”thecheckoutclerkaskedwithalittleho-ho-holikefrickingSanta.
Rozwellstaredathim,lipcurled.“Yeah.I’mthelifeoftheparty.”
“Bet.”Avoidingthoseeyesnow,theclerkbaggedthebooze,handedoverthechange.
Afterloadingthesuppliesinthetruck,hewentfortheammo.HeboughtthreeboxesofhollowpointsforhisinheritedColt45.
Andthought:Yeehaw,I’magunslingingsonofabitch.
Fromthere,hehitthemarket.
Chips,cookies,candy,frozenfries—whyhadn’thethoughtofthatbefore?Bacon,sausage,frozenpizza.ThepizzamadehimthinkofMorgan.
“Bitch’llgetwhat’scoming,”hemuttered,andthewomanstandingtwofeetawayheadedintheotherdirection.
Frozendinners—heatandeat!Cheese!Milk!Cereal,bread,butter.Lemons—foranicetequilashot.Bananas.Potatoes,becauseanyonecouldfigureouthowtobakeadamnpotato.
Hefilledtwobasketsbeforehewasdone.
Atcheckout,theclerkstartedringinghimup.Shehadafaceasroundasapiewithglassesthatkeptslidingdownhernose.
Itirritatedhimsomuchheimaginedpunchingherrightinthosestupidglasses,justdrivingthemintohereyessotheybled.
“Lookslikestockingup,”shesaidcheerfully.
Hespreadhislipsinwhathebelievedmadeafriendlysmile.“That’sright.Stockingup.Man’sgottaeat,doesn’the?”
“Yes,sir.”Shekepthereyestrainedontheitems.“Hesuredoes.”
Hecartedthebagsout,loadingthefrozenstuffinthecabwheretheAC,suchasitwas,couldkeepitfrommeltingonthetripback.
Heloadedtherest,foundhimselfnearlyoutofbreathwiththeeffort,theheat.HeunscrewedthecaponthebottleofCokehe’dboughtinthemart,andbroughtitwithhimashegotbehindthewheel.
Anothergoodglugandhenearlychokedonitashisbreathcaught.
Ashestartedtheengine,heglancedintherearviewmirror.
Helosthisbreathagain,andintheheatstillbakingthecab,wentice-cold.
Hesawthem,justwalkingoutofadiner-typeplace,theplacewherehe’dhavehadbreakfastifhehadn’tbeentoohungrytowait.
Butitcouldn’tbe.Amirage,atrickofthelight.Herubbedhiseyesunderhissunglasses,buttheyremained—andmovinghisway.
Thefuckingfeds.Thoseassholes,BeckandMorrison.Righthere,walkingdowntheplankedsidewalk.
Panichadhisearsringing,hiseyeswateringashehitthegas.
Hebeathishandonthewheelashedrove.How?How?How?
Thetruckrattledandshookashepusheditasfastasitcouldgo.Becausetheywererightbehindhim.Rightbehindhim.
Hehadtogetback,fast,toDeadJane’splace.He’dbrokenhisnewruleandleftclothes,equipment,cash—toomuchtoloseagain.He’dbrokentherulebecausetheyshouldn’tbehere.
Whyhadtheycomehere?
Whenhereachedthegate,leapedout,hislegsnearlygavewayunderhim.Fearhadhimsweat-soaked,shakysohisfingersfumbledwiththepadlockkeys.
Buthegotthegateopen,drovethrough,andgatheredhimselftolockitbehindhimagain.Justincase.
Hetoredownthedrive,strugglingtoclearhismindenoughtothink,justthink.He’dtaketheoldwoman’struck.Abeater,butabetterbeaterthanthisone.Andmaybe,somehow,they’dtrackedwhathe’dbeenusing.
He’dlockedthecabin—safetyfirst—sohadtodealwiththoselocks.Inside,herippedthrough,shovinglaundryhehadn’tdonewithlaundryhehad.Hisownbreathsoundedlikeawindstormashegathereduphisequipment,disconnectedsomeofherstotake.
Themoney,themoney,themoney,theIDshe’dcompleted.
Theguns,theammo,theknives—includingtheonethedeadbitchhadstabbedhimwith.
Chickenscluckedandclackedasherantotheshed,draggedthedooropen.Hetossedtoolsintothebedofthetruck,theclangingechoingashethrewinhisboltcutters,apickax,ahatchet,ahammer.
Dustflewashedrovetotheshack,tossedbags,suitcases,briefcasesintothebed.Heforcedhimselftotakemorecarewiththeequipment,stuckthehandgununderthedriver’sseat.Therifleandshotgunwentinthegunrack.
Letthemcome.He’dshootthemtopieces.
Heneededwater,food.
Whenherememberedallthefoodhe’dbought,rageleapedintothefear.
Herippedopenthedoortotheothertruck,draggedoutfrozendinners,frozenpizza,milkjugs,heavingthemintothedirt.Timeandmoneywasted,wasted.
Asheraged,hescreamed.Ashescreamed,somethingalreadycrackedbrokeinsidehim.
Hestood,lookingaroundhimatmilkgluggingontotheground,atthedentedboxesofpotpiesandfriedchickenandgravy,theDoveBarsandextra-sharpcheddar.
Andbegantolaugh,andlaugh,andlaughsohardtearsrandownhischeeks.Hechuckledtohimselfashetransferredtheothergroceries,theliquor,thetowels,fromonetrucktoanother.
Fuckit,fuckthisshit,hewasdonewithit.Timetoclosethebooks.Timeforareckoning.Timeforabitchtopaythegoddamnpiper.
“Thetime’scome,thewalrussaid,”hemutteredashebungee-cordedoneofJane’starpsoverthebedofthetruck
Hestartedtogetintothetruck,thendecidedwhatthehell.Walkingover,herippedopentheboxofDoveBars,yankedoneout,toreoffthewrapper.
Heateitwhilehedrovetothegate.“Adios,Jane!”hecalledoutwhilehefilledhismouthwithicecreamandchocolate.“Thanksforfuckingnothing!”
Heunlockedthegate,drovethrough.Andtossingthepadlockkeysoutthewindow,startedthedriveeast.
AsBeckandMorrisonwalkedacrossthestreettotheircar,thegrocerystoreclerkstoodoutsidethemarketsmokingaMarlborotosettlehernerves.
“Hey!You’rethosefeds,aren’tyou?”
“Ma’am.”Morrisonstoppedatthepassengerdoor,ashe’dlostthetosstodrive.“SpecialAgentsMorrisonandBeck.”
“Debsaidtherewerefedspokingaroundyesterdayaboutsomecrazyguy.Mydayoff.”Shetookalongdrag.“Hadmyowncrazyguyjustabitago.Crazyeyes.Boughtenoughfoodforanarmybattalion.Gavemealook,asmilethatturnedmybloodcold.”
“Isthatright?”Beckfeltalittlehum,walkedover.“Weleftasketchofthemanwe’relookingforwiththemanager.Haveyouseenit?”
“Nah.Iclockin,domyjob,clockout.Mindmyownbusinesslikeeverybodyshould.”
“Wouldyoumindtakingalooknow?”Beckopenedherbriefcase,tookoneofthesketchesoutofafile.
“GuessIcould.I’mtakingmybreakbecauseCrazyEyesshookmeupsome.”Shetookthesketch,shovedatherslidingglasses.Shookherhead.“Nope.Thisguyhadshorterhair,sortofdirtyblond—whatIcouldseeofit.Andhe…”
Pausing,shefrowned.“Waitaminute.Iguessmaybe.It’stheeyes,thosecrazyeyes.Butthisonedidn’thaveabeardsomuchasalotofscruff,andIthinkhehadmoreweightinhisface.Butthoseeyes…”
“Howabouthisheight?”Morrisonasked.“Howtallwouldyousay?”
“Aboutsixfoot.Maybejustunder.”
“Didhesayanything?”
“Yeah,hesaidhowaman’sgottaeat.Isaid,‘Stockingup,’becausehehadtwofullbasketsoffood,andhesaidhowaman’sgottaeat.”
“Didhehaveanaccent?”
“Didn’tsoundlikehe’sfromaroundhere.”Sheshruggedandsmoked.“Morelikebackeast,Iguess.Itmaybecouldbehim,Ican’tsweartoit.Butsomethingwasn’trightaboutthatguy.ThatIcanswearto.”
“Didyouseewhathewasdriving?”
“No,sorry.UsuallyI’d’vecalledforTiny—hestocksshelves—tohelphimloadup,butIdidn’t.Justwantedhimgone.NeversawhimaroundherebeforethatInoticed.AtleastInevercheckedhimoutbefore.Mustn’tlivetoofar,I’dthink,asheboughtashitloadoffrozens.”
Thoughshewasreluctant,theygothernameandcontact.
“Whataretheodds?”Morrisonwondered.
“Goodenoughtodoanotherquickcheck.Ifyou’reRozwell,somehowgotaplacecloseenoughtotowntocomeintobuyfood,whatelsedoyoustockupon?”
“IfI’mholeduphere,I’mgoingtobuyawholelotofalcohol.”
“Yeah,youwould.Let’sfollowthefeeling,Quentin,showhispictureonemoretimeattheliquorstore.”
Whentheywalkedintotheliquorstore,theclerklookedupfromapaperbacknovel.Nottheclerkfromyesterday,Beckthought.Youngerbrothermaybe.
“Helpyou?”
“FBI.SpecialAgentsBeckandMorrison.”Beckheldupherbadge.
Theclerkslidoffhisstool.“Oh,hey!”
“We’relookingforsomeone.”
“Aslongasit’snotme.”
Beckofferedherbestsmile.“No,notyou.Thisman.”
Theclerktookthesketch,shiftedfromfoottofoot.“That’sfunny.Sortof.”
“Whatis?”
“Hekindoflookslikethisfellawhowasinhereaboutanhourago.Aroundtheeyes,hedoes.Andyeah,themouth,Iguess.Ididn’tlikehim.”
“No?”Beckleanedin,justalittle.“Why?”
“Okay,heboughtenoughstockIcould’veclosedthedoorfortheday,andmybrother—heownstheplace—wouldn’thaveknownbecausethedailytakewouldbemorethaniteveris.Buthehadmeanalloverhim—thevibe,right?AndheboughtsomuchIjustsaidhowitlookedlikehewashavingaparty.HegavemealookmademewishI’dkeptmymouthshut.Ithinkthisishim,withshorterhair.What’dhedo?”
“Didyouseewhathewasdriving?”
“Ilookedout,sawhimloadingtheboxesofboozeinapickup.OldChevy,rusted-outred.
“Hey,whatdidhedo?”
Buttheywerealreadyoutthedoor.
“It’shim,Quentin.IswearIfeelitinmyguts.”
“Let’sbringthesheriffinonit.He’sgotaplace.Youdon’tbuyallthatfoodandboozeforadamnroadtriporwhenyou’reinamotel.”
“Hecouldhavehostages—nothisstyle—buttherearehomesandsmallrancheswithinahalfhour’sdriveofTwoSprings.Ormaybethere’saplacethat’sbeenabandoned.Frozenfoodmeanshehasrefrigerationandastoveoramicrowave.Comingintotown,makingatleasttwostopsmeanshefeelssafe.”
Astheymoved,fast,tothesheriff’soffice,theyscannedthestreets.
“Hecouldstillbehere,”Morrisonsaid.“Butthat’sunlikely.Frozenfood.”
“Isgoingtomeltprettyquickinthisheat.Hehastobeclose.”
Thesheriff’sofficehadanouterroomwithadispatchdesk,andtwomoreforthepairofdeputieswhobothworkedpart-time.Intheback,itheldtwocells,aunisexbathroom,andamakeshiftcounterforahotplateandthecoffeepotonit.
TheACwhirledmadly,andsentthesmellofbadcoffeeeverywhere.
SheriffNeederman,arawboned,sunbakedmanofaboutforty-five,hadhisownoffice—withthedooropen.
“Well,FBI.”Hestoodfromhisdesk.“Didn’texpecttoseeyouagain.”
“LucyWiggfromTwoSpringsMarketandKyleGivensfromGivensLiquorsandBeerjustidentifiedGavinRozwellfromoursketch.Hewasinbothplacesthismorning.”
“Well,hell.Aretheysureofthat?”
“Sureenough.Hestockeduponfood—includingfrozenproducts—andalcohol,whichindicateshe’sfoundaholecloseby.Closeenough.Weneedtostartasearch.”
“We’llsurehelpwiththat.I’vegotonedeputyoutonacall,andI’llbringtheotheronein.I’llnotifystate,havesomeheadinhere.”
“He’sdrivingaredChevypickup.Oldermodel,fromwhatwe’retold.Youknowthearea,Sheriff.Let’shavesomebestguesses.”
“Letmemakethosecallsandthinkonit.”
Whenhehad,hespreadoutamap.“Thesehouseshere,here?Fewandfarbetweenmaybe,butpeople’llnoticeastranger.Differentstorywhenyoumoveouthere,orintothemountains.Hardscrabbleranches,hardscrabblepeoplewholivethatlifebecausetheydon’twantpeoplearound.Andyou’llhaveyourpreppers,survivalists,anti-every-fucking-thingtypes.Theywouldn’tsetoutthewelcomematforhim—orus,cometoit.”
“Leaningtothat,wholivesalone?Nofamily—toomuchtrouble,”Becksaidtoherpartner.“Easiertotakedownoneperson.He’dwantprivacyifhedecidedtodigahole.”
“There’sRiley—formermarine—pissandvinegarinonepackage.”Needermantappedonthemap.“Hisplaceisadamnfortress.Andthere’sJaneBoot—herhusbandpassedawhileback,butshestuck.Comesin,sellseggs,goat’smilkaboutonceamonth.Toughasnails,preppingforwarortheRapture,whichevercomesfirst.”
“Thewoman,”Morrisonsaid.“He’dgoforthewomanbeforehe’dtakeonamarine.”
“Let’sgofindout.”
“I’llleadtheway.She’sgotnophone—doesn’tbelieveinthem—andshe’sgotherplacegatedandbarbedwiredoff.I’vegotboltcuttersinthetruck.Ifshe’sbacktheremilkingthatdamngoat,sheisgonnabepissed.”
Twentyminuteslater,theypulledupattheopengate.
Needermanangledhistruckacrossittoblockanyexit,thensteppedout.Hepickedupasetofkeys,shookhisheadwhenBeckopenedherwindow.
“NowayJanewouldleavethisgateopen.Keysontheground.Sonofabitch.”
“Doyouhavebodyarmor,Sheriff?”
Hetippedbackhishat.“Yeah,yeah.Sonofabitch,”hesaidagain.“She’dneverleavethegateopen.”
“Let’ssuitup.Callforbackup.MypartnerandIwilltaketheleadfromhere.He’sourquarry.”
HeaimedahardlookatMorrison.“IfhehurtJane,he’sminenow,too.”
Afterthey’dputonvests,theydrovethroughthegate.
“He’snothereanymore,Tee.Hegotawhiffofus,that’swhatthismeans.”
Facegrim,shekeptdriving.
“There’stheredtruck,andgroceriesallovertheground.Frontdooropen,thatoutbuildingdooropen.”
“Somebodyhadatempertantrum,”Morrisonmuttered.
“Lookslikeit,butlet’snotgetshotbeingwrong.”
Shedrovebetweentheoutbuildingandthecabin,andusingthecarasashield,theygotout.
“GavinRozwell!ThisistheFBI.Comeoutwithyourhandsup.”
Nosoundbutchickensclucking,pigsrooting.
Shepickeduparock,tossedittodrawfire.Andnothingstirred.Shetossedanothersoitbangedagainstthehouse.
“Okay,Quentin,let’sclearit.”
Theycameoutofcover,stayedlowastheyrantothedoor.Hesweptfirst,wentinhighasshesweptandwentlow.
Theplacesmelledofsweatanddustandlookedlikethesceneofabarfight.
Theyclearedit,andtheshed.
“ShehasaFordRangerpickup,a…2015or’16,Ithink—andI’llconfirmthat,”Needermantoldthem.“Blue,amediumblue,andI’llgettheplates.Wouldhehavetakenherwithhim?”
“That’sverydoubtful.”
Herubbedthebackofhisneck.“I’mgoingtolookaroundforher,”hetoldBeck.“Andthegoat.”
“Hehadtoseeus,thismorning.Hehadtoseeus,orwhyrunlikethisafterbuyingallthefood?”Beckhadtostopherselffromkickingthemeltingpackages.“Hecameoutofthemarketandsawus.Orhe’dloadedupalready.Likelythat.Hegotinthetruck,drovehere,didthis,gotwhathewanted,andwent.”
“Runningagain,Tee.”Becausetheybothneededit,heputahandonhershoulder.“He’srunningagain,runningscaredandmadwithit.Let’sgetthealertsoutonhertruck.”
“She’sbackhere!”Needermancalledout.“Andthegoat.Jesus,what’sleftofthem’sbackhere.Hejustdumpedherontheground,”hesaidwhentheyjoinedhim.“Justtossedheronthegroundforthescavengers.”ChapterThirty
MorganopenedthedoorforJakeonasultrymidmorningthatbeggedforstorms.
“Comein.ShouldImakecoffee?Arewegoingtoneedit?”
Heshutthedoorbehindhim.“Whydon’twegoforsomethingcold.Yourladiesaround?”
“No,they’reatwork.”
Whateverhe’dcometotellher,itwasbad.Shefeltthebadcrawlingunderherskin.
“Idon’tthinkthesuntea’sfinishedyet,butwe’vegotCokes.”
“That’llbegreat.Morgan,areyouokayhearingaboutRozwellfromme?YoucancontacttheFBIifyouwantitstraightfromthesource.”
“Iappreciateyoutakingthetimetotellmeyourself.”Steady,shethought,lookhowsteadyherhandswereasshefilledglasseswithice.Thepanicdayswereover.
“Hekilledsomeoneelse,didn’the?Icanjustfeelitknottedinmystomach.”
“Yes.Whydon’twesitdownhereandI’lltellyoueverythingtheygaveme.I’lltellyouwhathappenedyesterdayinNevada.”
“Nevada.Sotheywererightabouthimgoingsouth.Ilikeknowingtheywereright.It’ssomething.”
Ashetoldher,Morgansatback,stunned.“Ican’tseeit,Ihonestlycan’tseehimlivinginsomeprepper’scabininthemiddleofnowhere.Icanseehimkillingher,andI’msorryforit,buttherest?”
“Youbrokehim.That’smytakeonit.Youbrokehisstreak,andthatbrokehim.I’llgivecredittotheFBI,andBeck’ssolidinstincts,butsheandherpartnerwouldbethefirsttoadmithittingthattownthesamemorningRozwellcameinforsupplieswasjustblindluck.”
“Andtheythinkhewasthereacoupleofweeks?”
“Closetothree.They’vetrackedhisvictimtoherlasttripintotown.It’snotunusualfornoonetoseeherforamonth,evenmore.Theyhavehercomingintoselleggs,milk,someleathergoods.Sheboughtsupplies,gasseduphertrucknearlythreeweeksago.Andthey’vetrackedRozwellbacktoamotelaboutthirtymilesaway,upuntilthedayshewentintoTwoSprings.”
“Isee.Isee.”
“Shewasactiveinonlinegroups—preppers,survivalists,religiousfringes.Astheyseeit,hekeptthatupoffandon,buttheytellmetheycanseesubtledifferencesinherpostsandresponsesstartingnineteendaysago—thenightaftershewentinforsupplies.”
Jakehesitated,thenwenton.“They’lldoanautopsyofthebody,andmaybeabletodeterminewhenshedied.Morgan,everypersontheyinterviewedthathadanycontactwithhimyesterdaystatedtheysawsomethingwronginhim.Heeithercouldn’thideit,ordidn’tbother.Shehadguns,Morgan.Ashotgun,arifle—theyfoundspentshellsscatteredaround.AndshehabituallycarriedaColtonherhip.”
“Alotofgoodthatdidher.”
“Thepointis,hetookthem.HeleftanAR-15,sowecanbegratefulthere,buthehastherest.AndheboughtammofortheColtwhenhewenttotown.He’sneverusedgunsbefore.”
“He’snotthesameashewasbefore.”
“Theprofilersagreewiththat.Everythingtheyfoundatthatcabinsayshe’slostcontrol.”Becauseheconsideredthemfriends,becauseshewouldbecomeakindofsistertohim,Jakereachedforherhand.
“Theirthinkingishe’llhavenochoicebuttocomehere.”
“Partofthat’sareliefbecauseyou’realwayswaitingtohearthedoorcreakopen,toseethemonsterleapout.It’salwaysthere,Jake,nomatterwhatIdo.It’slikesomerodenttunnelingholesunderagarden.Itlookssettledandpretty,butit’salljustwaitingtocollapse.”
Shelookeddownatherdrink,thenupintohiseyes.“You’reworried,sincehetooktheguns,he’lljustshootme.WhenI’mgoingouttomycarorrunningerrands.Hewon’t.Hecan’t.It’stoofastandfinal.”
“He’snotthesameashewas,”Jakerepeated.
“No,butyoucan’tchangewhoyouareatthebase,inthecore.Heneedstohurtme,toseemeafraid.Hehastopaymebackforeverythingthatwentwrongforhimsince…sinceNina.”
Aftergivingherselfashake,shereachedforherdrink.
“Ican’tbelieveIonlyknewhimforacoupleofweeks,andIseehimsoclearly.Theideaofhimlivingthewayyousaidforweeks…No,hehastopaymebackforthat.Killingmeisn’tenoughunlessIsufferfirst.”
“IcanagreewithyouandstillworryI’mwrong.”
“Hetookeverythingfromme,Jake,everythingbutmylife.Andlook.”Shespreadherhands.“Noteventwoyearslater,I’mokay.Morethanokay.Ihaveahome,family,amanwholovesme.Ihaveagoodjob,agoodlife.Ihavefriends.He’stheonewholost.He’stheonewho’srunninganddesperate.Killingmequickwon’tmakeupforthat.It’spersonal.”
Asthedoorbellsounded,sheautomaticallypulledoutherphonetocheck.“It’s…flowerdelivery.It’s…”
ShepassedthephonetoJake.
Hiseyeswentcoolbeforeherose.“I’lldealwithit.”
Ittookheramomenttogatherherselfandfollowhim.Sheknewafuneralwreathwhenshesawone.AtthedoorwhileJakequestionedthestunneddeliverywoman,Morganstudiedthewreathanditsmessage.
Morgan,alwaysremember.
Shewould,shethought.Shewouldalwaysremember.
Becauseheknewchangingtheplateswouldn’tbeenough,Rozwellboughtapaintsprayer,somepea-greenpaint,andonastretchofdesertroad,coatedtheblueofJane’struck.
Itlookedlikeshit,andhehadtospendtimewipingpaintoffthehead-andtaillights,buthisridenolongermatchedthedescription.
Hefigureditwouldholdforawhile,especiallygiventheyahoocopsinthispartoftheworld.
Hecouldn’triskmotels,nomatterhowcrapworthy,sodrovestraightthrough,intoUtah,drovefromdayintonight,fueledbyrageandfear,andcaffeineandcarbs.
Timetoreestablishgoodhabits,hedecided,sodrovetotheairportinSaltLaketotakeamuch-needednapinlong-termparking.
Hewoke,hotandmiserable,beforedawn,butdecidedhisluckwasbackinwhenhespottedaminivan,completewithaBABYONBOARDsign,thatmust’veparkedwhilehe’dtakenhissiesta.
Easilyfifteenyearsold,heestimated,butwhistleclean.
Ittookhimmorethanahalfhour,buthegotin,disabledthealarm,gotitstarted—hadn’tlosthistouch!—andtransferredeverythingfromthetrucktothevan.
Ithadtwohundredthousandmilesonit,butitwoulddothejob,gethimintoColorado,ahalfwaydecentmotel—nothotelsyet,hewarnedhimself.
Ahotshower,timetogroom,eat,sleep,andmapoutthebestroutetoMorgan.
WithMiles,MorganclosedthebaronFridaynight.
“Beckcalledmeafewhoursago.”
Hestoppedwhathewasdoing.“Andyou’rejusttellingme?”
“Wewerebusy;youwerebusy.Andnow’sasgoodasthen.Asecurityguardspottedthetruckhewasdrivinginlong-termparking,SaltLakeCityairport.He’dtriedspray-paintingit,butthebluebledthrough.Ittookthemsometimetoidentifywhathe’dtakenfromthere.Aredminivan.AKia,Ithinkshesaid.He’dcoveredalotofdistance,buttheytrackedwherehe’dstayedataDaysInn,inColorado.”
“Whydon’twesitdown?”
“No,I’mgood.I’mgood.HedumpedthevaninaWalmartparkinglotinSouthDakota.HecarjackedanSUV,atgunpoint,tiedtheowner—asixty-year-oldwoman—withbungeecords,gaggedher,shovedherintothevan.Heknockedherunconscious,gaveheraconcussion,buthedidn’tkillher.That’ssomething.
“They’refollowingupwhatAgentBecksaysisaverycrediblesightinginMinnesota,andshedoesn’tthinkhe’llkeeptheSUVlong,doesn’tbelievehe’llrisktryingforanyofhiscontactstotradeit.They’vegottheairportinMinneapolisonalert.”
“Isthatit?”
“That’sitfornow.”
“Morgan.”Hetookherhand,theonethatworehisring.“Thismeanssomething.”
“Itmeanseverything.”
“Andbusydoesn’t,”headded.“Whentheytellyouanythingaboutthissonofabitch,Iknowaboutit.Notafterbusy.Iknowaboutit.Nowaittimeallowed.Justlikeyoutextmeeverynightyou’renotwithmewhenyougethome.Likethat,thisisn’tnegotiable.”
“You’reright.I’msorry.”
“Idon’tcareaboutsorry.”
“No,youdon’t.”Smiling,shelaidahandonhischeek.“ButI’msorryanyway.”
“Youcouldmoveinwithmenow.”
“Iwouldn’tfeelrightoreasyleavingtheladiesalone,notwhenitreallydoeslooklikehe’scoming.”
“Icanmoveinwithyou.”
Hewould,shethought.He’dhateit,buthewould.
“Thehouseisassecureasitcanget.AndtomorrowI’mgoingtoaskJentogivemesomeself-defenserefreshers.Listentome,okay?BecauseI’vethoughtalotaboutthis.Maybehecouldhavekilledmebefore.Iwasn’tprepared—andstill,maybenot.HekilledNina,buthetookherbysurprise,andshewassick,andshewastiny,Miles.ButnowIamprepared,andhewon’tsurpriseme.AndI’mstrongerthanIwas.More?I’mpissed.”
“Allofthat’sgood,Morgan.Andstill.”
“Thepolicearepatrollingthestreet.I’vegotadeputyfollowingmehomefromworkeverynight.Iexpectwe’llhaveacoporafedcampedinthelivingroomifhegetsasfarastheVermontborder.”
“Ifhegetsthatfar,I’mcampedtherewiththem.”
“Deal.Anddon’tbemad,butIneedhimtocome.Ineedthisoveranddone.Iwanttolookatweddingdressesandbouquets,decideonwhatsongwewantforourfirstdance,andpickjusttherightshadeoflilacforyourmorningcoat.”
“You’regoingtodoallof—What?No.”
“Iwassavingthelilactothrowyouoff.Thisseemedlikeagoodtime.Nowlet’scloseRozwellaway,andgohome.”
“Fine.Nolilac.”
“Well,ifIgowithpeonieswithlilacs,maybejustalittleoneforaboutonniere.ThenIstartthinkingaboutdelphiniumandsweetpeasortulipsandspirea.Don’tgetmestarted.”
“OfthingsIwanttodo,gettingyoustartedonbouquetscomesclosetodeadlast.”
Outside,hetookherhandagain,andthoughthecouldsmellthefirstrealhintoffallintheair.“Howabout‘StandbyMe’?”
“Youwanttowatchamovietonight?”
“Notthemovie.Thesong.Firstdance.BecauseIwill,andyoudamnwellbetterdothesame.”
Herstressdroppedtomakewayforthegooeyshefeltinside.“Youhavebeenthinkingaboutweddingstuff.”
“Thestuffoccasionallycrossesmymind.”
“Iacceptyoursongnomination—it’sareallygoodone—ifyou’llacceptthelilacsprigifIgothere.”
“Justasprig?”
Sheheldupherthumbandindexfingertoindicatesmall.
“Icansignontothat.”
Sheturnedintohim,wrappedaroundhim.“Iloveyou,Miles.”
“Anotherthingyoudamnwellbetter.”
Later,whiletheyslept,RozwellcrossedintoWisconsindrivingaDodgepickuphe’dboughtforcashoffausedcarlotinSt.Paul.
He’dmadesomeplans.
Morgandealtwiththepackagesthatcame,thechargestoheraccount,reportedthem.Andkeptherownlogofthem.
AsSeptemberarrived,shesatdownwithherladies.
“Iknowthisworriesyou,butthat’swhathe’stryingtodo.Worryus,getundermyskin.Butwhatallthissaystomeishe’sdesperate.”
“Desperate’sdangerous,”Oliviapointedout.
“Yes,andIwon’tberecklessorcareless.He’sbeendrivingfordays,barelystopping.Theyknowwhathe’sinnowbecauseheboughtapickupforcashinSt.Paul.TheFBI’sworkingwiththecreditcardcompany.I’mnotusingthecard,foranything.Andtheyreportedanewchargeyesterday.”
“Forwhat?”Audreydemanded.“Whatnow?”
“Hemust’veheardaboutthewedding.Heorderedtwodozenblackroses.”
“Withacard?Don’tsugarcoatit,Morgan.”
“I’mnot,Gram.I’mnot.Itjustsaid‘NoWedding,OneFuneral.’It’snotsmart,”shehurriedon,becausehermotherwentpale.“Justnotsmart.Allthesedigs.Everyone’sawarningwhenheshouldbekeepingitquiet.
“There’smore.”
“Let’shaveit.Allatonce,”Oliviatoldher.
“They’vegotsecurityfeedofhimonthecarferrycrossingtoMichigan.Hemust’vehadthetruckprofessionallypainted,changedthetags,buttheycaughthimonit.He’sblondagain,nobeard.Stillcarryingtheweight.”
“It’slikehe’sleavingthematrailagain,”Audreymurmured.“Likehedidbefore.”
“Itdoes,andthey’reconsideringthatbecausethey’vetrackedhimheadingsouthandintoIndiana.”
“Whydothat?”NowOliviarose,pacedaroundthekitchen.“WhynotcutovertoOhio,skirtthelakes,andkeepgoingtowardVermont?”
“Idon’tknow,Gram.ItalkedtoAgentBeckforalongtime.Theyhavetheories.He’stryingtothrowthemoffagain.He’slookingforaplacewherehecouldhideforafewdays,catchuponsleep,waitthemout.Waitmeout.Cleanhimselfup,becausetheysayhelooksrough.Whattheyknowishedroveatleasttwohundredmilesoutofhisway—ifhe’scominghere.AndIknowthey’repracticallyontopofhim.”
“Notgoodenough.”
“Theyagree.IcanhearAgentBeck’sfrustration.Ididn’twanttoleaveforworkwithouttellingyou.Rightnowhe’soverathousandmilesaway,andpossiblytakinganothertime-out.IhavetoaskyoutoshiftgearsbecauseIhavetoleaveforworkinacoupleminutes.IwanttoshowyouthedressIfound.”
Shepulledupherphone,swipedforthesite.
“Oh,Morgan,it’sbeautiful!Simple,sleek.”
Morganfelthermusclesrelaxathermother’sapproval.Audreyknewwhatworked.
“Iwantedsimple.Gorgeousbutsimple.”
“Andyoufoundsimplygorgeous.Ilovethelineswithjustthesubtleflairoftheskirt.Butyou’renotbuyingaweddingdressonline.”
“Butyousaid—”
“Thestyle’sveryyou,andveryspringgardenwedding,butyou’renotgoingonlineforyourweddingdress.We’llmakeanappointmentatthebridalshopinWestridgenextweek.It’salovelyplace.YouneedtoaskMiles’smother,grandmother,sister—andJen.”
“Oh,but—”
“Alotofpeople,alotofopinions,yes.”Audreypattedherhand.“Butit’sanimportantrite.Andyouneedtotouchthedress,tryiton,besure.”
“Icanalwayssenditbackif—”
“Howaboutthis?”Whenshewantedtosteamroll,Audreymowedthemdown.“Ifyoucan’tfindwhatyoulove,whatyouwant,whatmakesyouglow,youcanordertheoneonlinewithoutapeepfromme.AndI’mbuyingthedress.”
“Mom.”
“Pleaseletme.”Nowhereyesfilled.“Iwantto,somuch.Iwanttogiveyouthat.”
“Don’targue,Morgan.It’srudetorefuseagiftthatcomeswithlove.Thisweddingisourgift,yourmother’sandmine.It’snotwho’spaying,babyofmybaby.It’saboutbeingpartofthelove.AndIexpectanyargumenttocomefromthegroom’sfamily.Andwe’llbepreparedtocompromise.That’spartofthelove.”
“Ialreadystartedaspreadsheet,andabudget.”
“Ofcourseyoudid.Oh,she’ssolikeyou,Mom.Shesuredidn’tgetthatpracticalsidefromme.Nowyoucantossthoseoutandthinkofthefunstuff.Yourcolors,theflowers,themusic,theguestlist.We’lltryfornextMondayforthebridalshopappointment.Thatwayyouwon’thavetoworryaboutgoingtowork,andwecanallhavefun.”
“We’lltalk,butnowIdohavetogotowork.IneedtotellMileseverythingIjusttoldyou—before.Wemadeadeal.”
HeledthemsouthtowardIndianapolis,wherehe’drentedagaragewithafreshnewcreditcard.Hetuckedthetruckinside,thentookanUbertotheairport’sprivateterminal.
He’ddonnedadarkwigfashionedintoamanbun,hadtakentimeandcarewithaverytrimgoatee.Hecarriedhislaptop,acarry-on,andhadthemboardhissinglesuitcase.Hedidn’tworryabouthisidentificationpassing—he’dtakentimeandcarethereaswell.
HehadaglassofwineontheflighttoMiddlebury,Vermont,andatetwobagsofchipsfromthecomplimentarysnackbasket.
Hejustcouldn’tquitthem.
Privatemeantnosecuritychecksofhisluggage.TheColtsnuggledsafeinhissuitcase,asdidtheknife.
BythetimetheytrackedhimfromIndianapolis—iftheyeverdid—he’dhavefinishedwhathestarted.Hisluckwouldcomeinagain.
Thenexttimeheflew,he’dflytosomelovelytropicalbeachwithafive-starhotel.Andthesepasthorriblemonthswouldfadeawaylikeabaddream.
“Something’soff.”
Beckstoodinyetanothermotelroom,studyingyetanothermap.“It’soff,Quentin.”
“He’splayingusagain.”
“Youfeelit,too.There’snootherpurposeforhimcomingthisfaroutofhisway.He’ssteadyingup.He’snotsteady,buthe’sgettingthere.He’sgotaplannow.That’swhatI’mfeeling.”
“Weshouldheadnortheast.Leavethisareawiththeagentsinchargehere,thelocals,andtakeadirectroutetoVermont.”
“I’mfeelingthat.Butmore.”Sheturnedtohim.“Let’sgowheelsupandgetthere.Iwanttoseeher,seeMorgan.Iwanttoseethesetupinthehouse,theresortagain,talkface-to-facewiththechiefofpolice.Gooverresortsecuritypointbypoint.I’mgettingthissickfeelingagain.”
“We’llhavetoclearit.”
“Let’sdothat.Iwanttobethere.”
“Andwecanbacktrackfromthere.Ithinkheditchedthetruck,Tee.Heboughtit,thenheditchedit.”
“SodoI.Let’sjustgothere,spendsometimeassessing.Ifwe’rewrong,wetakeahit.”
“Weweren’twrongbefore.”
RozwelllandedinMiddleburyafterasmoothflight.Therentalcarhe’darrangedwaited.WhenheslidontotheleatherseatsoftheMercedessedan,hefeltanalmostgiddywaveofpleasure.
“Iamback!”Giggling,hestrokedhisfingersoverthewheel,grinnedattheloadeddash.“Nowwe’retalking,nowwe’retalking,nowwe’refuckingtalking!”
HehummedalittletuneashepluggedinMorgan’saddressontheGPS.
Thirty-twominutessoundedjustfine.
WhenMileswalkedintoAprès,Morganhadacocktailshakerineachhandassheengagedtwowomenatthebarinconversation.Alittleshowmanship,hethoughtasshepouredthedrinks,addedaskewerofthreefatolivestoeach.
Shehadaknackforit.Bothwomentoastedheraftertheirfirstsip,andshetookabow.
“It’sallinthewrist,”sheclaimed,thencaughtsightofMiles.
Hewalkeduptothebar,butspoketoBailey.
“Lastnightwithus.”
“Yes.I’mgoingtomisseveryone.Morganhelpedmelandaninterviewataclubjustoffcampus.”
“Letusknow,andifyouwantworknextsummer,you’vegotaplacehere.IneedMorganforacoupleminutes.Canyoutakeover?”
“Sure.Ihadreallygoodtraining.”
Morgankeptthethoughtsbubblinginherheadasshewalkedoutsidewithhim.
“Ithoughtyou’dleftfortheday.Isit—”
“Nothingtoworryabout,andI’monmywayout.Thefedsareontheirway—orwillbeshortly.”
“Here.Why?”
Hesteeredhertowardthepathswindingthroughthegardens.
Thenightshadcooled,andthefirsttouchesofcolortintedthehills.
“Apparently,theywanttoassessyoursecurity.Jake—theycontactedhim,hecontactedme—thinkstheywanttogetagaugeonyouasmuchasthat.”
“Okay,that’sgood.That’sactuallygood.I’dliketoseetheminperson.Icangetmyowngauge.”
“JakewantsthemtoassignanagenttoWestridge,andI’lladdmyweighttothat.”
“Miles,hecoulddecidetocomeheretomorrow.Orsixmonthsfromnow.HowlongamIgoingtobeguardedandwatchedover?”
“Aslongasittakes.Youliveyourlife,Morgan.That’swhatyou’vedone,whatyou’redoing,anditdoesn’tchange.He’snotgoingtochangethat.Butwhenandifhecomeshere,we’regoingtohaveeveryavailableresource.AndI’mgoingtotalktoyourladiestomorrow.”
“Aboutwhat?”
“Aboutmestayingacouplenightsaweek.You’rewithmethreenights,I’mwithyoutwoorthreenights.It’sanicebalance.Wecanargueaboutitlater—you’reontheclock—butit’shappening.”
“Thisisthesecondtimetonightsomebodyjustrolledoverme.Idon’tlikeit.”
“Can’tblameyou,butit’sstillhappening.Youcanseethefirsthintsofcolorinthetrees.”Helookedoutandawaytotheriseofhillsandpeaks.“Timepasses,seasonschange.Whatdoesn’tchangeandwon’t?Youbelongtomenow.”
“Oh,waitjusta—”
“Webelongtoeachother.We’repeoplewhotakecareofwhat’sours,aren’twe?”
“Idon’tseethatasassmoothasaveasyouthinkitis.”
“Maybenot,but…it’sstilltruth.Ihavetogofeedthedog.You’lltextmewhenyougethome.”
“AssoonasIwavegoodbyetoDeputyHoweandclosethefrontdoorbehindme.”
“Lockitbehindyou.”
“Yeah,yeah,yeah.Thenextthingyou’llwantacodeorsomesortofsafeword.”
“We’lltalkaboutwheremymindwenton‘safeword,’butit’snotabadidea.”Frowningnow,hethoughtitthrough.“Theoppositeofasafeword’snotabadidea.”
“Great.IfI’minastrugglewithRozwell,who’dhavemanagedtogetpastDeputyHowe,throughthealarmsystem,andintothehouse,I’lljustsayholdonwhileItextMilesourunsafeword.Pineapple.”
“Pineapple’sstupid.”Hegaveheranabsentkissontheforeheadasheconsideredit.
“Oh,pineapple’sstupid?”
“Inthiscontext.WorkHowlintothetext.”
“You’reserious?”
“Everyavailableresource.OrIcanhangoutuntilclosing,takeyouhomemyself.”
“Thenlookunderthebedandinalltheclosets?”
Evenasshesaidit,sheunderstood.Heworried.Ofcourseheworriedwhenhewasn’trightthere.Couldn’tcontrolthesituation.
“We’lltrytheotherwayinstead.Gohome,sitinyourturret,andanswerallthetextsandemailsandwhateverelseyoudidn’tmanagetogettoinanormalworkday.AndifItextsomethinglike‘SaygoodnighttoHowl,’comerunning.”
“Countonit.”
Inthekitchen,OliviaandAudreydealtwiththelastofthedinnerdishesandtalkedaboutwhatremainedinthetopoftheirminds.
Weddingplans.
“Wecanlookforourdressesatthebridalshop.”Audreyhand-washedthewineglassesthey’dusedatdinner.“WehavetolookperfectwhenwewalkMorgandowntheaisle.Orwhatever’sgoingtostandfortheaisle.Istillgettearythatshewantsusto.”
“Noflounces,Audrey.Thegirlwantssimple.”
“Simple—flounce-free—butperfect.”
Oliviapickedupaclothtodrythestemware.“TheybetterpickasolidbandbecauseIwanttodancemyassoff.Who’dhavethought,baby,thatwhenshecameherelastwinter,we’dbeplanningaweddingfornextspring?”
“We’llnotonlyknowshe’shappy,Mom.We’llseeit.We’llgettobeapartofthelifeshe’sbuilding.I’llnevertakethatforgranted.Never.”
“You’regoingtogetsloppyandsentimentalonmeagain,whichmakesmesloppyandsentimental.SoIsayweknockitoffandgowatchamovie.”
“I’dlikeamovie.”
“I’llmakethepopcorn.”
“I’lljusttakeoutthistrash.Andlet’spicksomethinghappy,”sheaddedasshetiedupthekitchenbag,thenpulledouttherecyclebin.
Shecarriedbotharoundthesideofthehouse,droppedthetiedbaginitscan,dumpedthetrashforrecyclinginits
Sheneverheardhim,notuntilhisarmwrappedaroundherthroatandthegunpressedagainsthertemple.
“Makeasound,andI’llshootyouinthehead.YoumustbeMom.Let’sgointhehouse,Mom.”
“Morgan’snothere.She’snothere.”
“Iknowthat.”Ratherthanpressthetrigger,heturnedthegun,gaveheragoodsmackwiththebutt.“YouthinkI’mstupid?DidshetellyouIwasstupid?Move!”
Hervisionblurred—tears,pain,fear—ashedraggedhertothekitchendoor.
“Gotitgoing,”Oliviasaid.“Makingtwobowlssinceyou’refussyaboutthesalt.”Thensheturned,froze.
“AndyoumustbeGram.Downonthefloor,Grandma,face-fucking-down,orIblowMom’sheadcleanoff.”
Hissneerwidenedintoagrin.“Hey!Isthatpopcorn?”ChapterThirty-one
Hethoughtaboutjustkillingthemboth.Notwiththegun—toomuchnoise.ButhehadDeadJane’sknife,andhehadotherways.
Wouldn’titbefuntowatchherfacewhenshecamehomeandsawtheirbloodybodies?
Butthat’swhathappenedwith—whatwasthelittlebitch’sname?Whocares.Ithadn’tbeenenough,justnotpainfulenough.
Thistime,he’dmakeherwatchhimkillthem.Thatwaywhenhekilledher,she’dhavethoseimagesinherhead.
She’dsuffer,andsheneededtosuffer.She’dpay,andsheneededtopay.
Hehadanuglyscaronhisarm—herfault.He’dgainedweight—herfault.Andjustafewhoursbefore,oneofhisbackteethhadstartedaching.Herfault.
Everyhourhe’dspentinamustymotelroom,everymilehe’ddriveninsomepiece-of-shittruckorvan,herfault.
Hedeservedthebest,hadearnedthebest.Andoncehekilledher,itwouldallcomeback.Allhisbadlucklivedinher.
He’dhadthebitchesdragthenice,sturdydiningroomchairsintothelivingroom,thenmadetheoldonezip-tietheotheronetoachair.He’dhadtogiveheracoupleofsmacks,buthedidn’tmindthat.
He’dzip-tiedoldGrandmahimself,niceandtight,thenusedarollofducttapeforgoodmeasure.They’dtriedtotalkwithhim,allquietvoicesortearfulpleas,sohe’djustslappedmoreducttapeovertheirmouths.
Hepacedawhile,scopingoutthehouse,shovingpopcorninhismouth.
Whenheheardthechairsrattling,hewentbackin.
“Keepitupandwe’llseehowyoulikeabulletintheknee,ormaybethegut.”Hesatonthesofafacingthem,thepopcornbowlinhislap.“Whenshecomesin,she’llseeyou.That’sphaseone.She’llknowit’sherfault.It’sallherfault.Doyouhaveanyideawhatshecostme?Whatshetookfromme?”
Asangerbuiltup,theragespewedout.“I’vebeenlivinglikesomederelict,somefailure,andshe’slivinghere?Ibetshe’sgotabig,softbedupstairs—I’lltakealooklater.Big,oldhouse—gotsomeantiques,Isee,somefrickingheirlooms.Howcomeshegetsthatwhensheruinedmylife?I’mheretotakeitback,yougetthat?I’mtakingitallback.”
Hereachedformorepopcorn,foundthebowlempty,andthrewitacrosstheroom.Glassshattered,flew.
Inaflash,hisfacewentfromfurytocalmandcontemplative.
“NowI’mthirsty.Let’sseewhatyou’vegot,andifIhearasoundinhere,Morgan’llfindyoubothdeadinapoolofblood.”
Whentheyheardhimmovingaroundinthekitchen,Oliviashiftedagain—quietly—soAudreycouldtrytomaneuverherhand,herfingers,topullthecellphonefromhermother’spocket.
Thehardplastictiedugintoherwrist,drewblood,butshekepttrying,feltherheartpoundingwhenherfingersbrushedagainstthetopedge.
Thentheyheardhimcomingback.
“Youbitchesareloaded.”HetookalongpullfromabottleofCoke.“Somenicewineinthere,butI’llsavethatforafter.Ineedaclearheadtodomywork.Andspeakingofloaded.”
Hestrodeover,rippedthetapefromOlivia’smouth,beamedattheshockofpainthatranoverherface.“Thishouseisworthabundle,andyou’vegotawholelotmoretuckedintobrokerageaccounts,businessaccounts.Noreasoninthisworldawomanlikeyoushouldhaveallthat.Money’saman’sprivilege,Granny.”
“I’llsignitallovertoyou.Youcanwalkawaywitheverypennyanddisappear.Livethelifeyoudeserve.”
“That’swhattheyallsay—ifIgivethemthechance.Idon’twantyoutogivemeafuckingthing.Itake.Understand?”
Heclosedhishandoverherthroat.“Understand!”
Whenshenodded,hereleasedthepressure.“Ibetyou’vegotanicelaptop.You’regoingtotellmewhereitis,tellmethepassword,orI’mgoingtogetoneofthoseplasticbagsyou’vegotinthekitchen,putitoverthisone’shead.Andyoucanwatchmesmotherhertodeath.”
Shetoldhim.
Whenhewenttogetit,Audreytriedforthephoneagain.
BaileystayedtoclosethebarwithMorgan.
“Youkeepintouch,”Morgantoldher.“Iwanttohearhowschool’sgoing,thejob’sgoing—becauseyouwillgetit—howeverything’sgoing.”
“Iwill.Promise.I’mexcitedtogoback,butI’mgoingtomissyou,andeveryone.Maybeyoucansaveaslotformeatthebaroverwinterbreak.”
“Ifyouwantit,you’vegotit.”
Baileytookalastlookaround.“Summer’sreallyover.”
“She’sgotalittlelifeinheryet,butyeah,youcanfeelherstartingtobowout.It’llbemyfirstautumninVermont.”
“Ididn’trealizethat.”
“Army,school.SoChristmas,somesummervisits.I’mlookingforwardtoit.”Andtoalltheautumnsthatcameafter.“Ready?”
“Yeah.Untilwinterbreak.”
Theywalkedouttogether.MorgansawDeputyHoweleaningonhispatrolcar,talkingwithoneofthenightsecurityteam.
Routinenow,shethought.Copsandguards,allroutine.
Baileyturned,wrappedherinahug.“Pleasestaysafe.”
“That’stheplan.Andyoukickgradschool’sbutt.”
“Alsotheplan.”
Shewalkedtohercar.“Jerry,Deputy.”
“Night,Morgan.Youdrivesafenow.”
“Hardtodootherwisewithacopinmyrearview.”
Asshedrove,shelettheworkportionofthedayslideaway,letherselfthinkaboutthenext.Somelaundry,ahairappointmentwheresheintendedtoshowthestylistthetypeofdressshehadinmindsotheycouldstrategizeweddinghair.
Nellhadrecommendedaphotographer—oneherladiesagreedonaswell.Sheneededtosetupanappointment.Sheknewalotofcouplesdidengagementphotos,butshedidn’tthinksheandMileswerethatcouple.
Andshehadtheselfiesfromthehike.
Thelittlespikesofannoyanceshe’dfeltforhimearlierhadsmoothedrightover.Heworried,sheremindedherself,becausehelovedher.Ifsheacceptedlove—andboy,didshe—thensheacceptedwhatcamewithit.
Maybeshethoughttheunsafewordsilly,butitcouldbesomethingthey’dlaughaboutyearsfromnow.WhileRozwellsatinamaximumsecurityprison.
Hewaitedupforhertexts.Hedidn’tsayso,buthemust,asheansweredthemwithinseconds.Just:Getsomesleep.Or:Talktomorrow.Neverjust:Goodnight
Buthewaitedeverynighttheyweren’ttogetheruntilheknewshe’dgottenhomesafe.Sheshouldbegrateful.
“Iamgrateful.”
Shepulledintoherdriveway,lockedhercar.DeputyHoweidledthepatrolcaratthefootofthedrivewhileshewalkedtothedoor.Whensheunlockedit,openedit,sheturned,waved.Shutthedoorbehindher,resetthealarm.
Shestartedtowalkstraighttothestairsandup,butasoundfromthelivingroomhadherglancingover.
Andeverythinginsideherturnedtoice
Shesawthebruisesonhermother’sface,onhergrandmother’s,thefearandgriefintheireyes.
Laughinglikealunatic,Rozwelljumpedupfromhishidingplacebehindthesofa.“Surprise!”heshouted,wavingaguninonehand,aknifeintheother.“Goaheadandscream,goonandmakeamove,andIslittheirthroats,shootyou,andI’mgonebeforeyouhitthefloor.”
Whateverittook,whateveritcost,hewouldn’thurtherladies.
“I’mnotgoingtoscream,Gavin.What’sthepointinthat?Andyouwon’tshootme.It’snotyourstyle.It’slazy.”Shelookedintohiseyes.Ifshelookedintohermother’s,she’dfallapart.“You’renotlazy,andyouhaven’tcomeallthiswaytoshootmeandbedonewithit.”
“Youthinkyou’resosmart.”
“Smartenough,butyou’rethesmartone.Youknowthere’snothingIcandowhenyouhavemyfamily.Aslongasthey’realive,there’snothingIcando.”
Alive,keepthemalive.Itwasallshehad.
“That’sright,youbitch.Youcan’tdoanything.I’mincharge.I’malwaysincharge.Hey,didyouliketheflowers?”
“No.”
He’dgonebacktotheblondhair,butitnolongershone,andthecutwasuneven,choppy.Shecouldseehe’dputonmakeup,andwherehe’drubbedatit,theredness—toomuchdesertsun—camethrough.Henolongerlookedfitandstylish,butdoughyandrumpled.
Hehadanuglyscaronhisarm,puckeredandpuffy.
ShetriedtoremembereverythingJenhadtaughther.Shecouldn’trun.Noonewouldhearherscream.Shecouldn’thide.
Shepromisedherselfshe’dfightifshegotthechance.
He’dplayedheronce,shethought.She’dplayhimnow.
“Youwantedtoscareme.Youdid.Youwanttoscaremenow.Youare.Ican’tbeworththeriskyou’retaking,Gavin.I’mnobody.”
“Youruinedmylife.”
“Ididn’t—”
Shebrokeoffwhenthephoneinherpocketsignaledatext.Andthegunheheldpointed—rocksteadynow—atherface
Slowly,sheliftedherhands.“It’smyphone.Inmypocket.Iwon’ttouchit.”
“Whothehell’scallingyou?It’stwointhemorning.”
“It’satext—that’satext.It’snothing.Iwon’ttouchit.”
Hetookonestepback,jammedthegununderhermother’schin.“Who’dtextyouattwointhemorning?Fuckwithme,Iblowherheadoff.”
“Allright.Please.It’smyfiancé.ItexthimwhenIgethome,tolethimknowI’mhome.Don’thurther,Gavin.I’mtellingyou,ifIdon’ttextbackI’mokay,he’llcallthecops.Youdon’twantthat.I’llshowyou.Letmeshowyou.”
“Bringmethefuckingphone.”
“I’mreachingforit.I’mgoingtogiveittoyou.”
Buthishandsheldthegun,theknife.Shecountedonit,soheldoutthescreensohecouldreadthetextfromMiles
Wherethehellareyou?
“Asshole.Answer.StandrightherewhereIcanseewhatyousay.Fuckaroundandfindout,Morgan.”
“Iwon’t.She’smymother.Iwon’t.”
“Yeah?Ikilledmymother.Fuckaroundandyoukillyours.
sorry.Shekeptthescreenangledsohecouldsee.closingtookalittlelongerbutimhomenowsaygoodnighttohowlandgetsomesleeploveyou.
“WhothefuckisHowl?”
“It’shisdog.”Lettingtearsswirl,Morganblurteditoutwhenhejerkedhermother’sheadback.“It’sjusthisdog.It’sjustsomethingwesay.He’dwonderifIdidn’t.Please.Ididwhatyoutoldmetodo.”
Thephonesignaledagain.Praying,herhandshakingnow,MorganheldthescreenforRozwelltoread.
I’lldothat.Goodnight.
Heheardme,shethought.Heheardme.
“Dropthephone.”
Whenshedid,hestompedonit.
“Nowunlessyouwantmyfingertotwitch,stepback.”
Mileswasoutofhishouseandinhiscarwithinthirtyseconds.
AsMorgansentthetext,BeckandMorrisongotofftheplaneinMiddlebury.
Theheadofthegroundcrewgreetedthem.“FBI.Cominginlate.”
“WeatherinIndianapolis,delayedtakeoff.”
“Yeah,wegotwordonthat.Theysentacarforyou.”Hegestured,thenhandedthemthekeyfob.“We’llgetyourbagsloadedinforyou.”
“Theresort’swhat,twenty,twenty-fiveminutesout,right?”Morrisonasked
“Thistimeofnight,twenty’lldoit.Funnything.You’rethesecondprivatetocomeinfromIndianapolistonight.Firstonegotoutbeforetheweather.”
“Wait.”Beckgrippedhisarm.“YouhadanotherprivateoutofIndianapolis?Howmanypassengers?”
“Justtheone.Somedude.Richdude.HadaMercedesC-Classrentalwaiting.Hey!Yourbags!”heshoutedastheyracedforthecar.
“CallChiefDooley.”Beckjumpedbehindthewheel.
“I’monit.”
Ashespedthroughtown,MilescalledJake.
“He’sgother.”
“What?Nathanreportedin.Hewatchedhergointhehousejustminutesago.”
“He’sgother.He’sinside.Getthere.”
“Waitforme.”
“No.”
“Goddamnit.”Jakedraggedonclothes.AndsodidNell.
“I’mgoingwithyou.”
“No,you’renot.”
“Ihavemyowncar,soIridewithyouoralone.ButI’mgoing.Thisisfamily.”
Morgandidstepback,andkeptherhandsupinagestureofsubmission.“Iknowyou’vebeenthroughalotthislastyear.Yearandahalf.”
“Youdon’tknowanything.”
“Iknowyoudidn’twantNina.Youwantedme.”
“That’shername!Jesus,itwasdrivingmecrazy.”
“Ibrokeyourstreak,andyouhaven’tbeenabletoliveyourlifethewayyouwanttosince.”
“ThewayIdeserve.”
“Yes,there’sthat.AndI’vebeenlivingmine.It’sreallynotfair.Sure,Ilostmyhouse,mysavings,allofthat,buthereIam.”
Shespreadherarms,steppedbackagain.Bringhimtoyou,shethought.Awayfromthem.
“Livingthatlifeinthisbeautifulhouse.Iboughtanewcar.Butyouknowthat.Youknoweverythingaboutme.YouknowI’vegotahotfiancé.Arichone.”
“Diddlingtheboss,Morgan.”Hislipcurled.“It’ssotired.”
“Notwhenitworks.”Sheliftedhershoulders,letthemfall.“Andhehasthisamazinghouse.I’vegotathingforhouses—youknowthat.Andlookatthis.”
Sheheldupahand,wiggledherfingerssothediamondglinted.“Honestly,Gavin,whenitcomesdowntoit,Ioweyouforallofit.ThereIwas,slavingawayattwojobs,pinchingeverypenny,livinginthatlittlebox.Thenyoucamealong.”
Shemovedbackanotherstep.
“ThenIbrokeyourstreak.Sentyourluckrightdownthetoilet.Hadthefedssniffingatyourheels.Youleftmemessageswiththelocket,withthebracelet.Messagereceived.”
“Theyshould’vebeenyou.”
“Buttheyweren’t.Youusedyourhandsonthembecausethat’swhatyouneed.Notagun,notaknife.Itdoesn’tworkforyouunlessyouuseyourhands.Ithastobepersonal,especiallywithme.Ithastobeintimate.Thatgun’sbeneathyou,anditwon’tgiveyouwhatyouneed.Webothknowit.”
“Idon’tneedafuckinggun.”Hesetitonthemantelbehindhim.“Idon’tneedafuckingknife.”Andstuckitinthesheathonhisbelt.
“Iknow,Gavin.I’vedreamedofyourhandsaroundmythroat.I’vedreamedofbeggingyoutoletmelivethislifeI’vestarted,oneyougaveme.Butyouneverdo.”
Nowhesmiled,steppedslowlytowardher.
“Begmenow.Iwanttohearyoubeg.”
“Pleasedon’thurtme.Takewhateveryouwant,butpleasedon’thurtme.”
“I’mgoingtotakewhatIwant.Finally.”
Shesuckedinairasiftoscreamwhenhishandsclosedaroundherthroat.
Thenshedidexactlyasshe’dbeentaught.
Shebroughtherkneeuphardasshedugherthumbsintohiseyes.
Andhe’stheonewhoscreamed.
Whenhisgriploosened,justalittle,shedrovetheheelofherhandtohisnose,watchedthebloodspurt,feltitonherface.
Thenshedrewbackwithallshehad,rammedherfistintohisthroat.
Whenhewentdown,sheranforthegun,buthegrabbedherfoot,senthersprawling.Instinctasmuchasthoselessonshadherkickingback.Theyscreamedtogetherwhenherfootconnectedwithhisbrokennose.
Whenthedoorcrashedopen,shethoughtitwashimandscrambledup,grabbedthegun.
She’dneverheldone,neverexpectedto,butwhirledwithit.OnlytoseeMilesstandingoverRozwell,fistsclenchedandready.
“Miles.Miles,pleasetakethis.Please.”
“Pointitdown,Morgan.You’reokay.It’sokaynow.”
Theminutehehadthegun,shedroppeddowntopullthetapeoffhermother’smouth.“I’msorry,I’msorry.It’llhurt.”
Shepulleditoff,didthesamewithhergrandmother’s.
“I’msorry,I’msorry.I’msorry.”
“Stopthat,”Oliviaordered.
“Yousavedus.Baby,mybaby.Yousavedus.”
Secondslater,Jakecamein,weapondrawn,thenlowereditwhenhesurveyedthescene.“Well,Christonacrutch.Nell,callforanambulance.”
“Hecanwait,”shesaidasshewalkedinbehindJake.
“Nell,forGod’ssake.”
“Shutup,Miles.I’llgetsomethingtocutthemloose.I’llfindsomething.”
“Firstdrawernexttothekitchendoor,”Oliviasaidsteadily,thoughhereyesfilledwithtears.“Andwecouldusesomewater.Please.”
“I’llgetthat.He’sgotaknifeonhisbelt,Jake.”
“Yeah,Iseeit.I’llgetit.Fedsarecoming,”hesaidasMileshandedthegunheheldtoJakeandwentforthewater.“TheycontactedmerightafterMilesdid.Morgan,didyoudoallthis?”
ShelookeddownatRozwellandnodded.
“Goodjob.Areyouhurt?”
“No.”
“Ladies,areyouhurt?”
“Heslappedusaroundsome.HehurtAudreymorethanme.”
“Theirwristsandanklesareraw,Jake.”Withtheclippers,Nellcroucheddowntosniptheties.
“Firstaidkit.”Closinghereyesinrelief,Audreywrappedherachingarmsaroundhermotherandherdaughter.“Mudroomcabinet,overthedryer.We’reokay.We’reallokay.”
RozwellgroanedwhenJakecuffedhim.
“He’snot.”Olivia’shandshookalittleasshetooktheglassofwaterMilesoffered.“HecameupagainstaNashwoman.Youhadhisnumber,Morgan.Shehadhisnumber.Gothimtoputthegundown,theknifedown.Smart,andbrave,andstrong,”shemanaged,andfinallybegantoweep.
MorganlookedupatMiles.“Youheardme.”
“Iheardyou.”
“Iheardyouback.Iknewyou’dcome.”Shepusheduptostand,swayedalittle.“Mylegsaregoing.”
“I’vegotyou.”Hepulledhertohim,held,pressedhisfacetoherhair.“I’vegotyou.”
BeckandMorrisonarrivedbeforetheambulance,walkedthroughthebrokendoor
Rozwelllaycurledonthefloor,eyesgoingblack,noseswollen,blooddripping.AudreyandOliviasathip-to-hiponthesofawhileNelltendedtheirwrists
“Miles,wecoulduseanicebagortwo.”
“I’llgetthem.Iknowwheretheyare.”
Whenheheardhervoice,Rozwelltriedtofocusonher.“I’llkillyou.”
“No.”Milesmovedintohissightline.“Youwon’t.Shebeatyou.Yougettolivewiththat.MorganNashbeatyou.”
“Areyouhurt?”Beckaskedher.
“No.I’mallright,”Morganinsisted.“We’reallright,”shetoldtheagents.“Ineedtogettheice.”
“Sowesee,”Morrisonsaid.“Goodwork,Chief.”
“Notme.Morgan.She’sgotsomebloodonher,andit’sallhis.We’vegotanambulancecoming—andhereitcomes,”headdedasheheardthesiren.“Heneedsmedicalattention.Bustednoseforsure,histhroat’sbruisedup,andhiseyesbledsome.Jawmightbebusted.”
“I’llgowithhim.”MorrisonnoddedatBeck.“Yougotthescene?”
“I’vegotit.First,I’mgoingtoapologizeforbeingtwostepsbehind.”
“No.”Morgancamebackin.“That’sjustnottrue.Youstuckwithmeallalong.Andifyouhadn’t,ifyouhadn’tletmeknowsomuch,Iwouldn’thavebeenabletodothis.Tostringhimout.Ifyouhadn’tbeenbehindhim,kepthimrunning,hewould’vecomeherelongbeforethis.LongbeforeIwasready.”
“Icanwishwe’dtakenhimbeforeyouhadtobeready.Itcanwaituntilmorningifyou’drather,butIneedstatements.”
“Here,Mom.”Morganlaidanicebaggentlyagainsthermother’stemple.“Idon’tknowhowhegotin,butwhenIgothome,justbeforetwo,hehadtheminthosechairs.Ziptiesandducttape.Gram.”ShelaidthesecondonOlivia’sbruisedcheek.“I’llmakesometea.”
“Screwtea.Getmeawhiskey.Adouble.”Shegrippedherdaughter’shand.“Makethattwo.”
Atdawn,justaslightsprinkledintheeast,Morgansatoutside,drinkingwinewithMiles.Howl,fetchedbyNell,laysleepingunderthetable,onepawonherfeet.
“They’refinallysleeping.Iwishthey’dgonetothehospital.”
“Nowaythey’dleaveyou,orthishouse.AndtheEMTsclearedthemboth.”
“Iknow.Iknow.Ijust…”Shetriedtoshoveitaside.“FirsttimeI’vehadwineatdawn,”shesaidinstead.
“Longnight.”
“Thatstupidunsafewordwasn’tsostupidafterall.”
“I’dhaveknownanyway.Youdidn’tuseanypunctuation,nouppercaseletters.That’snothowyoutext.”
“Iwasn’tsureyou’dnoticethat.Gladyoudid.Iknewyouwerecomingwhenyousaidgoodnight.Younevertextgoodnight.”
“It’snotarealgoodonewhenyou’resomewhereelse.”
Reachingout,shegrippedhishand,andhervoicewentthick.“Thatexplainsthat.”
“Trynottocry,okay?I’mwornprettythinmyself.I’mbuyingJenthebiggestarrangementofflowerseverknowntoman.”Hekissedthehandthatgrippedhis.“Youcleanedhisclock,champ.”
“Iwassomad,Miles.Seeingthemlikethat,helpless,bruised,bleeding.Hewasn’tgoingtodotothemwhathedidtoNina.AndIcouldseehewasweakandjittery,andreallyangry.Ijusthadtolistenandtalkandgauge.Ijusthadtobeareallygoodbartender.”Sheliftedherwine,sipped.“ThendowhatJentaughtmeandcleanhisclock.”
“Youbeatmetoit.Thatdoesn’tseemquitefair.”
“Youbrokedownthedoor.”
“Yeah.I’llfixit.IthoughtIknewhowmuchIlovedyoubeforeIgotthattext.Ididn’t.Myworldjustdroppedawayforaminute.Justwentoutfromunderme.Don’tdothattomeagain.”
“That’sdefinitelynotintheplans.He’llnevergetout.Later,I’mgoingtocallSam,tellhim.Hedeservestoknow.AndNina’sfamily.Samshouldgotelltheminperson.Thenwedon’thavetothinkabouthimagain.”
“I’mtakingthedayoff.You’retakingthenightoff.”
“Idon’thaveanyonetocoverthebar.”
“Nellwillfindsomeonetocover.That’sherjob.Yourjobrightnowistogetsomesleep,lookafteryourladies,letthemlookafteryou.Mine’stodoallofthatandfixthatdoor.”
Shefeltalittlefloaty,asifshestoodjustaninchoutsideherself.
“You’rerollingovermeagain.”
“Becauseyouneedit.YoucanrollovermewhenIneedit.”
“Thatsoundslikeareasonabledeal.Butlet’swatchthedaycomebeforewegoin.Let’sjustwatchitcome.It’sthefirstday.”
Sotheydid.Epilogue
Flowersbloomedasiftheyheldasmuchjoyasshedid.Inherlife,Morganneverexpectedtofeelasshefeltnow.Thrilled,calm,steady,giddy,andabsolutelysureallatonce.
Hermotherdidupthehiddenzipperunderthecrystalbuttonsthatstoppedjustaboveherwaist.Herweddingdress,shethoughtasshewatchedbothoftheminthemirrorintheroomDreahaddesignatedBride’sAreaOnly.Perfect,simplygorgeouswiththoselong,cleanlinesshe’dwanted,andbought—withfullapproval—atthelocalbridalshop.
Hermotherhadthatonerightonthenose.
WithitsheworetheteardropdiamonddropsMileshadgivenherforValentine’sDay,andasinglediamondbangle—forsomethingborrowed—fromNell.
Shefeltbeautiful,andrealizedthatwasanotherfirstinherlife.Notpretty,notattractive,notgoodenough,butjustbeautiful.
SheturnedtolookatNell,whosupervisedeverythinginherprettylilacdresswithitscrystalstraps.Jenworethepalestofpink.
Sheclosedhereyesamoment,thoughtofNina,whowouldhavelovedeverysecondofallofthis.Nina’sfamilysatnow,sheknew,inthegardeninoneoftherowsofwhite-skirtedchairs.Andshe’dbeforevergratefulthey’dcome,alongwithSamandhisfiancée.
Afullcircle,Nina.He’sgone,outofourlives,lockedaway,andwe’vecomefullcircle.Iloveyou.I’llneverforgetyou.
Drearushedin,themotherofthegroomlovelyinpaleplum.
“We’rerightonschedule.Olivia,Ihavetosayagain,theflowersarespectacular.Howaboutsomechampagne,everyone?Somechampagneandagood,deepbreathallaround.Myboy’sgettingmarried,andmyGod,Morgan,youareanincrediblybeautifulbride.”
“Ourkids,Drea.”Audreytookherhands.
“Ourkids.Nell,pourthechampagne,andlet’shaveadrinktoourkids.”
“Onemorethingfirst.”Olivialiftedthecrownofflowers,thosepalepinkpeonieswovenwithlilacs,andsetitonMorgan’sheadbeforekissingbothhercheeks.“You’remarryingaJameson,andIcouldn’tbemorepleased.Butyou’llalwaysbeaNashwoman.”
“Aren’twetheluckyones?”LydialaidahandonOlivia’sshoulder.“Tobeapartofanotherbeginning.Drinkup,”sheordered.“Then,Drea,let’sgodownandletthosehandsomemenescortustoourseats.”
Whentheyleft,Morganpickedupherbouquet.Simpleandsweet—thosepeoniesandlilacs,somebaby’sbreath,sometrailingandairygreens.
Shewalkeddownstairsinthehousethathadbecomeherhome.Heardthemusicshe’dchosenforjustthismoment.
Jensentherawink,thenwalkedoutthedoors.Nellturned.
“You’reabouttoknockMilesdead.”
ThenMorganlinkedarmswithhermother,withhergrandmother.
“Herewego.”
Theywalkedoutside,whereHowlsatlikeagoodboyinhiscollarofflowers,downtheaisleformedbythewhite-skirtedseatstowhereMilesstood,asprigoflilacinthebuttonholeofhisblacksuit.
Behindhim,thefountainthey’dmadetogether—afrog,ofcourse,standinginayogatreeposition—sentwatersparklingintheair.
ShesawNina’sfamily,Sam,Nick,theGreenwalds,AgentsBeckandMorrison,somanypeoplewho’dtouchedherlifeandhelpedtoformit.
ThenshesawonlyMiles.Andhelookedatherasifshewaseverything.
Whenshereachedhim,sheturned,kissedhergrandmother,kissedhermother.“Iloveyouboth.”
Theysteppedback,linkedhands.Shesteppedforward,tookMiles’s.
“I’vebeenwaitingforyou,”hetoldher.
“Wait’sover.Let’sgetstarted.”
Rootsalreadyplanted,shethoughtastheyturnedtomakepromisestoeachother.Andfromthisdayforward,they’dtendthem,andwatchthemgrow.ALSOBYNORAROBERTS
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(editedbyDeniseLittleandLauraHayden)AbouttheAuthor
NORAROBERTSisthe#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorofmorethan230novels,includingNightwork,Legacy,Hideaway,TheChroniclesofTheOnetrilogy,TheDragonHeartLegacyseries,andmanymore.SheisalsotheauthorofthebestsellingInDeathserieswrittenunderthepennameJ.D.Robb.Therearemorethan500millioncopiesofherbooksinprint.Youcansignupforemailupdateshere
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