by Katt Rose
“Good idea.” The phone jingled in my pocket and I fished it out. “Hello?”
“Hey, babe. Are you still with your mom?”
“I am. We’re about to head home. Did you just get to work?”
“Yeah. Can you detect the thrill in my voice?”
I grinned. “You’re practically bursting.”
“How did your classes go today?”
I unlocked the car doors and we quickly slid inside. “They went really well, it was an early start. The first class was at 5:00 am. I’m exhausted.”
“I’ll let you go. You drive safe, okay?”
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I turned the engine on and flicked on the heat. Audrey sat silently, grinning. “What?”
Audrey shrugged. “You two make a cute couple. Any plans for kids?”
“Mom,” I groaned. “The topic hasn’t come up.”
“It will. Just remember one thing,” Audrey turned to face me. “A parent loves their children, no matter what. They always will. I always will, no matter where I am. It’s a love that goes so deep it becomes apart of you. Please, don’t ever forget that.” Audrey let out a shuddery sigh. “Don’t ever forget me.”
I swallowed the lump that grew in my throat. “That’s impossible, Mom. You are unforgettable.”
Audrey smirked. “Good. Forget me not then.”
With a quick flick of the headlights we began the long, dark drive home. The radio played softly in the background and Audrey hummed to the tunes. There was a sense of tranquility in the car; I hoped it would last. As the roads became familiar, my mind got lost. Audrey reached over and squeezed my arm. “Are you okay, Em?”
I looked toward her for a split second before focusing on the road again. “I’m just thinking.”
“Care to fill me in?”
“I’m afraid if I do, it will ruin the day.”
“There’s only one way to find out. Lay it on me.”
“Did you know that Aaron hid a box in the floorboards?”
Audrey sat rigid in her seat. “No, I had no idea.”
“I found it the night I stayed over.”
“What was in it?’
“Some letters, photos of him and a girl. Only, the photos were torn in half. The girls face is missing.”
“Interesting. I wasn’t aware that Aaron had a girlfriend. He was a very social guy, everyone loved him. It could have been a friend?”
I could tell by my mom’s tone, even she didn’t believe her words. “Mom?”
“Yes?”
“Do you know that you go to church and have one on one Bible studies with Miranda Brooks at her home?’
Audrey burst out in laughter. She fell silent once she realized I didn’t join in. “You’re not kidding, are you?”
“No.”
“That doesn’t sound like me. I’m glad I can’t remember to be honest.”
“You don’t remember any of it?”
“I know I’ve been to the church a few times. I only agreed to go because I know how important it is to Sam. I remember I stopped going because it began to give me an uneasy feeling. Perhaps my sub-conscious was aware of the things I seem to have forgotten.” Audrey turned. “Where is this going?”
I gripped the steering wheel harder than necessary. “Someone knows something about Aaron’s accident, and they’re keeping quiet. I can feel it.” I exhaled a frustrated breath and filled Audrey in on everything; from the things she shared with me when she wasn’t lucid, to the clarity in which I reminisced about the accident.
“The bear’s a tattoo,” Audrey murmured.
“Do you remember drawing the bears?”
“I wish I did, but no. I found the notepad but couldn’t make any sense of it.” Audrey lowered her voice. “Follow your instincts, but be careful. It won’t change anything in the end. Aaron isn’t coming back.”
The hardness of her words surprised me. “I know. I feel there is unfinished business. I can’t let him go until I know what happened. I feel like he is here, waiting for me to see the truth. Mom, I couldn’t even attend the funeral. I didn’t want to be there, I didn’t want to see the town cry for him. There’s a part of me that’s glad I was with him until the end. He didn’t deserve to die alone. I can’t shake the nagging feeling that someone left him there all alone. I need to know why. I need him to stop haunting my dreams.”
Audrey remained quiet. She cleared her throat and spoke in a near whisper. “What if it was me?”
I shook my head violently. “It’s not you. Why would you think that?”
“I feel responsible. There’s a tiny voice in my head that whispers it over and over.” Audrey’s eyes grew dim. “I don’t remember driving into that pole; I could have easily been a part of Aaron’s accident. I remember driving the night it happened…what if I killed my own child?”
“Chase was there that night too. You showed up after the accident. He checked your car; there wasn’t a dent on it. Somebody knows something. I will find out who. It’s not you.”
“I hope you’re right. Sometimes I feel like this thing that’s happening to me is destroying my brain as punishment for what I have done. Or perhaps, protection.”
“Oh, Mom. It’s not you. Please, listen to my words. It’s not you.” But what if it is? I squeezed my eyes closed for a split second. It can’t be her. It’s not her. We drove the rest of the way in silence. I pulled into the driveway and walked my mom to the front door. She gave me a fierce hug. “Thank you for today. It meant the world to me.”
“Anytime, Mom. We’ll do this more often.”
She pulled back and opened the front door. “Go home and get some sleep. You look tired.”
I fought back a yawn and smiled. “Have a good night.”
“You too.” She closed the door softly. I stared at the door for a moment before the full wave of tiredness hit me like a ton of bricks. I walked to the car slowly and felt ill with the burden my mother carried in her thoughts. Instead of going home, I went to the nearest drive thru and ordered two large coffees. I pulled into the lot where Chase worked and stepped inside the industrial building.
“Chase?’
“Em? Is that you?’
He strode into view and I held up the coffee as a gesture of peace. His face broke into a smile and he pressed his lips to mine. “This is by far the highlight of my day.”
I smiled sympathetically. “I’m glad I could help.”
“What brings you here?”
“I missed you. I just dropped my mom off and wasn’t ready to go home.”
“Did you two have a good day?’
“For the most part, yeah.”
“What’s up?’
My voice broke as I told Chase my mother’s darkest fear. He set his cup down and cradled me against his chest carefully. “I was there, it wasn’t her.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Hey, we’ll figure it out, okay? My money is on whoever is sending you those damn letters.”
I tilted my head up to him and offered a feeble smile. “You’re probably right.”
Chase tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “Go home, stay warm and get some sleep. I’ll be home before you know it.”
I sighed wearily. “Okay. Have a good night.”
“You too.”
“Am I getting close?”
“You’re on the right path, sis.”
“It’s so dark, I can’t see you.”
“I can’t stay long, you know that.”
“I know. Aaron?”
“Yeah?”
“I need to know, did somebody leave you that night?” I broke into a sob. “Who could do that to you? Who could leave you alone in the dark like that? Somebody should have been there trying to save you, holding your hand. You didn’t deserve that.”
“I wasn’t alone, you were there.”
“It shouldn’t have been me.”
“No, it shouldn’t have. I’m s
orry.”
“Don’t be. I wouldn’t let you go into the dark alone.”
“Wake up, Em.”
“Excuse me?”
“Wake up, someone’s coming.”
A loud thud woke me. I bolted upright and held my breath. The loud clang sounded again from downstairs. I glanced at the time, 3:30 am. Oh shit. Chase would still be at work. I fumbled around the dark room until my hands landed on what I wanted; a baseball bat. I tip toed into the hall and hesitated at the top of the stairs. The thud sounded again, this time closer. My knees began to tremble and I forced myself to take a calming breath. The noise sounded again and I yelped. Crap. Here I go. You got this, Em. Just move your feet and swing if you need too. Swing hard. I gripped the bat harder and began my descent down the stairs carefully. I tip toed to the nearest window and peeked outside.
The sensor light was on; something had triggered it. I narrowed my eyes and peered outside. There were tracks in the snow leading to the house. We hadn’t had any fresh snow within the past day; I couldn’t tell if the tracks were old or fresh. I scanned the yard and noticed the garbage cans were tipped over. Trash was scattered about and I felt myself go weak with relief. It must have been the bear. I fell heavy into the couch and felt the release of adrenaline course through my veins. My body went limp and my eyes fell closed. The piercing scream of my car alarm sent me on my feet. I ran to the door to search for my keys. I found them and pressed the alarm button, hoping it would read the signal through the window. It did. The car fell silent.
I pressed my face against the glass and tried to ignore my heart jumping in my chest. A muffled voice cursed from outside, followed by a boom as something, or someone fell. I jumped toward the bat, held it tight and opened the front door. Don’t do it dummy. This is how people die. I ignored my common sense and stood on the deck. I scanned the area quickly and found that I was alone. I felt dizzy with fear and lowered the bat slightly. Just as I did, a dark figure came around the corner. I didn’t even hesitate. I picked up the bat and gave a mighty swing. It connected and a loud yell split through the night.
The figure fell to their knees and held an arm around their torso. The other hand shot straight outward as if waving a white flag. I raised the bat again and the voice hollered wildly. “Please no, it’s me dammit. It’s Craig!”
I lowered the bat at once and leaned forward. “Oh christ.”
“I think you broke a rib, what the hell were you doing?”
“Me?” I hollered incredulously. “What the hell are you doing stalking my place in the early hours of the morning? What is wrong with you?”
“Help me up.”
I bent over and helped Craig scramble to his feet. He tossed an arm over me and used my body as a crutch. We hobbled inside and I set him down on the couch. “Well,” I began. “Do I need to take you to the hospital?”
He inspected himself tenderly and winced. “I think I’ll make it.”
I locked the door behind me and set the bat in the corner. “Well, do you mind telling me what you were doing out there? Besides scaring me half to death.”
“I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I glowered and leaned closer, smacking him on the backside of the head. “Hey!” he yelled.
I stepped back and wrinkled my nose. “Oh, there’s my answer. You reek of alcohol.”
“I didn’t know what time it was. I just came to tell you to back off my sister.”
“Pff, what about your sister?”
“She said you ambushed her at home the other day. You really upset her. What’s the deal?”
“Your sister is a liar, that’s what. Who does she think she is, taking my mom in when she’s not fully there and brainwashing her with Bible verses and god knows what else? I’ll bet it’s her who has been leaving me the notes. Well, at least one set of notes. There are a few that are in a different script. I mean, really. Who’s dumb enough to hand write them anyways?”
Craig lowered his face into his hands. “You’re not making any sense right now.”
I glowered and stormed to the kitchen. I yanked open a drawer and pulled out a pad and a pen. I dropped them on Craig’s lap. “Write me something. Now.”
He stared up at me like I had gone mad. “Excuse me?”
“Write me something. I am not kidding, Craig. Write me something now before I swing the bat again.”
“Fine, fine. Give me a second.” Craig scrawled something on the paper and handed it to me. I picked up the paper and he watched me cautiously. I don’t know why you’re making me do this. I scanned the paper and groaned. I let it fall from my hands to the floor.
“I take it that’s not what you wanted.”
“Is this you’re actual writing?”
“Yeah. Is it not neat enough for you or what?”
I glared. “It doesn’t match.”
Craig threw his hands in the air. “Doesn’t match what?”
“The notes I’ve been getting,” I growled. I stared at him angrily. “How did you get here?”
Craig looked away. “I drove,” he mumbled.
“What did you say?’
“I drove here, alright. There, happy?”
“Of course I’m not happy you moron! My brother died in a car accident. You could have killed someone!”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry. I’ve never done it before, honest.”
My eyes landed on his arms. I towered over him and rolled up his sleeve. “What does this mean?”
Craig pulled his arm away and his eyebrows pulled together. “I told you. It stands for strength.”
“Why did you get it?”
“Because I liked it. And because it was hard growing up the black sheep of the family, alright? I’m the only one who didn’t fall into the loving arms of God. It acts as a symbol to myself that I’m going to be just fine. What’s it to you?”
I sighed the fight fell out of me. “Nothing. It means nothing. You can sleep on the couch until you sober up.”
“Thanks. Emmy?”
“What?”
“What do you have against my sister?”
“She’s hiding something about Aaron.”
Craig sat up straighter. “She’s had a rough go. Back off her. God can’t fix everything.”
I stared at him until my vision went fuzzy from sleep. “I don’t think God can fix anything.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
“Em. Wake up. Wake up.”
“Mmm.”
“Em? Why is Craig Brooks asleep on the couch?”
I opened my eyes and sat up quickly. “He’s still here?” I rolled over to look at the clock, 7:30 am.
Chase stood unsurely. “Should I be worried?”
“Oh, God no. He came over drunk as a skunk to warn me to stay away from his sister.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“No, but I may have broken one of his ribs. I’m not to sure on that.”
“What, how?”
I shrugged sheepishly. “With a baseball bat.”
Shock crossed Chase’s features, and then he broke into a grin. “Well done.”
“Mm, yes and no. Babe, you should get some sleep. You’ve had a long night. I’ll give Craig some coffee and send him on his way.”
Chase hesitated. “Are you sure? Do I need to talk to him?”
“No, I’ll be fine. Please, go to sleep.”
Chase yawned and stripped off his shirt. My eyes lingered over him for a minute to long. Chase met my eyes and grinned. I rolled my eyes. “Get some sleep, Mr. I’ll tend to the guy on the couch.”
Chase flopped onto the bed. “I hate night shifts. Holler if you need me.”
“I will.” I closed the bedroom door behind me and made a strong cup of coffee. I gave Craig a gentle shove. “Wake up.”
Craig peeled one eye open and stared at the mug. “Coffee?”
“Yes, for you. Now wake up.”
Craig sat up slowly and groaned. I winced in sympathy. “Is it broken?”
&nb
sp; He reached for the mug and took a sip. “No, but if anyone asks what happened I fell on the ice.”
I smiled. “Done.”
Craig took a long sip and leaned back against the couch. “You said someone was sending you letters?”
“Two people, yes.”
“What do they say?”
“Most of them are apologetic in regards to Aaron. The others are Bible verses and small threats mostly.”
Craig’s eye twitched ever so slightly. “That’s messed up.”
“You’re preaching to the choir.”
Craig set down the mug and stood. “I’m sorry about last night. I should get a move on.”
“Are you okay to drive?”
“Yeah, I’m good. Thanks.” Craig’s hand paused on the doorknob. “There’s something I need to know.”
My voice grew hesitant. “What’s that?”
“What’s with the fascination of the bear tattoo?”
I crossed my arms and spoke carefully. “It was a forewarning.”
“By who?”
“The brain has many faucets. They don’t all forget, though it seems like someone may be trying to take advantage of that.”
Craig watched me carefully. He nodded slowly and stepped outside. He kept his back toward me. “Em?”
“Yeah?”
“Take it up with God.”
“We’re going to church.”
Elayna’s jaw dropped. “’Scuse me?”
“You heard me, I need your help with something.”
“Oh?”
My hands worked quickly as I plaited my hair into a braid. I filled Elayna in on Craig’s late night visit and our brief conversation in the morning. “Okay, but how does church fit in on this?”
“The Reverend and I don’t exactly see eye to eye. I need you to distract him while I sneak into his office.”
Elayna held up her hands. “Uhh, I don’t know about this, Em. This feels like we could burst into flames or something.”
I made a face. “How so?”
Elayna looked around and lowered her voice. “Are you accusing the Reverend of something?”
“I don’t know yet. It’s just a hunch.”
Elayna blew out a breath. “May God forgive us.” She sighed heavily. “Fine, let’s get this over with.”
