by Marion Myles
She hired a man to come replace the glass the police had broken on her kitchen door. When the repairman asked about her plans for the ruined greenhouse, she shook her head and said she didn’t think she’d be doing anything about it in the near future.
Thankfully, she wasn’t nervous in her home, but for whatever irrational reason, had yet to walk through the tiny forest at the lower end of her property. She had rose quartz and dioptase stones with her at all times, holding them in her hands, filling her pockets, stashed under her pillow. It didn’t seem to help, but it was the only thing she could think to do.
She walked the fields, made jewelry, and slept when she could.
Tony Mancini passed away on Tuesday morning without regaining consciousness. Funeral and burial services took place on Friday and were for immediate family only.
Roman didn’t call, but he did text every morning and every night. Always a single line asking if she was okay. Each time Mia responded with ‘yes, I’m fine’ or some variation on the theme, and though she inquired about him and his family, the conversation never went any further.
Mia tried to be okay with it. Roman was going through enough hell without her complications thrown into the mix. She could surely give him more time. Still, as every day went by, her hope faded. People like her didn’t usually get happily ever after. There was a price to be paid for the way she’d lived, and it looked like the bill was coming due including a whole whack of interest on top.
One morning with a box in hand, she went room to room collecting everything Roman had left in the house. Layla trailed after her whining and looking downtrodden. The golden lab proceeded to lie beside the box all afternoon.
“Don’t do that, girlie. It’s hard enough as it is,” Mia said, squatting down and rubbing Layla’s ears. “We have to be prepared for the worst. He might not want us anymore, and if he doesn’t, it’ll be easier to send his stuff with the UPS guy.”
The Emerald Ring Killer continued to fill the nightly news shows. All the back stories of his victims were dug up and examined in excruciating detail. Her own face was splashed on the screen along with her fake history. She knew it was only a matter of time before someone from the real Mia Reeves’s life spoke up. She couldn’t find the energy to care.
Roman and his family were often front and center, especially on the Friday after Tony’s memorial. Though they probably thought they were putting on a good front, everything showed in their faces. Or at least Mia could see it. Grief, shock, disbelief. It reminded her of footage of people who had managed to flee some brutal war-torn country and now stood on the shores of a new land with nothing but the ripped and dirty clothes on their back.
Without making any conscious decision, Mia continued packing…small things here and there. Finding the linen closet disorganized, she pulled everything out and scrubbed down the shelves in the narrow cupboard, Then somehow, she managed to put together one of her shipping boxes and filled it with towels and bath salts.
The bookshelves in her work area off the kitchen gradually became bare as she filled one of the plastic containers with mementos and paperback books. Since she was mainly eating only toast and soup, she went through the drawers in the kitchen and packed away all the cooking utensils except a vegetable peeler and her knives.
On Sunday afternoon, she was sorting through the jewelry supplies and trying to decide if she should reorder some of the staple items when the driveway monitor pinged from the kitchen. The dogs scrambled up and ran to the front door. She peeked through the window and saw a small silver car make the turn to her house and park by the walkway. The sun sparkled off the windshield, so she couldn’t make out the driver.
Her heart went into overdrive. By now the reporters had mostly lost interest. Mitch and his team were still under contract for another week, since a few stragglers continued to press their luck. Maybe one of them had somehow snuck through.
When the driver’s door finally opened, and Brooke stepped out, Mia didn’t know whether to be relieved or even more terrified. The dogs, predictably, went into a frenzy of barking at the sound of the doorbell. Mia shrank back from the window trying to decide what to do. Maybe Brooke would go away after a few minutes.
No such luck. Brooke didn’t go away. Although the doorbell quietened, Mia heard the dogs running through the hall and across the tiled floor in the kitchen. Mac broke away from the pack, coming to the doorway in her workroom and staring at her as if to say what are we going to do about this?
“Okay, I’m coming,” Mia said, trudging out after him.
“I know you’re in there.” Brooke’s voice came through the side door.
When she stepped into the kitchen, Mia saw the blond woman, hands cupped to the sides of her face, peeking in through the glass. Brooke straightened when she noticed Mia. Their eyes met, and Mia knew she’d have to let her in.
“Sit. Now.” Mia pointed to the floor at the end of the counter. The dogs, still vibrating with excitement, plopped their butts down in a ragged line.
She unlocked the deadbolt and opened the door. Brooke flew at her, arms wrapping around her hard and fast in a hug. Behind them, Mac growled low in his throat.
“It’s okay. Relax,” she said to the dogs.
“Oh my God, I’m so glad to see you. Why didn’t you answer my calls?” Brooke asked.
“I don’t know. I guess I thought you might be mad.”
Brooke reared back in shock. “Mad at you?”
“Maybe. I didn’t know.”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. I was worried about you. And sad. Really sad at everything you went through. What happened was awful, and I’m sorry.”
All of a sudden Mia’s chest was too tight, and it hurt to breathe. “I know you had feelings for Tony. I’m sorry I killed him. I killed someone…” She broke off and slammed a hand over her mouth, horrified by the outburst.
Tears tracked down Brooke’s cheeks, and she put her arm around Mia’s shoulders and squeezed hard. “I’m going to make you a cup of tea, and we’ll sit down and visit for a while. Where’s your kettle?”
“You sit. I’ll make the tea. I need a moment to pull myself together,” Mia said.
“Okay.” Brooke wiped her eyes then crouched down to the dogs. “Now who are all these handsome babies?”
“Fifi is the little white one licking your hand. Beside her is Tucker, the Dachshund. The lab mix is Layla, and this guy here is Mac,” Mia said while adding water to the kettle.
“I had a Dachshund when I was little. She was the greatest dog. Hello, Tucker. Oh, Fifi, you’re something else, aren’t you?” She turned her head to watch Mia. “It must be nice having them for company.”
“They’re my family,” she said simply.
“You’re house is really great.” Brooke stood and slowly turned in a circle. She paused and looked at the bookshelves, the empty DVD slots in the entertainment center, and the bare mantel above the fireplace. “You have a very minimalist decorating style.”
“I’m reorganizing,” Mia mumbled and turned away to get mugs down from the cupboard.
“You’re packing, aren’t you? Oh, Mia. You can’t leave. I’m barely getting to know you.”
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do. What kind of tea do you like? I have mint, chamomile, lemon balm, and green.”
“Lemon balm sounds nice. Can we sit out on the deck? The weather’s amazing today, warm but with the perfect amount of breeze to keep it from getting sticky.”
“Sure. Why don’t you take the dogs and go on out.”
While the tea brewed, Mia dug into her stash of frozen cookies and popped a couple in the microwave. She put together a plate with the cookies, and some strawberries and grapes, and carried it out on a tray along with the tea. She found Brooke sitting on the steps patting Tucker while Layla watched him adoringly from where she lay in the grass.
“It’s so beautiful out here. Your property is lovely.”
“How are you feeling abo
ut Tony and everything?”
Brooke sighed and bowed her head over Tucker. “I’m pretty messed up, to be honest. I’ve had a little thing for Tony for as long as I can remember. It was always there. Then to find out what he did, it makes me sick to my stomach. Did he…I mean…how…were you hurt?”
“The tea’s steeped,” Mia said waiting until Brooke sat before handing her the cup. “Tony didn’t hurt me, not really. He scared me. I’m sorry I killed him. I didn’t mean to. Or maybe I did. I don’t know anymore. I was scared stiff.”
“Of course you were. You had to save yourself. I’m glad he’s dead. He killed my best friend and would have killed you, my soon-to-be new best friend.” She took in a shaky breath. “Although you’re turning out to be a lot of work, so I’m not sure about that part yet. I mean, I’ve called you millions of times and had to come to your house and stalk you. Most people would have given up by now, but I’m not a quitter.”
The laugh erupted out of Mia before she could stop it. “I guess I should say I’m sorry?”
“You absolutely should. And then you have to promise to be a better friend from now on. I think a pinky swear will do it.” Brooke held up her left hand with little finger crooked.
Mia stared down at it then shook her head. “The truth is, I don’t think I’m any good at it. I didn’t really have any friends growing up.”
The teasing smile fell away from Brooke’s face. “Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. Everything’s crappy right now, and I shouldn’t make light of it. I guess humor is my way of getting through the tough stuff.”
Mia swallowed. “It’s fine, truly. And I understand what you mean. I can’t find my balance right now either.”
“Oh, look how the dogs come to comfort you,” Brooke said as Mac and Fifi pushed in beside her. “They’re seriously precious, aren’t they?”
Now Mia smiled full out. “They never let me down.”
Brooke returned to her chair and took a sip of tea. “Mm, this is really good. Refreshing. I have to admit I’m a hardcore coffee addict, but maybe I should add in some tea once in a while.”
“What’s happening in town? How are your summer classes going?”
“Actually, it’s been pretty busy. I’m thinking of hiring another teacher. I don’t suppose you have any kind of dance training?” She shrugged when Mia shook her head. “Oh, well. It was worth a try. The town is still in shock. News cameras finally left, thank goodness, but everyone’s still talking about it. Molly and Frank look rough. I saw them coming out of church this morning, and they seemed really old and frail all of a sudden. Lina’s gone back to Atlanta.”
Mia blinked and looked out where the dogs now lay in the grass. “How’s Roman doing?”
“I heard he put in his notice at the police station. He’s been staying at his parents’ house. I haven’t seen him, but Mary from the diner said he’s been in a couple of times to pick up food. You should reach out to him.”
“He really gave his notice?”
“That’s what everyone’s saying.”
“Oh…wow. That’s a surprise. I can’t imagine him not being a detective. Maybe he’ll rethink that decision when he’s had some time to regroup.”
“Maybe. Still, something like this can change a person.”
“You’ve got that right.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
For the first time since she’d been abducted by Tony, Mia slept peacefully through the night and felt a million times better for it. The sunrise was all pink and red, definitely a sailor’s warning, but absolutely breathtaking in the moment.
Once the bowls of morning kibble had been licked clean, she gathered the dogs and took them walking through the fields. The air was close, though infused with sweetness, and birds warbled out a symphony of joy to the coming day.
Instead of pausing at the crest of the hill, Mia continued down and turned left, cautiously stepping into the tiny forest. Chipmunks and squirrels raced across her path and up tree trucks, chattering in their incomprehensible language. Tucker, predictably enough, made for the brook and splashed back and forth through the water…his face full of doggy smiles. She breathed deeply, inhaling the damp, leafy smell and wandered, weaving between the trees, her fingertips brushing the bark of each one as she passed.
She was going to be okay. More than okay, she decided. Roman wasn’t coming back. God, it hurt even thinking it, but she’d always been one for facing reality, and this was clearly the way the wind was blowing.
He was a good, law-abiding man and she was, in essence, a criminal. There was no way he’d ever be able to reconcile her past deeds with what he’d consider the bare minimum requirement of being a decent person. He might love her, but love couldn’t bridge a gap so huge. And she might love him, but she couldn’t change who she’d been just because she wanted to.
And did she want to?
She paused by the brook and crouched down, trailing her fingertips along the top of the water. No, even if she had a magic wand, she wouldn’t erase her past. It was part of her. Perhaps a shameful part, but because of it, she was only more proud of the person she’d become. Proud she’d been strong enough to create a new life for herself. A good, solid, creative life.
That meant the only decision left to make was should she stay, or should she go?
“What do you guys think?” she asked aloud.
Mac immediately glanced over, tipping his head to the side while he studied her. Coming to the conclusion she was fine, he went back to sniffing a pile of wet leaves. Layla and Tucker didn’t respond at all, simply continued chasing one another in an endless game of tag. Sweet little Fifi walked over and placed her paws on Mia’s right foot, then stared up with coal black eyes. When Mia leaned down, the snowflake dog licked her hand vigorously before prancing away to join Mac.
“Looks like the majority has spoken. I guess we’re staying.” She glanced around and sighed. “I do love it here. As for Roman, I doubt I’ll see much of him. After a while, it won’t hurt, will it? Eventually, he’ll just be some guy I used to know.”
Even if she didn’t, not for one minute, believe it, saying the words made her feel stronger.
“Okay, troops, let’s go. We have some unpacking to do and jewelry to make. And we’d better get the shipments ready for the UPS guy because he’ll be here in less than an hour.” Rubbing a hand over her forehead, she glanced toward Layla. “Including Roman’s stuff. It’ll be better once we take that step.”
Once at the house, she pulled the key fob from her back pocket and clicked the lock on the Escape before grabbing the three license plates she’d appropriated ten days earlier. She might as well toss them in the box with the rest of Roman’s belongs.
Out of recent habit, she glanced around and noted everything appeared peaceful and unmolested in the parking area and on the front lawn. After unlocking the porch, she walked through to the front door, and once again used her key. The dogs clipped in on her heels and followed her straight over to her workroom.
The laptop was seconds into booting up when the driveway sensor pinged. She checked her watch, frowning down to see it was only eight fifteen. Too early for UPS. Layla let out a tentative whine and rushed to the front door. The hairs on the back of Mia’s neck stood up like porcupine quills, and she ruthlessly pushed down the glorious burst of hope in her belly.
Blowing out a breath, she stretched tall and squared her shoulders. The first time will be the hardest, she thought. She made her way along the hall and opened the front door. Roman strode across the porch, aviator sunglasses covering his eyes. His frame was leaner than the last time she’d seen him. She studied him for several seconds. He needed a haircut, she realized then stepped back and gestured him in.
“Would you like a coffee? Breakfast maybe?”
He slid his sunglasses off and pushed them into a back pocket. His eyes met hers but slipped away to focus elsewhere.
“No, I’m good.”
“Are you?”
He didn’t
answer but continued past her and into the front hall. She closed the door and leaned back against it, studying him again. Mia reached out with her mind. Roman was in tight control, and the only thing she sensed was the strain of reining in whatever emotions he was determined to contain.
“Okay,” she said when he remained silent. “How are your parents?”
He sighed long and deep. “Working their way through everything but still in rough shape.”
Layla, oblivious to the atmosphere or perhaps simply unconcerned by it, prostrated herself at Roman’s feet. He turned his attention to the loyal lab, leaning over to stroke her back. When the reunion continued on for some time, Mia walked through to her workroom and set the license plates inside the box of Roman’s belongings, carrying it back out to the front hall.
“Your timing is perfect. I was going to send this out with the delivery guy this morning, but here you are. You can take it with you and save me the step.”
He straightened and raised the flap of the unsealed box, glancing in. “You’re clean-slating me?”
“I’m doing what needs to be done. Why are you here, Roman? You’re barely answering my questions, so you obviously didn’t come to talk.”
Taking the box from her first, he set it down on the floor by the door before turning to face her. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Did you know that Claudia Creemore is wanted for questioning in an attempted burglary? There’s an arrest warrant for Emily Robinson in Missouri and Danielle Frontenac in Texas too.”
She shrugged carelessly, but he saw a telltale line dig in between her brows. “I can’t say I knew precisely. Still, it would be odd if none of my marks put it together and reported the thefts. I figured there might be some warrants floating around out there.”
“You figured there might be some warrants floating around?” he repeated slowly. “Yeah, I guess for someone like you, a little thing like an arrest warrant isn’t going to put a hitch in your step.”
“Look, you can either report me or take your stuff and be on your way, but I’m not going to stand here and listen to you preach your moral code.”
