Cold Truth

by Mary Stone

  What the hell? She’d thought they’d be happy.

  “I’m not digging up bodies or anything dangerous. I’ll mostly be searching the internet for new information, re-interviewing old leads, checking CODIS and other national databases to see if any new evidence matches what we have, and trying to identify victims so their families have closure. Of all the things I could be doing, it’s the safest, and I still get to make a difference. Isn’t that what you’re always telling me you want me to do? Make a difference without putting my life in danger? Well, I found a way to do it.”

  “I don’t think this is a good idea.” Helen’s voice cracked.

  Blake turned in his chair next to Helen, his eyebrow arched.

  Helen’s voice never cracked.

  What is going on?

  “Why?” Ellie pressed. “Why isn’t it a good idea to do my job and make a difference? I don’t know what you want from me.”

  “We want you to quit putting yourself at risk.”

  “At risk of what?” She flung her free hand up in the air. “Some of these cases are older than me. Even if I do stumble upon a serial killer, they won’t be in any position to run away from me, let alone harm me. What gives? Why can’t you just be happy that I’m doing something I find fulfilling?” She couldn’t hold in a sigh. “I thought this would put you at ease. No more jumping off bridges and wrestling half-naked thugs out of the water live on television. It’s what you’ve always wanted.”

  Ellie slowly stood, gritting her teeth. She hadn’t expected her mother to be elated about the promotion, but Helen’s reaction stabbed an old wound. It was obvious her mother didn’t want her to do anything that might be too gruesome or beneath the Kline name, but Ellie refused to give up on her dreams.

  “Eleanor, sit down, please. We have a guest.”

  Ellie laughed. “Are you kidding me? Nick is here every Sunday. He’s practically family. You say it yourself all the time. Now he’s a guest? Is my job that distressing to you? Or is it the fact that I’m not like Blake and Dan, doing whatever you want to make sure they get their share of the fortune?”

  Her older brothers’ faces hardened in unison.

  “I’m not like them. I want to build my own identity beyond ‘Daniel and Helen Kline’s only daughter.’ Do you know what that means? If I do everything right, it’s because your money got me where I am. But if I screw up? Well, that’s because I’m just a silly little rich girl playing cops and robbers. I don’t know why I expected my family to actually support my dreams.”

  “We want to support your dreams,” Helen said.

  “But not this dream, right?”

  Helen shook her head. “That’s not it. I just think you should leave this to the real detectives.”

  As soon as the words were out of Helen’s mouth, Ellie could tell she regretted ever saying them. But it was too late, and even Blake and Dan had the good sense to sit in shocked silence at Helen’s words.

  Ellie lifted her chin, hot tears threatening. “I need some air.” She turned and went straight out the front door.

  The air had a cool breeze that spoke of fall as she ran down the front steps and between the two massive white pillars. Instead of heading for her car, she turned right, following the paved path that wound lazily around the Kline family’s massive estate. The ground was sixty acres of picture-perfect gardens, tree-lined pastures, and one crystal clear stream fed by an underground spring cutting right through the middle of it all.

  When she was little, this place had been everything to her. A magical world that held endless possibilities. As a teen, her home had felt like a trap, just like her parents’ money. Then, Ellie had made the worst mistake of her life, ending with her father having a stroke that led to the heart attack that had nearly killed him. Only after that had this place been a sanctuary.

  The only place she could be free from the curious gaze of anyone who knew her secret.

  The wind curled around her, turning the hot tears to icy rivulets on her cheeks. She crossed the picturesque bridge over the creek and stood in the middle, staring at the Charleston skyline off in the distance. Nearby, the massive magnolia still held the simple tire swing from her childhood. She could smell the familiar fragrant flowers on the breeze, bringing back memories of her own childish laughter as she tried to swing higher until her tiny bare feet touched the sun.

  Life was simpler then.

  She didn’t know that the rest of the world lived a different kind of life.

  She hadn’t known that people could be boundlessly cruel.

  She smiled as Nick’s footsteps sounded on the bridge. His cologne drifted up around her as he settled his dinner jacket on her shoulders.

  If only her parents could be so supportive without saying a word.

  11

  Nick waited a beat before he stood, keeping his face passive when Helen and Daniel looked his way, though he was fuming inside. He wanted to tell them that her dreams mattered too. They were going to push Ellie away when all she wanted was for them to see her for who she was. He didn’t understand how people who did so much for the community couldn’t see that their own daughter wanted the same things they did, she just went about it differently.

  Better, he thought, but he kept his feelings to himself. His own parents were like the Klines. Traditional and set in their ways, it had taken most of his thirty years for them to accept that Nick wasn’t going to change. But Ellie was the only daughter, and with that came endless expectations.

  “I’ll go check on her,” Nick said.

  “Thank you.” Daniel cleared his throat and gave a weak cough into his handkerchief.

  Helen sat stone-faced beside her husband, a quiver at the corner of her mouth the only outward sign that she was fighting back tears.

  Nick nodded, his jaw clenched as he left the table.

  Wesley caught his eye and mouthed a silent “thank you,” but Ellie’s older brothers wouldn’t look his way. They knew how he felt about their lack of support. Unlike Ellie’s parents, Nick didn’t owe the two brothers respect. Helen and Daniel Kline came from old money and old values that were hard to shake. Blake and Dan Junior didn’t have an excuse.

  The air was crisp, the breeze shaking the leaves that were just beginning to turn the oranges and reds of fall’s vibrant colors. He knew before he turned for the trail where he would find her. Walking off her frustration was something Ellie had been doing for as long as Nick could remember. And with her quick temper and the independent streak that went against everything her parents wanted for her, she’d done a lot of walking over the years.

  The sight of her on the white bridge that curved over the narrow creek took his breath away. She was awash in the silvery light of the full moon that rose behind her. Framing her face and tumbling over her shoulders, her hair swayed with the gentle wind as she stared unseeing at the shadowed outline of the tire hanging from a rope. It swung in the breeze, and for a moment, Nick could see the picture that hung in Mr. Kline’s office in motion in his mind.

  Six-year-old Ellie, hair wild and free and nearly brushing the ground when she stretched her legs out and leaned back, long legs stretched skyward, toothless grin wide and mischievous. Every time Nick had seen the picture, he marveled at how it captured her essence so perfectly. All spunk, bravery, and determination, she’d never let fear stop her from going after what she wanted. She was a little taller now, and she’d traded the tire swing for a badge and gun, but she was still the same vibrant hellcat who never backed down and never took no for a final answer.

  And Nick was totally and completely head over heels in love with her.

  Ellie wrapped her arms tight around herself and rubbed the bare skin of her arms with her hands as the chill in the air cut through her anger.

  Making sure she knew he was there, he stepped onto the bridge, shrugging off his jacket and setting it on her shoulders. Silent, he stood stoic, rock-solid behind her. Close enough that she could lean on him if she wanted but giving her spa
ce if she needed to stand on her own.

  She was quiet for a long time, the only sign she was aware of him the weight of her body pressing against his chest. Tense with frustration, he could feel her deliberate deep breathing. When she finally spoke, the conviction in her words was unmistakable. “I won’t let my mother guilt me into giving up my dreams.”

  “And you shouldn’t.”

  “Why can’t she just say she’s proud of me and leave it at that?”

  “She means well. Our parents come from another reality, and Helen believes the best way to make a difference is to volunteer, donate, and then go home and forget about the troubles of the world.” He shook his head. “My mother is the same way.”

  “But you’re a man, so your mother’s expectations for you are completely different. And you don’t have a sister…” She leaned to the side so she could look up at him, a wry grin on her smooth face.

  “That’s true, but it doesn’t stop her from voicing her opinion whenever the opportunity presents itself.” He laughed. “Or when she makes her own opportunity.”

  “Has she been after you because of me?”

  He shrugged one shoulder, and when she turned in his arms to face him, he rubbed her back and held her close. “I made it clear to her a long time ago that her thoughts on our relationship should remain thoughts and nothing more.”

  “I bet that went over well.”

  “She knows when she’s pushed me too far. Not that she’s going to drop the subject. Ever. But now when she brings it up, it’s a general comment.” He kissed the top of her head, and she nuzzled against his chest. “I can’t stop her from speaking her mind, but I can make sure she’s doing it without your name on her lips.”

  Ellie gave a soft snort. “If only you could work your magic on my parents. Well, just my mom. Dad doesn’t have the energy lately.” She swallowed audibly. “I was so busy chasing my goals that I didn’t notice how poorly he’s been doing.”

  “Don’t blame yourself. Your father hides it well. That’s just who he is. He has his pride and his reputation.”

  “Still, I should’ve seen it.”

  He swayed gently, still rubbing her back in an effort to soothe her. But her pain ran deep, and it was going to take more than a hug to heal the scars that ran even deeper. “Beating yourself up right now won’t change anything. Your father will be okay.”

  “I want to believe that.”

  “He’s survived worse.”

  She shuddered, then nodded solemnly. “I know. But that doesn’t make me feel any better.” Her arms went around his waist. “I can’t do this without him.”

  He cupped her cheek, gently tilting her face up so he could look into her eyes. He saw the tears that threatened, but that didn’t stop him. She deserved honesty. “You can, and someday, you will. But that day isn’t today. Everything you’ve done up until this point you’ve done without help from any of us. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

  She bit her lip and nodded. A single tear spilled over, and he watched it flow down her cheek to her slender neck before he lost track of it in the soft moonlight. “I just thought this time my mom would be happy with where I’m at. I spend most of my day in the damn basement. You can’t get much safer than that. I guess she’s not really cool with the idea of me examining violent crime scenes, even if they are twenty years old.”

  “I don’t understand that, either.”

  “Did you see the look she gave my father?”

  He nodded. “I did.”

  “Sometimes, I feel like no matter what I do, they’ll never get me.”

  She took his hand, and they walked back across the bridge, his coat sleeve coming to the midpoint of her hands. Though she was strong and capable, somehow, his oversized jacket made her look more fragile. Softer. His heart clenched, but he pushed aside his feelings of dread. She was right; she’d never been safer. So why couldn’t he shake the feeling of unease that pressed so heavily on his shoulders?

  “What do you suppose they’re talking about?” Ellie mused when they were at the halfway point.

  The path swung in a wide arch heading back toward the house, which rose like a sentinel on the soft swell of a low hill. It was imposing, opulent, and rich with family history, like so many other estates in Charleston. Though nowhere near the grandeur of Magnolia Gardens, it held its own enduring charm.

  “Do we really have to guess?” he teased.

  She squeezed his hand and let her head fall against his shoulder as they strolled along, in no hurry to go back to the house and face her family. “Marriage, kids, alliances between wealthy families.” She scoffed. “They act like we’re royalty.”

  “They’re acting like parents. They may do it in their own out-of-touch way, but all parents have dreams for their kids.”

  “I guess.”

  “You know I’m right. Strip it down to the bare bones, and they just want to make sure you’re taken care of.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he could take them back.

  She stopped on the path, her anger clear even in the shadows the night cast on her face. “I can take care of myself. Of all people, you should know that.”

  He recoiled inwardly but held his ground. “I didn’t mean it like that. I know you don’t need anyone to take care of you. You’ve proven that time and time again. They just want you to be happy.”

  “I am happy.”

  That phrase from her mouth should have made him happy too, but it only stabbed. “I know that, which is why I don’t push the issue.”

  “The issue?”

  He blew out a long, hard breath. “Maybe I should stop talking. Every time I try to fix the last thing I said, I just make it worse.”

  “No, please. I want to hear it. What issue?”

  “Our relationship.” He gestured vaguely between the two of them. “Marriage, kids, whether we’re even dating exclusively or not.”

  “Aren’t we?”

  He laughed. “If by exclusive you mean we’re both not dating anyone, then sure.”

  Her shoulders shook as she laughed with him. “You’re right. I’m sorry I haven’t made time for you lately.”

  “I understand. You’re busy, and you’re working on yourself, your dreams.” He only wished a life with him was on the top of the list. But he kissed her lips, then pulled back and tucked a soft curl behind her ear. “I get you, and I know that when you’re ready, I’ll be the first one to know. There’s no hurry.”

  “Even with our parents pressuring us to get married?” She bit her lip, gazing up at him.

  “Especially then. We’re in this together.” He cupped her cheek, and she leaned into his touch. “The only opinion that matters here is yours. I’m happy being with you the way we are. When or if you’re ever ready to get married, we’ll cross that bridge together then.”

  She pursed her lips thoughtfully, then smiled. “I don’t deserve you.”

  “Actually, you do, and so much more. Ellie, I don’t need a piece of paper to be happy. I have everything I need right here.” He hugged her tight, breathing in her scent as she leaned against him. He’d always been patient with her, and he would just have to be for longer.

  The world around them stopped, and for that moment, there was nothing but Ellie in his arms, the gentle breeze, and the hint of jasmine that clung to her skin.

  When she moved out of his embrace, he wanted to pull her back, but he knew better. “I’m ready to go back inside.”

  “Are you sure?” He took in a slow, deep breath, holding back a sigh. “This is nice.”

  “You don’t want them to think we ran off and eloped, do you?”

  A hearty laugh burst from his chest before he could stop himself. He shook his head and put his arm around her as they walked toward the house. “That would be something, wouldn’t it?”

  “Mother would never forgive me.”

  “You’re right, she would never get over that.” He paused at the door, gazing
down at her. “Let’s get this over with.”

  She grinned at him, kissed him square on the lips then put her forehead against his. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have by my side,” she whispered.

  “Funny,” he said, his voice tender. “I was thinking the same thing.”

  12

  “You’re here bright and early on a Monday,” Jillian said when Ellie walked into the basement office the next day. “You don’t have to be here for another hour, right?”

  “I couldn’t sleep.” She handed Jillian a cup of coffee she’d bought at the local donut shop, then gestured at the new desk in the space in the corner. “You getting a new office mate?”

  “Yeah,” Jillian smiled, “you.”

  “What? No, my desk is supposed to be upstairs.”

  “They put it in sometime over the weekend. There’s a nameplate in the top drawer that says ‘Detective Kline,’ so I assumed it was yours.”

  Ellie hurried to open the drawer, and sure enough, a shiny new nameplate with her name on it rattled against the bare wood on the bottom of the drawer. “I’ll talk to Fortis about it later. It’s probably a mistake.”

  Jillian’s face fell. “That’s too bad. I was kinda excited to have company.”

  “I’m sorry.” Ellie immediately felt terrible. “I didn’t mean any offense.”

  “None taken. It just gets lonely down here, that’s all.”

  Ellie glanced around the bright, artificially lit space. “I thought it would be annoying with people coming in and out all day.”

  Jillian shook her head. “Not as many as you’d think. I’ve gone an entire week without seeing a single soul. It’s part of the reason I started looking at some of the cold case files to begin with. I can’t open anything that’s sealed, but I can run a search for everything the detectives logged in the database and go from there. It’s not much, but it’s better than staring at the wall.”

  “I guess it is.” Ellie took a sip of her coffee and closed her eyes to savor the smooth liquid that was so much better than the sludge in the breakroom. “Speaking of looking into cases,” she said when she opened her eyes again, “anything new on our Jane Doe?”