Tangled Lies

by Connie Mann

  Eve’s eyes widened briefly, as though she was surprised her sister had an actual plan, then she gathered the rest of the dishes. “Do you want to wash or dry?”

  Sasha grabbed the dish soap and metal wash pan, grinning. “What do you think?”

  Eve smiled and said, “Guess I’ll dry then. Imagine that.”

  For those few minutes, as they stood shoulder to shoulder, some of the awkwardness faded, and Sasha caught a glimpse of the sisters they’d been, the closeness they’d shared, and was glad she’d come home.

  Eve insisted on driving, so they arrived downtown in the air-conditioned comfort of Mama’s aging but immaculate Buick. She parked on the street and Sasha paused a moment to glance around. Nothing had changed, as far as she could see. Main Street still boasted the same tired-looking storefronts: the Blue Dolphin Restaurant, Johnson’s Hardware, Annie’s Attic—which was part thrift store, part antiques—Ned’s Appliance Repair. She wondered if old Ned still smoked marijuana in the narrow alley out back. The library and Beatrice’s Hair Affair anchored one end of the downtown block, while at the other, Barry’s Quality Cars obviously still sold everything from barely running jalopies to shiny new pickups. Progress had not moved into Safe Harbor, and that suited the locals just fine, thank you very much.

  The police station occupied the first floor of an 1890s boardinghouse a block off Main Street, just as it had for seventy-five years. A lawyer and several other businesses rented space on the second floor. The whole building listed slightly to port and needed a fresh coat of white paint, but the black shutters all hung straight, so it didn’t look too bad.

  She’d been inside only once, just before high school graduation, the night Pop asked her to stay in Safe Harbor and eventually take over the marina. She’d freaked at the idea of being depended on, had gotten drunk, egged several downtown businesses—including the police station—and promptly got arrested. That was the same night she ruined Cat’s life, since the whole family took off searching for Sasha, worried something horrible had happened. Cat missed her vocal audition with a big-shot talent scout and had never been able to reschedule or get another opportunity like it—for which she’d never forgiven Sasha. Two days after graduation, Sasha left Safe Harbor.

  “I wonder if they’ve painted the shutters since you had to after the egg incident,” Eve said, heading up the steps.

  Sasha laughed. “Doubt it. I did a dang fine job the first time.” Their eyes met and the laughter died. Sasha knew they were both thinking of Cat. And Tony. But neither said anything. They would deal in facts. Let Mama deal with the emotions.

  They walked into the lobby and waited a moment for their eyes to adjust. A late-twenties officer in a green Safe Harbor police uniform stood behind what had once been the boardinghouse reception desk. He looked up from his computer with a smile, and Sasha recognized Nick Stanton from Mama’s party. She figured the combination of dark hair cropped close and a tanned, toned body that came with puppy-dog brown eyes inspired the local ladies to search for reasons to call the police. She smiled back.

  “Nice to see you ladies again. How can I help you?” he asked as he clicked the mouse and gave them his full attention.

  Eve stepped forward, hand extended in what Sasha thought of as her diplomat persona.

  After smiles and handshakes, Eve said, “We’d like to see the file on the disappearance of our brother, Tony Martinelli.”

  Officer Stanton frowned as he tapped keys on the computer. “We haven’t had a disappearance here in Safe Harbor in a very long time. When did this happen?”

  “March fifth, 1991,” Eve responded.

  Since no one had mentioned the actual date until now, Sasha raised a brow at Eve, who shrugged. “Research. I couldn’t sleep.”

  Officer Stanton nodded and kept clicking, scrolling, checking. After a moment, he looked up.

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t see any case files with that name listed anywhere.”

  “What? How is that possible?” Sasha asked.

  He held up a hand. “That only means it’s not in the computer. We’re still in the process of digitally scanning all our archives. This far back, they are probably still in the storage building, awaiting their turn.” A form spit out of the printer, and he handed it over the counter along with a pen. “If you ladies don’t mind showing me some identification, you can fill out the form and I’ll get the process started.”

  “We have a bit of time. What if we grab lunch and come back?” Sasha asked.

  He shook his head. “I don’t think I made myself clear. I can put the request in right now, but getting the actual file will take a few days, at least.”

  Eve’s eyebrows shot to her hairline, and Sasha bit back a smile. Eve worked in a high-tech office with lots of clout and instant access.

  “I don’t have days. I have to catch a plane tomorrow.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m guessing it will take until the middle of the week, minimum.”

  Chief Monroe sauntered through the front door, and Sasha sighed inwardly. He removed his hat and extended a hand, his grin as fake as his teeth.

  “Eve, Sasha, good to see you girls again. Heard you were in town for your mama’s big birthday bash. I would have been honored to offer my congratulations in person, but someone had to keep the citizens of our little corner of paradise safe.”

  Sasha nearly rolled her eyes. He’d always been pompous and treated her like something he’d scraped off the bottom of his shoe, especially after what he termed her “crime spree” ten years ago. Still, they needed his help.

  “We’ll be sure to pass your good wishes on to Mama,” Eve said.

  The chief’s grin faded. “How is she, bless her heart?”

  “She’s holding her own,” Sasha said. “She had a wonderful time at the party.”

  “Good, good. Glad to hear it. So what brings you ladies downtown?”

  “They want to see the file from their brother’s disappearance,” Officer Nick supplied.

  The chief scratched his head. “Well, now, I remember my daddy talking about that case, God rest his soul. That was a long time ago. I’m sure those files are in the archives somewhere. Why would you want to see them now, after all this time?”

  Eve and Sasha exchanged a quick glance.

  “Call it family curiosity,” Sasha said, smiling. “That happened before our time, so we want to get a sense of the whole thing.”

  “Well, the file won’t tell you much, I know that. It was a tragedy, pure and simple. Your mama went in the house, quick-like to get more wash, got distracted by a phone call, and when she came back out, the poor boy had drowned.”

  “But they never found his body,” Sasha said.

  “No, they sure didn’t. But it was the only thing that made sense. There were no strangers hanging around, never a trace of the boy found. He probably fell into the water and got washed out with the tide.”

  “We appreciate the insight, Chief,” Eve said, “but we’d like to see the file just the same.”

  “Sure, sure. Just fill out the—”

  “Already done, Chief,” Officer Nick said.

  “You told them it’ll take a while to get the file?”

  “I did.”

  The chief turned back to them. “So how long you girls staying in town?”

  “Eve flies out tomorrow, but I’ll be here a while, helping out with the marina.”

  The chief frowned. “I heard you’re a boat captain these days. Seems an odd job for a pretty gal like you.”

  Sasha smiled through her teeth. “I enjoy it.”

  “Well, good luck to both of you. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He didn’t wait for a response, just turned and headed down the hall.

  “Miss Petrov, if you’ll give me a phone number where I can reach you, I’ll let you know when I get those files.”

  Sasha ignored Eve as she said, “My cell phone died, so as soon as I get a new one, I’ll call you with the number. Until then, let me give you the number at
my folks’ house.”

  Then she mentally counted down as they walked out of the building and back to the car. Eve wouldn’t be able to resist. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five—

  “What happened to your cell phone?”

  Sasha thought of Pete and his hideous treatment of Bella and tried to shrug off her fury. “It went for an unplanned swim, and turns out it doesn’t like water.”

  “Very funny. Why can’t you take care—”

  “Don’t, Eve. I’ll get another phone, and yes, you’ll have the number. Stop harping, OK?”

  Eve sighed. “Sorry. I just hate that you don’t think about your personal safety. What if something happens and you can’t call anyone? Wait a minute. Did you drive cross-country without a phone?” Her voice rose with every syllable.

  “I did and look, I’m still alive and kicking. Stop, already. You’re making me crazy.”

  “I’m sorry. But I worry. And with Mama sick and everything—”

  “You need to back off. Seriously. You are not in charge of me—or anyone else, for that matter. And worrying is nothing but borrowing trouble. It will be what it will be.”

  They stopped at the car, and Eve stared at her over the roof. “Aren’t you scared? What if they can’t stop the cancer?”

  “Of course I’m scared. Terrified. I’m trying not to think about it. And to have faith. Our job is to find out what happened to Tony. That’s what I’m focused on.” Sasha pulled open the door and slid into the furnace-hot car.

  Eve got in beside her and blasted the air-conditioning, which thankfully kicked in quickly and provided blessed relief. Sasha leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes as Eve pulled away from the curb, trying to pinpoint what about their meeting with the chief bugged her most.

  “So when you get those files next week, what are you going to do?” Eve asked.

  Sasha cracked her eyes open, wishing she’d remembered to grab her sunglasses from the Jeep.

  “I’ll read them and then tell Mama what they say.” She shrugged.

  “You need to call me—” Eve began. Sasha turned her head toward Eve and narrowed her eyes.

  Eve cleared her throat, started over. “When you get the files, will you call me and let me know what they say?”

  “Of course, but I’m not expecting much. It sounds like what we’ve always thought. That Tony drowned. Why do you think Mama is so convinced he’s alive?”

  Eve gnawed her lower lip. “Maybe it’s like she said. It’s a mother thing, a feeling. I don’t know.”

  Suddenly Sasha sat up and stared hard at Eve. “There isn’t more to the cancer than what you’ve told me, is there?” Pop had said there wasn’t, but Pop wouldn’t want anyone to worry.

  “How can there be more? What are you saying?”

  “Is it much worse than everyone has let on? Is that why she’s pushing so hard?”

  Eve swallowed hard, and Sasha wondered if she would tell her the whole truth, or try to protect her as always. “Don’t sugarcoat it, Eve. Just spit it out.”

  “If there’s more, they haven’t said anything to me. All I know is what I’ve told you. The cancer has come back and they’re trying this experimental treatment.”

  Sasha tried to imagine a world without Mama, but her thoughts couldn’t go in that direction. She couldn’t, simply couldn’t. She knew they would lose their parents someday, but not yet. It was too soon. She looked around as Eve pulled into the big Stuff Mart in the next town. She hadn’t even realized they’d left Safe Harbor. “What do you need to get?”

  Eve opened her door and stepped out of the car. “Not me. You’re getting a new phone.”

  Sasha thought of the few hundred dollars left in her checking account and the money due from her last job she would likely never see and sighed. Might as well cough up the cash.

  When Sasha fell into step with her sister, Eve asked, “What made you decide to quit your job and come home? From your email a few months ago, I thought you really liked this job.”

  Sasha sighed. “I did like it.” She paused, not sure why she didn’t just spill the whole ugly tale. Maybe because she knew Eve would just shake her head, as though it were Sasha’s fault. Which, yeah, it probably was. “It’s a long, boring story. It was time to go, that’s all.”

  Eve looked like she wanted to ask more questions, but she didn’t. She just nodded as they headed toward the cell phone display.

  Sasha wasn’t quite sure how it happened, but half an hour later she was the reluctant owner of a shiny new smartphone that absolutely terrified her. What the heck was she supposed to do with this fancy thing?

  “Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love it,” Eve said. “Trust me. This is so much better than that old flip phone you had.”

  “I liked my flip phone. I understood my flip phone. Mostly. This is . . .” Words failed her. She sat down in the car, relieved that she remembered how to unlock the screen. “We should take it back. I’ll get one of the other—”

  Eve reached over and tapped a finger on Sasha’s lips. “Stop. It’s my birthday-slash-Christmas gift to you. Besides, this way we can stay in touch better.”

  Sasha grinned. “Always a salesman, aren’t you? What you’re really saying is that I can run, but I can’t hide.”

  Eve laughed out loud. “Guilty.”

  “But really, it’s too much—” Sasha said for the second time.

  “Sasha, please. I wanted to do this. For you, and yeah, for me, too. If you’re going to be here with Mama and Pop, I want to know I can reach you. Besides, they don’t have Internet at the house, so this way, you can do research, too, if you need to.”

  Sasha just looked at her blankly. “You forget who you’re talking to here.” She waved a hand. “OK, thank you. I’ll do my best to learn how this beast works, just for you.”

  Chapter 4

  It was still dark outside when Sasha stumbled down the steep stairs the next morning, Bella right on her heels, and followed the smell of coffee to the kitchen. The light was on above the stove, and Pop sat at the kitchen table reading the local paper, coffee dripping into the pot. Sasha let Bella out, kissed Pop on the top of the head, and reached for a mug. Once she had swallowed enough to wake a few brain cells, she smiled at Pop over the rim. “Bless you for getting this started.”

  “Can’t have you running off the road in your sleep.”

  Sasha plopped down beside him at the table and sipped her coffee while she listened to Eve rustling around in the tiny upstairs bathroom.

  “Mama still asleep?”

  Pop shrugged. “She’s pretending to be. She doesn’t sleep much, but she doesn’t want me to know. Or worry.”

  “So you don’t sleep well, either. You keep watch.”

  When he looked up and nodded, Sasha’s heart clenched. She fingered the mariner’s cross around her neck, pushing back a wave of emotion. Pop had always kept watch. Especially during her teen years. It was his job, he’d once said, as the family protector. She imagined Blaze was costing him more than a little sleep these days, too.

  As if the words had conjured her, Blaze clumped into the kitchen in jeans, a tight T-shirt, clunky black boots, and attitude. She reached for the coffeepot, her blue hair shimmering in the meager light.

  “You’re up early,” Sasha said.

  “I’m going to the airport with you.” She didn’t turn around, just fixed a mug of coffee and joined them at the table.

  “OK,” Sasha said.

  “Just OK? That’s it?” Blaze smacked her mug on the scarred wooden table.

  She wanted a fight, but Sasha wasn’t giving her one. Not now, with Pop there and not enough brain cells working to keep up.

  “You want to come along, come. Doesn’t matter to me.”

  Eve thumped down the stairs with her rolling suitcase, laptop case, and a purse big enough to hold a Saint Bernard. She piled everything in the corner and said, “Good morning. I sure didn’t expect a crowd this early.” She helped herself t
o coffee, and Blaze rolled her eyes behind her back.

  “Blaze’s coming to the airport with us. And Pop got up to start the coffee.”

  “And kiss my little girl good-bye,” he said.

  Sasha looked away as Eve’s eyes filled with tears. Her own emotions were too close to the surface this morning to deal with Eve’s, too. She pushed her chair back and stepped to the coffeepot for a refill.

  “Time to hit the road, gang. Traffic in Tampa will get ugly fast.” Sasha grabbed Eve’s suitcase and laptop and headed for the door. “I’ll meet you at the car.”

  Outside, she stowed the bags in the trunk of Mama’s Buick, spread an old beach towel on the backseat, and motioned Bella inside. When Blaze clumped down the porch steps and plopped onto the backseat like she was headed for prison, Sasha bit back a grin and shut the door after her. Eve hurried out moments later, wiping her eyes. She climbed into the passenger seat and leaned her head back.

  “I hate good-byes,” she mumbled.

  Sasha ignored her and started the car, tuning the radio to a local jazz station. The sky was just beginning to lighten, and within five miles, she heard snoring from the backseat, in stereo. She glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Bella’s head on Blaze’s lap, both sound asleep.

  She turned to share a smile with Eve, but her sister stared out the window, still wiping at tears, so Sasha said nothing. Eve had always cried over the dumbest little thing, and Sasha never knew what to say. Mama’s cancer wasn’t a little thing, but still, tears made her uncomfortable. Back in Russia, her papa had told her crying solved nothing. Action solved problems. Instead of crying, she fixed things. Or threw something.

  When Sasha reached the airport access road, Eve straightened and went into what Sasha called checklist mode. “So listen, you don’t have to park the car. Just drop me off at the curb. It’ll be cheaper and quicker.”

  Sasha ignored her and headed for short-term parking.

  “Did you hear what I said?” Eve demanded.

  “I heard. But I don’t agree. Pop asked me to see you off.”