Closing Books (Ghost Of The Past)

by Trisha Grace

  Dan cocked his head over to Evelyn, then exchanged a smile with Marianne before she returned to the other wing.

  Taking Evelyn’s hand, they headed up the stairs.

  “What information do you want? Or am I supposed to pull everything I can find?”

  Evelyn cast a quick glance over at Dan. “Who’s that?”

  He shrugged and entered the study room.

  “Wow,” Evelyn said, standing right by the door.

  The study room had been completely transformed. The mahogany table had been shifted to the side, the things on the table cleared and replaced with three laptops. Boxes of iPads, with their plastic still wrapped around, were stacked against one of the walls while pieces of paper and photographs were sprawled across the floor.

  A printer, perched on the edge of the table, continued to churn out paper as they stood dumbfounded.

  Though this was the room least used by both Kate and Tyler, neither had been keen to redecorate the room into one they could use. Evelyn knew Kate simply didn’t want to change the room that Tyler’s grandfather used to be in all the time; Kate had spent a lot of time listening to the late Mr. Hayes’s family stories right in this room.

  Instead, they’d converted the attic into their study room and workspace, leaving this room intact the way it was.

  When Evelyn brought up the subject of changing the room, Kate and Tyler would say they had no use of the room and would change it when there was a need to.

  Now, the room was in a complete mess. Ryan’s eyes were on an iPad, his finger swiping across the screen. Kate and Tyler were sitting on the only empty spots on the floor. A laptop was on his lap, his fingers busy typing away while Kate watched.

  Behind the desk, sitting in front of one of the laptops, was a young man whom Evelyn had never met.

  “What are you people doing?” Dan asked, his eyes giving the room another quick scan before stopping on the man seated before the desk.

  All eyes turned to them, and Kate hopped to her feet. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry! This whole room is a mess!”

  “That’s Ben, my Internet guy,” Tyler said when he noticed their stares.

  “Something wrong with the Internet? And what’s with all this?” Evelyn said, pointing to the mess on the floor.

  “Ty is downloading Lydia’s research and interviews onto the new laptops, then he’ll sync with all the iPads there,” Kate said.

  “We all get new iPads!” Ryan said, waving the one he was holding. “Early Christmas presents!”

  “Thought you didn’t see the point of having one?” Evelyn sat by the door. “And Ben is fixing the Internet?”

  “He’s good with finding info on the net,” Kate explained.

  Dan grinned at what Kate said. “You mean he’s hacking?”

  “That would be illegal, so no, I’m not hacking. I’m just good at finding info people leave behind on the Internet. Things never disappear on the net; you think you’ve deleted it, but it’s still right there. You just need to know how to find it,” Ben said.

  Evelyn shrugged and turned back to Kate. “How did you guys get this up in,” she glanced at her watch, then back up at Kate. “In two hours.”

  “Ty came back and set it up after lunch.”

  “From today onwards, the two of you should avoid going anywhere alone, or even together,” Tyler said. “You’ll be staying over at Dan’s for now, right?”

  She nodded.

  “Good. Now for the homework,” Tyler said as Kate crossed the cluttered floor and got two boxes of iPads for Tyler. “We’re synchronizing everything, read them once you get the time.”

  While Dan went over to help Tyler, Evelyn helped Kate transfer the photos on the floor to the wall. She pinned them up exactly where Kate instructed, with Kate adding additional Post-it notes to them, summarizing the different info and the title of the files where additional information could be found.

  Soon, the plain white wall was transformed into a giant web of information.

  Evelyn took a step back and looked at the well-organized info.

  “I’ve already looked through the arson case. Everything had been destroyed. If there were any evidence, it would be long gone. So, we’ll focus on the rape cases and on David Morgan. Ben is working on getting more info on David Morgan, but Lydia already has plenty on the rape cases. She’s interviewed several people. She even listed those who refused the interviews and her thoughts on them,” Ryan said and stood, stretching his back.

  Evelyn took the iPad that Dan handed her and scanned through the files randomly.

  “You take care now,” Ryan said to her as he half-hopped across the room. Then, he turned to Dan. “Call if you need anything. Unless it’s urgent, then call anyone but the cripple.”

  That night, Evelyn stuffed some of her clothes and necessities into a bag while Dan watched her. He had offered to help, but she was certain her way was faster.

  She was ready in less than fifteen minutes, and they headed off to Dan’s house.

  Once they entered the house, Evelyn headed straight for the couch. Having sort through all the information was exhausting.

  “You can have the bed in my room; I’ll sleep in the study.”

  She frowned and stared at him. “Why? Is your bed not big enough for both of us?”

  “You’re willing to share?”

  “Is something wrong?”

  He dropped the bag he was holding and went to sit by her side. “I just don’t want you to…freak? I’m afraid that you’ll think this is too similar to us moving in together.”

  She blinked and opened her mouth to speak, but stopped.

  Chewing on her lower lip, she asked, “You’re afraid that I think we’re moving in together?”

  “No. I’m afraid you’ll think that I’m trying to push you into moving in. I’m afraid you’ll think that we’re moving too fast.”

  “Hmm, you should stop worrying about that. I’m perfectly comfortable with messing up your house.” She picked up one of the cushions on the couch and flung it across the room.

  Dan laughed, but lunged at her when she picked up another.

  She shrieked and struggled under him, giggling and struggling.

  He held his weight on his arms, but kept himself close. “You know, the first thing I always see in your living room is your shoes.” He kissed her down her neck, then slid off the couch to take off her shoes. Returning to her lips, he kissed her lightly and moved up her cheek, speaking softly into her ears. “Then, the rest of your floor is covered with your clothes.”

  They didn’t move to the bedroom until several hours later. By then, Evelyn was so tired, she had to crawl to take her bath and fell asleep once her head hit the pillow.

  Sometime in the night, Evelyn jolted straight up on the bed.

  Dan’s eyes immediately flew open. He sat up straight, staring at the door like Evelyn was. “You heard something?”

  Her rigid frame relaxed the moment she heard his voice, and she sighed, running her hand through her hair. “I don’t know. I’m a little sensitive to noise when I sleep. It’s probably nothing.”

  He pushed her hair back behind her ear and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. “It’s all right, I’ll check. You want to come with me?” he asked as he got off the bed.

  Evelyn nodded and slipped off the bed, trailing after Dan.

  Dan waited by the door and took her hand, leading the way. He switched on the lights before they moved down the stairs, then did a quick check of both the living room and the kitchen to make sure that no one else was in the house and that all the doors and windows were locked.

  “Feel better?” Dan pulled her into his arms and gave her a peck on her forehead.

  She let out a nervous, embarrassed laugh. “I’m sorry, Dan. I just…”

  “It’s okay, I don’t mind.” Leaning against the counter, he held her close and waited for her nerves to ease. “Hungry?”

  “No, I’m fine.” Her words came out as whispers as s
he laid her face against his chest, listening to the steady drum of his heart. “Thanks, for doing this.”

  She never liked staying over at a new place.

  Her ears would sense every new creak in the house, drenching her with fear each time she woke.

  “Wake me up anytime.”

  But she didn’t have to.

  When they got back in bed, Dan’s arms held her tightly and she fell asleep, feeling safer than she had ever been.

  She still heard the noises, but each time she stirred, Dan would hold her close and tell her that everything was all right. She wasn’t even sure if he was awake or if he was simply responding instinctively. She only knew that with Dan’s arms around her, no one would be able to hurt her.

  Chapter Twenty

  Evelyn and Kate strolled down the street where their client’s house was located and waited by the curb on the main road. Neither of them had their cars, so their temporary staff became their temporary chauffeur as well.

  “Yes, I’m with her…She’s right beside me…She’s on her way…” Evelyn rolled her eyes while Kate sniggered next to her. “Yes, I’ll text you once I’m in the car.”

  She hung up the phone and spun it around in her hand while she gave a frustrated sigh. “I think they’re having a competition on who’ll be the most annoying boyfriend of the year.”

  Kate laughed again. “For the year, huh? Looks like things are going well with you and Dan.”

  “You know, you guys can straight out ask me what I’m thinking, instead of nit-picking at everything I say.”

  “Yeah, and you’ll be all dodgy about it. Other stuff, you have no problem speaking your mind. Relationship wise—dodgy.”

  Evelyn rolled her eyes at Kate.

  “But since you said so, how does being in a relationship feel?”

  She had to suppress her urge to shrug and give a nonchalant ‘fine’. She hadn’t put much thought into analyzing her relationship with Dan; it just felt natural, like it was supposed to be. “Strange.”

  Kate cocked her brow and waited for a moment. “Good strange or bad strange?”

  Evelyn twirled the phone in her hand and pursed her lips.

  “Are you going to elaborate that or do I have to dig it out of you?”

  “It feels strange to have to be concerned about what someone else thinks. I can’t just do what I want; my first thought is always how he’ll think or feel. Not in a bad way, though. I don’t mind having to do that…” She let her words trail when she realized she was rambling.

  Biting her lips, she tried to organize her thoughts, but she found herself getting confused by her own contradicting thoughts.

  She should mind the lack of freedom she used to have, but she didn’t. She should mind having to explain her actions to someone, but she didn’t.

  Evelyn sighed, giving up on finding the right words.

  “Are you happy?” Kate asked, seemingly noticing her lack of ability to form coherent sentences.

  “Yes,” she answered immediately. She was happy; that was something she didn’t even have to consider.

  “That’s all that matters,” Kate said as their temp staff pulled up in the black sedan. “Can we head to the hospital to visit Lydia instead of heading back to the mansion right away?”

  Evelyn shrugged, then said, “We should give Tiffany a raise.”

  “We should. I’m sure she didn’t sign up for this.”

  When they got to the hospital, Evelyn pushed the door to Lydia’s ward and found herself staring at the chest of a man clad in a dark blue t-shirt.

  She glanced up at the man and noticed another pair of eyes studying her.

  “Mrs. Hayes?”

  “That’ll be me,” Kate said from behind Evelyn. “Ty got you here?”

  The men nodded.

  “So Joe went home?” Kate strode in while Evelyn continued to stare, more subtly, at the men.

  Apparently, Kate had been with Tyler long enough to be so used to such antics that she hadn’t even blinked when she found out her husband hired bodyguards to stake out the hospital.

  “Yes, there are four of us. We’ll take shifts so Miss Mitchell will have someone with her at all times.”

  Kate smiled at them before turning to Lydia. “You awake, Lydia?” Kate asked and softly laid her hand on Lydia’s.

  Lydia’s eyes opened, but only slightly. The bruises seemed to have gotten worse. The purplish bruises had darkened into a deep eggplant purple, and Evelyn couldn’t help but draw in a deep breath when she laid eyes on her. “Hi there. It’s okay, just rest, don’t worry about us.”

  Her chin moved down slightly, and she sighed. Even sighing seemed to be causing her pain. “Did you get—”

  “Yes, yes, we got all your info back. Don’t worry,” Kate said.

  Evelyn moved toward the bed, sitting as lightly as she could without jarring the mattress. “We’ve looked through it. You’ve put in a lot of effort tracking all those women. You do know that even if you solve the rape cases, you might not be able to prove anything for your parent’s case.”

  Lydia blinked and nodded. “They deserve as much justice as my parents.” Her voice was low and hoarse. Frowning, her hand moved to her throat.

  “I get it,” Evelyn quickly said, not wanting Lydia to exert any more strength in speaking.

  Lydia swallowed, and her brows furrowed further, deepening the line between. “Talk to his wife, Melissa Rose.”

  “We’ll do that. You have a lot more people helping you now, and with them,” Evelyn cocked her head toward the men by the door, “you’ll be safe here.”

  “We’ll go now, rest well,” Kate said.

  Evelyn stood as gingerly as she sat.

  Lydia blinked, then suddenly stretched her hand out and grabbed Kate by her wrist. “I heard Mom. I heard her telling me to stay awake when I was attacked.” She reached over to the necklace around her neck, the same necklace that Kate used to wear. She opened the empty locket and touched the concave area where their family photo used to be. “Help me get the photo back, would you?”

  “Of course.” Kate gently tapped Lydia’s hand. Kate and Evelyn then said their goodbyes and left.

  “Dan’s coming to fetch us,” Evelyn said as they strolled along the long walkway.

  “Actually, Ty is coming. I’ve got a doctor’s appointment.”

  Evelyn stopped walking and spun around so suddenly that Kate walked right into her. Evelyn held Kate by her shoulders and stabled her staggering friend. Then, she narrowed her eyes and asked, “Why?”

  “What why? It’s a doctor’s appointment.”

  “We have the same doctors; we always make the appointments together.”

  She knew her suspicions were valid when Kate’s hand reached for her necklace.

  “What is it? Oh my God! Are you pregnant?”

  “Shhh…” Kate said, glancing around at the stares they were getting. “I don’t know, yet.”

  “I want to be her godmother!”

  “Eve, I may not even be pregnant, and please stop shouting. You can’t be her god-mother; you’re her aunt.”

  Evelyn froze for a moment before she understood what Kate was saying.

  “Oh, you’re the greatest! I’m going to be an aunt!”

  “Shhh! Why are you so excited? You used to hate commitments, relationships, and families.”

  “But she’ll be my family! Why aren’t you excited?”

  Kate tried concealing her smile, but the corners of her lips inched up anyway. “Because I may not even be pregnant. Do. Not. Tell. Anyone.”

  “You have to call me once you get the news. Promise me.”

  “All right, all right. Promise that you won’t tell anyone.”

  “I promise.”

  “Okay. Oh, would you get the photo for Lydia?”

  “Yeah. Go for your checkup and call me once you get the news.” Evelyn got into Dan’s car as Tyler’s car pulled up behind. “Remember to call me.”

  She closed th
e door and smiled at Dan. “Hi there.”

  “Why is Ty here? I thought we agreed I’d pick you all up.”

  She pursed her lips. She’d forgotten to ask if Dan was included in the ‘anyone’.

  “What?”

  Oh, hell. She tells Tyler everything anyway. “They’re going to the doctor. Kate may be pregnant.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, but she hasn’t confirmed it yet. Oh, and we have to go over to Lydia’s place first.”

  “Are you okay?” Dan asked as he pulled out from the hospital.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Just asking.”

  Evelyn studied Dan’s face for a moment. “Because I can’t get pregnant and she is?”

  Dan glanced over at her, then returned his gaze onto the road.

  She hadn’t thought about that.

  She smiled ruefully. “I am. Maybe a little jealous and a little sad, but I am so happy for her.” And she was. The baby was going to be her family.

  She just didn’t expect the jealousy.

  When her doctor told her that she would probably never be able to get pregnant, she hadn’t cared. She didn’t even bother listening to what was wrong with her. She wasn’t intending on having children anyway.

  She had only asked if the condition would affect her health, and had shrugged it off when the doctor assured her that it wouldn’t.

  But it wasn’t until now that she realized how much she wished she could be a mother.

  Then again, she didn’t have to get pregnant to be a mother.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Like you said, I can always adopt.”

  “I? Don’t I get a say in it?”

  Shaking her head, she said, “You know, most guys get freaked out when the girl plans for the future.”

  “Then aren’t you lucky to get such a uniquely wonderful boyfriend?” He grinned and winked at her.

  She laughed and tucked her hair back behind her ear. “After Lydia’s house, can we go shopping? I want to buy something for the baby.”

  “Eve, she may not be pregnant. Don’t you think it’s a little too early to be getting the possible baby a toy?”

  She didn’t bother to reply; she was already thinking about what toy to buy.