“I’m pretty sure you’re right,” Christy said. “You’re a real pig, huh? That’s good to know.”
Nick didn’t miss the delighted look on his mother’s face as she watched John and Christy interact. No matter what they told everyone else, they were already a couple. Granted, they were in the early stages of a relationship, but that didn’t stop the small touches or shared glances when they thought no one was looking.
“Well, at the risk of being a glutton like my brother, I’m going to leave the womenfolk to do the dishes and groan and moan in the den while watching football,” Nick said.
“That sounds like a good idea to me,” Don said, pushing himself to his feet. “We can eat pie in an hour when things have settled.”
Maddie made a face as she studied Nick. “Womenfolk?”
“You’re my favorite woman folk, Mad,” Nick said, winking. “That should count for something.”
“Oh, I don’t know, I think those who cooked the meal should get to sit around like lumps while everyone else does the dishes,” Kelly suggested, her expression evil when Nick locked gazes with her. “That only seems fair.”
“No one asked you,” Nick said.
“That’s for sure,” John grumbled.
“I’ll do the dishes,” Dwight offered. “You made such a wonderful meal I think you deserve a rest. I don’t mind.”
Nick’s forehead creased. “You’re making me look bad.”
“You don’t need help doing that in this instance,” Maude said. “Quite frankly, I think the men should do the dishes while the women – the people who have done all of the work today – rest.”
“What work have you done?” Nick challenged. “You hid in your apartment until dinner time and then drank an entire bottle of wine.”
“And I’m exhausted,” Maude said, causing everyone at the table to chuckle.
“I’ll do the dishes,” Dwight said. “I really don’t mind.”
“You’re our guest and you’re not doing the dishes,” Maddie said. “I’m going to do the dishes by myself while everyone else rests.”
Nick knew he should feel guilty, but he couldn’t muster the effort. “Thanks, Mad. You’re still my favorite girl.” He kissed her cheek again and whispered. “You always will be.”
Maddie blushed as she waved off everyone, seemingly happy to tackle the dishes by herself. Nick couldn’t be sure, but he was almost positive she volunteered for the duty because she wanted a little time alone. She wasn’t used to the house bursting at the seams with people. He also had a sneaking suspicion her mother would pay a visit, and Maddie would feel self-conscious talking to her in front of so many people.
While his family moved to the den, Nick wandered into the front magic shop to take a breather. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them, but he forgot how much work it was to keep people entertained when all he really wanted to do was curl up in the window seat and nap with his favorite blonde.
“That was a nice meal.”
Nick glanced over his shoulder and smiled as Dwight joined him. “I was a little worried when she said she wanted to take it on herself, but Maddie did a magnificent job. I’m proud of her.”
“Oh, Maddie does things to be proud of on a daily basis. I’m certain of that,” Dwight said. “Cooking isn’t one of them, but she did a masterful job today. That’s for sure.”
Nick pursed his lips as he regarded their houseguest. Dwight was doing a commendable job of not being gloomy and bringing everyone down, but Nick knew Sage’s fate had to be weighing him down. “We’ll leave first thing in the morning to go back to the college.”
“That’s fine.”
“I know this isn’t the holiday you envisioned … .”
Dwight waved off Nick’s statement before he had a chance to finish it. “It’s better than the alternative,” he said. “Right now … this could be the last holiday I have with my daughter. That seems awful to think about, but if we find her and it’s not the outcome we’re hoping for, holidays will never be the same. This is a nice reprieve.”
“I never thought about it like that,” Nick said, rubbing the back of his neck. “For what it’s worth, my family really seems to like you.”
“I’m guessing they like most everyone.” Dwight’s smile was rueful. “I’m happy they seem to love Maddie, though. She deserves it.”
“My mother would’ve traded me in a heartbeat for Maddie when we were kids.”
“Oh, that’s not true,” Dwight said. “She clearly loves all three of her children. She just loves Maddie, too. Maude is hilarious, by the way. I don’t know how you survive sharing a roof with her.”
“She’s not so bad,” Nick said. “She’s a real social butterfly so she’s out more than she’s in. She likes to spend time with Maddie and Olivia when she can, though.”
Dwight stilled. “Olivia? You said something about her before, but I didn’t want to pry too much.”
“She’s still around watching Maddie,” Nick replied. He knew Maddie wouldn’t care that he shared the secret with Dwight. “She says she’s staying until she and Maude can leave together. I hope that’s a long way off.”
“But you can’t see her, right?”
Nick hedged. “Not exactly. I’ve heard her, though.”
“She talks to you?”
“She’s warned me about Maddie being in danger several times,” Nick answered. “It allowed me to get to Maddie before it was too late, although I didn’t want to believe what I was hearing the first time.”
“The time Maddie drowned?”
Nick swallowed hard. “Yes.”
“I know that obviously gutted you, but maybe it was meant to happen to bring you and Maddie together,” Dwight said. “Did you ever consider that?”
“I knew that night,” Nick admitted. “I knew that she was my future and if she died … . I still had a different girlfriend, but I treated her abysmally before finally breaking up with her. I just wanted Maddie.”
“You got her, son,” Dwight said. “That’s all that matters.”
“I guess.”
Dwight studied Nick’s hard profile for a moment. “You’re going to propose, aren’t you?” His voice was so soft Nick wasn’t sure he heard him correctly.
“What makes you say that?”
“You were upset when Hayley questioned you about it before dinner,” Dwight replied. “That didn’t make sense because you’ve done nothing but gush about Maddie since I met you. You’re going to propose, but you don’t want anyone to know because you think they’ll ruin the surprise.”
Nick pursed his lips. “I … .”
“You don’t have to answer,” Dwight said, holding up his hand. “It’s not my business.”
“Maddie is my forever,” Nick said, choosing his words carefully. “The fact that I’m eventually going to propose is hardly a secret.”
“Yes, but you’re going to do it soon,” Dwight said. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me. In fact, I don’t want to know. When Maddie calls to tell me I want to be surprised.” Dwight’s eyes were glassy and Nick realized he was picturing a future where his own daughter wouldn’t get to share news like that some day.
“We’re going to find her, Dwight,” Nick said. “Maddie won’t let it go until she does.”
“Yeah, I’m a little worried about that,” Dwight admitted. “She seems … dogged … in her pursuit. I’m starting to regret asking her for help.”
Nick balked. “Don’t ever say that to her. It will crush her.”
“Will it crush her more than the fact that we could be looking for a dead body?” Dwight challenged. “I don’t want to believe my child is dead, but I have to prepare myself for the worst because if I don’t … .”
“I get that,” Nick said, his heart rolling. “I honestly do. Don’t give up, though. Not yet.”
“I don’t ever want to give up, son,” Dwight said. “I might not have a choice, though. She very well may already be gone.”
“And she
may very well be out there waiting for her father to find her,” Nick said. “It doesn’t really matter whether you give up or not, though. Maddie never will. She’ll find her one way or the other – even if she dies trying.”
“I hope we have a better outcome than that,” Dwight said, his voice cracking. “If I’ve doomed us all … I may never forgive myself.”
“HELLO, Sunshine.”
Olivia Graves’ mischievous spirit popped into view, causing Maddie to jolt as she loaded the dishwasher. Maddie took a moment to collect her nerves and then scowled at her mother. “You scared me.”
Olivia shrugged. “I’m a ghost. That’s what I’m supposed to do.”
“Well, be nicer next time,” Maddie chided. “It’s a holiday. You should be all about the love instead of the haunting.”
“Well, in my predicament, I can’t get away from the haunting,” Olivia teased, reaching out a ghostly hand and rubbing it against Maddie’s cheek. Maddie pressed her eyes shut, reveling in her mother’s touch. It would never be as good as a hug, but she would take what she could get. It was only recently, after all, that Olivia found she could touch those around her. Even people who couldn’t see her – like John, Nick, and Maude – could feel her. “How are you, Sunshine?”
Maddie smiled, although the expression didn’t make it all the way to her eyes. “Happy to see you.”
“Oh, what’s wrong?” Olivia asked, frowning as Maddie’s eyes filled with tears. “Why are you crying?”
“It’s just been a long day,” Maddie said, surreptitiously wiping her eyes. “I’m fine, Mommy.”
“Oh, you only call me ‘mommy’ when you’re sad,” Olivia said, her expression darkening. “What’s wrong, Maddie?”
Maddie had been waiting for her mother to visit all day. That’s why she volunteered to do the dishes herself. She wanted to talk to Olivia without prying ears intervening. Before she realized what was happening, Maddie spilled Dwight’s sad story. Olivia was sympathetic and patient until Maddie was done.
“I don’t know what to do,” Maddie said. “Dwight is already defeated but … I believe she’s out there.”
“Then I have faith she’s out there, too,” Olivia said. “Maddie, you can’t let things like this get to you. I believe you should use your gifts to help others, but you can’t crush your spirit when you do it.”
“It’s different this time, though,” Maddie argued. “I’ve known Dwight for years. He was the only human contact I had outside of work for a little bit when I lived down south. He needs me to find his daughter. I can’t fail him.”
“The only one you risk failing is yourself,” Olivia chided. “Dwight doesn’t expect you to do the impossible. You’re the only one who expects that.”
“But … I have to find her.”
“And you will,” Olivia said. “Making yourself sick over it isn’t the way to do it, though. It’s Thanksgiving. Enjoy the rest of the day with your family. The problem will still be here tomorrow and after a long night’s sleep you’ll be able to take it head-on. You’re not going to be able to fix things if you’re freaking out.”
“I’m not freaking out!”
“Who are you talking to, Mad?” Nick appeared on the other side of the island, glancing around. “Is your mom here?”
Maddie frowned as she wiped her eyes again. “She’s here. I’m sorry I yelled. Tell your family to ignore me if you’re embarrassed.”
“I’m not embarrassed,” Nick countered. “I’m worried about you. Why are you crying?”
“Because I’m happy to see my mom,” Maddie lied.
“Oh, please,” Olivia scoffed. “She’s crying because I gave her a hard dose of reality about sacrificing herself in her zest to find this girl. She doesn’t like it when I’m right.”
Nick bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. He was still getting used to being able to hear Olivia when Maddie wasn’t in trouble. He welcomed her voice. In truth, he loved Olivia Graves as much as he loved his own mother. He was just sorry she didn’t live long enough to see him and Maddie together as a couple in the real world.
“Well, I happen to agree with your mother, but I have no intention of letting you cry,” Nick said, swooping in and pulling Maddie close so he could hug her. “I know you’re doing the best that you can, love. You poured your heart and soul into this dinner and now you’re going to pour your heart and soul into finding Sage. We’ll figure it out.”
“But … .”
“No buts, Mad,” Nick chided. “We cannot fix this today. We’re going to finish up the dishes – and I’m going to help you – and then we’re going to watch some football with the family. We’re going to bed early tonight and when we get up we’ll tackle this problem again.”
“Fine,” Maddie grumbled, pressing her cheek against Nick’s chest. “I’m going to want pie in there somewhere, too, though.”
Nick chuckled. “I’m pretty sure we can arrange that,” he said. “I’m hankering for some pie myself.”
“Oh, and all is better with the world,” Olivia said, smiling at her two children – and they were both her children in one manner or another – as she patted Maddie’s back. “It’s going to be okay, Sunshine. Don’t let this wear you down before it’s time.”
“Listen to your mom,” Nick said. “She’s wise and beautiful. You get both of those traits from her.”
“Oh, what a smooth talker,” Olivia said, rolling her eyes.
The sound of a man clearing his throat by the door drew everyone’s attention. Dwight stood there, an odd look on his face as he clutched his cell phone in his hand.
“What’s wrong?” Nick asked, instantly alert. “Did you get bad news?”
“Yes, but it’s not the bad news you think,” Dwight replied. “That was Lt. Hicks. You remember him from the party last night, right?”
Nick nodded.
“He just called because another girl has gone missing,” Dwight said. “The report just hit his desk. He called me because he thought it might be of particular interest.”
“Why?” Maddie asked, confused.
“Because it’s Heather Ketchum,” Dwight replied. “It’s Sage’s roommate.”
“Holy crap,” Nick muttered, exhaling heavily. “Well, that can’t be a coincidence.”
“No. It can’t.”
13
Thirteen
It was barely dawn when Nick, Maddie, and Dwight set off for Traverse City the next morning. A pall ruined the rest of Thanksgiving Day, which Dwight profusely apologized for, and the trio turned in early so they could leave as soon as possible.
Maddie was quiet the entire ride, her cheek pressed to the window as she stared out and chewed on apple slices. Nick checked on her occasionally in the rearview mirror but otherwise let her be. He didn’t know how to make her feel better, and until they had more information there was absolutely nothing he could do.
Dwight was the first to break the long silence. “Do you know where the police station is?”
Nick nodded. “We actually did some training there when I was in the academy.”
“Ah. I never thought of that.”
The vehicle was silent again, the only noise coming from Maddie as she relentlessly munched on her apples. Finally, Nick couldn’t take it any longer.
“Maddie, you need to stop eating those apples or you’re going to give yourself a sour stomach,” Nick admonished.
“What?” Maddie was confused, an apple slice poised on her lips as she shifted to stare at Nick. “Do you want an apple? Is that what you said?”
Dwight chuckled, alleviating at least some of the tension in the vehicle.
“No, Mad. I don’t want an apple,” Nick said, his voice gentle. “You need to stop eating the slices, though. I know you packed them for everybody, but I swear you’ve eaten five apples by yourself. They’ll make you sick if you don’t stop.”
“I … didn’t even realize I was doing it,” Maddie admitted sheepishly, setting the baggie on
the seat next to her. “I guess I have nervous energy.”
“I didn’t realize you were a nervous eater,” Dwight interjected. “That’s kind of cute.”
“I’m not always a nervous eater,” Maddie countered.
“No, you seem to take it to one extreme or the other,” Nick said. “You’ll either eat everything in the house or starve yourself. I wish you’d pick a happy medium because you’ve made yourself sick doing both on more than one occasion.”
“When have I ever made myself sick because I was nervous and ate too much?” Maddie challenged. She wasn’t in the mood for an argument, but having something to focus on (besides the pink elephant in the Explorer, of course) was a godsend and she would gladly embrace it. “I think you’re making that up.”
“Really?” Nick was clearly thankful to have something to talk about, too, because he warmed to his subject without missing a beat. “Do you remember the summer between junior and senior year?”
“Not every second of it.”
“Well, I remember taking you to a carnival and you were so excited and yet frightened to check out the haunted house you ate three bags of cotton candy. Do you remember what happened after that?”
“I do. I got scared and threw myself at you in the haunted house and you got to third base and I didn’t even notice.”
Dwight barked out a laugh as Nick rolled his eyes.
“You also got sick and threw up behind the haunted house,” Nick said. “I had to hold your hair for twenty minutes.”
“Oh, I forgot about that,” Maddie said, the memory flooding her brain. “I can’t believe you remember that.”
“I remember it all, Maddie,” Nick said. “I also remember a few months ago when you were all twisted up about us … you know … and you didn’t eat for an entire day and you almost passed out.”
Maddie’s cheeks flooded with color when she realized what Nick was referring to. The first time they had sex was a magical experience for both of them. It was also nerve-wracking and frightening before they did it, mostly because they knew they could never go back and had to get it right.
“Fine.” Maddie blew out a sigh. “You win. I don’t handle my nerves well.”
“You handle the big stuff fine, Mad,” Nick countered. “It’s the little stuff that wears on you, especially when you can’t do anything but sit in the back seat and obsess about it. Luckily for you, we’re here.”
Grave Seasons (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 8) Page 10
