His phone chimed.
“Duty calls.”
“Tell Mrs. Bigglesworth-Bucksdale the third that she can look, but she can’t touch.”
Michael’s lips quirked into a crooked smile. “I have another meeting after lunch. I may need to just meet you over at the Steins if it runs long.” He ruffled Cody’s ears. “Take care of our Em today, boy.”
She walked him to the door and smoothed out a wrinkle on his shirt.
He palmed her ass again and pulled her in close. “I’ll let Mrs. Bigglesworth-Bucksdale the third know you send your regards.”
She laughed and shook her head.
“I love you, Mary Michelle,” he said, his sage green gaze softening as he pressed one last kiss to her forehead.
It was barely half past ten when the last craftsman left the Foursquare. After the last few weeks of constant activity, the house was finally quiet. Em walked from room to room, admiring the espresso-stained baseboards, the freshly painted walls, and the new appliances. Several of the windows had been replaced, and upgrades were made to the electrical and plumbing systems.
The house was ready to sell.
She ran her fingertips along the top of the wainscoting. This house would always be dear to her heart, but she no longer harbored reservations regarding its sale. Home had never been a physical place. Home was Michael’s smile. Home was Zoe’s bubbling laughter. Home was spending hours signing with her grandmother. Home was the music flowing through her soul that anger could never stamp out.
Her phone buzzed with an incoming text. She smiled, thinking it must be Michael. But the text was from an unknown number.
I’m back from Florida. I can meet you at the Langley Park Botanic Gardens in fifteen minutes.
Within a matter of seconds, Em was out the door and headed toward the gardens. A brisk December chill had swept in overnight, and she looped a scarf around her neck as she made her way up Foxglove Lane. After their awkward exchange on the sidewalk, she had almost lost hope that Tiffany would reach out to her at all. Em doubled her pace. She didn’t want to give the woman any time to second-guess their meeting.
Tiffany was standing at the entrance to the gardens with two coffee cups from The Drip in hand. “I wasn’t sure what you drank.” She passed Em a cup. “I figured herbal tea was a safe bet.”
Em accepted the drink with a grateful smile. “That was kind of you,” she said, taking a sip. She’d never been a fan of herbal tea. But it hit the spot today.
Tiffany shifted her stance. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to contact you. We got back from Florida, and both kids came down with a cold. Today was the first day I’ve left the house since we got back.”
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I know this whole situation is pretty strange.”
Tiffany nodded. “Can we walk? I’ve been cooped up inside for days.”
They walked in silence, following a stone path past grand juniper hedges and thick clumps of dormant prairie grasses glowing golden yellow in the winter sun.
“Are your kids with your parents?” Em asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes, we don’t get to Langley Park much these days. With the kids being so small, my parents usually come to us.” Tiffany took a sip of her tea then stopped walking. “I need to tell you something, Em.”
Em gestured for them to sit on a bench overlooking Lake Boley.
“I lied to you the other day,” Tiffany said.
“What do you mean?”
Tiffany fiddled with the lid of her paper cup. “I do remember that night at Sadie’s Hollow. The night you were injured.”
Em’s pulse kicked up a notch. “What do you remember?”
“How jealous I was. How much I hated seeing Michael kiss you. How I went out of my way to make sure he was too drunk to come find you after he played his set.”
Em’s heart sank, but she tried to keep her expression neutral. “It was a long time ago. We were just kids.”
Tiffany shook her head. “You know, he was always talking about you. Always telling everyone about all the amazing places you were visiting and about all of your performances with big orchestras and famous conductors.”
Tiffany paused, but Em forced herself to stay quiet. She needed to give Tiffany space to talk.
“When I heard you were at the hollow that night, I wanted to scream, because I knew.”
“Knew what?” Em asked.
Tiffany met her gaze. “I knew he would pick you.”
Em took a shaky breath as something sharp and cold pricked at her heart. “Do you still have feelings for Michael?”
Tiffany shook her head. “No, I don’t think I ever had any real feelings for him. He was more of a prize. I know that sounds awful. But it’s the truth. It makes me sick when I think of the person I was back then.”
“It looks like you’re doing well now. You’ve got two beautiful children.”
Tiffany smiled. “I grew up a lot after that night. I met my husband a few years later in college. That’s when I figured out what real love looked like.” She ran a finger over her wedding band. “I wanted to reach out to you, to apologize for my behavior. But, I’d heard you’d moved to Australia and then weeks turned into months and months into years.”
“I’m not angry with you, Tiffany. I just want to figure out what happened that night.”
Tiffany stared at the lake. “I’ve been going over that night in my head since you stopped me on the street. All I can remember is someone handing me a drink, and then I gave it to you.”
“Do you remember who gave you the drink? Was it Gabe Sinclair? He handed me a drink when I arrived with Zoe.”
“No, I would have remembered if it was Gabe—and Gabe was busy setting up the deejay equipment. No, somebody else handed me that drink.”
Em nodded. “The last concrete thing I can remember from that night was taking that drink from you. After that, it’s like everything became this crazy, distorted dream.”
Tiffany gasped. “It sounds like you were drugged. I had this friend in college, and the same thing happened to her when she tried Special K.”
“Special K?” Em echoed.
“Yeah, the real name is Ketamine. It can really mess you up. My friend was out of it for hours.”
“Did kids do that at Sadie’s Hollow?”
“Not usually, but that night was supposed to be the big blow out before everybody went off to college. I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody got their hands on some Special K for the occasion.” Tiffany paused, and her hand flew to her chest. “Jesus Christ.”
“What is it?” Em asked.
“Nobody told me to give you that drink, Em. I just did because I wanted to get Michael away from you. But, if that punch was spiked with something, I don’t think it was meant for you. It must have been meant for me.”
“You think someone was trying to drug Tiffany?” Michael asked, pulling the Audi into traffic.
Em settled herself in the front seat. Michael’s meeting had run late, but he had insisted on stopping by the house to pick her up.
She released a breath. “As far as we can tell, the drink had to have been spiked with some kind of drug. Can you think of any kids from high school that were into that kind of thing?”
“I can think of a few people from high school that could have been into that scene. Unfortunately, that shit wasn’t hard to get. But I haven’t seen any of them in years. I don’t even know if they’re still in the area.”
Em picked at the edge of her sleeve. “Did anyone have it in for Tiffany back then? I know Zoe didn’t like her, but it’s a far cry from disliking someone to drugging them.”
Michael shook his head but kept his gaze on the road. “No, I can’t think of anyone. Tiffany was pretty popular, and she mostly stuck with her crowd. High school girls can get bitchy, but I never heard of anyone hating her enough to hurt her like that. What’s this Special K, anyway?”
“The actual name is Ketamine,” Em replied. “Tiff
any mentioned a friend of hers tried it in college. She said the girl pretty much blacked out and didn’t remember anything. I did a little research on it today. It’s considered a date rape drug, like Rohypnol. It can make you feel like you’re trapped in some dream-like state. It can distort sound and vision. People say they lose whole chunks of time they can’t account for when they’re on it.”
“Christ! Zoe and I thought maybe somebody had given you acid or shrooms. That stuff was always around. I never touched it, but plenty of kids did. I can’t remember anybody doing hardcore drugs like Ketamine.”
Em stared out at the road. “I’m worried that my memories from that night may not be real. If I ingested this drug, anything could have happened to me. I wouldn’t have been able to tell what was real and what wasn’t. Has Clay Stevens heard back about the jewelry found at the scene of Tina Fowler’s hit and run?”
“Not yet. I checked with him a few days ago. He said he would put in a call, but he hadn’t heard anything. I know the Garrett PD is stretched pretty thin when it comes to dollars for law enforcement. Whoever he contacted might be swamped with cases. We can ask him again tonight. There’s a good chance he’ll be at the party.”
“No, I don’t want to spoil the mood. I know the Steins put a lot into their holiday gathering.”
Michael took her hand. “Are you sure you’re up for a party tonight? I know your stomach was bothering you earlier and now all this with Tiffany is pretty stressful.”
She squeezed his hand. “I’m fine.”
“I’m glad you decided to bring Polly,” he said.
She glanced over her shoulder to where she had secured her Paul Bailly violin in the backseat. “I wouldn’t want to disappoint Mrs. Stein.”
“Do you have any pieces in mind you’d like to play?”
“Jingle Bells. Deck the Halls. That cute dreidel song. It’s not that difficult of a playlist this time of year.”
“You know what I mean,” he said.
She had found her old paperback book containing Paganini’s 24 Caprices for Violin, but she hadn’t attempted to play any of them, especially not Nel cor più non mi sento. She hadn’t even opened the cover. But she didn’t need to. The music was seared into her soul. She’d tried like hell over the last twelve years, but she could never separate herself from the music.
Her fingers twitched. “We’ll see. I’m sure I’ll be able to come up with something.”
Michael made the last turn onto the Stein’s street, and they were met with a sea of cars lining the road. The Stein’s Langley Park red brick colonial style home was decked with wreaths and twinkling lights just like Em remembered from years past. When she was in grade school, she and Zoe used to make hideouts and play secret agents under the ornate tablecloth that covered the buffet table.
Michael found a parking spot a few houses down, and they walked hand in hand to the Stein’s.
“Do you want me to carry Polly?” he asked.
“No thanks, I’ve got her.” Em tightened her grip. The violin’s solid weight was as comforting as a child’s cherished teddy bear.
They hadn’t even knocked on the door before it swung open and Kathy Stein met them with an easy smile.
“Michael! Em! I’m so glad you made it.”
Kathy ushered them inside and took their coats. She glanced down at the violin case. “May I?” she asked, gesturing to the case.
Em handed it over.
Kathy opened the latches, and, with a mother’s gentle touch, lifted the lid. “I remember when you got this. Your parents were so excited when they found this violin.”
Em nodded, knowing if she said anything her voice would crack with emotion.
Kathy closed the case. “How is your mother? I bet she’s eager to get you back to Australia.”
“My mother’s doing well. I spoke with her earlier today, but I’m not planning on going back to Australia anytime soon.”
Kathy’s eyes widened. “You’re staying?”
Em shared a glance with Michael. They hadn’t told anyone about her decision to stay in Langley Park yet, not even her father.
“You’re not selling the house?” Kathy asked.
“No, I’m still selling the house, but…”
“But, Em is going to be staying with me,” Michael added.
Kathy’s eyes sparkled. “For how long?”
Michael wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I was hoping forever,” he said.
Em met his gaze. “I like the sound of that.”
“Oh, you two,” Kathy said, extending her arms and pulling them both into an embrace. “I’m delighted. Just delighted. Does anyone else know? Zoe and Ben haven’t mentioned anything to me.”
“You’re the first person we’ve told,” Em said.
Kathy released them but held on to their hands. She closed her eyes, and the three of them stood in a circle, hands clasped.
“Do you feel that?” Kathy asked.
Michael shot Em an amused glance.
Kathy opened her eyes. “It’s your energy. You balance each other out perfectly.”
“I want to play Ring Around the Rosie,” came a little girl’s voice.
Kate Fisher appeared wearing a Harry Potter holiday sweater and ducked under their clasped hands to stand in the middle of their circle.
They released their hands and laughed.
“I like your Harry Potter sweater,” Em said, signing as she spoke to the little girl.
Kate’s face lit up, and she made the Harry Potter sign back.
Jenna Fisher joined the group with her husband, Ben, at her side. Ben was wearing a holiday sweater with Darth Vader in a Santa cap.
“We’re a house divided,” Jenna said with a grin.
“I heard the guys finished up work on your Foursquare today. I’d love to come by and check the final product,” Ben said.
“Anytime! And thank you so much for all of your help. The house looks amazing,” Em replied.
“I may even have a potential buyer for you,” Ben added. “Mrs. G’s goddaughter is looking to move to Langley Park.”
“And don’t forget about me. I’ll be looking to buy in this area,” Nick Kincade said as he and Zoe joined the gathering in the foyer.
Em looked from Ben to Nick. Nick was wearing the same Star Wars sweater as Ben.
“See,” Michael said with a wry grin. “I told you they took this Star Wars thing seriously.”
“This happened purely by chance,” Nick said, shaking Michael’s hand.
“And by chance,” Zoe said, “he means totally on purpose.”
Kate put her hands on her hips and pulled on Kathy’s sleeve. “If we’re going to stay in the foyer for the whole party, can I go get the candy bowl?”
Kathy clapped her hands. “Kate’s right! Come on, everybody. Let’s join the other guests.”
Michael pressed his hand to the small of her back. “Are you doing okay?”
Em smiled. “I’m good.”
They entered a large kitchen area that opened up into a spacious living room. Kathy’s husband, Dr. Neil Stein, waved from across the room. He was speaking with an older woman who looked vaguely familiar.
“Em! Michael!” Neil said, gathering her into a warm embrace. “I’m so glad you made it.”
“This is Eve Medina,” Neil said. “I’m not sure if you remember her.”
“Dr. Eve Medina,” Michael added. “the soon-to-be medical internet sensation.”
The woman shook her head. “It’s so good to see you, Em. We met many years ago. I performed your tendon repair surgery.”
Em searched her memory. Her time at the hospital was almost as much of a blur as the night she was injured. She took another look at Dr. Medina. Some gray was woven into the woman’s jet-black hair now, but she did remember the woman’s reassuring brown eyes.
“Dr. Medina,” Em said, taking the woman’s hand. “It’s so good to see you. I wasn’t at my best the last time we met.”
“I do
n’t remember it like that,” the doctor said. “I remember you being a very brave young woman. May I?” She gestured to Em’s injured hand.
She held up her hand for Dr. Medina’s inspection.
“I do remember it was a clean cut.” She flexed and bent Em’s ring finger. “Did you keep up with physical therapy? It appears your tendon has healed beautifully.”
“Not really,” Em answered. “I left for Australia shortly after I was injured. I did some therapy, but nothing regularly.”
“Huh,” Dr. Medina said, continuing to manipulate her finger. “May I ask what kind of work you do? I remember hearing you were a musician.”
“After I was injured I stopped playing music and went to work at a school for hearing-impaired children.”
The doctor narrowed her gaze. “Did you use sign language?”
“Yes, every day.”
Dr. Medina shared a look with Neil. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Neil smiled. “Your time working at the school and signing every day is probably what strengthened your finger and allowed you to regain full use. Sound about right, Eve?”
Dr. Medina nodded. “I would agree with that assessment, Dr. Stein.”
Em swallowed back a lump in her throat. “That’s amazing! All that time, I thought I’d lost my ability to play.”
“And the whole time you were helping your tendon heal,” Michael added.
“May I steal him away from you for a moment,” Dr. Medina said, gesturing to Michael.
“Eve’s looking into posting some of her surgeries on YouTube,” Michael said. “I’m reviewing some of the language in the disclaimer.”
“Michael is doing me quite a favor. Give me a ruptured extensor tendon, and I know exactly what to do. But when it comes to legal jargon, it’s all Greek to me.”
“I’ll just be a second,” Michael said, then followed Dr. Medina into the kitchen.
Neil gave her a knowing smiling. “Things have a way of working themselves out, don’t they?”
Em swallowed back another lump. “They do.”
Neil gestured to the violin case. “I was hoping you’d play for us this evening. Do you have anything in mind?”
The Complete Langley Park Series (Books 1-5) Page 47
