Heart of the Storm

by Nicole Stiling

  Will opened the door, and his face changed as soon as he saw it was Juliet. She started to say hello, but he just walked away, didn’t acknowledge her one way or the other. She noticed that he had his suits laid out over the couch, presumably from the closet in the pool house. She just exhaled loudly and looked up at the orange sky. Forcing him to speak to her wouldn’t do anyone any good.

  Declan bounded down the stairs, his hoodie only halfway over his head. “I’ll be back later,” he called out.

  “Hi, honey,” Juliet said as he came outside. “Everything going okay over here?”

  Declan shrugged. “It’s fine. He has a lot of interesting words he uses when he talks about you guys, but when he finishes his rant, he always says that you’re a good mom and I shouldn’t let his feelings about you right now rub off on me.”

  Juliet scoffed. “Well, I guess that’s something. They’re not, are they?”

  Declan buckled his seat belt after he slid into the passenger seat. “Not what?”

  “Rubbing off on you. You know, his feelings about me right now.”

  “Nah. He’s mad. I would be too if I was in his shoes. Josh said I need to take advantage of the situation. Everyone’s going to feel bad for me, poor little boy from a broken home, so I should stock up on all the electronics and food I want before it goes away,” Declan said with a small grin.

  “Nice. You can forget it. I’ll bring you for Mexican and maybe I’ll buy you an Xbox game, but that’s where it ends,” Juliet said.

  “I’ll take it,” Declan said. He popped his earbuds into his ears and that was the end of the conversation until they reached the restaurant.

  While Declan was rambling on about a sweet pair of kicks he saw online, Juliet felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a text from Quinlan.

  Lab results in from Kowalski’s office. Coffee on rug and traces of strychnine sulphate found as well. Breen was telling the truth.

  “Shit. Wow.”

  “Shit what?” Declan asked.

  Juliet stuck the phone back in her pocket. “Shit nothing. And language.”

  She finished listening about the sneakers that he’d probably forget about before the week was through. Juliet had to admit, it was nice being out with Declan, talking about inane things, while Sienna was at home waiting for her, and Declan knew it. He wasn’t ready to talk about it, not in any meaningful way, but Juliet was grateful for the baby steps he was willing to take.

  “You ready to come home yet?” she asked as she was paying the bill.

  Declan looked down at his empty plate. “Not yet. If it’s cool with you, I’d like to stay with Dad for a little longer. I think he can use the company.”

  Juliet was actually proud of his compassion. “I agree. Of course, that’s cool with me. Look at you, being all aware of people’s feelings,” she teased him.

  He just rolled his eyes at her again and popped in the earbuds. All in all, she chalked it up to a pretty successful night of communicating with her son.

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  The news was droning on in the background, but Sienna was concentrating on the silkiness of Juliet’s hair. She was jealous that even without any product, Juliet’s hair always seemed so soft and full. Sienna needed half a bottle of smoothing oil just to keep the frizz away. She never left home without it.

  Juliet lay between her legs, munching on potato chips and offering her own commentary on the nightly news. Sienna was only half-listening, but Juliet wasn’t really talking to her, anyway. She’d learned early on that Juliet liked to give her opinions on things without expecting any feedback. It was one of the many things Sienna loved about her.

  “Hey,” she said, knitting her brows. “Did you ever check out those places on the list? I forgot to ask what you thought of them.”

  Juliet froze. Sienna had given her a list of available apartments because Juliet had said she wanted to vet the area before Sienna committed.

  “I, um, didn’t go see them,” Juliet said and turned to face Sienna. “I totally understand if you think it’s too fast, and it is. I’m not stupid, but I was sort of hoping you’d consider just living here. With me. I figured that we’d be spending most of our time together anyway, so why add another household worth of bills when we could just split one set? It’s actually brilliant if you think of the logistics.”

  Sienna couldn’t help but smile. Juliet’s anticipation was painted all over her face. “When were you planning on telling me this brilliant plan of yours?”

  “I was planning on telling you tonight. And I just did. So, there you go.”

  “Mm-hmm.” Sienna laughed.

  “What do you think? No pressure, I promise. You’ve been living with someone for a very long time, so if you want to feel what it’s like to be completely on your own again, I won’t take it personally, at all. It’s really up to you,” Juliet said. Her eyes shifted nervously.

  “I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Sienna said.

  “That’s fine, really. Wait, you do?” Juliet looked stunned. “I thought you were going to be super mad at me for not going to the apartments. I wasn’t trying to take the choice away from you, I promise. I’m just kind of a chicken.”

  Sienna laughed. “I know. You’re definitely a chicken. I would love to live here with you. If you’re sure.”

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything. You make me so happy,” Juliet said. Her face was lit up like a summer morning.

  Sienna felt herself getting emotional, but decided it wasn’t the time for it. She leaned in and kissed Juliet, softly at first, and then firmer and with purpose. Juliet responded quickly and maneuvered herself off of the couch.

  She held out her hand. “I think we should probably make it official in our bedroom, don’t you?” Juliet asked, raising her eyebrows.

  “I do.”

  Sienna took her hand and let Juliet lead the way. Once inside the bedroom, Sienna started kissing her again, wasting no time. Her tongue fluttered against Juliet’s, a promise, and Juliet buried her hands in Sienna’s hair, tugging with urgency. Sienna pulled Juliet against her, wondering if she would ever feel close enough. Juliet broke contact first and slipped onto the bed. She pulled Sienna on top of her, nipping lightly at her earlobes, her jawline, her chin. Sienna sighed, thinking about how good Juliet felt, how right, and how perfect they fit together. She had one hand on Juliet’s shoulder, the other stroking the length of her back. She tickled her fingers from the nape of Juliet’s neck to the small of her back, eliciting a shiver.

  When they were finished, Sienna rolled onto her side and pulled Juliet close, her arm wrapped tightly around Juliet’s waist.

  Juliet smiled at her, spent and glowing. “How do you feel?” she whispered, tucking a piece of Sienna’s hair behind her ear.

  Sienna returned the smile and closed her eyes. “I feel like I’m home.”

  * * *

  Gretchen was sitting up in the hospital bed, complaining about the mashed potatoes. They were too lumpy and tasted like paste. Sienna was thrilled to see that side of her again.

  “I talked to Monique, finally,” Gretchen told her, examining the tiny piece of chicken on her plate. “She felt a little less guilty knowing she wasn’t the one that put Rich in the ground, but not much. Nor should she. She told me she was pretty snowed by Charlie, and I believe her. But I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive her.”

  Sienna could think of several responses to that line of thinking, but she didn’t feel it was her place. If Gretchen wanted to salvage some shred of a relationship with her daughter, Sienna didn’t want to be the one to stop it.

  “She knows she’s going to prison and she seems at peace with it. Until she actually gets there, I’m sure. County is a cakewalk compared to Federal, or so I’m told. I wish Goodman would get a life sentence, but I know that won’t happen. He tore this family to pieces with his greed and bullying,” Gretchen said. “And I still don’t understand why that Tara wanted to kill
my husband. Even if she did think that they were having an imaginary love affair, why would anyone want to kill the person they say they love? Just doesn’t make sense.”

  “I think there was more to it than that, in all honesty,” Sienna said. “She snapped, and decided that life without him, in the way that she wanted, wasn’t really worth living. She needed help, Gretchen. I hope that wherever she is now, she’s at peace.”

  “I don’t. She killed him and she tried to kill me. I hope she’s rotting in hell,” Gretchen said, digging into her Jell-O cup.

  Sienna decided changing the subject was probably the best course of action. Gretchen had similar sentiments when Juliet had told her about Tara’s motive. Sienna knew that Gretchen was speaking from a place of hurt and anger, and that she probably didn’t mean the things she said. Or maybe she did. Either way, she wouldn’t be wrong, though the double standard was interesting. Monique was going to kill Rich for money, for a man who most definitely didn’t deserve such unwavering loyalty. But because she hadn’t succeeded, Gretchen was willing to overlook it. Family was a complicated thing.

  A familiar voice called out a hello and Sienna was happy to see Juliet walk in with a balloon bouquet.

  “How’s my favorite stabbing victim?” Juliet asked, placing the balloons on Gretchen’s nightstand.

  Gretchen chuckled and then held her wound. “Don’t make me laugh, I told you that. The stitches will pop open and I’ll bleed out.”

  “Sorry.” Juliet leaned down and gave Gretchen a quick hug. She turned to Sienna. “Can I talk to you for a quick second?”

  Sienna nodded and rose from her chair. They walked to the hallway and stood outside Gretchen’s room.

  “Everything okay?” Sienna asked.

  “Just got preliminary results from the ME.”

  “Oh, from Kellie? Did she sign them with hugs and kisses?” Sienna teased her.

  Juliet ignored her. “Guess what came back in Tara Wolfe’s tox report? Nitroglycerin. A good amount of it, too. Looks like she went over to Gretchen’s already planning to check out, one way or another.”

  “Where did she get it? Was it Rich’s?” Sienna asked.

  “Most likely. She must have been skimming off of his prescription for a while. Cause of death was a lethal head injury, but there was enough nitro in her bloodstream to cause some serious damage.”

  “Wow,” Sienna said. There weren’t any other words to adequately describe the situation.

  “I know. How is she?” Juliet asked, nodding toward Gretchen’s room.

  “Good, actually. She’ll be in here for a few more days, mostly for observation, and then she’ll be able to go home. She’ll probably have to start some things over in physical therapy. Setback to say the least,” Sienna said.

  “That’s huge. I hope her nephew comes back, or someone else, so she isn’t alone all the time.”

  “I’m sure they will. But also, she has me. I’m not going anywhere. I might only be a part of her life in a professional capacity for a little while longer, but I have no plans to abandon her after that. She’s like my kooky aunt now,” Sienna said.

  Juliet smiled warmly. “You’re so good. Okay, I have to get back to work. Just wanted to bring Gretchen something to brighten her room and tell you what they found.”

  “Okay, go. See you in a little bit. Love you,” Sienna said.

  “Love you, too.”

  Sienna watched her walk down the hallway, a spring in her step. It would be nice to finally put Richard Kowalski to rest. She went back in to sit with Gretchen for a while, maybe to play some cards or watch one of those Halloween cooking shows. And then, when Gretchen was comfortable and relaxed, Sienna would go home. Home.

  Epilogue

  One Year Later

  Declan poked around the glass tray filled with sweet pickles, a tradition that Sienna had insisted upon. That was how Thanksgiving was done in her family, and her family now had better try to embrace it. The tray consisted of sweet pickles and a few varieties of olives.

  “Stop playing with the food, Dec,” Sienna called from the kitchen.

  Juliet pretended to gag at the weird pickle and olive tray and held her hands around her throat. Declan nodded in agreement and flicked an olive onto the table.

  “Really, Juliet? How is our son expected to behave at family gatherings if this is the role model he has?” Sienna asked, standing with her hands on her hips.

  “You’re right. I’m sorry, sweetie. That was rude. These pimento things are delicious.” Juliet tried to keep a straight face.

  “They are, actually,” Sienna said. She popped one of them into her mouth and gave them a pointed look.

  The doorbell rang and everybody froze.

  “I’ll get it,” Declan said and made a beeline for the door.

  “This is the worst idea ever, isn’t it? Be totally honest,” Juliet said, rubbing her palms on her thighs.

  “No, it’s fine. It’ll be fine. We’ll have a nice time, I’m sure,” Sienna said, not meeting Juliet’s eyes.

  “You’re lying,” Juliet shout-whispered. “I know when you’re lying.”

  “Hey, Mom, Sienna,” Declan said, re-entering the dining room with two guests in tow. “This is Ashley.”

  “Hi, Ashley, nice to meet you.” Sienna held out her hand, warm and friendly as always.

  Juliet echoed Sienna’s welcome and then turned toward Ashley’s date.

  “Hi.”

  “Hey,” Will said. “House looks nice.”

  “Thank you. I’m so glad you and Ashley could come. Sienna’s been planning the menu for weeks,” Juliet said. She was glad that Will had accepted their invitation to spend Thanksgiving with them. She was so surprised when he’d agreed to come, she’d blurted out a flabbergasted “really?” before she could stop herself. When Declan had told her that Will’s Thanksgiving plans included staying at home with Ashley and ordering sandwiches, she immediately told him that Will and Ashley could just come to their house. Declan had given her an alien look but seemed genuinely happy about the idea once it had sunk in. Things hadn’t returned to normal with Will, and Juliet wasn’t sure if they ever would. But she appreciated his baby steps.

  “I’m sure she has. The Thanksgiving dinners we hosted were always one step away from a fine dining experience. Did she make you put out that pickle plate, though?” Will asked. He shrugged his coat off and folded it over the back of Juliet’s couch.

  “Yes! God, it’s all so gross.” Juliet made sure Sienna wasn’t listening.

  “Wait until she makes you try one of the black ones dipped in bleu cheese dressing. I almost threw up.”

  Sienna turned from her conversation and smiled at them both sweetly. “Did the two of you forget that my superpower is listening to two conversations at once? You’ll both be enjoying Cheesy Olive Supreme this evening.”

  Declan laughed and pointed at them mockingly.

  Juliet smirked at him and raised her eyebrows. “Sienna? Declan said he thinks it’s disgusting, too.”

  “Then I’ll be sure to put out enough for him to enjoy, as well.”

  “That was shitty, Mom,” Declan said.

  Juliet, Sienna, and Will all turned to him and said, “Language!”

  “Whoa,” Declan said, his eyes wide. “That was freaky.”

  Juliet punched him lightly on the arm and went into the kitchen to help Sienna with the turkey.

  “Maybe this won’t be so bad, after all,” Juliet said, basting the turkey while it was in the oven.

  “No, I think it will be good. Good for Declan,” Sienna said. She bent down and kissed Juliet on the nose. “And good for you.”

  “Gretchen’s here,” Declan yelled from the living room.

  Juliet rushed to the door and helped Gretchen in, though she didn’t really need the help anymore. The cane she still walked with was more of a crutch than a necessity.

  “Smells delicious in here,” Gretchen said, handing her coat to Juliet. She took the seat next t
o Declan and pulled an old, battered, Game Boy out of her purse. “I found this in my attic. I thought you might like to play with it, even though it’s about a hundred years old. They say that old becomes new again, so go on and give Donkey Kong a try.”

  The timer finally dinged. They brought out dish after dish, each one more enticing than the last. Juliet was impressed. Sienna had thrown together a magnificent holiday meal, without a whole lot of time to prepare.

  Juliet went to get the cranberry sauce and came back to everyone seated at the table, reaching for potatoes and stuffing and corn, talking and laughing over Thanksgiving dinner.

  She was flooded with emotion, seeing her family, all of it, celebrating together. She let it overtake her, allowed herself to settle into that overwhelming sense that the pieces finally fit together.

  Sienna caught her looking at them and gave her a knowing smile. Juliet smiled back. Somehow, they’d made it through the storm. Together.

  About the Author

  Nicole Stiling lives in New England with her wife, two children, and a menagerie of pets. When she’s not working at her day job or pounding away at the keyboard, she enjoys video games, comic books, clearing out the DVR, and the occasional amusement park. Nicole is a strict vegetarian who does not like vegetables, and a staunch advocate for anything with four legs.

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