Lost girls of kato, p.22
Lost Girls of Kato,
p.22
As those around us begin to break off and start for their vehicles, the orderly from the nursing home tells me it’s time to take Diane back for her afternoon nap. I squat down by Diane’s wheelchair, holding her hand as our eyes meet. Her face is blotched with red from crying, but her white hair is styled in a fashionable bun and her sapphire dress with a long skirt makes her eyes appear brighter.
“See you later, DeeDee,” I say to her.
She tilts her head. “Why did you call me that?”
I glance back at Theo and grin. “A big birdie told me about your childhood nickname. Sorry, I guess it kind of stuck.”
Her tired eyes are suddenly as alert as they’ve ever been. “It’s alright. I actually don’t mind. It reminds me of happier times.”
Theo bends to whisper something into her ear before kissing her cheek. Her eyes fill with tears when he backs away. “I know. She loved you too.”
I give her hand a light squeeze before standing. “We’ll come by to visit again soon.”
Theo loops his fingers around mine as the orderly pushes her wheelchair through the manicured lawn toward the handicap van parked nearby in the gravel road.
Chief Nielsen joins our little circle at K.C.’s side, acknowledging my mom and aunt with a small nod. His wife had stood beside him during the service, wearing a tasteful black cocktail dress with little red flowers that perfectly complimented the red tie her husband wore beneath a black suit. She was a pretty little thing, at least a foot shorter than her husband with large brown eyes and hair the color of sunshine. I’m looking forward to getting to know her after the service when Theo and I have everyone over for smoked brisket and a keg of Theo’s favorite craft beer. My supervisor has been ridiculously supportive since I filled her in on an edited version of my reason behind skipping out on work, and also plans to stop by. She even suggested I take a week off to regroup.
“You did a good thing here,” Chief Nielsen says, dipping his chin in Theo’s direction while shaking his hand. “Gave a lot of folks closure. Just wish it had ended a little differently.”
“I don’t,” Theo replies, his jaw hard. “My old man and Kabe got exactly what they had coming. Prison would’ve been too easy on them. Only wish someone would’ve stopped them sooner.”
Shortly after our recuse, I learned that immediately after I’d sent my location to Chief Nielsen, he had run a search for the property’s owner. Once he discovered it was registered to Elroy Kabe’s uncle, he’d rounded up a small army of officers wearing kevlar, weapons drawn.
“I’m just grateful you listened to me and considered my crazy theories,” I tell the chief. “If you hadn’t come to check on us at the farmhouse that day, who knows what they would’ve done to Abigail. You probably would’ve had to bury several more bodies today.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” K.C. huffs. She nudges the chief with her elbow. “Almost makes me feel bad for all the times I harassed you and your department.”
“We had it coming,” he tells her with a regretful nod. “I’m only sorry I didn’t act on it sooner.”
“I think it’s time we all stop dwelling on the past and move forward like Pastor Babel said,” I say to them. “Jackie’s finally at peace. We all should be at peace along with her.”
Nodding, K.C. squeezes Theo’s arm. “I’m gonna head over to your place, see if Beth needs help getting things ready.” She leans in beside me and whispers, “I’ll give your hot mom and aunt a ride so you two lovebirds can have a minute alone before the party starts. No promises there will be any booze left if you take too long.”
“I’ll see you all there,” Chief Nielsen announces, giving a polite nod with his departure.
My mom pulls me in for a bone-crushing hug. She’s been giving out a lot of those ever since she learned the details of what went down in the farmhouse. She may have her flaws and untraditional priorities, but I’m suddenly able to appreciate the times she’s made an effort on my behalf, the times she’s shown up. I only wish Jackie would’ve known a similar mother’s love.
“Take your time, baby girl,” she whispers in my ear. “Fate delivered you to this man for a reason. Don’t let a single minute of his beautiful body go to waste.”
“We’re in a cemetery, Mom,” I remind her dryly.
“Doesn’t mean you can’t swing home on your way to his place.”
With a light-hearted giggle, I squeeze her tight. “I love you, Mom. Thanks for being here today. Your support throughout this ordeal has meant a lot.”
“I love you more, Sterling Marie. You’re a good person with a good heart. It hurts that you’ve moved so far away, but I’m glad to see for myself that you’re surrounded by so many new friends who clearly seem to appreciate your value.”
Once my mom and aunt leave with K.C., Theo and I are the last to remain. I stare at the words engraved on the headstone, wishing I could hear Jackie’s giggle one last time.
I haven’t dreamt about her again since I was locked in the farmhouse basement. Although I’d told Chief Nielsen everything I’d seen through Jackie’s eyes, I decided not to disclose all of the details of her final hours with Theo, and had only confirmed that his father and Elroy Kabe were her captors. Hours following his father’s death, we’d made love and he’d cried angry tears after, knowing his father was responsible for Jackie’s demise. I held him and let him know that he was the last person she’d thought of in the end.
“I miss her,” I tell him. “I miss dreaming about the two of you together…when you were both happy.”
“Must be like your aunt said—she was finally able to move on after they found her buried in that yard. She knows my father and Kabe can’t ever hurt another girl.”
I turn to him, sliding my fingers inside his soft facial hair. “I love you, Theo…so damn much—my heart aches for everything you’ve been through. Jackie couldn’t have asked for a better friend, and I could search the entire world twice over and never find a better man to call mine. I’ll alway be remorseful for the suffering she endured, and despise the way they took her life when she was so young, but I’ll always be thankful she brought me to you.”
“Move in with me,” he says, drawing me tight against him. “We can sell your place once I’ve finished updating it…use the profit to pay for our wedding.”
“Our wedding?” I choke out, blindsided. “We’ve only known each other for a couple of months, Theo. Isn’t that moving a bit fast?”
“It’s possible we’ve already been friends for thirty years, right? And I’m obviously not getting any younger.” His sinfully wicked lips draw back, popping his dimples into place. “What do you say?”
Tears blur my vision as I snake my arms around his waist. “I can’t think of a better way to honor Jackie’s memory and make her pleased at the same time. She may no longer be with me, but it’s what she would’ve wanted—for you to be happy.”
“What about you?”
I grin. “Do you even have to ask?”
“This isn’t all about Jackie, sweetheart. I came out of this nightmare with a strong, confident woman who ripped my heart out of my chest the moment she stood up to my bullshit, gave me hell right back. Never would’ve guessed a brilliant beauty like you would come to my rescue.” His gaze turns determined as he leans in for a kiss. Once he pulls away, I swear I’m floating. “I’ll give you my card to pick out a ring you like. A dress too. You should take your mom and aunt along while they’re in town…I hear women love that kind of shit.”
Laughing brightly, I draw him in for another lingering kiss, then draw back with another bubbling peal of laughter. “Theo, babe, my mom and aunt aren’t the kind you ‘take shopping’ anywhere mediocre. Once they know we’re getting married, I have a feeling you and I are in for countless trips in private jets to exotic locations. They won’t take no for an answer.” I finger the curls behind his ears. “Are you going to be okay with them showering us with lavish presents, or do you want to go elope somewhere, just the two of us?”
“I wouldn’t care if they insisted we get married atop the Eiffel Tower, so long as I get to spend what’s left of my life with you at my side.” He grins, his thumbs stroking my jaw in tandem. “You come from a good family, sweetheart. It’s important we keep them involved, let them help us celebrate. Expensive presents and fancy trips don’t impress me, but if that’s how they want to burn their money, that’s their choice. Doesn’t mean I understand it.”
“My dad’s gonna love you,” I whisper, grinning back.
As we’re leaving the cemetery hand-in-hand, my hair lifts into the air behind me and I feel the presence of…something. Tingles spread down my spine as I spin back to face the endless rows of headstones and immaculate green lawn. Although I can’t see any fresh clippings, the sharp scent of fresh grass overwhelms me as if some has found its way up my nose. I open my mouth to ask Theo if he smells it too, but I’m unable to move. A strong sense of unconditional love and sheer happiness sweeps over me with the strength of an embrace.
I cover my mouth and gasp.
Was Jackie trying to say goodbye?
Theo draws me into his arms, his eyes heavy with concern. “You okay, sweetheart?”
I swallow the ball of emotion rising in my throat. Whatever connection I shared with the blonde little girl who had her life unfairly taken, I sense it’s gone. Forever.
I glance up at Theo as a set of tears roll down my cheeks. “I think Jackie just gave us her blessing.”
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BEXLEY SQUIRES MYSTERIES
The Dead Girl’s Stilettos
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TIKI TROUBLE MYSTERY SERIES
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Woman Over the Edge
Deadly Paradise
Lost Girls of Kato
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QUINN AVERY is an award-winning and Amazon bestselling author who has written 40 novels, both romantic suspense and mystery/thriller. An avid fan of the beach, a good book, and Dave Grohl, she enjoys spending her free time with her favorite people and biggest fans…her husband and children. Quinn also writes romantic suspense as Jennifer Ann.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I can’t believe I’ve published my 40th book! I’d be remiss without mentioning the fans who have continued to read my stories over the years and have left glowing reviews. THANK YOU for your loyalty and support! It means everything that readers like you allow me to continue forward in my dream career!
Thanks to each and every blogger and reviewer who agreed to read this book in advance! I know how difficult it can be to squeeze an extra book in on a deadline, so your time is much appreciated!
Thank you to Traci Bentzen for answering my strange questions and Lisa Frommie for lending me your expertise!
Special thanks to Najla Qamber for assisting me with your sharp eye and vast experience on helping me to create a great cover…it’s always a pleasure working with you!
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Massive shout-out to my #1 fan and closest friend, Christy Freeberg, for always having my back and never failing to harass me until I send my latest work. You keep me going on many levels, girl. I treasure our friendship and appreciate all you do for me…especially when keeping me sane with good food, laughter, and Prosecco!
And as always, thank you to my husband and family for your continued support. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you!
Quinn Avery, Lost Girls of Kato
