False Pretenses - Kathy Herman [30]
“Thanks.” She combed her fingers gently through his hair. “And don’t worry about me. The long drive will give me time to gather my thoughts and think of what I want to say to Annabelle’s family.”
“Well, you of all people understand what it’s like to suddenly lose someone you love. I can tell the death of your parents still plays on you.”
The lie plays on me, she thought. I’ve told you so many I can hardly keep them straight. “I definitely won’t have trouble empathizing. I imagine I’ll be late getting home.”
“How late?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll probably spend the whole afternoon with the family. Don’t plan on me for dinner.”
“Do whatever you need to. I’ll hold down the fort.” He kissed her forehead. “Relax, will you? I’ve got you covered. I don’t want you worrying about anything here. Just go pay your respects and spend as much time as you need to with Annabelle’s family.”
“Thanks, cher. I appreciate you being so understanding.”
She started to turn back to the sink, but Pierce didn’t loosen his embrace. Why was he looking at her so strangely?
“Zoe, I’ve got bad news. I’ve been debating whether to wait until you get back to tell you this, but you’re bound to hear it on the radio.”
“What is it?”
“They released the name of the man who was hanged.” Pierce fingered her pearl necklace. “It was Remy Jarvis.”
“What?” It took several seconds for his words to register. “I-I can’t believe it.” Remy’s childlike countenance flashed through her mind as Pierce’s image blurred. A tear spilled down her cheek. “Why would anyone want to hurt such a gentle soul? This is devastating.”
“I’ll say. I can’t even imagine the backlash when word gets out.”
“Savannah will be crushed. Hebert, too.”
“Everyone will.” Pierce plucked a tissue from the box and handed it to her. “I’m sorry to add this to the burden you’re already carrying, but I didn’t want you getting caught off guard. I’m sure it’s all over the radio.”
Zoe dabbed her eyes. “Poor Emile. He must be inconsolable. Are there any suspects?”
“Not yet. The sheriff is sorting through evidence taken from the crime scene. Babe, you have to try and put it out of your mind for now. You’ve got another death more pressing at the moment.”
Zoe saw the mascara all over the tissue. So much for looking nice. Could this day get any more complicated?
A loud clap of thunder shook the building and reverberated for several seconds.
“You’re going to need your umbrella,” Pierce said. “It’s supposed to rain all day.”
“That’s all I need.” Zoe was suddenly aware of raindrops pelting the window.
“It’s a result of the tropical depression,” Pierce said. “I just listened to the weather report. The rain is supposed to get heavier between here and the gulf as the day goes on. They’re saying to allow extra time if you’re driving down the bayou. Traffic could be backed up.”
“Okay, I’ll leave as soon as I’m ready.” But I’m headed north on I-49.
Vanessa sat in the rocking chair in Carter’s room, the same chair Ethan’s parents had used to rock him when he was a baby, and watched as Carter finished building a tower out of plastic blocks.
“Wow, that’s amazing,” she said. “Just one more.”
Carter picked up the last block with both hands, giggling all the while. He placed it carefully on the top of the tower, which swayed ever so slightly, and then let go, his eyes wide with anticipation. It didn’t fall.
“You did it! Good job!”
“I want to keep this so Daddy can see it.”
“He’ll love it. I’m so proud of you. It’s not easy building a tower as tall as you are without it falling over.”
“I’m a good builder.”
“Yes, you are. And you’re Mommy’s sweet boy. Come give me some of that sugar.”
Carter ran over to her, hugged her tightly, then climbed into her lap and nestled in her arms. Was her baby really four already? How much longer would he allow her to engage him in this tender ritual?
“Is the sheriff coming here again?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe. He’s checking on some things at the manor house.”
“He’s looking for the candy man, but I don’t think he’s going to find him.”
She combed