Protector - Laurel Dewey [164]
Jane scrutinized the photos more closely, trying to form a story from them. But the more she stared at Bill’s tense expression and David’s equally preoccupied countenance, the more questions she had. The only one who might be able to shed light on any of it was lying in her bed and in no shape to answer questions.
The following day, Jane desperately wanted to quiz Emily but the child was still smarting from her gory flashback at the carnival. By the end of that Sunday, Emily had spent most of the day sitting in the backyard, staring vacantly into space. Her mood shifted from apprehension and embarrassment in the morning to a sullen, angry disposition as evening fell. Jane noticed that even an unexpected visit from Dan that evening didn’t alter Emily’s brooding temperament. It was as if a resentful shift had taken hold. Gone was the innocent, inquisitive kid. Instead, a confused, frustrated child emerged who felt manipulated by everyone around her.
Jane tolerated the sullen mood change. But on Monday morning, she was determined to pump Emily for information about the relationship between the Stovers and Lawrences. Emily was still asleep in her own bed that morning when there was a knock on the front door. Jane peeked out the narrow glass panels on the front door and groaned before opening the door. “Hello, Heather.”
“Hello,” she responded with a self-important air. “They’re putting up the decorations for the fourth!”
“The fourth?”
“July fourth?” Heather said with a snotty, “you-certainly-are-stupid” tone. “It’s this Sunday! We have a huge parade. Anyway, I wanted to know if Patty could come and hang out with us while we watch them put up the decorations.”
“Not today.” Jane started to close the door when Heather slammed her hand against it.
“Wait!” she demanded.
Jane felt a strong ire building for this brat. “What?”
“We won’t go far. Just like a block up on Main!”
Jane wanted to scream. “What part of the word ‘no’ don’t you understand?”
Heather stared defiantly at Jane, her left eyebrow arching slightly. An evil grin crept across her face. “Have a nice day!” she said, turning on her heels.
Jane shut the front door and turned to see Emily standing in her bedroom doorway. “I want to watch them put up the decorations!” Emily said emphatically.
“No,” Jane said, lighting a cigarette and walking down the hall to the kitchen to grab her morning coffee.
“Why!” Emily yelled, quickly following Jane down the hall.
“Because I want to talk to you!”
“All we ever do is talk. You and me! I want to be with people my own age!”
“Goddamnit, Emily! I said I need to talk to you!”
“Aw, shit!” Emily said, angrily shoving the kitchen chair under the table. “It’s always about you! It’s never about me!”
“Hey, what in the hell do you think we’re doing in this fucking town?” Jane took her coffee cup and headed back down the hall to the living room.
“I don’t know. You don’t tell me anything!” Emily said, following Jane. “I just figured we’re sitting around waiting for me to remember whatever it is I’m supposed to remember so you can solve your case and leave this ‘fucking town?’ ”
“Okay, stop!” Jane realized the conversation was going nowhere. “Sit down,” she said with less fire in her voice. Emily remained standing. “Emily?” Reluctantly, Emily complied, stoically crossing her arms across her chest. “You want to cut me off?” Jane asked, noting Emily’s body language. “Fine! But we’re going to sit here and have a rational conversation