Releasing a sickening guffaw, he turns his head away, and the conversation is over. Agent Lowens nods his head, and the officer shuts the door then raps on the door twice before the sedan pulls away.
More chills prickle her skin as she shivers from fear. Out of everything that has happened to her in the past few months, Gus’s response has her the most stunned and disgusted… and afraid.
3 Weeks Later….
“I know you are eager to get back to your life in LA and back to your movie, but I just wish you could stay here and recuperate more.” Kathy laughs, “On second thought maybe you would like to get away from here and all the drama!”
She giggles in response, “Under normal circumstance I would say that I wanted to stay here but ever since I got here, it’s been worse than if I had stayed in LA.”
“Well, just know that you are welcome to stay anytime you want. Maybe next time won’t be so bad.” She says with her face cringing. “With that lunatic behind bars, maybe it will be easier.”
“Well I don’t know about that. I heard he is pleading temporary insanity, so he probably won’t have to serve much time.” She takes a deep breath, “Don’t forget the locket. There’s still that to be resolved too. I believe Gus was telling the truth, so we still don’t know who was behind that.”
“I know. There are also the other strange things like the perfume and they still don’t know which of your accidents or the attack were orchestrated by Gus or someone else. “She shakes her head, “Listen, we just want you to focus on your rehab and leave that mystery to us.”
“You know that will be hard for me to do.” Looking around the room she places her hands on her hips, “It looks like I have it all. If not, I probably won’t miss it, anyway. I have such a packed schedule in the coming months that I will hardly know if I am coming or going.” She zips the last case shut then sliding it off the bed it hits the floor with a loud thud.
Startling them both, they jump. “Whoops!” Ellen giggles.
Kathy laughs, “Yeah it’s probably a good idea that there are no sudden movements or loud noises… it might give any of us too much of a fright.”
“Ladies…” Tim says from the doorway with a grim look spread across his pale face.
Kathy immediately jumps up from her chair and rushing over to Tim she says, “What is it? Is it your heart?”
Shaking his head rapidly he holds up his hand.
“Well what is it then, you look as if you have seen a ghost.”
His face still wearing a grimace, “I just got a call from Sherriff. Unpack your bags.” He swallows hard then blurts, “They have uncovered the remains of Melody… your mother.”
“What?” She shouts, “Where?” As all blood drains from her face.
“So far all that I know is that a few townies were ice fishing on North Fork and found her remains in the frozen marsh.”
“It could be anyone. Why would they think it’s her? Especially after 20 years.” She says with a deep scowl.
In a state of shock, he looks down at his feet he doesn’t answer right away. He shakes his head instead.
“Dad! Just tell me!” she demands with a stricken look on her face and a sick feeling forming in her stomach.
Giving no further restraint, the words tumble from his mouth, “Among the remains they found your Mother’s wedding ring on the left hand…” He breathes deeply, unable to continue. Looking at the two women, the anguish he is feeling is written all over his entire body.
After taking a few moments, his composure gathered enough to speak, he makes another attempt to complete his thoughts, “To think, all this time, she’s been under a mile away in a watery grave…” He nearly collapses to the floor landing on his knees. Kathy and Ellen to rush to his side to offer support.
As his voice drops to only a whisper, the myriad of questions rises.
Just what happened to her mother and even more importantly, who did it and why?
The end.
Thank you for reading Secrets of Thunder Valley, The Locket. I sincerely appreciate the support!
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What happened to Melody Jackson all those years ago and why has her remains surfaced after all this time? Who has been tormenting Ellen and her family?
Find out in the next installment of Secrets of Thunder Valley, Melody’s Song…Coming Early 2019. To receive notification of release date, visit my website at www.authorshellyvonwest.com
Other freestanding books currently available on Amazon:
The Socialite and the Gardener
Granting Forever
Secrets of Thunder Valley- The Locket Page 14