Dust and Obey

by Christy Barritt

  “Why in the world did Blaine ask you to keep quiet?” I was trying to connect all the dots, but the process wasn’t happening fast enough for me.

  “Because it would be unnerving to the other couples here, especially in light of everything else that has happened.”

  I pinched the skin between my eyes, thinking everything through. “So let me get this straight. Khloe had a heart attack. Anna committed suicide. And Ginger fell off a bluff?”

  “It’s strange, isn’t it? But it’s like Dr. Turner said, people who come here are at the end of their ropes. They’ve already been taxed emotionally. And the things that come up in therapy can be overwhelming. Ginger’s was just a terrible accident. I’ve seen things like this play out before. As a doctor, I know the effect of human emotions on a person’s physical well-being. It’s not always pretty.”

  Apparently, the rest of the clients here hadn’t gotten word that I’d seen someone push her. Maybe I could use that to my advantage.

  But I also had another realization. Blaine and Dr. Turner weren’t the only ones connected with all three deaths. So were Atticus and Farrah.

  Atticus moved further up on my suspect list.

  CHAPTER 43

  The afternoon activity on Saturday had been pretty simple. There’d been obstacles set up and Riley and I had to help each other through them. Nothing dangerous had happened, and no one had been injured.

  The anxiety in my stomach continued to grow, however, as I thought about what might go down tonight. Was I really prepared to handle myself? I supposed I would find out.

  The good news was that Riley and I still hadn’t had any time to talk other than the normal conversations that all the couples were having.

  Right now we were all gathered in the Therapy Lounge for a surprise. I had no idea what that might mean.

  Dr. Turner, Blaine, and Steve all marched in the door with a strange look of satisfaction in their eyes. Blaine held something in her arms. Books. Large books.

  “We have a special gift for you,” Dr. Turner announced. “Blaine, if you don’t mind.”

  Blaine handed a book to Riley and me. With a touch of nervousness, I opened the first page and blinked at what I saw there.

  It was a scrapbook of our time on the island. The photos inside showed Riley and I laughing, fishing, eating, and cuddling. Something about the images made my heart warm. We looked so happy in these photos, like a real couple.

  I glanced up at Steve.

  This was why he’d taken those photos? And I thought he was only the cook, or maybe involved in murder . . .

  “Blaine and Steve have been working hard since you arrived to put this together for you,” Dr. Turner said. “I instructed Steve, our photographer, to get as many candid shots as possible. I wanted to highlight your best moments. I think the books turned out wonderfully. Don’t you?”

  Everyone murmured in agreement.

  “You’re now dismissed for free time until this evening’s activity,” Dr. Turner said.

  As the crowd thinned, Riley and I made our way toward Steve.

  “Great job with the pictures,” Riley told him.

  He nodded. “Thanks.”

  “And to think, the whole time we had no idea,” I added. “How did you manage it without us noticing?”

  “I’m pretty good at being sneaky. I hung out inside a lot and took pictures out the windows. I hid around the corner a few times. Everyone is so distracted with their own issues that they didn’t even notice me. The people here made my job easy.”

  My curiosity heightened. “Is that right?”

  That must have been the glare I saw that day when Riley and I were fishing. It had been the reflection of the sun hitting his camera lens. Why hadn’t I put that together earlier?

  “Dr. Turner asked me to take the photos,” Steve said. “He asked me to be subtle so we could surprise everyone. Photography isn’t exactly in my job description, but Dr. Turner has done a lot for me.”

  “Has he?” Riley questioned.

  Steve nodded. “Yeah, I used to be one of his patients. He likes to help people out. He knew I was having trouble finding a job because of my record, but he also believed I was a changed man. I’m grateful for what he’s done for me.”

  Would someone who was guilty admit he had a record? I wasn’t sure. But I didn’t think so.

  ***

  That evening, we all met downstairs, dressed in our finest. Angelina wore a jean skirt with the word “Sexy” stitched across the butt and a white T-shirt. Bo had on baggy jeans and a White Sox shirt. Farrah wore a lovely pair of palazzo pants and an elegant top, while Atticus wore khakis and a Henley that probably cost more than I made in a month.

  I glanced down at my dress. It was a white sundress that I’d topped with a black sweater. I‘d slipped on some silver flip-flops. I thought it was, overall, a nice look.

  But as I glanced around, I realized Riley wasn’t here. Where was he? Was he okay?

  Then he appeared coming down the stairs. He wore a white button-up shirt and some low-slung jeans. My throat went dry at the sight of him. He was . . . handsome. More than handsome.

  He had my heart.

  And when he looked at me and smiled, I felt like the luckiest girl alive. Was I setting myself up for failure? Maybe. But Riley and I did need to have a conversation. Soon. I had to stop avoiding it and face reality.

  He stood beside me, his eyes still warm and captivating. I forced myself to look away, so I could figure out what was going on here tonight.

  Dr. Turner grinned broadly, which made me even more suspicious. Mr. Rogers Goes to Happy Land.

  “Thank you all for coming,” Dr. Turner started. “I think you’ve each come a long way throughout this experience. I wanted to end our time together with something very special and meaningful. At least, I hope it will be meaningful to you.” He made eye contact with each of us. “Tonight, we’ll have a vow renewal ceremony.”

  I sucked in a quick breath. Vow renewal? Really? I didn’t know what to think about that. Before I could formulate my thoughts, we were ushered outside, down the steps, and to the sandy shore below. Steve had his camera out and was snapping pictures, and Blaine handed each of the women a bouquet of flowers.

  Anxiety churned in my stomach. There were a lot of things I justified myself acting through. But this seemed so intimate and personal. I’d be face-to-face with Riley, saying words that I had hoped to say to him a different lifetime ago. What if he saw the truth in my eyes?

  “I’d like you to face each other and take your spouse’s hands into your own,” Dr. Turner started.

  With my throat constricting, I placed my flowers by my feet and turned toward Riley. My cheeks flushed when I looked up at him.

  There was something about his eyes that captivated me. The look there was enough to sweep me away to a happy place I’d be content to never leave. But that wasn’t realistic. I just needed my heart to get that message.

  “You look beautiful,” Riley whispered.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of three fine couples who are determined to stick together for better or for worse,” Dr. Turner started.

  Tears started to push to my eyes. Really, this was too much for me. I’d imagined this moment so many times . . . only it had been real when I pictured it. I hadn’t been undercover.

  Dr. Turner continued talking in the background—something about birds again. I looked away from Riley before he could see my tears, but he let go of my hand long enough to nudge my chin up until my eyes met his.

  He was just acting, I reminded myself. I didn’t care how his eyes looked. That meant nothing.

  “God has brought each of you together with your spouse for a special purpose. You’ll grow together in the good times and the bad times. Now, repeat after me. I vow to remain faithful.”

  “I vow to remain faithful,” I repeated. I wanted to break my gaze, but our eyes seemed locked together.

  “I vow t
o love unselfishly, to hold on to hope, and to always forgive.”

  I stumbled over the words. Had I forgiven Riley? Had I been unselfish? I’d like to think that I had, but, deep down, I wasn’t sure.

  “I vow to make time for you, to let you know that you’re an important part of my life.”

  Riley and I repeated the words together.

  “I vow to put the past behind me, and focus instead on our future together.”

  Again, my stomach lurched. I was supposed to be concentrating on the mystery we had to solve, and, instead, all I could think about was Riley and our past relationship. Could I put the past behind me? Was it possible?

  “Now, I’d like for you to each take a moment to quietly speak to your spouse and tell them what they mean to you,” Dr. Turner instructed.

  If Riley and I had actually been participants here, this would have been a beautiful moment. But right now I just wanted to run. Or dive into the bay. Or be carried away by giant seagulls.

  “I’ll start,” Riley said softly.

  He stepped closer, close enough that I could see the flecks in his eyes, see the stubble starting to form on his chin and cheeks, see a wisp of hair that straggled across his forehead.

  My stomach clenched as I waited for him to begin. I wasn’t sure I could handle this or that my resolve would be strong enough.

  But I had no choice but to proceed.

  CHAPTER 44

  “Gabby, I have made a lot of mistakes since I met you,” Riley said. “Until recently, I don’t think I was ready to admit that. I wanted to think that I was better than those things, that I was too good of a person to hurt you. But things have changed in the past year.”

  For a moment, I felt like I was in some kind of strange version of The Bachelorette. All I needed were some video cameras recording all this and millions of viewers watching my every move. This was by far my most dramatic rose ceremony ever.

  “I want to do right by you, Gabby,” Riley continued. “I can’t imagine my future without you.”

  “Go ahead and wrap up your talks,” Dr. Turner instructed.

  My head felt like it was spinning. No! Don’t stop now, I silently pleaded. I needed to know what else he had to say.

  Riley kept going, never pulling his eyes away. “You are who you are, and you don’t let other people sway you. You’re persistent. You don’t back down from doing what’s right, even when your life is on the line. You love with all your heart, and you’ve risen far above what most people in your shoes would have.”

  A tear drizzled down my cheek. I’d dreamed about this moment. In fact, maybe this was a dream.

  “You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted, Riley,” I whispered. “I was trying to give you space, to do what was best for you. But it tore me apart inside. Just like being here at the retreat. It’s only confirmed that I still have feelings for you.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.” A wide grin crossed his lips.

  “And by the power vested in me, I now remind you that you’re husband and wife. Forever and into eternity. You may kiss your bride.”

  Oh no! Kiss the bride? What—?

  Before I could worry too much, Riley pulled me into his arms. His lips found mine. The lips that I was at one time all too familiar with.

  I fully expected him to pull away, to do an obligatory peck on the lips and then step back. End of acting scenario. Duty done.

  But, instead, his hand traveled to my neck, and he tilted my head backward. Everything else around me disappeared at his touch. His kiss deepened, and even though some kind of protective instinct inside me told me to resist, I was powerless to do so.

  In fact, somewhere in the process, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back. Not only did I kiss him back, I kissed him back like I meant it. Because I did.

  Despite my reservations, despite my fears, despite the hurt of the past . . . this was what I wanted. Riley was what I wanted.

  When Riley finally pulled back, I realized that everyone was staring at us. I felt myself blush, and I rubbed my lips, which were still tingling. I couldn’t look at Riley. Not now.

  Now there was no denying that I was in love. The stranger thing was Riley might be also.

  ***

  “That was some pretty good acting you did back there.” I had to admit it: I was fishing for a confirmation of the truth. I didn’t want to assume anything here. I needed something concrete.

  Dr. Turner had dismissed us for some time alone. Riley and I had headed to the library.

  He closed the door and pulled me into his arms. His face lingered close to mine, so close that I wanted to reach up and kiss him again. And he had an impish smile playing at the corner of his lips. “I wasn’t acting, Gabby.”

  My heart nearly stopped. “Really?” I sounded more breathless than I’d realized was possible.

  “I’ve never been as happy as when I heard you and Garrett were definitely not together. As wrong as it might be, I was praying that might happen.”

  “You would never pray for something like that, would you?” I said in mock outrage. My fingers pulled more tightly around him, and I could hardly stand just talking. I wanted to feel his lips again, to step closer, to bask in his strength.

  He nodded, his eyes still dancing. “Yeah, I have to admit that I did. Maybe I was selfish.”

  “You can be selfish like that.”

  A fire lit in his eyes. “Can I?”

  His lips met mine again, this time with not as much trepidation.

  “I love you, Gabby.”

  “I love you too, Riley.”

  His thumb traced the side of my face. “I’m so sorry for the ways I hurt you. I know I’ve done a lot of damage, but I want to change things. I’m changed.”

  “It was a difficult situation, Riley. Who knows how I would have handled it if the roles had been reversed.”

  He leaned down and kissed me again. Seriously, I couldn’t get enough of his kisses. But I had to think things through here. There’d be time for this later.

  “I hate to break up this moment, but we have a plan to put in place.” I stepped away, but his arms circled my waist again.

  He pulled me back for another quick kiss. “I don’t want this moment to end.”

  I giggled. Giggled? Me? But it was true. I felt giddy. Honestly, I could stay here forever. I never wanted to let go. But staying here alone too long with Riley was a bad idea.

  I pushed him back. “We have to. This is why we’re here.”

  He frowned, his eyes moving from playful to dead serious. “I have reservations about you going out. You’re basically setting yourself up as bait, and a lot of things could go wrong.”

  “The Marine Police should be showing up to investigate more oyster poaching allegations in about an hour. If we play our cards right, we should be okay.”

  “There are too many ifs in there.”

  I squeezed his arm. “There are too many ifs in life in general. Let’s do this.”

  CHAPTER 45

  I stepped out of the library and into the hallway and readied myself for the performance of a lifetime.

  “I’m sorry,” I cried. “I never meant to hurt you, Riley!”

  “You did. I can’t believe you kept this from me. How could you?” Riley leaned out of the door, his voice loud and angry.

  Even as he said the words, I saw the apology in his eyes. Ruining my reputation and good name was painful for him. That was a positive sign for our authentic relationship.

  “I can explain,” I started.

  “There’s nothing to explain. You cheated on me. I can’t ever forgive that.”

  “Please, you’ve got to understand—”

  “Understand this: We’re through. As far as I’m concerned, our marriage is null and void. Over. I’m sorry we ever came on this retreat together.” He stepped back into the doorway and mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.”

  Doors started opening. People began to pop their heads out, curious about the com
motion.

  Just what we’d hoped would happen.

  “You heard what Dr. Turner said, Riley.” I made sure my voice contained the proper amount of desperation. It even cracked once. “We’re supposed to be able to work through issues like this.”

  “I thought we were on the right track. But I was wrong. You cheated on me, and I can’t ever forgive that.”

  “Do you two need to talk?” Dr. Turner appeared. A wrinkle of worry had formed between his eyebrows.

  “I’m done talking.” Riley slammed the door.

  I wrapped my arms over my chest and frowned. Trying to make this believable, I took a step back and hid my face. I couldn’t force any tears to come—I wasn’t that good. But I made sure my body language showed distress.

  “I can’t believe this,” I whispered.

  “Why don’t the two of us go talk, Gabby?” His hand pressed on my shoulder.

  I raised my head, but kept my fingers pinched between my eyes. “I don’t know if there’s anything to say. I messed up, Dr. Turner. I thought things were on the right track. I thought we were in a good place, so I ventured to tell him the truth. I was wrong. Our marriage can’t survive what I did.”

  A couple of doors closed. Good. Hopefully, everyone had heard about what happened and this humiliation wasn’t all for naught.

  “Maybe you need a listening ear?”

  “I think I just need some time alone. But thank you.” Before he could say anything else, I hurried back up to my room and shut myself inside.

  Now I needed to wait a little while before I started Phase 2.

  ***

  Just past midnight, it was time to begin the next part of my plan. I reached between my mattresses to retrieve my gun. I reached. And reached.

  All I felt was the silk material covering the box spring. My hand easily glided across the empty space.

  I sucked in a quick breath.

  My gun was gone.

  But how? And who?

  I wouldn’t feel nearly as safe going downstairs without it.

  But what else was I supposed to do?