The Black Sheep's Redemption

by Lynette Eason

“Yes.”

  “And yet no one knew who I was?”

  “No, I guess not,” he said slowly. “But it makes sense. You told me you fell in love with Brazil and hadn’t been back to the States for a few years although you said your parents came back pretty regularly.”

  “I was a missionary?” The thought just registered. No wonder she’d been compelled to seek out God. Warmth infused her. She believed in God.

  “Yes. You taught school.”

  “I’m a teacher.”

  “A missionary teacher.”

  Visions of children swam through her mind. Dark faces, dark eyes, smiles. Then yelling, a hard fist and a scream. She gasped.

  Alan’s grip tightened on her fingers. “You remember something.”

  “Ah, no. Yes. I’m not sure.” She blinked the images away and the headache faded.

  “Come with me.”

  “What?”

  “Let me take you home. Show you where you live, where we were going to live after we were married.”

  The excitement in his voice made her hesitate. She didn’t want to go with him. She wanted to go with Charles.

  Something in her expression must have registered with him. “It’s him, isn’t it?”

  Demi didn’t bother to ask what he meant. “I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve developed feelings for Charles.” His eyes shuttered and his lips tightened. “But,” she hurried on to reassure him, “I want to be fair to you, too. I… Oh, my, I think I just need some time.”

  He smiled. A forced smile, but at least he was trying. “All right, Demi, just don’t make any hasty decisions without letting me know. Please?”

  “I think that’s a reasonable request. I can do that,” she promised.

  “Good. Good.”

  Demi stood. “I’m going to lie down. I need to process all of this.”

  SIXTEEN

  Charles slept little and when he woke Sunday morning, he was in a foul mood. Not only because he’d had almost no sleep, but because it was now 5:00 a.m. and he was wide awake. The twins still slept so he prowled the house on silent feet.

  In the den, his eyes landed on his mother’s Bible. The book held a prominent position on the mantel. His mother had given the Bible to him several weeks before she’d died, making him promise to live by it.

  Regret pierced him. He’d read that book every day after her death, seeking solace and comfort in the word. But after Kathleen had left him, he’d lost the will, the energy, to do anything but get through each day only to fall into bed every night exhausted beyond belief.

  Now, he pulled the Bible from its resting place. With a puff of his breath, he blew the layer of dust from the top.

  Carrying the book to the recliner, he settled himself in the chair and opened the Bible. His mother’s handwriting leaped off the pages. She’d taken copious notes over the years. His finger traced the words and wondered what she would have done, how she would have felt, had she known of her husband’s infidelity.

  She would have been hurt, betrayed, angry. Of course she would have felt all those emotions.

  Would she have eventually forgiven? Probably.

  Charles tried to find it in his heart to pray for Kathleen. To completely forgive her for deserting him and their children. To his surprise, the raging bitterness was gone, replaced by a sadness for the woman. A regret that he wasn’t what she’d needed.

  But a thankfulness that Demi had come along when she had.

  His phone buzzed.

  Owen had sent him a text: Call when you get up. Have news re: Burke’s autopsy.

  Charles lifted a brow. That was fast. His father must have pulled a few strings to get that done in such a short amount of time.

  He punched in Owen’s speed dial number.

  Owen picked up on the second ring. “It was murder.”

  “How?”

  “Apparently the man liked to drink at night. Someone slipped a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs in his drink.”

  “How do you know it wasn’t suicide?”

  “The ME found a feather in his throat.”

  “A feather?”

  “As in from a feather pillow. Looks like someone doped him up good, then held a pillow over his face to make sure the deed was done.”

  “Wow.”

  “At least that’s the speculation at this point. Tox screen was off the charts with all kinds of different drugs. I can’t even remember the ones the ME listed.”

  Charles heard the weariness in his brother’s voice. “You know we—the family, I mean—will be suspects, don’t you?”

  “Of course I know that,” Owen snorted. “I’ve already thought about that. I can just see the headlines now. ‘Fitzgerald family poisons rival for mayor.’”

  “I don’t suppose there’s any way to keep this from the media.”

  “Not a chance.”

  “Right.” Charles glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’m still planning on taking Demi to the hotel. She wants to get her things.”

  “And it’s an opportunity to spend some time with her, eh?”

  Charles felt the flush start at the base of his throat. Glad he was on the phone and not facing his brother, he simply said, “Yes.”

  Silence.

  Then Owen said, “You’re worried about this guy, Alan, aren’t you?”

  “I am.”

  “I don’t envy your position,” Owen said. “Let me know if you need my help with anything.”

  Charles didn’t hesitate. “I want a background check on this guy.”

  “Absolutely. Consider it done.” His brother paused. “One more thing. We’ve decided to release a picture of the dolphin charm found near Olivia’s body to the media. Let them show it on the news and see if anyone can ID it. We’ve kind of sat on this piece of evidence because we were trying to track down where it came from without alerting the killer that we had it. We’re hoping the killer doesn’t even realize it’s missing. However, we’re running out of options and leads on this case and feel like it’s time to reveal it and see what happens.”

  Charles drew in a deep breath. “Keep me updated.”

  “Will do.”

  Charles hung up and wondered if life would ever get back to normal.

  * * *

  After church Sunday, Demi and the Fitzgerald clan gathered at the ball field. Aiden had ordered extra security for the game just to be on the safe side. He’d thought about calling it off, but Charles said he would come up against such opposition that he’d relented.

  With conditions.

  There would be guards around the perimeter, and fans would have to consent to bag searches.

  It looked like the entire town turned out for this special fundraiser game to benefit the children’s hospital. Charles pushed the twins in the stroller and Demi walked beside them, her heart warm from being with them. She tried not to think about how much she liked being a part of this family. Because she had no assurance it would last.

  At the bleachers, she joined Charles on the bottom one so the twins could be kept in their stroller as long as they would consent to it.

  Paige and Victoria sat behind them.

  “I’ll play with them if you want me to, Uncle Charles,” Paige offered.

  Fiona’s son, Sean, darted past followed by a group of his buddies.

  Charles looked at Paige and smiled. “Maybe in a little while. They’re pretty happy right now.”

  “Okay.”

  And then she saw something that disturbed her.

  Alan Gregor sitting on the next set of bleachers, turned so he could see her.

  When she caught his eye, he smiled and waved her over.


  Her heart hit her toes. She didn’t want to see Alan today.

  The thought sent guilt coursing through her and she forced a smile. “Charles, I’m going to say hello to Alan.”

  The instant frown on his face sent a new surge of guilt. Guilt for…just being her and the uncertainty she’d brought into his life.

  Biting her lip against the desire to ignore Alan and run back to her apartment—so she didn’t have to deal with the stress of Alan’s presence and Charles’s unhappiness at the whole situation—she made her way over to the man who’d rocked her world yesterday and said, “Hi, Alan.”

  Delight lit his expression. “Demi. I knew you’d be here. Would you sit with me?”

  Awkwardness hit her. “Well, I’ve come with Charles and the kids, so I guess I’ll stay with them. But thank you.”

  Alan’s shoulders drooped and he turned his head for a minute. Then he looked back at her. “Sure, sure. I understand.” But she saw disappointment in his eyes and almost asked him if he wanted to join them. Then bit her tongue. She wouldn’t do that to Charles.

  And yet, Alan looked so sad. She said, “But I’d love to meet you after and get a cup of coffee or something. Maybe we could pick up our conversation and you could tell me a little more about—my life.”

  His shoulders straightened a bit and he smiled. “Sure, I’d love to do that.”

  Demi nodded and turned to catch Charles, his eyes questioning and shadowed. She swallowed hard and felt tears threaten.

  What was she doing?

  Keeping a tight rein on her emotions, she felt them testing her control.

  Instead of walking back to Charles and the children, she turned left and headed for the building that held the restrooms.

  She darted around the side and let the dam break.

  Tears trickled down her cheeks and she leaned her head against the rough brick. God, help me, what am I going to do? What is Your will in this?

  She had no ready answer for her desperate plea.

  A hand fell on her shoulder and she turned to find Charles standing there, compassion written on his face. “Ah, Demi, I’m sorry.”

  She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her nose in his chest. “Oh, Charles, I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to have coffee with him. I don’t love him. I…I want to be with you, to keep building whatever it is we’re building with each other and selfishly, maybe, I’m not ready to give that up.”

  Charles froze and she wished she could bite her tongue off. Why, oh why, had she blurted that out?

  Heat scalded her cheeks and she didn’t dare lift her head from his chest.

  But he didn’t give her a choice. His hand came up and he tucked a finger under her chin. Slowly, she gazed into his eyes.

  He licked his lips then said, “I want that, too, Demi. I’m just not sure what to do about it.”

  Demi gave an anguished, humorless laugh as her embarrassment faded in the wake of his confession. “We can’t do anything about it right now. Not until I figure out what to do about Alan, not until something gives with my memories.”

  “And not until I’m cleared of Olivia’s murder.”

  Demi settled her forehead back against his shoulder. “This is all so crazy. When will it end?”

  “Soon, I hope. Soon.”

  “Everything all right?”

  Demi jerked at the woman’s voice. Turning, she saw a uniformed officer standing, watching them. “We’re fine,” Demi said. “Just getting ready to go watch a softball game.”

  They walked back to the bleachers where Victoria had Brianne sitting in her lap. Paige sat in the dirt with Aaron as they ran his Matchbox cars through a maze Paige had drawn. Dino sat in the middle.

  Demi’s heart clenched. What would she do without this little family?

  She felt Alan’s gaze on her.

  Glancing at him, she did her best to smile.

  But shivered when he didn’t smile back.

  SEVENTEEN

  Demi listened as Owen and Charles went back and forth about the trip to the Springfield Hotel. They’d decided to wait until after Burke Hennessy’s funeral, which would be in less than two hours. The medical examiner had released the body, declaring all the evidence the police needed had been gathered.

  Owen said, “After the funeral, I think I’ll have an officer follow you.”

  Charles hesitated. “Why? Burke’s dead.”

  Owen lifted a brow. “Burke wasn’t the one shooting at you during the debate.”

  “True,” Charles said. “Very true. So he either hired someone or it wasn’t Burke.”

  “Exactly why we don’t need to take any chances. Why don’t you take Ryan with you?”

  “Ryan?”

  “He’s a cop. He has the time. With the attempts on your life, I think it’s the safe way to go.”

  Charles thought about it. “I’ve got my weapon.”

  “Yeah, but if you shoot him, you don’t have to do the paperwork.”

  Charles smiled at Owen’s attempt to lighten the mood. “Good point. All right, see if Ryan can go with us. Couldn’t hurt to have him along.”

  “Good.” Charles could hear the relief in Owen’s voice.

  “Thanks, Owen.”

  “Just stay out of trouble or I’ll never hear the end of it from Ryan.”

  * * *

  Demi saw Charles’s truck pull up outside of The Reading Nook. Hurrying down the stairs, she couldn’t quell the anxiety churning in her stomach. Today after the funeral, she would hold in her hands things that belonged to her. She was one step closer to finding out who she was. True, she now had a name, but she wanted her memories back.

  Hopefully, a visit to the hotel she’d stayed in before the attack would offer that.

  And then possibly, a visit to her home.

  Her home. What was it like? Would she see pictures of her family, friends? Maybe the school where she taught.

  And she would get to spend the day with Charles even if it included a funeral.

  She climbed in the passenger seat and Charles said, “I appreciate you going with me.”

  “I didn’t really know Burke very well, but I don’t mind going.”

  “I feel like a hypocrite.”

  “Why? Because you couldn’t stand the man and you’re going to his funeral?”

  Charles gave a short humorless laugh. “Exactly.”

  “Then why are you going?”

  He let out a long sigh. “Because it’s the right thing to do. The man had his issues and I think his wife, Christina, is going to need all the support she can get. She won’t want it from us now, but maybe later, she’ll realize…”

  Demi took his hand and squeezed. “You’re a very kind man, aren’t you?”

  He flushed. “I try.” He paused. “I have to admit I’m hesitant to show up. I know Dad wants me to go, but I’m not sure that’s the wisest decision he’s made considering Burke’s animosity toward our family.” He shook his head as he made a left turn to head for the church.

  Upon their arrival, the parking lot was almost full. In spite of Burke’s attitude toward the Fitzgeralds, he was a popular man in town. Everyone who was anyone in Fitzgerald Bay had come to pay their respects.

  Demi looked around and couldn’t help but wonder if the person who’d killed Olivia was nearby. She spotted Meghan Henry and waved. Meghan waved back, but frowned when she saw who Demi was with.

  Demi felt her heart dip at the response, but there was nothing she could do about it. Only by the authorities catching the real killer and clearing Charles’s name would everyone finally see their concerns and suspicions had been wrong.

  She prayed that happened soon.
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br />   “That was kind of Mrs. Mulrooney to offer to keep the children for you,” she said to break the silence.

  He smiled, a pulling of his lips that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “She’s a great lady.”

  Charles made the appropriate response, but Demi could see his attention was on the people going into the church. He caught her arm. “Do you mind if we go in toward the end?”

  “You want to sit in the back?”

  “If you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.”

  As they waited, Demi watched the crowd. Several people noticed her and Charles standing there and she saw them make comments. She felt Charles tense and was glad neither of them could hear what was being said.

  “Are you ready?”

  “Whenever you are.”

  He took her hand and led her to the door. As they entered, she could see a few of the Fitzgeralds already seated. “You don’t want to sit with your family?”

  He shook his head. “I want to be able to see who’s here.”

  Demi nodded and they found a seat in the back. She saw Aiden’s salt-and-pepper head held high. Ryan and Owen flanked their father. Seated next to Owen was Paige then Victoria, Keira and Fiona.

  Demi glanced toward the door and gasped as she recognized Alan. Charles leaned over. “What is it?”

  “Why is he here?” she whispered.

  Again, she felt him tense. “I don’t know. Do you want me to ask him?”

  Alan finally spotted her and made his way toward her. She gulped and shivered. What was it about him that made her uneasy?

  She didn’t have time to try and figure it out. Alan soon stood in front of her. He nodded to Charles, but didn’t take his eyes off Demi. She asked, “What are you doing here, Alan? You didn’t know Burke.”

  He shifted side to side for a moment then shoved his hands into the front pockets of his khaki slacks. “I know. But…I knew you’d be here.”

  Demi sighed. “Oh, Alan. Let’s get through the funeral, all right?”

  “Do you mind if I sit with you?”

  “Sure.” She looked at Charles who didn’t look happy, but shrugged. They found their seats with Demi between the men. The tension surrounding them was thick; it had to be visible to anyone who looked at them.