by Alexa Verde
“Do you know why I allowed this meeting?” His dark eyes narrowed.
“Curiosity.” She leaned against the back of her chair, crossed her legs, and held his gaze. “You were curious because I said I was receiving messages that looked like they were from Tony.”
“I want to see them. I want to know you haven’t lied to me,” her father said.
“I wouldn’t do that. If I did, that would make me too much like you.”
“You’ll never be like me.”
“I’m grateful for that.” She opened the folder and handed it to him. “Here are the pictures of the messages. I think the one on the mirror, as if written in blood, will be your favorite. Also, recently a young woman was found murdered not far from Rios Azules. Here’s the obituary for June Stephenson, the victim. The killer’s MO and signature are similar to Tony’s.”
Her father lifted his head, the expression in his eyes unreadable. “So you think Tony is alive?”
“No.”
“Then why did you request the meeting? I heard your business was burned down. Money?”
“No. I’d never come to you for that.” She looked at a small bouquet of artificial flowers in a golden vase. She didn’t remember ever having fresh flowers in the house. Or a plant. She’d never been allowed to have a pet. She hadn’t been allowed to have friends, unless they had the same status. Look at her life now. Her wonderful friends. Nowa. Even her cactus. She could have all those things now.
She felt sorry for her father.
He studied her with interest in his eyes. “You swallowed your pride for something. Or did you think I’d apologize? I treated you the way you deserved to be treated.”
Mari had serious doubts a five-year-old had deserved to be locked in the cold basement with rats, but she kept them to herself. “Give me some credit. I’m not that naïve.”
“Then what do you want?”
“Information.” She leaned forward. “Why would somebody attack me? Why would somebody let me know they are going to attack me? Why these hints about Tony being alive?”
“I didn’t know someone was harassing you in the first place.”
She searched his face. “I thought you might be behind all this.”
Her father laughed, such a rare sound in her childhood. “Why?”
“Revenge for Tony’s death.”
“You thought. Why did you change your mind?”
“Well, several reasons… Daddy. I’d like to think it’s because I’m your flesh and blood. But that probably matter the least to you. What’s happening lately, well, it’s just not your style. You wouldn’t have waited a year after Tony’s death. And if you decided to torture me, it’d be on a much larger scale. Besides, you know if something happens to me and you become a suspect, you’re not going to survive.”
“That’s interesting.” He looked at her with a calculated look in his eyes.
“If I die, my friends might get upset. And most of them are very skilled with weapons.”
“They wouldn’t do anything to me.”
“Maybe not, but why take a chance? Anyway, I think it’s somebody else. A motivated individual, and a ruthless one at that. But somewhat inexperienced.”
“At murdering?” Her dad smirked, looking a bit amused.
“Yep. There are no classes for that. So he — or she — learns as he goes.”
“And you think I know who that is?”
“I think there’s something that you haven’t told me.” She waited, not really counting on it. But she had to try.
“Look among your friends. You’re blind because you love them. But most of them hated Tony. What guarantees they don’t turn that hatred toward you? Tony tortured River. Tortured and killed Lydia’s sister.”
“I think we’re done here.” Mari shot to her feet, eager to get out of this place.
This house had never felt like home, but now she’d made her own. And she’d found her family. When she looked at her father, her heart still hurt. But she knew that, on the other side of the door, Luke waited for her, and it made it somehow bearable.
“I forgive you, Dad. I hope that one day you’ll be able to find peace with yourself.” Frustration and hurt that had been constricting her heart for years finally burst, and it was like she could breathe for the first time.
“I don’t care if you die.” Anger flashed in his eyes. He rose slowly, towering over her. Tall and bulky, he was a prominent figure. “I mourned Tony. I’ll never mourn you.”
Startled, she stepped back. Was it her forgiveness that had made him so furious? She’d do anything to receive forgiveness. She moved forward and placed her palms on his gigantic polished desk. “Good, because unlike you, I hope to live a long and happy life. And you know, maybe someday I’ll pray for you.”
* * *
Mari tucked her gun into her purse and her dagger into her boot. Then she stared straight ahead of her as Luke drove them to church.
“How do you feel?” He reached for her and touched her hand, causing her skin to tingle.
His support meant more to her than she could say. “Like my life will be different from now on. I’m not angry with him anymore. Even when I ran away, part of my heart stayed with him, the part that hoped he’d change. I took that part back today.”
“I’m very proud of you.” He put the car in park, rushed around, and opened the door for her.
“Once a gentleman, always a gentleman. You know I can open my own door?”
“Humor me.” He grinned.
“Okay. Thank you.” She climbed out of his car and paused.
Should she enter the church? The day of Tony’s death had changed her forever. It’d made her unworthy of forgiveness. But the truth was, if she had to do it again, she’d make the same choice. She’d had to stop Tony. And she hadn’t been ready to die with him. How could she repent if she didn’t regret the choice she’d made in the first place?
“You have doubts?” Luke offered her his hand.
She accepted it. “Yes. I’m not what you think I am. I’ve done something… bad.”
“How bad could it be?” He looked into her eyes.
“I was a troublemaker in my teens. I told you about wanting to set fire to my father’s home. But that’s not all. I broke into one of Dad’s restaurants once. I was so hungry. I left without touching any food, but it was still wrong. I used to have problems with my anger, so I fought a lot. I envied people with nice families. I was the person who introduced Leda to Tony. Maybe she’d still be alive if not for me. And then… Tony died because of me. I have too much on my conscience.”
“God is merciful, and He doesn’t expect you to be perfect. If you’ve done anything wrong in the past, all the more credit to you for changing your life around. What matters is what you do now. As for Antonio’s death, it was his fault, not yours.”
Her throat tightened. “I don’t know if I ever can be forgiven.”
“Sometimes all you have to do is ask.” He gestured to the church. “Now is as good a time as ever.”
She hesitated.
Luke took her hand, his touch giving her strength. “God loves you. Let God guide you. Let God be part of your life. But you have to make that choice. If you’re not ready…”
Mari looked up at him. “I’m ready.” Still, she didn’t move, as if she were chained to the same spot. Her legs grew heavy as if filled with lead.
“Then you’ll need to make the first step.” He gave her an encouraging smile.
She looked around at people dressed in their Sunday best, walking to church with smiles on their faces. “I remember my mother taking me to church when I was very little, before she left forever. I think I was wearing a white dress, but the memories are blurred.”
“It’s time to make new good memories.”
Taking a deep breath, Mari stepped forward and stopped. “What if I do something wrong again?”
He squeezed her fingers. “God doesn’t expect you to never make mistakes. But you have
to open your heart to God and ask Him to forgive you. Remember the story of the Prodigal Son?”
The corners of her mouth curved upward. “You think I’m a prodigal daughter?”
“And it’s time for you to come home.”
She took several more steps, and it wasn’t so difficult after all. They silenced their phones and walked together to the church, and Mari greeted and nodded to the many parishioners she knew. If they were surprised to see her in church, they didn’t show it.
Luke and Mari hadn’t made it to the pew when there was a loud exclamation behind her. “Mar!” Aidan grabbed her in a bear hug.
Mari couldn’t be sure, but she thought she heard her bones crack.
“I’m so glad you’re here. Thank you for bringing our Mari to church.” Aidan released her and shook Luke’s hand.
“How do you know I wasn’t the one who brought him here?” Mari grumbled. “Okay, don’t answer.”
She moved into the pew as several other parishioners gave her and Luke their welcome. There were a number of curious glances at Luke, but that didn’t seem to bother him. He was polite and courteous to everyone.
Her friend River, who was often one of the lectors, rushed toward them, worry written on her face. “I’m so glad you’re here, Mar.”
Even though she’d heard it several times already, it still warmed her heart. “Thanks, River.” She introduced River and Luke to each other.
“Great to meet you, Luke.” River sent him a warm smile and turned to Mari. “I’m very glad you’re here. Our choir singer is sick.”
“I hope she feels better soon,” Mari said carefully.
“River’s probably hoping you’ll take the singer’s place.” Luke smiled.
Mari froze. It was one thing to come to mass. It was quite different to sing at mass. “You could sing.”
“I can’t carry a tune to save my life,” River whispered back. “My singing is as bad as your cooking. No, worse, because you could learn to cook if you wanted.”
“You have a beautiful voice,” Luke said.
Mari turned to him. All against one. “This is different. This is singing in church.”
“Are you panicking?” He arched an eyebrow.
“I’m not panicking!”
“I think you’re panicking.” He grinned.
“Mar, you’ve got to decide now.” River turned pleading eyes toward her.
Aidan gave her a gentle nudge, which almost resulted in Mari shooting out of the pew.
She looked at her friends, which now seemed to include Luke. “I’m not worthy to sing for God.”
“It’s not up to you to decide.” Luke leaned to her. “When I look at you, I see the amazing woman God has created. Why can’t you?”
Her heart fluttered at his words, but she had to make one more attempt. “I don’t remember the hymns.”
“You’ll have everything. Don’t worry.” River dragged her out of the pew.
Mari raised her eyes and whispered, “Please forgive me.”
The next hour was a blur. Still she remembered so much. She remembered singing with all her heart and her voice carrying high. She remembered feeling light and empowered. She remembered singing praises and giving thanks.
The sermon spoke to her heart. The pastor talked about forgiveness, and right then, she knew there was a reason she’d gone to church on that particular day.
It felt right. She didn’t know if she became a believer at that moment, but now she had hope that maybe, just maybe she deserved forgiveness, too.
* * *
Mari’s was the most beautiful voice Luke had ever heard. Maybe it was because she sang with such joy.
He liked the little church, the great sermon, the way the pastor seemed to know almost every parishioner by name. And the way the parishioners knew and seemed to care about each other. Something one didn’t see too often in big cities. And he liked the way the pastor stayed at the door after the mass to greet and hug every parishioner.
“Thank you for singing today,” the pastor told Mari when it was her turn, and her face lit up.
How could Luke consider her unattractive when he’d seen her the first time? Now, she looked… luminous.
“God bless you, Father,” he said to the smiling pastor.
Luke probably wouldn’t be in Rios Azules next Sunday. The thought stung. He’d like to come back to this church.
And he wanted to see Mari again. He couldn’t explain why. He looked at her as they walked to his car. By all logic, he shouldn’t be attracted to her. He always liked the company of soft-spoken, polished women who made rational decisions. Mari was stubborn, strong-willed, and sometimes even reckless. Still, he didn’t know how he’d say good-bye to her when all this was over.
“Thank you,” Mari said as they drove off. “You gave me something incredible today.”
She turned her face to him. Tears welled in her hazel eyes that sparkled again with specks of honey.
He reached out and touched her hand. “You gave you something incredible today. You will heal. With God, everything is possible.”
* * *
On the way from church, Mari checked the rearview mirror as they drove off and continued checking it every few minutes. So far, it didn’t seem they were being followed. She tensed. The day was quiet. Too quiet.
She called the fire marshal and was assured it would be awhile before she could do anything about The Café. The arson investigation would take some time.
They stopped at the florist. Luke bought an orchid for Mari as they didn’t have cactuses, and a large bouquet of white roses for Tara. Minutes later, Luke parked near the small hospital, and they walked to room seven.
“Hi, Tara. How are you?” Mari took a seat, smiling warmly at her hostess. “You really scared us.”
“Feeling better.” Tara was still pale, but compared to her unconscious, lifeless form a day and a half before, it was an improvement.
Luke placed the vase with roses on the table, bringing a beautiful aroma to the air filled with the scents of medicines and disinfectants. Mari hurried to introduce them to each other.
Then Mari leaned forward. “I hope the doctors will release you soon. I was going to bring you some chocolate chip cookies. But I wasn’t sure the doctors would approve of it. I received a large basket of cookies yesterday. Were you the one who accepted them?”
Tara’s eyes darted away. “Yes. I, um, I tried one. I’m sorry.”
Mari’s heart plummeted. So her suspicions might be right. The cookies were poisoned. “It’s okay. You know I often share gifts with the staff. But next time… just ask me first, okay?”
Tara nodded.
“Sometimes we have to be careful accepting anonymous gifts. There are dangerous people out there. I heard about a recent murder not far from Rios Azules. A woman by the name of June Stephenson was stabbed to death in her own home.” Mari searched Tara’s face.
Tara flinched. “When did it happen?”
“The day before yesterday. Did you happen to know June?” Luke asked.
Tara looked away. “No.”
Mari moved closer. “But you recognized the name. Did you know her husband?”
“No. Yes. Well…” Tara blushed. “He frequented the restaurant I used to work at. But nothing happened between us. Honest.”
An uneasy feeling settling in her stomach, Mari hesitated. She didn’t want to hurt Tara, but she had to know the truth. “Did you want it to happen?”
Tara turned away and stared at the wall. “I… well, I liked him. A lot. But he wasn’t interested in me. Not that way.”
“But you gave him money, right? To pay off his gambling debts? When you asked me for a loan and I gave it to you, it wasn’t for your cousin’s medical expenses, was it?”
“No.”
Mari reached for the landline phone at the side table and punched in Aidan’s number. She handed it to her hostess. “I’m sorry to pressure you while you’re sick. But you might want to tell it to
the police. Just to be on the safe side. I have my friend Aidan on the line.”
Tara relayed the conversation to Aidan. Then she hung up, leaned against the pillows, and closed her eyes.
Mari figured she had to let Tara rest. “I hope you feel better soon.”
“I heard about The Café,” Tara whispered and opened her eyes.
“We’ll rebuild it. Don’t worry about it now. Just get better. And if you have anything useful for the police, anything at all, I’d suggest you call them.”
After saying good-bye, Luke and Mari left the hospital.
They had a quick lunch at Evelyn’s and headed back to the B&B. Mari looked through June’s pictures again. Something was nagging at her, like a pebble inside a shoe — or a boot. She zoomed in on June’s hair. It was gathered together by something… What was it? Mari squinted. A ribbon? It was difficult to see.
A chill ran down her back. “Can you pull over, please? Could you call Mr. Stephenson? I need to know if there was a ribbon in June’s hair. A blue ribbon.”
Luke pulled into a parking lot of “Great Cuts,” a small hair salon that used to be a butcher shop, and called Larry.
When he hung up, he nodded to Mari. “You were right. There was a blue silk ribbon in June’s hair. According to Larry, she usually didn’t wear such things. So what does it mean? Some kind of award?”
“Sometimes rivers are compared to blue ribbons. Very simple.” Mari grabbed her phone and realized she still had it on silencer. She winced, seeing there were several messages in her voice mail. She increased the sound and connected to her voicemail.
“Mari, what’s happening?” River’s voice in the first message was coated with worry. “I have a text claiming to be from you. It asks me to come to our usual place right now. Is this a trap?”
“Mar, where are you? Why are you not answering? I tried to call my husband, but it looks like he left to interview somebody and turned off his phone. Should I call the police?” River’s voice in the second message had panic tones in it.
Mari’s heart sank. She pushed speed dial for River, but her friend didn’t answer, and she gestured for Luke to start the car. “Let’s go to the river. Somebody sent my friend a message, pretending to be me. I hope she called the police. But she might have gone there herself, too. Our place is underneath the bridge.”