Aiden decided to open up another twitter account @savepeteradamson. She sent only one tweet meant for all of his followers to see.
@savepeteradamson Is Mrs. Adamson innocent? What's happening to all of her husbands? #Padamson
Jenny was still on the computer digging around to see if there was any updated info on the web about Peter. Sometimes news found its way to Twitter and Facebook faster than regular news channels. When she logged onto Twitter and searched Peter Adamson, she found a tweet by @savepeteradamson and she knew who it was immediately.
How could anybody be so mean? thought Jenny. Fortunately, she still had Aiden's cell number. They had needed to connect on a couple of issues after she had taken over as Heather and Peter's assistant.
12:05 Jenny: Remove the tweet by savepeteradamson or I'll blow your cover. I'm giving you five minutes and if anyone calls about it I am referring them to you and you will tell the truth or I will ruin you.
Jenny kept her fingers crossed that no one else had seen it. It was an odd time of night, but Peter had so many followers. She knew this wouldn't be the end. Jenny decided she needed to text Richard, Peter and Heather's agent, to seek some advice. She knew he would be up. No one who knew Peter could possibly be asleep. Technically, she had quit and wasn’t working for them, but she still felt obliged to take care of things for them for some reason.
She checked twitter, and the tweet was gone. Jenny's phone rang and she hoped it was Heather, but she knew Heather probably wouldn’t attempt to contact her. Jenny was the one who needed to reach out. And she intended to.
"Hey, it's Richard."
"Hi, Richard."
"Anything new?"
"Not that I've heard. It's dark so I imagine we won't know anything till morning."
"How's Heather?"
Jenny took a deep breath. She didn’t want to air her own dirty laundry and tell Richard why she wasn’t speaking to Heather. She hoped if she blew over it he wouldn’t notice.
"I haven’t actually talked to her. I’m sure she feels like she's reliving losing Hank again."
"I can only imagine. My wife is so worried about her."
"How do you think we should handle this tweet business?"
"Ignore it for now, and if anyone picks it up we will crucify them for preying on a widow. That Aiden is a crazy one."
"Yeah, she is. I don't want Heather to find out about this for awhile."
"We'll keep it between us as long as we need to."
"Thanks and I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything."
"Sounds good."
Richard was right. They could turn this on Aiden or the news outlets so easily. No one would touch this story without significant supporting evidence. It just worried Jenny that Aiden still had it out for Heather. But that was a problem for another day. Jenny called Janie to see how they could help. She couldn't just sit any longer.
Chapter 32
I’m standing on the jetty. The wind is blowing throw my hair. Moonbeams are dancing on the waves. I see a hand. His hand. I can barely see the outlines of the tattoos. He’s waving. And then, for a second, I see his dark hair illuminated by the moon. I see his mouth open like he’s trying to talk to me. His head disappears. Then his elbow. I only see his hand waving as it sinks into the water. I scream, “NOOOOO! PETER! NOOOO!” I feel hands on my shoulders. They’re shaking me, shaking me awake.
“Heather, wake up, sweetie. You’re having a bad dream,” said Tom.
Heather woke up just like Tom asked and for a brief second forgot what had happened. As soon as she remembered, she got up and ran to the bathroom and threw up. Only this time she wasn't sure what she was reminding herself of other than the fact that they simply didn't know anything. Her dream was so real. Peter was sinking in the ocean waving good-bye to her. She couldn’t believe that was what was happening. She had to hold onto some hope.
She went to the sink and rinsed her mouth out with some water. Tom and Mary were kind enough not to ask any questions, but Mary's eyes were filled with tears. They were all on the cliff of some reality that they didn't know if they could handle.
As Heather walked back to the couch, she heard the shutter banging upstairs.
"Shit! We just had that thing tied down today. I don't know what's happening. Henry thinks it's a ghost."
"I'm sure it's the wind getting up and under there."
"I guess, but it's annoying." Annoying but Heather relished in the fact that something took her mind off of Peter even if it was only for a minute.
"I have some Xanax at home. Do you want me to get some for you?" asked Mary.
"No. I want to be present for anything I need to do." Heather remembered back to a time she had taken some before she was going to fly and it had made her a strung out mess. At least she assumed the Xanax did. It could have been her fear of flying on its own. She couldn't risk medicating herself right now. What if there was some way she could save Peter? She had to be prepared.
"Ok but just tell me if you change your mind."
"They wanted to give me a sedative after Hank died. I refused. I knew I needed to be there for the kids. They couldn't have a dead dad and a stoned mother. There have been so many times I've wanted to numb myself. Numb myself from memories or reality. Only thing I did was take a little Zoloft to relieve my anxiety a bit after Hank died."
"You've been through so much. I hate this for you," said Mary.
"I know it's hard for you too. Your son’s out there. It's not only my sadness."
"I can see why Peter fell in love with you. You are so genuine and real. You have a good head on your shoulders, and I'm so proud to have you as my daughter-in-law," said Mary with a tear running down her cheek.
"When Peter gets back we are having the biggest lobster bake on this side of the Atlantic," said Tom.
Heather managed a smile. When, she thought, I hope it's not if Peter gets back. Heather forced herself to stay awake. She walked over to the counter and made a cup of coffee. She couldn't face that moment when she would wake up again and have to remind herself of the nightmare that had suddenly become her reality again. She promised herself she wouldn't sleep anymore. When her coffee was ready, she wrapped herself up and stepped onto the porch. There was an officer down below the beach path, sitting there to stop any unwanted people from approaching Heather and the house.
How did my life turn into this? How did I become someone who has to be guarded by police officers? How did I become a wife who might be on the verge of becoming a widow again? Heather sat on the steps that lead down to the beach. Her phone rang and she answered without looking.
"It's me," said Lauren. "Figured you'd be up."
"I am. I dozed off before but felt worse when I woke up."
"They'll find him, Heather. They have to. I have to believe that God or whoever is out there would not let this happen to you twice. It just can't," cried Lauren.
"Honestly, I don't believe in anything right now. What did I do wrong? Forget about me, my poor kids. I'm not sure Hayes can do this again. We're finally reaching a place of healing. We're a family again. They are still the kids with the dead dad, but now they have Peter. Is it on the news?"
"Yeah. Even the guy from the cafe you went to today is getting his fifteen minutes of fame."
"Oh, shit. That was a clusterfuck."
"Sounds like it. He'll probably get more than your bill in donations now."
"Ugh, he said I didn't pay?"
"Yep, he said you forgot your wallet and were flustered."
"Typical me. I always get caught."
"You're such a rebel." Lauren got a little chuckle out of her. "Look, I know this world is filled with crappy stuff happening all the time and you’ve had your fair share happen to you. But I'm sure that this happily ever after you have right now is for good. It's not going to disappear again. It can't. I won't let it. I won't let Peter disappear, and you know how bossy I can be."
"Thanks. I hope not. Love you."
"You t
oo, honey. I'm here if you need me. Wish I was beside you right now.”
"Thank you. Talk to you later."
The hands on the clock turned slowly. Heather filled herself up with more coffee and paced around the house between windows. She looked at her wedding ring and smiled when she thought about the day Peter had asked her to marry him. Her morning sickness had reached its peak and she threw up moments after he had asked her. She was happy not to have thrown up as he asked. Her pregnancy was not easy and Peter had been a rockstar caring for her every need. He had put his life on hold to make sure Heather and the babies were healthy. He was well aware of the health risks of a pregnancy at 40 especially a multiple pregnancy. So he got good at writing anywhere he could and stopped all of his appearances for the time being. And then when the twins were born he was a doting dad. He changed diapers, cleaned bottles and forced Heather to rest. She had started to worry about him and his lack of sleep. But his happiness and love of caffeine carried him through. Maybe it was because he hadn't done this before. He was a first time dad and had stored up all kinds of energy.
She remembered their first Father's Day together last year. Henry asked if they could do something special for Peter. He wanted to get him a paddleboard that he could take down to the river, in their backyard, and paddle on it to give him time to relax. Heather was bursting with babies at that point and had to ask Jenny and Matt to pick it out, which they did with ease. Peter loved the gift, but what he loved more were the cards each of the kids made for him. Heather remembered him being in shock that the kids, Hank's kids, would do anything like that for him. She had been so proud of them. Especially since they did it without prompting. They had so much more to do as a couple, as a family. Their life together was just in the beginning stages. Heather wanted at least 32 years with Peter like she had with Hank.
Chapter 33
Looking out towards the horizon, Heather could see clouds turning pink and that could only mean sunrise was approaching. For once Heather was happy to hear the birds. Sunrise would bring new hope and new opportunities to find Peter and Blue. It would also mean George would be up shortly. She felt like a terrible mother, but she didn't think she could handle taking care of them right now. They would need their regular morning routine of getting dressed, breakfast, bottles and playtime. Tom and Mary would help, but Heather knew they were exhausted too.
At least it would warm up out there for Peter if he was still alive. Heather couldn't help remembering that movie she had watched a few weeks ago, The Impossible. If people survived things like tsunamis, surely Peter could survive this. He had to.
She watched Tom and Mary sitting on the couch together. Their shoulders were next to each other, and they were holding hands. They were so calm. Heather could hardly stand it. But she knew they were holding it together for her. They had been together for over 40 years, and this had to have been one of the worst things that had ever happened to them.
There was a knock at the door and Tom stood up. Sgt. Sanders was back with another person.
"Any news?" asked Tom.
"No. Just wanted to introduce you to Megan O'Reilly. She's going to stay at the house now and will give you any updates as they come in. She'll also get you anything you need. As soon as the sun comes up, we'll have more aircraft and boats out there looking. We're bound to know something today. We've mapped the area and created a search area based on the tides and time Mr. Adamson left. The media is out there in force. I suggest you all stay put unless you want pictures plastered everywhere you can imagine. We can have anything brought in if you need it."
"No problem. We have no intention of leaving unless you need us to," said Tom, the voice for the group.
The voices woke George up. Heather excused herself and went up to see if she could soothe him back to sleep. She walked in the room and rubbed his back. She put his binkie back in his mouth and covered him up with his blankie. He fell back to sleep easier than she had imagined. Maybe something was going to go right today.
Mary was on the phone with Janie when Heather went back downstairs. Heather stopped on the stairs and listened to the conversation.
"She's ok. She can't help but think about losing Hank, and that is making this so much worse."
"I know you want to be here, but wait until we know something, please. Wait until at least we get some news today."
"I love you too."
Heather heard Mary sigh and sniffle as she hung up the phone. She waited on the steps for another minute to give Mary some privacy. Worrying in a group was difficult. Everyone worried about the other person's reactions. The sun was coming up and Heather wanted to go to the rocks and see what she could see. She started out the door and was stopped by the officer.
"I can't stop them from getting to you down there."
Heather stood and thought about it. Having news media around was worse than any of the Facebook mommy drama she had endured. She turned around and went back in, mad that this is what her life had come to.
"It's hard to get air around here. Can't go anywhere," said Heather to no one in particular. Megan heard her and replied.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. We're just trying to protect you. The news loves a sad story."
Heather looked at her. I don't want to be a sad story again. No more pity. No more dinners wrapped in foil for the poor family without a dad. I'm not doing that. People's idea of help is not what I want right now.
Heather's phone had been pretty quiet. She imagined her friends had a little secret network going that would pass information back and forth. She also imagined her Facebook was lit up with comments from well meaning and plain old nosy people.
All of the kids woke up shortly after the sun rose. Henry came bounding down the stairs asking for Peter. Tom was the unfortunate one who was forced to break the news to him that Peter was not back.
"That sucks," said Henry.
"Henry, you know we don't speak that way," said Heather. But he was right, it sucked.
"Mom, you look bad. Have you slept yet?" asked Henry.
"Just for a bit." Gracie ran over and gave her a hug.
"It's getting light now. They'll find something out soon," said Tom.
Hayes was looking out the back window. "Why's there a police man out back?"
"Well, Peter's famous and lots of people want to know when we find him. It's been on the news I guess. He's making sure no one comes close to the house."
"Can we turn on the news and watch?" asked Henry.
"I think it's better if we keep it off," said Mary.
"Lots of times the news doesn't tell the whole truth. We will be the first ones to know anything. Until then we get to hang out here and on the porch."
"Great," said Hayes in his best teenage tone.
Heather didn't have the attention span or concentration to entertain the kids. She did make them breakfast. She figured a mom like Tanya would be able to play games and entertain them while her husband was missing, but she had to focus on simple things...like breathing.
Chapter 34
At 11 a.m., Sgt. Sanders came to the door. He spoke with Megan and then asked if they could all talk away from the kids. Mary grabbed Heather's hand and Tom guided them to the porch.
"Hayes, watch the twins," said Heather.
"We have a little something to report. The ferry to Nova Scotia has spotted something in the water."
"THE FERRY TO FREAKING NOVIA SCOTIA?" yelled Heather.
"Yes, it leaves just north of here. The Coast Guard has the coordinates and is trying to reach it now. It's pretty far out."
"What is it that they saw?"
"It's hard to tell. They saw a mass in the water."
"A mass like a body?" asked Heather.
"No, it sounds like they may have seen a boat. I just don't want to get your hopes up though. It could be many different things, but we wanted to give you an update and as soon as the Coast Guard reaches it, we'll have more information."
"Thanks, Sgt," said Tom. Mary was
silent taking it all in.
"In the meantime, can we get you anything? Why don't we have some food brought in for lunch? That way you can have the kids fed. I know they are getting restless being stuck inside," said Megan.
"That would be nice. Thank you," said Tom.
An hour later, sandwiches arrived from a local deli in town. Megan set them up for them on the counter.
"Any news?" Heather asked.
"Not yet. It takes awhile to get the boats out there. And his boat would have moved. Remember, things don't stay in the same spot like they do on land."
The New Ever After (The New Ever After Series) Page 15