Whispers of Her (The Truth Series Book 3)

by J. A. Owenby

  A shy smile pulled at the corner of her mouth as she nodded.

  “My car is this way,” I said.

  Minutes later, I pulled my Lexus into the downtown traffic.

  “How are you doing?” I asked as I turned down the volume on the radio.

  “Scared, but I know it’s the right thing,” she said.

  “I remember. It’s terrifying, but this organization is run by top-notch people. You have an opportunity that most will never have. I’m proud of you for taking it.”

  Valerie’s big brown eyes brimmed with tears. “Thank you,” she said softly.

  “Just stay strong. Don’t come back. Give yourself some time to heal. Promise?” I asked.

  “Promise.”

  I slowed as I exited off the highway and continued a few more miles. Ten minutes later, I pulled the car into the driveway of a big brick house.

  “This is it.”

  Valerie and I got out of the car, and I rang the doorbell.

  “Lacey!” Joanna said as she opened the front door.

  “Hi,” I said as I smiled and put my hand out to usher Valerie through the door.

  “Oh, it’s always so good to see you, even if the circumstances do stink,” Joanna said as she gave me a warm hug.

  “You too,” I replied. “Joanna, this is Valerie.”

  “Hi, hon. I’m so glad you’re here,” Joanna said and hugged her.

  “Thank you for your help,” Valerie whispered.

  “Come on in, you two. Chuck will be home shortly, and we’ll all eat.”

  “I wish I could stay, but Walker will be waiting for me. We have a date,” I said and grinned.

  “You’ve got a good husband, Lacey.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I do. I’m very blessed.” I turned to Valerie. “Valerie, take care of yourself. You’re in good hands,” I said as I hugged her goodbye.

  My heart sank a little as the front door closed behind me. I remembered talking to Mrs. Walters and planning my own escape. Valerie would do well with Chuck and Joanna until it was time to move her to another state. She had a long journey ahead as she shed her past and became someone new. I was just proud to be part of it.

  * * *

  “Lacey?”

  “Yeah, I’m home,” I said as I dropped my car keys on the table next to the door. I slipped off my jacket and hung it up in the hall closet.

  Walker poked his head out of the kitchen.

  “Well, don’t keep me waiting any longer. Did you win?”

  My shoulders sagged as I walked into the kitchen, put my purse on the table, and wrapped my arms around his neck. I laid my head on his shoulder.

  “Oh, babe. I’m sorry,” he said as he returned my hug. “At least she’s still going to be safe. You’re doing amazing work in court and with the organization. I love you so much.” He tilted my chin up toward him and kissed me softly. I parted my mouth and welcomed him, his warmth, and his heart.

  I slid my hands slowly down his chest and stomach, and then I unbuttoned his jeans. I loved him in his Levis, but I was about to love him even more out of them.

  “Lace?” he asked as he pulled away, his brow creasing in confusion.

  “I won,” I whispered. “I put that bastard behind bars.”

  “What? That’s amazing!” he yelled. I giggled as he picked me up and twirled me around. “Shit! You had me going there for a minute.”

  He stopped swinging me, and my feet touched back down on the floor.

  “This means we celebrate,” he said as he picked me up and put me on the kitchen table. “You look so damned hot in that suit, too,” he said as he slid the skirt up to my thighs.

  “Yeah?” I asked, grinning. I moaned as Walker trailed hot, wet kisses down my neck.

  “This is just in the way,” he said as he slipped the buttons open on my blue silk blouse.

  His tongue grazed the top of my breast as I slid my hand into his jeans and wrapped my fingers around him.

  “Dammit,” I said as my cell phone buzzed.

  “No, do not answer that,” he said as he flicked his tongue across my nipple.

  “Shit. I have to, it could be about Valerie,” I replied as I fumbled for my phone in my bag. Walker stopped and sighed while I pulled it out of my purse.

  I glanced at the screen and looked up at him. “Krissy?” I asked, shock filling my voice.

  “Are you serious? You haven’t talked to her since they moved out here a few years ago,” Walker said, his eyes widening in surprise.

  “I know,” I said and frowned as I answered it. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Lacey. It’s Krissy. Listen, Mama’s in the hospital.”

  “Krissy, I’ve made it clear to everyone that I’m not interested.”

  “Yeah, I know, but she’s not going to make it. She’s on life support right now. There’s no chance of recovery. She had a massive heart attack, and I just wanted to give you the opportunity to say goodbye.”

  My face froze. What? Mama is on life support?

  “Lacey? Are you there?” Krissy asked.

  “Yeah.” My voice was husky with emotion.

  “Babe?” Walker asked. His eyebrows knitted together as he waited for my reply.

  “What hospital?” I whispered.

  “St. Vincent’s.”

  “I’ll be there in twenty.” I hung up the phone and sat still for a minute. Dazed, I looked up at Walker.

  “Lace, what’s wrong?” he asked as he tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear. His thumb gently caressed my cheek.

  “Mama. She’s on life support. Krissy called to see if I wanted to say goodbye.”

  Walker’s face fell. “I’m so sorry,” he said as he pulled me into him. “I’ll drive you to the hospital.”

  “I can drive.”

  “No, you can’t. You’re shaking,” he said as he rubbed my back.

  I nodded as I realized he was right. My body trembled at the thought of seeing her again after all these years.

  Walker released me, and I slid off the table. I grabbed my purse and phone and started toward the door.

  “Babe?”

  “Huh?” I asked as I turned back toward Walker.

  “Hang on,” he said as he approached me and buttoned my blouse.

  “Oh, shit. I was about to flash the entire neighborhood.” I glanced up at him, wide-eyed.

  “I’m here. I’ve been through this before and no matter what your relationship is, losing a parent sucks. This is going to be hard, but I’ll take care of you. You’re not alone.”

  I nodded as he kissed me on top of the head, grabbed my hand, and led me out to the car.

  * * *

  Portland was wet, but I’d grown to love the rain. I almost grieved the absence of it during the sunny summer months, and I counted down the days until fall every year.

  “You ready?” I asked Walker as I adjusted my dress in front of the bedroom mirror. Krissy had scheduled the funeral for a few days after Mama died. I’d been shaken to my core when I’d seen her lying motionless in the hospital bed. I had tucked her away in the back of my mind so I could live my life, but I’d never forgotten her. I’d never forgotten all the hell she’d put me through, but I held onto a few good memories too.

  “I’m so sorry,” Walker said as he embraced me.

  I melted into his arms and buried my head against his chest as a burst of grief consumed me. I crumpled against him as we sank to the floor together. Sobs racked my body as he gently rocked me and I released all the pent-up pain and emotion I’d carried over the years.

  “I wish I could tell you this was going to be easy, Lace. I wish I could take the pain from you, but I can’t. I can hold you while you cry, listen to you when you’re angry about the years you lost, and help you remember the good times. It’s been a hell of a ride, but she’s gone. You no longer have to look over your shoulder,” he whispered.

  I couldn’t say anything, but my grip on his shirt told him I needed him. I didn’t have anything left insid
e me. I’d experienced guilt, relief, and grief all within a few days. I was exhausted inside and out, but his presence never ceased to calm me, no matter what was going on in my life.

  Walker gently lifted me off the floor and set me on my feet. I stood on my tiptoes, kissed him, and then went into the bathroom to pull myself together.

  * * *

  Krissy had taken care of the funeral arrangements since she was the oldest child. She’d forever remained Mama’s number-one fan, too. No matter how hard I’d tried to make things right over the years and explain what happened, it had never made an impact on Krissy. Nothing changed, and I finally had to accept that not only was Mama gone, but this was goodbye to Krissy as well.

  Walker and I showed up at the funeral a few minutes early. Krissy looked beautiful as she spoke fondly of Mama to everyone. People would’ve thought we’d grown up in two different homes the way she talked about how wonderful Mama was. In a way, we had. Krissy was away at college when things got bad, and she only heard Mama’s version of what happened, which was rarely the truth.

  The spring day loomed dark with thick clouds as we gathered under the tent. Mama loved spring, so regardless of the weather, Krissy had chosen to hold the funeral outside.

  A rare echo of thunder rumbled in the background as the minister began speaking.

  “Lynn Beaumont was one of the most gifted and spiritual women I’ve ever met. I had the honor of meeting and praying with her on several occasions, and every time I did, I learned something new.”

  I squeezed my eyes closed in an attempt to shut out the minister’s words. I wondered if he knew the truth about what Mama had really been like. Walker squeezed my hand—his way of letting me know he was on my side. I glanced at him, my heart fluttering. I loved him so much.

  The rain pelted off the tent as the service came to a close. Umbrellas popped open as everyone walked back to their cars. I didn’t move. The craziness of the years flashed through my mind, and my feet were cemented to the ground. I didn’t know how to walk away again.

  “Lace, we should go,” Walker said as he kissed the back of my hand.

  “Okay,” I said in a daze. He held the umbrella over us as we walked toward the car. Walker opened my door, folded the umbrella, and tossed it onto the back floorboard. A moment later, he slid in the driver’s seat.

  A sharp laugh escaped me.

  “What?” Walker asked.

  “It stopped raining. The moment the funeral was over and we all left, it stopped.”

  “Lace, look over there.” Walker pointed.

  I followed his finger, and my eyes widened. A brilliant double rainbow filled the sky.

  “It’s going to be okay,” he said. I looked out the window and said goodbye to Mama one last time as we pulled away.

  Coming Soon

  Join Lacey, Walker, and George in a new stand-alone novel!

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  About the Author

  J.A. Owenby lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and two cats.

  She's a published author of six short stories, and she is currently working on her fourth full-length novel. She also runs her own business as a professional resume writer and interview coach—she helps people find jobs they love.

  J.A. is an avid reader of thrillers, romance, new adult, and young adult novels. She loves music, movies, and good wine. And call her crazy, but she loves the rainy Pacific Northwest; she gets her best story ideas while listening to the rain pattering against the windows in front of the fireplace.

  You can follow the progress of her upcoming novel on Facebook at Author J.A. Owenby and on Twitter @jaowenby.