"Who was it?" Felix asked.
"Charles Alexander," Serena answered.
"It's kind of late for him to call, isn't it?" Felix asked. "Maybe it's important."
"I can try to reach him tomorrow."
"No, go ahead and call him back now," Maria said, thankful for the distraction, meaning it. "Like Dad said, it might be important." She didn't want to think about Atkinson any more than she wanted to think about Lester, nor did she have the energy to answer impossible questions right now. It was all she could do to process the last few hours...
Serena hesitated for a second, wondering whether it was really okay before hitting the call-back button. The table went quiet as she wandered to the kitchen with the phone at her ear.
"Charles Alexander? Why have I heard that name before?" Colin whispered.
"He's the director of the scholarship I told you about," Maria whispered back.
"What's going on?" Evan asked, and when Lily leaned close to hear, Maria filled them in briefly. Serena, meanwhile, had begun to nod, and when she finally turned, Maria could see her smile.
"You're serious?" Serena asked. "I won?"
Maria saw her mom suddenly reach for her dad's hand.
Meanwhile, Serena was going on, no longer able to keep her voice down. "Of course," she said. "That's no problem... Tomorrow night... seven o'clock... Thank you so much..."
When Serena ended the call, her parents were looking at their daughter expectantly.
"I guess you heard what happened, huh?"
"Congratulations!" Felix said, rising from the table. "That's terrific!" Carmen rushed over, talking about how proud she was, and for the next few minutes, as hugs went all around, the anxiety over all that had happened was replaced by something wonderful, a feeling Maria never wanted to end.
After dinner, Colin, Evan, and Lily said their good-byes and went to fetch Colin's car; Carmen and Felix were walking the dog around the block. Maria and Serena were in the kitchen doing the dishes.
"Are you nervous about the interview?" Maria asked.
Serena nodded as she dried a plate. "A little. The reporter is supposed to be bringing a photographer with him. I hate getting my picture taken."
"Are you kidding? You're the queen of selfies."
"Selfies are different. They're for me or my friends. It's not like I'm putting selfies in the newspaper."
"When's the story going to run?"
"He thinks it'll be Monday," Serena answered. "That's when it will be officially announced."
"Is there a banquet or presentation?"
"I'm not sure," Serena said. "I forgot to ask. I got a little excited there."
Maria smiled as she rinsed a plate and handed it to Serena. "When you do find out, let me know. I want to be there. I'm sure Mom and Dad will want to come, too."
Serena stacked the dried plate with the others. "Earlier, when I was asking those questions... I'm sorry for being so pushy about it. I wasn't thinking."
"It's okay," Maria said. "I wish I had all the answers, but I don't."
"Are you going to stay here for a while? You know Mom and Dad want you to."
"Yeah, I know," she said. "And yes. But I'll have to head to my place later to get some things."
"I thought you were already packed. Because you were going to stay at Lily's."
"I was only planning to stay there for one night, so I'll need some more clothes. I also want to get my car."
"Do you want me to drive you over now?"
"No, that's okay. Colin will do it when he gets back."
"When will that be?"
"I don't know. Eleven thirty, maybe? Eleven forty-five?"
"That's late. Aren't you tired?"
"Exhausted," Maria admitted.
"Then why don't I take you--" Serena began, then stopped herself. She glanced at Maria. "Oh... never mind. I get it."
"Get what?"
"I agree. You definitely need to have Colin drive you. Forget I even asked. That was dumb of me."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, knowing that you'll be under the watchful eye of our hovering parents the next few days... and knowing that Colin not only found Lester but took him down and there's nothing sexy about that... and knowing you need to unwind from an incredibly stressful day... let's just say that I totally understand why you might want a little time alone with him."
"I told you I just needed to grab some things."
"Anything in particular you want to grab?"
Maria laughed. "Get your mind out of the gutter."
"I'm sorry," she said. "I can't help it. But admit it. I'm right, aren't I?"
Maria didn't respond, but then again, she didn't have to. They both already knew the answer.
CHAPTER 29
Colin
While Lily headed back to her place at the beach, Colin rode with Evan first to Walmart--a place that was always open and had everything he needed--and then to Shallotte, where Evan parked behind the Camaro. Colin popped open the hood and began to loosen the battery clamps.
"Why do you think it's the battery? Your car's had trouble starting for a long time."
"I don't know what else it could be. I've changed out the ignition switch and the alternator."
"Shouldn't you have tried changing the battery first?"
"I did," Colin said. "I put a new one in a few months ago. Maybe it's a lemon."
"Just so you know, I'm not driving you back out here tomorrow if this doesn't work. I'm going to Lily's, and the two of us are going to spend all day tomorrow in bed. I want to see how well this whole me-being-a-hero thing works out. I'm thinking she'll find me even more attractive than she already does."
Colin smiled as he loosened the clamps, then slid the old battery out and popped the new one in.
"I've been meaning to ask you something," Evan continued. "And remember, this is coming from someone who's seen you do a lot of dumb things. But today? I have no idea how you were able to even get to Lester in the first place. From the lawn? Over the railings? Going airborne like you did? And meanwhile, he's aiming the gun, and just so you know, it sort of makes me question your sanity. What on earth were you thinking?"
"I wasn't thinking."
"That's what I figured. That's just one of your many problems. You really should start thinking before you act. I told you beforehand not to go in the first place."
Colin looked up. "Your point is?"
"My point is that despite your stupidity and possible insanity, I was actually kind of proud of you today. And not just because you ended up saving Margolis's life."
"Why?"
"Because you didn't kill Lester when you had the chance. You could have smashed him into pieces or choked the life out of him. But you didn't."
Colin finished tightening the clamps. "You're saying that you're proud of me because I didn't kill him?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying," Evan said. "Especially since you probably could have gotten away with it. He'd shot a cop. He was armed and dangerous. I can't see anyone bringing you up on charges if you'd gotten a little too carried away. So my question to you is why didn't you kill him?"
Colin thought about it before finally shaking his head. "I don't know."
"Well, when you do know, let me know. For me, the answer's obvious, since I'd never kill anyone. It's not in my nature. I wouldn't be able to do it, but you're different. And if you're curious, I also have to tell you that I respect this version of Colin a whole lot more than I did the old one."
"You've always respected me."
"I've always liked you, but I've always been a little afraid of you, too," Evan said. "There's a difference." He pointed to the battery, wanting to drop the subject. "Ready to give it a whirl?"
Colin rounded the car and climbed behind the wheel. He wasn't sure what to expect and was surprised when the Camaro fired up with the first turn of the key. At that moment he found his eyes drawn to the bungalow, noting that half the yard was circled with pol
ice tape, as was the porch.
"And there it is," Evan said. "You know it'll probably break down on your way to Maria's. Just to spite you. And try to stay out of trouble, okay? It seems to be following you around lately."
Colin didn't answer; instead he continued to stare at the bungalow, and it took him a few seconds to realize that something had changed since he'd left. Or rather, something was missing. It was possible, he thought, that the police had impounded it because it was evidence. Maybe there'd been blood splatters, or maybe one of the shots had hit it and the police needed the bullet for ballistics testing...
"Are you listening to me?" Evan asked.
"No."
"What are you staring at?"
"You know those questions that Serena was asking?" Colin said, avoiding the question. "The ones about whether Atkinson is part of this?"
"I remember. Why?"
"I think there's a strong possibility that he is."
"Because his car was near the park? And Lester couldn't have slashed her tires?"
"Not just for those reasons. I'm thinking about the car I saw earlier, the one in the bungalow driveway."
Evan turned, then took a step backward, improving his angle. "What car?" he finally asked.
"Exactly," Colin said, continuing to ponder it. "It's gone."
Colin returned to the Sanchez place a few minutes before midnight. Maria was sitting with her parents in the living room, and Colin watched as she stood. She said something in Spanish to her mom--most likely that she'd be back soon--and walked with Colin out to the car.
"Where's Serena?"
"She went to bed."
"She's staying here, too?"
"Just for tonight. My parents told me to tell you that you're welcome to stay, too. Of course, since you'd have to sleep on the couch, I told them you'd probably rather go home."
"You could join me."
"It's tempting," she said. "But..."
"No worries," he said. When they reached his car, he opened the door for her.
"What was wrong with your car, by the way?" she asked as she slid in.
"The battery," he said.
"So I was right, huh? I guess that means you should listen to me more often."
"Okay."
As they were driving to her condo, Colin told her about the missing car.
"Maybe the police took it."
"Maybe."
"Do you think Atkinson came back for it?"
"I don't know. I figure I'll call Detective Wright tomorrow. They may not tell me, but considering that I kept Margolis alive until the ambulance came, I hope they will. Either way, they should know."
She turned toward the window as they navigated the largely empty roads. "I still can't believe that Lester shot him."
"If you were there, you'd believe it. He was out of control. Like he snapped."
"Do you think they'll get any answers from him?"
Colin considered it. "Yes. Once he's lucid again. I have no idea how long that will take, though."
"I know he can't get to me, but..."
Maria stopped short of saying Atkinson's name, but then again, she didn't have to. Colin wasn't taking any chances. He took a circuitous route back to Maria's condo, alert to any suspicious cars. Maria knew what he was doing and made no objection.
It was just after midnight when they pulled into a space reserved for visitors at her condo complex. Colin stayed alert to any movement, but all was quiet as they climbed the steps to her door.
There, however, Colin and Maria froze.
They both saw in the same instant that the doorknob had been broken off, and that the door stood partly ajar.
Her place had been trashed.
As Colin watched Maria wander around in a daze, crying nonstop and surveying the damage, his own outrage continued to grow.
Couches, chairs, and pillows slashed open. The dining room table overturned. Dining room chairs tilted on broken legs. Lamps shattered. Photographs torn. The contents of the refrigerator splattered and smeared throughout the kitchen. Her things. Her home. Violated. Shredded. Ruined.
In the bedroom, her mattress had been torn open, the bureau knocked over and drawers broken, another lamp shattered. Empty cans of red spray paint littered the floor and virtually every piece of clothing in her closet had been marked by the paint.
This, Colin thought, was what rage looked like. Whoever did this was as out of control as Lester, maybe more so, and the fury Colin felt was getting difficult to control. He wanted to hurt the guy, kill the guy...
Beside him, Maria gasped, her sobs becoming even more hysterical, and Colin put his arms around her when he spotted the words that had been painted on the bedroom wall.
You will know how it feels.
Colin called 911, then Detective Wright. He hadn't expected an answer, but Wright answered on the second ring. After Colin told him what had happened, Wright said he'd head right over, that he wanted to see the damage for himself.
At Maria's request, Colin also called her parents, and while they insisted they would come over, Maria kept shaking her head. Colin understood. Here and now, Maria couldn't deal with their fears and worries, not on top of all this. She was barely holding it together as it was. He told her parents that she needed to talk to the police, and let them know that he'd keep her safe.
Two officers arrived within a few minutes and took Maria's statement, which wasn't much. There was more luck, though, with one of the neighbors who'd come out to see what was going on. Colin listened as the guy who lived next door said that he'd returned to his place only a couple of hours earlier, and was certain that the door hadn't been ajar. He would have seen the lights. No, he said, he hadn't heard anything, other than music, which he noted had been turned up loud. He'd considered coming over to ask that it be turned down, but it had stopped soon after that.
After Maria had regained a semblance of composure, Wright reviewed her and the neighbor's statements with the officers; he then spoke with Maria and Colin. Maria had trouble keeping her thoughts straight. Colin rehashed most of what he'd told Wright earlier in Shallotte, all the while fighting the urge to hit something.
Colin wanted to find Atkinson, even more than he'd wanted to find Lester.
And he wanted to kill him.
It was almost two a.m. when Wright said they could go, and he walked with them to Colin's car. Maria, Colin knew, wasn't in any shape to drive, and she didn't argue. When they reached the car, Wright held up his hand. He stared at Colin in much the same way Margolis did.
"Hold on," he said. "I don't know why I didn't realize it earlier, but I finally figured out who you are," he said.
"Who am I?"
"You're the guy Pete thinks should be in prison. The guy who gets in all those fights. Beats the crap out of people."
"Not anymore."
"Lester Manning might have a different opinion about that. Not that I give a crap what Lester Manning thinks."
"Do you know when the police will be done in there?" Maria asked. "And when I can get back in?"
"Aside from vandalism, it's not otherwise a crime scene," Wright answered. "But the forensics guys take their time. I'd guess that you won't be able to get back in until midmorning tomorrow at the earliest. I'll let you know for sure when you can, okay?"
Maria nodded. Colin wished there were something more he could do for her, but still...
"Do you know if they impounded the car that was at the bungalow?" he asked. "The one where Margolis was shot?"
Wright frowned. "I have no idea. Why?"
Colin told him.
Wright shrugged. "Seems likely that they would impound it. I'll see what I can find out, though." He turned toward Maria, then back to Colin. "I know you're both exhausted and I know you want to get out of here, but do you happen to know the name of the detective in Charlotte that Pete was working with?"
"No," Colin said. "He didn't mention his name."
"That's okay. I'll do some digging. It won't b
e hard to find the answer. One last question: Where do you intend to go tonight?"
"To my parents'," Maria answered. "Why?"
"I figured," Wright said. "That's why I wanted to ask. After something like this happens, people usually go to a friend's place, or to their family. If you want my opinion, I'm not so sure that's a good idea."
"Why not?"
"Because right now, I don't know what this guy Atkinson is capable of doing, and it makes me nervous. He's clearly got it out for you, and from what I saw inside, he's not only dangerous but angry and on the rampage. You might consider going someplace else tonight."
"Like where?"
"How about somewhere like the Hilton? I know some people there and I'm sure I can get you a room, along with police protection. Even if it's only for tonight. It's been quite a day and both of you need to try to get some rest. I'm not saying anything will happen, but best to be cautious, you know?"
Maria's voice was quiet. "Margolis said that they weren't able to offer police protection."
"I was talking about me. I'll watch your room tonight. I'm off the clock, so no big deal."
"Why would you do that?" Colin asked.
Wright turned toward Colin and said simply, "Because you saved my friend's life."
CHAPTER 30
Maria
In the car, Maria called her parents with the news, then absently watched the detective's sedan out front as it led the way to the hotel, which was only a few blocks from her condo.
Wright must have made the arrangements in the short time they were driving, because the key was waiting at the front desk. He rode with them in the elevator and walked with them to the end of the corridor, where a folding chair was already positioned just outside the door. He handed them the room key.
"I'll be here as long as you are, so no worries."
It wasn't until she slipped into bed beside Colin that Maria realized how exhausted she was. A couple of hours earlier, she'd imagined making love, but she was too depleted for that and Colin seemed to be feeling exactly the same way. Instead, she rested her arm on his shoulder, curling close and feeling his warmth until all at once, everything went black.
When her eyes finally opened, sunlight was already streaming through the crack in the blinds. Rolling over, she noticed Colin wasn't beside her, and she saw him brushing his teeth in the bathroom. Glancing at the clock, she was surprised to see that it was almost eleven. She sat up with a start, thinking her parents were probably going crazy.
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