Page 52 of Trace of Doubt
“Missed you too.”
“Your dad forbade me to see you or write.”
I leaned my cheek into her hand. “It’s okay.”
“His mandate was wrong, especially when I suspected the truth.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m certain you sacrificed your life for Marissa or someone else.”
“Of course not. I—”
Her fingers covered my mouth. “Hush. I must hear the truth before I’m gone. I’m not angry if you paid another’s debt. Just sad you took it on.” She gasped.
“You need to rest, save your strength.” Another tear trailed over my cheek. “I’m sure you’d rather think a stranger destroyed our family, but that’s a delusion. You heard my confession and the evidence against me at the trial. Why would you think any differently?”
“You never asked for money. You worked for every penny you spent. Shooting Travis because he denied you a loan makes no sense, especially when you despised guns. Two months before the shooting, you had changed. Your eyes softened. You were kinder, gentler. I remember your asking me about college and how to obtain funding. No more slipping out when we were in bed.” She drew in a breath that looked painful. “You took a blame that wasn’t yours to take.”
“My being here is upsetting you, and I promised Dad I wouldn’t do that.”
“You aren’t. You’re giving me joy. Promise me one thing.”
I nodded.
“Bring the truth to light. Your dad’s blinded by too many things, and sweet Aria is confused about where she fits. Justice is light. Will you make sure your dad—?”
The door opened, and Dad stepped in with the nurse. “Shelby, you’ve had long enough with your mother.”
I fixed my attention on Mom. “I love you.”
“And I love you. You’ll make sure the truth is made clear?”
I was unable to make a promise I couldn’t keep.
“You are the bravest young woman God ever created.” She smiled and closed her eyes. “I understand your reluctance.”
“Shelby. Now,” Dad said.
I rose from the floor and captured Dad’s gaze. “Thank you forthese moments with her.” I turned to the nurse. “And thank you for taking good care of my mother.”
He moved away from the door, and I passed by and down the hall. Mom’s medication must be fogging her mind and her request, a type of delirium. I hoped she hadn’t mentioned anything about her suspicions to anyone else.
In the living room, Denton sat in a high-back chair. Across from him Marissa petted the pecan-colored terrier I’d seen earlier. She bent to the dog and it scurried to Denton’s feet and sniffed at my purse. My sister hadn’t changed. White-blonde hair to her shoulders and delicate features. She must have sensed my presence because she lifted her head.
Marissa leaped to her feet and wrapped her arms around me. I hugged her back. “Oh, Shelby, I’m so glad to see you. You look amazing. I was afraid I’d miss you.” We clung to each other for several seconds. She pointed to my purse at Denton’s feet. “Aria’s naughty dog knocked over your purse, but I put everything back. I’m so sorry.”
“No problem at all. I have a puppy too.”
“I hope it’s better behaved.” She hugged me again. “Thank you for coming to see Mom.” She kissed my cheek and held me at arm’s length. “So many times I’ve longed to see you and hear your voice.”
“I feel the same way.”
She inhaled and glanced over her shoulder down the hall. “Dad gave me a choice of contacting you or finding financial support elsewhere.”
“What else could you have done?”
“Nothing really. My daughter and I live here, and Dad has eyes like a hawk. He’s about to retire and hand the business over to me.” Marissa pointed to Denton. “I never expected to see Agent McClure with you.”
