Page 53 of Trace of Doubt
I smiled. “It does seem unusual. But we’re friends.”
“He and I have been talking, and he says someone has threatened you?”
I wish he hadn’t mentioned that to her. “Appears so.”
My sister shuddered. “The nightmare lives on. I don’t know anyone who’d want to hurt you.”
“The FBI and local law enforcement in Valleysburg are handling the situation.”
“Be safe, Sister.” Marissa rubbed her arms. “Hope you don’t mind, but I didn’t think it was a good idea for Aria to... meet you.”
“Of course.” But my heart ached for the lies separating me from my family.
Footsteps from the hallway alerted me to Dad’s presence. “Why are you still here?”
“I’m leaving now.”
“Shelby, don’t come back.” Dad’s voice dripped with bitterness and grief. How could I fault him when his life had fallen apart?
Marissa touched my hand. “Can I speak to you privately?”
“I will not allow it.” Dad’s voice rose. “She’s seen her mother. Time for her to leave.”
“The ‘her’ is my sister. I haven’t seen Shelby in fifteen years.”
“Do I need to remind you Aria is minus a father because of her inexcusable crime? This is for your own good. You’re too old to believe there’s good in everyone.”
“I’m talking to my sister and making a start to narrow the distance between us. She’s paid for her crimes. If I can forgive her, why can’t you?”
I heard them discuss me as though I weren’t there. The humiliation of Denton listening to the dysfunction made me cringe inside. “No need to quarrel. If one of you will call Sheriff Wendall when Mom’s time is over, I’d appreciate it. And I’d like to attend the funeral.”
“Out of the question.” Dad stiffened. “I won’t have a celebration of life destroyed by a killer.”
Marissa stepped between Dad and me. “Dad, I will speak to my sister outside alone, and I will contact her when Mom passes.”
“The consequences of rebellion are ugly. Ask Shelby about the last fifteen years.”
Marissa whirled toward him, an action I’d never seen. “Think about Aria gone from your life.” She hooked her arm in mine and led me to the front yard. There we faced the street. “I apologize for Dad’s rude behavior.”
“I hurt him beyond repair. Please apologize to him. You have too much at stake.”
“You’ve always thought of me first.”
“I love you, and the world is a better place because you’re a shining, beautiful light. Now, go tell Dad he’s right, and you don’t think I’ve changed. I’m fine. I have a good job. I’m designing jewelry, and I have wonderful new friends.”
“Like Agent McClure?”
“The jury’s still out on him. It’s a strange relationship.”
“Maybe something more than friends?” She tilted her head.
“And how would he explain me to his family full of police officers?”
“Love overcomes a lot of barriers.”
I shook my head. “But not good sense.”
“Can I have your phone number?” she said.
