Linda Warren - The Right Woman

She’d made a start with her sister’s help and she intended to go forward now. Sarah felt as if she’d been living in a darkened room and someone had suddenly opened a door, letting in the fresh air and sunshine. She could feel its warmth slowly seeping into the coldest part of her. The feeling was liberating. She realized it was only a small step and she had a long way to go, but she was ready to face life again with Serena and her family behind her.

All too soon, they were saying goodbye and Sarah experienced a moment of sadness for all the years she and Serena had missed. But they had each other now and that’s what counted.

She held Jassy close, not wanting to let her go.

“Oh, I forget,” Jassy said, planting a big kiss on Sarah’s cheek. “That’s from Daniel.”

Sarah felt the blood draining from her face. It was one of those unexpected moments that left her vulnerable and speechless. Ethan hadn’t said anything about his visit with Daniel. Evidently she’d been mentioned.

“He wanted me to give Mommy a kiss, but I said no, that only Daddy kisses Mommy. I tell him I kiss you.”

“Oh, I see,” Sarah murmured in a low voice. Daniel really wanted to kiss Serena. Who wouldn’t?

Ethan took Jassy out of her arms. “Come here, munchkin, before you get yourself in a lot of trouble.” Ethan hugged Sarah. “Call Daniel,” he whispered, and took Jassy to the truck.

Serena was talking to Gran and Sarah was only vaguely aware of their voices. Call Daniel. What had Daniel told Ethan?

“I enjoyed this surprise visit,” Gran was saying.

Serena kissed Gran. “Remember you and Sarah are coming to spend the week during spring break.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Serena hugged Sarah and they held on tight. “I’m a phone call away,” Serena said.

“I know, and thanks.”

Serena leaned back. “You’re going to be fine and you look marvelous.”

Sarah curtsied. “Thank you. I look like my sister.”

They laughed and it felt so good to have that happy feeling again. Serena ran to the truck and Jassy waved frantically.

Sarah waved until they were out of sight. Linking her arm with Gran’s, they went back into the house.

“I thought I’d go to Hazel’s,” Gran said. “They’re playing bridge at her house.” Gran was an avid bridge player and she tried to never miss a game.

“Sure, Gran,” Sarah replied. “Go ahead. I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to be lonely.”

“I’m fine, Gran.”

“I do love your new hairstyle.”

“Thanks. Now go have fun and—” Her phone rang, cutting her off. “See, I’ll be busy.”

“’Bye, darling.”

“’Bye, Gran,” Sarah called after her, and clicked on her cell phone.

It was Brooke and she was upset because the police were waiting to question her again and she wanted Sarah there. Sarah grabbed her purse and jacket and headed for the hospital.

She hurried down the corridor to Brooke’s room, hoping Daniel would be there. Ethan was right. She had to talk to him. She didn’t blame him for Greg’s death and she had to tell him that.

She turned a corner and saw Russ and the other detective, Joel, standing outside Brooke’s door. Daniel wasn’t here. Her heart sank.

Russ had his back to her, but Joel saw her. He nudged Russ. “Ms. Welch is here.”

Russ swung around, ready to unload on her, but his jaw dropped and no words came out. His narrowed eyes slid over her, taking in the cobweb of glistening copper hair that hung around her face and shoulders. She had on a white V-necked sweater, tan slacks and a dark suede jacket. Russ’s eyes seemed glued to her cleavage.

She felt a moment of panic, but only for a moment. Up until now Russ had only seen her in blouses buttoned to her throat. His stare didn’t make her angry and she didn’t feel herself shriveling up inside because a man was looking at her. She knew that was a good sign. Finally she was letting herself mend.

Russ recovered quickly. “We’ve been waiting for almost an hour. It’s good of you to show up.”

“I got the call less than thirty minutes ago and I came immediately.”

“Then let’s see her because I don’t have any more time to waste.”

Sarah and the detectives walked into the room and Brooke’s parents quietly slipped out. Brooke was sitting up in bed and Sarah went to her side.

“Are you ready?” Sarah asked.

“Yes. Now that you’re here.”

Sarah nodded to Russ and he laid some papers in Brooke’s lap. “Those are names of everyone at the party. Take a good look, Miss Wallace, and tell me if you recognize any of them.”

For the next thirty minutes Russ questioned Brooke about every male on the paper, but she didn’t have any answers, or at least not the ones Russ wanted.

Brooke held up well and Sarah admired her strength. Russ didn’t pressure her or use his usual macho tactics and Sarah was grateful for that. Afterward Sarah sat with Brooke until her parents returned. She left the hospital wondering where Daniel was. She didn’t think he’d quit in the middle of an investigation—that wouldn’t be like him at all. But what did she know about Daniel? That he was reliable, compassionate, loyal, supportive, kind and the list went on. She knew nothing about his personal life or his family and she’d never heard Ethan say anything about them, either.

That’s probably the way it should stay, she decided as she pulled into her garage. Still she didn’t want to be part of the reason he’d quit his job. She’d rectify that the next time she saw him. She just didn’t know exactly when that would be.

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