Page 53 of Proof

“I know,” Luna mugged.

“Always the modest one,” Cullen tossed back.

Luna turned pensive. “So.” She took a deep breath. “I tried to get in touch with my friend Brendan in Minnesota,” she admitted.

“And?”

“And nothing. He hasn’t returned emails or texts. And yes, I tried to call him, but his mailbox was full.”

“So? What’s the big deal?”

“It’s as if he’s vanished into thin air. I even called our mutual friend Anthony, and he hasn’t heard from him, either.”

“It’s hard to keep track of people when they live almost a thousand miles away.”

“Yeah. But that’s just it. We had been emailing regularly during COVID. You know, to keep ourselves occupied while we waited to be unmasked. And then we kept in touch once a week or so, once we were sprung from lockdown.”

“When was the last time you heard from him?”

“Before his birthday. Last November. I sent him a funny e-card, but never got any notice he received it. Then I didn’t hear from him for my birthday. First time in fifteen years.”

“And you’re just starting to wonder what happened?”

“Life happens. Time manages to slip past you. I know it’s no excuse. But finding all the mementos made me realize how long it had been since I heard from him.”

“What are you going to do? You can’t exactly fly to Minnesota and hunt him down. Maybe he doesn’t want to be connected with his past.”

“But why?”

“Beats me, but people do things that others can’t understand.”

“Aren’t you the wise one today?”

“Yes. Yes, I am.” He walked over and checked the paint chip Luna was holding. “That’ll be striking.”

“And that, dear brother, was my plan.”

“Okay, now go find someone else to play with. I have work to do.”

Luna stuck out her tongue and gave him a raspberry.

“Always the mature one.” Cullen chuckled and shook his head. “Now scram.”

Instead of going back to the café, Luna decided to go for a walk in the gardens. Maybe it would help her feel more grounded.

Luna sat under a maple tree that still had one of Devon Scott’s wind chimes hanging from a branch. It was peaceful. Lovely. She thought she would suggest to Ellie that they keep it there. It added a bit more Zen to the Zen Garden. She stood and faced the sun. It felt good on her face. She did a few Qigong movements, embracing a new day with a bright future ahead. Luna knew it would be an adjustment for her, Chris, and Carter, but there was a lot of caring among them, and she was confident they could work it out. After a few quiet moments, she sensed someone approaching. It was Chi-Chi, with a big smile on her face.

“E. káàrò!” Chi-Chi called out to Luna. “I thought you might be here. It is a beautiful day, is it not?”

“Yes, it is. You are here late today,” Luna noted.

“I had to pry my brother from the clutches of Jennine,” Chi-Chi huffed. “Imagine. He had been with her for two days!”

“That must have been an ugly scene.” Luna snickered.

“He was supposed to meet me at the shop and inspect the stones he brought the other night. I am glad I put them in my safe. He is drunk on whatever that woman has done to him.”

Luna cackled. “Please, stop. I don’t want my imagination to get anywhere close to that.” She patted the bench she was sitting on. “Join me.”

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