Page 36 of Serial Love

“But, yeah,” she admitted. “My heart was definitely already involved. He just didn’t feel the same.”

“What happened?” her mother asked.

“He had to leave for business, and I know it was bad. He couldn’t tell me much, but I’m pretty sure that he was working on those college murders.”

“We’ve been reading about those and you’ve no idea how glad we are that you’re no longer in college!” her father added.

“I know his job is stressful and he sees horrible things. I just…I just foolishly allowed myself to believe him when he told me that I meant something to him.”

Pulling herself up straight in her chair, she said, “But I’ve got responsibilities and a life to live so I’m not going to pine over him anymore.” She knew the words were lies as soon as they left her mouth and one look at her mother told her that she knew they were lies also.

But like a good mom, she played along. “Well, just make sure to take care of yourself and don’t work too hard.”

Offering them what she hoped was a reassuring smile, she agreed. Forcing her mind off her own troubles, she looked at them speculatively. “Okay, guys, enough about me. We talked last week, and you never mentioned flying out here for a visit. What’s the real reason behind this impromptu trip?”

Her parents shared a look again, further cementing her idea that something was happening. Cocking her head to the side, she waited.

Sighing deeply, her father said, “We wanted to be here to talk to you about Gram. There are some things in the works, but we need your input as well.”

“Okaaaay,” she said slowly, uneasy from the sound of his words.

“There’s an opening at a memory care facility near where we live in Arizona?—”

“No!” Bethany shouted. “You can’t take her that far away. It makes no sense. She’s fine here until an opening comes here.” Jumping up, she paced the room, her mind working furiously. “You’re not even permanent residents of Arizona. What happens when you transfer colleges?”

“Bethany, sit down, please,” her mother begged. “We’ve made no decision yet. That’s why we’re here—to get your input.”

Chastised, she sat back down, putting her head in her hands. “I’m sorry. What other decision is there?”

“Well,” her father started again, “there is an opening now in the facility that’s close to here.”

At that, Bethany’s head snapped up. “That’s perfect. That’ll be great. Gram will get the safe care she needs and still be close to me.” Looking at her parents’ doubtful faces, she asked, “What’s to discuss?”

“Honey, what about you? Your needs? Your career? We don’t want you locked into staying here just because Gram is nearby. You may want to move back to Richmond and continue with your job there.”

Bethany sat, stunned, realizing she had not considered the possibility of leaving Mountville…and the neighbor next door…and returning to the city to live. She looked around the inside of the old lodge. The one that constantly needed work, compared to her apartment in the city with modern conveniences and was near shopping centers and restaurants. She glanced down at her dirty knees and fingernails, compared to her professional work clothes and weekly manicures. She thought of the loneliness of her social life here compared to the bustling city with co-workers, friends, bars, museums, and concerts…and the opportunity to meet someone who did want to spend time with her.

But she could not escape the glaring reality—this was what she wanted. Her gaze lifted to her parents as she confessed, “I want Gram near here. And I want to stay at Mountville. This is my life now.”

Her father started to protest, but Susan’s hand on his arm stopped him. She considered her daughter carefully and said, “I want you to sleep on it, sweetheart. The decision needs to be considered thoughtfully. This place is part of your history, but it doesn’t have to be your future. Gram will be taken care of, no matter what. You need to think about you.”

Nodding, she agreed as they rose from their seats for a family hug. Tears hit the back of her eyes as she blinked to keep them at bay. Too many changes in just a few days had her on edge. Pulling back, she plastered a bright smile and said, “Let’s go have lunch with Gram.”

He fingered the wig and mustache carefully before placing them back in the box. Glancing down, he lined them up—the blond, next to the black, next to the brown.Which one next? Which one will it be?He pondered purchasing another one, even considered one with long hair.Perhaps pulled back in a ponytail. Young women like the wild, youthful look. Yes, maybe a new one is needed. But not now.The urge was gone, once more replaced with calm. Breathing deeply, he smiled as he closed the suitcase, placing it back in his hiding place.

He had several hiding places—all carefully planned. He knew he would not get caught even though the newspapers were beginning to talk. He shook his head.Why don’t they get it? I’m taking care of the sluts. That needs to be done.

Hearing noises from inside of his house, he lockedthe garage and made his way back into his kitchen. Smiling.

Jack once more stood with his coffee mug in his hand, hoping the effects of drinking himself into a stupor two nights ago were no longer noticeable. His men were due soon and he was regretting his stupid decision…all of his stupid decisions.

Friday night and Saturday, he thought of all the reasons his decision to not start a relationship with Bethany made sense. His life was too unpredictable. Too full of violence. Too hard to separate the business from the personal. The more he had tried to convince himself he was right, the more he drank. He had been right at the beginning—she deserved the white picket fence. Kids, dog, and a husband that did not see death and destruction when he went to work.

By Saturday night, when he should have been picking up the beautiful woman for their date, the one who had told him she had a perfect dress for him, he sat, sobering alone in his house. All the reasons from the night before were less clear.

The fact was that it was too late tonotstart a relationship. He started one from the moment he held her to his body when they were attempting to help her grandmother. He continued the relationship when he brought the bracelet for Ann.And stayed for dinner. And talked on her front porch. And had her place wired for security. And when he raced over there when he hadseen there was trouble. And when he first kissed her. And when she came to him with that fuckin’ fantastic cobbler and gave herself and her trust to him.

Rubbing his hand over his face, he saw the first of his men’s vehicles coming down the drive.At least I spent most of yesterday focusing on the case.Stepping inside of his house, he moved to start the business day.

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