Page 106 of Sing with Me

“No. Malik said the police are done and I can go home now. What are y’all doing here?” Rose asked.

“I was telling a story, Grandma. You missed it. Want me to tell it again?”

Diehl cleared his throat. “What did Detective Jeong say? He hasn’t texted me.”

“I caught him just as he was about to leave minutes ago,” Rose said. “He has interviewed everyone, and he’s putting a team together. I should donate more to the police. Do you think they could use new vehicles or something?”

Skye didn’t say anything.

“Thank you for being there for Diehl and Ethan,” Rose said to her.

“No problem. Today is my day off, so I have time.”

“Ivan called, saying that Pastor Gonzalez will be stopping by after lunch,” Rose said. “I don’t want this event to turn into a religious fest.”

“Fest?” Skye asked. She wanted to know what Rose meant by that, but it might lead to an argument. Instead, she tried something else. “Our church prays for people all the time. We’ll pray for Elisa’s safe return.”

“Does that even work?” Rose snapped.

“God is all knowing, all powerful.”

“Y’all are so naive.” Rose frowned.

“Mom,” Diehl said.

“We tried prayer. Parker still died.” Rose’s voiced cracked. “Diehl’s marriage was always broken. Now the kids are not even his, and they’re in his will.”

Ethan burst into tears.

Apparently, Rose forgot that Ethan was standing right there.

“Mom, stop.” Diehl was on his feet, rushing toward Ethan. Skye followed him, leaving Rose standing at the gate.

“No!” Ethan backed away and started to run toward the ocean.

Chapter Thirty-One

Ethan dashed past the swimming pool shaped like a violin, beyond the grass, over the boardwalk, and out to the beach and ocean.

Skye couldn’t keep up with her sandals. She stopped at the edge of the dunes and took them off. Then she ran barefoot across the boardwalk, chasing after father and son. Before she could reach them, her phone pinged again.

It was a prayer update from Brinley. Even though she was on bedrest, she could still pray. Everyone was doing everything they could to help out.

Pray for God’s wisdom for Detective Jeong and the police department.

Skye immediately stopped walking. She closed her eyes and prayed.

When she opened her eyes, Diehl had tackled Ethan, rolled him over on the sand, and tickled him. Sand flew everywhere as Ethan kicked and laughed.

For a snapshot moment, father and son seemed to have a break from missing Elisa. Skye prayed they would have many days like this.

Yet we’re not promised tomorrow.

By the time Skye reached them, they were covered with sand. Sand stuck to Ethan’s face, smeared over his tears.

“We better go wash in the ocean or Grandma won’t let us in the house,” Diehl said.

“Grandma.” Ethan’s voice lowered. “What did she mean in the garden? What is a will, Dad?”

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