Page 68 of The Lost Bones
“Yeah, but what happens when you cut off its feet? You were right about Sterling. But we were too late.”
“Are you giving up on Lakemore?” He raised an eyebrow. “Did the indomitable Mad Mack finally reach her tipping point?”
“It’s not like that.” Her smile was watery. “I feel like we weed out one evil and two more grow in its place.”
“This isn’t just a town to you, is it?” he observed. “For someone who grew up in New York, you are fiercely loyal to it.”
“It’s never justa town. A community dictates what we allow and what we don’t. It’s a reflection of what we are and stand for. And Lakemore…” She trailed off.
“It’s almost like you’re trying to settle a score.”
You have to help me bury him.Melody’s voice whispered in her ear. She had done something so terrible when she was only twelve years old that she had dedicated her life to righting the wrongs of others. Because there was no way to fix her own wrong anymore.
She masked her surprise. Had her armor been slipping? Was she not as guarded as she used to be?
“Not a score. All of us have some motivation for being here, doing what we do.”
Andrew nodded but didn’t look convinced. “You know, before my wife was diagnosed with cancer, I was planning to leave her. We had been fighting and we got to a point where I would avoid interacting with her.” He leaned against the edge of the desk, blinking rapidly. “I would just ignore her. And then when she was diagnosed, I felt like the biggest asshole in the world. Worst was, we knew she didn’t have much time left.”
“I’m sorry.” Mackenzie had been there to help her grandmother when she was going through chemo. It was almost like a part of her was being torn away, slowly but inevitably. You’d think it would give you time to prepare, but that helplessness and desperation was all-consuming.
“So I dedicated myself to her. I did everything I could to take care of her and make sure her last months were smooth,” he continued. “It stemmed from both love and guilt. And when she finally left us, I wondered if I had redeemed myself in her eyes. If she had forgiven me for all those times I didn’t treat her as I should have.”
“I’m sure she had. She loved you. She would have forgiven you.”
Andrew nodded. “I know. But did I redeem myself inmyeyes? I think that’s a never-ending quest.”
Mackenzie felt a kinship to him in that moment. She grazed Robert’s watch on her wrist, knowing in her heart that he had forgiven her for being a coward and denying him his truth. There was peace inside her. That chaos that had perpetually fluttered in her chest all these years didn’t have wings; it had claws. That beast was dead. But something was amiss.
“So what do you do?” she asked in a small voice.
“I decided to focus on the person I love—Robbie. And everything feels right; everything is worth it.”
She snorted, despite feeling the tears stinging her eyes. “That’s pretty cheesy. I thought you’d have some novel advice.”
“It’s what everything boils down to in the end.”
Nick returned and gestured to Mackenzie to follow him.
“Excuse me.” She left Andrew and went out.
“They’re meeting tonight,” Nick said quietly. “Eight o’clock.”
“Then we’ll get there at least an hour before and try to make our way inside.”
He pursed his lips. “I don’t like this. It’s technically trespassing.”
“What choice do we have?” She looked around to make sure nobody was eavesdropping. “Once we find a lead, and I’m certain we will, it will all be worth it.”
It was what she was telling herself repeatedly. She just prayed that the gamble would pay off, that they wouldn’t make things worse.
Mackenzie parked the car far enough from the house so as not to draw suspicion. For the first time, she was grateful there were no streetlights. This time the darkness would be their ally. She glanced at the house, where only one window had lights showing. There was a white van in the driveway, but she was too far away to make out any specific details or the license plate.
“Are you sure about going in alone?” he asked for the millionth time.
“I won’t get murdered in a house full of judges, campaign managers, and other important people. Plus, you’re here if that happens.” She glanced out of the window.
The darkness had a bluish tinge to it. The woods were too still. Not a single leaf rustled. Not a single branch swayed. As if the place was waiting with bated breath for Mackenzie to stumble upon the truth.
