Page 67 of Dead Man's Hollow
Ten minutes later, she’s staring slack-jawed at her reflection. “Girl, you’re a magician. What’s your secret?”
“YouTube makeup tutorials,” Jordana says without looking up from Heather Ryan’s diary. “Hey listen to this: ‘fishy w/R b4 music note heart.’”
Maisy gives her a long look. “And that means what?”
“Heather was drinking with Rich before band practice. And possibly, you know …”
Maisy wishes she didn’t. “Anything in there about what might have gone down in the woods?”
“Maaaaybe. Four days before she vanished, she wrote ‘R being lame. Clingy much? Won’t ditch J. Gonna trade up at DMH.’”
“And once more, in grownup this time?”
“Rich is being possessive even though he won’t break up with Julia. Heather doesn’t like it and is going to look for his replacement at the party at Dead Man’s Hollow.”
“Who knew you spoke ‘90s? Toss me the keys.”
“You’re driving?”
“I’m driving,” Maisy confirms. “You’re translating this insipid relic from another era.”
During the drive to Amy’s house, Maisy softens considerably toward the sixteen-year-old version of Heather Ryan. As Jordana reads aloud and interprets the slang, Maisy is reminded of her own high school years and all the attendant poor decisions, ill-advised risks, and lucky breaks that went along with that era. She also takes into account that the adult Chloe Tremblay is kind, considerate, and capable. The kid turned out all right in the end.
As Maisy turns on to the Marinos’ cul-de-sac, she says, “We should return the diary to Chloe.”
Jordana asks, “You don’t want to hang on to it in case there’s something we can use for the podcast?”
“Good gravy, no. Would you wantyourdiary to be streamed to thousands of people?”
Jordana shudders. “No way.”
“Exactly. Although I wonder if it’s a good idea to give it to Chloe right now. I’ll ask Dr. Marchand when we have our call.”
Chloe’s neuropsychologist has agreed to be interviewed for the podcast. She’ll explain the condition in broad strokes but will only discuss details of Chloe’s case to the extent her patient wants her to do so. It’s also possible Chloe herself will sit for an interview. If not, Bastian will pinch hit. Either way, Maisy and Jordana know the episode will go viral, and this only makes them more eager to resolve the remaining unanswered questions.
But not today. Today is for reuniting the Ryan sisters. Maisy and Jordana will take some photos for the website and record a handful of brief statements from the various family members, but it won’t be their focus, and they’ll remain as unobtrusive as possible.
Maisy parks in front of the Marinos’ house and kills the engine.
Jordana points to an SUV in the driveway. “Isn’t that Rich’s car?”
“Well, look at that. It sure is.”
“Do you think Amy changed her mind? Already?”
She has no idea. What shedoesknow is that marriage seems to involve a series of compromises and tradeoffs. If Amy’s made this one, Maisy’ll be surprised. But human beings are nothing if not unpredictable.
Jordana checks her recording equipment. “Better make sure I’m fully charged. This could get interesting.”
For once, Maisy hopes not. “For land’s sake, let these women have one day to revel in being reunited. Just one day.”
“Are you getting soft on me, Maisy?”
“Bite your tongue.”
They exit the car and head for the house. Amy’s middle son sees them coming up the walkway and opens the door for them.
“Thanks, Owen.” Maisy smiles at him.
