Page 6 of Hunting the Truth
“As I investigate, I keep having more memories. If I can just remember, I can bring closure to my mother’s murder and maybe figure out who killed my grandmother. I know their deaths are connected.” Maya paused, not wanting to share much about the gun. It would look bad for her grandmother, and she knew in her heart that Nana didn’t kill her mother. “I’m waiting on DNA evidence to prove that, but if I could recall something important, like any small detail about the person who showed up at the door the day my mother died, that would help our investigation. It’s frustrating to be a witness and not be able to help.”
Maya stared around at the group, expecting some sort of judgment like she was crazy. Her hands shook. She clasped them together on her lap. Many of the group members nodded with understanding looks on their faces. Even Kendra seemed more serious, as if Maya had touched on a memory for her too.
“So that’s it. That’s my trauma. Or at least one of them,” Maya said.
“Thank you for sharing, Maya,” Dr. Meyers said. “I know that was difficult, but by sharing you can heal and move forward. You were also a child. Don’t be too hard on yourself in regard to the memories.”
“Yeah. Right. Okay.”
“We are out of time for today,” Dr. Meyers said. “I’ll see you all next week, but know that if you need anything, you can reach out at any time.”
Maya stood. Kendra came up next to her and wrapped her in a hug. Not knowing how to react, Maya awkwardly returned the gesture.
“Thanks for sharing all that about your mom. I understand how awful that is. My mom was murdered when I was a kid too.” Much to Maya’s relief, Kendra released her and stepped back.
“Really?” Maya asked. Kendra had never mentioned it before, although the violent death of a parent wasn’t really something you told people about. “Did they catch the killer?”
“It was my old man. Typical domestic thing.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Maya said.
“The thing is, I’d love to talk more with you about it. I mean, I haven’t met too many people who lost a parent to violence growing up. It’s what inspired me to get into law enforcement. I want justice for all the mothers out there who get the crap beat out of them, ya know? I know you can’t do lunch, but I could come up to Pinecone Junction tonight and do dinner.”
“I can’t. I’m so sorry. Josh and I are having dinner tonight.”
“I hope you get dessert with dinner, if you know what I mean,” Kendra said with a wink.
“There’s the Kendra I know and love,” Maya said, willing her face to not turn red at the mention of Josh and dessert. She started rubbing her necklace, a nervous habit that had started years ago. “I better get going. Check on Juniper, get my errands done. The day is going by fast.”
“Sounds good.” Kendra leaned in closer toward Maya and squinted. “I love your necklace. It’s pretty cool. Where did you get it?”
Realizing that she was still fingering the necklace, Maya let go of it. Nana had given it to her, and she wore it for good luck. It was a key engraved with her birthdate and her mother’s birthdate. It meant a lot to her, but otherwise it was just a plain-looking necklace. No diamonds or anything flashy. “It was a gift from my nana. It belonged to my mother.”
“I’m glad you have it,” Kendra said.
“Me too,” said Maya. “See you next week.”
She headed out the door into the bright sunshine. She was ready to escape, get her errands done and exercise Juniper, then get back up to her cabin where she could sort through her thoughts. Maybe she’d share some of her memories with Josh at dinner and get his opinion.
A tall guy with dark hair stood next to Maya’s patrol vehicle. He was talking to Juniper through the window and flashed a smile in her direction, a small dimple appearing as he grinned. Maya loved that dimple. She allowed herself a small smile and tried to ignore how happy she was seeing Josh standing there. Her heart rate quickened.Good grief, this is like a schoolgirl crush. Get over it...
Maya didn’t know why Josh had this effect on her. Yes, he was good-looking to say the least, but she’d worked with plenty of guys in the military and many of them were handsome too. But none of them brought up these intense feelings. They were more like brothers to her.
She’d give anything for a drink right now. Something to calm her nerves. But Maya knew that would be the worst thing she could do. She’d managed three months now without a drink and had the AA chip to prove it. Take it day by day. That was the advice Josh had given her. He’d told her that the cravings would also start dying down, but at the moment, Maya just wanted to escape. If only Nana were here. They’d talk about Josh. Nana would give her good advice.
A wave of sadness only increased Maya’s craving. How could so many feelings hit a person at once? She just wanted to make them all go away.
As Maya headed over to her vehicle, Kendra caught up to her and gave her a light punch in the arm. “Go have some fun, Thompson.”
Snapping out of her trance, Maya said, “Uh, yeah. Okay.”
“Hey, Kendra,” Josh said as the pair approached.
“Hi, Josh. You have an opening yet on the department for me?”
“Actually, we might,” Josh said, handing Kendra his card. “Give me a call. I’ll get you more information and we can start the application and interview process.”
“Thanks,” Kendra said, “I’ll be in touch.” She turned toward Maya and gave a wink. “Enjoy the scenery on your walk today.”
