Page 82 of Kiss Marry Kill
“Maybe your mother went for a walk. She’s wearing a dressing gown—maybe you mistook that for a dress.”
“No. My mother doesn’t take walks. Unless it’s to the liquor cabinet.” She scowled. “It was Kimora, I’m certain of that.”
I grimaced. “Janelle…”
She turned her face away. “Never mind. You have that look again.”
“What look?”
“The one that says I’m insane.”
“I don’t think you’re… insane. I told you that.”
She glanced at me, her mouth thinning. “No, you just think I’m seeing things. Hate to break it to you, Dr. Thornton, but that makes me insane by default.”
I sighed. “I don’t know what you expect me to say. I can’t tell you I believe in something I don’t believe in.”
“I understand.” Her voice was dull.
“Do you? Because you look like you’re angry with me.”
“I’m not angry. I just feel really… alone.”
My stomach sank. I was letting her down but had no idea how to help her without giving in to her delusions. That wouldn’t do her any favors in the long run. “You’re not alone, Janelle.”
“Feels like it,” she whispered.
I took her chilled hand in mine. “Listen, when Sheriff Callum catches the person who hurt Archie, I think you’ll feel much better. You’ve suffered a horrible loss. Anyone in your situation would be struggling to find ways to cope.”
“You keep forgetting I saw Kimora before Archie was killed.”
“I haven’t forgotten.”
She pulled her hand from mine. “Then stop saying my sightings of Kimora are caused by my grief. That’s just not the case. She’s out there. I don’t know why, but she won’t leave me alone.” Her voice was strained.
I watched her, frustration gnawing at me. “You should sleep. When you’re feeling stronger, call me. I’ll try to find a therapist locally who comes highly recommended.”
“Fine.” She turned her face away from me again. “Thank you for coming to help me.”
“Janelle, you’renotalone.”
She gave a tight smile. “If you say so.”
“I wish you’d be more understanding of the position I’m in.”
Her expression softened ever so slightly. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. I know you’re not trying to put me in an awkward situation. I really do want to figure out what’s happening with you, Janelle. But as I said, I’m not qualified to help you. It would be wrong of me to think I have the skills to give you what you need. Do you understand?”
She nodded, looking resigned. “Yes.”
“I promise you, I don’t take your trust lightly.”
“Okay. I appreciate you saying that.” Closing her eyes, she let out a soft breath. “I’m so very tired.”
“The Valium is taking effect. I’ll come check on you tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to.”
