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SATURDAY
After brushing her teeth, Nina splashed cold water on her face to wake up. She’d dragged herself out of bed at seven and wanted to make the girls breakfast and spend time with them before gym class. After her hospital stay, she’d become convinced she needed to start anew. Though she had to forget about Damien once and for all, his words still rang in her ears. He’d told her that she could be healthy again, and she believed him. She also started to understand what Deja had been telling her. She had only accidentally killed Kevin to save her friend’s life. Whether she wanted to or not, she had to come to terms with that.
Nina applied a bit of makeup then tiptoed to the kitchen, where she took her medication, started the coffee, and began mixing pancake batter.
Rubbing his eyes, Rodney soon joined her. “Since when do you get up this early?”
“After being in the hospital, I had the best night’s sleep back in our bed, so I got up early.” Nina neglected to mention that she’d emptied her bottle of Hennessey into the sink as soon as she’d arrived home. Getting healthy included giving up drinking, and this time, she’d have to stick to it.
Rodney pecked her on the cheek. “Hmm, okay.”
Bree ventured into the kitchen ten minutes later. “Mommy, are those pancakes I smell?”
Laila joined them. “Pancakes?”
“That would be correct.” Nina chuckled.
“I lo-ove pancakes.” Laila rubbed her stomach.
Nina hugged her daughters. “I know. After we eat, I’ll drop you off at gym class.”
“Are you sure?” Rodney rested his coffee mug on the table. “Wouldn’t you prefer to rest?”
“No, I’ll take them. I’m going to start taking them to school in the morning, too. Since I have free time, I’m also planning on signing up for the Christmas auction committee. That’ll shock Patrice and the other moms.” Nina said it more confidently than she felt.
“Why don’t we both take them?” Rodney asked. “We still don’t know who the creep is that’s been following you. I don’t want to risk anything.”
Rodney had a point. Since leaving the hospital, a gnawing ache had grown in her stomach, anticipating she’d see the stalker again. “Sure. Maybe I’ll call Deja and ask if she wants us to pick up Miles. That’d give her a chance to sleep in.” Nina grabbed her phone off the counter.
“That’s a good idea. Since they’re moving, we could have Miles over for the day. Ask her if that will work.”
“Moving?” Nina asked.
“Oh, Deja mentioned that yesterday when she asked how you were doing. She said she’d been packing, and they were leaving soon.” Rodney stared into his mug when he spoke. There seemed to be more to the story that he didn’t want to share.
Nina texted Deja to call her when she got up. It was strange that Deja hadn’t mentioned her plans to move, and it seemed to be out of nowhere. Maybe Rodney was mistaken, because this was the absolute wrong time for her friend to move. Nina needed her.
Nina’s phone rang with a call from Deja after breakfast. She answered it in her room away from everyone else. “Hey, Deja.”
“Morning, girl. I’m so happy you’re home. How do you feel?”
“Better, but I won’t be able to fully rest until I get the remaining money from the bank and the police find out who has been stalking me. I’m hoping the bank will call any day now. Rodney said you’re moving? What’s going on?” Nina couldn’t hide her disappointment at losing her only friend.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mention it to you. You’ve been through so much, and then you were in the hospital, so I didn’t want to worry you. But yes, we’re moving out of state.”
Tears formed in Nina’s eyes. “I can’t lose you too. Please, change your mind and stay. I need a friend right now. You promised me that you’d take care of my girls if anything happens to me.”
“Nina, stop. Nothing’s going to happen to you. We can still be friends. I’m leaving the area, but I’ll still be here for you. It won’t be until after we get the money. I’ll make sure everything is taken care of first.”
Nina choked back tears. “But why are you leaving?”
Deja sighed. “The truth is...”
Nina waited for Deja to finish her sentence, but she didn’t. “What, Deja? You can tell me anything.”
“I got fired, and I can’t afford to stay here. I’m so embarrassed.”
Nina could definitely understand Deja’s plight. “I can help you financially until you find another job. Please, don’t go.”
“I don’t deserve your kindness. Thank you, but—”
“Just think about it. Rodney and I want to keep Miles for the day. How about we pick him up for gym class, and you have dinner with us tonight?”
“That sounds good. I’ll get him ready. Thanks. For everything. I don’t want to stress you out, but we need the money for the body removal by Monday. If we don’t get it, it’s going to be hell for both of us.”
Nina’s trembling hand placed the phone on the side table. She could certainly help Deja in order to make her stay, but getting the money by Monday was out of her control and up to the bank. She’d have to figure out something, though, because losing everything again was not an option.
***
AFTER DROPPING OFF the kids at gym class, Nina and Rodney settled onto their living room couch. They’d have a couple of hours alone, and Nina needed the time to refocus on her husband. All morning, she’d thought about what Deja had said about needing the money, and she’d decided she’d have to finally come clean with Rodney. Maybe he could help her come up with the money by borrowing from his business.Her phone rang, and an unfamiliar number appeared on the screen.
Rodney touched her hand. “Let it go to voicemail.”
But something told Nina to answer, so she grabbed the phone. “Hello?”
“Mrs. Taylor, it’s Albert from the bank. Your money arrived today, and I know you were in a hurry to get it, so I wanted to tell you as soon as possible.”
Nina exhaled, her shoulders relaxing. “Thank you so much. I’ll be right there.”
Rodney’s eyebrows arched into a question. “Who was that?”
“It was... Deja. I need to go, but I’ll be back by the time the kids are finished with gym class.” Nina started toward the front door.
Rodney followed after her. “Are you serious? I want to spend time with you, but you’re leaving to see Deja?”
“I’ll be right back. I’m sorry, but I have to go.” Nina picked up her purse and ignored Rodney when he called after her. She didn’t want to upset him, but she needed to get the money to Deja immediately. She hopped into her car and sped off. The heavens shone down on her. She’d be able to give Deja the money and get out of this mess for good.
Once at the bank, she nearly ran inside. She headed straight to Albert’s window, grateful there wasn’t a line.
“Mrs. Taylor. It’s nice to see you. How have you been?” Albert asked with a genuine smile.
The stalker, car wreck, and hospitalization came to mind. “I’m great, Albert. Just ready to pick up that money.”
“Let me get that for you.” Albert disappeared to the back office. He returned minutes later with Joe, who counted the money. “That’s forty thousand dollars. Don’t spend it all in one place,” he said with a wink.
Nina accepted the envelope filled with crisp hundred-dollar bills then hurried to her car. She scanned the parking lot for the black sedan, but it was nowhere in sight. She found it hard to believe the stalker had simply disappeared, and she needed to get the money to Deja immediately. She turned up the stereo until music blasted from the speakers to distract herself from thinking of everything that could still go wrong.