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SEPTEMBER PULLED INTO her parents’ driveway and sat for a long moment. She put the cards and the envelope with her wedding picture and key in the glove box, scooting them securely beneath the handgun.
She’d not returned to South Bend since burying her husband. Memory played tricks with paranoia born of the time before, but she knew her years with Chris and Dakota had healed the worst of her pain. It had taken two years for her to accept his proposal, and their almost five-year marriage flashed by like someone else’s dream. He found her a mentor and got her a contract job as a dog handler for the Chicago P.D. When fear took too big a toll, he moved them to South Bend. Her career and confidence grew from Chris’s love, and his faith in her.
In an instant, Victor stole everything away. And now two years later, ready to reinvent herself one more time, Angela Day’s message blurred the edges of the clear picture she’d painted of her husband’s murder.
Shadow danced on the back seat, eager to get out of the car. When she climbed out, Mom met her at the car.
“Honey, why don’t you put it in the back yard next to the hot tub? It can dig and sniff and do whatever dogs do.” She crossed her arms and shivered in the light December breeze. “I just vacuumed and don’t want mud tracked in. You understand.”
September opened the car door for Shadow and he hopped out and immediately sniffed the nearby grass. “It has a name. And you know Shadow stays with me.” How many times had she had this same argument while living with her last summer? Before the argument could escalate, she threw Mom a bone. “Besides, he got a bath last night.” And he’s better behaved than your grandkids.
“Whatever you say. I guess he keeps you out of trouble?” Mom pursed her mouth, but gave September a quick hug. “Need help unloading?”
September smiled. “Thanks for asking.”
Mom sniffed, taking in the abundance of festive packages. “Did you buy out the shopping center?” She grabbed up the first box filled with small packages, while September balanced another with several larger gifts.
“It’s not a lot, mostly fun stuff for the kids.” September shrugged. “I haven’t been much of an aunt to them.”
“You’ve had other priorities, like your health.” Her tart tone softened as they walked to the door. “How are you?”
September forced a smile. “Best I’ve felt in years. But what about the rest of the family? I’ve felt out of the loop since we moved out. And I want to do better.” September hesitated, then forced herself to continue. “What about Mark? I wasn’t sure he’d make it with all the holiday stained glass orders. And losing Aaron.” Her voice trailed off. “I know it’s hard, believe me I know.”
Mom remained pragmatic as always. “Some days are better than others. Staying busy helps.” Her stoic expression hurt September’s heart. When had Mom become so hard? “He says Aaron’s brother took over the landscape business, so that will stay in their family.” Three months ago, Mark’s partner had succumbed to the same neurological illness that took Teddy’s wife, and had stricken Combs’s ex-wife and several others in the Heartland community.
September waited for her to juggle the door open. “Where’s Dad?”
“Your father’s putting a reinforced fastener on the gate to the hot tub, to make sure the kids aren’t tempted. Prepare for bedlam, with everyone here. It’ll be the first time since...”
“Since I turned sixteen, my going away party before the cello tour. Twelve years ago.” September pulled off her cap, and finger-combed her hair into some semblance of decorum. Her pulse thrummed. Shadow pressed against September’s side. She couldn’t fool him.
“You’re not the only one avoiding me.” Mom didn’t hide the hurt and bitterness. She’d wanted this family reunion for ages. Rose eyed her, up and down. “You do look good. Glad your hair finally has grown out, but you need a trim to style the mess. That white streak though, wish you’d do something about that.” September cleared her throat, but knew arguing accomplished nothing. Mom reluctantly added, “I’m happy for you. Probably has something to do with a certain detective. Am I right?” Rather than disapproving, she sounded resigned. “Shame he couldn’t join us. I’d think he’d make the effort, if you matter to him as much as he apparently means to you.” She sniffed, turned, and led the way through the door.
Rolling her eyes, September followed into the house.
“Hello September.”
The box of gifts tumbled from September’s arms onto the floor. Her hands reflexively rushed to cover her mouth, and she struggled to form coherent words. “I-I-uh...didn’t expect you to already be here.” Shadow whined, and pressed hard against September’s thigh. A strong wind would knock April’s fragile figure over, but her sister’s bright blue eyes didn’t waver, steady and strong.
And sane.
“Here for the weekend. Mom insisted.” April grinned, her blond hair and attitude a younger but less bitter version of their mother. Mom had moved behind April, a satisfied smirk on her face. “I made everyone promise not to say anything. I didn’t want them to give you a reason to stay away.”
With hesitation, and then more quickly, September crossed to her sister. They fell into each other’s arms. The sisters held each other, hugging hard, no words necessary, as Shadow danced and whined about them.
They broke apart and April led September into the living room. “I want to thank you for everything. Saving Steven. And saving my life.” She offered a rueful smile. “Steven’s my miracle boy, because of you. He’s helping his father in the back yard. But now I need another miracle, it seems.”
Mom interjected, impatient. “For heaven’s sake, April, go ahead and say it. After all, September owes you.” When April wouldn’t meet September’s questioning expression, Mom clarified.
“September, your sister needs a kidney transplant. None of the others are a match, so it’s down to you. And I know you’ll be happy to donate, especially since it’s your fault April got shot in the first place.”
