Chapter Sixteen

The Time Is Now

Dani

I couldn’t imagine what that poor man had endured. To discover what had happened to his family and his best friend. To live out his years in the way he had. Dad, Frankie, and I were speechless. But I had to know more. “Mr. Cunningham, do you have any idea who could’ve killed your family?”

“No, Danielle, I don’t. I’ve accused every single person I’ve ever known. I wasn’t aware of any enemies capable of such appalling acts. I respected all my workers, and I thought they felt the same about me. As for friends and acquaintances, I don’t know anyone who despised me enough to kill my entire family. This was not a random act by some derelict who chose us by chance. This savage knew me personally, somebody very vindictive, or somebody who wanted to hurt me like he imagined I’d hurt him. All my life I’ve tried to figure out who that person could be.”

Dad responded, “At least we definitely know it was not my dad.”

Frankie presented his idea. “Mr. Cunningham, my sister is studying criminology. Her assignment is to find out more about what happened to your family.”

“Frankie, can I explain why it’s a class project before you give him your idea. I don’t want Mr. Cunningham thinking the murders of his family were so trivial I’d reduce them to a class assignment.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“For several weeks, I’d been having horrible nightmares. I went to a medium to find what was causing them. She determined my grandfather was trying to contact me. In another dream he urged me to come here. I didn’t know what I’d find, but I knew I had to obey.”

Mr. Cunningham looked astonished. “That’s amazing! Almost impossible to believe, but I do believe you.”

“Can I tell my idea now?” Frankie asked. “Maybe Mr. Cunningham could write down the names of all the people he knew at the time of the murders. Then Dani can question them to see if they can give her any clues. Lots of them are probably dead, but maybe some of them aren’t. Maybe their families might be able to help.”

Mr. Cunningham agreed, “Frankie, you have an excellent idea.”

I noticed Mr. Cunningham looked fatigued. I think Dad noticed it too. “I’m sure you’re getting tired, Bill. We’ll leave you to rest and to do the job Frankie suggested.”

After saying our goodbyes, we left Mr. Cunningham and arranged to return the next Saturday, giving him a week to make his list.

****

Joel called that evening, and we met for dinner. As I told him about our meeting with Mr. Cunningham, he listened without interrupting.

“Do you think I can go back with you next week if I’m not working?”

“I don’t see why not. Mr. Cunningham didn’t seem to have an issue with you last night. In fact, he called you a nice young man.”

“Hey, he’s really a smart man. He knows a good guy when he sees one.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, you are full of it.”

We had a great dinner. The steaks were cooked to perfection, and the company was amazing. When he drove me home, he walked me to the door.

I hesitated before entering my house. “Thanks again for dinner.”

He grabbed me by my shoulders and pulled me toward him. He gave me the softest, most tender kiss I’ve ever had, taking my breath away.

He caressed my back as he released me. “Thanks for that great kiss.” After he walked to his truck, I stood on the porch and watched him pull away. “I think I could go for that guy.”

Locking the door behind me once I entered the house, I looked around. All was dark except for a small lamp by the couch. “Dad, Frankie, anybody home?”

No response.

In the kitchen, I switched on the light. A note was on the counter.

Dani,

I’m out with Grace. I should be back around midnight. Frankie is staying over Dylan Marshall’s house tonight. He was excited to talk to his friend about his day. Don’t wait up. See you for breakfast.

Dad

****

When I got home from work the next day, I wrote my criminology report. With much to write, I had to watch how I phrased it so I wouldn’t allude to Mr. Cunningham yet. I wasn’t sure what would happen next regarding him.

Joel and I went to dinner Tuesday. I’ve never had such an easy time talking to a guy before. He seemed to be everything in one package: good looks, good bod, great personality, good job, and good listener. Even though I had only known him for a short time, I felt like we were old friends. Perhaps more than friends. Was I ready for that?

Dad and Frankie were in bed once we got back to my house.

“Do you want to come in?”

“Are you sure it’s okay with your dad?”

“Well, it’s not like I’m going to have sex with you tonight. I’m just going to offer you a soda. I’m sure he’s okay with that.”

Joel blushed and stuttered, “I didn’t mean that.”

He stayed about an hour, and we had a couple of sodas. And we kissed. I must say the sex thing crossed my mind when we were passionately kissing, but good girl that I am, I held back from ripping his pants off.

When Joel left, he gave me a long, goodnight kiss. I went upstairs and took a very cold shower.

The next day in criminology class, Dr. Belinsky asked me to stop by his desk after class. Since my reports were so different from everyone else’s assignments, did he think I should scrap the Cunningham case and do D.B. Cooper instead?

“Danielle, your accounts on the case are intriguing. I’m amazed at what you’ve uncovered in such a short time. I’m anxious to see your next installment. Keep up the good work.”

I was shocked! And I thought I was in trouble.

I invited Joel to dinner Friday night to discuss the plans for Saturday. Dad also invited Grace. Dad made his delicious lasagna. I swear he should’ve been a chef instead of an auto mechanic. We went into the living room after dinner for cake and coffee.

“Tomorrow we should take some food to Mr. Cunningham,” Frankie suggested. “We can also fill a cooler with some cold drinks.”

We made a few more plans, then Frankie went to his room to play computer games. Joel and I went on the back patio and left Dad and Grace in the living room.

As we sat on the outdoor loveseat, I shivered from the chilly air. Joel removed his jacket and positioned it around my shoulders. At first, we talked about Saturday, enjoying the cool, night air and each other’s company.

Joel turned to me and broke the silence. “Dani, you’ll probably think I’m an idiot, but I’ve never felt the way I do about any other girl like I do about you. I think I’m falling in love with you.”

I looked straight into those big, blue eyes. “If you’re an idiot, then I am too.”

I put my arms around his neck and pulled his lips to mine. Our kisses were getting a little too passionate. I was thankful I heard Grace’s car pull out of the driveway before I did something I might regret.