After I got dressed, I powered up my phone and saw that I had a couple messages–both from Natalie, both telling me that the detective who had worked on my dad's murder investigation had called her looking for me a couple times and that I should call him. I took a deep breath and sat down. I had called the detective many times in the months following my dad's murder and there had never been a scrap of evidence. Once I took off, I hadn't checked back in. I hadn't figured it was necessary. But now there was suddenly something new? Why?
I dialed the number that I still knew by heart and when Detective McIntyre picked up the line and I told him who it was, he greeted me warmly. "Bree, how have you been?"
"I've been good, actually, Detective. I know I haven't checked in for a while, and my phone number changed…"
"It's okay. I'm glad you'd given me your friend's number where you were staying after the crime." I noted that he didn't say 'murder.'
"So is anything new?" I asked, getting right to the point.
"Actually, yes. We have a person of interest in the case. We want you to come in for a photo lineup," he said gently.
My heart started beating faster, and I breathed out, "Oh," and then sat there quietly.
The detective cleared his throat. "I know, it's surprising after so many months have passed, but we actually got this information from a small-time drug dealer trying to save himself some jail time."
"Okay," I said. "When do I need to come back?"
"As soon as possible. How soon can you get here?"
I bit my lip. "Uh…" I considered for a minute, "three days?"
"If that's the quickest you can get here then that will have to work."
I felt slightly numb. "Okay, detective, I'll call you as soon as I get back into town."
We said our goodbyes and hung up, and I sat on my bed for a good long while just staring out the window, feeling in a way like some bubble had just burst. I wasn't sure exactly how to classify it though, because I knew I was happy that there might possibly be a breakthrough in my dad's case. If there was an arrest made… I wouldn't have to wonder anymore… I could finally feel completely safe. And my dad would get the justice he deserved.
I picked up my phone and dialed Natalie and told her the news. When I was done, she let out a big breath and said, "God, Bree, I'm afraid to hope too hard, but… I'm hoping so hard," she finished quietly.
"I know," I said. "I know. Me too."
She was quiet for a second before she said, "Listen, I have an idea. What if I fly there and drive back with you to keep you company?"
I let out a breath. "You'd do that?"
"Yes, of course I would. Plus, you know my mom has so many miles saved up from all the traveling she does. It won't even cost me a thing."
I smiled. "That would… I would love that. We'll have a good long car ride to catch up."
I heard the smile in her voice when she said, "Good. I'll arrange it. Are you gonna be able to get the time off at work?"
"Yes, I'm sure it will be fine. The people I work for are great, and when I tell them what it's for…"
"Bree, they know you're only there temporarily, right?"
I paused and lay back on my bed. "I didn't mention that to them, no." I put my hand on my forehead. "And the thing is, it's not temporary, Nat. I kind of… I've decided to stay." I closed my eyes waiting for her reaction.
"What? Staying? Are you being serious? Because of that guy you mentioned?" She sounded surprised and confused.
"Mostly, yes. I just… it's sort of complicated. I'll tell you all about it on the car ride, okay? Is that okay?"
"Okay… okay, yes. I can't wait to see you, honey. I'll text you with the details of my flight."
"Okay. Thank you so much. I love you."
"Love you too, babe. I'll be in touch."
We hung up and I lay there for a few minutes thankful that my best friend was coming to make the trip back with me. It would make the whole thing easier. And then I'd come back. I had told Natalie that I was going to stay permanently. And in saying it out loud to someone other than Archer, I realized how right it felt. There was no way I was moving back to Ohio. My life was here now. My life was with Archer–whatever that meant, I knew it was true.
The next morning at work, I hesitantly told Maggie about the situation in Ohio and how I was needed back there. I hadn't shared the details of my dad's death with her, but she was just as understanding and sympathetic as I knew she would be. Her warm hug and comforting words soothed me–it had been a long time since I was mothered by anyone.
Although I was thankful that there was a break in the case, as I knew it was a rare occurrence once a certain amount of time had passed, I worried that simply being back in Ohio would dredge up my feelings of hopelessness and grief. I felt safe in Pelion–I felt safe with Archer. I still needed to tell him about this development. I had done stuff around my cottage yesterday and then fallen asleep at about seven o'clock, I was so tired. I hated that I had no way of communicating with him when we weren't together. But I knew it was good for us to spend a day apart here and there. We'd been practically inseparable lately and a little distance was a healthy thing.
As the end of my shift was nearing, the bell jingled and I looked up to see Travis walking in, uniform and aviator sunglasses on. I almost rolled my eyes at how ridiculously good-looking he was, not because that in and of itself was cringe-worthy, but because of the fact that it was so obvious that he knew it.
"Travis," I said, continuing to wipe down the menus in front of me.
"Hey, Bree," he said, his lips curving up in what appeared to be a sincere smile.
"What can I get you?" I asked.
"Coffee."
I nodded at him and turned to get him a cup. I poured coffee and placed it in front of him and turned away.
"Still mad at me?" he asked.
"Not mad, Travis. Just not impressed with the way you treat your cousin."
He pursed his lips. "Listen, Bree, he's my family, and we didn't communicate for a lot of years–I can see that that was mostly my fault, but me and Archer were always… competitive as kids. Maybe that carried forward a little more than I should have let it when it came to you. I'll admit that. But he's game too, trust me there."
"Competitive?" I scoffed. "Jesus, Travis." I raised my voice slightly, and a few people looked over and then looked away when I gave them a tight smile before turning back to Travis. "Don't you think he deserves for someone to be on his side for once in his life? Don't you think he deserves for someone to root for him, rather than competing against him? Couldn't you have tried to be that person?"
"So that's what it is for you–some pity deal?"
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath so that I didn't throw a pot of hot coffee in his face. "No, he doesn't need anyone's pity. He's… he's incredible, Travis." I pictured him in my mind, his gentle eyes and the way his smile lit up his face when he was truly happy. "He's incredible." I looked down, feeling slightly embarrassed all of a sudden.
Travis was silent for a second. He opened his mouth to say something when the bell jingled again and I looked up. My eyes grew big.
Natalie was standing there, and our friend Jordan was standing slightly behind her, his hands in his pockets, looking embarrassed.
I dropped the menu in my hand and hurried around the counter. "Oh MY God! What are you doing here?" I squealed. I was still waiting for a text telling me when her flight was getting in. Natalie walked quickly to meet me and we hugged, laughing.
"Surprise!" she said, hugging me one more time tightly. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," I said, my smile fading as I looked over at Jordan who still hadn't moved away from the door.