Page 60 of Whispers on the Water

My name cuts through the haze of near sleep. “Elaine Williams?” It takes a moment for me to register that they’re calling for me. I sit up, rubbing my eyes. “Yes?”

“You’re out. Let’s go,” comes the terse reply. The sound of the lock disengaging and the door sliding open pulls me to my feet. I straighten my shirt, craving the simple comfort of a shower to wash away the feeling of violation. They weren’t gentle or respectful with their check for contraband.

For the first time in my life, I’m being treated like a criminal. Even if it has been earned, I hate it. Innocent until proven guilty can’t possibly be real. I understand the need for jail, but can a murderer at least get a smile or apology? I mean, no one can truly enjoy performing a cavity search.

I’m led to an interrogation room where a man waits with an ankle monitor. His instructions on its care and the limitations it imposes on me blend into a background hum, barely registering. They hand me a paper with everything written down, a small mercy for my overloaded senses.

With the monitor now attached, I feel marked and tainted in a way that no shower can cleanse. But then I see Penny, standing just out of reach in the waiting room. Tears threatening to spill over again. I’m led out and post myself in front of her, a manila folder in my hands.

“Nice jewelry,” she teases, her smirk lifting the heavy atmosphere for a moment.

I give her a playful shove. “I asked for diamond studs on the strap but they must not have any on hand.”

“Shut up, brat, and let’s go.” She’s still shaking her head at my ridiculous joke, and together, we head for the exit. Thankfully, no one is waiting outside. The media is gone, and I’m more than happy about it.

We navigate the parking lot until Penny’s car comes into view. “A Tesla?” I can’t hide my surprise as we approach the sleek vehicle.

Penny’s smile is wide, tinged with pride. “A lot’s changed, little sis.” Inside, the car feels like a leap into the future. There weren’t many Teslas in Costa Rica, and I am certainly in no position to buy one. I’m still staring in awe as she taps on the giant screen. The car begins to move on its own, and Penny swivels to face me.

“So, this Greg guy? He’s like, your boyfriend, right?” she asks, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

Heat creeps into my cheeks, and I turn to the window, seeking refuge. “Erm, yeah, I think so,” I admit, feeling a mix of emotions at the acknowledgment.

“You think? With the way he stares at your ass, I’d hope so! Otherwise, he’s a giant pervert.” That’s pretty blunt and for a second, I’m back to my teenage years when she’s telling me my make up looks ‘clownish.’ Deep down, its always a trait I admired, and it reminds me of how well she and Tilly would get along—they’re both so straightforward.

“Why didn’t he come with you?”

Penny shrugs nonchalantly. “I don’t think the police know you guys are an item. He’s at my house. My Annie is already a huge fan.” That explanation fits; despite Greg being the one to officially bring me in, his delay in doing so if they knew, would get him in trouble.

“Annie? That’s your daughter, right?” I ask, eager to know more about Penny’s life now.

She nods, her expression softening at the mention of her family. “And Tilly?”

“Sleeping. She looked a little torn up, so I gave her a Benadryl. I think she’s out for the night. Her room is on the same side of the house as yours in the west wing.”

“West wing?” I repeat, my voice laced with disbelief. The idea of a ‘west wing’ in Penny’s home is utterly foreign to me. When I left, she lived in a leaky apartment, eating ramen and mac and cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our mother dying left a lot of bills that fell on Penny’s shoulders. A fact I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t been much help with.

“Like I said, things change,” she replies, a note of mystery in her voice.

When we arrive at her home, the Tesla effortlessly parks itself near the front door. What greets me isn’t just a house; it’s a mansion, styled like a beautiful cottage but expansive, situated right on the beach. The transition from pavement to sand is seamless, and the property ends where the beach begins.

“We have a gate, and it’s a private beach. I hate being so close to the water now with the kids. I always worry they’ll escape,” Penny says. The problem seems so minuscule, but I’m not a mother. I can only imagine the fear she must associate with the ocean, even if it’s my best friend.

Stepping out of the car, I’m awestruck by the view. “Penny, this is gorgeous! How the hell—”

“Later. Come meet my family.” She grabs my hand, her excitement palpable, pulling me towards the front door and into this new chapter of her life that I’m just beginning to discover.

Before we can even reach the front door, it swings open to reveal Joshua Bennett standing in the foyer, with a little blonde girl shyly peeking from behind him. Penny introduces him, “Elaine, you remember my husband, Josh. And this...” She gently pulls the little girl forward into her arms. “Is Elaine,” Penny introduces, but the girl quickly adds, “But everyone calls me Annie.” Every word is perfectly enunciated. I’m shocked that such a tiny thing can speak so clearly. I’m staring at Annie, but I can’t help it. The little girl looks so much like Penny.

“Hello Elaine, nice to see you again. It’s been a while,” Joshua extends his hand toward me, pulling me from my reverie.

“Erm, you too.” My voice barely comes out, overwhelmed by the sudden depiction of a family life I’ve longed for. Imagining future moments with Annie—teaching her to surf, taking her to a movie that’s probably inappropriate, sneaking her back from parties—fills my mind. Stuff I did with my aunt as a kid. Yet, I know these dreams are on hold, not just for Annie to grow older but for me to sort through my legal troubles.

Penny, still carrying Annie, suggests, “Can I give you a tour?” I nod, and she guides me through their expansive home, from the vast, bright kitchen to the luxurious master bedroom, a gym that rivals professional setups, and the children’s rooms.

When we pause at Clark’s nursery, Penny’s voice catches. “He’s at the hospital. Joshua is going to stay with him tonight.” She closes the door with a soft click and leads me to the guest room. “I didn’t know if you’d be sharing a room. He’s in there…” Ignoring her hesitation, I whip the door open. Greg is sitting at the desk, absorbed in something on the screen of a small laptop. Even though his face is bathed in an eerie blue glow, he still looks like the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.

My heart races, and the few hours apart feel like an eternity. I yearn to be close to him, to let out all my pent-up emotions. He turns, and our eyes meet, his giant smile lighting up the room better than a million-watt light bulb. Before I can say anything, Annie squirms from Penny’s grasp and runs to Greg, climbing into his lap. His smile at her intrusion shows a side of him that’s more tender.

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