Page 57 of Between Two Shores

“I am poor now. I’ve wasted so much money. On a wedding that didn’t happen in Fremantle, then a flight to L.A. But I do have money to get home. Thank goodness.”

Lachlan asked more questions about Nick’s odd behavior.

“Beth, I’ve seen things like this happen before. My neighbor once had an episode where he couldn’t sleep and had an urgency to tell everyone about his spiritual experiences. He wasn’t even spiritual before that. Have you told Nick’s family about what happened?”

“He only has his mother and doesn’t speak with her much.”

“Does she live nearby?”

Beth startled from a crash of metal outside. “Um. Somewhere on the coast, an hour from here.” She crept to the peep-hole but found no movement nearby. “In an over-fifty-five villa or something.”

“Newport Beach?”

Her legs became weak as she made her way back to the table. “No, but it’s something beach.”

“Longbeach?”

“No, I was wrong.” She plonked herself into a wobbly dining chair. “It has the word ocean in it.”

“Oceanside?”

“Yes, that’s the one, and she’s in a fancy retirement place. Hard to get into.”

“And her last name would be?”

“DeHann.”

“We could track her down.”

She bit her fingernails again. “But Nick wouldn’t want me to contact his mother. He doesn’t believe she supports him, and they don’t get along.”

“His mom needs to know that her son is unwell. She’s the next of kin.”

“You’re right. Poor woman, she’ll be worried sick when she finds out.”

“She can confirm if this has happened before. Because if it’s what I think it is, this wouldn’t be the first time.”

Beth glanced at the diamond on her finger. “I hope we can locate her. I want to return the engagement ring before I leave the States.”

The line went quiet. What did Lachlan think about her rash engagement? Disappointed?

“Beth, I’m sorry Nick left you. Remember this is about him, not because you aren’t worth sticking around for. After the shock wears off and your life settles back in Australia, you’ll recover when this is all in perspective.”

“Thanks, Lachlan. It helps to have a friend who’s a professional counselor.” She smiled, and her shoulders relaxed. “I feel so much better knowing I’m not alone.” She swallowed. “You did say ‘we’ when you said, ‘we can track her down,’ which I hope means you’re going to help me.”

“I’d feel awful if I didn’t. I’m only two hours from L.A. Are you okay to stay in the apartment tonight? I can pick you up in the morning, and you can stay at my parents’ house until you fly back. They have a spare room you can use. You shouldn’t be alone, Beth. My folks are very hospitable, and it’d be no problem at all.”

“You sure?”

“Certain. And Oceanside is only forty-minutes from me, so once we locate Nick’s mother, we can visit her and explain the situation.”

She let out a breath. “You’re a godsend. You emailed just when I needed you.”

“I’m glad to help. Send me the address, and I’ll be there by ten o’clock tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“Get some sleep.”

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