Page 107 of Kept in the Dark

“It’s nothing.”

“Don’t stonewall me. If my father is innocent, I need to know all the facts.”

Again, Lauren contemplated Hailey’s words. Hailey never realized how loyal Lauren was. If she didn’t hate her father, Hailey would appreciate it.

“I don’t know this for a fact, but I think he and Nicole started seeing each other again shortly before your mother died. He’s never outright said it, but there’s just something in my gut that tells me he did.”

That corroborated their theory that Morgan was leaving David because he’d gotten back with Nicole. And it could also support the theory that Nicole killed Morgan in order to be with David.

“What about Hannah? Did she stay away?”

“I doubt it. I mean, she was obsessed with David so she probably got as close to him as she could without violating the restraining order. I assume she blamed your mother.”

“Do you think either of them could be capable of killing my mother?”

Lauren looked at Hailey with sad eyes. “Oh, Sugar, people are capable of anything when it comes to the people they love. I don’t know either of them personally, for obvious reasons, but nothing surprises me anymore.”

Hailey nodded and the two women sat silently for a moment.

Though she initially thought Lauren had married her father for his money and stability, this conversation proved that she was actually deeply in love with him.

But those who loved David seemed to end up hurt or dead. And that was unnerving.

The question remained: was David to blame for his late wife’s death?

It seemed to be the most likely explanation, though Lauren claims he had an alibi. But Nicole and Hannah certainly had a huge motive. And where did that leave Ryan?

She felt as if she was back to square one but had more pieces than she originally started with.

“Listen,” Lauren said, “I wasn’t around much before your mother died, but if I hear of anything, you’ll be my first call.” She looked at her watch. “But if we’re done, I need to go to the hospital and deliver flowers to Eli.”

“Has he come out of his coma yet?” Hailey was hopeful the man would regain consciousness.

“No, but the doctors said he’s stable. I feel bad no one is around to check on him now that Loretta is gone.”

Hailey nodded. “I really appreciate you talking to me about this. I know it isn’t easy for you.”

Lauren stood and Hailey followed. Lauren said, “I know you still suspect your father had something to do with your mother’s murder.”

Hailey opened her mouth to explain, but Lauren held up her hand. “I get it. He can act suspicious sometimes and I know he wasn’t always kind to you and your sister when you were kids. But I know he didn’t do this. I’m sorry if your sister was wrongly convicted, truly I am. But David isn’t guilty either. He loved your mother enough to leave a son behind.”

Lauren crossed her arms over her chest as the two walked toward the front door. Trey was already standing at the truck with the passenger door open, assessing their surroundings for any threats.

Lauren waved kindly to Trey, but Hailey didn’t miss the disdain that remained in her eyes. It was sad that her father had tainted Lauren’s view of Trey all these years. Maybe once all of this had blown over, they could start over. Hailey was really beginning to like Lauren, even for her flaws.

Lauren looked at Hailey with concern and gently touched her arm. “I know we’re not close, but be careful, Hailey. It’s clear someone doesn’t want you finding out the truth.”

Hailey didn’t respond, just simply nodded. Lauren went to close the door, but Hailey stopped her. “Do you think my mother should have left him? At first, I thought she was a good woman for sticking it out, but now I'm not so sure she was who I thought she was.”

“Yes, I do. Your father needed a certain type of woman that your mother couldn’t be. She was a good woman, just not for him.”

Then, she closed the door.

July 7, 2011

4:23 pm

Once back at Genevieve’s, Sara and Gavin sat outside on the porch swing, listening to the rain beat against the pavement and grass. It was a sound she hadn’t realized she missed until now. Years ago, before prison, before her mother’s death, and even before the drugs, watching thunderstorms through her balcony windows was something she loved to do.

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