Page 113 of If We Never Met

"I want to thank you for your help yesterday," Mark interjected. "I don't think I ever said that. But the fact that you saw Mandy and were able to give her description to the police was very helpful. It would have been just speculation if you hadn't seen her leave my room."

"I was in the right place at the right time. I just saw Adam at the beach. He said they haven't found Mandy yet."

"No, but she appears to have left town, which makes me very happy," Mark said. "I am sorry I got all of you involved in my mess. I know I've made some mistakes along the way. I probably should have gone to the police the first time Mandy contacted me."

"Or told your son," Ruth said.

"Yes." Mark let out a sigh. "I left a message for him this morning, but he hasn't returned my call. That's not unusual. We don't have a close relationship. But I'd like to speak to him before Mandy gets it in her head to go straight to Richard."

"Just keep trying," Ruth said. "Make him hear you. You're not close because of this secret. Maybe if it comes out, you'll be able to change the nature of your relationship."

"I hope so." Mark paused as his phone buzzed. "Maybe this is him. No. Dammit."

"What's wrong?" Ruth asked.

"It's a text from Mandy."

"What does it say?" he asked, his gut tightening.

"It's not over. You are going to feel my pain unless you pay up." Mark looked up from his phone as he finished reading the text, a grim look in his gaze.

Ruth frowned. "What does that mean? You're going to feel her pain?"

"I don't know. She makes a lot of threats like that. In the past, I've always paid. Maybe I should do that now since the police haven't found her. It might calm her down."

"Oh, I don't know," Ruth said. "Are you sure that's wise?"

"Honestly? I have no idea what the right move is. Maybe I'll send her half, just to tide her over. I'll do it now."

"You send it through an app?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Good. Then you'll be able to show the police a record of your payments." He waited as Mark completed the transaction. "Was it really just fear for your son that made you pay the blackmail?" he asked curiously.

"It was my guilt, too," Mark said. "I should have gotten my wife into psychiatric care before that fire. I knew she was spinning out. But she thought she could handle it. And I thought I could handle her. We were both wrong. Valerie wasn't a bad person; she was sick. I don't believe she went to the house to kill Gretchen. The fire was an accident. But I did blame myself for it when Valerie told me her story. Before that, I really believed Gretchen had been smoking. She was a smoker, so it wasn't unbelievable. Her family didn't question it, either. We all believed in the story."

"Well, it's done," Ruth said. "All you can do is move forward, Mark. Valerie took a lot from you and Richard, and Mandy has taken her share, too. You need to be free of both of them."

"I'm finally beginning to believe that might happen," he said, as he gazed into Ruth's eyes.

Mark and Ruth were clearly falling in love with each other. Dante could see it on both their faces. They'd found each other after having spent a lifetime apart. It was touching. It also seemed a bit tragic that they'd missed so many years together.

"I think you should stay at my house tonight," Ruth said. "I don't want you alone at the lodge if Mandy is going to cause you more trouble."

"And I would never put you in the line of fire," Mark said. "I'll be fine. I think the money will ease her stress. Part of her problem is that she's broke, so it's not just about revenge. She needs the money to live. She seems incapable of staying in a job for longer than a few months. Anyway, let's not think about her anymore. Let's watch the fireworks and then I'll take you home. No arguments, Ruth. Your safety is my primary concern."

"You're sweet." Ruth turned back to Dante. "If I don't see you again, it was lovely to meet you, Dante, and I hope you throw many more strikeouts."

"Thanks. I'll still be here for a few more days, so our paths may cross again."

"I hope so, but my daughter can be very stubborn. She also isn't the best mind reader. If you want her to know how you feel, tell her. If you have something you want to ask her, then ask. That's my advice. Take it or not."

"I'll think about it." As they moved toward the beach, he got into his car and slid behind the wheel. As he started the engine, Ruth's words ran through his head. He needed to talk to Keira, but she clearly didn't want to talk to him.How hard should he push? How much time should he give her?

He was still looking for some answers when he got back to the inn. He shut off the engine, but he didn't get out of the car right away, conflicted as to what he wanted to do. It was early. He could go to Keira's house, or he could let her have the space she wanted.

As a car cruised slowly through the lot, he stiffened, wondering if it was the press or Mandy, but then the car parked, and an older couple got out. He relaxed as they walked toward the front door. They were just guests, not crazy paparazzi or blackmailers.

---