Page 29 of Just Like That

It comforted me to know I wasn’t the only one there who felt like a bit of an interloper. There was something fascinating about the Sullivans and the Kings, and the mystery only deepened when Duke leaned forward.

He looked over his shoulder, seemingly content that the kids were out of earshot. “We’ve got news about the lake.”

TEN

JP

My ears prickedup when Duke mentioned Wabash Lake. When my father was arrested, it was presumed that the lake was likely the area he’d hidden evidence ... maybe even our mother’s body. My eyes moved over the distant blueberry fields to where Wabash Lake was nestled within the forest at the heart of the state-funded hiking trail.

My blood pooled just thinking about it.

Duke was all business. “The Department of Natural Resources gave us the green light. I signed off on permission for them to use my land as a bypass. They’ll access the lake through my land so as to not disturb the hiking trail.”

Sylvie’s hand held her husband’s. “They might not find anything, but at least we can stop wondering.”

Eyes were cast downward as a somber hush floated over the tables. The tension was palpable, and a knot formed behind my shoulder blade. I wanted to run. To break something. To make this all go away so I could stop seeing the sad looks on everyone’s faces.

To my left, a soft throat clearing caught my attention. “If I may?” Hazel was digging through her oversize purse when our attention was drawn to her. She pulled a small candle from her bag and set it at the center of the table.

Just then, Teddy and Penny walked up to the table. “Oh!” Teddy exclaimed. “Setting intentions is myfavorite.”

Curious glances sliced his way, but I did my best to offer him an encouraging smile.

What the fuck was happening right now?

Hazel lit the candle and held out her hands. We all stared.

Jesus, maybe she really was a witch ...

“It’s all right,” she said. “Hold hands, please.”

She pinned me with acome the fuck onlook, and I held my hands to my left and right. One by one, Sullivans and Kings all joined hands around the table, the lit candle flickering in the center.

Hazel smiled and closed her eyes. “We honor Maryann King. We lift you up with our hearts. May you find peace and grant peace to those who loved you.”

Everyone’s eyes were closed in silent prayer, but the entire time she spoke, I stared at her. With her face turned up to the setting sun, she was stunning, completely unaware and unfazed by the curious peeks of those around her. When her eyes opened, she let out a deep, cleansing exhale and grinned.

“That was lovely,” Sylvie said softly. “Thank you.”

“May she find the rest her soul craves.” Hazel’s throat cleared. “And may the person responsible for her disappearance suffer the wrath of the universe by any means necessary, including, but not limited to, a tragic fall down a flight of stairs.”

Kate sputtered as a cackle cracked out of Royal. Tootie whispered a softoh mythat was the group’s undoing. A ripple of much-needed laughter passed through the circle.

Hazel extinguished the candle with a quick puff. “Who wants pie?” she asked with a sparkle in her eye.

We dropped our hands and started passing plates for dessert.

Royal leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Did she just cast a hex on Dad?”

“Let’s hope it works ...” My brother Abel grumbled beside me, pulling his wife closer to him.

I stifled a laugh. Apparently Hazel was the breath of fresh air we needed to lighten the mood.

Conversations flowed around me, and I was surprised when Teddy sat beside me.

“Did you get a s’more?” I asked.

His lips twisted and he shook his head. “Too messy.”

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