Page 82 of Shadow and Skulls

“I think your real mom will be happy to see Lily is your new mommy. It will be easier for her to leave.”

I stare at Charlotte, my reflection bouncing off her dark eyes. She doesn’t look away, and I can feel the way she’s staring intomy soul. She’s found me sitting in the shadows. Maybe because she’s been there herself.

“But how do you think it will make Lily feel?” I ask. “I’m worried about her.” I know it’s stupid to ask someone as young as Charlotte a question like this, but I do it anyway.

She squints her eyes as the sun comes out from behind the clouds. “Lily loves your real mommy, because without her, she wouldn’t have you.”

My gaze goes back to the lake, my mind ruminating over her statement. Is she right? I’ve only been looking at it from my perspective. I guess that’s why I’ve been reluctant to go to Iowa. Lily has given me so much. I don’t want to hurt her.

“I saw Tank earlier today.”

Charlotte grins at the way I choke on air. She pats my back as I glance around nervously, not wanting the club to overhear our conversation.

“He’s funny.” She laughs. “I knew he’d be perfect for you.”

“We’re not together, Charlotte.”

Her little hand waves me off. “Teddy almost took his leg off.” She chuckles. “He was hiding in the woods.”

I fight to keep my eyes on her and not let them drift toward the trees.

Teddy is her German Shepard. He’s just a puppy now, but the thing has paws as big as my hand. I’m sure someday he’ll actually be able to take a man’s leg off.

“Charlotte, we have to go now!” Petey hollers from the patio.

She stands up, brushing crumbs from her lap onto the ground.

“Thank you for being a good friend to me today. You made me feel better,” I tell her, reaching out to give her a hug.

She gives me the best one in return before running up the hill. Petey catches her in his arms, tossing her on his back like they’ve done it a hundred times … and perhaps they have.

My heart is happy for her.

I glance at the darkening forest before heading inside myself. It’s going to rain soon; a storm is moving in. Mom will be here tomorrow for our trip, and JD confirmed to me earlier that he will be going with us. Dad is going to stay back to help Grandpa and Grandma pack up their things. We got word yesterday that Sunnyside found a place for her. I know this has to be hard for Grandpa, so I’m glad Dad is staying behind to be with him.

My steps slow when I hear Jesse crying in the kitchen.

“Oh, Dan, I’m so sorry,” she cries softly.

I peek around the corner. Dirk is rubbing circles over her back.

“If that’s what you want. I won’t tell her. Are you guys going to wait until they get back from Iowa? Yeah, I understand. Kelsie’s running out of time. She needs the closure with her mom.”

I plaster myself against the wall. I know I shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but they’re talking about me, so …

“You’re right. Kelsie won’t want to make the trip if she knows your mom has passed. So, Lily will be here at ten tomorrow? Okay.”

She sniffles back tears as I fold over on myself, my hand flying to my mouth to try and stop the scream from escaping.

Both Jesse and Dirk turn to face me.

“I’ll take care of her,” Jesse says quickly. “I’ve got to go, hun. Call me if you need anything.”

Dirk starts toward me as his wife ends the call. A crack of thunder echoes through the warehouse.

“Kelsie,” he says, reaching for me.

I turn, running as fast as I can out the door. He curses under his breath. I … I need Tank.

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