Page 134 of The Killing Plains

“Seriously?”

“You were right—I shouldn’t be a cop anymore.”

“What will you do?”

“Momma’s asked me to supervise the turbine plant. Who knows? Maybe I’ll develop a knack for it. At least I won’t rob her blind.” He grinned, looking so much like Randy that Colly was taken aback, though the experience was less gut-wrenching than it had been.

Russ’s expression sobered. “I know I disappointed you on this case. I disappointed myself.” He swallowed noisily. “I care about you, Colly. More than care. I have for a long time—since before Randy died, if I’m honest. Maybe it’s a mistake to tell you. I would’ve taken it to my grave if Randy hadn’t—” Russ exhaled. “A few times since you got here, I’ve thought you might feel something, too.” He was watching her closely. Hopefully. Finally, he looked away. “Did I misread the signals?”

“I don’t know,” Colly said slowly. “I probably sent mixed signals. But things are clearer now.”

“Clearer?”

She sighed. “I loved—IloveRandy. You look so damn much like him that I can’t help feeling something. But if we got together, I don’t think I could separate the two of you in my head. Randy’s ghost would always be there.”

Russ was quiet for a moment. “I get it. Don’t worry, I won’t make a nuisance of myself.” His face was impassive, but his throat worked. “We’re still friends?”

In answer, she kissed him quickly on the cheek and slipped her arm through his. They walked back to the patio in silence. Russ seemed depressed. But the party was lively, and to Colly’s relief he soon grew more cheerful. While he grilled the steaks, she helped Iris fix the younger children’s plates. Niall and Talford were sipping cocktails and chatting near the waterfall at the deep end of the pool. She resisted joining them. Instead, she sat down on a deckchair beside Avery.

“I want to thank you for spending so much time with Satchel while I was laid up,” Colly said. “And for all your help on the case.”

“Can’t believe it’s over. Everyone got it wrong, and you solved it in less than a week.”

“I couldn’t have done it alone.”

Avery reddened but looked pleased.

Colly lowered her voice. “About what you told me the other night—”

Avery’s shoulders tensed. She started to speak, but stopped herself.

“I’m not going to report you, in case you were wondering.”

“Why not?”

Colly sighed. “I know what it’s like to make a mistake and have someone die because of it. You were eight years old.”

Avery chewed her lip. “Legally—”

“The law’s not a precision instrument. Human decency’s got to be considered, too. Besides,” Colly added, “you’ve lost enough.”

Avery looked away. “I still miss them both, you know. Mom and Adam. It’s been twenty years, but still... And the weird thing is, I can’t remember them—not really. I’m not even sure what I’m missing anymore. They’re just an idea I’ve built in my head.” She wiped her cheek with the cuff of her sleeve. “How can you miss something you can’t remember?”

“I know what you mean,” Colly said quietly. Only two years had passed since she’d lost Randy and Victoria, yet already they’d begun to seem remote, somehow—a handful of memories fading like old photographs in a family album. What would Satchel remember of them when he was Avery’s age?

With an effort, she pushed the dismal thought aside. Iris was calling everyone to the table. Colly stood and laid her hand on Avery’s shoulder. “Listen, I don’t know what your long-term plans are, but you’ve got the makings of a good detective. I have lots of friends in the Houston PD. I’ll put in a recommendation for you whenever you want.”

Dinner was served on the patio. By the time they finished eating, the shadows were lengthening across the flagstones. The children went inside to eat ice cream and watch a movie, and the adults settled into lounge chairs by the pool with cups of coffee and thick slices of strawberry shortcake. Colly slipped quietly away from the group and headed down the footpath through the crape myrtle thicket. As she emerged into the open, she heard a voice from behind, calling her name.

Niall was striding quickly after her.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

Colly hesitated. “It’s nearly dark. There’s something I have to do before I go home.”

“Want company?”

Colly wavered. It was her final unfinished business, something she’d imagined doing alone. But she found herself nodding. Niall walked beside her in comfortable silence. They passed the tennis courts and started down the long, shallow slope beyond. Halfway to the bottom, Colly veered from the path, cutting across the winter-brown turf towards the ancient oak that stood on the hillside, spreading its branches over a cluster of white tombstones.

---