Page 16 of Vows of Murder

Maybe I’d read Kane’s book later.

Refocusing on Greg, I vaguely wondered if he’d be a better human parent as well. Kids. We were just getting married, so why was I already thinking about kids? At least we already had the dog and a house for our perfect life.

I saw someone walking toward me, and for a minute I thought it was Amanda. But instead, it was my friend Esmeralda. She had on her work outfit of capris and a short-sleeved top. The weather this morning was cool, but not cold. She was carrying her sneakers and walking barefoot on the sand. Emma had already run ahead to greet her.

“What are you doing out here?” I snapped Emma’s leash on her collar when I met up with them.

“Greg called me to see if you’d gotten up. No one answered at the house when I walked over to check, and I didn’t hear Emma barking when I knocked. I took a chance you might be out here. It’s a beautiful morning for a run. I should be more disciplined and get out here too.” Esmeralda started walking back to the parking lot with me.

“His mom must still be asleep.” I took a deep breath, trying to slow my breathing from the run. “When do youhave to go in?”

“Not until eight.” She glanced up at the sky. “I think the weather’s going to be beautiful on Saturday. You lucked out with an outdoor wedding.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice unless we wanted to wait until spring.” I glanced over in the direction of my house. “I wanted to make sure Amanda would be able to make it.”

“She’s had a bit of a struggle.” Esmeralda nodded, then laughed when she saw my face. “Amanda and I chat when she calls to talk to Greg. I know her health was the reason you put off the wedding the first two times.”

“You never said anything.” I was beginning to respect my friend’s sense of loyalty.

Esmeralda shrugged. “Not my story to tell. Anyway, Greg said to get dressed and get down to the diner for breakfast. He’s carved out a couple of hours so the three of you can have ameal together.”

“Did he tell you he’s staying at the Castle Friday night?” We climbed the stairs from the beach to the parking area, Emma walking between us.

“Greg’s traditional. He says this is his last wedding, so he hopes you’re in it for the long haul.” Esmeralda turned toward the road.

“He could replace me in a heartbeat. The tourists are always making comments and asking if he has an available brother.” I smiled as we paused by the side of the road, waiting for acar to go past.

“Maybe. But he’d have to want to move on. I think you’re stuck with him, even beyond the grave.”

We crossed the road, and Esmeralda turned to go up her driveway. I hugged her. “Are you telling me that there’s an afterlife? That Greg and Iare soulmates?”

She hugged me back. “If there is such a thing, then yes, I believe the two of you are soulmates. As far as the afterlife, my entire career is based on that probability. I’m sure you know I wouldn’t just makeup my visits.”

I didn’t quite believe in Esmeralda’s talents, but then again, there were a lot of things in the world I didn’t know about. Her godson, Deek, read auras. And he was pretty accurate on what type of personality you’d have based on your aura. And the main part was that Esmeralda was my friend. There was no way I’d call fraud on a friend, even if I didn’t truly believe. “I’m still a nonbeliever, but I believe in you.”

“Almost a good save. Go wake up your mother-in-law and have breakfast with your man. He misses you.” Esmeralda turned and hurried up the walkway. “I need to finish getting ready for work. I think it’s going tobe a busy day.”

“The voices tell you that?” Ismiled at her.

She shrugged. “The calls from yesterday. The frat house is doing a winter rush event and they’re looking forgarden gnomes.”

Amanda wasn’t downstairs when I came inside the house. I got Emma her breakfast and checked her water. Then I ran upstairs. I paused at the guest room door and knocked. “Amanda? Greg’s taking usto breakfast.”

No response. I knocked louder. Still no response from the room. I opened the door and saw a piece of paper on the bed.

Opening it, I read the note. “I’m walking into town to meet Vince for breakfast. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back no later than ten.”

Greg was going to have a fit, but it wasn’t his life. And besides, if they were having breakfast, we knew just where to find her. Diamond Lille’s. I wondered if we’d get a separate table or if Greg would want to sit down and break bread with his former stepfather.

As long as Greg didn’t break his nose, we’d be good.

After I showered, I texted Greg, letting him know I was leaving the house and walking up. It wasn’t my place to tell him that his mom wasn’t with me. He’d find out sooner rather than later. My phone rang as soon as I came up the hill.

“Why are you going to work?” Aunt Jackie asked as Icame into view.

I glanced up at the apartment above The Train Station. She was standing in the living room window, watching me. “I’m not. I’m having breakfast with Greg.”

“I hope you didn’t leave his mother home alone with Emma.” My aunt was always direct and to the point.

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