Page 6 of Scorched

I knew I would find it just how they’d left it. Noah had never gotten rid of Mom’s stuff, and he’d only been dead for a few days.

I didn’t have it in me tonight.

I dropped my suitcase on the bed. I wanted to unpack and start settling in immediately, but the sound of a knock at the door distracted me. I rolled my eyes. I just hoped it wasn’t a neighbor coming to give condolences.

Other people didn’t understand grief. It all ended up feeling so fake.

I just wanted to be alone.

But I went down and opened the door, sighing.

On the front step was an older man, tall and thin, dressed in khakis and a short-sleeved button-down. He gave me an apologetic look as I opened the door.

At least he wasn’t holding a casserole.

“Miss Moore?” He extended his hand toward me. “My name is James Raynor. How are you? All things considered, of course.”

I forced a smile.

“Miss Kidd, actually. Cassie Kidd. I didn’t change my last name when Noah married my mom.”

“Oh! Oh, I apologize. Miss Kidd. It’s nice to meet you. I wish the circumstances were better, but…”

I didn’t want to do this all day. He seemed nice enough, but listening to this guy fumble through half-apologies was going to drive me crazy.

“It’s—it’s fine.” It was not fine. “Call me Cassie. What can I do for you, Mr. Raynor?”

“Well.” He shifted uneasily. “I’ve been helping Mr. Moore manage the house since… since his wife’s passing.”

There was a long pause.

I wanted to scream.

“All right.” I wasn’t going to be able to keep this smile up much longer.

“Oh, uh, sorry. Well, I’ve been responsible for scheduling the lawn care, maintenance, the pool cleaners. I wanted to make sure you saw the schedule on the kitchen island.”

I hadn’t been in the kitchen yet.

“I haven’t made it in, but I’m sure it’s there.”

He nodded. “I put it on the counter the other day. Everyone comes at the same time every week, unless there’s an emergency. If you happen to be around, I’d just suggest you introduce yourself. Let them know you’re the owner of the home now. My number is on the schedule as well, should you need anything.”

“Great.” I nodded. “Sounds good. Thanks for dropping by.”

“Of course. I’ll let you get settled. Is it all right if I check in with you later?”

“Maybe in a few days. I need to settle in, get my things together.”

“Okay.” Mr. Raynor gave me a half-smile. “Well. Take care. Call if you need anything. My wife and I live pretty close by.”

“Will do.” I smiled. “Bye. Thanks for dropping by.”

“Of course. Goodbye, Cassie.”

He turned and started down the walkway toward his car.

I shut the door, leaned my back against it, and let myself break down in tears.

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