Page 39 of Deadly Past

Wynona couldn’t believe it. “What about Lacey?”

“We’ve contacted the Canadian authorities, and they’re heading to the last known address of the couple.”

Wynona ran a hand over her eyes. “I can’t believe this is happening. After all these years, Lacey might be alive.”

“As soon as I know anything, I’ll let you know. We’re holding off on the interviews until we have more information on the two. It could be a while, if you two want to take a walk or get something to eat. Although I’m not sure what you’ll find open at this time of the evening on Christmas Eve.”

“Why don’t we stretch our legs.” Declan suggested and led her from the police station. “How are you holding up?”

She stopped walking and faced him with a bemused smile. “You’re the one who’s injured, and you’re asking how I’m holding up?”

He chuckled. “I guess you’re right, but I meant with this whole story about Lacey and you being the Kirklands daughters.”

Wynona shook her head. “I’m numb. I don’t know what to feel—what to think.”

He curled his hands around her shoulders and pulled her into his arms. “It will be hard. Whatever the answers turn out to be, it will be hard, but you will have answers. Finally—once and for all—you will have answers.”

She leaned her head against his chest. “That will be a blessing, no matter what. And if Lacey is still alive, I have a chance to save her.” She gazed into his eyes, and his heart melted. He loved her—he’d never stopped loving her—and he wanted them to have a second chance to fix the mistakes they’d made.

“Declan,” she whispered as he brushed back hair from her face.

Before she could say the words he prayed he saw in her expression, Will approached, and they broke apart.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Will’s eyes darted between them before he continued. “Tammy was telling the truth. Lacey is still alive, but she’s very sick, Wynona.”

The news ignited Wynona’s hope and then what Will had said sank in. “What do you mean she’s sick?”

“Lacey’s being rushed to the hospital now. A caregiver has been watching out for her. Her kidneys are shutting down. She needs a transplant.”

“That’s why they came after me. They weren’t matches I’m guessing, and they needed me to save Lacey’s life.”

Declan touched her arm. “I’m so sorry.”

She smiled at him. “No, it’s okay. I have the chance to save my sister. I want to do it.”

Will studied her for a long moment. “I’ll find out what we need to do, but in the meantime, my team was able to locate someone who knew Tammy and Harvey. A former neighbor said Harvey was mean as all get out, and abusive.” He stopped for a long moment. “The neighbor said Tammy had two kids before she married Harvey. A four-year-old girl and then a baby. She said the girls were there and then one day they were gone. She reported it to the police. but Tammy and Harvey had disappeared by the time the police arrived.”

“So, Tammy was telling the truth. She is my mother.” Wynona placed her hand over her trembling lips.

Will confirmed with a nod. “Yes. But Harvey isn’t your father. . .I guess that’s something.”

“How do Wynona’s parents fit into this?” Declan asked, wishing he could take the pain away from Wynona.

“I guess what Tammy said about your parents taking you two was true. The neighbor recalled a couple that fit your parents’ descriptions living near the Kirklands right around the time the girls disappeared.”

Declan could see how difficult all this was for Wynona. He’d do whatever he could to help her find out why her parents chose to take the two girls from the Kirklands, but he had a good idea it had something to do with the claims of abuse. “I don’t know why none of this came out before now. Wouldn’t the police have found out the truth?”

“Depends. I’m guessing they changed their names and moved around until they felt it was safe to settle in one place.” Will pointed back to the interrogation room. “We’re about to start with Harvey, if you two want to watch.”

Declan nodded. “Thanks, Will. We will be right there.” He waited until Will was out of earshot. “It sounds like they saved you and Lacey’s lives. Who knows what might have happened to you if you’d remained with the Kirklands.”

She gathered herself and slowly nodded. “You’re right.”

He clasped her hand, and together they walked to the room adjoining the interrogation room. Declan turned on the sound.

“Harvey Kirkland, you’ve been read your rights. I’m going to ask you some questions now,” Will told the man cuffed to the table.

“Oh, no you’re not.” Harvey’s response was snug. “I want a lawyer.”

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