Page 708 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Sydney was still shaking. “Everything’s going to be okay,” she said and hiccupped.

Chief Miller looked at Sean. “Well then, I’ll get out of your hair. If anything—and I mean anything—comes up,you will call me,right?”

“You have my word.”

Stella put her arm around her granddaughter. “Let’s get you into some dry clothes and take care of that foot.” She looked at Sean. “I don’t have anything that will fit you, but take off that wet shirt and I’ll bring you a blanket to wrap up in.”

Sean nodded.

Stella’s eyebrow arched and she peered at Sean. “And after that, young man, you’re going to tell me what in the world is going on here.”

Sean chuckled. “It’s a deal.”

Kendall feltlike a part of him had died right along with Sydney. He drove up his long driveway and glanced at her purse that was lying on the passenger seat. He would have to burn it. An image of Sydney and her pleading eyes flashed in his mind, and he tried to block it out. His only hope was that she’d died quickly and without too much pain. He’d done what he had to. It was as simple as that. He walked through the living room and tripped over a footstool that either his mom or Emma had left inthe middle of the floor. He kicked it with all his might, sending it crashing into the wall. He then sat down on the couch and buried his face in his hands.

The noise sent his mother running into the living room. She stopped when she saw Kendall. “What’s wrong?” She gasped at his appearance. “What happened? Where have you been?”

He shook his head. “I got in a little brawl. Nothing serious.”

“Well, from the dried blood all over you and the look on your face, it certainly seems serious.”

“I don’t want to talk about it!”

She left and came back with a wet paper towel. She stopped short before she reached him, and he could hear the quick intake of her breath.

“Kendall, why are police cars coming up the driveway? And why do they have their lights on?”

Kendall looked up at her and saw her wince when she met his eyes. He knew he had seen that expression on her face before: when she looked at his dad. Then it hit him. He had hated his dad’s weakness, couldn’t understand what could have possibly motivated him to kill himself. Now he knew. There was only one thing, and it was the same guilt that was now eating him alive piece by piece. History was repeating itself. He was all of those horrible things he hated. It was his worst nightmare—the thing he feared the most. He had become his father.

Gail’s eyes filled with tears. “Son, what’s going on? What have you done?”

Walter pouredthe shot glass full of whiskey. He replayed the events of the day. He was getting much too old for this crap. At least this had been easier than it was with Avery. There werestill a few loose ends to tie up though. Avery’s journal would have to be found and Stella taken care of. He closed his eyes, threw back his head, and let the hot liquid burn down his throat. All in good time, he told himself. All in good time.

The situation with Kendall had been touch and go, but it turned out fine in the end. He’d seen the turmoil churning in Kendall, and he understood it well. Today was the first time that Kendall had been forced to get his hands dirty.

“Please tell me you didn’t hurt that girl.”

Walter didn’t turn around but kept facing the wall. “Go to bed, Maurene.” His voice sounded as tired as he felt.

“Did you hurt her?” she asked again, her trembling voice raising a notch.

Walter took another swig of whiskey. “I’m not sure how you found out about any of this, hon.”

“I hear things, Walter! I overheard you and Kendall. I’m a drunk. I’m not stupid! You didn’t hurt her, did you?”

“It’s all taken care of, if that’s what you mean. Now go to bed. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

The click of metal made his eyes pop open. He put down his glass and turned slowly to face a wild-eyed Maurene holding a revolver. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and streaks of black mascara ran down her pale cheeks.

“Put down the gun, Maurene. You’re drunk.”

Her hands began to shake as she took a step backward. “I’ve never been more sober in my life. You got rid of her, didn’t you? First it was Avery and now her! You just couldn’t leave it alone! I called her!”

“You what?” Walter’s eyes narrowed as he studied Maurene. In the past he’d always been able to control her, but she’d never held a gun in her hands before. He lowered his voice as if he were talking to a child. “Honey, I did what I had to do for us. You know that. I loved Avery and Sydney, but they just wouldn’tlisten to reason. It takes money to buy all those fancy clothes you like … and the booze you can’t live without.”

“Don’t you dare drag me into this filthy mess! We’re like cannibals, you and I, living off the flesh of others. Well, it’s gonna stop. Do you hear me? It ends here!”

“Yes, dear.”

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