Page 37 of The Two Last Moments

Since the moment Angela told us about Kathy, I’ve had my doubts. I was ready to demand DNA tests to prove she was related to Lark. But the related-by-marriage thing defeated that idea. She did have Lark’s school ID, and the photos in Lark’s bedroom at her home, which Lark described to me after their call. Kathy had an answer to every question we asked.

I could’ve had a private background check done on Kathy, which is something the police don’t have the resources or time for. But that would’ve taken days longer. Lark didn’t want to wait.

Ofcourseshe wants to go home.

But if Lark had said yes just now, I would’ve run off with her, not even stopping to give word to her aunt. Bundled her up in this car and fucking gotten out of town. That would’ve mademelook like the criminal. I can just imagine Nina’s face if the cops showed up at our door, Kathy Sullivan accusing me of kidnapping her niece.

That would’ve been a turnabout that none of my friends and family saw coming.

The thing is, I don’t just feel responsible for Lark. Ilikeher. I’m going to miss her friendship, her presence at the house. Her smile that feels like a prize I’ve earned. Is that what this is? Just me being a selfish asshole, wanting to keep her around?

As I drive away, I press my fingers to my lips, remembering that kiss. Except for the brush of tongue, which I was way into, it could’ve been a platonic kiss between friends. Yet I felt it through my entire body like a bolt of lightning, filling me with this white-hot longing. And then I stood there like a fool, frozen in place as she walked away from me.

It was just a goodbye kiss. But I still feel it fuckingeverywhere.

It’s possible I’m a little hung up on her. A woman I’ll probably never see again.

Using the bluetooth settings on my phone, I call Matteo.

“Hey!” he says cheerfully. “Is Lark with her aunt?”

I swallow, trying to get my vocal cords going. “She is. Yeah. I’m heading back. Everything good at home?”

“Nina kicked my ass at Scrabble. It was brutal. Aside from those wounds, we’re solid. Oh, some of the B shift guys were going to stop by here later when I head in. They wanted to hang with Nina for a bit.”

“Really? They don’t have to do that.”

“We’ve all been meaning to do more since we heard Nina was sick. I’d worry about whether she can handle five firefighters showing up at her house for a visit, but it’s probably the other way around. Not sure they can handle the intense grandma energy she’s giving today.”

I chuckle. “Thanks, man. Tell everyone thank you. It means a lot.“

I don’t know what I’d do without Matteo and my teammates. I really don’t. Same thing with Cliff and my old roommates. I’m lucky to have so many friends.

Which makes me think of Lark again. Will she have friends to help her out in Eureka? Friends she can count on? I almost say something about all these doubts swirling in my head. Matteo would probably tell me to turn around and chase after her.

But I can’t do that.Don’t be that guy.

We talk a few more minutes, and I manage to end the call without admitting how much I already miss Lark. But my heart gets heavier with every mile that I put between her and me. I keep glancing at my rearview mirror, though the travel stop disappeared a while ago.

Dammit, I didn’t want to leave her. And I still don’t.

This might feel better if I could check in with Lark right now. Why didn’t I buy her a damn phone so she could text me directly? The convenience store probably had pay-as-you-go models for purchase, and I could’ve bought one and activated it so she could text me and let me know she’s okay and…

Listen to me.

I used to give Matteo shit for trying to save every woman in his life, whether she wanted it or not. Then here I am, dreaming up reasons that Lark still needs me even though she’s made it clear she’s ready to move on. I have no legitimate reason to suspect Kathy Sullivan isn’t what she says she is. Lark is ready to get back to her family and her life, as she should, and I should get back to mine.

Enough, I tell myself.Get your shit together.Don’t be the guy who can’t let go of someone who doesn’t want you anymore.

I turn up the radio and step on the gas, determined to put Lark Richards behind me.

14

When I’m sure I won’t cry, I go find my aunt. Kathy’s sitting in a booth in the restaurant. She almost stands up when she sees me coming, then sits down again. Like she can’t keep still.

I slide in across from her.

“He’s gone?”

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