Page 42 of Blessings in Disguise

Gemma got up, went to the kitchen and came back with paper towels. She sopped the mess and cleared the shards of ceramic.

Finally, he looked up. “I don’t get the Pathways bombing. Involving the school seems a ridiculous way to get back at me.”

“Maybe she knew how much you care about that place.”

“The mind of a psychotic person is chaotic and confused. So that may be it.” He paused. “Did Marlena do all this alone?”

“No, she had an accomplice.”

“Who?”

“Saul Jacobs.”

Caleb’s jaw dropped. “Seriously? He came to see me. To ask for forgiveness for having an affair with Marlena.”

Mick shook his head. “These people!” He held Caleb’s gaze. “But it gets worse. We’re still holding Jacobs, but I’m here on official business to alert Marlena Shepherd’s next of kin. I’m afraid that’s you.”

“What happened?”

“She hanged herself in her cell.”

* * *

After Chief Thomas left, Gemma stared over at a shell-shocked Caleb. He didn’t wither at the news, but his sadness was palpable. She sipped her coffee and let him be where he needed to be. But she wasn’t leaving him. Eventually, she asked, “Can I do something for you, Caleb?”

“No, it’s a lot to take in.”

At least she’s out of our lives, Gemma thought selfishly.

“Her actions are not your fault.”

“Of course they aren’t.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

He met her gaze. “You should call Jackson. The chief said he was going to do it, but I’m sure Jackson would like to hear it from us.”

“I agree.” She took out her cell, pressed contacts and listened to the ring.

“Jackson Kane.”

“Hi, it’s me, Gemma. Did you talk to Mick Thomas?”

“I just got off the phone with him.”

“He told us that our school was targeted only to hurt Caleb.”

“That’s a fair assumption. From what the chief described of her actions, she is one troubled woman. How’s Caleb?”

“I’m here with him. He’s shell-shocked.”

“That poor man. Put your phone on speaker.”

When she did, they heard, “I’m so sorry, Caleb. You’re such a good man. All you ever wanted was to help people.”

“That’s true. But I’m not going to brood over this. I have reasons to stay sane.”

“Well, take your time to adjust to everything. And to the news from the chief.”

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