Page 463 of The Sinner: James

“Maybe.”

“So, how was it?’

“We talked. I was angry at her, but then I didn’t feel much about her. Toward the end, I had sympathy for her. My brother is not a happy pup either, and she blames it on herself. There may be some truth to that, but she’s not entirely responsible for it. Based on what she says, she’s done everything she could to raise a happy man. It’s just that she hadn’t had much success. She feels as if life has punished her for leaving me with my father. She seems remorseful.”

“She probably is.”

“Yeah... So that’s it,” I say before sucking in a long breath. “She wants me to find him and straighten him in a way. She didn’t use this word. Gave me a longer, sentimental version of it. Anyway, I called Thomas. As soon as he gets here, I’ll be heading to London.”

“Did you tell Rain?”

“No.”

I pause for a second, musing.

“I don’t want to tell her yet. I’ll tell her when I know more.”

“Okay... I guess?”

“Yeah. It’s better that way. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Cool, man. Get some sleep.”

“I will.”

I put the phone down and move my eyes to the stretch of water glimmering under the moonlight.

My mind goes adrift, my cigarette burning and morphing into little shreds of ashes.

4

RAIN

“Ed?? Oh, my.”

I dash to the door as Thea and Ed enter my home.

A short cotton dress with bell sleeves highlights her delicate silhouette, and red sandals finish her look.

He wears pants the color of sand and a white linen shirt with a relaxed fit.

A slight tan shimmers across his skin.

“I’m glad to see you back,” I say as he opens his arms and buries me in his embrace.

A moment later, I tear away from him and shift to Thea.

Her eyes sparkle with a smile, her face beaming.

“You finally got your man back, didn’t you?” I say before kissing her cheek.

A grin tilts her lips.

I show them both to the terrace, where food and drinks are set for the guests. Live music drifts from the backyard, blending with the dialogue of the people.

Contently, I glance around.

The evening is perfect for a gathering. The breeze is soothing, and the sky is littered with stars.

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