Page 23 of Deadly Deception
My phone chimed with a text, pulling me from my salacious thoughts. When I checked the message, I found more than one and figured my phone had beeped with several reminders.
“I think that’s what woke me,” Boone said while absently scratching at his chest. “Is it from Tompkins or Henson?”
“Tompkins and Nana.”
“Your nana?” Boone asked with a note of concern. He’d been trying to hide his anxiety regarding meeting my family, but I knew it worried him.
“I forgot to call her last night,” I answered sheepishly. “When we arrived yesterday, I texted Nana and told her I’d call later to let her know when to expect a visit.”
“Is she upset?”
I reread her message and felt my heart sink. “I think the word would be disappointed.”
“Ouch.” Boone flinched visibly. “That is so much worse than angry.”
“No argument here. Tompkins asked if we can meet back at the sheriff’s office at ten.” I glanced at the clock on the nightstand and noted it was a little after eight. “Are you good with that?”
“Fine. That will give us time to get some breakfast. Do you think they have one of those make-your-own waffle things?” Boone asked as he slid out from under the covers, his naked legs pale against the white sheets. “Thanks for keeping it toasty in the room,” Boone said. I’d set the thermostat higher than typical in deference to his cold intolerance.
“Not a problem,” I answered even though I’d woken up sweaty. “Why don’t you get ready to go to breakfast while I give Nana a call?”
After gathering his clothes, Boone placed his palm on my shoulder and said, “I recommend opening with an apology and heading straight to groveling. That typically works with Momma, unless I’ve done something truly worrisome.”
I wanted to ask,Like getting kidnapped by a serial killer and nearly dying?but held my tongue. I didn’t think there would ever be a time when thinking Boone’s kidnapping would be joking material.
The sound of the shower turning on pulled me from memories of Boone’s beaten and brutalized body lying in that cold basement. With a shudder I sent Tompkins a quick text confirming that Boone and I would be there before I pulled up Nana’s phone number and hit send. Nana answered right before it went to voicemail.
“Franklin,” Nana answered, her tone even.
“Hey, Nana.” Going with Boone’s wise advice, I said, “I’m sorry I forgot to call last night. My only excuse is that Boone and I were exhausted.” I think Aurelia’s impromptu visit along with her unexpected plus-one had more to do with derailing my mind, but I didn’t want to get into all things Aurelia with Nana. “What can I do to make it up to you?”
“It’s fine. I understand this trip isn’t merely a social visit. Although it would be nice if that were the case.” It was a subtle admonishment. I was horrible about visiting. I often said I was too busy, and while that was true, if I put in a bit more effort, returning to the Chicago area more often wouldn’t be that difficult.
“I’m sorry,” I apologized again.
Nana huffed. “Twice is more than enough, Franklin. You need to live your own life. I may not like that you live so far away, but I understand it. Knowing you’re happy outweighs everything else.”
My chest eased, as did my tense muscles. “Thanks, Nana. I really do want to see you, and I want you to meet Boone.”
“You better bring that boy by. If you leave the area without introducing us, I won’t be so forgiving,” Nana chastised.
“We’re definitely making time. We have to meet up with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office at ten. I think it’s optimistic to think today will go quickly.” I had no idea if there really was a body, and if so, where it was. There was a good chance Booneand I’d be pounding the pavement all day and have nothing to show for it come nightfall.
“LaPorte? You’re not in Chicago?”
“No, but close. It won’t take us long to get to you.”
“If you’re certain.”
“Positive,” I answered easily. The truth was, I wanted to see Nana too. Maybe not as much as she wanted to see me, but close. I also really wanted her to meet Boone. Something in my bones told me this was it, that Boone was my forever. I’d learned a long time ago to trust my instincts and had no desire to argue with them now. Besides Boone, Nana was the most important person in my life.
“I’ll call you later today, and this time I won’t forget,” I promised, hoping I didn’t break my word.
Nana blew out a deep breath. “Despite what I said earlier, if it doesn’t work out, I understand.”
“Nana, I—”
“I do understand, Franklin. Just be careful out there. Your job worries me.”
