Page 4 of The Soul of Archer
Nick turned and faced Annabelle. “Annabelle, gather this interview tape from Tony and head back to the office. I’ll go to the D.A. and lay this out for him. I want you to reach out to the F.B.I. and see if they have anything on Malconi, if they do arrange the meeting.”
“Yes sir,” Annabelle nodded.
She gathered her things and before she left, she patted Alora’s shoulder. Once she was gone, Ethan signaled for the recording to stop. Krista moved closer and took one of Alora’s hands in her.
"What's wrong sweetie?" Krista asked gently.
"I don't think I could stay there tonight. I mean..."
"I think I have the perfect solution for you Alora." Nick spoke up, "You can stay with me and my wife, Debbie. It's the last place he would think to look for you."
"I don't want to put you out sir..."
Krista gave a slight snort, "You kidding? My mom would love it. Since I left home she's always complaining about how quiet the house is without me and my brothers. Trust me hon, there's plenty of space. In fact, I could take you there myself if you want."
"Well, I guess for a day or so. Just until I'm not jumping at my own shadow anymore." Alora said with a soft smile.
"Alright then. Kris, why don't you take her on to Mama Deb. Me and the guys will head over to Alora’s house in a bit and get to work." Ethan instructed.
***
Alora studied the charming two-story brick home. Rose bushes lined the wraparound porch, a set of wicker porch furniture sat to the far left and a hanging porch swing off to the right. All in all, it was a beautiful home.
"Well, what do you think?" Krista grinned, moving up beside her.
"It's beautiful. Bet you and your brothers loved growing up here." Alora smiled.
"Wait till you see the backyard." Krista said.
Krista looped her arm with Alora's and led her toward the house. They had just reached the porch when the front door opened, and a woman came rushing out with her arms wide. Alora watched with slight sadness at the mother-daughter embrace. She missed those.
"Oh, there's my baby."
"Jeez mom, you act like you haven't seen me in years. Me and Ethan were just here Sunday." Krista laughed.
Debbie Jameson swatted Krista playfully on the butt before turning her attention to Alora. "Ah, you must be Alora. I'm Debbie. Nicky called me and filled me in."
"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Jameson." Alora replied, shaking the woman's hand.
"Oh, none of that. I'm either Debbie or Mama Debbie." Debbie corrected. "Now, let's get you inside and you can tell me about yourself hon."
"Alora, you go on in with mom. I'll run by your place and pick you up some clothes." Krista offered.
"Thank you." Alora smiled.
***
"Now, Nicky didn't tell me much other than you're a witness against that Malconi brat, Samuel." Debbie stated, placing a mug of coffee in front of Alora.
"Yes ma...I mean Deb. I saw him kill a man on Friday night then hightailed it to stay with friends in Houston. My friend's husband Ryan was the one who called Blackout."
"Smart move. Tell me about you dear. Are you from Austin?"
Alora took a sip of coffee and felt ease wash over her as the caffeine hit her system. "No, Houston originally. I went to the Culinary Institute in New York then went home. I moved to Austin to open my own bakery three years ago. Two years ago, I bought my store front, Sassy Explosions."
"I know that place. My hairdresser bought her daughter's wedding cake there last year. It was a beautiful masterpiece."
"Thank you." Alora beamed.
