Page 9 of The One I Love

“I wonder how Anson is taking the news.” Two lines of worry formed between June’s brows.

The words had barely left her mouth when a knock sounded at the door.

Picking up his phone, Cameron opened the porch view on his security app. He turned the phone so June could see the screen. “Appears we’re about to find out.”

Anson stood on the porch, protected from the rain that was falling.

“I didn’t think I’d see you tonight.” Cameron stepped back after opening the door, vowing he wouldn’t mention the video first. “Come in.”

“I need to speak with you.” Anson paused in the entryway. “I’m sorry to come by so late.”

“Hi, Anson.” June smiled forward. “It’s good to see you.”

“Hey, June. I’m glad you’re here, too.”

“Let’s all sit.” Cameron gestured to the living room.

Once they were all seated, Cameron met Anson’s gaze. “Look, if it’s about my sister—”

“I know about the tape, but that’s not why I’m here. I need to tell you and June something.” Anson cleared his throat. “I’ve remembered more from the night of Aubrey’s accident. I resisted thinking about it at first because I was scared of what I’d discover. I didn’t hit your sister, but I do remember seeing her car on the side of the road and, more importantly, another car.”

June inhaled sharply.

“You saw the car that hit Aubrey?” Cameron spoke quickly. “What kind was it?”

“Eve and I went back to the accident site earlier this evening to try to unlock my memories.” Anson laid out the re-creation of that long-ago night for them. “I drew the taillights of the car I saw leaving the scene. I believe I’ve identified the kind of car it was.”

“That’s fabulous news.” Cameron glanced at June, whose hands were clenched so tightly in her lap, her knuckles were white.

“You-you’ve identified the car?” she said at last.

“I have.” Anson handed Cameron a drawing. “The taillights are unique. They reminded me so much of slitted cat’s eyes that I googled that term, and there it was—a 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe. The taillights were commonly referred to as cat’s-eye lights.”

June stilled. “Cat’s eye.”

Anson nodded as Cameron noticed the tense set of June’s shoulders.

“What is it?” Cameron asked.

June shook her head. “I’m not sure. I feel like there’s something in my brain, but it’s just out of reach.” She refocused on Anson. “Any chance you remember the color of the car?”

“I’m sorry, June. Just the taillights.” Anson paused. “To be clear, I have no idea what involvement the driver of that car had in your sister’s accident. All I know is the car was parked on the side of the road several car lengths in front of hers as I approached. He tore off before I got there.”

“This is our first real break.” June’s voice rose, then cracked. “Thank you, Anson. And thanks to Eve, too, for going with you.”

“You’ve waited a long time for answers.” Anson met June’s gaze. “Eve and I both wanted to do what we could to help.”

“Speaking of Eve, how is she doing?” Cameron asked.

“As good as can be expected, considering the circumstances.” Anson’s voice remained steady. “Eve is strong. She’ll weather this crisis.”

“How about you?”

“Me?” Anson’s laugh sounded hollow. “It’s not me in the video.”

Cameron felt his temper rise. “I hope you’re not blaming—”

“Of course I’m not blaming Eve,” Anson snapped. “She didn’t know he filmed them. She’s the innocent in all this, but we both realize youthful innocence means nothing to the vultures who revel in this kind of news story.”

---