Page 28 of Say My Name

“Is it really fine?” My mother fidgets with her hands, like she’s nervous.

“Mom, she’s a big girl,” Ashley says, mirroring my words that I said at the YMCA.

“I just get so worried about you,” my mother says, wrapping her arms around me.

“We both knew the potential danger when I told you I wanted to be a detective.”

My mother drops her arms from me. “You’re right. I’m sorry. So, a big case, huh? Can you tell us anything about it?”

I shake my head. “Sadly, I can’t, but I promise I’m staying safe.”

The phone rings and my mother holds up a finger to answer it. “It’s Vin,” she mouths as soon as she answers. She listens for a second, and her eyes twinkle. “Vin and Addison are coming into town.” She walks away to continue her conversation in the other room.

“She’s the only person I know with a landline,” Ashley says with a laugh.

“I know. I’m excited Vin and Addi are coming.”

“Me too. Wonder if they’re coming for a vacation, or if they’re going undercover?”

“It makes me wonder if the FEDS have caught wind of what’s going on down here.”

Ashley sighs. “I know I said you’re a big girl, but I still worry about you being undercover.”

“Don’t.”

“I can’t get the image of the one woman’s boyfriend on the news out of my mind. He was so distraught and did you see him cry at the end?”

Suzie Parks.

“Yeah, it’s a shame what’s happened to these girls.”

“It’s got me shook.” She sighs. “I can’t imagine what her family must be going through.”

“I know.”

My mother returns and tells us Vin and Addison are coming in a few weeks. “Now where were we? Sexier Chloe?”

“I’m just wondering how to seduce a man.”

Ashley angles her body toward me. “Chloe, you can’t seduce a potential killer.”

I shush Ashley, hoping my mother doesn’t ask me too many questions.

My mother stares at me. “I don’t know what your assignment is, nor will I ask. I’m only hoping you’re staying safe.” She steps closer. “Now with your father he was a cop, and I pretended I needed his protection.”

I contemplate her words. Devereaux does seem to have this protector vibe going on.

“Ah, I’ll never have anyone love me like how Dad loved you, Mom,” Ashley says.

“Yes, you will,” I offer.

She opens the donut box and selects a chocolate glazed pastry. “This donut loves me.”

I laugh and pick up a red velvet. “Same.”

In all seriousness, I understand where she’s coming from. It seems I’ll never have that kind of true love. The kind my parents shared. With a man who holds my attention for the rest of my life. Out of nowhere, Devereaux pops in my mind, and I nearly choke on my donut. I don’t want to think about him.

The way he boils my blood.

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