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  She shot off her armchair and quickly walked over to the window. I covered the bowl with plastic wrap and came to her side. “Dave took me shooting there the other day. I got curious about it and checked the city records. I know the house belongs to you. Why have you never mentioned it?” I asked. How many other secrets did this woman have?

  “Because it always brought trouble when it was occupied. And it wasn’t worth it.”

  “Did your family live there? Your daughter and that older husband of hers?”

  “Nothing gets past you, does it? Well, except for Dave.”

  I ignored her snide comment. “What happened?”

  “I already told you. She tried to kill me, stole my jewelry, and vanished.”

  Why did I have the feeling that there was more to the story than she was letting on?

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It was a long time ago, and not worth another breath.”

  “What about having all those regrets you told me about? You know, you should listen to your own advice as well.”

  She shrugged, waited for a moment, and then said, “My only regret is not getting to watch my granddaughter grow up. I think of her often. Too often. I wonder whether she turned out like Katie. They broke my and Tim’s hearts when they betrayed us. Even more when he wanted that house and we wouldn’t give it to them. We would have, if he’d worked the land and helped out, we really would have. But how could I sign it over when they didn’t deserve it or respect it? He was a drunk, and the land won’t bear fruit on alcohol. A free house wasn’t enough, so after they tried to kill us, we wrote them out of our will in favor of our granddaughter.”

  “What was her name?”

  “Molly. It was Molly.”

  Mrs. Bowers got that rare soft look in her eyes as her gaze connected with mine, and I felt my heart squish. It was another reason to add to my list of why I belonged to the Mayers family, as well as the Bowers, more than to my own. I crouched on the floor beside her, and for the third time today, took her frail hand into both of mine.

  “You know I never had a real family of my own, and I always thought of you as the closest to a grandmother I’d ever had.”

  “Not a witch?” she teased.

  “No,” I shook my head. “I’m sorry for calling you that.”

  “Don’t be. I deserved it.”

  “You’re a good person, Mrs. Bowers. Didn’t they know you would have forgiven them?”

  She disagreed with a frown.

  “Well, I know you would have, because there’s a lot of love in that wrinkled heart of yours. In fact, I’m sure the more wrinkles you have, the more love you can contain.”

  “Why are you being nice?”

  “Sometimes we all need someone nice to open our eyes to see what we have right in front of us.”

  She sighed. “You’re right. I would have let it pass. But it was them who wanted forgiveness.”

  “Why?”

  “Because for years I tried to get their child out of their care.”

  “And what happened?”

  “We fought a lot. I didn’t think they could take care of Molly, and she deserved so much better. For a couple of years, I kept calling and looking for them. Tim did as well. They started dealing drugs. I once found my granddaughter on the kitchen floor, sitting with peanut butter all over her face, and no one else was at home. I called Child Services again, and they took her away. Katie was arrested for possession, but eventually they got their kid back. How could the system fail such a small child over and over again?” she asked.

  “Well, from my experience, I can tell you it’s because it sucks.”

  “I keep forgetting you had a tough childhood as well.”

  “That’s a good thing, because there’s no need to dwell on the insignificant.”

  “I would have raised Molly. I was her grandmother.” Her voice was shaking. I’d never seen Mrs. Bowers in such a frail state. There was enough emotion pouring out of her to fill Hoover Dam. “She was such a beautiful little girl. There was so much goodness in that child, she deserved better parents than two druggies. If they’d only let me raise her!”

  “I’m sorry you’ve gone through so much pain.”

  And just as quick, that spark of love and hope I saw in Mrs. Bowers’ eyes was gone.

  “What’s done is done and can’t be undone.”

  I wondered if I could possibly find the last of Mrs. Bowers’ family for her. There had to be a way. People changed all the time. What if her granddaughter didn’t even know that she had a grandmother? What if she herself was seeking a family? If there was anyone who could understand wanting a family, it was me.

  “How old would your granddaughter be?” I asked.

  “Where are all these questions coming from, Millie?” She let out a frustrated sigh. Uh, oh… I knew that look of annoyance in her eyes all too well.

  “I don’t know. I’m just curious, I guess. That house, when Dave took me to shoot the gun there, it seemed familiar, and I thought…”

  “You’ve been driving by there often enough, that’s why it seemed familiar. And no, I have no plans of giving it away.”

  “But—”

  “Landscapes change, people don’t. Remember that. If I wanted to reunite with Katie, I would. But it’s too late. I learned how to move on without them. I don’t need anyone, and I sure as hell don’t want them here. I’m doing fine here on my own. She’s dead to me.”

  And I was the stubborn one?

  Chapter 14

  Dave

  Eleven years earlier

  The gym was illuminated with hanging strings of ceiling lights. Globe-like planets hung overhead, some rotating in the air-conditioned breeze. The stage was set with a Martian landscape, and the walls were covered with foam decorations replicating a moonscape. A fog machine was set in two corners of the gym. White laser lights beamed through it onto the opposite wall, drawing constellations with their light.

  “We’re the universe,” I said.

  “It’s actually a Milky Way theme,” I heard her whisper beside me. I had a feeling that Millie, being the head of the prom committee, had something to do with choosing a theme that catered to my favorite hobby. She’d changed so much since the day I met her, almost a year and a half ago, that it still blew my mind. It was like she’d grown a pair of wings and couldn’t stop flying. Her circle of friends had widened, she’d joined the yearbook and environmental clubs, and was on the student council. I wasn’t sure if the pride I felt for her could ever be fully expressed.

  Her change also made me wonder whether other kids like her, who came from bad foster homes, were also capable of giving so much of themselves to the community and to everyone around them. They deserved better — much better. Both my sister and Millie had become advocates for foster kids at the school, as well as for those who were bullied.

  As I stood there, taking in every detail in awe, Millie squeezed my hand with excitement. “Do you like it?”

  I turned to face her. She was wearing a bright yellow strapless dress that sparkled when the light hit it at the right angle. Around her neck, her necklace with the blue gemstone reflected the light.

  “You’re the sun.”

  “And you’re the moon.” She smoothed her hand over my gray suit. “We need to stick together because of gravity.”

  I laughed. Millie might not have been an “A” student, but she definitely got high scores for trying. “You did this for me, didn’t you?”

  “Maybe. And if you play your cards right, I’ll let you discover everything about the center of our solar system before the night ends.”

  Was she talking about herself?

  “I believe I’ve already discovered everything about you, baby. But I wouldn’t object to doing more research on the hottest girl in the room.”

  She gave me a wet smooch. In the high heels she was wearing, Millie didn’t have to step up on her toes to reach my lips. “That sounds like a trip to the moon I’d love to take
.”

  I laughed, loving how silly and carefree she had become – so much more her age than the serious homeless girl I remembered.

  When she’d first asked me to go to her prom, I thought it was a joke. After all, she had declined my request a year earlier; but maybe she hadn’t been ready for that back then. Since I didn’t want her to miss out on any of the high school fun, I agreed. My first year of psychology had ended a month ago. One more year and I’d apply to the Law Enforcement Academy to officially begin my training as a police officer. After that fight I had with Savage, I’d decided to take a legal approach to people like him.

  “So, can you tell me anything about this guy who brought April to the prom?” I pointed to the refreshments table.

  “His name is Simon. He always watches CNN Money and is studying finance. He’s nice, and April seems to be into him, but I’m not sure if they’re a good fit.”

  “Hhmm, sounds like I should have a chat with him.”

  “Don’t scare him off.”

  “I don’t scare people. Do I?”

  “Well, you work out every day, and you’re all buffed and strong. Some people could be afraid.”

  “Are you afraid?”

  “Nope, I’m just turned on to have my own personal Hulk.”

  “Let’s leave the party now; then I can flex all my muscles for you.” In fact, I was beginning to feel the muscle below my belt respond to the invitation.

  “Keep that thought for later, and maybe I’ll flex some muscles as well.”

  “So, are we going to dance?” I asked.

  “We’ll be the first ones on the floor.”

  “I don’t care. I want every man in the room to know that the most beautiful girl is already taken.”

  I spun her around before pulling her into my chest. This night couldn’t start out fast enough, so I could take Millie to my apartment and make love to her until morning. Three months before, I had officially moved out of my father’s house with my brother, and the girls now had the entire house to themselves. While it had pained me to leave, it was time, and it was definitely more comfortable for our relationship as well. We never broke my father’s rules and never showed much affection while in our family home, but outside of it, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.

  The music blared and the laughter roared as we celebrated Millie’s last year of high school. In September, she’d begin her two-year administrative program in college. She was loving working for my dad, and since the forensics business was expanding, she’d been able to keep him on track and even secured a few contracts with the government.

  After the tenth song, we sat at our table. Millie lifted her feet to my knees. I removed her shoes and massaged her soles.

  “I knew I shouldn’t have worn these.”

  “You want me to get your flats from the car?”

  “No, it’s okay.”

  An argument by the punch bowl carried over the music. I heard my sister’s voice in the commotion, so I set Millie’s feet on my chair. “Relax and wait here,” I said to Millie before heading to see what was going on. “I’ll be right back.”

  April was standing with her arms crossed over her chest while her date stashed something inside his jacket.

  “Hey, everything all right?” I asked her.

  “Yeah, we’re fine. I don’t need a chaperone.”

  “That’s not what I’m doing here.” I turned to the guy standing next to her. “Hi, I’m Dave.”

  “I’m Simon. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Alcohol flowed on his breath.

  “So, how long have you two been dating?”

  “Long enough to hope coming to this prom was worth it.”

  “Worth what?”

  He leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “You know, scoring.” He then reached into his pocket and dangled a set of keys. “I’ve got my father’s Jaguar tonight, and the seats recline, if you know what I mean.”

  “I guess I forgot to mention that I’m April’s older brother.”

  I badly wished I could have used the I’m-in-the-police-force line, but I couldn’t quite yet.

  “Oops. No disrespect, man, but you’ve got a hot sister.”

  “You’re really going to go down that road?” I grabbed the keys out of his hand. “And April’s not getting in a car with a drunk.”

  “Hey, who are you to…”

  “Someone you don’t want to mess with. The moment you get behind a wheel, I’ll call the cops.” I reached for his jacket, pulled out the flask he’d hidden there, and threw it into the garbage can by the table.

  “Shit,” he said under his breath.

  “Dave, just let it go,” April begged. “I’ll take care of it.”

  “He’s been drinking. There’s no alcohol allowed here.”

  “No one knows.”

  “Not for long, by the way he’s acting.”

  “Okay, okay, I’ll take him outside and make sure he sobers up.”

  I pulled my sister aside, away from her date. “April, what are you doing with a guy like him?”

  “He’s smart, you know. And I like him. Can you let it go?”

  “Fine, but please don’t do anything stupid in his car. The last thing you want is to tie yourself down because he was too drunk to put on a condom properly.”

  “I won’t. I promise. Where’s Millie? I need to tell her what a great job she’s done with this place.”

  “She’s resting at the table.” I looked over to the empty seat where I’d left her. “Or, she was.”

  “When you find her, tell her I’m looking for her.”

  “Will do.” I left her with the dumbass, making a note to come back later to see if he’d sobered up.

  “Where’s Millie?” I asked the girl sitting at our table.

  “She went to get her flats from the car.”

  “But I have the keys.” I shook my head. Knowing Millie, she probably hadn’t thought that far ahead. I left the gym and headed for the car. Halfway across the parking lot, I already knew that Millie wasn’t there, and when I reached the car, for the first time that night, I got worried.

  “Millie?”

  Not far in the distance the sound of a struggle carried. “Get away from me!”

  Millie’s voice tore through me.

  Fuck!

  As soon as I saw Savage grabbing her from behind, I snapped. It felt like I couldn’t get to her quickly enough. I lunged at him, seizing him by his shoulders. But it looked like Savage had grown muscles over the past year. His eyes were blood red and his breath reeked, but that didn’t stop his fist from connecting with my jaw. I braced one of my hands between his shoulder blades while twisting his arm behind him and brought him to his knees. He squirmed and spat repetitively to the ground, cursing me out.

  “I swear if you ever touch her again, I’m going to kill you. Do you understand?”

  He shook his head but with the drugs, I suspected were running through his system, I doubted he’d remember. I made a note to visit him tomorrow. As soon as I let go, he shot off the ground and ran. My attention flew to Millie. Her eyes were filled with tears, and my heart broke.

  “I didn’t see him come… he just grabbed me and dragged me here.”

  “It’s okay, babe. It’s all over now. We’ll file a complaint at the police station tomorrow morning. Maybe even a restraining order. He won’t ever touch you again. Okay?”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  “Do you want to go home?”

  “No, I can’t leave the party. Let’s go back to the gym.”

  I wiped her cheeks with my handkerchief, and Millie’s hand flew to her bare neck.

  “He took it! He took my pendant.”

  I whipped around, but Savage was so far away now that I wouldn’t be able to catch up to him on foot.

  “Go back to the gym, Millie.”

  “Dave, don’t. It’s not worth it. He’s not worth it.”

  But I knew how much that pendant meant to her, an
d yeah, it was worth everything.

  “I’m going with you,” she said.

  “No, I don’t want you getting hurt.”

  “Look, I doubt he’s going back home right now. Let’s just enjoy the evening and go later. When he’s asleep. You can’t risk being caught. Your record needs to be clean for the police force.”

  “He’s a thug, Millie. It doesn’t work that way. I can’t let him get away.”

  “He’s not getting away. We know he has it. We’ll go after the party. Okay? Please?”

  “Okay.”

  I didn’t like it. I couldn’t get past the fact that Savage had his hands on her. I’d get that necklace back for her, no matter what, and then break his fingers so that he’d never touch her again.

  The remainder of the evening passed in a flash. While I tried to enjoy myself for Millie’s sake, all I could think about was that asshole. And now, seeing how my sister’s new boyfriend, Simon, had his hands all over her, it looked like I had another jerk to worry about. Hopefully, she was smart enough to resist him while I dealt with Savage.

  Just before the prom ended, we took my car and headed toward the creepy house Millie used to live in as a foster child. The closer we got, the more she stiffened in her seat.

  “We don’t have to do this. I don’t need it back.”

  “It’s yours. I’m getting that necklace back, no matter what.”

  “Dave…”

  “Millie, don’t. I won’t let him get away with this. It’s the only memory of your family you have.”

  “It’s not. You’re my family.”

  “I know how much that necklace means to you.” And Savage needs to be taught a lesson.

  “Just be careful. He’s crazy. They’re all crazy.”

  I pulled up to the shack that once used to house innocent children. My insides twisted as I turned off the ignition. The digital clock on the dashboard showed two in the morning.

  The property outside looked like it had been abandoned years ago, except we knew that it was the way the Savage family lived day to day. Garbage was scattered on the front lawn, an assortment of beer cans and empty liquor bottles. At least when the Savages had still had their fostering privileges, they’d kept this place somewhat neat. But maybe that was even worse. Perhaps had they shown their true colors to the public earlier, no children would have been allowed to stay in that environment.