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Full cups in hand, we settled on the sofa. “Somehow, I don’t think that’s the only reason you’re here.”
“Thought you might like some company. Especially today.”
I choked on a sip of tea. Of course, she wouldn’t forget.
“I’m good,” I said once I found my voice. “Better than usual, I guess.” And that bothered me. Did it mean I was forgetting? Or that I’d become numb to what happened?
Mrs. Quinn nodded once and hid behind her cup. “I didn’t come by so we could talk about it. You’ve relived what happened enough.”
“It’s getting easier and harder,” I confessed. “I’m finding my place. Have more good days than bad. And I don’t deserve it.”
She touched my leg. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
I stiffened. “How can you say that? I-I don’t want to talk about this.”
“We don’t have to.” She glanced away, fiddling with the handle on her tea cup. “Have you seen the news today?”
“No. I’ve intentionally avoided it.”
“Someone leaked that he didn’t act alone.”
I bolted to my feet. “What do you mean?”
“I’m afraid they’re going to dig. The reporter claims it was a woman—”
“They promised to protect me,” I shouted.
“Everything okay?”
The front door clicked shut behind Holt, who looked between Mrs. Quinn and me.
She smoothed a polite smile on her face. “Hello, Holt. I hope you don’t mind I dropped by for a cup of tea with Baker. I find Paths to be a bit lonely without her.”
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you can’t have her back.” He strode straight over to me and kissed me.
Motor oil and Holt only marginally settled me.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“Is this a ladies-only conversation or can I join you once I change clothes?”
Mrs. Quinn held up her near empty cup and stood. “I need to be on my way.”
“Hot date with an old man?” Holt winked at her.
“Something like that.”
“I’m glad.” He turned to me and said, “I’ll shower and then we’ll have dinner, okay?”
“Sounds good.”
After another kiss to my forehead, he headed toward the bathroom, and the sound of the shower started not long after Holt disappeared. Mrs. Quinn’s expression turned serious.
“I’d like to speak with Daniel Elliott about this. He would be the person to help us keep it quiet.”
“How is this happening?” My heart pounded as panic threatened to overtake me.
“I don’t know.” She touched my shoulder. “Don’t forget I’m here. We’ll get through it, whatever may happen.”
