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“Maybe,” Jaysa said. “If it rains hard enough, but I don’t trust it. I know her. Once she finds them, she’ll use it against you even if there’s no proof.”
A few more drops fell, and more dark clouds headed this way. “I won’t be able to set them on fire in the rain anyway.”
“Then leave now. Lingering here is waiting for disaster. And most of all, hope it rains like the very devil is driving the storm.”
Chapter Twelve
I pulledCharlie’s wagon back from the scene of my crime. The wheels were squealing loudly, as if even the damned toy wanted to give me up, when I nearly collided with Buddie.
“You okay?” he asked, squinting a bit.
I looked up at him as the rain plastered my hair to my face.
“No, nothing. I’m good. Just wet and cold,” I said, attempting to sound cheerful. “Hey, can you bring Charlie to the roast tonight? I’ve got a ton to do.” There was zero chance I’d hold it together in that crowd tonight.
“Yeah, no problem,” he said, still looking at me like something was off.
“I was going to do some laundry and other errands. Maybe try my hand at some baking. Lots of stuff to get done,” I said, inching away. “Well, it’s miserable out here, so…” I nodded toward the cottage and took a few more steps.
He nodded in return, still squinting slightly, as if trying to connect the dots. I waved and hurried inside, knowing I wouldn’t hold up to close scrutiny.
I shut the door of the cottage and leaned against it, the weight of the situation feeling like a burden I wouldn’t shrug offanytime soon. My hands began to tremble, and my legs weren’t much sturdier.
I entered the kitchen, torn between screaming, crying, or succumbing to a comatose state of panic. Jaysa, who’d disappeared in the woods, was at the table.
She wasn’t alone—Widow Herbert was there too.
She was smiling at me. I rushed over to hug her, but there was nothing but air.
“Sorry about that. No real body,” she said with a laugh that still filled me with warmth.
“I don’t care. How are you here?” It was the last straw in the emotional stack, and tears started flowing down my cheeks. At least the only people who saw me falling apart were dead and wouldn’t repeat it.
“I’m not exactly sure,” she replied, her expression thoughtful. “All I remember is an urge to see you, and then here I was.”
“You’re not stuck here, right? You’ve been somewhere else?” I asked. I was pretty sure Jaysa was stuck, but Widow Herbert deserved better.
“Yes. I’m hazy on the details, but I know I’m going back to somewhere good. This is just a temporary visit. I vaguely recall conversations with others who said they’ve often visited like this, but the living they visit don’t always realize they have company.”
As I stood there, staring at her, all the memories of the day she passed flooded back. “I’m so sorry about what happened. That you died the way you did. I never would’ve dragged you into any of this if I’d known how it would end. I need you to know that.”
She waved off my apology, smiling. “Why? It was a good way to go, better than I could’ve scripted. I’m quite content with the outcome. No need for apologies. Walter quite enjoyed the stories too.”
“So, you’re happy?” I said, hoping for her sake and mine that it was true. It wasn’t until this moment that I truly realized how much guilt I’d been lugging around.
“Yes. The only reason I came to visit was that I felt you.” Her smile turned bittersweet, as if she knew what had happened.
“You know?” I said, my gaze darting between her and Jaysa.
“Yes. It’s not ideal, but there’s always a bright side.”
“Bright side? I’m like Medusa,” I said, glaring at Jaysa.
“But not so vulnerable anymore, either?” Widow Herbert said, as if it could’ve been worse.
I turned to Jaysa. “What did you do to me? What have I done to them? Wasn’t there some other option?”
Jaysa remained silent, avoiding my eyes.
