Hidden Elements

Book Two in The Elements Series

Heather McVea

ISBN: 978-0-9984202-0-2

Copyright 2016 Heather McVea

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or event is entirely coincidental. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

About the author:

Heather McVea was raised in a small town south of San Antonio, Texas. Prior to escaping to the big city, she raised Hampshire pigs, rode motorcycles at entirely too young an age, and once snow boarded behind a Ford pickup truck. She relishes a strong gin and tonic, or a well-made old-fashioned (but never at the same time). Heather and her wife have three furbabies, and divide their time between Texas and Maryland.

Visit Heather’s website www.heathermcvea.com and follow her on Facebook.

Playlist:

We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) – Fun.

Chariot’s Rise – Lizzie West

No Diggity (feat. Queen Pen) – Blackstreet

Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol

Pillar of Davidson – Live

Love is Blindness – Jack White

Look What You’ve Done – Jet

Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk

What’s the Frequency, Kenneth? – R.E.M.

Babylon – David Gray

Bonfire Heart – James Blunt

Rolling In On A Burning Tire – The Dead Weather

She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5

Kill Of The Night – Gin Wigmore

Your Heart Is As Black As Night – Melody Gardot

Wicked Game – James Vincent McMorrow

Fair – Remy Zero

Also by Heather McVea:

November’s End

The Elements Series

Fallen Elements (Book 1)

Waking Forever Series

Waking Forever (Book 1)

Ela: Forever (Book 2)

Becoming Forever (Book 3)

Dying Forever (Book 4)

Coleen: Forever (Book 5)

Waking Forever Series (Books 1 – 5)

Short Stories

Turn Darkly

Wayward Destiny

Audiobook

Fallen Elements

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

- Gospel of Thomas

Prologue

It was a bright, cold day in Accident, Maryland. Detective Sergeant Stephen Rakowitz hurriedly drank the last of his coffee before exiting the unmarked police car. He pulled his black parka on over his gray suit jacket and, feeling a gust of cold air settle into his bones, zipped the coat up to his chin.

The sergeant yawned as he approached a state trooper. Pulling his identification from his coat pocket, he held it up for the trooper to inspect. “Rakowitz, nine-henry-thirteen.”

The trooper looked at the identification and then at the sergeant before writing the information down on a roster sheet and waving the man on.

Sergeant Rakowitz ducked under the yellow crime scene tape and made his way up a winding concrete walkway to a two-story red brick home. A creak escaped from the narrow wood slats of the small porch as the sergeant walked toward the front door.

As he entered the house, a familiar face came into focus in the dim light of the entryway. “Bates, what’s happening here?”

Detective Nathaniel Bates was a slight, thirty-something man with thinning brown hair and a ruddy complexion. “Morning. It looks like a double homicide, but no weapon, no sign of forced entry.” Bates took a deep breath. “Just two bodies.”

“Local authorities here?”

Bates nodded. “County Sheriff’s Deputy was the first on the scene. Came over to check on the family when the husband’s work reported him a no show.”

“Did he touch anything?” Rakowitz unzipped his coat and pulled a small notepad from the inside pocket of his suit jacket. He had been with the Maryland State Police for over fifteen years and in the homicide division for the past seven. He had grown up in Garrett County and, though it was a rural western area of the state with fewer than forty-thousand residents and limited resources, he had found – for the most part – the county officials to be thorough and conscientious in their work.

Bates shook his head. “Nope. Got to the kitchen, saw the victims, and called it in. The trooper found him waiting on the front porch about ten minutes later.”

Rakowitz stopped writing, covered his mouth, and attempted to quietly burp. The taste of stale coffee coated his mouth. “Crap.” He patted down his coat pockets. “I left my mints in the car. You got anything?”

Bates smirked. “You need mints or an antacid?”

Rakowitz rolled his eyes. “Why, do you have one?”

Bates’ smirk turned into a full-on smile. “Nope, but I thought you were supposed to be laying off the coffee.”

“How do you know it’s coffee?” The sergeant looked incredulously at his colleague.

Bates pointed to the sergeant’s white button-up shirt. “You spilled.”

Rakowitz looked down. “Damnit.” He quickly buttoned his suit jacket. “Anyway, walk me through it.”

“CSU should be wrapping up shortly in the kitchen.” Bates began flipping through his notebook. “It looks like that’s the room where the two victims were killed. CSU is setting up smaller grids throughout the house – mainly near entryways and first floor windows – and will check for fingerprints, footprints, fluids, et cetera.” The man took a deep breath before continuing. “The trooper and deputy did a sweep to make sure there weren’t any stragglers.” He glanced up at the sergeant. “Everything looked good.” He thumbed through several pages before continuing. “The victims are Samuel and Vivian Toland. Married.”

“Excuse me, Detectives, the kitchen is yours.” A man wearing a navy blue jacket with the letters ‘CSU’ across the left front pocket waved the detectives into the kitchen.

Rakowitz wasn’t sure what he had expected to see, but the sight that awaited them took his breath away. A man and woman were seated at a small kitchenette table. The woman was slouched forward, her forehead resting on the tabletop, and the man sat with his head tilted unnaturally far back.

The positioning was odd enough, but it was the amount of blood that surprised the seasoned detective. Mr. Toland’s chest appeared to have exploded from within, drenching the ceiling and walls in blood and fragments of bone and tissue. Opposite to her husband, Mrs. Toland didn’t appear to have a mark on her.

“What the hell?” Rakowitz looked expectantly at the CSU technician. “What caliber weapon did that?”

The technician’s brow arched as he massaged the palm of his hand with his thumb. “Why do you assume he was shot?”

Rakowitz had worked with enough CSU technicians over the years not to take the you should never make assumptions conversation bait.

“Pardon me – what did that to him?” Rakowitz gave Bates a knowing wink.

The technician looked back and forth between the two detectives and flexed his fingers several times before clearing his throat. “We don’t know yet. We’ll need to run additional tests back at the lab.” The man pointed to the blood stained ceiling. “Given the trajectory of the spray, we would expect to see an entry wound in line with a 10-gauge shotgun fired at close range through the victim’s back.”

“So, something just shy of an elephant gun?” Bates interjected.

“I don’t know if that’s the case,” The technician corrected.

“So, what’s the problem?” Rakowitz was getting impatient and could feel his shoulders tightening by the second. “No gun residue, no shells, what?”

“No entry wound,” the technician said plainly. “Not so much as a scratch on his back.”

Rakowitz looked out the top of his eyes at the technician. “Are you trying to get one over on us?”

The technician frowned. “I assure you I would –”

The detective waved the man off. “Yeah, yeah, all business. I get it.”

Rakowitz walked over to Mr. Toland. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the man’s neck. “His neck is broken.” He pointed to the vertebra nearly protruding from the front of Mr. Toland’s throat. “Did this happen before or after he died?”

The technician held his hand out in front of him, his eyes narrow as he studied his palm.

“Hey? Everything okay?” Bates asked.

The technician hesitated and once again flexed his fingers. “I – sorry.” He looked at Bates. “I broke my hand in a car accident when I was a teenager and for some reason it’s aching.”

Rakowitz and Bates looked at each other and then back at the distracted technician. “Sorry,” Bates offered.

“What?” The technician looked at the two detectives. “It hasn’t bothered me like this in years.”

“I’m sure it’s the cold,” Rakowitz offered, his patience coming to an end. “So, the broken neck?”

Before the technician could respond, a faint buzzing came from his hip. Excusing himself, he pulled his phone from the clip on his belt and left the kitchen.

Bates walked around the table and, bending over, studied the man’s shoulders and upper back carefully. He was wearing a thin, beige pajama shirt, and it was absolutely spotless.

“What do you make of it?” Bates asked.

Rakowitz’s brow furrowed. “Whoever did this was truly and deeply fucked up.”

Bates chuckled. “I can always count on you to state the obvious.”

Rakowitz slipped his notebook back into his jacket pocket. Crouching down on his haunches, he tilted his head to the side and peered at Mrs. Toland. The woman’s eyes were closed and her lips set in a thin line.

“Time of death?” Rakowitz heard Bates ask as the technician entered the kitchen.

“Given body temperature and rigidity, I estimate between ten last night and one this morning.”

Rakowitz stood up. “And the broken neck?”

“Hard to say without a full autopsy.”

Rakowitz frowned. “Care to wager a guess?”

“No,” the technician said plainly.

A throbbing spread from the sergeant’s temple across to the center of his forehead. He hadn’t had a migraine in over a year, but knew the ache was the beginnings of one. He had stopped carrying his medication and hoped the headache, and the nausea that always accompanied it, would hold off until he could wrap up the scene.

Massaging his temple with the heel of his hand, Rakowitz closed his eyes and took a deep breath before addressing Bates. “Have we heard back from the husband’s work about next of kin?”

“No. Let me give them another call.” Bates left the room, and Rakowitz took the opportunity to look around. The kitchen was modest, with beige linoleum floor, simple oak cabinets, and a white porcelain farmhouse sink.

The nicest item in the kitchen was the double door stainless steel refrigerator. The detective could hardly see the appliance, though, for all the photos and magnets plastered to its front. His eyes scanned the trinkets and snapshots, stopping on a 3x5 photograph attached to the refrigerator with a Baltimore Orioles Cartoon Bird logo magnet.

A chill ran up the back of Rakowitz’s neck, pushing the pain at the center of his forehead outward. “Bates!” He pulled the photo off the refrigerator, sending the magnet skittering across the floor. “Bates!”

The two men nearly collided as Rakowitz rushed from the kitchen. “Christ, Steve, what’s all the yelling?”

Rakowitz held the photo up for Bates to see, watching as the color drained from his colleague’s face.

“Where’s the kid?” Rakowitz took a deep breath.

Bates snatched the photo from Rakowitz and quickly turned it over. “Kaylee, Momma, and Daddy, Deep Creek, Summer two-thousand and six.” He looked up at Rakowitz, eyes wide. “Shit, Steve, she looks maybe one here.”

A wave of nausea washed over Rakowitz and settled as a sour knot in his stomach. “So, we have a three or four-year-old girl, brown hair, brown eyes, around three feet tall?” The stabbing pain in the center of his forehead rapidly branched out and over the top of his head. “Get an AMBER Alert out, now.” Bates rushed from the room.

Rakowitz squinted against the sunlight coming through the narrow window over the kitchen sink. As he turned his head away from the blinding light, he saw the county deputy cautiously peering into the kitchen. Pushing back against the onslaught of nausea the migraine was blanketing him in, the sergeant’s vision blurred as he took three aggressive strides toward the unsuspecting deputy.

“They have a daughter, Deputy.” The detective stood toe-to-toe with the man, seething. “I thought the trooper and you went through the house?” Not waiting for a response, Rakowitz pressed his chest into the smaller man’s. “You didn’t notice a kid’s room or photos?!”

The deputy’s eyes were wide, his breath coming in short bursts. “We – I was moving quickly, just trying to make sure the assailants weren’t still here.”

Rakowitz stretched his neck to the left, willing the tension and anger from his body. He had to think straight, and wanting to beat the crap out of the deputy and trooper didn’t leave much space for reasonable thought. He would have the deputy and trooper’s jobs for this oversight.

“Get the troopers from out front. I want a full sweep of the house. Let’s make sure she isn’t still here.” He shuddered at his last words. If she were still in the house, the odds were they were looking for a body.

The deputy hesitated, and the sergeant glared at him. “Is there a problem?!”

“I – I just feel sick.” The deputy wrapped his arms around his midsection.

Rakowitz’s eyes widened. “Oh, you’re sick?” He circled the deputy. “By all means, why don’t you go rest on the dead family’s couch while we do your job for you!”

Barely had the words left the sergeant’s mouth before the deputy bent over and vomited, a combination of coffee and chunks of pancake covering the floor.

“Jesus, you’re contaminating the crime scene!” Rakowitz pushed the disoriented deputy out of the kitchen. “Get your shit together, and get on that search!”

“But – I –” The man wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand.

Rakowitz put his finger in the man’s face. “Crossroads’ moment for you, Deputy – either man up or start looking for a new job.”

Grimacing, the deputy stumbled from the kitchen. Rakowitz followed and walked toward the door leading to the basement. He just opened it when he felt Bates’ hand on his shoulder. “The alert’s out.” He looked down the narrow stairs. “I’ll come with you.”

Shaking his head, Rakowitz flipped the light switch next to the door, the single overhead bulb casting the stairs in a yellowish hue. “No. Coordinate the ground and second story sweeps. I’ll cover the basement.” Bates hesitated before nodding and disappearing outside.

Rakowitz pushed his jacket behind his gun holster, released the leather safety strap, and rested his hand on the 9mm pistol’s handle. The stabbing pain in his head migrated down the back of his neck. He squeezed his eyes shut for several seconds to focus, opened them, and took a tentative step down.

Reaching the bottom of the steps, Rakowitz scanned the room. A washer and dryer sat to his left, and a small coffin freezer hummed from across the room. The basement wasn’t finished, and the cinder block walls did little to warm the damp space.

Turning to walk back up the stairs, the sergeant’s eye was drawn to an oversized water heater that stood in the far corner of the basement. The light from the stairs did little to illuminate the farthest reaches of the room, so Rakowitz retrieved a small pen light from his coat pocket. Shining the narrow beam of light on the heater, a quite whimper reached his ears.

At first, he thought he was hearing things. Occasionally, the migraines gave him auditory hallucinations, but those were usually a buzzing or low hum in his ears. Now, standing in the dimly lit basement, he was certain the whimpering was real and coming from behind the hot water heater.

Pulling his gun, Rakowitz leveled the weapon at the heater. “Police, come out with your hands where I can see them.” He began counting to five in his head, losing count between three and four as an onslaught of stabbing pain peppered the back of his eyes.

Pressing the heel of his hand to his right eye, Rakowitz kept one eye and the gun fixed on the corner. “Now, god damnit! And consider this your final warning!”

The whimpering stopped and seconds later was replaced with a muffled cry. The sergeant’s shoulders stiffened, and the hairs on the back of his neck bristled. His pain addled brain finally caught up, and he rushed toward the sound.

Holstering his gun, Rakowitz got down on his hands and knees. He clutched the pen light between his teeth as he crawled behind the heater’s cylindrical metal tank. The light brought into focus the dirtied, tear stained face of Kaylee Toland.

Rakowitz carefully reached for the child and pulled her out from behind the heater. Kaylee began to cry uncontrollably, and her face reddened as large tears covered her cheeks. The sergeant’s arms shook as a fresh wave of nausea cascaded over him. He stumbled toward the stairs and with pure determination fought back the urge to vomit as he ascended to the main floor.

“Bates! Bates!” The loudness of his own voice was like shards of glass ricocheting back and forth inside his head.

“Wha –” Bates stopped dead in his tracks and for a moment looked as if he might not move again. Then as quickly as the shock of seeing the unkempt girl clinging to Rakowitz had rendered him speechless, the man moved. He pulled his suit jacket off and, taking Kaylee from Rakowitz, wrapped the child up in the jacket.

Rakowitz retrieved his cell phone and called for an ambulance. Bates was careful to avoid the scene in the kitchen as he carried Kaylee into the living room. “Shh, it’s going to be okay.” He gently rocked the still whimpering girl in his arms. He stopped and, feeling a rush of warmth from his nose, held his hand up to his face.

“What the hell?” Bates looked at his blood covered hand and, dabbing at his nose, was surprised at the amount of blood flowing. He hadn’t had a nose bleed like this since he was a child.

“Ambulance is on its way.” Rakowitz sat down in an overstuffed leather recliner across from Bates. “I almost missed her.” He closed his eyes; the light coming through the living room windows was so bright, it was making him feel dizzy.

“You okay?” Bates’ brow furrowed with worry as he retrieved a hankie from his back pocket, hoping to stem the flow of blood from his nose.

Rakowitz narrowly opened his eyes. “I should be asking you that.”

Bates held the hankie to his nose and gently rocked Kaylee in his arm. “Damnedest thing.” A moment later, Kaylee fell silent, her body relaxing into the detective’s chest as she fell asleep.

Rakowitz opened his eyes and, for the first time since entering the house, could fully focus. Rubbing his hands over his face, he felt the tension in his back and shoulders lessening. Resting his elbows on his knees, he studied the sleeping child.

“I pray to God she has family.” He slowly stood up, grateful for the reprieve from the pain that had all but consumed him moments before.

Bates wiped the last of the blood from his nose and tucked the ruined hankie into his back pocket. “She’s alive, and that counts for something.”

Rakowitz walked toward the front door, his eyes lowered. “That’s a depressingly low bar to set.”

Chapter 1

“Are you ready?!” Elise Sullivan yelled up the stairs of the Baltimore row house she shared with her fourteen-year-old daughter Bailey. Her question was met with silence. “Seriously, you have ten minutes, or you’re missing the bus, and I promise I am not driving you!”

Elise hurried into the galley style kitchen, pulled a coffee tumbler from the dishwasher, and poured a generous amount of coffee into it. Glancing at her watch, she rolled her eyes and quickly calculated the chances of her getting to work on time.

Roughly zero percent, Elise thought to herself as she screwed the lid of the coffee tumbler on.

Loud clumping sounds came from the second floor, followed by a series of thuds as Bailey bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen.

“Where did you get that shirt?” Elise took stock of her daughter’s attire: a wrinkled button-up blouse and faded jeans.

“Off the floor.” Bailey stood on her tip toes as she reached into the cabinet next to the refrigerator. She quickly tore the wrapper from a breakfast bar and stopped short of taking a bite when she saw the disgruntled look on her mother’s face. “What?”

Elise took a deep breath and ran her hand through her short brown hair. “Do you think wearing clothes off the floor of that sty you call a room is the best choice you could have made this morning?”

“Do you think condescension is the best choice you could have made this morning?” Bailey quickly countered.

Elise’s eyes widened and, though impressed with her daughter’s vocabulary, a heated flush shot to her cheeks. “What did you say to me?”

Bailey stood frozen, her brown eyes as wide as her mother’s. “I –”

“Don’t.” Elise held her hand up. “And why is your hair still wet?”

“I washed it.” Bailey ran her fingers through the tangled brown curls as she took a bite of the breakfast bar.

“There’s additional steps after you get out of the shower, Bailey.” Elise picked up the coffee tumbler and walked past her daughter. “By the way, we will discuss your attitude tonight.” She knew letting Bailey think about the possible consequences of her attitude, and effectively stew in the numerous scenarios the girl would no doubt come up with, was one of the worst things Elise could do. Bailey had an active imagination, and it sometimes got the better of her.

A heavy sigh escaped Bailey, and her shoulders slumped. “Can’t you just tell me what my punishment will be now?”

Elise’s brow arched. “Who said anything about a punishment? I said we would discuss your attitude.” She picked-up her purse and briefcase from the table in the entryway and opened the front door. “Go in the laundry room and get a clean shirt from the basket before you leave.”

“Won’t it be wrinkled, too?” Bailey mumbled with a mouth full of breakfast bar.

“Again, don’t be smart, and yes, but it won’t smell like the floor.” It wasn’t even seven-thirty in the morning yet, and Elise was already tired. “You have about five minutes before you’re walking to school.”

“You could drive me,” Bailey asserted. “I mean, you literally drive right past my school.”

Elise stood, her hand resting on the doorknob. “What would be the fun in that?” Winking, she turned and waved over her shoulder. “Good luck.”

Pulling the door shut, Elise stood on the stoop and took a deep, calming breath. It was late May, and the morning was chilly. She wondered if she shouldn’t go back in and retrieve her coat. Knowing she didn’t have the energy to go another round with her precocious daughter, Elise decided to brave the morning chill.

As she descended the steps, she reminded herself that as teenagers went, Bailey was one of the good ones. Her daughter got good grades, she excelled in her extracurricular activities, and she didn’t do drugs. But she had sass to spare.

Walking the block to where her car was parked, Elise saw Bailey’s bus drive by. She held out little hope the girl was going to catch it. She’s fourteen and needs to learn cause, effect, and consequence, Elise reminded herself. She reasoned that when her daughter missed the bus, she would be forced to call a cab as the two mile walk to school would put her well past the start of first period. She’ll move in the mornings once she sees how much of her allowance gets blown on cab fare.

Pressing the keyless entry remote to her Audi SUV, Elise tossed her purse and briefcase into the passenger seat. After fastening her seatbelt, she exhaled and cautiously pulled onto the street.

Fifteen minutes later, Elise pulled into the parking garage of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Pathology building. She was pleasantly surprised she was going to arrive at her first lecture on time in spite of her daughter’s efforts to thwart her almost obsessive need for punctuality.

“Elise!” A man’s voice came from across the parking garage as Elise walked toward the bank of elevators.

Smiling, Elise pressed the down button and turned toward the gray-haired man dressed in a tailored black suit. “Good morning, Doctor Patchett.”

“Good morning, Doctor Sullivan.” He glanced at his watch. “Cutting it close this morning, aren’t we?”

Elise rolled her eyes as the elevator doors opened. “The curse of raising a teenager.”

The man laughed. “I remember when my boys were younger; Angie and I were convinced they wanted to drive us crazy and have us committed just so they could throw parties every weekend unchecked.”

Elise frowned. “Well, there’s that to look forward to.” She smiled. “Thanks, Gary.”

“Any time.” Gary nudged Elise playfully with his shoulder. “Oh, speaking of parties, Angie wants to know if you’re going to make it Saturday?”

Angie and Gary Patchett had been longtime friends of Elise’s. Gary had been her mentor when she first joined the faculty at the Department of Pathology seven years prior. By default, his wife Angie had taken charge of Elise’s social calendar and ensured she was introduced to other members of the department.

“I’ll be there.” The elevator doors opened, the two doctors exited the garage, and crossed the street toward the hospital. “See you later.” Elise offered Gary a warm smile as the two parted ways.

“Good morning, Doctor Sullivan.” Hannah Kinnison was a very eager, twenty-five-year-old graduate student. She had been Elise’s teaching assistant for the past two semesters, and despite the doctor’s insistence that the woman call her Elise, Hannah seemed constitutionally incapable of the informality.

“Hi, Hannah. How are you?” Elise laid her briefcase on her desk and, unlocking the bottom drawer, secured her purse.

Hannah smiled. “I’m good. Thank you.” She reached for a stack of folders on the corner of her desk and walked over to Elise. “I’ve finished grading the essays.”

Elise took the stack of folders. “Great.” She glanced at her watch. “I’m going to be late after all.”

“Can I help?” Hannah offered.

“No, but thank you.” Elise grabbed the e-tablet from her briefcase and hurried down the hall. She was rethinking wearing a new pair of heels as she rushed up the flight of stairs toward the lecture hall. Her feet were already aching, and she had four hours of lectures to navigate still.

Elise made her way through the third-floor halls and into a small classroom. The hematology class had seventeen students, all in their first year of graduate work in pathology. Elise had facilitated the class for three semesters, and despite being rushed and already having what she was certain was a blister on her right heel, she was confident she could run the class with her eyes closed.

“Good morning.” Elise managed a smile as a stab of pain shot through her right foot. Glancing up at the digital clock on the wall, she was relieved that she had walked into the room with two minutes to spare.

“I trust you all had a good weekend?” Elise docked the e-tablet in the narrow podium positioned in the front center of the classroom, picked up the small remote, and turned on the fifty-four-inch television behind her.

Elise could see from the lackluster responses, she wasn’t the only one in the room struggling. “I’ll take your silence as a resounding yes.” She smirked as she swiped the tablet’s screen and then turned toward the television.

“This morning,” Elise glanced back at the subdued students, “for better or worse, we’re going to resume our discussion about the Von Willebrand Factor.” She started to pace, as was her habit during lectures, but thought better of it given the throbbing in her feet. “Today, I want to focus on how vWD’s deficiencies or structural defects, specific to glycoprotein, are responsible for some of the more common inherited bleeding disorders, namely hemophilia and von Willebrand's Disease.”

“Can someone please tell me an enzyme that mediates catabolism in vWF?”

“ADAMTS13.” Raul Martinez was a particularly bright man who Elise could always count on to drive discussion, or chime in with an answer.

“Thank you, Mr. Martinez.” Elise pressed a button on the remote. A graphic of interlocking molecular strands appeared on the television screen. “And besides Mr. Martinez, can someone please tell me what ADAMTS13 stands for?”

Elise leaned against the side of the podium, scanning the nervous faces in front of her. “We have fifty-five minutes left. I prefer we not sit in an awkward silence.”

“A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with…” Erica Planter’s voice trailed off, and her eyes shot nervously to her tablet as she scrolled for the answer.

“A thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13.” Marisa Dailey completed the acronym.

“It took two people to answer that question. Three, if we count Mr. Martinez.” Elise took a deep breath and rubbed the back of her neck. “At this rate, I’ll run out of students before someone can tell me what vWF’s basic monomer is.”

“2050-amino acid protein,” Erica eagerly offered.

Elise chuckled. “Thank you, Ms. Planter.”

The remainder of the class went much the same way. The students were sluggish and ill-prepared. “I’m not confident you all have grasped this material.” Elise glanced up at the wall clock to see there was less than five minutes left of class time. “So, we’re going to deviate from the syllabus, and I want each of you to present a narrative.” She paused, noticing the disgruntled faces of her students at the mere mention of additional work. “On Thursday, each of you will speak to the von Willebrand Factor's primary function and its importance in platelet adhesion to wound sites. And, on that note, I give you three whole minutes of your day back.” Elise grinned. “Have a great day.” For emphasis, Elise tossed the remote down on the podium, her frustration evident.

***

Elise sat down at her desk and, looking at her watch, was relieved she had nearly an hour until her next lecture. She carefully slipped her shoes off and breathed a sigh of relief at the coolness of the tile floor against her aching soles.

“Am I interrupting?” A woman’s voice came from the doorway. Elise’s eyes flew open as she attempted to discreetly slip the heels back on her swollen feet.

“Jill.” Elise started to stand but was relieved when the head of her department raised her hand, indicating Elise should stay seated.

“May I sit?” Jill Rainey was a few years older than Elise, and at forty-seven was the youngest director of the pathology department in the history of the hospital. She was confident, intelligent, and driven. Elise imagined their working relationship would be much less strained if they hadn’t dated during their residencies in Boston over fifteen years ago.

“What can I do for you this morning?” Elise shifted in her chair, crossing her legs as she gave Jill her undivided attention.

“I was wondering if you are planning on attending Gary’s meet-and-greet this Saturday?” Elise couldn’t help but notice Jill’s eyes dart down to her exposed knee and calf.

Self-consciously, Elise pulled at the hem of her black pencil skirt. “I – yes. I ran into Gary this morning and let him know I would be there.” Elise tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear. “Are you going?”

Jill smiled. “I am. There are several professors attending from Towson. As I mentioned in our department meeting last week, we’re partnering with their Science and Mathematics College to provide additional lab hours for the Forensic Science Masters candidates.”

Elise nodded, unclear why Jill was having this exchange with her. “I remember you mentioning it. It’s a great cross institutional program, given how many of Towson’s graduates end up working here in one way or another.”

There was an awkward pause as Jill looked intently at Elise. “So, I’ll see you there?”

Elise hesitated. She felt like there was an undercurrent to the conversation she wasn’t quite getting. “Of course.” She managed a polite smile.

Jill grinned while she stood. “Great.” As she reached the door, she turned to Elise. “We could go together.”

Elise’s stomach did a quick somersault as she pushed herself up and out of her chair. After the initial discomfort of working together, Jill and she had managed a polite and professional relationship for the past three years. Elise thought it had gone without saying that rekindling their relationship wasn’t an option.

Not only would it make for uncomfortable working conditions, but their initial break-up had been difficult. Elise had initiated the end of the year long relationship, and Jill had struggled to move on. Elise didn’t fool herself into thinking Jill had been in love with her. She knew most of the woman’s angst over the split was due to the fact Jill Rainey rarely, if ever, failed at something.

It had been a month before Jill had finally accepted there wasn’t anything she had done wrong, therefore nothing she could fix that would bring Elise and her back together. In the end, Elise had, in no uncertain terms, told Jill they wanted different things from life.

As career minded as Elise had always been, she also knew she wanted a family. Given the look of disgust that had come over Jill’s face when Elise first mentioned the desire to adopt a child, she accepted Jill and she’s relationship was not going to be long lived.

Looking up at Jill, who stood expectantly in the doorway, Elise wasn’t certain how best to handle the situation. In the end, she thought honesty mixed with equal portions of kindness were probably the best approach.

“I look forward to seeing you there, but I have several engagements before, and I wouldn’t want to hold you up.” Elise smiled warmly, confident she had navigated the potential minefield successfully.

Jill cocked her head to the side, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly. “I see.” She paused, her blue eyes focused on Elise. “Well, then, I’ll see you there.”

Elise nodded. “Absolutely.”

Without another word, Jill left the office, the clicking of her heels on the concrete floor fading as she walked down the hall.

Elise released a breath and sat down. “Christ.” She shook her head as she slipped her shoes off again. Given how awkward the exchange had been, she could only imagine and dread what would unfold Saturday.

At least it won’t be one-on-one, Elise attempted to console herself.

If she was honest, Jill’s unwelcomed flirtations were only a fraction of the issue Elise had with the state of her romantic life. It wasn’t as if she expected women to be lined up at her front door and, frankly, given her schedule – she wouldn’t have the time for that level of interest, anyway. She didn’t think it was too much to ask, though, that the only interested party not be her ex who also happened to be her boss.

Running her hands over her face, Elise attempted to shake off the general malaise that was creeping over her. She reminded herself that she had a bright, healthy, and beautiful daughter, a small but intimate group of friends, and that her career was on track.

Elise reached for her all but forgotten coffee tumbler and removed the lid. She cringed as she took a drink of the now lukewarm liquid.

“I can get you another,” Hannah offered as she walked into the office and over to her desk.

“No. It’s nearly eleven. I can get something after my next class.” Elise put the lid back on the tumbler and, with a frown, pushed it toward the edge of her desk.

“Did I see Doctor Rainey a minute ago?”

Elise’s brow arched. She had been very careful not to broadcast her past with Jill, but given Hannah’s uncharacteristic show of curiosity, Elise wondered how discreet Jill had been.

“Yes. She’s getting a headcount of who all is attending Doctor Patchett’s meet-and-greet this weekend.”

Hannah lifted her chin. “Oh, right. I forgot about that.”

“It’s not a big deal.” Elise picked her phone up and began scrolling through emails.

“Are you going?” Hannah chewed nervously on her lower lip. “With – with Doctor Rainey?”

Elise sighed heavily. There it was, the dreaded proof that Jill had not kept their history quiet. “I am going. Alone.”

Hannah opened her mouth as if to say something and then seemed to think better of it. “I’m sure it will be fun.”

Elise looked carefully at her assistant. The girl’s usual alabaster skin was flush with what Elise thought was either nervousness or embarrassment. She decided to give the girl an out and perhaps stop any wild speculation by the student body regarding Jill and her. “Hannah, is there a specific question with regards to Doctor Rainey and I’s relationship that you want to ask?”

Hannah’s hazel eyes widened and she struggled to make eye contact with Elise. “Doctor Sullivan, I –”

“Elise. Hannah, for the last time, please call me Elise.” Projecting her warmest smile, Elise hoped to put the woman at ease.

“Ah – Elise.” The name was practically pried from Hannah’s lips. “Are Doctor Rainey and you dating?”

Elise couldn’t help but grin. Hannah was a naturally nervous person, and the amount of prying and, to some extent courage, that it took for her to ask Elise such a personal question was something she couldn’t imagine the woman capable of when they first met. Regardless of the topic, Elise was pleased to see the woman coming into her own.

“No,” Elise answered plainly.

From the frown that found Hannah’s lips, Elise could see that was not the answer she was expecting. “Oh, I must have –”

Seeing this awkward exchange as a teaching opportunity, Elise leaned forward in her chair, resting her elbows on her desk. “You didn’t ask the right question.”

Elise watched as a myriad of expressions fluttered across Hannah’s face. Confusion, anxiety, embarrassment, and finally something akin to perplexed as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. Hannah’s eyes scanned the top of her desk and then narrowed as she looked up at Elise. “Did Doctor Rainey and you ever date?”

Elise leaned back in her chair. “Yes.” She slipped her shoes back on, grabbed her tablet, and walked to the door. “Next time, avoid closed ended questions.” She winked at Hannah. “You’ll get much more thorough answers.”

***

“Bailey, please put your phone down. We’re going to be eating dinner in a minute.” Elise placed a small side salad next to her distracted daughter. Pausing, she waited for Bailey to comply. “Bailey.”

Without looking up, the girl managed something akin to a slight nod. “Got it.”

“You’ve got what exactly?” Elise challenged.

“Ranch, please.”

Elise’s brow arched. “Ranch?”

Hearing the irritated tone in her mother’s voice, Bailey glanced up. “Yeah, you asked me what dressing I wanted. Ranch.”

Shaking her head, Elise reached for Bailey’s phone. “Try again.” She took the phone and placed it in the back pocket of her jeans. “But now that I have your attention, I was wondering what dressing you want.”

Bailey flopped back in the dining room chair. “Ranch.”

“I talked to your grandma today, and she was wondering if you wanted to stay the weekend with her.” Elise handed Bailey a bottle of ranch dressing and cringed as the girl drowned the small salad with the cream based concoction.

Licking dressing from the tip of her finger, Bailey shook her head. “I was hoping you would let Kim stay over Saturday.”

“I have that party at Angie and Gary’s, remember?”

“That’s why I thought it would be okay for her to stay.” Bailey pursed her lips. “You know, safety in numbers and stuff.” She took an oversized bite of lettuce. “You don’t want me left unattended.”

Elise sat staring at her daughter, a piece of lettuce dangling off her own fork. “First, I don’t consider Kimberly Watkins a sound choice when it comes to supervision of a minor. Second, you are well aware there are no sleepovers when I’m not here. And lastly –” Elise put her fork down with a clank. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

“You’re no fun.” Bailey jokingly stuck her tongue out at her mother.

“Okay, that’s gross.” Elise averted her eyes and attempted to hide a smirk. “We clearly need a refresher on table manners.”

“I could go to etiquette classes. Didn’t they have those when you were a kid?” Bailey popped half a slice of cucumber in her mouth.

“How old do you think I am?”

“Over twenty-one.”

Elise took a sip of the red wine she had poured herself. “You’re a riot.”

Bailey raised and lowered her eyebrows. “I learned from watching you.”

Shaking her head, Elise slid her empty salad bowl to the side and began eating the pasta and marinara she had quickly put together when she got home from work. “How was school? Did you get to class on time?”

Bailey nodded as she finished the last of her salad. “Sure did.”

Elise looked intently at her daughter. “How’s that?”

Shrugging, Bailey spread a thick layer of butter on a slice of French bread. “My first period starts at eight-forty-five, and I got there at or before eight-forty-five.” She took a generous bite of bread. “You know, on time.”

“Don’t be smug, and stop talking with your mouth full.” Elise put her fork down and leaned back in her chair. “How did you get to school?”

“A motor vehicle, and I –” Bailey stopped when she saw her mother’s eyes narrow, and her lips set in a scowl. “I got a ride from Kim’s mom.”

Elise huffed. “Damnit, Bailey, you can’t just impose on people like that because you can’t get yourself together in the mornings.”

“What? I had a problem, and I fixed it.” The girl leveled her gaze at her mother. “Isn’t that the point? Be self-reliant, solve my problems, learn from my mistakes, become a meaningful contributor to society, don’t be a burden when I can –”

Elise held her hand up. “Stop.” She was determined not to take her daughter’s bait, and participate in what was sure to be a circular and ridiculous exchange. “Don’t be so dramatic, and let’s table your contributions to the greater good until after dinner.”

Bailey took a drink of water. “Fine by me. You’re the one that asked if –”

“Enough!” The volume and terseness of Elise’s voice surprised both women, and Elise immediately regretted her tone when she saw the flush rise to her daughter’s cheeks. Taking a deep breath, Elise picked her fork up. “Let’s just table this until we’re done eating, please.”

Bailey nodded and uncharacteristically fell silent as she resumed eating. Elise occasionally glanced up at her now brooding daughter and wondered if this was the beginning of a guilt trip. Elise was reluctant to pull the I’m your mother card with Bailey as she thought that tack wasn’t any better than because I said so. However, Bailey’s usual quips and snark had taken on a new intensity over the past few months. Elise was beginning to realize her usual methods of managing her daughter may not continue to work as they moved firmly into the dreaded teen years.

“I’m sorry.” Bailey’s words had been little more than a whisper, and it took Elise a second to realize the girl had spoken at all.

“I’m sorry, too.” Elise was relieved the tension was lessening. Bailey and she rarely fought, and it wasn’t a dynamic she was interested in exploring.

Bailey frowned, and her back stiffened. “May I be excused, please?”

Elise couldn’t decipher the uncomfortable expression that was now masking the girl’s face. “I – sure, if you’re done.”

Without another word, Bailey gathered her dirty dishes, placed them in the kitchen sink, and practically sprinted up the stairs.

Elise sat staring at her half-eaten dinner, realizing her appetite was gone. Not knowing what had gotten into her daughter, and in return not being able to think of any way to help her, had left a knot in Elise’s stomach.

She made her way to the kitchen and began rinsing the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Her smartwatch vibrated, and Elise glanced down to see a text from her mother.

Is Bailey staying with me this weekend?

Elise continued to load the dishwasher as she spoke. “Okay, Google… Reply to text from Mom. Hi, Mom, Bailey has been in a mood lately, and I don’t know if she’s fit company. Send text.”

A minute later, another text scrolled across the watch face. She’s a teenager. She won’t be fit for much of anything for at least another four years. Send her my way, anyway.

Elise smiled. “Okay, Google… Reply to text from Mom. Just remember, I warned you. I’ll bring her over by noon on Saturday. Send text.”

Sounds good. See you two then. Love you.

Elise turned the dishwasher on, turned off the downstairs lights, and made her way upstairs. A low thumping emanated from Bailey’s room as Elise reached the second-floor landing. Rolling her eyes, she knocked on the girl’s door.

“Bailey, can you turn the music down? I’m going to have a bath and make an early night of it.” The only response she received was a slightly quieter thumping coming through the door. “Thanks so much, Bailey.” Elise muttered as she went into her bedroom and shut the door.

A few minutes later, Elise pulled her hair up in a plastic clip and slipped into a large porcelain soaking tub. Reaching for her e-tablet, she began reading an article in The Pathologist about molecular profiling for patients with advanced lung cancer. She was pleased when, halfway through the article, the incessant thumping from Bailey’s room stopped. She laid the tablet on the edge of the tub and sank further down into the water.

The heat of the water relaxed the muscles in Elise’s shoulders and back. She hadn’t realized just how tense she had been and couldn’t figure out what was triggering the discomfort. As days went, it had been a fairly typical Monday, and typical was Elise’s friend.

The only thing out of the ordinary was Elise’s interaction with Jill. When Jill had first been introduced as the new director, Elise had chalked their unwanted reunion up to coincidence. Now, as the awkwardness had mounted between the two, Elise wondered if she had just been born under a bad sign. After all, the universe saw fit to not only have most of her relationships end roughly, but had brought one of the more difficult ones back around for seconds.

Elise couldn’t honestly say she regretted any of her choices. She enjoyed her work, loved her daughter, and was fortunate to have a good group of friends. As of late, though, it had occurred to Elise she may have missed out in the relationship department.

Elise jerked upright and, feeling the coolness of the water around her, realized she had drifted off. Shaking her head at her carelessness, she quickly pushed herself up out of the tub and reached for a towel.

The once steam filled bathroom was verging on cold as Elise dried off quickly, goosebumps forming on the tan skin of her forearms and legs. She wrapped herself in the thick, white terrycloth robe Bailey had given her last Mother’s Day and unclipped her hair.

Elise sat down on the edge of her bed and began applying moisturizer to her arms and legs. Glancing down at her foot, she cringed at the angry red blister on her heel. She carefully rubbed the lotion around the blister and then put the bottle in her nightstand drawer.

Hanging her robe on the back of her closet door, Elise pulled a pair of cotton shorts and a tank top from the dresser, put them on, and settled into bed with the intention of finishing the molecular profiling article. After reading the same sentence three times, and with her eyes feeling heavy, Elise knew she had lost the fight. She turned the tablet and bedside lamp off, and a few minutes later drifted off to sleep, running through her to-do list for the following day.

***

Elise sat up, her heart racing in her chest, her breath coming in short bursts. She was covered in a thin film of sweat, and her sheets clung to her legs. She blinked several times, her bedroom cast in shadow as she looked around, trying to clear her head. Even as the seconds past, the feeling of dread continued to press down on her.

A spike of fear shot through her as she caught movement in the corner of her bedroom. Instinctively she crawled back until her shoulders were pressed against the headboard of her bed.

“Who’s there?” Elise managed through the tightness in her throat.

The question was met with silence as Elise narrowed her eyes in an attempt to see into the darkened corner. “Bailey?” A wave of relief washed over Elise but was quickly squelched as her daughter continued to stand, unresponsive in the corner of the room.

Freeing herself from the tangle of sheets, Elise got out of bed. She had intended to approach Bailey, but the girl’s stillness – the fact she wasn’t responding to Elise – gave the woman pause.

“Bailey, are you okay?”

“There’s a man downstairs.” Bailey’s voice was even, her eyes fixed toward the floor as she spoke.

A prickling heat began to form at the back of Elise’s neck. She forced herself forward. “I think you were dreaming, sweetie.” She took Bailey’s hand in hers. “Let’s get you back to bed.”

Bailey wrenched her hand free of Elise’s. “He’s downstairs, and he wants to talk to you.”

Elise’s rational mind struggled to maintain calm. She knew Bailey more than likely had a nightmare and was confused. “I’ll go down and talk with him after we get you back in bed.”

Elise looked closely at her daughter. The girl’s gaze was unflinching as her eyes remained fixed on the floor. Maybe she’s sleepwalking? Bailey hadn’t walked in her sleep since she was four. Elise gently turned her daughter toward the door and then guided her toward her bedroom.

Bailey stopped suddenly, causing Elise to bump into her back. Bailey turned her head and looked down the narrow flight of stairs. “Yes. I told her.”

Elise looked down the stairs and into the dimly lit entryway of their home. Despite the fact Elise was confident Bailey was dreaming, she found herself peering into the shadows with a sense of dread.

“Bailey, come on, let’s get you back into bed.” Elise forced her eyes from the empty entryway and back to her daughter.

“I’ll wait here.” Bailey turned so she was facing the stairs.

“Wait for what, Bailey?” Elise’s uneasiness made her tone sharper than she had intended.

“Come up and talk to her, then,” Bailey suggested.

A cold chill ran up the back of Elise’s neck. “Bailey, that’s enough.” She reached for the light switch and, flipping it on, revealed an empty entryway and stairwell. Elise took Bailey’s hand and pulled her away from the stairs.

Elise managed to get Bailey back into her bed without incident. Standing in the doorway, she watched as Bailey laid still in her bed, her chest rising and falling as she slept. Looking down, Elise spotted Bailey’s lacrosse stick leaning against the wall. Shaking her head at her own skittishness, she grabbed the stick, quickly retrieved her cell phone from her nightstand, and began a slow descent to the first floor.

Tucking the cell phone in the elastic band of her shorts, Elise gripped the lacrosse stick as she reached the bottom of the stairs. The house was silent, less the faint noises coming from the city outside. Elise turned the kitchen light on, casting the dining room and living room in a soft light.

Scanning the rooms, Elise shook her head. Nothing. There’s nothing and no one here. She checked the alarm, the front and backdoor locks, and confident the house was secure, she turned the lights off and walked back upstairs.

She stopped at the top of the stairs, a faint tickle gathering at the back of her throat as her heart began to pound in her chest. There was a low buzzing coming from Bailey’s room and what sounded like voices. One voice was clearly a hushed Bailey, but the second voice was distinctly male.

A surge of adrenaline pushed Elise into her daughter’s room, the lacrosse stick raised as she sent the door slamming into the wall. The loud intrusion brought Bailey into a seated position in her bed.

“Mom?!” Bailey practically screamed. “What’s wrong?!”

Elise barely registered the fear in her daughter’s voice as her eyes moved about the room. Flipping the light switch on, she was relieved to see a squinting Bailey sitting, unharmed and alone, in her bed.

“I – I thought I heard something.” Elise didn’t want to further upset her daughter by recounting the last five minutes. “I’m sorry if I scared you.” She put the lacrosse stick back against the wall and walked to Bailey. Elise sat on the bed next to her daughter and took her hand in hers. “I guess you were having a dream.”

Bailey chewed nervously on the inside of her lip. “I don’t remember dreaming.”

Elise smiled and entwined her fingers with her daughter’s. “Most people can’t remember their dreams.” Elise brushed a loose curl from Bailey’s forehead. “Studies show that when people are asleep and then hear a sudden sound or open their eyes, more brain regions become active –”

“Sudden sound?” Bailey smirked. “Like your mother barging into your room at three in the morning?”

Elise tilted her head toward her daughter and gave her an incredulous look. “Yeah, something like that.” She took a deep breath; relieved Bailey was being herself again. “Anyway, when you wake up, the alpha waves in your brain are reduced, and that may be why you can’t recall what you dreamed about.”

Bailey laid back down and pulled the sheets up to her chest. “I probably won’t remember this little sleep study session, either, Mom, but don’t take that personally.” She yawned.

Elise smiled at her daughter. “Point taken.” She leaned forward and kissed Bailey on the forehead. “Night.”

Elise left Bailey’s door cracked before walking across the hall toward her own bedroom. Resting her hand on the hall light switch, Elise was torn between a visceral need to leave the light on and how ridiculous she felt for even considering it.

Elise reasoned with herself. There’s no one down there. She stared, unblinking, at the switch. Turn the damn light off. Elise went back into her bedroom, the light from the hall creeping in under the closed door.

Chapter 2

“You look tired.” Jill handed Elise two packs of sugar from the stainless steel caddy in the cafeteria.

Jill’s comment triggered a yawn, and Elise covered her mouth. “You sure know how to flatter a girl.” Immediately regretting the flirtatious tone of her comment, Elise chalked it up to the fact she hadn’t gone back to sleep after being up with Bailey the night before.

“I do have a certain charm,” Jill joked as she stirred her coffee.

Elise couldn’t help the sudden chuckle that escaped her. She had several quips shoot through her head, but she wasn’t tired enough to mislead Jill into thinking she was flirting with her.

Tossing the empty packets of sugar in the waste basket, Elise smiled at Jill. “See you later.”

Jill returned the smile as she added a third packet of sugar to her coffee. “Take care.”

Elise was pleasantly surprised how smoothly their interaction had gone. Her life would be exponentially easier if they could fall into a comfortable casualness with each other. She was considering those benefits as she walked back into her office.

“Doct –” Hannah cleared her throat. “Elise, your daughter’s school called.”

Elise’s brow arched as she put her coffee down on her desk. “What did they want?”

Hannah shrugged. “They wouldn’t say, except you need to call them ASAP.”

Elise retrieved her phone from her desk drawer and quickly dialed Bailey’s school. “Yes, this is Elise Sullivan. You called my office regarding my daughter, Bailey.”

There was a long pause as the woman on the other end clicked away on a keyboard. “Your daughter was in an altercation. She’s fine, but you will need to come get her. She’s been suspended until next Wednesday.”

“What?!” Elise’s voice cracked, and she saw Hannah’s head shoot up, a worried expression on her face.

“No, I understand. I’ll be there in the next half hour.” Elise tossed her phone into her purse as she began to gather her belongings. “Hannah, can you please take the rest of my classes today, and let Doctor Rainey know I had to leave?”

Hannah pushed back from her desk. “Of course. Is Bailey okay?”

Elise shook her head as she got her car keys out of her purse. “Let’s just say, when I get a hold of her, she won’t be.”

Hannah cringed. “Yikes.”

“Yikes indeed, Hannah.”

Elise hurried from the building and across the street to the parking garage. She was less than a block from the school when she managed to finally get her frustration and anger under control. She’s a good kid. She’s a good kid. Elise repeated the mantra to herself as she checked in at the school’s front desk and then made her way to the administration office.

“Doctor Sullivan.” A man in his late forties greeted Elise. “I’m Doctor Philips. We met at parent-teacher night last Fall.”

Elise managed a slight smile as she took the man’s hand. “It’s nice to see you again.” She winced. “I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances.”

Doctor Philips nodded. “I was surprised to see Bailey in my office. She is usually a stellar student.” He held a door open for Elise and directed her toward his office. “I can’t seem to get a straight answer from her, and Mrs. Yanish, her biology teacher, isn’t sure how it happened.”

Elise stopped outside the doctor’s office. “What exactly happened?” She looked directly at the administrator. “They were very vague on the phone.”

Doctor Philips looked down, and his eyes scanning the floor as if the answer could be found in the grout between its beige tile. “Well, there was a fight, and Bailey shoved a boy across the room. He’s fine, and his parents aren’t going to press charges, but –”

“Charges?!” Elise interrupted. “Is that even possible?”

“I’m afraid so, Doctor Sullivan. What Bailey did is tantamount to assault.”

Elise shook her head. “Look, I’m not one of those parents who thinks their kid can do no wrong, but whatever happened, I assure you, Bailey didn’t start it.”

Doctor Philips nodded enthusiastically. “Maybe, but Bailey finished it.” He opened his office door, and Elise saw Bailey sitting on a small navy sofa, her hands resting in her lap, her head down.

Elise looked at Doctor Philips. “Can you give us a few minutes, please?”

The doctor nodded and excused himself before shutting the door.

Elise placed her purse in a chair sitting next to the door and then sat down on the narrow sofa with Bailey. “Everything okay?” She had meant to be firmer with her daughter, but the girl looked utterly deflated as she sat slumped over on the sofa.

“Not really.” Bailey spoke so softly, Elise had to lean in to hear her.

“What happened?” Elise placed a hand on Bailey’s jean clad knee.

Bailey shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Elise needed to hear the truth from Bailey, and she needed the girl to own whatever her actions had been. “Bailey, no matter what happened, I love you.” Elise placed her finger under Bailey’s chin and tilted her head up so the girl was looking at her. “Tell me what happened.”

“You’ll be mad.” Bailey’s eyes began to fill with tears.

Elise nodded. “Probably, but that’s okay. We will work through it – together.”

Bailey sniffled and took a deep breath. Her shoulders shook slightly as she spoke. “We were in lab, and Noah Carter called Kim a slut and said terrible things about her.” The girl winced. “I told him to shut up, and he said he hadn’t said anything, and I told him he was a liar, and then he gave me the middle finger and told me I was being a bi – he, well, called me a bitch, and then I told him to shut his filthy mouth, and he made like he was going to punch me, and then he was on the floor.”

Elise leaned back and took Bailey’s hand in hers. “Where was Mrs. Yanish?”

“She was at the board, and when I tried to explain what had happened, she said the only thing she had heard was me yelling at Noah and then pushing him.”

“So you did push him?” Elise had seen Bailey check players twice her size during lacrosse games; it wasn’t unreasonable that she would be able to send a fourteen-year-old boy flying.

“I – I didn’t touch him.” Bailey’s tears finally broke free.

Elise got up to retrieve a tissue from Doctor Philips’ desk. She knelt in front of Bailey as she handed her the tissue. “How did he get on the floor?”

“I really don’t know.” Bailey blew her nose. “What does it matter? They’re suspending me, and I’ll barely get back for finals.”

Elise nodded. “I can’t do anything about that, but at least you aren’t missing finals altogether.”

A deep scowl set across Bailey’s face. “I didn’t push him.”

Elise nodded. “I believe you.”

Bailey’s eyes shot up, wide with surprise. “You do?”

“Yes. I’ve never seen you be physical like that.” Elise laid a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “But you did, at the very least, get in a verbal altercation, and there are consequences to that as well.”

Elise stood and retrieved her purse from the chair. “Let’s go.” She opened the door to find Doctor Philips standing there with his hands crossed in front of him. “Doctor Philips, I’m going to take Bailey home. I understand she won’t be allowed back until next Wednesday. Is that correct?”

Doctor Philips looked past Elise to Bailey, who was standing directly behind her mother. “Yes. Sign her out at the front desk.” He looked directly at Bailey. “This will be entered on your permanent transcripts.”

“I trust this incident will be noted on Noah Carter’s transcripts as well?”

Doctor Philips looked at Elise, his brow furrowed in confusion. “But he was the – the victim.”

Elise turned to Bailey. “Please get your things, and wait for me at the front desk.”

Without a word, Bailey pushed past her mother and Doctor Philips. Elise then turned her attention back to the doctor. “He called Bailey a bitch.”

Doctor Philips shook his head. “No one heard him say that.”

“And no one actually saw my daughter push the boy,” Elise countered. “It seems a lot of assumptions are being made, and clearly they both acted badly.”

“The physical assault –”

“You mean when Noah Carter tripped over his own two feet while verbally sparring with my daughter?” Elise squared her shoulders in preparation for defending her daughter.

“Bailey pushed Noah,” Doctor Philips asserted.

Elise looked the man up and down before speaking. “Prove it.”

There was a long silence that stretched between the two, and Elise thought she might scream from the tension. Confrontation was not her usual go-to, but Bailey wouldn’t be taking sole responsibility for what had happened.

“Doctor Sullivan, I assure you –”

“The only assurances I need, Doctor Philips, is that Noah Carter will have this altercation noted on his transcripts.” Elise took a steadying breath. “It’s only right.” She watched as the doctor’s eyes narrowed, and a surge of red rushed to his cheeks. Elise cleared her throat in an effort to sound more cordial. “I assume you have already absolved Noah of any wrong doing, and it will be uncomfortable to go back to his parents and inform them of the change?”

Doctor Philips nodded, relief finding his face. “You do understand. I can’t –”

“I understand none of that has to do with Bailey.” Elise stepped past the doctor. “I’ll follow up with you next week to ensure this matter has been resolved.” She turned to look at the stunned doctor one last time. “And, I expect evidence of the additions to Noah’s transcripts; otherwise, I’ll have my attorney contact you.”

As Elise walked away, she knew she had nearly, if not actually, overplayed her hand. The only attorney she had was an estate attorney, and she didn’t imagine Donald Cohen Esquire could intimidate anyone, or subpoena the school transcripts of a minor. She hoped, at the very least, Doctor Philips would realize she meant business and correct the error.

Bailey was sitting on a bench near the entrance to the school, her elbows resting on her knees. “Do you have all your stuff? Books, assignments?” Elise asked as she walked up to her daughter.

“I’m still suspended?” Bailey stood up, clutching her satchel in front of her.

Elise pulled her car keys out of her purse. “Yes.”

Bailey followed behind Elise as the two walked toward the parking lot. “I just thought you would –”

Elise stopped on the sidewalk to face Bailey. “You and Noah were both wrong. I wasn’t trying to get you out of anything, but he needs consequences as well.”

Bailey pursed her lips. “I’m sorry.”

Elise was touched by the sincerity of her daughter’s words, but she didn’t want Bailey to misunderstand the severity of what was happening. “I know you’re sorry, and the best way to reinforce that is to not let anything like this happen again.” She held her hand up when Bailey began to speak. “Let me finish. If you find yourself in a situation like that again, though it’s admirable that you wanted to stick up for your friend, please go get a teacher and let them mediate.”

Bailey hesitated before nodding. “I understand.”

Elise smiled. “Good. Now, let’s get you home, and maybe I can make my afternoon classes after all.”

***

Elise walked in the front door at a little past six in the evening. She had dropped Bailey off after the suspension and then managed to get through her afternoon classes with relative ease. Now, she wanted nothing more than to have a quick dinner with Bailey, take a bath, and go to bed.

“Bailey?” Elise put her bag and purse down next to the door. The house was quiet as she walked toward the kitchen. A stack of mail lay on the island, and Elise assumed her daughter had retrieved it at some point that afternoon.

Turning her head to the side, Elise listened for any movement upstairs. “Bailey?” She walked to the foot of the steps. “What do you want for dinner?” More silence.

Sighing, Elise walked up the stairs and knocked on Bailey’s door. When she didn’t receive a greeting, she slowly opened the door. Bailey was laying on her bed asleep. She looked at her daughter closely. The girl was on her back with her right arm resting over her head. Her chest rose and fell slowly, a quiet snore coming from her parted lips.

Tears filled Elise’s eyes. She was both in awe of her daughter and fearful of what might lie ahead for her. Elise didn’t fool herself into thinking things hadn’t been a bit off with her. What she wasn’t sure of was how much of that was the natural ebb and flow of adolescence versus something more serious.

Bailey stirred, bringing Elise back into the present. “Hey, Bailey. I’m home.” Elise gently nudged the girl’s arm. “What do you feel like for dinner?”

Bailey stretched and then slowly sat up, putting her legs over the side of the bed. “I’m not hungry. I ate a late lunch.”

Elise nodded. “Fend for ourselves, then?”

Bailey shrugged. “Whatever.”

Much the same way Bailey was not a morning person, she didn’t bounce back quickly from naps, either. Elise didn’t take the crankiness personally. “I hope you’re able to sleep tonight,” Elise mentioned casually as she walked toward the hall.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Bailey got out of bed, her lips set in a frown.

“Because it’s after six, and you’ve been asleep for heaven knows how long.” Elise could feel the lecture growing in her. “I don’t want you spending this suspension sleeping all day, and then when you have to go back to school, your sleep schedule will be off.”

“This suspension? Because I’ve had so many of them?” Bailey picked her phone up from the dresser.

Elise stopped in the doorway, and her back stiffened as she whirled around to face Bailey. “Would you like to add a grounding to your list of accomplishments for today?”

Not looking up from her phone, Bailey shook her head. “No.” Elise crossed the room and took the phone out of the stunned girl’s hands. “Hey!”

“You can have it back on Monday.” Elise didn’t wait for Bailey’s reply. She turned and crossed the hall to her bedroom.

Elise tossed the phone on her bed and then changed into a comfortable pair of black yoga pants and a faded navy t-shirt from her alma mater, Tufts University. She didn’t know what had gotten into Bailey. The girl had always been intelligent and willful. Elise remembered her own adolescence and her mother’s warnings every time they would get in an altercation, you just wait until you have kids.

As cliché as it was, Elise wondered if the universe wasn’t getting her back for all the grief she had given her parents.

There was a faint knock on the door, and Elise begrudgingly opened it to see a remiss Bailey standing in the hall with her hands clasped in front of her.

“What is it?” Elise leaned on the door jam.

“I’m sorry I was rude.” Bailey’s brown eyes held Elise’s as she spoke.

“I accept your apology, and I’m happy to give your phone back to you on Monday.”

Bailey’s eyes narrowed. “I said I was sorry.”

Elise straightened up. “And now it’s Tuesday because of your obvious attempts to win my favor with a half-hearted and calculated apology.”

Bailey’s face turned a bright red, and her lips thinned as she struggled not to lash out at her mother. “It’s not fair.”

“It actually is.” Elise stood her ground even as her stomach began to sour. “Now, go to your room.”

Bailey’s brown eyes lightened as tears pooled and then cascaded down her cheeks. “You’re making my bad day worse!” the incensed girl shouted.

A sharp cramp grabbed at Elise’s midsection, and she fought to not double over with the pain. “I said go to your room!” She winced as a wave of nausea rolled over her. “Now!”

Bailey stomped back across the hall, and Elise barely made it to the bathroom before retching into the toilet. She wiped at the thin film of sweat that had formed on her forehead and took deep breaths as the cramping began to subside.

Getting to her feet, Elise flushed the toilet and turned the tap on. She washed her hands, splashed cold water on her face, and as she brushed her teeth she tried to remember what she had eaten that might have set her stomach off. A series of beeps came from her bedroom, and she recognized it as Bailey’s text message notification on her phone.

Drying her face with a hand towel, Elise picked her daughter’s phone up from the bed and powered it off. She was more resolute than ever to keep the device from her daughter. The mini tantrum the fourteen-year-old had thrown was not only inappropriate, but off-putting.

Elise’s plans for a low-key evening were looking less likely by the second. Her stomach was still sour, and she was feeling anxious over her exchange with Bailey. Deciding to be productive, she began sorting through her laundry before being interrupted by her smartwatch vibrating on her wrist.

“Hi, Angie.” Elise smiled as she continued to sort darks from lights.

“Hey, do you have a minute?”

“What’s up?” Elise, laundry basket in hand, made her way downstairs.

“Are you sitting down?” Angie’s tone verged on giddy.

“I’m doing laundry; so, no.” Elise navigated the stairs to the basement. “But I’m confident I can manage this conversation and my domestic responsibilities.”

“I may have found a date for you.” Angie practically sang the words.

Elise sat the laundry basket down on the floor next to the washing machine, wincing at her friend’s news. “I’m not looking for a date; so how could you have found me one?”

“Boo, don’t be like that,” Angie admonished. “She’s perfect for you.”

Elise reminded herself she had just been considering the virtues of dating, and perhaps this was how she could get back out there, so to speak. “What’s her name?”

“Really?” Angie’s voice broke with excitement.

“Calm down. I just asked you for her name.”

“To be honest, that’s way beyond where I thought I would get with you on this.”

“Then why bother?” Elise turned the washer on.

There was a long pause, and for a second Elise thought they had been disconnected. “You’re one of my dearest friends. I want you to be happy.”

Elise was both touched and a bit annoyed by her friend’s sentiment. “You’re very kind, and trust me, I am perfectly happy without a significant other.”

“Happier then,” Angie quickly countered. “I want you to be happier.”

Elise tossed the last of the laundry into the washer. “I can’t argue with happier. So, what’s her name?”

“Linda. She’s a community outreach director with Howard County. Gary and I met her last Christmas at a fundraiser, and we’ve kept in touch since.”

Elise wasn’t immediately turned off. “Would you date her?”

“Without a doubt.”

Elise reached the top of the stairs and shut the basement door behind her. “Text me her number, then.”

“I’ll do better than that, she’s going to be at the party.”

The sourness in Elise’s stomach intensified. “Angie, I don’t want the pressure of a face-to-face.”

“She’s easy to be around, Elise. She’s from the South. Very polite, and very chatty.”

Elise rolled her eyes. “How far South?”

“South Carolina.”

Elise sighed. “If she’s at the party, there’s no harm in an introduction.”

“That’s the spirit, and with such enthusiasm.”

Elise pulled a bottle of wine from the rack above the refrigerator. “Don’t push your luck.”

“Alright, I’ll see you Saturday.”

“I’ll be there with bells on.” Elise poured herself a full glass of red wine and disconnected the call.

As Elise sat down at the dining room table to enjoy her wine, a loud thumping made its way down the stairs from Bailey’s room.

“Damnit.” Elise muttered as she put the wine glass down and rushed up the stairs. She rapped on the door and, not waiting for Bailey to acknowledge her, entered her daughter’s room.

The girl was sitting cross legged on her bed with her tablet in front of her. Her eyes grew wide as she looked up at her mother. “What?”

Elise crossed her arms over her chest. “Turn it down, or put your earbuds in.” She crossed the room to the bed and took the tablet. “No phone, no tablet.” Not waiting for a response, Elise turned and left her sullen daughter.

Back downstairs, Elise laid the tablet on the kitchen table, picked her wine glass up, and settled in on the sofa to watch the news. The few minutes of quiet gave her time to consider what she had agreed to with Angie. The idea of meeting someone new, even in a casual setting, made Elise’s head spin.

She couldn’t help but judge herself and what she could only describe as feelings of insecurity. She was a successful person, intelligent, and though all outward appearances at present would say otherwise, a relatively good parent.

Truth be told, Elise was nervous about meeting Linda, but she was also hopeful. This was, after all, how people generally met, through colleagues or friends. Angie knew her. She knew what she liked and what she valued in other people; so, finishing the last of her glass of wine, Elise took a deep breath – resolved to be open minded but not overly optimistic.

Chapter 3

“You can order a pizza.” Elise talked to the back of Bailey’s head as the girl watched television. Elise snapped the gold earring backing on the diamond stud she was wearing and slipped into a pair of black, peep-toe, three-inch heels, confident the nearly healed blister on her right heel wouldn’t give her too much pain. “Just pizza, please. Last time, you had a stomach ache for days after eating your weight in hot wings, pizza, and cinnamon sticks.”

“Got it.” Bailey turned her head and looked at Elise. “Just one problem. How am I going to order pizza without a phone or app?”

Elise was picking up her purse when she realized her daughter had a point. “I see what you mean.” She rummaged around in her purse. Bailey frowned as Elise handed her two twenty dollar bills and her phone. “I don’t want you home without a phone in case something happens. So, call the order in, and then you can go old school by paying with cash. No other calls, texting, Facebook, nothing.” She bent down and placed a quick kiss on the top of Bailey’s head. “I’m trusting you.” Elise opened the front door. “I’ll be back by midnight.”

“Mom?”

“Yes?” Elise stuck her head back in the door.

Bailey smiled, and the irritation and frustration of the past few days gave way to an expression of affection Elise had missed. “You look nice.”

Elise grinned. “Thank you. You know Angie is trying to set me up tonight?”

Bailey chuckled. “Well, someone should.”

Elise shook her head. “Thanks, I think. See you later.” She closed the door and made her way to her car.

Elise had been to Gary and Angie’s countless times and to their famous dinner parties on more than one occasion. Tonight, though, she was feeling anxious. As she drove her car toward her friends’ house, she decided it was the prospect of meeting someone already pre-framed as potential date material.

Dating had never been Elise’s strong suit, and she had never had much luck being fixed up before. As she walked up the sidewalk to Gary and Angie’s, Elise took a deep breath before pressing the door buzzer.

Angie opened the door, her reddish-brown hair pulled up in a bun and her pale skin nicely contrasting the slate gray of her evening dress.

“My God, you look gorgeous!” Angie gushed as she threw her arms around Elise.

“Thank you,” Elise managed. “So do you.”

Angie held Elise at arms’ length and looked her over from head to toe. “I love this dress.” She pulled Elise into the entryway of the house and shut the door behind them.

Elise felt like she had just stepped into line for an unpredictable and jostling amusement park ride. “Thank you. I’ve been looking for an excuse to wear it.”

“If you look that good in something, hell, wear it to the grocery store, the cleaners, everywhere.” Angie pulled Elise along and into the formal living room of Gary and hers row house. There were a few familiar faces in the crowd of a dozen, and Elise smiled as Jill walked over to greet her.

“Elise, it’s nice to see you.” Jill took a drink of what Elise assumed was a rye Old Fashioned. It had been Jill’s drink of choice when they dated, and the familiar sent of rye whiskey and bitters wafted over Elise as Jill leaned in for a quick hug.

Elise managed a polite smile. She looked at Jill’s nearly empty glass. “Can I trouble you for one of those? Only hold the rye, bitters, sugar, and orange, and add gin with a splash of tonic, and a lime.”

Jill laughed. “Sure.” She looked at Angie. “Do you mind if I play bartender?”

“Not at all. We’re pretty informal here; so, help yourself.” Angie nodded toward a fully stocked bar cart across the room.

“Can I get you anything?” Jill asked Angie.

“As the hostess I would love a stiff bourbon, but as the hostess I should keep my wits about me tonight.”

Jill smirked. “How about a glass of red wine?”

“Perfect.” Angie beamed.

“She seems very nice.” Angie leaned in as she spoke to Elise.

“She is.” Elise looped her arm through Angie’s. “Unless you disagree with her, or have an opinion about your life contrary to what she thinks you should be doing.”

Angie cringed. “Special.”

“Very.” Elise began scanning the room.

“Looking for Linda?” Angie nudged Elise’s shoulder. “She’s not here yet.”

Elise frowned. She wanted to get the awkwardness of a first meeting over with. “I trust you’ll give me my cue when the time comes.”

“You bet.” Angie smiled. “There are a few other people I want to introduce you to.”

Elise cringed. “Not all date material, I hope.”

“I’m not a Maryland madam.” Angie feigned indignation.

“So you say.” Elise winked at her friend.

“Come on.” Angie pulled Elise further into the room. “Oh, Wallace, I want you to meet Doctor Elise Sullivan. Gary and she are colleagues. Elise, this is Wallace Allen. He’s Gary’s editor at Medicine.”

An African American man in his early sixties offered Elise a broad smile as he shook her hand. “Doctor Sullivan, it’s a pleasure. I read your article on parapharyngeal hematoma. I remember thinking your reporting of a thyroid cyst as the cause of the extensive hemorrhage was a first and very astute.”

“Thank you. My co-author Doctor David Jonas will be pleased to hear that.”

Angie leaned into Elise, her voice lowered, and a smirk on her face as she spoke. “Wallace has been Gary’s editor for five years.” She playfully winked at the man. “He ensures the world doesn’t know that Gary is brilliant but can barely string a sentence together on paper.”

Wallace huffed. “Angie, that’s an exaggeration.” He held his thumb and forefinger an inch apart. “A slight exaggeration.”

Both women laughed just as Gary stepped up next to Wallace. “What’d I miss?”

“Nothing, honey.” Angie took Gary’s hand. “Can you please go check on dinner?” She gave her husband a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I’m going.” Gary pointed at Angie. “But I know you people were talking about me.” He slowly moved his finger in Elise’s and then Wallace’s direction.

Angie grabbed her husband’s hand. “If the caterer doesn’t have the food ready soon, everyone here will be talking about the both of us and what lousy parties we give.”

“We wouldn’t want that.” Gary teased as he wound his way toward the kitchen.

Angie sighed. “He’s really a very nice man. I adore him.”

Elise knew, despite her friends’ banter, they were deeply in love with one another. More importantly, Elise thought, they liked and respected each other. She felt certain the combination of the three had made Gary and Angie’s twenty-five-year marriage a success.

Pulled from her thoughts by the gentle tug of Angie’s arm, Elise was greeted by an attractive woman in her early thirties. “Elise, this is Ryan Myers,” Angie offered. “She works for Howard County.” Angie paused for effect. “She’s a colleague of Linda’s.”

Ryan’s brow arched. “Oh, do you know Linda?”

Angie smirked. “No, but she will.”

Ryan laughed and, much to Elise’s chagrin, seemed to get Angie’s innuendo. “Fun.”

Undeterred, Angie scanned the room before turning back to Ryan. “Where’s that wonderful wife of yours?”

Ryan took a drink of her beer. “Leah is on a buying trip.”

Seeing an opportunity to thoroughly steer the conversation away from her dating life, Elise quickly chimed in. “What does she buy?”

“Rare books. She and her business partner own a shop and work with several auction houses.”

“My mother is a collector. In fact, she just purchased a first edition, first printing of Cat in the Hat.”

“Is she interested primarily in children’s books?” Ryan asked.

“Yes, and I’ve acquired some of her interests, but I’ve started collecting antique books written during or about the Reformation.”

“You’re an atheist,” Angie chimed in.

“It’s a historical period,” Elise countered.

Ryan sipped her beer and listened as the two women discussed whether the Pope had authority over purgatory and what it even meant to die in a state of grace. As the conversation spiraled into a back-and-forth about the merits of sainthood, the younger woman discreetly cleared her throat. “So, Elise, you should definitely stop into Leah’s shop, or look at the inventory online.” Ryan held her smartwatch up, and Elise gently swiped her own watch past Ryan’s.

Looking at her watch, Elise smiled. “The shop’s called Portable Magic? Clever.”

“It’s a fun shop, Elise. It’s in Ellicott City. I bought Gary a first edition, illustrated copy of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,” Angie explained before excusing herself to answer the door.

“I’ll have to swing by. Bring my mother along.” Elise nervously glanced toward the front door. Seeing Angie’s enthusiastic greeting of the woman at the door, Elise was certain her evening was about to get more interesting.

Determined to play it cool, Elise continued her conversation with Ryan. “You work for Howard County, then?”

Ryan finished the last of her beer before answering. “I do. I was just promoted to Community Liaison Director.”

Elise nodded, struggling to keep her eyes off Angie and the woman she assumed was Linda as they made their way through the party goers. “Two things. Congratulations, and what exactly is that?”

“Thanks.” Ryan smiled. “And, I coordinate non-profits and government agencies to provide welfare services.” She looked past Elise toward Angie and Linda. “Are you ready?”

Elise cringed. “How long?”

Ryan pursed her lips. “Now.”

Angie brushed Elise’s shoulder with her hand. “Elise, this is Linda Temper. Linda, this is Doctor Elise Sullivan, and you know Ryan.”

Linda smiled at Ryan. “Nice to see you, and congratulations on the promotion. It’s well deserved.”

“I appreciate that.” Ryan gave Elise a reassuring smile and then excused herself.

“Elise, it’s a pleasure. I’m glad to finally have a face to go with Angie’s stories.” Linda was an attractive woman in her early forties. Her brown hair was shoulder length and styled perfectly to accent her angular jaw and chin. Elise was immediately drawn to the light gray of her eyes and the friendliness of her smile. Her cadences when she spoke were slower and more relaxed, hinting at her Southern roots.

“All good stories, I hope,” Elise joked, though she was actually interested in what Angie had told Linda.

A mischievous glint crossed Linda’s eyes as she looked over at Angie. “Mostly.”

Angie playfully slapped Linda’s arm. “Don’t listen to her, Elise. You know I only sing your praises.”

“Well, now I know something was said.” Elise teased her friend. The three women laughed, and Elise felt some of the tension leave her body.

“Elise, Linda, can I get either of you a drink?” Angie scanned the room. “It would seem our earlier request for wine and gin has gone unheeded.”

“You said the magic word,” Linda chimed in. “Gin, and can you manage a gimlet?”

Angie pulled her phone out of her pocket. “If it’s in my bartender app, I can manage. Otherwise, you’ll get a gin and tonic.”

“I’ll slum it as long as there’s booze in it.” As Angie walked away, Linda turned her attention to Elise. “How do you know Ryan?”

Elise shook her head, feeling now that she was alone with Linda, she was suddenly up to bat. “We just met tonight, but she and her wife seem interesting.”

“Oh, is Leah here?” Linda glanced around the room.

“No, she’s on a business trip, but her bookstore interests me.”

“Are you a collector, reader, or both?”

“More of a collector. I don’t have nearly as much time as I would like for leisurely reading.”

This was the portion of the evening Elise had been dreading the most. The conversation would inevitably consist of seemingly meaningless banter, but all the while Linda and she were sizing each other up and getting a sense of whether the meaningless might lead to something meaningful. It was all uncomfortably random and imprecise for Elise’s liking. The probability of worthwhile and interesting topics being raised or not raised was pure chance and could thrust Linda and her together or keep them apart. All of that being said, it was, in Elise’s experience, the mundane details underneath it all that frequently tripped people up.

Elise felt a shoulder brush against hers, and Jill was standing there, drinks in hand. “Sorry this took so long. The red wine was empty, and I had a hell of a time finding a corkscrew.” She looked around. “Where’s Angie?”

Elise took the gin and tonic from Jill, frowning at the fact she forgot the lime. “She had given up on you and went to fend for herself.”

Jill sighed. “Serves me right.” She took a drink of the wine intended for Angie as her eyes found Linda. “I’m being rude. Sorry.” She extended her hand to Linda. “I’m Doctor Jill Rainey, a colleague of Gary’s and Elise’s.”

Linda gave Jill a warm smile. “Linda Temper. I’ve worked with Gary and Angie on several fundraisers.”

Elise recognized the shine in Jill’s eyes and the exaggerated smile on her lips. She wasn’t surprised by the flirtatious tone the woman struck. “That’s generous of you. What organizations have you worked with?”

Elise listened as Linda talked about several initiatives in and around the Baltimore area. Jill seemed particularly interested in Baltimore Reads, a non-profit that promoted literacy through the delivery of free reading materials and English as a second language classes.

Angie returned with a tray of drinks and frowned when she saw the utter disdain on Elise’s face. Lowering her voice, Angie leaned toward Elise. “What’s wrong?”

Elise took the gin and tonic off the tray and stood with two drinks in hand, watching Linda and Jill enthusiastically converse about the importance of resource management and cost models. “They’re really into each other.”

Angie looked at the two women. “Please, we’re not fifteen-year-olds. You can’t be into someone and forty-five.”

“And yet –” Elise nodded toward Linda and Jill who were very much in each other’s personal space.

Angie cringed. “Shit.”

Elise put her drink back on the tray. “Make this a double, and hold the tonic.”

***

It was a little after midnight when Elise unlocked her front door.  She kicked off her heels and stood in the entryway of her house, wondering what the hell had happened at the dinner party.

Elise leaned against the front door and chuckled. Her luck with women was growing worse with each passing attempt. Walking into the living room, she was pleasantly surprised Bailey wasn’t passed out in front of the television.

Tossing her purse on the end table, Elise walked into the kitchen and filled a glass with water. She rested her hip against the counter as she emptied the glass. Rubbing her temple, Elise knew she had drunk too much and, besides the embarrassment of the evening, she would be nursing a hangover tomorrow.

A loud scraping sound came from over Elise’s head. Putting the glass in the sink, she frowned as she looked up at the ceiling. What the hell is she doing up there? Elise turned the kitchen light off and walked toward the stairs, intent on telling Bailey to get to bed.

Standing at the foot of the stairs, Elise looked up when the scraping sound filled the space again. She cocked her head to the side; the sound seemed to be coming from Bailey’s bedroom now. Elise was in no mood for her daughter’s shenanigans and quickly marched up the stairs.

Without knocking, Elise opened Bailey’s bedroom door, surprised to find the girl soundly asleep in her bed.

“What the hell?” Elise muttered as the scrapping, now louder, came from overhead and behind her. Stepping into the hall, Elise looked up at the narrow attic ceiling door. She hadn’t been in the attic since they moved into the house over five years ago, and she had no intention of traipsing through the dark and dust in the middle of the night.

She turned her head to the side, listening intently; the noise stopped. Deciding she would call an exterminator in the morning to check for mice, Elise shut Bailey’s bedroom door and went into her bedroom.

Taking off her dress, Elise threw the garment in with the rest of her dry cleaning and decided to take a quick shower before going to bed. Clipping her hair up, she stood waiting for the hot water to kick in when the scraping sound resumed from directly over her head. Now it sounded less like something being dragged and more like nails being run down a chalkboard.

Shivering, Elise put her robe on, turned the shower off, and went back into the hall. She wasn’t going to be able to sleep if the noise persisted. Pulling on the thin cord that hung from the attic door, Elise strained as the door dropped down. She squinted as she looked up. The attic was pitch dark, and Elise assumed there was a light switch or cord at the top of the ladder.

As she placed her foot on the bottom rung of the ladder, it occurred to her that should she find rodents, she was ill equipped to deal with them. Stepping back from the ladder, Elise reasoned there was no point in going into the attic if she couldn’t do anything about the noise.

The likelihood of encountering a rodent infestation seemed slim. After all, Elise hadn’t noticed any evidence of rodents in other parts of the house. She walked herself through this line of reasoning as she closed the attic door and went back to her bedroom and locked the door.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she wrapped her arms around her midsection and stared up at the ceiling. The noise had stopped and, breathing a sigh of relief, she went back into her bathroom, determined to take a hot, relaxing shower.

Elise turned the shower on and hung her robe on the back of the door. Stepping into the shower, she closed the frosted glass door behind her and stepped back until the hot water began to beat down on her shoulders.

Jill and Linda. Elise frowned. I didn’t see that coming. Reaching for the lavender scented bath soap, a bolt of fear ran up her spine, and Elise instinctively screamed at the blurred figure standing on the other side of the shower door. Without thinking, she shoved the shower door open, striking the figure, and sending it reeling several steps backwards.

The shower door rebounded and slammed closed. Pressed to the back of the shower stall, Elise forced the words from her mouth. “Who’s there?” Silence. She turned the shower off and waited. “I said who’s there?” The only response was the dripping of water from the showerhead.

Gathering what courage a naked, soaking wet woman could, Elise pushed the shower door open. She quickly scanned the bathroom and then the bedroom. Waves of relief followed by confusion and fear washed over her. Grabbing her robe from the back of the door, she looked around again. The spaces were empty, and the bedroom door remained closed and locked.

Elise pressed her ear to the bedroom door as she clutched her robe closed. The house was silent. Stepping back, Elise wondered if her fatigue along with the dimly lit bathroom and steam had her eyes playing tricks on her.

Unlocking the door, Elise peered into the darkened hallway. Not seeing or hearing anything out of the ordinary, she crossed the hall to Bailey’s room. She quietly turned the doorknob, and opened the door a few inches. Squinting, Elise could see Bailey was sleeping on her side with her back to the door, the faint sound of her breathing was the only noise in the room.

Elise shut the door, and rubbed the back of her neck as she walked to her bedroom. Careful to lock her bedroom door, Elise went into her closet and quickly dressed for bed. Looking down, she spotted the small toolbox she kept upstairs, and remove a hammer from inside. Turning the tool over in her hands, she told herself it was better to be safe than sorry.

Elise crawled into bed and laid the hammer, along with her phone, on the nightstand. She listened carefully to the sounds of the house. Met with nothing but silence, Elise forced her eyes closed and hoped her long and thoroughly depressing evening would come to an end.

***

“I appreciate you coming out on a Sunday.” Elise handed the exterminator her credit card.

“Sorry I have to charge you the premium rate.” The man swiped Elise’s card along the edge of his tablet. “I went ahead and put some poison out and will check back in a week to see if anything needs to be, ah, discarded.” He handed Elise her credit card back. “I’m thinking the furniture getting moved around may have stirred a small nest up, and that’s what you were hearing, but damned if I could find anything.”

Elise frowned as she slid her card back into her wallet. “What furniture?”

“The drag marks through the dust on the floor.” The man tucked the tablet under his arm. “I just assumed you had been moving the furniture around.”

There was an antique sofa, ottoman, and armoire Elise kept stored in the attic. They had been her father’s parents’, and she had never been able to part with them even though they didn’t suit the décor in the house.

At a loss as whether she should explain that no one had been in the attic in years, much less relocating furniture, Elise opted for a polite smile as she signed for the charges.

“When will you be back?” Elise cleared her throat, her mind racing.

The man looked at his tablet, his lips pursed as he swiped at the screen. “Does next Saturday morning work for you?”

Picturing her schedule in her mind, Elise nodded. “The earlier the better.”

“Eight?”

“That’s fine. Thank you again for coming out so quickly today.” Elise held the front door open for the man.

“My pleasure.” The man offered Elise a genuine smile as he trotted down the front stoop.

“Who’s that?” Bailey asked from the foot of the stairs.

Elise jumped, a short cry escaping as she whirled around. “God, you scared me.”

Bailey frowned. “You do know I live here, right?”

“Don’t be smart. It’s too early, and I haven’t had nearly enough sleep.” Elise shut the front door. “Do you want some breakfast?”

Bailey shrugged as she made her way into the kitchen. “I’ll pour myself some cereal.”

“There’s bananas, too.” Elise followed her daughter into the kitchen and sat down at the kitchenette table. Taking a sip of her coffee, she cringed. She got up and dumped the cold liquid down the drain.

Bailey poured a generous portion of Cheerios into an oversized plastic bowl. “So, who was that guy?”

“An exterminator.” Elise added a spoonful of sugar to her fresh coffee.

“Gross.” Bailey wrinkled her nose. “Do we have rats?”

“No, but there was a racket in the attic last night, and I thought we might.” Elise sat down at the table. “I’m surprised you didn’t hear the noise.”

Bailey filled a glass with orange juice and sat down at the table across from Elise. “Nope.” She took a bite of cereal.

Elise held her coffee mug with both hands as she looked intently at her daughter. “What time did you go to sleep?”

“I don’t remember.”

“That’s odd.” Elise leaned back in her chair.

“I guess.” Bailey shrugged. “I was really tired, and then I woke up and it was morning.”

“How do you feel now?”

“Fine.” Bailey put another spoonful of cereal in her mouth.

“Will you tell me if that happens again?” Elise didn’t want to alarm her daughter, but a fourteen-year-old should be able to remember getting themselves to bed.

“Okay. Hey, can I go to Kim’s today?”

“Are you caught up on your school work? I don’t want you going back at the start of finals behind.”

“I’m done.” Bailey brought the large bowl to her mouth and, tilting her head back, drank the remainder of the milk.

“Fine, but be home for dinner.”

“How did your date go?” Bailey wiped a mustache of milk from her upper lip.

Elise sighed. With the attic situation, the imagined figure in her bathroom, and getting the exterminator out to the house, she had nearly forgotten the attempted set up fiasco.

“It wasn’t a date.”

Bailey winced. “It didn’t go well?”

Elise had never had much of a romantic life to share with her daughter and wasn’t sure what, if anything, she wanted to talk about with the girl. “It did not go as expected.”

Bailey leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “You didn’t like her?”

Elise couldn’t help but smile. She found it endearing that her daughter automatically assumed she would be the one rejecting someone. “I liked her fine; she was very nice.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“She liked someone else.” Elise cringed, remembering the awkwardness of the night before. “My boss was at the party, and the two hit it off.”

Bailey frowned and flung herself back in the chair. “That sucks.”

Elise chuckled. “It really does.”

“Sorry, Mom.” Bailey got up and put her dishes in the sink. “Maybe next time.” She leaned in and gave Elise a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to shower and then go to Kim’s.”

Elise listened as Bailey bounded up the steps. Dumping what was left of her coffee down the drain, she leaned against the edge of the counter. She had barely stomached the idea of the set up when Angie had first broached her about it. Now that it had failed, Elise found herself oddly disappointed at the loss of possibility.

Chapter 4

“I’ve been to that bookstore.” Joan Sullivan sat across from her daughter with a half-full mimosa in hand. “It’s charming.”

Elise took a bite of her French toast. “I thought Bailey, you, and I could go out to Ellicott City, have lunch, and check it out.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Joan signaled for the waiter to bring her another drink. “I missed seeing Bailey last weekend.”

“With the suspension, she had homework. I let her go to her friend Kim’s house Sunday, but otherwise, she was housebound until she went back to school Wednesday.”

“I can’t believe they suspended her for defending her friend.” Joan tisked.

“They suspended her for pushing someone.” Elise sipped her coffee. “I don’t know why she thought getting physical would help the situation.”

“I thought you believed her when she told you she didn’t push the boy?”

“I don’t know what I believe.” Elise stared down at her half-eaten eggs and bacon.

Joan reached across the table and took her daughter’s hand. “Tell me.”

Elise was surprised at the tears pooling in her eyes. “She’s just been out of sorts lately.”

Joan laughed. “She’s a teenager.”

“I don’t know what that means.” Elise wiped a stray tear from her cheek.

“It means she’s confused about a lot right now, and that can make her seem – well, weird.”

“This doesn’t make me feel any better, Mom.”

“Look, she’s a good kid, but that doesn’t mean she won’t have missteps.” Joan emptied her second mimosa. “Now, let’s order you a drink and make this officially brunch.”

Elise frowned. “It’s too early.”

Joan leaned in and lowered her voice. “There are days I’m not sure you’re even my daughter.”

Elise playfully slapped at her mother’s arm. “Stop.”

“Why don’t you have Bailey stay with me after our outing next weekend? It will give her and I a chance to catch up and give you a quiet night on your own.”

Elise rubbed her hands over her face and then took a generous drink of her coffee. “Hopefully, things will settle down once summer’s here.”

“Are you teaching during the summer term?”

“I was, but now I’m wondering if I shouldn’t focus on Bailey.” Elise hated to let people down and, in particular, she didn’t want to divulge too much to Jill about why she wouldn’t be teaching summer classes. On the other hand, she had taught summer classes for the past three years and could use the time off.

“I think you should take the summer, focus on Bailey and yourself,” Joan stated emphatically.

Elise held her empty cup of coffee in her hand and looked from it to her mother. “I think you’re right.” She raised her hand toward the waitress, and gestured for her to bring her a mimosa.

Joan smiled, lifting her empty glass, signaling for another drink as well. “That’s my girl.”

***

“Bailey, come on! It’s the last day of school. You can practically sleepwalk through your classes today.” Elise winced, wondering if the jab was off-color given recent events.

Elise heard a door slam upstairs and waited for the telltale sound of Bailey bounding down the stairs. When she was met with silence, Elise, frowning, walked upstairs.

Bailey’s bedroom door was open but the hall bathroom door wasn’t. Elise tapped on the closed door with her knuckle. “Bailey, are you ready?”

“Leave me alone!”

Elise recoiled from the door, surprised that Bailey was clearly crying. “Honey, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sick.” A sudden sob came from the bathroom.

Elise turned the doorknob only to find it was locked. “Let me come in and help.”

“No.”

“Bailey, if you’re sick, I want to help.” Elise struggled not to be too stern, but she wanted the door opened.

“I’ve got my period, and it’s made me sick.”

Elise nodded. “I understand, sweetie. Do you want some Aleve?”

“Yes.” Bailey’s voice was strained, her tone sharp.

Elise hurried to her own bathroom and, retrieving two Aleve and a glass of water, walked back to the hall bathroom. “Bailey, I have the meds, but I need you to open the door.”

Several seconds later, Elise heard the lock click. She opened the door to find Bailey sitting doubled over on the edge of the bathtub.

“Sweetie, I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.” Elise handed her daughter the water and pills. Pressing the back of her hand to Bailey’s cheek, Elise noted the girl was feverish and her color was off. “When you feel up to it, go back to bed, and I’ll let the school know you’re going to miss today.”

Elise crouched in front of Bailey and rested her hands on the girl’s knees. “Did you sleep at all, or have you been up with this all night?”

Bailey tossed the pills in her mouth and chased them with the glass of water. “All night. Between the cramps and the idiots shouting from the street, I didn’t sleep at all.”

Elise stood, her brow furrowed. “There were people shouting?”

Bailey winced, her hand pressed to her abdomen as she stood. “You had to hear them. I almost came into your room to ask about calling the police, but then they went away.”

“What time was that?” Elise hadn’t gone to bed until after midnight, and sleep had been elusive. She remembered looking at the clock at two in the morning, but she hadn’t heard any shouting.

Bailey slowly walked past Elise and toward her bedroom. “One, maybe one-thirty.”

Elise just nodded. Given how poorly Bailey was feeling, she didn’t want to contradict her over something relatively trivial. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Let’s get you back in bed, and I’ll get the heating pad out for you.”

Elise helped Bailey get undressed and into shorts and a t-shirt before retrieving the heating pad from the hall closet. “Can I get you anything before I leave?”

Bailey laid with the blankets pulled up to her chin. “No, thank you.”

Elise bent down and pressed her lips to Bailey’s forehead. “Love you.”

Bailey managed a weak smile, her eyes already heavy with sleep. “Love you.”

Elise quietly shut Bailey’s bedroom door and went downstairs. After calling the school to notify them Bailey wouldn’t be in, she gathered her purse and briefcase before heading off to work. Today was the day she was telling Jill that she would not be teaching over the summer. Between what was sure to be an uncomfortable conversation, lack of sleep, and Bailey not feeling well, Elise suspected this would not be one of her better days.

***

It was six-thirty at night before Elise arrived home from work. As she had suspected, it had not been a stellar day. Her conversation with Jill was, on the surface, amicable, but the undercurrents left Elise worried there would be repercussions for not teaching over the summer. To make matters worse, Jill had taken the opportunity to mention how splendidly everything was going between Linda and her. Unlocking her front door, Elise couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Jill’s lack of subtlety.

“You understand how it can be, Elise?” Jill had said. “When two people are first getting to know each other and everything is wonderful and new.”

“If memory serves,” Elise had half-heartedly offered. She had sat at Jill’s desk, feigning interest in Jill regaling her with stories about a relationship that could have been hers.

“The honeymoon period.” Jill had smiled broadly. “But between you and me, if the period after this is even half as good, I’m all in.”

Elise put her briefcase and purse down on the entryway table. “Bailey?” she called upstairs and was met with silence.

Bailey and she had exchanged a text message at noon. Her daughter said she wasn’t feeling any better and was going to sleep. Elise frowned as she walked up the stairs, concerned Bailey had literally slept all day. Finding the girl’s bedroom door ajar, Elise peeked her head in and found Bailey sleeping under a pile of blankets.

“Bailey, honey, you need to get up.” Elise gently shook the sleeping girl.

“Mmm, alright.” Bailey wiped at the drool on her cheek but didn’t show any signs of getting out of bed.

“Did you eat anything today?” Elise sat down on the side of the bed.

“I had one of your protein shakes.” Bailey yawned as she turned so her back was to Elise. “It was nasty.”

Elise nodded. “That will teach you to eat my stuff.” She playfully poked Bailey’s shoulder and immediately noticed how cold she felt. Elise pulled the blankets back and ran her hand under the back of Bailey’s t-shirt. Her skin was unusually cool. “Bailey, are you cold?”

Pulling away from Elise, Bailey moaned. “Not really.”

Elise got up and went to the hall closet. Retrieving the medical bag she kept there, she returned to Bailey. “I’m going to take your temperature.”

“I feel better.” Bailey half rolled over and managed to open her eyes to look at Elise.

“Humor me.” Elise slipped the digital thermometer into Bailey’s mouth. Fifteen seconds later, Elise’s eyes widened as she looked at the readout.

Taking a deep breath, she willed herself to stay calm as she slipped the thermometer into her own mouth. The waiting verged on unbearable as Elise listened for the device to beep. Pulling it from her mouth, it read 98.6. With great effort, she casually brought the thermometer back up to Bailey’s mouth.

“Again?” Bailey asked incredulously.

“Your temperature is a bit low, and I just want to verify the thermometer is working properly,” Elise assured her daughter as she slid the device between her lips.

The faint beep sounded, Elise looked at the readout, and then at Bailey. “I would like to pop you over to the ER to make sure everything is fine.”

At the suggestion of the hospital, Bailey was suddenly more alert. “I feel better, and why should I go to the hospital for period cramps?”

Elise pulled the blankets all the way off the bed in an effort to rouse Bailey out of it. “I’m concerned about your temperature.”

Begrudgingly, Bailey swung her legs over the edge of the bed. “I feel fine.”

Elise pulled a pair of jeans off a hanger in the closet and a sweater from one of the shelves. “Come on, let’s go.” She could feel the tightness of panic building in her chest.

“Answer me!” Bailey insisted.

Elise stopped, the clothes hanging from her hands. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she looked closely at her daughter, unable to process what she was seeing with what the thermometer had read. “Your –” Her voice cracked, and she coughed to clear her throat. “Your temperature is ninety-four point six. Hypothermia sets in around ninety-five degrees. At this stage, I would expect violent shivering, muscle coordination issues to the point your movements would be labored, and mild confusion should be setting in. You should be pale, and your lips, ears, fingers, and toes should be bluish.”

Bailey’s eyes filled with tears. “But I’m fine. See!” She thrust her hands out in front of her, her fingers an even flesh tone. “The thermometer is broke!”

Elise shook her head. “I took my temperature, and it was fine.” She laid the clothes on the bed. “That’s why we need to go have you checked, but –” Elise was torn between telling her daughter the truth and comforting her. “But I’m sure since you’re feeling okay, it will be nothing.”

Bailey looked down at her hands, the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. “What is it then?”

Elise continued to force an even and casual tone. “Any number of things, but let’s not speculate when we can find out for sure.” She picked the jeans up and handed them to Bailey. “Get dressed. I’ll wait downstairs.”

Elise left the bedroom. Though her instinct was to watch every movement Bailey made, she didn’t want to further upset her. Leaning against the banister, Elise closed her eyes tightly, forcing the list of diseases that cause low body temperature from her mind.

Hearing Bailey’s door open, Elise looked over at her daughter. “Are you ready?” She was amazed how effortlessly her daughter walked to her and then down the stairs. Again, Elise’s medically trained mind told her Bailey should be verging on convulsions at her temperature.

“I’m ready.” Bailey bounded down the stairs just like she always did, and Elise followed with a nervous heart and trembling legs.

***

“It was the thermometer, then?” Angie sat across from Elise at a small neighborhood coffee shop.

Taking a sip of her espresso, Elise shook her head. “But it worked fine with me and gave me the same readout twice with Bailey.”

“But, the ER doctor said her temp was normal.” The corner of Angie’s mouth turned down slightly. “So, it had to be the thermometer.”

Elise tilted her head to the side. “It’s possible Bailey’s temperature was low when I took it and then returned to a normal range by the time they took it in the ER.”

Angie pursed her lips in concentration. “Maybe, but it seems more likely the thermometer malfunctioned since she was acting normal the entire time. Right?”

Elise didn’t have an answer for her friend. She had gone over what had happened countless times and still couldn’t be certain what had sent Bailey’s temperature plummeting. More curious than the drop in temperature was the complete absence of symptoms usually associated with hypothermia.

Leaning back in her chair, Elise blinked her eyes several times. Angie reached across the table and placed her hand over Elise’s. “You look exhausted.”

“I am,” Elise said plainly. “Bailey has been off for over a month. The temperature drop was the first physical manifestation.”

Angie’s brow arched. “Manifestation of what?”

Elise shrugged and threw her hands up in the air. “I have no idea, and that scares the shit out of me.”

“Did the ER doctor give her a clean bill of health?”

“Yes, and I took her to her regular doctor the next day.” Elise turned her hand over and squeezed Angie’s tightly, hoping for some reassurance. “She’s a perfectly healthy fourteen-year-old.”

“Well, that’s something.” Angie looked down at the table nervously and then, after several seconds, managed to meet Elise’s gaze. “I have a suggestion that I hope doesn’t offend you.”

Elise huffed. “If it helps, why would I be offended?”

Angie leaned back, removing her hand from Elise’s. “Gary and I joke a lot about what hellions our boys were, but the truth is David had real issues above-and-beyond the usual teenage boy stuff.”

Elise was immediately concerned and a bit surprised that this was the first she was hearing about this. “I wouldn’t have thought. I mean he’s at Princeton and doing so well.”

Angie nodded. “I know, but that’s my point and why I’m going to suggest what I am. Even the smartest, most accomplished of us can use a little alignment occasionally.”

Elise suddenly understood. “He saw a therapist.”

“Yes. From the time he was thirteen until he left for school, and now he sees someone off-and-on at Princeton.”

Elise could see the concern in her friend’s eyes, and she also could tell this was not a topic Angie broached with many people. “I’m not opposed to a therapist, but I don’t know if it’s come to that.”

“That’s not when you want to see someone, Elise.” Angie reached across the table and once again covered Elise’s hand with hers. “Get out ahead of it. Bailey is obviously struggling.”

Elise winced at the idea of Bailey being put upon or unhappy. “I don’t know.”

“If you got a call from school that she had fallen and broken her ankle, wouldn’t you take her to see a doctor?”

“Of course, and I see your point.” Elise finished the last of her coffee. “Send me their contact information.”

Angie smiled and patted Elise’s hand. “Good girl.”

Chapter 5

Elise and Bailey walked toward a three-story office building. The afternoon sun shone off the reflective glass of the building’s windows, causing Elise to squint against the brightness of the day.

“Do I have to do this?” Bailey hadn’t pouted this effectively since she was six, and Elise had not missed this sullen side of her daughter.

“Yes. We agreed talking to someone that isn’t me will help.” Elise held the glass door open for Bailey. The two walked up a flight of stairs and down a narrow hallway.

“It’s not like she isn’t going to tell you everything I say, anyway.” Bailey sulked as she walked into a small waiting room.

It took Elise a second to realize what Bailey was referencing. “That’s not true.” Elise reassured her daughter with a warm smile.

Elise walked up to a narrow window with a sign next to it that read Please press the button, and a staff member will be with you shortly. Elise pressed the button, and a faint chime sounded from the other side of the window.

A moment later, the window slid open, and a young man in his late twenties smiled at Elise. “Good afternoon.”

Elise returned the man’s smile. “Hello, my daughter Bailey Sullivan has an appointment with Doctor Burke.”

The man looked down at a small e-tablet laying on the desk in front of him. “Of course. She’s a new patient, so if you could please complete pages one through four.” He handed Elise the tablet and a stylus. “If you have any questions, please buzz me.” He glanced toward the button.

Elise nodded and took a seat next to Bailey. The waiting room only had six chairs in it. It was modestly decorated with a potted ficus tree in the corner and a series of watercolor prints of the Baltimore skyline hanging along the walls.

“Let me do that.” Bailey reached for the tablet.

“Go for it.” She handed Bailey the tablet and stylus.

Elise checked emails on her phone until she heard a woman’s voice coming through the receptionist’s window. She looked up just as the interior office door opened, and she was met by a set of deep blue eyes.

“Doctor Sullivan?” A woman in her mid-forties with dark blonde, shoulder length hair smiled broadly at Elise.

“Yes.” Elise stood and, crossing the small room, extended her hand. “Doctor Burke?”

“Yes. Angie Patchett has mentioned you on occasion and it’s nice to –” Seeing the distressed look that overtook Elise’s face, Doctor Burke paused. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean mentioned you in a clinical sense.” The doctor’s cheeks reddened. “Just in passing when she would mention plans for the weekend, or dinner parties.”

Elise lifted her chin, a slight smile finding her lips. “I – of course.” Clearing her throat, Elise turned to Bailey who was sitting in the chair intently, watching the exchange between her mother and soon to be therapist. “This is Bailey. My daughter.”

Doctor Burke turned her attentions to Bailey, greeting her with the same warm smile she had offered Elise. “Bailey, it’s nice to meet you.” She extended her hand, and Bailey quickly stood, sending the tablet skidding to the floor as she took the doctor’s hand.

“Crap – I – sorry, nice to meet you.” The girl shook the doctor’s hand before stooping to pick up the tablet. Turning it over in her hands, she shrugged.

“Language, Bailey, please.” Elise cringed at the first impression her daughter was making.

Bailey, ignoring her mother, pursed her lips as she handed the tablet to the doctor. “It seems fine.”

Doctor Burke chuckled. “We knock them around ourselves; so, I’m sure it’s fine.” She glanced toward the receptionist’s window. “If you’re done with it, just hand it off to Eugene.”

Bailey cocked her head to the side and looked at the tablet. “Actually, Mom, I need your insurance card.”

Elise nodded. She rummaged through her purse and pulled out her wallet. “Here.”

“Shall we?” Doctor Burke held the door open for Elise and Bailey. “Third door on the right.”

“Please, have a seat.” Doctor Burke gestured to the overstuffed, brown leather couch across from a matching chair. Elise took note of the light jasmine scent that pervaded the space and wondered if that was Doctor Burke or an infuser. The office itself was decorated in a turn-of-the-century industrial style, with distressed wood and copper-toned accents throughout.

“Generally, during the first session we go over some basic housekeeping items.” Doctor Burke looked at Elise and then at Bailey as she took a seat in the chair. “It’s important for me to understand what your expectations are, and I want to ensure you know what I expect from you.”

She looked back and forth between mother and daughter. “With that, let me start by setting some ground rules regarding your mother and I’s interactions.” The doctor leaned forward in her chair and rested her elbows on her knees. “It’s important that you feel you can share openly with me, Bailey. Otherwise, there’s no point in you being here.”

Doctor Burke looked at Elise. “I respect that as her mother, you expect to be kept up to speed on her progress.” The woman paused, waiting for Elise to nod. “And should there be a need to disclose information that may protect Bailey or a third party from harm, there will be no hesitation on my part to bring you into the loop."

Elise felt a lump form in her throat, and she was suddenly having trouble swallowing. The doctor’s allusion to Bailey doing herself or someone else harm had not occurred to her. The academic in her knew the doctor was covering her bases, but the mother in her wondered what awful things the woman had dealt with to warrant such a disclosure.

“Now, Bailey, the information I share with your mother will be limited, but I want to be clear with you, I cannot promise you that information will be kept from your mother altogether. She is your legal guardian and has rights, the same as you have rights as a patient. Do you understand that?”

Bailey’s eyes narrowed as she studied the doctor closely. She then looked at her mother and finally back at the doctor. “I understand, but will you tell me when you’re going to tell her something?”

Doctor Burke looked at Elise, who nodded. “Yes. I can let you know when I think something we’ve discussed is worth mentioning to your mother.”

Bailey shrugged. “Okay.”

The doctor smiled. “Great.” She looked at Elise. “Doctor Sullivan, do you have any questions at this time?”

Elise had thought a hundred questions would pop into her head. She had never participated in therapy herself and only had a general idea of what the process would entail. Despite that, her usually inquisitive mind was drawing a blank.

“I don’t have any questions at the moment.” She looked at Bailey. “What about you?”

“I’m fine.” The girl laid her head back against the sofa. “Are we going to talk today?”

“We are.” Doctor Burke stood up, walked toward the door, and opened it, her eyes fixed on Elise. “Doctor Sullivan?”

Elise hadn’t been expecting the sudden dismissal, and her brow furrowed as her brain attempted to catch up. “Oh, yes, sure.” She quickly got up and walked past the doctor. “I’ll just wait outside.” She looked at Bailey and had the same tightness in her stomach she had experienced on Bailey’s first day in kindergarten. She was leaving her child in the hands of a stranger, and the urge to protect Bailey left her feeling short of breath.

“It’ll be fine.” Doctor Burke gently patted Elise’s shoulder. “We’ll only be about a half-hour today.” She quickly squeezed Elise’s shoulder before opening the office door.

Elise managed a slight nod and then exited toward the waiting room. She sat down and crossed her legs before reaching into her purse for her phone. She stared at the screen for nearly a minute, her mind whirling with the events of the past month.

Bailey was smart, warm, kind, and funny. Elise was resentful on her behalf that she had to go through this. More than that, though, Elise harbored a fear deep in the pit of her stomach. It was a fear born of the unknown and doubt. What if Bailey couldn’t be helped? Elise refused to use the word fixed. Her daughter wasn’t broken. She was just a little lost and needed some direction.

“Doctor Sullivan?”

Elise looked up to see Bailey walking into the waiting room, and Doctor Burke gesturing for Elise to join her in her office. Glancing at her watch, Elise was surprised that, in her musings, the session had come and gone. Elise affectionately squeezed Bailey’s knee as the girl flopped down in the chair next to her, and then she quickly followed Doctor Burke back to her office.

“Bailey’s lovely.” Doctor Burke smiled as she sat across from Elise.

“I’m fond of her,” Elise quipped.

Doctor Burke chuckled. “No doubt. She’s very bright and articulate.” The doctor reached for an e-tablet that lay on an end table next to her. “It’s refreshing for someone that young to be able to express themselves so well.”

Elise felt a swell of pride building within her. “Will that make this process easier for her?”

“I believe it will.” The doctor laid the tablet across her lap. “It certainly won’t hurt.”

Elise exhaled. “Great.”

“So, Doctor –”

“Please, call me Elise.”

Doctor Burke smiled. “Of course, and feel free to call me Kate.”

Elise’s brow arched, remembering the pewter name plate on the office door. “Not Kathryn?”

“I was named after my grandmother and, to avoid confusion, the family called me Kate.” The doctor shrugged. “I prefer it, actually.”

“I was named after my grandmother, too.” Elise felt her nervousness dissipating as the layers of formality between her and the doctor peeled away.

“Small world.” Kate grinned. She glanced down at the tablet. “Alright, so based on my talk with Bailey today, I would like to see her twice a week.” Kate quickly added, “That’s standard for the first few weeks, and then we can revisit the frequency once we get a better sense of what’s going on with Bailey.”

Elise didn’t know what she had thought the doctor would say. Some overly optimistic part of her brain had thought Kate would be so impressed with Bailey that she wouldn’t see the point in proceeding with additional sessions.

“This is hard for you to hear.” Kate looked directly at Elise. “It’s not uncommon for parents to believe they have overreacted and, in fact, their child doesn’t need any additional help.” She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, her eyes narrow as she considered Elise.

Elise absently rubbed her thumb over the leather on the arm of the sofa. “I don’t know what I expected, but I know what I had hoped for.” She looked up to see an inquisitive expression on the doctor’s face. You’ve stumbled into your own therapy session. Awesome. Elise cleared her throat, and shifted nervously in the chair. “You must think I’m naïve.”

Kate immediately shook her head. “Not at all. I was thinking what a good distinction to make. Hopes and expectations are two very different things, even if they can sometimes feel the same.”

Elise took a deep breath to alleviate the tightness that was growing in her chest. “Twice weekly, then?”

Kate leaned back in her chair. “For now. We’ll see how things go. Understand, these are finite sessions. The days of seeing your therapist twice a week for twenty years are long gone. If we don’t see progress, then it’s reasonable to expect me to refer Bailey elsewhere. Whether that’s another psychologist, or a psychiatrist.”

“Is it too soon to talk about what’s bothering her?”

“It’s not too soon to talk about it, but I don’t know what’s bothering her.”

“That’s refreshing.”

Kate cocked her head to the side. “How’s that?”

Elise shook her head. “It’s just – well, I work with academics, and as I’m sure you know, we can be a bit arrogant.” She wasn’t sure why she said it and worried she would offend the doctor. “I just mean, it’s refreshing for you to admit you don’t know.”

“Yet.” Kate smirked. “I don’t know yet.”

Elise tilted her head back, a smile finding her lips. “Ah, so not that humble.”

“I don’t want to set an unrealistic expectation.”

Elise chuckled as she got up. “I appreciate that.” She extended her hand to Kate. “Thank you.”

Kate took Elise’s hand. “My pleasure. Speak to Eugene on the way out, and he’ll get you set up.”

Elise nodded. She made her way to the reception desk and, after several back-and-forths to account for Bailey and hers schedules, she managed to get subsequent appointments scheduled.

“What did she tell you?” Bailey asked as they sat at a traffic light.

“She said she was very impressed with you and was looking forward to working with you.” The light turned green, and Elise gradually accelerated, navigating the SUV onto the expressway.

Bailey looked out the window as they drove. “She seems nice.”

“I thought so, too.” Elise glanced at Bailey. “I made sure your visits wouldn’t interfere with lacrosse camp.”

“Thanks.” Bailey rested her elbow on the arm rest.

The silence that enveloped the car wasn’t what Elise would consider awkward, but it was tinged with a hesitancy that she wasn’t used to with Bailey. She never thought of her daughter as someone that didn’t speak their mind.

“Speaking of camp. Orientation is next Wednesday. Are you going to catch a ride with Kim?” Bailey shifted in the seat but remained silent. “Is Kim not in camp this year?”

Bailey shrugged.

“I don’t know what that means.” Elise took advantage of the slow moving traffic to look at her daughter. “Are Kim and you fighting?”

“No.” Bailey turned so she was facing the window, and Elise couldn’t see her expression.

“What is it then?”

“We –” Bailey took a deep breath, and Elise was surprised to hear a quiet whimper escape her daughter.

“Are you crying?” Elise leaned forward, trying to make eye contact.

Bailey sniffled. “We’re taking a break.”

Elise frowned. She thought that was an odd expression for a fourteen-year-old to use. “What does that mean?”

Bailey turned quickly, her shoulders stiff, her face flush. “What I said – we’re taking a break!”

A blast of warm air shot from the dashboard vents. Elise gasped as the inside of the SUV became almost unbearable. “What the hell?” Leaning forward, she turned the A/C up to full blast. “You don’t have to yell. I just meant why are you taking a break.”

The temperature began to drop as Bailey flung herself back into the seat. “She says I’ve been weird lately, and she doesn’t know if we can still be friends.”

Elise’s heart broke at the despair in her daughter’s voice. “I’m sure you can work it out.”

Bailey quickly wiped at a tear and folded her arms over her chest. “She’s being stupid, and I don’t know if I want to be her friend anymore.”

Elise was at a loss what to say. Bailey and Kim had been friends since fourth grade. In addition, they shared the same social circles, and Elise found it hard to believe that Bailey felt indifferent about ending the friendship. “Give it some time.”

Bailey shrugged. “Whatever.”

Elise exited the highway. “Hey, why don’t we get dinner out tonight.” When Bailey didn’t respond, Elise pushed on anyway. “Chinese?” Silence. “Italian?” Bailey didn’t move. “Cheeseburgers?”

Bailey finally looked at Elise. “The Burger Boy?”

Elise groaned inwardly. The Burger Boy was one of the best places for burgers in Baltimore, but it was also on the opposite side of town from their Bolton Hill neighborhood. “Sounds good.”

Elise told herself it was a small price to pay if it helped pull Bailey out of her funk. She remembered her mother telling her once that loving a child was almost entirely about sacrifice. “You’ll sacrifice for your child in ways you had never imagined. And they’re not exciting and earth shattering ways, either. They’re small, seemingly insignificant gestures that mean the world to them.”

***

Elise glanced at the clock on her SUV’s touchscreen. She had less than ten minutes before she needed to pick Bailey up at lacrosse camp. Usually, Bailey got a ride home with one of the other parents, but since Elise had taken the summer off, she was pleased to be more engaged with this part of her daughter’s life.

Bailey had taken an interest in lacrosse in middle school. Elise had never been particularly athletic, but she appreciated the need for well roundedness above and beyond academic success. Because of that, she had agreed to let Bailey play, though the physicality of the sport made her anxious at times. No mother enjoys watching their child get illegally checked with a lacrosse stick across the face.

Remembering the trip to the emergency room, and the ten stitches that followed, Elise had wondered why Bailey couldn’t take up tennis or golf. Though Elise would never encourage her daughter to quit, she had honestly thought after the stitches, which had then been followed by a broken wrist, that Bailey would opt out. Evidently, trips to the emergency room, and Bailey’s almost phobic fear of needles, were trumped by her love of lacrosse.

Walking from the parking lot to the lacrosse field, Elise spotted Bailey. As a midfielder, she ran the length of the hundred and ten yard field repeatedly for close to an hour per game. Just watching the full-on sprints made Elise tired.

Finding a spot on the bleachers, Elise sat down, happy to catch the last few minutes of camp and get to see Bailey play.

“Hi, Elise.” Gloria Todd, the mother of one of the girls from Bailey’s lacrosse club, sat down next to her.

“Hi, Gloria. How have you been?” Elise was almost afraid to ask, given the scowl on the woman’s face.

“I’ve been better.” Gloria looked out at the field. “Bailey checked Brittany today during one of the defensive drills, and if it hadn’t been for her goggles, she might have done serious damage to Brit’s eye.”

Elise cringed. “I’m sorry that happened. At least we know the safety gear works.” Elise’s attempt at humor fell flat, and Gloria continued to glare at her.

“It was intentional, and I would appreciate it if you talk to Bailey about it.”

“Why do you think it was intentional?” Elise could be squeamish about the level of contact between the players, but she knew Gloria thought even the gentlest of nudges was uncalled for.

“Brittany got past her, and then Bailey reached around with her stick and struck Brittany across the face.” Gloria’s shoulder’s tensed, and her jaw muscles flexed as she spoke.

What Gloria described sounded like a simple foul, but not wanting to get into a full-on argument, Elise managed to smile and nodded reassuringly. “I will definitely have a word with Bailey.” Hoping to change the subject, Elise smiled warmly at Gloria. “How has Brittany been enjoying camp?”

At the mention of her daughter, Gloria’s eyes lit up. “She’s doing very well and is on track to be a starter at Dunbar.”

Elise nodded, feigning enthusiasm. “That’s wonderful.”

A series of whistles sounded, and Elise looked over to see the girls running off the field. Elated her exchange with Gloria was done, Elise managed a gracious smile before heading toward the sidelines. “It was nice to see you, Gloria.”

“Please make sure to talk with Bailey.”

Without looking back, Elise waved over her shoulder. “Will do.”

“Alk e aout at?” An out of breath Bailey jogged up to Elise.

“Please take your mouth guard out before striking up a conversation.” Elise handed Bailey a bottle of water from the cooler near the bench.

Bailey rolled her eyes, pulled her right glove off, and then pried the blue rubber guard out of her mouth. “Talk to me about what?”

“We can discuss it in the car.” Elise stepped to the side to avoid being bumped as several girls ran past her.

“Sorry, Doctor Sullivan.” Rebecca Tyler grazed Elise’s hip as she pulled a pair of bright pink, wire framed goggles off.

“You’re fine, Becca. How’s your dad?”

“Good. He had to work today.”

“Well, give him my best.” Elise smiled at the friendly girl, and then a somber expression overtook her when she saw the openly hostile look on Bailey’s face. “What is that look for?”

Bailey looked away from Rebecca as she took a drink of water. “Nothing. Can we go?” Not waiting for Elise to respond, Bailey started loading her gear into her equipment bag. Elise watched with concern at the aggressive way Bailey shoved the stick into the bag, followed by her goggles and gloves.

“Bailey, what’s wrong?” Elise’s attempt at a reassuring pat on the back was rebuffed as Bailey picked her bag up and hurried toward the parking lot.

Once inside the car, Elise took a deep breath before broaching the subject of Bailey’s attitude. “Okay, what’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Why are you upset?”

“I’m fine. Can we just go?”

Bailey started to prop one of her feet up on the dashboard, and Elise couldn’t squelch the gasp. “Not in those cleats! In fact, never.” Bailey huffed, crossed her arms over her chest, and sank into the seat. “Bailey, I need you to tell me why you’re so upset. What happened at camp today?” Elise was prepared to sit in the parking lot indefinitely if it meant getting Bailey to talk to her.

“Rebecca and Brittany are bitches.”

Elise’s breath caught. “Bailey, language!”

“Well, it’s true.” Bailey practically spat the words. “They’re a bunch of bi-”

“Enough!” Elise’s voice boomed. “Whatever your feelings for Rebecca and Brittany, you can certainly find a less derogatory word to describe them.”

“All they do is whine and complain.” Bailey’s brow was creased in a deep scowl.

“What were they complaining about?” Elise was struggling to stay on message. What she wanted to do was lecture her daughter about the use of a derogative slang term used almost exclusively to degrade women.

“I checked Brittany during a drill, and I admit it was a bad check, but then Rebecca starts straight arming me during an on-ball defense drill, and then Brittany trips me during scrimmage.”

“That could have been an accident.”

“We were on the same team!” Bailey seethed. “So, like I said, they’re a couple of-”

“Bailey!”

“Malicious women,” Bailey managed through clenched teeth.

“Malicious is good.” Seeing the confused look on Bailey’s face, Elise shook her head. “I mean malicious is bad, but it’s a better word than – well, that other word.”

Starting the SUV, Elise looked over to see Bailey fidgeting with the drawstring of her shorts. “You should talk to them,” Elise suggested. “Tell them you know the check was bad, you’re sorry, and then give them the chance to apologize.”

Bailey, her eyes still fixed on the black string, shook her head. “That’s not how any of that works.”

“Then tell me how it works.”

Bailey looked up at Elise, her brows furrowed in confusion. “Don’t you remember?”

“Remember what?” Elise glanced back-and-forth between the road and Bailey, uncertain what her daughter was getting at.

Bailey took an exasperated breath and sat up in the seat. “You can’t reason with a teenage girl.”

Elise’s eyebrow shot up. “Bailey, you’re a teenage girl.”

“Exactly.”

Elise couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips. She was impressed by her daughter’s insight, if not a little saddened by the glumness of it. “So, what do you propose to do?”

Bailey shrugged. “Nothing. They’ll forget over the summer.”

Elise was struck by the truth of it. She did remember. She remembered being a teenager and how many times she rewrote who she was, believing each version was the final one. Each rewritten adaptation would leave some part of the previous one behind until finally, as she got older, the clearer, more definitive version of herself emerged. The process was violent. There was no retreat, no surrender, no reasoning, and it took courage to continually rewrite the story.

Chapter 6

“Can we eat after this?” Bailey walked along the narrow sidewalk of downtown Ellicott City, her arm brushing against Elise’s as they went.

“We can have lunch first if you want.” Elise had been meaning to bring Bailey to Portable Magic since meeting Ryan Myers at Angie and Gary’s party. It was a bright, clear Saturday, and the weather was unseasonably cool for June. Elise had decided over breakfast that with everything going on, the two of them could use a distraction.

Ellicott City was a short drive west of Baltimore. The bookstore was off Main Street in the downtown historic area of the city. Strolling past a variety of assorted shops, antique centers, and restaurants that lined the historic district’s main road, Elise was struck by the contrast between the picturesque hills and wooded scenery that surrounded the city, and the industrial, urban environment of Baltimore.

The buildings that lined the two lane street were no more than three stories tall, with slat board siding indicative of most of the structures’ ages. A wooden sign hung from a black iron rod jutting out from the side of one of the buildings. The words Portable Magic A Book Shop were raised in red lettering against the dark maple wood of the sign.

Squinting against the brightness of the day, Elise looked over the storefront. “This is it.” She held the wood and glass door open for Bailey. A small brass bell hung on the backside of the door and emitted a light, metallic jingle as the two women entered the shop.

The smell of old paper and leather wafted over Elise. The shop’s shelves were lined with thick leather and canvas bound books. She couldn’t remember the last time she was in an actual bookstore as opposed to the research library at the hospital.

“What’s that smell?” Bailey wrinkled her nose.

Elise chuckled. “Books. Specifically, old books.”

“Not a fan,” Bailey said plainly.

A stout man in his fifties with a full gray beard walked toward them from the back of the store. “Afternoon, ladies. Can I help you with anything?”

Elise offered the man a warm smile. “Hi. I was referred here by Ryan Myers and am looking for the 1964 first edition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

“Who’s that for?” Bailey interrupted.

“Your grandmother’s birthday is coming up.”

“How do you know Ryan?” the man asked.

“We met at a dinner party a few weeks ago, and she mentioned her wife owned the store.” Elise looked around again. “It’s refreshing to be in the presence of physical books again.”

The man smiled. “I agree, but clearly, I’m biased.” He held out his hand to Elise. “I’m Marty. I own the shop along with Ryan’s wife, Leah.”

“I’m Elise, and this is my daughter Bailey. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Elise shook Marty’s hand and smiled when the man shook Bailey’s hand as well. “So, any chance of me getting that first edition?”

Marty nodded as he walked around the counter. “I don’t have it in stock, but I can see if any of our auction houses have it.” He picked up a tablet from the counter and, scrolling through the screens, winced. “It won’t be cheap.”

“How much?”

“I have two options going up this coming week. Both with reserves.” He tapped on the touchscreen. “Fifteen hundred, and three thousand.”

“Why the disparity in price?” Elise asked.

“The more expensive has the original, first issue color pictorial dust jacket, and the other doesn’t.”

“It’s dusty?” Bailey frowned. “Why would you pay that much money for a dusty book?”

The corner of Marty’s mouth turned up as he looked at an amused Elise and then at Bailey. “A dust jacket. It’s the cover that protects the book.”

Bailey lifted her chin up and then nodded. “I didn’t know that.”

The bell on the door chimed, and Marty, Elise, and Bailey turned toward the sound. An attractive blonde haired woman in her late thirties, dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a navy blue cotton blouse, walked in with coffee cups in either hand.

Shutting the door with her foot, the woman sighed. “Sorry this took so long. The line was out the door.” She put the cups down on the counter and brushed a loose strand of hair off her forehead.

Marty eagerly picked one of the cups up. “Better late than never.” He took a quick sip. “Leah, this is Elise and her daughter, Bailey. Ryan referred them.” He put the coffee cup back on the counter. “Elise is looking for a first edition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Leah smiled as she extended her hand to Elise. “Oh, that’s nice.” Her brow furrowed. “Wait, Elise? Ryan had mentioned she spoke with you at Angie and Gary Patchett’s dinner party.” Leah looked down at Bailey. “And it’s nice to meet you, Bailey.”

Leah extended her hand to Bailey, and Elise couldn’t help but notice her daughter’s hesitation in taking the woman’s hand. The exchange became even odder when Leah also hesitated, a perplexed expression crossing her face.

“It’s – it’s nice to meet you.” Bailey finally took Leah’s hand and quickly shook it before taking a step back. “Can I look around?” Bailey asked Elise, though her eyes stayed fixed on Leah.

“Sure, but be careful. Some of these books are fragile.” Elise pressed a reassuring hand to Bailey’s back, sensing her daughter’s unease.

“She can’t do any damage,” Leah assured Elise. “If something is that fragile, we lock it up.” Leah looked down at Bailey and smiled broadly. “Explore away.”

Without a word, Bailey turned and disappeared into the rows of shelves, leaving Elise to wonder what had gotten into her usually personable daughter.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?” Leah picked up one of the cups of coffee. “Is that for you?” She glanced back toward the shop as she took a drink. “Or Bailey?”

Elise chuckled. “Neither. It’s for my sixty-five-year-old mother who has decided in her retirement years to start collecting children’s books.” Elise looked at Marty. “And from what Marty has just shared, it’s an expensive hobby.”

Leah cringed. “Very.” She looked at Marty. “So you found something?”

“I did.” Marty handed Leah the tablet.

“Ouch.” Leah winced as she scrolled through several screens. “I’ll tell you what, we usually charge a finder’s fee, but –” She glanced at Marty, who nodded and grinned. “We can waive that; so, you’ll just pay the auction cost.”

Elise shook her head. “I can’t let you do that.”

Leah laid the tablet down on the counter. “Of course you can, if you promise to be a repeat customer.”

Elise grinned. “Deal, and in that case, I’d like to bid on the book with the dust jacket. A maximum bid of forty-two hundred dollars.”

Marty clapped his hands together. “Perfect. Let’s get you set up in the system. The shop will be acting as your proxy.”

“Elise, Ryan also mentioned you’re just starting to collect books written during or about the Reformation.” Leah casually leaned against the counter as Elise and Marty navigated the auction site. “Am I remembering that correctly?”

Elise looked up at Leah and was struck by the light green of her eyes. “That’s right.”

Leah pursed her lips. “I might have something you would be interested in.” With that, Leah disappeared toward the back of the shop. Moments later, she returned with an oversized box and two pairs of white, cotton gloves.

Elise finished entering the last of her information into the auction site and walked around the counter. “Why do I think this is the beginning of a very expensive friendship?” Elise joked as she slipped a pair of the gloves on.

Marty laughed. “That’s how we get you. Waive a little finder’s fee and then bring out the big guns.”

Leah smirked as she opened the box and slipped on the second pair of gloves. “Don’t listen to him, Elise. You would want what’s in this box even if we hadn’t waived the fee.” She playfully winked at Elise before carefully removing a thin cheesecloth wrapping from around a small, worn, leather bound book.

Elise’s eyes widened as Leah carefully opened the book. The words The Book of Common Prayer were scrolled in Didone typeface across the top of the yellowed page. “Is this a first edition?”

Leah sighed. “Sadly, no, but it’s a London edition, printed by Thomas and Robert Baskett in seventeen-sixty. Thomas and Robert were the sons of John Baskett, King George the first and second’s printer until his death in seventeen-forty-two.”

Elise gently ran her fingers along the edge of the leather binding. “I can’t imagine this is in my price rage.”

“You’d be surprised.” Leah closed the book and turned it so the spine was up. “This is the original leather, and it’s nice that the boards are still firm at the hinges.” She pointed to the top and bottom of the spine. “But –” She looked out of the top of her eyes at Elise. “And I wouldn’t usually go out of my way to point this out to a potential buyer, but since we’re all friends here and you’re just getting started, there’s some chipping at the tail and some loss of letterpress, and,” Leah opened the back of the book. “The end page is missing.”

Elise stooped over, her fingers ghosted over the book, and her eyes narrowed as she studied the slightly raised ink and the familiar but odd spelling of the Early Modern English phrasing. “How much?”

“Twelve hundred.”

Elise straightened up and pulled the white gloves off. “Perfect.”

Leah smiled broadly. “We’ll get it packaged for you.”

Elise tossed the gloves down on the counter. “You two are going to be trouble,” she teased.

Marty began packing the book, a mischievous smile on his face. “You have no idea.”

“Bailey?” Elise called to her daughter.

Leah frowned. “You’re going?”

Elise looked at her watch. “I think I’ve done enough damage in what, twenty minutes?”

“Imagine what she could get you to buy in a whole half-hour,” Marty joked as he swiped Elise’s credit card.

“I’m beginning to think Ryan and you had this planned.” Elise grinned as she signed for the charges.

Leah tapped her finger on the top of her coffee cup. “That’s how we roll. Ryan finds the mark, and Marty here is our shill.”

The three laughed as Elise took the packaged book from Marty. Bailey appeared and looked suspiciously at the three amused adults. “What are you laughing at?”

Elise tucked the package under her arm. “Your mother may have gotten scammed.”

“As long as you got grandma a gift.” Bailey shrugged. “Because you’d never hear the end of it if you forgot.”

Elise wrapped her free arm around Bailey’s shoulders. “Actually, I bought myself something. We’ll have to see if we win the auction for your grandmother’s book.”

“We?” Bailey leaned into Elise. “I’m not helping you pay for it.”

Leah and Marty laughed. “She’s clearly not as susceptible as her mother,” Marty quipped.

Elise shook her head as she ushered Bailey toward the door. “I should give her the credit card.”

Bailey looked back at Elise. “Really?”

Elise’s brow arched, an amused expression on her face. “No.”

After saying their goodbyes to Leah and Marty, Elise and Bailey made their way down Main Street. “Can we have lunch at the Brewing Company?” Bailey asked as she eyed the package under Elise’s arm.

“That’s sounds fine.”

“What’d you buy?”

“It’s a copy of The Book of Common Prayer.” Elise could see from her expression that Bailey was stumped. “It’s sort of like the instructions for how to be a member of the Church of England.” Elise expected the explanation to spur additional conversation. Bailey was nothing if she wasn’t curious. Instead, the girl simply nodded and continued to walk in silence next to her mother.

“Did you like the bookstore?” Elise asked as they neared the restaurant.

“I did. I need more time to go through everything, but what I looked at seemed cool.” Bailey held her hands up in front of her. “But the books were kinda gross; so, I need to wash my hands before we eat.”

“I would hope you would do that, regardless.” Elise nudged Bailey playfully.

“Leah was nice.”

Elise glanced down at her daughter. “You thought so? Because you seemed a little hesitant when you met.”

Bailey frowned. “No, Marty and she were fine.”

Elise nodded. “Glad to hear it.” As the two walked into the crowded restaurant, Elise was left with the distinct impression that Bailey had more to say on the subject.

***

Is she there yet? Angie texted.

If she were would I be texting with you? Elise countered.

Good point. She texted me this morning to confirm the time and place. Seemed nervous.

Elise shook her head as she typed her response. Seemed nervous? Or you asked if she was nervous?

I may have asked. She hasn’t dated since the divorce.

“Elise?”

Turning around, Elise was pleasantly surprised to see a tall brunette in her late forties with piercing blue eyes smiling at her. Not wanting to be rude, she quickly tossed her phone in her purse, content to leave her friend hanging.

“Yes. Liz?” Elise got up from the barstool.

“Nice to meet you.” Liz gave Elise a quick hug. “I worried I wouldn’t find you.” She looked around the crowded bar. “It’s usually not this busy on a weeknight.”

“Rough week.” Elise lifted her half empty glass of red wine.

Liz chuckled. “I guess so. Should we try to get a table?”

Elise gestured to the empty barstool next to her. “I saved you a seat.”

“Perfect.” Liz sat down and, waving the bartender over, ordered a Tanqueray and tonic. “Should we get you a refill?” She nodded toward Elise’s wine glass.

“No, I’m fine. Thanks.”

“Angie told me she had two reasons for introducing us,” Liz offered.

Elise felt a surge of nervousness course through her at Liz’s sudden forwardness. “Oh, what’s that?”

“She thought we might get on, and she evidently owes you big time for a previously failed attempt.”

“You might say that.” Elise winced. “Her match making skills aren’t as stellar as she imagines.”

Liz took her drink from the bartender and raised her glass. “Well then, here’s hoping for an exception to the rule.”

Elise smiled, feeling an easiness settle. “Cheers!”

Two drinks later, and Elise was downright enjoying Liz’s company. She learned the woman was an accomplished engineer, enjoyed scuba diving, and had an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts.

“How did you go from the Culinary Institute of America to a Masters Degree in Engineering from MIT?”

“I was a terrible chef,” Liz stated matter-of-factly.

Elise laughed. “I can see how that would be a problem.”

The two women sat facing each other, their knees touching as Liz continued to regale Elise with her short lived career as a sous chef.

“Seriously, I barely passed my certifications and, after three months of working, was still routinely cutting my fingers during prep work.” She held up her hands for emphasis. “What’s a lesbian to do?”

“One should consider the greater good,” Elise quipped.

Liz grinned. “See, you understand. My parents nearly lost it.” She emptied her second gin and tonic.

“Why?”

Liz shrugged. “My dad was a chef, and they had always thought I would follow in his footsteps.”

“You would think having an engineer in the family would offset that somewhat.” Elise sat her empty wine glass down and waved the bartender off when she offered to refill it.

Liz cringed. “It might also have to do with how much money they had spent for me to go to the CIA.”

“Ah, that might have something to do with it.”

“Angie mentioned you have a daughter - Bailey?”

Elise nodded. “I do. She’s fourteen.”

Liz winced. “Tough age.”

Elise took a deep breath. “There are days I can’t tell if she loves me or thinks I’m the biggest idiot in the world.”

“Probably both at the same time.”

“Well, that’s comforting.” Elise paused, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Angie mentioned you were divorced.”

Liz leaned back. “I am, but if we are going to go too far down that rabbit hole, I’ll need to switch to straight bourbon.”

“No, no.” Elise held her hands up in a mock surrender. “Don’t become a raging alcoholic on my account.”

Liz placed her hand on Elise’s knee, and the warmth spread up her leg. “We were married for six years, together for ten. No harm, no foul, it just didn’t work out.”

Elise laid her hand over Liz’s. “How long ago was the divorce?”

“Three months.”

“Anything else for you ladies?” the bartender asked.

“I’m good.” Elise looked at Liz, who shook her head and reached for her purse. “Two checks, please.”

“This was fun.” Liz pulled her wallet out. “Noncommittal drink outing stage passed, and check.” She made a check mark in the air with her index finger.

“Dare we attempt dinner?” Elise handed the bartender her credit card.

“Let’s.” Liz grinned.

The two women walked across the parking lot, agreeing to meet for dinner that Saturday. “I’m parked over here.” Elise pointed toward her SUV.

“I’m just down the row. I’ll walk you.” Liz followed Elise to her car.

Standing with her back to the driver’s door, Elise took Liz’s hand in hers. “Thank you for a nice night. I’m looking forward to Saturday.”

Liz took a step forward, closing the space between the two women. She placed her hand on Elise’s waist and gently pressed her lips to Elise’s cheek. Reaching her hand up, Elise gently cupped Liz’s cheek, a rush of warmth pushing through her as their lips met.

Liz pulled Elise closer, the full length of their bodies meeting as a soft moan escaped Elise at the first tentative touch of Liz’s tongue to hers. Wrapping her arms around Elise, Liz’s lips found the spot below Elise’s ear, and she pressed her lips to the warm, soft skin.

“Mmm, Karen.”

Elise’s eyes flew open, and she leaned away from Liz. “Who?”

Liz’s eyes were soft, her cheeks flush. “What?”

“Who’s Karen?”

Liz frowned and stepped back from Elise. “My ex, why?”

Elise huffed as she rummaged through her purse for the car keys. “Three months clearly isn’t enough time.”

Liz reached for Elise’s hand. “What’s happening? What did I do?”

Elise stopped. She could tell from Liz’s tone and the worried look on her face that she truly didn’t realize what she had done. Taking Liz’s hand, Elise gave it a quick squeeze before opening the car door. “You said her name while we were kissing.”

Liz frowned and shook her head, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. “No, I didn’t.”

Elise tilted her head to the side. “How would I know her name otherwise?”

Liz’s eyes widened. “I – I’m so sorry.”

“Like I said, three months isn’t enough.” Elise got in the car and, before shutting the door, looked at Liz. “I think we can safely say Saturday is off.”

Liz, her eyes still wide and downward cast, nodded. “Yeah.”

“Goodnight.” Elise didn’t wait for a reply before closing the door, starting the car, and driving away.

Elise was halfway home when the utter ridiculousness of her romantic life struck her. She wiped at an errant tear as it rolled down her cheek. “Jesus Christ,” she muttered in the emptiness of the car. “What the hell?” Her question was met with the blaring of a car horn. Looking up, Elise realized she had been sitting at a green light. “Shit.” She quickly pressed on the accelerator.

Elise had never thought of herself as unlucky, but recent evidence was beginning to make her wonder. What she was most definitely certain of was Angie’s matchmaking days were over.

***

She’s mortified. Angie assured Elise over text.

Elise sat in Doctor Burke’s waiting room. She had another five minutes before Bailey was through with her appointment.

I’m not exactly thrilled.

After a minute, Elise’s phone vibrated. She’s really a very nice woman.

Elise quickly countered. Who happens to still have her ex-wife’s name bouncing around her head.

Do you hate me?

Elise rolled her eyes at Angie’s absurd question. Of course not, but you can go play matchmaker with one of your other friends. I’m tapping out.

That’s fair. I’m sorry.

Elise smiled. Forgiven.

The office door opened and, seeing Bailey, Elise tucked her phone into her purse. “How did everything go today?” Elise wrapped her arm around Bailey’s shoulders.

Shrugging, the girl looked up at her mother. “It was fine.”

Kate smiled at the two women. “Elise, do you have five minutes?”

“Sure.” Elise gave Bailey another side hug before following Kate back to her office.

Kate shut the door and gestured for Elise to sit on the sofa. Sitting down across from her, Kate crossed her legs and rested her elbow on the arm of the chair.

“I’m sure you sensed Bailey’s indifference to our session today.”

Nodding, Elise frowned. “She usually has an opinion about everything.”

Kate chuckled. “She really does, but today she was relatively reserved. I had difficulty getting her to open up.” The doctor took a drink from a bottle of water sitting on the table next to her. “I’m sorry, can I get you something to drink?”

“No, thank you.” Elise’s eyes scanned the floor and then finally came to rest on Kate. “Any idea why she’s acting off?”

“I was hoping you might offer some insight.”

Wracking her brain for clues, Elise was frustrated when she drew a blank. “I can’t think of anything out of the ordinary. We went to a bookstore Saturday. Bailey enjoyed it.”

“She did mention the outing,” Kate offered. “She seemed taken with –” The doctor glanced at her tablet, “Leah?” She looked at Elise. “The owner of the bookstore.”

“Yes.” Elise smiled, remembering the pleasantness of the day. “I’m glad she had a good time.”

A comfortable silence fell between the two women as Kate made a quick note. Elise noticed Kate’s leather, charcoal gray heels for the first time and couldn’t help but comment. “Are your shoes Charles David?”

“Yes. Wow, good eye.” Kate uncrossed her legs and looked down at her feet.

“I worked in the Neiman Marcus shoe department during my undergrad,” Elise explained. “I’ve completely forgotten my behavioral statistics class, but I can still spot a Jimmy Choo from twenty paces.”

“Impressive skill.” Kate smiled broadly.

“Not very marketable, though,” Elise countered.

“It’s a sad world we live in,” Kate joked.

The two women looked at each other, their eyes bright with amusement. Elise wasn’t sure how far she should go with their banter. To date, Kate and she had maintained a friendly but professional rapport with each other.

Elise cleared her throat, a slight flush finding her cheeks. “So, I’m sorry I can’t be much help with why Bailey was quiet today.”

Kate took a quick drink of her water and crossed her legs before leaning back in her chair. “I wouldn’t worry too much. If it continues, or you notice her withdrawing at home, I can push the issue a bit.”

“Okay.”

“She did mention you had gone on a date.” Kate made steady eye contact with Elise.

Elise furrowed her brow. “Really?”

“She seemed disappointed that things didn’t work out.”

“Her and me both.” Elise felt nervous and hoped a bit of levity would lessen her anxiety.

Seeming to sense Elise’s unease, Kate offered a warm smile. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, and I have no interest in discussing your dating life without billing you for another session.”

Elise’s breath caught and, seeing the mischievous glint in the doctor’s eyes, exhaled. “Can you bill in ten minute increments, because that’s all the time we would need to discuss it.”

Kate laughed, and the joyful sound filled the intimate space. “I can check with my office manager.”

Elise shook her head, the flush from earlier finding its way back to her cheeks. “All kidding aside, what did Bailey say about the date?”

“I think she brought it up because, one, she genuinely wants you to be happy. Two, I think she’s at the age where dating is starting to become part of her social commentary, and that can cause adolescents some anxiety.”

“What she must think of the whole enterprise if she uses me as the example.”

Kate cocked her head to the side. “How do you mean?”

Elise winced. “Well, I can’t offer her a varied sample, so to speak. With the basic ebb and flow of life, dating has been limited for me over the years.” Hesitating, Elise picked at the seam on the arm of the sofa with her nail. “And, rarely has a first date gone much beyond a third date, and I haven’t seen anyone exclusively in over five years.”

“You should share your successes, and –” Kate hesitated as she searched for the right word.

“Failures?” Elise offered, her tone casual. She imagined a therapist’s office was the last place to worry about political correctness.

“Yes.” Kate’s posture relaxed. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “You have had an inordinate amount of success in your life, but it can be reassuring when we’re young to know what sustains someone when faced with – failures.”

Kate’s words resonated with Elise. She couldn’t remember a time when she had openly discussed what had gone wrong in her life and what might go wrong in anyone’s life. It was human nature to share accomplishments, but rare to broadcast defeats.

“I can do that,” Elise stated emphatically.

“I have no doubt.” Kate stood and extended her hand to Elise. “As always, thank you for your time.”

Elise took Kate’s hand as she stood. “Of course. We’ll see you next week.”

“I’ll be here.” Kate smiled.

Elise made her way out of the office to the waiting room. Bailey’s head was down, and her attention focused on her phone. “Ready?”

Without looking up, Bailey stood. “Yes.”

Mother and daughter walked out of the building and toward the parking lot. As they both buckled their seatbelts, Elise looked at Bailey. The girl retrieved her phone from her back pocket, and her attention was once again focused on the device.

“Doctor Burke said you talked about my date with Liz.” Elise thought now was as good a time as any to broach the subject.

Bailey looked over at her mother, and her eyes narrowed. “I guess.”

Elise willed her irritation with her daughter’s non-committal attitude away. “You guess because you don’t recall, or because you don’t want to talk about this with me?”

“Are those my only two options?”

Elise shot an irritated look at her daughter. “When you can have a reasonable exchange with me, let me know. Until then, forget I mentioned it.” She flipped the turn signal on and stared straight ahead at the stoplight.

Bailey dropped her phone in the center console and exhaled loudly. “I talked to Doctor Burke about your date.” She cautiously glanced at Elise. “Are you mad?”

Elise quickly looked at Bailey. “No. Of course not. You can talk to Doctor Burke about absolutely anything you want.”

“Why didn’t you see Liz again?”

Elise’s mind raced as she tried to think of the best way to explain the dating disaster to her daughter. “Liz has recently been divorced and wasn’t really ready to date yet.”

“How do you know she wasn’t ready? Did she tell you?”

Elise tilted her head to the side and pursed her lips. “Not exactly.”

“Then what?”

“She –” Elise realized the issue rested solely with her. She was embarrassed. “She was –”

Bailey reached across the console and patted Elise’s thigh. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.”

Elise fought back tears as Bailey’s concern washed over her. Glancing down at her daughter’s phone, she was struck with a way to keep her promise to Kate and not completely humiliate herself while possibly making Bailey uncomfortable.

“She kept taking texts from her ex while we were out.”

Bailey sat back in the car seat. “That’s rude.”

Elise laughed with relief. “I know, right?”

“Sorry, Mom.”

“It wasn’t all bad. Up until then, we had been enjoying each other’s company.” Elise struggled to find her point. “The time you spend with people isn’t only about how that time ends.”

Bailey frowned as she looked at her mother. “But the ending sucked.”

Elise couldn’t argue with that. “Yes, but that was a few minutes out of many.” She pulled the SUV into a parking space near their house, turned the vehicle off, and removed her seatbelt before turning to face Bailey. “Something isn’t necessarily good or bad based on how long it lasts.”

Bailey continued to look skeptical. “If it’s good, don’t you want it to last?”

“Yes, but it lasting isn’t what made it good to begin with, because it wasn’t lasting when you first felt it was good.” Bailey’s brow arched, and Elise shook her head. “Let me try that again. When –”

“I get it, Mom.” Bailey opened the car door. “It’s like in the Avengers’ movie – a thing isn’t beautiful because it lasts.” She hopped out of the car and walked toward their row house.

Elise sat back in her seat, watching as her daughter unlocked the front door and disappeared into the house. Note to self, less attempts at philosophical discussions with my fourteen-year-old, and more pop culture references.

Chapter 7

“If you’re not feeling well, then I have no issue with you skipping the dinner.” Elise arranged a place setting to ensure Angie and Gary were seated next to each other.

“But I want to come.” Bailey coughed, her face flush with what Elise could only assume was a low-grade fever.

“They’ll be other dinner parties, honey.” Elise looked up as James, the catering chef, came into the dining room.

“We’re about done with the appetizers.” James was dressed in a pair of black slacks and a black chef’s jacket. Elise had used the Westing Catering Company several times when hosting smaller dinner parties, and they were nothing if not prompt.

Elise glanced at her watch. “People should begin arriving in about ten minutes. Are the cocktails ready?”

“Yes. Marcia has the cart prepped and then will transition to assist with dinner service.”

Elise smiled and exhaled. “Thank you.”

James excused himself, and Elise turned her attention back to Bailey. “You’re looking worse than earlier, sweetie. Let’s get you up to bed before people start to arrive.” Elise was relieved when Bailey followed her willingly up the stairs and, without a word, crawled into bed.

Elise brushed several strands of damp hair off Bailey’s forehead, surprised that despite her flush cheeks, Bailey was relatively cool to the touch. “Try to get some sleep.” She leaned over and kissed Bailey on the cheek. “I’ll save you some cake.”

Bailey nodded, a faint smile on her lips. “Thanks, Mom.”

Elise closed Bailey’s bedroom door just as the doorbell rang. She had thought a small dinner party would be fun and would also get her and Bailey’s mind off the sleepwalking and the therapy sessions. Now, Elise was genuinely disappointed that Bailey wasn’t feeling up for the party.

“We come bearing gifts!” Angie gushed as she handed Elise a bottle of red wine.

“You know it’s the price of admission,” Elise joked as she gave Angie and Gary quick hugs.

“Where’s Bailey?” Angie looked around the living room and entryway.

Elise frowned. “She’s under the weather.”

“That’s too bad.” Gary walked toward the cocktail cart, introducing himself to Marcia before asking her for a Jack Daniels and Coke.

“Should I pop up and say hello?” Angie offered.

Elise handed the bottle of wine to Marcia. “We can serve this at dinner along with the Malbec.” She turned back to Angie. “I wouldn’t. She’s got a cough and slight fever. If she’s not better tomorrow, I’ll have to pop her over to the doctor.”

Angie took the gin and tonic Gary offered her. “Poor thing.”

Hearing the doorbell, Elise excused herself. Norman and Lisa Trinder stood arm-in-arm on the stoop. Elise had decided to include the couple at Angie’s request. Lisa had just joined the Pathology Department and would begin teaching in the next session. Like what she had done for Elise, Angie was taking the young couple under her wing.

“Norman and Lisa, I’m so glad you could make it. Please, come in.” Elise ushered the couple in and thanked them for the bottle of red wine they brought.

“We hope you like it,” Lisa commented nervously as Elise looked at the bottle. “We weren’t sure what you like.”

“Alcohol.” Angie appeared behind Elise. “Any adult beverage is fine with us.” She extended her hand to Norman. “It’s nice to meet you. Lisa has raved about you.”

Norman blushed as he shook Angie’s hand. “I doubt that.”

Angie looked intently at Lisa and shrugged her shoulders. “Well, I tried.”

The group laughed, and Elise was once again amazed at Angie’s ability to put everyone at ease. “There are cocktails in the living room, and appetizers will be served shortly.” She clutched the bottle of wine as she walked toward the kitchen. “I’m going to put this away so I can actually have some later.” Elise looked accusingly at Angie.

“What?” Angie feigned indignation. “I’m planning on raiding your liquor cabinet later.”

“Then she was right to padlock it,” Lisa stammered a bit in her delivery.

Elise, Angie, and Norman all stared blankly at the woman. Gary cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Stop it. You know that was funny.”

The group erupted in laughter, Angie playfully nudging Lisa’s shoulder. “My husband is clearly the nice one. I was prepared to let you squirm for a bit.”

“Well, thank heaven I’ll be working with him,” Lisa jabbed.

Gary chuckled. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He reached his hand out to Norman. “I’m Gary Patchett. Nice to meet you.”

The two men exchanged pleasantries, and Elise left the group to chat while she put the wine up and checked on dinner. Confident James had everything under control, she joined the group in the living room and was grateful for the glass of red wine Gary handed her.

“Angie mentioned you have a daughter. Isn’t she joining us this evening?” Lisa asked, taking a sip of wine.

“She’s a bit under the weather, but please don’t let me forget to save her a piece of cake, or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“It’s a shame,” Angie chimed in. “Bailey is one of the few teenagers, my boys included, that I actually like.”

“How many children do you have?” Norman asked.

“Three boys, and everything that implies.” Angie took a drink of her gin and tonic.

Lisa linked her arm through Norman’s. “We’ve just started trying.”

Elise held her glass up. “Godspeed.” Angie and Gary joined in the toast, and then Elise showed everyone to the dining room.

“There is a method to the seating arrangements. I put couples next to each other, but if you prefer to look longingly into each other’s eyes, then you can swap and take seats across from one another.”

“Angie and I already know what each other looks like.” Gary leaned over and gave his wife a playful kiss on the cheek only to be met with an equally playful punch to the bicep.

“You work it out.” Elise chuckled as she sat down at the head of the table. As everyone else sat, Elise glanced up to see Bailey standing in the entrance of the dining room. She wore the same pair of black athletic shorts and gray tank top Elise had put her to bed in.

“Bailey, honey, is everything okay?” Elise got up and crossed the room to her daughter.

“We heard you aren’t feeling well.” Angie followed Elise and wrapped her arm around Bailey’s shoulders. “Oh, honey, you’re ice cold.” She looked worriedly at Elise.

Bailey shrugged Angie’s arm off her shoulders and then she stood perfectly still, her eyes fixed on Norman. “I have something to tell you.”

Elise reached for Bailey. “Honey – Bailey, let’s get you back to bed.” She looked at Norman and Lisa. “I’m sorry about this. She’s been sleepwalking lately, and clearly –”

“You’ve been with him.” Bailey tilted her head to the side, her eyes now set on Lisa. “Cameron.”

Norman frowned and looked at his wife, whose eyes were wide with shock. “Cameron?” He looked back at Bailey. “Cameron’s my brother, but how did you –”

“You’re fucking him.” Bailey’s tone was flat, her eyes unblinking.

“Okay! That is enough!” Elise yelled, her fingers digging into Bailey’s arms, but she was unyielding. “We’re going upstairs, now!” She looked back at the shocked couple. “I am so sorry.”

Bailey refused to be moved, and no matter how hard Elise pulled on her, and eventually how hard Angie tugged at the girl in an effort to help, her feet stayed firmly planted to the floor.

“You’re pregnant,” Bailey said plainly, her eyes focused on Lisa. “It’s not his.” She looked at Norman.

Lisa gasped and pushed her chair back from the table. “We should go.”

Elise grimaced and looked helplessly at Angie. “She won’t move.”

“It’s true.” Norman sat with his elbows resting on the table, his mouth slightly agape. “When I was waiting for the house to sell, you stayed with Cameron and Debbie.” He looked up at his wife. “The two of you were so weird when I got here, but I thought –”

Lisa looked around the room at the five sets of eyes fixed on her. “We can discuss this at home,” she hissed.

Norman stood up suddenly, his chair crashing backward against the floor. “You thought I couldn’t get you pregnant, so you fucked my brother?!”

“Norman, enough!” Lisa seethed. “We are not having this conversation here!”

“I think we should all take a breath.” Gary stood up and walked toward Bailey. He gently placed his hand on her cheek. “Bails, it’s time to go to bed.”

Bailey blinked twice and looked up at Gary. She stepped back, sending Angie and Elise skittering forward from their efforts to move her. “I’m tired.” Without another word, Bailey walked up the stairs.

“This is such shit, Lisa!” Norman charged toward the door. “How could you do this?!” The man flung open the front door and disappeared. Lisa scrambled to gather her purse and hurried after him.

Angie, Gary, and Elise stood in stunned silence. The door to the kitchen swung open, and James cautiously entered the dining room. “Doctor Sullivan, do you want to proceed?”

Elise blinked. James’ voice sounded like it was coming from underwater, and she thought she might be in shock. Clearing the lump in her throat, Elise managed to focus her eyes on the anxious chef. “Ah, we –” Her voice cracked, and she coughed several times before continuing. “No, James. Please box the food. Your gratuity is in the envelope next to the refrigerator. Thank you.”

Elise was only vaguely aware of Angie’s arms around her and that she was saying something about Bailey. “The brain of a teenager is awash with hormones, and everything else that makes them unpredictable, and –”

Elise leaned back so she could see Angie’s face. “I need to go check on her. I’m sor –”

Angie shook her head and shushed Elise. “Don’t you dare apologize to us.” She looked over at Gary, who stood with a concerned expression on his face as he held Elise’s hand. “Erick peed in the neighbors’ pool when he was thirteen.”

Elise’s brow furrowed. “Kids pee in pools, Angie.”

“He was standing at the side of the pool with forty people around him at a July fourth picnic.” Angie laid her head on Elise’s shoulder. “I could never prove it, but I think he was aiming for his brother.”

With that added detail, Elise chuckled. “I appreciate your efforts at heading me off at the pass before I have a breakdown.” She gave Angie a quick kiss on the cheek. “I need to check on Bailey. There is a ton of food in the kitchen. Please, get James to box some for you before you leave.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Gary patted Elise on the shoulder, clearly unsure what to say before disappearing into the kitchen.

Angie waited for the kitchen door to stop swinging before turning to Elise. “How did Bailey know about Lisa’s, ah, indiscretions?”

“I have no idea.” Elise looked toward the ceiling, listening to see if Bailey was moving around. “I can’t imagine what she’s going to say.”

“How are the therapy sessions going?” Angie walked over and righted the chair Norman had sent flying.

“Fine.” Elise was growing more anxious as the second floor remained eerily quiet. “I’m sorry, but I need –”

Angie waved Elise on. “Go. We’ll see the caterer and ourselves out, and I’ll call you later.”

Relieved, Elise rushed up the stairs to find Bailey’s bedroom door ajar. Tapping on the door with her knuckle, Elise didn’t hear anything. Pushing the door open, Elise frowned when she saw Bailey sleeping peacefully, her chest steadily rising and falling as she laid sprawled in her bed.

Elise walked to the side of the bed and carefully laid her hand between Bailey’s shoulder blades. Unlike earlier, the girl was warm to the touch. Elise pulled the blankets up, covering Bailey. Looking at her daughter, a chill ran up Elise’s back as she remembered the blank, lifeless stare of Bailey’s eyes when she addressed the Trinders.

Standing up, Elise was startled by the sound of the front door opening and closing. She reminded herself it was only been Angie, Gary, and the caterer leaving. Her nerves were frayed, and a painful tension headache found its way to the base of her neck. Rubbing the back of her neck, Elise sat back down on the edge of Bailey’s bed.

Bailey had been eight the last time Elise had simply sat and watched her sleep. She had been struggling with nightmares and refused to go to sleep unless Elise watched over her. Reaching out, Elise gently brushed strands of hair from the side of Bailey’s face and then leaned over to place a kiss on the sleeping girl’s cheek.

And then Elise patted Bailey’s shoulder. “Bailey. Bailey, wake up.” She hated herself for needing reassurances that Bailey hadn’t staged the scene downstairs. Her daughter was many things, but Elise had never known her to be cruel or a liar.

“What?” Bailey stirred and ran her hand over her face.

“I need you to wake up and talk to me for a few minutes.”

“Is the party over?” Bailey’s voice was thick with sleep.

“It certainly is.” Elise shifted to the side so Bailey could sit-up.

“What’s wrong?”

Elise studied her daughter closely. Her heavy-lidded eyes and the remnants of drool around the corners of her mouth were signs that Bailey had been in a deep sleep prior to Elise waking her. She wasn’t sure if talking to Bailey about the incident would do any good. She was certain she wouldn’t remember what had happened, and besides being upset about what she had said, Elise assumed Bailey would be upset over not remembering she had said it.

Cupping the side of Bailey’s cheek with her hand, Elise smiled warmly at her daughter. “I want to let you know I am setting your alarm for earlier in the morning. I’m going to check if we can see Doctor Burke.”

Bailey’s brow furrowed, and the corners of her mouth turned down. “Why?”

Elise forced a casual tone as she spoke. “You were sleepwalking earlier and I –”

“When? Tonight?” Bailey began to squirm in the bed. “Did I go downstairs?!”

“You did, and I want to talk about how to work on that with Doctor Burke.” The truth was, Elise needed the doctor’s guidance in what she should tell Bailey. Her tendency had always been complete honesty with Bailey, but the episode had been so shocking that Elise worried Bailey would shut down.

“Did I do something wrong?” Bailey whispered.

“Not at all,” Elise attempted to reassure her. “You were asleep; so, whatever happened isn’t your fault.”

Bailey’s eyes narrowed suspiciously at her mother. “I did do something, and you just don’t want to say until Doctor Burke can help.”

Elise sighed, seeing her path of least resistance narrowing. “That’s right, and I don’t mean to upset you tonight – or ever; so, can we please table this until the morning?” Seeing the tension in Bailey’s shoulders and how she reflexively clutched at the sheets of her bed, Elise pulled the girl to her. “I promise, no one is upset with you.” She leaned back and looked Bailey in the eyes. “Do you understand?”

It was several seconds before Bailey managed a slight nod of her head. “Can I sleep with you tonight?”

Elise smiled and kissed Bailey’s forehead. “Of course.” She got out of the bed and pulled Bailey along with her. “I bet there is some cake downstairs. Should I get us a couple slices and some milk?”

Bailey nodded enthusiastically. “Can we watch Netflix and eat cake in your bed?”

As a rule, Elise didn’t allow food upstairs, but Bailey seemed so taken with the idea that she quickly agreed. She walked downstairs and locked and chained the front door, her hand trembling slightly as she typed in the alarm code.

Walking through the dining room, Elise noticed Gary’s Jack Daniel’s and Coke sitting on the table. Deciding a few sips of whiskey could go a long way to steadying her nerves, Elise reached for the glass.

“What the hell?” Elise recoiled from the glass. She didn’t expect the cocktail to be ice cold after nearly forty-five minutes, but it was outright hot. She tapped the side of Angie’s glass, and it was just as warm as Gary’s. The same was true for her glass of wine and the Trinders’ glasses.

Sitting down at the dining room table, Elise slouched as she surveyed the remains of her dinner party. Hearing the television in her bedroom come on, Elise looked up at the ceiling. She wanted desperately to understand what was happening with Bailey. She wanted to know what she was thinking and how she felt. She wondered how it was that they lived in the same house but that proximity didn’t seem to be helping.

Grabbing the stem of her wine glass between her thumb and forefinger, Elise studied the deep red liquid. She pressed her palm against the side of the glass. Why the hell is it hot?

“Mom?! Are you coming up?!” Bailey yelled from the top of the stairs.

“I’ll be right there.” Elise decided to manage what she had control over. She could attempt to offset an otherwise disastrous evening by enjoying her daughter’s company and eating too much cake. Walking into the kitchen, Elise’s short lived enthusiasm vanished as the more analytical part of her brain pushed its way through and the events of the evening began to replay in her mind.

Elise couldn’t reason how Bailey, having never met the Trinders before, could not only know about Lisa being pregnant, but also know about her affair with James’ brother, and the man’s name. It’s impossible. Elise stood staring at the open refrigerator, a gallon of milk in her hand.

Closing the refrigerator, Elise put the milk on the counter. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and pressed the call icon. “Yes, I’d like to leave a message for Doctor Burke, please.”

***

Elise sat perched on the edge of her chair. It was a little before eight o’clock in the morning, and the waiting room was empty. Elise had been so relieved when Kate had returned the message she had left with her service and nearly cried when the doctor had agreed to see Bailey before normal business hours.

“It’s really no trouble. Clearly, there are issues that need to be discussed immediately,” Kate had reassured Elise.

“I want to be in there with her,” Elise had insisted.

There was a slight pause before Kate responded. “It’s best if I meet with Bailey first and get her impressions of what happened. Then we can have a joint session. I’ll have my receptionist clear my morning.”

Elise wasn’t thrilled with Kate discouraging her from being in the entirety of the session, but given the doctor’s willingness to rearrange her schedule, she felt obliged to accommodate her.

“Elise?” Kate stood with the office door open, her hand resting on the doorknob. “Ready?”

Elise gathered her purse and followed Kate into her office. Bailey was sitting on the overstuffed leather sofa with a bottle of water precariously balanced on her lap.

Kate sat in the leather chair across from Bailey and Elise. Instead of her usual water, Elise noticed her take a sip from a black mug of what smelled like coffee. “Let’s start by recapping why we are all here this morning.” She looked at Bailey.

Bailey looked at her mother and then back at Doctor Burke. “I was rude last night at my mom’s party, but I can’t really remember what all I said.”

Kate looked at Elise, who cleared her throat before speaking. “I had a dinner party last night. Bailey was invited, but shortly before guests arrived, she said she felt sick to her stomach and looked like she was running a fever. She went upstairs and later came down in her pajamas.” Elise felt a lump forming in her throat as she struggled to convey the details of the evening. “She told a colleague that his wife was having an affair with his brother, and –” Elise swallowed the lump in her throat. “She told them the wife was pregnant as well.”

Elise’s voice broke, and Kate quickly got up and retrieved a box of tissues from her desk. “Here.”

“Thank you.” Elise took several tissues and a deep breath. “Anyway, the couple was shocked, but worse, the comment clearly set something off for the husband, because he became incensed, and the two began screaming at each other.”

Elise hesitated, loath to continue the awful retelling. Kate looked at Elise over the rim of her coffee mug before taking a drink. “What happened then, please?”

Elise looked at Bailey. The girl’s eyes were wide with shock, and it was obvious she had no recollection of the events.

“Well –” Elise stalled and turned her attention back to Bailey. “Do you remember any of this, honey?” Bailey shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. Elise reached for her daughter’s hand and took it in hers.

“Anyway, the entire evening devolved from there. The couple stormed out, and Angie and Gary left shortly after.” The tension between Elise’s shoulders was becoming painful, and she rolled her neck from side-to-side. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to share Bailey’s use of expletives.

“So, Bailey, you don’t have any recollection of this?” Kate quietly asked.

“No.” The girl began to cry and reached for the box of tissue on the table next to her.

“Okay.” Kate looked at Elise. “You’ve mentioned sleepwalking; was this something similar?”

Elise remembered the night Bailey had insisted a man was downstairs. “I suppose it’s similar, but last night she wasn’t responsive when I tried to talk to her.”

Kate jotted down a few notes. “Bailey, it sounds to me like you had a fairly pronounced episode of sleepwalking. I want to see if it might be anything else; so, I am going to talk to your mom about having a few tests run.”

“What tests?” Bailey pulled her hand free of Elise’s and crossed her arms over her chest.

“They’re tests to see what’s causing the sleepwalking.” Kate tapped her temple with her index finger. “Doctors will place small sensors on your head and measure the activity in your brain.”

“Fine,” Bailey relented.

“What questions do you have for me, Bailey? Otherwise, I need to discuss the scheduling of your test with your mom.”

Bailey stood up, sending the bottle of water flying to the floor. “Crap!” She quickly crouched down and retrieved the closed bottle. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Kate reassured the clearly addled girl. “We’ll just be a few minutes.” She opened the door for Bailey and glanced at the wall clock. “Ask Eugene in reception if you can have a donut. He brings a dozen B Doughnuts every day.” She winked at Bailey, who managed a faint smile before leaving the office.

Kate closed the door and sat back down in the chair across from Elise. “Sleepwalking is common in children. Nearly twenty percent –”

“With peak ages between four and eight,” Elise interrupted. “I’m familiar with the Sleep Disorder Handbook.”

“Of course.” Kate shifted in her chair. “Then you know some studies put that age range as high as twelve.”

“Bailey’s nearly fifteen.” Elise ran her hand through her hair before standing and beginning to pace. “You want to run an EEG?”

“Yes.”

“What do you expect to find?”

“Elise, I’m not a medical doctor. That’s a question for –”

“I am,” Elise asserted, “a medical doctor; so, tell me what you’re thinking, or I promise I can imagine worse.”

Kate sighed in resignation. “I really don’t think they’ll find anything.” Elise looked at her suspiciously. “Really. I think it’s just a case of sleepwalking, but we should rule out brain inflammation or a tumor.”

Elise walked to the narrow office window. It was a little after eight, and even though the sun was fully up, it had begun to drizzle, casting the morning in shadows. “I didn’t know her last night.” She covered her mouth to stifle the sob. “Her expressions, her tone – she was a stranger, and how could she know any of that about the affair and the pregnancy?”

“I don’t know, and I’m sure it was very difficult to witness.” Kate winced. “It was difficult to hear about.”

Elise turned around and wiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks and then at her nose. “I assume you’re going to provide the name of a child psychiatrist?”

Kate nodded, her eyes fixed on Elise. “Doctor Esther Page. She’s just taken over a former colleague’s practice, but she comes highly recommended.”

Elise wiped the last of the tears from her face. “Alright then.”

Kate walked around her desk and pulled a tablet from the drawer. “I’m emailing you her information.” After a few swipes of her finger across the screen, she laid the tablet down on the desk. Putting her palms flat on the wooden service, she leaned forward, her head lowered. “Whatever this is with Bailey –” Kate looked up at Elise, “we’ll get to the bottom of it.”

The corner of Elise’s mouth turned down. “Kate –”

Walking around her desk, Kate shook her head. “I mean it, Elise, we’ll figure out what’s happening, and go from there.” She tentatively laid her hand on Elise’s shoulder.

Elise appreciated the reassurances, but after the night she had, they did little to raise her spirits. She knew this could be the beginning of countless tests. If nothing turned up and the episodes continued, Bailey could be put through hell.

“What about the couple? How could she have known about the wife’s affair?” Elise sniffled, her head pounding from the stress and crying.

Kate dropped her hand from Elise’s shoulder. “I don’t know.”

Elise’s hand seemed to move independent of her brain. She reached out and clutched Kate’s hand, pressing it between both her hands before entwining her fingers with Kate’s. The surprised doctor looked down at where Elise’s and her hand were joined. “Elise?” Kate whispered.

As if emerging from a fog, Elise became aware of the soft press of Kate’s hand in hers. She also could see the uncomfortable look on the doctor’s face. “Oh.” Elise practically flung Kate’s hand free of her own and quickly walked toward the door. “I’ll get the EEG appointment made right away.” She opened the office door.

“Elise.” Kate walked behind her. “Elise, wait.”

Elise spun around, nearly running into Kate. “What?” Her tone was harsh and layered with embarrassment and frustration.

Kate took a step back, her voice steady when she spoke. “Eugene can make the appointment for you and have your insurance information transferred over.”

Elise nodded. “Thank you, and – I’m – my apologies for –”

Kate smiled. “It’s fine. It just surprised me is all.”

“I want to continue our sessions with you regardless of the test results. Yes?”

“Yes.” Kate offered a genuine smile.

Elise nodded emphatically. “Thank you.”

As she stood waiting for Eugene to confirm the date and time of Bailey’s EEG, Elise watched as Kate stood at the far end of the hall, engrossed in a conversation with the office manager. In an unguarded moment, she allowed herself to really look at the doctor.

Kate was, by anyone’s standards, beautiful. Her pale skin was flawless and complimented by her blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She was always dressed impeccably and professionally. Elise smiled at the three inch Christian Louboutin tan heels the doctor wore and appreciated how they accentuated the shape of her toned calves.

Stop. Elise blinked several times. This is a completely inappropriate train of thought.

“Doctor Sullivan, I’ve sent you the information for Bailey’s appointment with Doctor Page. It’s Tuesday.” Eugene smiled at Elise from behind the reception desk.

“I appreciate that. Thank you.” Elise turned to leave and, glancing up, saw Kate had finished her discussion, and she smiled at Elise before disappearing into her office.

“Was there anything else, Doctor Sullivan?” Eugene asked.

“Ah, no. Thank you again.” Elise hurried from the office with Bailey and her half-eaten chocolate cake donut in tow.

“Why are you walking so fast?” Bailey asked between bites.

“First, please don’t talk with your mouth full, and second, we have to get you home and ready for camp.” Elise slid into the driver’s seat of her SUV.

“When do I have to take these tests?” Bailey wiped her sugar frosting coated fingers along her shorts, flecks of donut and frosting falling to the floor.

Elise knew she had more pressing matters than Bailey’s manners so she chose to ignore the sugar speckled floor mat. “Tuesday.” A frazzled Elise shook her head. “Sorry, what I meant was we’ll more than likely meet with the doctor and then schedule the test.”

“How long will it take? I don’t want to miss camp.” Bailey fidgeted with the switch for the door lock.

“The meeting? Maybe an hour. The test, with set up, a few hours.” Elise looked both ways as she exited the parking lot.

“You’re nervous. Should I be nervous?” Bailey looked directly at Elise.

“What? No. It’s a non-invasive procedure. There’s no reason to be nervous. Doctor Burke just wants to rule a few things out.” Elise took a short breath. “I’m not nervous; everything is fine.”

Bailey’s eyes narrowed. “If you say so.”

What Elise didn’t want to say, what she would never admit to anyone, and certainly not to her child, was that she may be developing a bit of a crush on her daughter’s therapist. Besides the inherent tragedy of a forty-four-year-old woman having a crush, the ethical challenges of pursuing a relationship with Kate were staggeringly horrendous.

Chapter 8

Doctor Esther Page was a slight woman in her early fifties. She had shoulder length gray hair, and her eyes were so dark they appeared black. She was wearing a pair of black slacks and a thick, gray cable knit sweater that Elise imagined had to be incredibly warm, considering the mild temperatures outside.

The doctor greeted Elise with a broad smile as the two women shook hands. “Doctor Sullivan, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Elise, please, and it’s nice to meet you.”

Doctor Page looked over at Bailey, who stood at Elise’s side. “And you must be Bailey.” She extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Bailey quickly thrust her hand out, her eyes averted to the floor. “Nice to meet you.”

Doctor Page offered the nervous girl a reassuring smile before releasing her hand. “Shall we?” She gestured toward her office.

As the three women entered the office, Elise was struck by the contrast between Doctor Page’s office and Kate’s. Where Kate had decorated her work space in warm woods and leathers, Doctor Page’s office verged on stark. Black, white, and metal hues ran throughout the space, with the only pops of color coming from a series of abstract oil painting hanging over a black leather sofa.

Unlike the plush feel of the overstuffed sofa in Kate’s office, Elise found Doctor Page’s minimalist sofa hard and unyielding. She could tell from the way Bailey shifted and scooted next to her that her daughter felt the same way.

The doctor sat in a black leather barrel style chair across from Elise and Bailey with her legs crossed and a notepad resting in her lap. “I’ve looked over the information from Doctor Burke’s office, but I would like to hear from the two of you as to why you’re here today.”

Elise cleared her throat. “Well, near the beginning of the summer, Bailey began sleepwalking, and then there have been incidents where she engages with people and can’t remember talking with them, and –”

“Engages with people?” Doctor Page interjected. “Explain that, please.”

“I said stuff to some of my mom’s colleagues at a dinner party and can’t remember saying it.” The words rushed from Bailey’s mouth, and Elise instinctively reached for her daughter’s hand.

Doctor Page made a quick note. “Any other illnesses, disorders?” She didn’t look up from her notepad, but Elise assumed she was asking her the question.

“The usual childhood ailments.” Elise hesitated. “She did have an immune system deficiency. Her gamma globulin was low, but nothing recently.”

“You’ll need to sign the HIPAA release forms, and we can get her medical records.” Doctor Page laid her notepad and pen on the table next to her chair. “For today, I’d like to do a physical exam and then see if we need to move forward with the EEG.”

Elise released Bailey’s hand and looked at her. “Are you okay with that?”

Bailey shrugged as she chewed nervously on her inner lip. “That’s fine.” Her eyes narrowed as something occurred to her. “You’re not going to give me a shot?” She looked suspiciously at Doctor Page.

Standing and walking toward the door, the doctor frowned. “I’m afraid we are going to draw some blood.”

Bailey’s shoulder’s tensed as she stood. “You’ll come in with me?” She looked down at Elise.

“Absolutely.” Elise stood and wrapped her arm around Bailey’s shoulders. They followed Doctor Page down a series of hallways and were directed into a small exam room.

“Please change into the gown provided, and I’ll be back shortly.”

Elise sat in a narrow, plastic chair in the corner of the room as Bailey undressed. She took Bailey’s clothes from her and, folding them, laid them across her lap. Short of the occasional cold, health screening for school, or lacrosse injury, Bailey had been relatively healthy. Because of that, seeing her daughter in the light blue gown, cinched closed with a thin blue cord around her waist, felt foreign to Elise.

“How long will this take?” Bailey hopped up on the end of the exam table, and her socked feet dangled in front of her.

“Not long. She’s more than likely checking your heart rate, blood pressure, reflexes. Similar to the health screen before your first time at camp.”

Bailey nodded as she fidgeted with the cord around her waist. “And blood work?”

Elise knew Bailey, like most people, wasn’t a fan of needles. It had been a few years since the need to draw blood, and Elise vividly recalled a crying, nearly hysterical eleven-year-old Bailey. “I know that part sucks.”

“It’s fine.”

Elise’s brow arched. “Really?”

Bailey pursed her lips. “I’m almost fifteen. I can manage.”

Bailey’s efforts at bravery brought tears to Elise’s eyes as a swell of affection and warmth wrapped itself around her. “I have no doubt.”

***

It was a little after eight o’clock at night when Elise settled down on the couch to read an article in The Journal of Clinical Pathology. She had just finished reading the section on adult tissue regeneration when her smartwatch vibrated. Glancing down, her brow furrowed as she saw Kate’s office number on the display.

Elise picked up the handset. “Hello.”

“Hi, Elise, this is Kate. I’m calling to follow up on Bailey’s visit with Doctor Page today.”

Elise couldn’t help but smile. It made sense Kate would check in on Bailey, but it was still a pleasant surprise to receive a call versus an email. “Hi. It’s a bit late for work, isn’t it?”

“Sadly, I just finished with my last patient for the day. I have a few late nights a week to accommodate the parents that work later or can’t get time off.”

“That’s helpful.” Elise put her tablet down on the sofa next to her. “Everything went fine with Doctor Page. She visited with Bailey for about an hour and performed a routine physical examination and drew some blood.”

“So, no EEG today?”

“No. She scheduled that for next Monday.”

“Well, she must not have seen anything too concerning in the physical exam,” Kate offered. “I sent all of my notes over to her yesterday; so, at this point if Bailey continues to see her beyond the EEG, we’ll keep joint files.”

“Thank you for that. Yes, she seemed pleased overall with Bailey.”

“That’s a relief.”

Elise could tell from the sudden release of breath that Kate had been genuinely concerned for Bailey. She never doubted the doctor’s devotion, but concern while a patient is sitting in front of you during a session, versus out of sight, are two different things.

“I’m glad you called.” Elise winced at her choice of words. “I mean, it’s nice that you took the time when you’re so busy.”

“I’m happy to do it. I was thinking about Bailey off-and-on all day, hoping everything had gone well.”

There was a long pause, and Elise pulled her phone away from her ear, thinking the line had gone dead. “Kate?”

“Yes?”

“Sorry, it just got quiet, and I thought we had been cut off.”

“I should let you go,” Kate quickly interjected. “I’m glad to hear things went well with Bailey, and I look forward to seeing her Thursday.”

Elise got the distinct impression the doctor was nervous. She felt anxious, herself, as she was tempted to steer the conversation to non-therapy related topics. Again, she reminded herself that knowing Kate much beyond their interactions in her office was inappropriate.

“Alright, see you Thursday.” Elise willed the words from her mouth.

“Bye, then.”

“Bye.” Elise waited for the line to go dead.

“Elise?”

“Yes?”

“Are you hanging up?”

“I thought you were hanging up.” Elise drummed her fingers nervously on the arm of the sofa.

“Oh, right, goodnight,” Kate stammered.

“Goodnight.” Elise meant to end the call, but the phone stayed pressed to her ear.

A faint beep came from the phone, and Elise finally managed to lower the handset. “Smooth.” You don’t care about smooth with her. She’s your daughter’s therapist. So be dull; be dim. What does it matter?

But it did matter, and Elise would continue to reprimand herself for that fact until she finally forced her attention back to the pathology article and, she hoped, off Doctor Kate Burke.

Chapter 9

“Bailey seems to be enjoying lacrosse camp.” Kate sat across from Elise with her legs crossed, and Elise was tempted to compliment her Manolo Blahnik heels but thought better of it. Be boring; be not smooth.

“Yes. She was a little disappointed her friend, Kim, wasn’t taking the camp this year, but her parents had decided to vacation, and schedules didn’t work out.”

“She’s mentioned Kim several times. They’ve been friends for a while?”

Elise nodded. “Fourth grade, and for the most part they’ve been in the same classes, camps, and extracurricular activities.”

Kate smiled. “She’s very fond of her.”

Elise wasn’t sure what the point of the exchange was, and she suspected the doctor didn’t either. “Has something happened with Kim? Is that why you’re bringing her up?”

“Not at all. I mean she speaks fondly of her and their friendship.”

Elise tilted her chin up slightly, her eyes narrowed. “Then why did you bring her up?”

Kate looked down at her lap and then slowly back up at Elise. “I am trying to work myself up to something.”

Elise’s brow arched. “Oh?”

Kate nodded. “Bailey is hearing voices.”

Elise felt the breath leave her. “What?! Since when?”

“For a few months.” Kate scooted to the edge of her chair. She looked at Elise closely, the corners of her mouth turned down.

Elise leaned her elbow on the arm of the chair, her eyes fixed on a spot across the room. “Voices or sounds?”

“Both.”

“This could have to do with the sleepwalking, yes?”

Kate nodded. “It could. You’re familiar with hypnopompic and hypnagogic hallucinations?”

“Vaguely.” Elise took a deep breath, her mind grasping for the information. “Ah, hypnopompic happens just before or during awakening. Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid and can be scary.” She cringed at the idea. “They usually happen while someone is falling asleep.”

“Exactly. My concern is, Bailey indicated she hears voices throughout the day.”

Elise felt as if she was sliding backwards. Kate and the office appeared smaller and at the end of a very long hall.

“Elise?” Kate crouched in front of her, her hand resting on the stunned woman’s knee. “Where’d you go?”

“What?” Elise felt sweat gathering on her forehead.

“I asked you if you’ve ever noticed Bailey talking to herself, but you didn’t answer.” Kate looked closely at Elise. “You look like you’re going to be sick.” She got up, retrieved a bottle of water from the mini refrigerator, and handed it and several tissues to Elise. “Take a few deep breaths.”

Elise emptied half the bottle of water in several large gulps before wiping her forehead and mouth with the tissue. “I – I just –”

Kate crouched down in front of Elise again. “It’s upsetting, but we don’t really know what it is yet. You know better than most that auditory hallucinations can be a symptom of any number of things, and not all dire.”

Elise finished the water and put the empty bottle on the table next to her. “Was she frightened about the voices?” She didn’t want Bailey to have been struggling with this, afraid, and not telling her about it.

Kate shook her head. “Not really.” She got up and returned to her chair. “She was actually confused by it. She said it was like the people around her were having a conversation, but their lips weren’t moving.”

Elise knew better than to jump to conclusions, but the combination of her imagination and medical training was sending her down the path of worse case scenarios. “You’ll discuss this with Doctor Page?”

“Of course.” Kate managed a faint smile.

“Bailey knows you’re having this conversation with me?”

“She does.”

Elise nodded to herself, her mind racing. “Good.”

“Elise?” Kate waited several seconds before speaking again. “Elise.” Her voice was slightly raised, and her gaze fixed on the stunned doctor.

“I’m sorry, what?” Elise blinked several times.

Kate gave her a reassuring smile. “What can I do for you? How can I help?”

The gentleness in Kate’s tone and the concerned look on her face brought Elise fully back into the moment. “I’m fine. It’s just a lot to process.”

Kate pursed her lips and looked intently at Elise. “Is that all?”

Elise forced a chuckle. “Unless I want to be billed, that’s all.”

Kate shook her head. “This is on the house.”

“Do I seem that off?”

“No, but you’re clearly struggling with this, and I would be worried if you weren’t.”

Elise closed her eyes for a second, trying to gather her thoughts. “I’m of two minds. On one hand, my professional experience tells me not to jump to conclusion – not to guess. I should wait for the diagnosis, and react accordingly.” She took an unsteady breath. “On the other hand –” Her voice caught, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak. “I’m scared shitless for my daughter and what this might mean for her.” A lone tear ran down Elise’s flushed cheek.

“Both of those reactions are perfectly good reactions.”

Elise huffed. “Well, they both feel equally crappy.” She tilted her head back and took a deep breath. “I had no idea this was going on with her.” She looked back at Kate. “And don’t think that doesn’t come with a large dose of guilt.”

“You’re not a mind reader, Elise,” Kate reassured. “If she doesn’t tell you, and it’s only been in the past few weeks that her behavior has been off, then you wouldn’t know.”

Elise nodded. She wanted desperately to believe and feel that, but a part of her felt certain she had failed Bailey. She glanced at her watch. “I’ve taken you way past the hour.” Elise gathered her purse and picked the empty bottle and tissues up to throw away.

Kate stood. “It’s no trouble. This is my administrative time; so, it’s really fine if you want to stay and talk for a bit longer.”

Elise tossed the bottle and tissue in the wastebasket next to Kate’s desk. “Truthfully, I’m exhausted, and I just need some time to process.” She turned to face Kate. “But thank you for the time and the offer of more.”

“Of course.” Kate opened the door for Elise and followed her down the hall toward the waiting room.

Bailey sat slouched in the chair, her eyes closed, and her hands dangling off the armrests. She lifted her head when Doctor Burke and her mother entered the room. “Are you done?”

Elise fought the urge to pulled Bailey to her. She knew her daughter would balk at what she would interpret as an overly dramatic sentiment. Instead, Elise gave her daughter a reassuring smile. “We are. Ready?”

Bailey nodded, her eyes moving back and forth between Doctor Burke and her mother. She exited the waiting room and left the door open as she stood waiting for Elise.

“I’ll check in with you Monday evening to see how the EEG went.” Kate placed her hand on Elise’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “If you need anything in the meantime, just call my service.”

“Thank you.” Elise wanted to do more. She wanted to take Kate’s hand and find some solace beyond the kind words the doctor had offered. What she managed was a gracious smile and a light pat of Kate’s hand before it was removed from her shoulder.

***

The ride home from Kate’s office had been relatively uneventful. Elise didn’t know what to say to Bailey and thought it best to wait until she could piece together some semblance of a reassuring conversation.

The two sat at their small kitchenette table at a little after six o’clock at night. Elise was eating a spinach salad while Bailey ate a slice of cold pizza. Normally, Elise would insist she at least heat the pizza, but that detail now seemed trivial in the grand scheme of things.

“Are you mad at me?” Bailey dropped the crust on her plate and took a drink of water.

Elise stopped mid chew and quickly swallowed a mouthful of spinach. “No. Why do you say that?”

“You’ve been quiet today, and I figured Doctor Burke and you must have talked, and now you’re mad.”

Elise laid her fork down. “First, Doctor Burke and I did talk. Second, I’m not mad. Third –” She paused, wondering if brutal honesty was called for. “Actually, I am mad.”

Bailey frowned and picked at the discarded crust. “Oh.”

“I’m mad at myself, Bailey,” Elise asserted. “I’m mad that I didn’t give you the opportunity to tell me how you were feeling and what was going on with you.”

Elise got up and moved to the chair next to her daughter. Taking Bailey’s hand in hers, Elise pushed the rush of tears back. Bailey was nearly fifteen years old, but in that second, with her face upturned toward Elise and her eyes wide with concern, she looked six again.

“You didn’t miss much, Mom.” Bailey patted her mother’s hand. “It’s only been a few months or so with the voices.”

Bailey’s casual tone caught Elise off guard, and a short laugh escaped her. “Well, if it’s only been a few months –”

“You like Doctor Burke.”

Elise leaned back, the seemingly random comment taking her by surprise. “Well, I – yes. She’s been very helpful.”

Bailey shook her head. “No, I mean you like her.”

“I respect her professionally, and she’s –” Elise stopped, seeing the suspicious look on her daughter’s face. “Why are we talking about this?”

“She’s nice.”

Elise slowly nodded. “She is, but answer my question. Why are we talking about this?”

“You just talk about her a lot.”

Elise began racking her brain for the last time she had talked about Kate outside the context of therapy. She hadn’t. In fact, she had been very careful to not mention Kate unless she was discussing Bailey’s sessions with her daughter.

“I don’t really, Bailey.”

Shrugging, the girl got up, threw the pizza crust in the trash can, and put her plate in the dishwasher. “May I be excused? I’d like to go to my room now.” Elise nodded, still unsure what had just happened.

Elise looked down at the table and then over at her half-eaten salad. Her appetite was gone. The interaction with Bailey was reminiscent of the night her daughter thought there was a man downstairs. The girl’s casual assertions that something was true when it clearly wasn’t was beginning to put Elise on edge. If she were honest, it was also beginning to annoy her.

Elise put the remainder of her salad in a container and slid it into the refrigerator. Leaning against the counter, she felt restless and resentful. Turning the dishwasher on, Elise went into the living room, turned on the television, and mindlessly flipped through the channels. She couldn’t remember the last time she had watched live television. Most of the shows she watched were recorded or streamed.

You like her. Thinking about Bailey’s comment, Elise wondered if she had inadvertently shown her affinity for Kate. Maybe Bailey had picked up on something Elise herself was barely willing to admit to?

***

The deafening beeping woke Elise from a sound sleep. Bolting upright, she looked around her darkened bedroom, her sleep addled brain trying to discern the source of the noise.

“Shit!” Elise bolted from her bed and out into the hall.

The smoke alarm blared from the ceiling over the stairwell as Elise flung the door to Bailey’s room open. A cluster of origami birds Bailey had crafted several years before hung from the ceiling in the far corner of the room. All eight birds were ablaze, spewing smoke and soot into the room.

To Elise’s amazement, Bailey lay soundly asleep in her bed, the covers bunched at her ankles. Elise rushed toward her daughter, smoke beginning to envelop the room.

“Bailey!” Elise grabbed the girl by the shoulders and shook her. “Wake up!”

Bailey’s eyes fluttered open and then went wide as the noise of the alarm finally reached her. “What’s happening?!”

Elise looked up at the remnants of the burning birds. “Get outside.” She pushed the stunned girl out of the room and towards the stairs.

Spinning around, Elise opened the hall closet and grabbed the small fire extinguisher from the bottom shelf. She pulled the safety pin as she hurried back into Bailey’s room. Seconds later, the corner of the room was full of bicarbonate discharge, and the fire was out.

Collapsing onto Bailey’s bed, Elise sat staring at the soot covered walls, the smell of burnt paper burning her nose. She could hear the sirens approaching, and she realized her alarm company must have notified the fire department. She put the extinguisher down and ran down the stairs.

Bailey ran from the sidewalk across the street when she saw Elise come down the stoop. “Mom!” The girl flung her arms around Elise’s waist. “Are you okay?”

Elise held Bailey tightly to her. “I am. It was a small fire.” Two fire trucks arrived, their flashing red lights illuminating the night. A stout man, dressed in tan bunker gear, approached Elise and Bailey.

“Ma’am, is this your house?”

Elise nodded, still holding Bailey to her. “Yes. It was a small fire in an upstairs bedroom. I got it before it spread.”

“Do you need medical attention?”

Elise shook her head. “I’m fine.” She looked down at Bailey. “Are you okay?”

Bailey only nodded, her head tucked into the nook of Elise’s shoulder.

“Is there anyone else in the house? A person – a pet?”

“No. No one else.” Elise watched as the firefighter jogged toward the house. Looking around, she noticed several of her neighbors had made their way out to the street, looking on as the firefighters entered the house.

“Are you two okay?” A Hispanic man in his late fifties, dressed in a bathrobe, came up to Elise and Bailey. Elise didn’t know the man’s name but recognized him from the house three over from hers.

“We are. It was a small fire.” Elise shifted so she stood with her arm around Bailey’s shoulders. “I had an extinguisher.”

“Good thing.” The man looked down at Bailey. “Are you alright?”

Bailey nodded, and Elise pulled her closer.

Ten minutes later, the firefighter from earlier walked up to Elise. “We did a sweep of the house. I have no idea what started the fire, but the rest of the house is fine.”

“Thank you. Is it safe to go back in?”

The man pulled the collar of his bunker jacket open. “Yes. The damage was minimal and looks to be mostly cosmetic.” He turned toward the house. “We’ll need another half hour to work up the incident report, after that, you can go back in.”

“Thank you.”

“Here.” The neighbor from earlier walked up behind Elise and Bailey with two folding lawn chairs in hand. “I figured you wouldn’t want to come into a complete stranger’s house to wait, but it’s a nice enough night, I thought you could use these.” He positioned the chairs on the sidewalk and reached into the two oversized side pockets on his robe. “And these.” He held two bottles of water out to Elise.

“That’s very nice of you. Thank you.” Elise took the water and laid the bottles down in the chairs. She extended her hand. “I’m Elise Sullivan, and this is my daughter Bailey.”

The man shook Elise’s hand and offered Bailey a warm smile. “David Hernandez. Nice to meet you both.”

Bailey finally looked up at the man. “Nice to meet you.”

“You two were damn lucky.” He nodded toward the house.

Elise looked up at Bailey’s bedroom window. The light was on, and she could see several firefighters going back and forth. “The alarm woke me.” Glancing around the bustling street, she grimaced. “And evidently everyone else, too.”

“Better that than the alternative.”

Elise nodded firmly. She knew, given the row houses’ shared walls, a fire in one could quickly overtake the entire block. Baltimore nearly burned to the ground at the turn of the twentieth century when a warehouse fire engulfed entire neighborhoods. The fire was finally stopped when it reached the Inner Harbor.

“Any idea what started it?” David asked.

Elise shrugged. “No idea.” She watched as Bailey sat down in a chair. She propped her elbow up on the arm of the chair and rested her chin in her palm. In spite of the whirlwind going on around them, Bailey appeared calm.

“Hey, are you sure you’re okay?” Elise lowered her voice as she spoke to her daughter.

“Just tired. How much longer before we can go back in?”

“Maybe another fifteen minutes or so.” Elise sat down in the chair next to her daughter. “You can sleep in my room tonight, and then we’ll move you into the spare room until yours is repaired.” Elise began taking a mental inventory of everything she needed to do once they could get back in the house. First and foremost, she needed to call her insurance company and get a claims adjuster out to assess the damage.

“I had a dream this happened.” Bailey made the comment so casually, Elise thought she had misheard.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I dreamt there was a fire in our house.” Bailey twisted the cap off the bottle of water and took a long drink.

“Whe –” Elise’s voice caught and, covering her mouth, she coughed. “When did you have the dream?”

Bailey’s eyes narrowed, and she looked up. “Last night, maybe.” She shrugged. “I don’t remember exactly.”

Elise was at a loss. The coincidence of the dream and the timing of the fire were off-putting, but beyond that, what was she supposed to say to Bailey. “Are you upset?”

Bailey’s gaze shot up to Elise. “Why would I be upset?”

“I just meant –”

“It’s not my fault!” Bailey hissed.

Elise reached for her daughter’s hand and cringed when Bailey pulled it away. “I just thought the timing may upset you.” She managed a low, soothing tone when she spoke and hoped the shocked and hurt expression on her face was masked.

Bailey’s shoulders relaxed. “I’m fine.” She turned her attention back to the comings and goings of the firefighters, effectively ending any additional discussion on the matter of her dream.

Slouching in the lawn chair, Elise felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. Bailey was struggling, and the sudden onset of issues had left Elise reeling and desperate for answers. They were slated for the EEG the next day, and Elise wondered what, if any sense, that would make of Bailey’s dream and the fire.

Chapter 10

For the third time in five minutes, Bailey uncrossed and crossed her legs in the waiting room chair. “I don’t want to shave my head.” She ran a nervous hand through her brown locks.

Elise took her daughter’s hand and squeezed it gently. “You don’t have to shave your head.” She looked at Bailey’s thick brown curls. “But you didn’t put any product in your hair this morning, right? Otherwise, they’ll have trouble getting the electrodes to stick.”

Bailey exhaled, blowing a curl off her forehead. “No, that’s why I look like a Q-Tip.”

“You don’t look like a Q-Tip, Bailey.” Elise ruffled the girl’s hair. “Your hair is just – fuller today.”

“Nice, Mom.”

“Bailey Sullivan.” A man in dark blue scrubs stood with an e-tablet held in front of him as he scanned the waiting room.

“Here.” Bailey stood, and Elise and she followed the man through a series of halls and into a small, windowless room.

“You’re Mom?” The man asked Elise.

“Yes.”

“I’m Albert. You’re welcome to stay for the prep, but Doctor Ramsey wants a sleep test; so, you’ll have to step out for that.”

Elise assumed, given the sleepwalking, that the neurologist would want to run the EEG while Bailey slept, but she was loath to leave her daughter alone in a strange place and in total darkness. “Bailey, is this okay with you?”

Bailey stood next to the twin size bed that sat along the far wall of the room. “Yeah.”

“Great.” Albert smiled. “Bailey, there are PJs in the bottom drawer there, or if you’re comfortable, you’re welcome to leave your own clothes on.” He looked down at the tablet. “Are you taking any medications?”

Bailey sat down on the bed and began removing her shoes. “No.”

“When was the last time you consumed anything with caffeine?”

Bailey shrugged and looked at Elise. “I don’t know. I had a Coke yesterday afternoon.”

“Okay.” Albert opened the exam room door. “I’ll leave you to it and will be back in about ten minutes to prep the test.”

Bailey slid her shoes under the bed and pulled the crisp, white sheet and blanket back. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.”

“You’d be surprised; it’s cool, dark, and quiet in here.” Elise sat down on the bed next to Bailey. “Plus, we had a late night with the fire; so, you’ll doze off in no time.”

“I’m leaving my shorts and t-shirt on,” Bailey said firmly.

“Sure.” Elise placed her hand on Bailey’s back. “This is painless. I promise.”

“What if something’s wrong with me?” Bailey stared blankly at the gray linoleum floor.

Elise’s chest tightened at the question. “We’ll cross that bridge should we come to it.” The answer felt incomplete, hollow, and she couldn’t imagine reassuring.

“What if I have schizophrenia?”

Elise’s breath caught. She had gone out of her way to exclude that word from her worries about Bailey. She had not always been successful as the condition, and its repercussions, had forced themselves into her speculations several times. To hear it said out loud, though, left her feeling sick to her stomach.

“You’ve read about this?”

Bailey nodded. “I looked it up online.” She picked at the hem of the blanket with her nail. “I’ve got some of the signs for it.”

With great relief, the doctor in Elise stepped forward; otherwise, she feared she would simply break down in a crying fit. “It’s true that some of your symptoms coincide with schizophrenia, but they also align with several other conditions.” She wrapped her arm around Bailey’s shoulders. “Several far less serious conditions.”

“Like what?” Bailey was never one to let Elise off lightly. She wanted reassurances, but Elise could see she didn’t want empty commentary.

Tilting her head back, Elise chose her words carefully. “It could be something as simple as sleep deprivation, stress, developmental delays, or depression.”

“I’m not depressed,” Bailey said plainly.

“I know, but depression doesn’t just mean you’re sad.” Elise entwined her fingers with Bailey’s. “It could mean you’re struggling to find pleasure in things you’ve otherwise enjoyed.”

Bailey pursed her lips together. “No, I feel fine. I just keep hearing people talking around me, and it’s annoying, and I can’t concentrate.”

Elise nodded as if she understood. “This will help us get to the bottom of that.” She kissed Bailey on the temple and pushed her unruly hair off her forehead.

There was a faint knock at the door, and a moment later Albert came in. “Are we ready?” Bailey nodded and scooted toward the edge of the bed. “Alright, Bailey, I’m going to measure the distance between various points on your head so I can get the placement of the electrodes correct.”

Bailey’s eyes widened as the man approached her with the measuring tape. Albert paused and lowered the tape to his side. “Or, if we shave your head, I won’t need to measure.”

Bailey grimaced and gasped but, seeing the smirk on Albert’s lips, began to chuckle. “You’re messing with me?”

Albert smiled as he began measuring the circumference of Bailey’s head. “That’s a little EEG humor. I couldn’t help myself.”

Albert went on to mark a series of points on Bailey’s head with a marker and then meticulously placed electrodes on Bailey’s head. “That should do it.” Albert reassuringly squeezed Bailey’s forearm. “Go ahead and lay down.” Bailey laid back on the bed. Elise covered her with the sheet and blanket and sat in a chair across the room.

“Comfortable?” Albert attached the end of the electrodes into a computer terminal.

“It’s fine.” Bailey laid perfectly still, her arms at her side.

Elise watched and reminded herself that for the past fourteen years she had raised Bailey to do things for herself. She believed that would allow Bailey to find her inner strength, experience life on her terms, and ultimately believe in herself. Now, through the blur of tears that welled up from within, Elise wanted nothing more than to step between her daughter and whatever heartache might lie ahead.

“I’m fine, Mom.” Bailey carefully turned her head toward Elise while Albert calibrated the computer. “I can do this on my own.”

Elise willed the tears away. She didn’t have the luxury of breaking down in front of her child. “Are you sure?”

Bailey nodded and offered Elise a smile. “Yes.”

Elise got up, gave Bailey’s hand a quick squeeze, and walked toward the door. “I’ll be in the waiting room.”

Albert turned. “Depending on how long it takes her to get to sleep, we should be done in a little over three hours.” He turned back to the computer and tapped and slid his finger across the touchscreen.

Elise smiled at Bailey. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”

The door felt like it weighed a thousand pounds as Elise pulled it shut. She stood with her back pressed to the hard wood, and the tears fell freely. She wiped at them quickly with the back of her hand and took deep breaths to collect herself.

Spotting a small alcove to the right near the ladies’ room, Elise stepped into the semi-private spot and took her phone out of her purse. Running her hand through her hair, she quickly pressed the call icon.

“Hi, Mom. Do you have a minute?”

***

Elise smiled as she looked down at her phone. True to her word, Kate was calling to check on Bailey’s EEG results. “Hi, Kate.”

“Hi, Elise. I haven’t caught you at a bad time, have I?”

“No. Bailey is staying over at Kim’s house tonight, and I was just trying to decide if I wanted to take a long bath, or watch mindless television.”

Kate chuckled. “Take your tablet in the tub, and do both.”

“Good call.” Elise smiled. “So, you’re calling about the EEG?” Once again, Elise pushed past the urge to have a casual conversation with Kate and opted to stick to what she knew was Kate’s only reason for calling.

“Yes, how did it go?”

Elise sighed. “It took longer than expected. Bailey had difficulty getting to sleep. The neurologist will call with the results in the next few days.” She decided in that moment to discuss the fire and Bailey’s dream with Kate at their next session in hopes the EEG results would lend additional context.

“How was Bailey after?”

“Hungry.” Elise smiled at Kate’s laugh. “She woke up and immediately wanted Chinese food.”

“Oh, where did you go?”

“China House.”

“Nice. That’s one of my favorites. You should try Lucky Dragon. It’s this little hole in the wall on Fayette, but don’t let its looks fool you. It’s very clean, and the sesame chicken is wonderful. They’re generous with the chile paste; so, if you aren’t into spicy, ask them for mild spice.”

“I don’t mind spicy as long as I can still taste the food. Heat for the sake of heat doesn’t work for me.”

“Absolutely,” Kate agreed. “Are you a fan of Greek food?”

“I am, but Bailey doesn’t like it. She tried dolma once, and she said it tasted like medicine. Ever since then I can’t get her to even try a plain gyro.”

“It sounds like the grape leaves weren’t soaked long enough. Some restaurants just rinse them in warm water, but you really have to soak them for a few hours to get rid of the bitterness.”

“You sound like you might have done it a few times.” Elise wasn’t sure how they had gone from EEG results to discussing ethnic food preparation, but she was enjoying the casual exchange.

“God, no. I can barely microwave popcorn. My ex was Greek,” Kate mentioned casually. “She was a tremendous cook. Looking back, that might have been why the relationship lasted as long as it did.”

“Priorities are important,” Elise quipped.

“Clearly, mine revolve around my stomach.” Kate chuckled. “If you want to get Bailey back on the proverbial Greek horse –”

“As in a Trojan Horse.” Elise slammed her eyes shut at the cheesy joke. She was taking her commitment to be dull and dim with Kate too far.

A sudden and delightful laugh came from the other end of the line. “Clever,” Kate managed as she continued to laugh. “I was going to suggest Acropolis on Eastern Avenue, in Greektown.”

“I’ve been there once for a colleague’s birthday. The grilled octopus was wonderful.”

“Try the Tirokafteri. It’s spicy, but the Greek yogurt and feta tamp it down.”

“Sounds delicious.” Elise wanted to keep talking to Kate. She felt like they could continue with their casual back-and-forth indefinitely, but she could feel her affinity for the woman growing by the second.

Under any other circumstance, that tentative tendril of attraction might excite Elise. With anyone else, she might suggest they try one of the restaurants together, but with Kate it set off alarm bells. “I better get going.” The transition seemed forced to Elise’s ears, and she hoped Kate wasn’t offended.

“Right. Sorry to have kept you.” Kate sounded concerned and apologetic.

“Not at all. I enjoyed our talk.” Elise paused, chewing nervously on her lower lip. “It’s just that bath and mindless television is calling.”

“Of course. Enjoy, and I’ll see Bailey and you Thursday.”

“Very good. Take care.”

“You too.”

Elise ended the call and tossed her phone on the sofa next to her. You are in so much trouble.

***

“You had a dream about the fire?” Kate asked Bailey.

“Not about the fire, just a fire,” Bailey corrected.

Kate looked concerned and shifted her attention to Elise. “Everyone is alright, I presume?”

Elise nodded. “It was minor. I got to the extinguisher in time, and the damage is cosmetic.”

Kate nodded, a slight frown finding her lips. “Well, that’s a relief.” She looked at Bailey. “When did you have the dream?”

Bailey looked up at the ceiling, her eyes moving back and forth as if searching for the answer. “The night of the fire.”

Elise’s head shot around, and she stared in shock at Bailey. “What? You told me you had the dream the night before.”

“No. I said I thought I had it the night before, but couldn’t remember.”

“You were having the dream while the fire was happening?” Elise shifted in the chair so she was facing Bailey.

“I guess.” Bailey shrugged, her shoulders hunched as she avoided making eye contact with her mother.

“You guess? Bailey Erin Sullivan, this is no minor detail. You were –”

Kate cleared her throat and looked intently at Elise. “I think we should talk about the dream versus when it occurred.”

Elise didn’t care for Kate’s handling of her, or the adult equivalent of being shushed. “I want to discuss the when and the what.”

“Then let’s start with the what, shall we?” Kate directed gently.

Elise started to correct the doctor before reminding herself this was Bailey’s session, and did it matter what aspect of her dream they discussed first? Elise sat back in the chair. “That’s fine.” She surprised herself with the casualness of her tone given the irritation was still clinging to her.

“Great.”

Elise thought she caught a quick wink from Kate and, despite her irritation, couldn’t help the blush that found her neck and cheeks. “Alright then.”

For the next fifteen minutes, Kate and Bailey discussed the dream and how Bailey felt about it and the subsequent fire.

“You were in the woods, being chased, and then you were trapped by a wall of fire?” Kate leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees.

“That’s right.” Bailey cringed. “It was very real, almost like I could feel the heat.”

“Well, given there was an actual fire in your room, your mind may have been processing that and interjecting it into the dream.”

Kate turned her attention to Elise. “Have you two had a chance to talk over the EEG results with Doctor Page?”

“Her office called, and she wants to go over the results in our session tomorrow.”

Both women looked knowingly at each other. The fact the doctor didn’t want to discuss the results over the phone meant more than likely there had been an issue.

“Well, please keep me posted.” Kate gave Elise a reassuring smile and glanced at her watch. “In the meantime, Bailey and I have another half hour, and then you and I can talk after.” She walked to the door, Elise following behind her.

Kate shut the office door, and Elise walked back to the waiting room. She checked her messages and, seeing a text from Angie, smiled.

Free for dinner tonight?

Elise responded, Bailey and I both are. What did you have in mind?

Come over, and I’ll make something here. Bring an overnight bag in case adult beverages are consumed in bulk.

Will do. Seven?

Perfect! See you then.

Elise slid her phone back into her purse and leaned her head back. She felt sluggish and keyed up at the same time. She knew fatigue and circumstance played a large part, and she was grateful for the distraction an evening with Gary and Angie would offer.

“Mom.” Elise bolted up. Bailey stood in front of her, a perplexed expression on her face. “Did you fall asleep?”

Elise looked past her daughter to Kate, who stood with an amused expression on her face. “Yes.” She didn’t see the point in hiding the obvious. “Angie invited us to dinner and a possible sleepover at their house tonight. Interested?” She stood up and stretched her neck to the right. “The odds are good a game of Hearts is in store for us.”

“If we play our cards right?” Bailey smirked.

“Funny.” Elise playfully pinched Bailey’s arm. “I’ll be out in a minute.” She followed Kate back to her office.

“She’s in good spirits even with the EEG results outstanding.” Kate sat down across from Elise.

“I, on the other hand, am bouncing off the walls.”

Kate winced. “I’m sorry.” She looked down at her hands, studying them closely before she spoke. “I’m surprised you didn’t mention the fire when we talked the other night.”

“It didn’t go with the foodie themed chat we were having.” Elise hoped the flippant comment would remove what looked like hurt from Kate’s eyes.

The doctor pressed her lips together and nodded. “Hmm, I see what you mean. House fires and Kung Pao Chicken don’t mix.”

Elise’s breath hitched, and she held Kate’s gaze longer than she should. “The EEG probably showed something. That’s why Doctor Page wants to discuss it in person.”

Kate looked down at her lap. “I hate to guess, but yes, that seems likely.”

“Bailey asked me if she had schizophrenia.”

“She asked me the same thing.”

Elise closed her eyes. “God.”

“I told her that her symptoms could be indicative of any number of less serious issues.”

“I told her the same thing.” Elise looked at her watch. “Damn, we need to get going.”

Kate put her tablet down, and stood up. “Dinner at Angie’s house?”

Elise nodded. “Yes. And too much wine, and Angie and Gary beating Bailey and I repeatedly at Hearts.”

“Bailey just isn’t seasoned yet.”

“Ha, she’s awesome. I’m the one that couldn’t shoot the moon to save my life.”

“I shouldn’t be surprised.” Kate held the door open for Elise. “Your daughter is clever.”

Elise felt a familiar sense of pride welling up inside her. “She sure is.” Turning around to face Kate, Elise was startled by how close the two were standing. She caught the faint scent of jasmine and felt a surge of heat to her stomach.

“Will you call me about the EEG?” Kate’s breath smelled of peppermint and a hint of coffee.

“Sure.” Elise took a step back.

“I’ll talk to you then.” Kate walked back into her office and shut the door.

Biting her bottom lip, Elise looked up. This is getting out of hand.

Chapter 11

“That’s a renege, Elise!” Angie gleefully declared before taking a drink of her red wine.

“It isn’t.” Elise’s brow furrowed as she studied the cards in her hand.

“Three tricks back, I threw a spade, you threw a club, and now you’ve just thrown a spade.” Angie poured more wine into Elise’s glass.

Bailey laid her cards face down on the table. “She’s right, Mom.”

“Bailey, you’re my partner. You’re not supposed to help them.”

“Don’t encourage your daughter to cheat,” an amused Gary chimed in.

“I’m not –” Elise sighed. “Fine, it was an oversight.”

Angie jotted down the new score on the group’s scratch pad. “So, awkward, but –” she feigned as if she were performing a complex calculation. “Twenty-six-point penalty.”

“Calm down.” Elise shook her head. Even though her friend was right she had failed to throw the appropriate card, Elise wished the woman wasn’t taking so much pleasure in it.

Angie playfully stuck her tongue out at Elise. “Don’t be grumpy.” She poured even more wine into Elise’s glass. “Here, have more wine.”

Elise held her hand out. “That’s enough. I won’t be able to walk, much less get upstairs to your guest room.”

“We’ll help.” Angie and Gary said in unison.

Elise reached across the table and pulled the score sheet toward her. “It looks like the game’s over, anyway.”

“Come on, Mom. One more game.” Bailey took a drink of her Coke.

“It’s after one in the morning, and I’ve been drinking wine, not caffeine and sugar laden Coke.” Elise yawned. She hated to end what had been a fun evening with friends and her daughter, but she was legitimately tired.

“Let your old, tired mother go to bed.” Gary winked at Elise. “The three of us can play a few hands of crazy eights.”

“Bullshit,” Bailey quickly countered.

“Bailey!” Elise chided. “Watch your –”

“It’s a card game, Mom.” Bailey attempted a serious tone, but a short giggle escaped her anyway.

“It is.” Gary chuckled. “Though for the sake of propriety, let’s refer to it by its British name, Cheat.”

“Naturally, the Brits are classier.” Elise pushed back from the table. “You enjoy yourselves. I’m going to bed.”

“You know where everything is?” Angie slid Elise’s still full wine glass across the table and sat it next to her nearly empty one.

Elise gave Angie a thumbs-up. “Got it. Night.” She walked up the stairs and down the short hallway to the guest bedroom. After changing into her pair of cotton shorts and an Orioles’ t-shirt, Elise curled up in bed. She smiled at the laughter she could hear coming from downstairs and was more grateful than ever for the friendship she had with Angie and Gary.

Elise’s eyes opened. She had the sense time had passed and, turning toward the clock on the nightstand, was surprised to see she had been asleep for over three hours. Her mouth was dry, and she had a slight headache.

Sitting up, Elise smacked her lips together in hopes of alleviating the dryness in her mouth. Reprimanding herself for overindulging with the wine, Elise made her way downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of water. With the exception of the low hum of the city sounds outside, the house was silent.

Rounding the corner into the kitchen, Elise stopped, her blood racing as her hand hovered over the light switch. She squinted, trying to see in the semi-darkness. “Bailey? You scared me.” Bailey stood perfectly still, her eyes fixed on the low blue flame of the gas stovetop.

Elise frowned and flipped the light on. She walked toward her daughter, and gasped when Bailey thrust her hand toward the flame. “What are you doing?!” Elise pulled Bailey back by the shoulders. Putting herself between Bailey and the stove, Elise reached for the burner’s switch, only to find it in the off position.

“What the hell?” Elise turned the knob back and forth, but the intensity of the blue flame remained constant. Then a flash of light and heat engulfed Elise as the flame shot toward the ceiling. Reeling backwards, Elise winced as the edge of the granite countertop dug into the small of her back. Grabbing for Bailey, Elise came up empty. She turned her head to see Bailey standing across the kitchen, her eyes unfocused as she stared at the stove.

Elise’s eyes darted back-and-forth between her daughter and the stovetop. The blue flame had disappeared, and Elise cautiously took a step forward. There was no sound or smell of gas and, turning the stovetop knob, she heard the familiar clicking sound of the ignitor, followed by a low blue flame.

Elise repeatedly turned the burner on and off until she was satisfied there wasn’t a gas leak. She knew Gary and Angie had a carbon monoxide detector and, since it hadn’t gone off, Elise reasoned she didn’t need to wake the whole house.

“What are you doing?” Bailey’s voice broke through to a still stunned Elise. “Why are you here?”

Elise spun around to find Bailey standing directly behind her. “You were sleepwalking, and I found you playing with the stovetop burners.” Bailey tilted her head to the side and Elise realized, from the distant gaze, that she was still asleep. “Let’s get you back to bed.” As she reached for Bailey, the girl turned, walked into the hall, and toward the door leading to the basement.

“Bailey, come on sweetie, let’s get back to bed.” Elise followed Bailey into the shadowy hallway.

With her back to Elise, Bailey stood rigidly straight, staring at a darkened corner. “I can hear your heart,” she whispered.

A chill shot through Elise, and she swallowed the lump in her throat. She reminded herself Bailey was asleep, and anything she said was bound to be nonsensical.

“Who’s that?” Bailey gasped.

Elise found herself taking a step back, her eyes straining against the dark of the hall. “It’s fine, Bailey.” She forced herself to close the space between her daughter and her, gently placing her hand on the girl’s shoulder.

“He’s in the corner. Be quiet,” Bailey hissed.

Elise started to feel the sensation of dread coil around her stomach, and she refused to give in to it. Raising her voice, she grabbed Bailey’s hand. “Wake up, Bailey!”

Bailey spun around, flinging her hand free of Elise’s. “Why are you out of bed?!”

Elise lunged toward Bailey and, grabbing her by the shoulders, shook her several times. “Bailey, wake up, now!”

Bailey blinked several times, looking around the hall, and then up at Elise. “What’s happening?”

Elise pulled the confused girl toward her. “You were sleepwalking, but it’s fine.”

Bailey wrapped her arms around Elise. “Then why are you crying?”

Leaning back, Elise wiped at her face and was surprised to find tears. “I couldn’t wake you up, and it was upsetting.” She didn’t see the point in telling Bailey what she had said. It had been upsetting enough for her.

“Are you sure?” Bailey frowned as she looked closely at Elise.

Elise nodded. “Positive. Now, let’s get back to bed.”

Bailey took a step toward the kitchen and then stopped. “Do you hear that?”

“What?” Elise and Bailey stood at the foot of the stairs and, instinctively, Elise flipped the stairwell light on.

“It’s humming.” Bailey stepped onto the bottom stair. “Almost like –”

“Like what?” The dread from earlier crept back in, and Elise continued to fight against it.

Bailey tilted her head back and, after several seconds, shook it back and forth. “Never mind.”

Elise followed her daughter up the stairs and turned the light off once they had reached the top. “I want you to sleep in with me,” Elise said quietly. Bailey didn’t argue and followed Elise into the guest bedroom.

“Why are you locking the door?” Bailey asked as she crawled into bed.

“You’re not as familiar with this house, and I’m worried you might hurt yourself if you sleepwalk again.” Elise knew it was small comfort, and nothing said Bailey wouldn’t be able to unlock the door. The fact she had managed to work the stove all but guaranteed she could manage a simple lock.

Bailey shrugged and laid down. “Whatever.”

Elise crawled into bed next to Bailey and pulled the covers up to her chin. She had a sinking suspicion it would be awhile before she would be able to sleep again. Besides what had happened downstairs, Elise hadn’t had any water, and her head was throbbing twice as much as before.

“Mom?” Bailey’s voice filled the silence, and Elise involuntarily jumped.

“What?”

Bailey turned so she was facing Elise. “Have you ever had that dream where you’re falling?”

“Sure. Most people do.” Elise turned her head and could just make out the outline of her daughter in the darkened room.

“Do you wake up?” Bailey asked. “I mean, before you hit bottom?”

“Yes.” Elise wasn’t sure where the conversation was going, but the hint of anxiety in Bailey’s tone was worrying her. “Are you having nightmares, sweetie?” Bailey said nothing and turned onto her back, staring up at the ceiling.

“Are you afraid to die?” Bailey whispered.

The seemingly random path of the conversation worried Elise more than the content. She sat up and looked over at Bailey. “Why are you asking me about nightmares and dying?”

“Never mind.” Bailey turned her back to Elise and pulled the sheet up over her shoulder.

“I’m asking so I can give you a good answer. I’m not upset.” It occurred to Elise she was having to reassure her daughter a lot lately that she wasn’t irritated or mad. She made a mental note to be more mindful of her tone going forward.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Bailey insisted. “I thought I did, but now I just want to go to sleep.”

Hearing the hitch in Bailey’s voice, Elise wrapped her arm around the girl’s waist and pulled her to her. She laid her chin on Bailey’s shoulder. “That’s fine. You don’t have to talk about it until you’re ready.” Elise placed a soft kiss on her daughter’s temple and, as much for her comfort as Bailey’s, pulled her tighter against her.

***

“Nocturnal seizures?” Elise’s mouth went dry, and she was having difficulty swallowing.

“Yes.” Doctor Page pointed to the monitor. “At the point where Bailey is in deep sleep, I would expect to see a delta brainwave pattern.” The doctor circled the clustered wave pattern with her stylus. “Instead, her beta and gamma brainwaves are active.”

“As if she’s awake?” Elise asked.

“Yes and no,” Doctor Page countered. “I would expect this level of activity if Bailey was attempting to solve a complex problem, or complete a complicated motor task. For nearly the entirety of the test, she was in a heightened state of awareness, but asleep.”

“Heightened state of awareness?” The phrase had triggered a memory for Elise. “I read an article several years ago about alpha and gamma brainwaves being present when the subject was experiencing something akin to a spiritual awakening. The author had conducted tests on Hindu swāmis practicing transcendental meditation.”

“I’m not familiar with that article, but Bailey was clearly asleep. Not meditating.”

“I understand. My point is, why are you diagnosing her with seizures when there’s evidence of comparable activity in individuals who are not having seizures?”

Doctor Page laid the stylus down on her desk and folded her hands in front of her. “Doctor Sullivan, I know this is a difficult conversation, and I can appreciate your reluctance to –”

Elise held her hand up. “I’m going to stop you there. This conversation is not about my reaction. I asked you a direct question regarding your diagnosis, and I would like an answer, please.”

The doctor’s eyes narrowed, her shoulders stiffened for a split second, and then she grinned. “You’re right. I’m sorry for getting off topic.” She cleared her throat and leaned back in her chair. “The excessive activity during sleep, versus during a conscious state, is generally recognized as seizure activity. I would like to run a PET scan to identify the location and exact pattern of the abnormal brain waves. This will tell us what kind of seizure Bailey is having, or,” the doctor hesitated, “if what we are seeing on the EEG is seizure activity.”

Elise sensed some residual tension but appreciated the woman putting her best professional foot forward. “When do you want to do that?”

“The imaging facility has availability on Tuesday.”

Elise pulled her phone out and looked at her calendar. “It will have to be early morning. Bailey has lacrosse camp at noon.”

“That should be fine. See Linda at the front, and she’ll get you the exact time.” Doctor Page stood and extended her hand to Elise. “My apologies again for earlier, and the implication that you were reluctant to accept the diagnosis.”

Elise graciously took the doctor’s hand. “Thank you for that.” She shook the woman’s hand and made her way toward the front of the office.

Above and beyond Kate’s recommendation, Elise had done research on Doctor Page. It seemed prudent given Kate acknowledged she didn’t personally know the doctor. For the most part, the reviews were positive with a few comments about the doctor not being particularly friendly.

Friendliness wasn’t terribly high on Elise’s list of what to look for in a psychiatrist. She was most concerned with Bailey receiving care from a competent physician. From her own experience with colleagues, often times the rudest doctor was the most forward thinking and insightful.

Elise approached the reception area and stopped suddenly, barely avoiding being hit by the door as it was pushed open.

A tall, dark haired man with piercing blue eyes stood directly in front of Elise. “I am so sorry. Please excuse me.”

Taking a step to the side, Elise chuckled nervously. “No, no, it’s fine.” She gestured for the man to walk past her. “Please, you first.”

The man offered Elise a radiant smile. “I couldn’t. Please.” He stepped to the side, pushing the door open wider.

Elise wasn’t sure why, but the intensity of the man’s stare and the over developed sense of chivalry made her uncomfortable. She hurried past him. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” The man’s voice was melodic, soothing almost, and despite her uneasiness, Elise couldn’t resist looking at him one last time. He was over six feet tall, his short black hair styled impeccably and complimentary of his pale skin and blue eyes. He wore a fitted gray suit and cobalt blue neck tie that further enhanced the almost iridescent blue of his eyes. If Elise had to describe him in one word, it would be beautiful.

Elise walked into the waiting area and was pleased when the receptionist informed her the PET scan could be scheduled before ten in the morning. Elise then turned her attention to Bailey, who sat in the waiting room looking at her phone.

After the initial diagnosis of seizures, Bailey had asked to be excused from the meeting with Doctor Page. Elise wished she had been more engaged with the conversation, but once Bailey understood there would be a need for additional tests, she lost interest. Elise assumed her indifference, in part, was due to the more technical turn the conversation had taken.

“Ready?” Elise smiled down at her daughter.

Bailey looked over at the reception desk. “What were you talking to them about?”

“I made an appointment for you to have a PET scan next Tuesday morning.” Elise sat down in the chair next to Bailey. “I can explain what that is on the way to camp.”

Shrugging, Bailey stood. “Whatever.”

Elise rolled her eyes. Bailey’s ability to feign interest in something just long enough to get Elise’s hopes up that they were going to have an actual conversation was staggering.

“What did you say to that man?” Bailey slid her phone into the front pocket of her shorts.

“What man?”

“The tall man.” Bailey nodded toward the waiting room door.

Elise followed her gaze, her interaction from early slipping her mind. “Oh, he bumped me with the door and apologized.”

“Who is he?” Bailey’s stare bore into the closed door.

“I have no idea.” Elise stood and pulled the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “Ready?” Bailey didn’t move. “Bailey?”

The girl finally looked up at Elise and then stood. “Is he a patient?”

“Did he say something to you?” Elise was at a loss why her daughter was showing so much interest in the stranger.

Bailey frowned. “He didn’t say anything.” Her tone verged on surprised with a hint of confusion.

“Well, I don’t know him.” Elise walked toward the exit. “Come on, or you’ll be late for camp.”

***

Elise checked her watch as she walked into the Lucky Dragon. She had been craving Chinese food since talking to Kate earlier in the week and thought she would grab lunch while Bailey was at lacrosse camp.

The restaurant was small and bustling with lunchtime diners. The scent of ginger and lemon grass wafted over Elise as she stood, waiting to be seated.

“How many?” A petite woman looked expectantly at Elise.

“One, please.”

The woman grabbed a laminated menu from the stand near the door and hustled Elise through the small dining room.

“Elise?”

Elise stopped and, spinning around, scanned the dining room. “Kate, hi.”

Kate sat at a narrow, two-top table with a pot of hot tea and a glass of ice water in front of her. “Are you here on your own?” She looked past Elise toward the door. “You’re welcome to join me. I’ve just ordered drinks.”

Elise shook her head. “Oh, I’m sure you’d prefer the downtime.”

“Not at all.” Kate stood and gestured toward the empty chair. “I’m actually here because of you.”

Elise cocked her head to the side. “How’s that?”

“After our talk the other night, I’ve been craving Chinese food.”

“Me too.”

“Then it’s settled.” Kate sat down and nodded toward the chair across from her. “Please, join me.”

Elise took a steadying breath. She had taken to mentally preparing herself for her interactions with Kate. This impromptu meeting was going to be like winding her way through an active minefield.

Sitting down, Elise ordered a water and began looking over the menu. “You mentioned their sesame chicken was good.”

Kate sipped her hot tea. “I was going to get that; so, if you want to try something else, we can share.”

“How’s the Hunan pork?” Elise was having trouble making eye contact with Kate and wondered if she would even be able to eat.

“Good. The sauce is thick and not too sweet.” Kate smiled. “You seem nervous.”

Elise opened her mouth to lie and assure Kate she was fine when their waiter appeared. “Ladies, what can I get for you?”

“Sesame chicken, no rice, please.” Kate poured herself more tea.

“The Hunan pork, steamed rice.” Elise handed the man her menu and, after several seconds of feigning interest in the restaurant’s décor, managed to look at Kate.

“Elise, are you nervous?” Kate asked quietly.

Elise decided for a half-truth. “Our conversations are usually structured around Bailey, and I’m sure it’s natural to be a little apprehensive about conversing in a more casual setting.”

Kate’s brow furrowed as she considered Elise. “You’re worried we won’t have anything to talk about unless we’re talking about Bailey?”

Elise wasn’t worried about that at all. She could think of twenty topics off the top of her head that Kate and she could get lost in for hours. No, Elise wasn’t worried about sitting in an awkward silence. She was worried Kate, being an astute observer, would discover the forty-four-year-old woman sitting across from her was harboring an adolescent crush.

“Well, I mean –” Looking at Kate, Elise was surprised to see what looked like hurt on the woman’s face. “Can I start over, please?” She offered Kate her warmest smile.

Picking up on Elise’s intent, Kate leaned back in her chair and grinned. “Sure.”

Elise cleared her throat. “Kate, it’s nice to have run into you. Thank you for asking me to join you.”

“My pleasure.” Kate rested her elbows on the table.

“I was considering Acropolis, but decided against the drive.”

“Lucky me.” Kate’s eyes widened, a flush found her cheeks, and she quickly added, “Otherwise, I would be eating alone.”

Elise felt her heart picking up speed, and though she knew it was physiologically impossible, she feared Kate could hear it pounding in her chest. The palpitations worsened when Elise realized she was actually drawing a blank with regard to conversation topics. Everything that popped into her head seemed too personal, or would lead to something too personal.

“I know this is the complete opposite of the whole starting over idea, but I was going to ask what Bailey’s EEG results were.” Kate nervously pinched her lower lip between her teeth, and Elise thought it was one of the sexier things she had seen.

Elise coughed, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. “Excuse me.” She reached for her water and, after a quick sip, managed to speak. “The EEG showed brain activity consistent with nocturnal seizures.”

Kate winced. “I had a patient with epilepsy, but the seizures were only triggered while he was asleep. In fact, he had to maintain a very regimented sleep cycle because, if he was awake at a time when he would normally be sleeping, he would have a seizure while he was awake.”

“Bailey has to go in for a PET scan on Tuesday to identify the location and exact pattern of the abnormal brain waves.” Elise focused on sounding as casual as possible. She reminded herself none of what was coming to light with Bailey was life threatening. “This will tell Doctor Page what kind of seizures Bailey is having.”

Kate poured herself some tea. “That sounds like progress. Narrowing down the details so treatment can be determined.”

Elise grinned at Kate’s enthusiasm. “That’s one way of looking at it.”

Kate put a spoonful of sugar in her tea. “If there had been nothing on the EEG, Bailey would still be having issues, and you’d be no closer to understanding why.”

“You’re right. It just feels like we’re falling down a proverbial rabbit hole.”

“Curiouser and curiouser,” Kate mumbled as she stirred her tea.

“That was one of Bailey’s favorite books as a child.” Elise grinned at the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland reference.

“Mine too.” Kate smiled as she lifted the tea cup to her lips. “My aunt bought me an illustrated version when I was nine, and I practically wore the cover off it.”

There was an uncomfortable silence between the two women until Kate managed to redirect them. “How are you enjoying your summer off?”

Elise breathed a sigh of relief at Kate’s innocuous question. “I haven’t had a summer off in years, and I’m enjoying the down time.”

“I always think about taking a few months off, referring my patients to a colleague, but it’s never worked out.”

“Do you work year-round, then?”

“I do, except for the occasional long weekend and a week I take for the holidays.”

Elise eased into the exchange and could tell from the paleness that had returned to Kate’s cheeks, she was too. “Do you travel? Visit family?”

Kate nodded. “Both. Two of my three brothers live in Chicago with their families; so, I visit them.”

“And your parents?” Elise took a sip of water.

“They died a while back.”

“I’m sorry.” Elise fought the urge to reach for Kate’s hand.

“It’s been years, but thank you. What about you?” Kate asked.

“My father died nearly ten years ago, my mother lives here in Baltimore, and I don’t have any siblings.”

“Only child.” The corner of Kate’s mouth turned up.

Elise rolled her eyes. “Yes, yes. I’m sure you can give me a thorough breakdown about the psychology of the only child.”

Kate chuckled, holding her hands up in front of her. “No, no. Not at all.” She cocked her head to the side. “Well, maybe just to say it’s surprising you didn’t adopt more children.”

“Why is that surprising?”

Kate paused as the waiter sat their food down in front of them. “Statistically, most only children have more than one child.”

“I’m an outlier.”

Kate laid her napkin over her lap and picked up the pair of chopsticks to her left. “You certainly are,” she muttered.

“Well, thanks for that,” Elise teased. “I thought you of all people would spot a passive aggressive attempt at a compliment.” She picked up the small spring roll that came with her lunch. “I say I’m an outlier, and you say not at all.”

Kate wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I missed that. Let’s try again.”

Elise hesitated, her brown eyes fixed on Kate’s blue ones. “I’m an outlier.”

Kate worried at the inside of her lower lip, the flush from earlier returning to her cheeks. “You’re perfectly ordinary.” A sudden laugh escaped Elise, and she immediately covered her mouth with her hand.

Kate pointed to the corner of her own mouth. “Ordinary, except for that chunk of spring roll right there.”

Elise quickly wiped at her mouth with her napkin. “Well, now it’s awkward.”

Kate took a drink of her ice water. “If it makes you feel any better, the odds of me having sesame seeds lodged in my teeth by the end of this meal are exceptionally high.”

“Great, can you please get to work on that?” Elise took a drink of her water and fought the urge to swish it around in her mouth.

The two women fell into a comfortable back-and-forth as they ate their lunches, occasionally sampling the other’s food.

“This was fun.” Kate smiled as she pulled her credit card out of her wallet.

“A pleasant surprise.” Elise offered as she dug through her purse for her wallet. “I’ll have to bring Bailey back here.” The two women handed the waiter their cards, and Elise finished the last of her water before leaning back in her chair.

“Are you heading back to the office?”

“Yes. I have four clients this afternoon.”

Elise nodded. “I am oddly unattached today. Bailey is at camp until four, and I was considering going to the museum of art. There’s a Matisse exhibit I thought I would see.”

“I read about that in the Sun. It includes works by Diebenkorn.”

“That’s right. It’s meant to show Matisse’s influence on Diebenkorn.”

The two women signed their credit card receipts and made their way outside.

“You’re a Matisse fan, then?” Kate pulled her car keys out of her purse.

Elise shrugged. “I like his paintings more than his sculptures, but then again, I’ve always had a preference for French style paintings.”

“I prefer his sculptures. In fact, I decided against the exhibit when the article mentioned it was paintings only.”

“Any one sculpture in particular?”

“Awakening.” Kate pulled out her phone and, after several swipes, presented it to Elise. “Here it is.”

Elise took the device in hand and studied the image on the screen closely. “The figure’s pose reminds me a little of Klimt’s Water Serpents’ series.” She squinted at the screen. “Ethereal, other worldly.”

“Well said.” Kate took her phone back from Elise. “I’m not a Klimt fan.” She hesitated. “Well, maybe when I was in high school and didn’t understand how misogynistic he was.”

Elise winced. “Klimt is tough. His paintings are reverent towards women. I mean, he sometimes literally would put women on thrones, but –”

“But he was an ass to real women,” Kate interjected.

“It’s that age old dilemma, can you, or more to the point, should you, separate the artist from their art?”

“The real seems more relevant than the art,” Kate quickly countered, and Elise could tell from her tone, this was an ideal that ran deep for the doctor.

“I agree. I still struggle with my affinity for Renoir when he said women live their lives like children.”

“Because in eighteen-sixty-five women were encouraged to take charge of their lives.” Kate’s sarcasm and cutting tone caught Elise off-guard. She wanted to spend the rest of the afternoon being surprised by the doctor.

Kate blinked several times and, seeing Elise’s amused expression, she cleared her throat. “I should get going.”

It took Elise a second to realize their time was coming to an end, and when her brain finally kicked back in, Kate was stepping away from her. “Oh, right. Sorry, I know you said you were going back to work.”

Kate smiled and extended her hand to Elise. “I’ll see Bailey and you next week.”

Elise took the woman’s hand. “Yes. Thank you again for asking me to eat with you.”

Kate nodded. “You’re welcome. Take care.”

Elise watched as Kate jogged across the street and got into a gray sedan. An intense feeling of well-being pushed through her. She could almost describe the feeling as euphoric, and it had, at least temporarily, replaced her fear, apprehension, and vulnerability about her growing feelings for Kate.

Chapter 12

“Inconclusive?” Elise leaned back in the chair, her eyes fixed on the monitor on Doctor Page’s desk.

Doctor Ramsey, the neurologist, chimed in from the small chat window in the lower right corner of the screen. “Doctor Sullivan, it’s unfortunate, but there wasn’t any activity to align with what we saw during the EEG.”

Doctor Page pressed the stylist to the screen and enlarged one of the PET scan’s 3-dimensional images of Bailey’s brain.

“Should we do a functional MRI?” Elise studied the image of the seemingly normal brain.

Doctor Ramsey shook his head. “I’ve seen issues with that in the past. As you know, the brain is never really inactive. This makes establishing a baseline for purposes of the fMRI difficult. When zero isn’t zero, it creates a problem with ambiguous baseline conditions.”

“Then what do you suggest?”

“SPECT imaging may provide some insight,” Doctor Ramsey suggested.

“I thought SPECT was being used primarily to diagnose dementia and Alzheimer's.”

“It is, but the increased imaging sensitivity may provide additional insight into what’s happening in Bailey’s brain.”

Elise sighed. “Then let’s do that.” She rubbed the bottom of her chin with her palm. “What’s your availability?”

“We can do the procedure Friday morning.”

Elise retrieved her phone from her purse and quickly noted the appointment on her calendar. “Thank you, Doctor Ramsey.”

“It’s my pleasure, and let’s all keep our chins up. We’ll get there.” With those words of encouragement, Doctor Ramsey disconnected the chat session.

Doctor Page laid the stylus down on her desk. “I know this can be discouraging.”

Elise nodded, barely hearing the doctor through the litany of thoughts shooting through her head. She had hoped to be taking a step toward treatment at this point, not still looking for a cause. “Medication is out of the question?”

“Yes,” Doctor Page said simply. “The type of medication is heavily dictated by the type of seizure.”

Elise nodded again, her eyes fixed on the discarded stylist laying on the doctor’s desk. “Alright.” She stood and dropped her phone in her purse. “I’ll make the SPECT follow-up appointment with your receptionist.”

***

“I don’t see what the big deal is,” Bailey chided her mother and grandmother as they walked down the sidewalk in Ellicott City.

“The big deal is you’re fourteen and the legal drinking age is twenty-one.” Elise hooked her arm through her brooding daughter’s. “In short, no mimosas for you.”

“It’s not brunch without mimosas,” Bailey argued.

Elise gave her mother a sideways glance. “I wonder where she got that idea from?”

Joan snickered. “You were always the drunk in the family, dear.”

“Ha! Says the woman who only brunches when bottomless mimosas are on the menu.”

Joan lifted her chin in mock defiance. “I am a complicated woman.”

Bailey pulled ahead of Elise and Joan. “Hey, there’s that bookstore, Portable Magic. Can we go in?”

“Sure.” Elise looked at her mother. “Do you have time for a detour?” Joan nodded and followed her daughter and granddaughter into the store.

“Bailey, it’s nice to see you again.” Marty came around the counter and shook Bailey’s hand. He looked up and gave Elise and Joan a broad smile. “Doctor Sullivan, it’s nice to see you again as well.” He looked at Joan, his brown eyes sparkling as he extended his hand. “And who’s this?”

“Marty, this is my mother Joan Sullivan. Mom, this is Marty, he’s the co-owner of the store.” Elise was surprised to see the rush of color to her mother’s face as she took Marty’s hand.

“Marty, nice to meet you.” Joan smiled warmly at the man.

“It’s entirely my pleasure.”

“Then I insist you call me Joan.”

Elise couldn’t decide which smile was broader, Marty’s or her mother’s. It wasn’t uncommon for Joan to garner the attention of both the opposite sex and younger men. She was sixty-five years old but didn’t look a day over sixty and was an easy person to talk to and be around. In a word, Joan Sullivan was charming. Though Elise would guess Marty was at least ten years younger than her mother, the man was clearly smitten.

Elise’s attention was drawn to the back of the store when she spotted Leah walking toward them. “Elise, how are you?”

“Good. We were heading down the hill to The Trolley Stop for brunch and thought we would pop in.”

“Mmm, bottomless mimosas.” Leah grinned.

“See, it’s not just me,” Joan interrupted. “Hi, I’m Joan Sullivan, Elise’s mother.”

Leah took Joan’s hand in hers. “Nice to meet you, and don’t be shy about loving a good mimosa.”

“I’m not shy about anything.” Joan chuckled.

“No, you’re not,” Elise muttered.

“What’s that, dear?” Joan smirked.

“Nothing.” Elise turned her attention back to Leah. “Bailey asked to come in and have a look around. Anything new since our last visit?”

Before Leah could answer, there was the sound of a door closing in the back of the store, and Ryan Myers appeared. “Elise, what a surprise.” The younger woman smiled warmly as she approached the group.

“Ryan, hi.” Elise smiled. “This is my mother Joan Sullivan, and –” Elise looked around the small shop. “Somewhere around here is my daughter Bailey.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Sullivan.”

“Joan, please, and how do you know Leah and Marty?”

Ryan took Leah’s hand. “Leah’s my wife.”

“Wonderful, and do you work here in the bookstore?”

Ryan shook her head. “No, I’m a community outreach coordinator for Howard County. In fact, I met Elise through Angie and Gary Patchett. We work together on several non-profit boards.”

“Mom, I found something I might want to get.” Bailey emerged from the rows of bookcases, a paperback book in hand.

“Ryan!” Leah’s panicked cry filled the small space as she grabbed her wife around the waist and carefully lowered the unconscious woman to the floor.

Marty was immediately at their side, his arm tucked under Ryan’s head. “Should we call an ambulance?!”

Leah laid her hand on Ryan’s forehead and winced. “Go get some water with ice from the back, please, and a cool cloth.”

Joan and Bailey looked on with concern as Elise knelt next to the two women. She took Ryan’s wrist in her hand and checked her pulse. “She’s hot. Has she been running a fever?”

Leah shook her head. “No.” She pressed her palm firmly to Ryan’s forehead and wrapped her hand around the woman’s forearm.

“Why are you doing that?” Bailey asked.

Elise looked at Leah, whose eyes were closed and her brow furrowed in concentration. Looking up at Bailey, Elise shook her head. “Not now, Bailey.”

“But she’s making her cold,” Bailey insisted.

Leah’s eyes shot open, and she looked up at Bailey. “What?”

Marty rushed back and, kneeling next to Leah, pressed a damp cloth to Ryan’s forehead. A moment later, Ryan’s eyes began to flutter, and then finally open.

Leah and Elise slowly pulled her into a sitting position. “You fainted.” Elise stated. “Can you tell me what day it is?”

Ryan swallowed hard and ran her tongue over her dry lips. “It’s ah, it’s Sunday.”

“Here.” Leah pressed the cup of water Marty had brought to Ryan’s lips. “Drink it slow.”

“Have you fainted before?” Elise pressed the back of her hand to Ryan’s cheek. It was surprisingly cool, given the woman’s temperature moments before.

“Not since I was a kid.” Ryan handed the nearly empty glass of water back to Leah. She leaned in and gave Leah a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m okay.”

Leah frowned. “We should take you to the hospital.”

Ryan shook her head. “It’s okay.” She looked up at Bailey, and her eyes narrowed as she considered the girl. Leah followed her wife’s gaze, and a quiet gasp escaped her.

“What?” Elise looked back and forth between the two women and her daughter. “What is it?”

“Come on.” Leah ignored Elise and began helping Ryan to her feet. Marty put his arm around Ryan’s waist and, between the two, they got the still dazed woman off the floor.

“Sit down here.” Marty guided Ryan to a chair near the register. “I’ll get you more water.” He hurried toward the back of the store.

Elise crouched down in front of Ryan. “Can you, without moving your head, follow the tip of my finger with your eyes?”

Ryan did as she was instructed. “Really, I’m fine.”

Elise stood up and looked at Leah. “She seems fine now. Her pulse is strong, her responses good. If this happens again, though, I would take her in.”

“Absolutely.” Leah ran her fingers affectionately through Ryan’s short hair.

Ryan leaned into Leah’s touch. “I’m sure it won’t happen again.”

“I’m sorry.” Bailey spoke quietly.

Elise turned around. “Why are you sorry, sweetie?”

Bailey opened her mouth to speak, but Leah quickly interjected. “It’s no one’s fault.” She looked closely at the girl. “I don’t want you to worry about it.” An awkward silence fell over the group as Leah and Bailey looked intently at each other.

Marty returned and handed Ryan a glass of water. Looking around the group, he frowned. “Did I miss something?”

Joan cleared her throat. “I might need something stronger than champagne and orange juice after that.”

Leah and Ryan managed subdued chuckles. Elise grinned but continued to look at her daughter. She wasn’t sure what it was, but something unspoken had transpired between Bailey, Leah, and Ryan. It left Elise feeling uneasy.

“We should go,” Elise announced.

“Can I get this?” Bailey held the book up for Elise to inspect.

“Why do you want this?” Elise turned the book over in her hands.

“It was on our reading list last year, and I liked it, and I thought it would be neat to have the actual book instead of the downloaded version, because, like you’ve said, real books are a gift, and –”

Elise held her hand up. “I get it. You liked the book, though I’m at a loss why it was on a ninth grade reading list.”

“They do what they have to so the kids will read,” Joan offered.

Elise frowned as she studied the small book in her hands. She had never been a fan of horror novels or movies. The fact Bailey had taken a liking to Stephen King’s Carrie made her twitchy on several levels. Her eyes grew large when she looked at the book’s price. “Sweetie, this is a first edition, and two hundred dollars.” She handed the book back to a downtrodden Bailey. “We can order a copy from Amazon.”

Leah interceded and took the book from Bailey. “I’m sure you remember our prices are negotiable, and given the fact you basically made a house call for my wife, I’m sure we can discuss price.”

Elise was touched by Leah’s continued generosity. “You’re kind, but first, it was hardly a house call, and since I have only ever worked on dead people, let’s never speak of it.” She looked at Ryan. “Not that I didn’t know what I was doing. Second, unless you’re prepared to take a serious loss, I don’t think we are going to reach a mutually beneficial deal.”

“Then let me gift it to you.” Leah held the book in front of her. “And, if it makes you feel better, I’ll take it as a loss, and we can write it off on our taxes.” She looked hopefully at Marty.

“Sure.” Marty chimed in.

“It’s settled.” Leah grabbed a plastic sleeve and paper bag from behind the counter, slid the book into the sleeve, and then placed it in the paper bag before handing it to Bailey.

“I don’t think so.” Elise reached for the bag and glared at Bailey when the girl hid the bag behind her back.

“Please,” Leah said softly.

Elise didn’t want to seem ungrateful or make a scene. “Thank you.” She looked at Marty. “Thank you both… again.” She turned her attention to Ryan. “We have to get going, but if you start to have any dizziness or nausea, please get to the hospital.”

Ryan gave Elise a firm nod. “Will do.”

Bailey stepped between Elise and Leah. “Mrs. Brewer, thank you for the book.”

“You’re welcome, and you can call me Leah.” She held Bailey’s gaze for several seconds before looking over the girl’s shoulder at Elise. “You know, now that I think about it, there is something you can do for Ryan and I.”

Elise was relieved to be able to reciprocate. “Name it.”

“There is a fundraiser for Slate House. It’s a charity very near and dear to Ryan and I.” Leah gave Ryan a knowing wink before turning her attention back to Elise. “It would be wonderful if you could come.” She quickly looked over at Joan. “And Joan, could I persuade you to come as well?”

“Count me in.”

“I’m happy to go as well,” Elise affirmed. “You have my email; so please send me the invite.”

Leah smiled. “Perfect.”

Joan, Bailey, and Elise left the bookstore. Elise trailed behind as her mother and daughter bantered back and forth in front of her. Despite the beautiful day, Elise felt a sadness rising up within her and, along with it, tears began to gather. The casualness in which Bailey interacted with her grandmother only brought to harsh light the struggles her daughter was and would be facing. Regardless of what course of treatment was taken, Elise worried about what these experiences were doing to Bailey.

***

“A fundraiser sounds like fun.” Kate walked Elise back toward the waiting room.

“Leah’s invite said to bring a guest.” The words were tumbling out of Elise’s mouth before she could think better of them. “Are you interested?”

Kate’s mouth opened, but no words were forthcoming.

Elise’s mind quickly worked to counter what could be an awkward exchange. “My mother is coming, too.”

“Do we need chaperoning?”

Elise had not expected the flirtation tone, and now she stood silent, trying to conjure a witty and appropriate retort.

“You haven’t met my mother.” Elise lowered her voice. “We would be chaperoning her.”

Kate’s laughter filled the narrow hall, and she casually placed her hand on the small of Elise’s back as she opened the waiting room door. “Let me look at my schedule, and I can call you later.”

“Great.” Elise looked over to see Bailey’s attention focused on her phone. “Ready, Bailey?”

“One minute.” Bailey held her finger up. “Done.” She looked up at the two women. “You’re going to the fundraiser with my mom?”

Kate hesitated, looked at Elise, and then back at Bailey. “I’m not sure if I’m available, but it sounds like a cause I would be interested in.”

Bailey’s gaze was unyielding and then, as if something occurred to her, she blinked several times before looking at her mother. “Can we go?”

“Yes. I’m ready.” The corner of Elise’s mouth turned down as she looked at Kate.

The doctor shrugged, neither woman certain what had prompted the intensity of Bailey’s question and subsequent indifference. “I’ll see you next week.”

Elise and Bailey stood waiting for the elevator. “I don’t care if you like Doctor Burke.”

A tight knot suddenly formed in Elise’s stomach. “I’ve told you, she’s nice, but –”

“You sound like Kim.” The elevator door opened, and Elise followed Bailey into the car. “I told her she liked Jacob, and she got mad at me.”

Elise sighed as she pressed the lobby button. “First, it’s rude and presumptuous to tell someone who they like. If they want to discuss it with you, they will. Second, you can’t possibly know if Kim likes Jacob unless she specifically tells you. Otherwise, you’re speculating.”

“I’m not speculating about Doctor Burke and you.” Bailey stepped off the elevator and turned to face her mother. “The way the two of you go back and forth, you may as well be dating.”

Elise didn’t know how she had been pulled into this conversation, but she was not going to discuss this particular topic with her fourteen-year-old. “Bailey, I’m not certain what you think you’ve overheard, but Doctor Burke and I engaging in small talk is hardly dating.”

“If I told someone how good they smell and how soft their hand is on mine, you would think I was dating them.”

Elise stood open mouthed, staring at her daughter. “What the hell are you saying?” Her voice echoed through the marble floored lobby. “Ka – Doctor Burke and I have never had a conversation even approaching what you’ve just described.” Bailey opened her mouth to argue, and Elise held her hand up. “Enough.” She lowered her hand. “You’re verging on outright lies and innuendo, and I am done with it.”

Elise turned and quickly walked toward the exit, her heels clicking on the floor. Pausing at the door, she turned toward Bailey, her face flush with anger. “When we get home, I want you to go straight to your room, and stay there until dinner.”

Bailey lowered her gaze, her shoulders stiff as she walked past her mother and out of the building toward the parking lot.

Elise sat with her hands resting on the steering wheel, her eyes fixed forward. Her feelings for Kate were convoluted enough without her daughter mucking around with them. Even as she tried to manage her hostilities, she could feel her defenses hardening. “Bailey, help me understand why you would make those things up about Doctor Burke and I.”

Bailey slouched down in the passenger seat. “Forget I said anything. I was wrong.”

Elise looked at her daughter’s profile. The girl looked as if she might cry. “I don’t want to forget about it, Bailey. I want to understand.”

“I don’t want to explain it! I feel like all I do lately is explain myself!”

Elise started as a loud pop rang from the windshield, and a small chip appeared in the glass near the center of the window.

Unhooking her seatbelt, Elise rushed from the car, scanning the area around the SUV. “What the hell?” She looked down on the ground for what she assumed would be a small rock. There was nothing but dirt and leaves from a nearby tree.

Bailey looked on with wide eyes as she chewed nervously on the inside of her lower lip. Elise got back in the SUV and fastened her seatbelt. “That’ll wake you up.” Elise tried to ease the tension.

“Where did it come from?” Bailey leaned forward, looking at the small nick closely.

Elise looked up at the tree. “Maybe something fell from the tree?” She ran her fingers through her hair and started the car. “It’s been a long day; let’s just get home.”

Bailey nodded, though clearly still agitated, she leaned back in the seat. As Elise drove, she began to recognize the feeling wrapping itself around her. It had become an all too familiar companion over the past several weeks. What had begun near the end of May as a feeling of apprehension, had expanded into a state of dread, and it weighed on her like an oppressive hand sprawled across her chest.

Chapter 13

“This is lovely.” Joan looked around the foyer of the Federal style Carroll Mansion as Elise and she wound their way through the crowd attending the Slate House fundraiser.

The entryway was painted in robin egg blue with an open, curved staircase leading to the second floor of the house. Decorative garland ornamentation was carved in the wood and plaster along the walls and ceilings.

A young man dressed in a black vest and bowtie offered Elise and Joan glasses of red wine. Both women took the wine and thanked the young man before venturing further into the house.

“Elise, Joan.” Angie hurried toward the two women, a champagne flute in her hand as she quickly hugged Joan and then Elise. “You two look great.”

“You too, Angie.” Joan handed Elise her glass of wine. “There’s champagne?” She excused herself and began scanning the room for a waiter.

“Can you be an alcoholic if you only get drunk on hundred dollar bottles of champagne?” Elise rolled her eyes as she looked around for someplace to put her mother’s abandoned glass of wine.

“It depends how her savings hold out.” Angie took the glass of wine from Elise and set it on a nearby high-top table. “Why haven’t I seen this dress before?”

Elise looked down at the deep blue, sleeveless sheath dress with an origami neckline. “I’ve worn this before.”

Angie took a drink of her champagne. “No, ma’am, you have not. I would remember a dress that makes you look like you’re ready for a photoshoot.” Elise blushed at her friend’s compliment.

“Look who I found.” Joan returned with a full flute of champagne and Gary in tow.

Elise leaned in and gave Gary a quick peck on the cheek. “Good to see you, and thank you for guiding my mother away from the open bar.”

Gary chuckled and patted Joan’s hand. “She saved me, actually.” He lowered his voice as he looked over his shoulder. “Ralph Garrett is making the rounds.”

“Who’s Ralph?” Joan asked, her arm still linked through Gary’s.

Elise cringed. “Ralph is notorious for attending other non-profits’ fundraisers while soliciting money for his own.”

“Which isn’t unheard of,” Angie offered. “But he’s not subtle.”

“And if my wife is saying that, can you imagine?” Gary smirked as he winked at Angie.

“I should be indignant, but you’re too cute.” Angie gave her husband a kiss.

“Is that Doctor Burke?” Gary looked toward the entryway.

Elise followed Gary’s gaze and managed to stifle the gasp that hit the back of her throat. Kate was dressed in a jewel neck, sleeveless black cocktail dress that ended just above her knees. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a loose bun, accentuating her neck and shoulders.

“She texted me yesterday and wasn’t sure if she would be able to make it.” Elise managed to sound casual despite the cartwheeling her pulse was doing.

“Kate!” Angie raised her arm to get the doctor’s attention.

Kate smiled broadly as she made her way toward the group. “Hello, all.” She leaned in and gave Angie a quick peck on the cheek, followed by Gary. Turning to Elise, the two women awkwardly hugged before nearly head-butting each other in their attempt at a polite kiss on the cheek.

Angie’s amused expression as she watched the two women wasn’t lost on Elise, and she hoped her friend would keep any comments to herself.

“You must be Joan.” Kate extended her hand. “I’ve heard so much about you. I feel like we already know each other.”

Joan bypassed Kate’s outstretched hand and pulled the surprised woman into a tight hug. “Thank you for everything you have done for Bailey.” Joan was careful to keep her half full glass of champagne held to the side. “She has said such wonderful things about you.”

Kate blushed. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know her. She’s a wonderful person.”

Joan practically beamed with pride. “She takes after me.”

The group broke out in simultaneous laughter. “She clearly gets her humility from my mother,” Elise jabbed.

Joan tisked. “Humility is overrated.”

“You’ve made my point.” Elise nudged her mother playfully.

Elise pushed past her nervousness and willed herself into small talk with Kate. “I’m glad you were able to make it.”

Kate looked around the room as she spoke. “I wasn’t sure if I would, but plans fell through.”

Elise wondered if Kate had a date and then reprimanded herself for the twinge of jealousy that shot through her, thinking about the doctor out with someone.

“Their loss. Our gain.” Joan raised her glass.

“Hear, hear.” The group chimed.

“Hello everyone.” Ryan Myers walked toward the group. “I’m so glad you could make it.” She looked around the room. “Leah is around here somewhere, but please excuse me, we are about to officially kick off the evening.” She hurried through the crowd and into the large drawing room adjacent to the foyer.

A series of bells rang from further inside the house, and the crowd made its way toward the drawing room. Ryan stood on a narrow stage along the wall next to an older gentleman in a gray suit.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” The man’s voice projected from various speakers throughout the house. “First, on behalf of Slate House and the Myers’ Project, let me thank each of you for being here this evening.”

“Myers’ Project?” Elise lowered her voice as she leaned toward Angie. “Ryan’s affiliated with the charity?”

Angie chuckled. “She’s the founder.” She looked at her friend. “You didn’t know?”

Elise shook her head. “They invited me. I didn’t take the time to research the organization.”

“Her family goes all the way back to the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, that whole thing, and the money to go along with it.” Angie took a drink of her wine. “As close as we get to royalty in this country.”

“I wouldn’t have thought. She mentioned working for Howard County.”

“She had some sort of falling out with her family after her mother died –” Angie looked up, her eyes darting back and forth as she searched for the information. “I guess six years ago or so. She took her inheritance and founded a series of halfway houses along the East coast.”

“That’s amazing.” Elise had liked Ryan and Leah immediately and was pleased her first impression that they were decent people was proving true.

“There are ten shelter houses from New York City down to St. Augustine, Florida,” Angie continued. “They offer job placement services, counseling, substance abuse treatment, the works.”

Kate chimed in, tilting her head between Angie and Elise’s. “I have a colleague that volunteers at the Baltimore shelter. She says it’s top notch.”

Elise turned her head to find Kate within a few inches of her. Their eyes met, and Elise swallowed the lump in her throat. “Do you?”

Kate’s brow furrowed. “Do I what?”

Elise cleared her throat. “Volunteer?”

“I do.” Kate took a step back, and Elise felt like she could breathe again. “I volunteer three Saturdays a month at the Counseling Project here in Baltimore.”

“That’s great.” Elise was horrified at the sudden drop in her conversation skills and her inability to utilize any more than single syllable words.

The corner of Kate’s mouth turned up slightly, an amused expression finding her eyes. “I think so.”

“Elise volunteers,” Angie chimed in.

“Angie, please.” Elise took a drink of her wine, glaring at her friend over the rim of her glass.

“Where?” Kate turned her attention to Angie.

“Parents Plan Ahead. They’re an advocacy group for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” Angie pushed forward, ignoring the death stare Elise was giving her. “I have to say, you two are exponentially better people than me.”

“I don’t think that’s true.” Kate frowned. “You’re here tonight, participating.”

“You’re sweet, doctor. I’m throwing money at the problem and sit on a few boards.” Angie looked at Elise and then back at Kate. “You ladies actually do something.”

“Your thrown money makes that possible, Angie.” Elise squeezed her friend’s shoulder affectionately.

A woman with purplish gray hair turned around and glared at the three women. Elise cringed. “Sorry.”

Tilting her chin up, the woman turned her attention back to the speaker who was giving an overview of the items available at the silent auction.

Moments later, people were dispersing, and the sound of a string quartet came from the small courtyard behind the house.

“Kathryn?” Doctor Page appeared, a glass of white wine in her hand.

“Esther.” Kate smiled warmly at the woman. “It’s nice to see you.”

“Likewise.” Doctor Page looked at Elise, a perplexed expression on her face. “Doctor Sullivan? I didn’t realize the two of you knew each other socially.”

“We don’t.” Elise quickly corrected the woman. “I had an extra ticket and thought Doctor Burke would like to attend.”

Doctor Page nodded slowly, her eyes moving back and forth between Kate and Elise. “Of course.”

“I’m Angie Patchett, and this is Elise’s mother, Joan Sullivan.” Angie shook Doctor Page’s hand, and Joan followed suite.

“It’s nice to meet all of you.” Doctor Page began scanning the room.

“Are you looking for someone, Esther?” Kate followed the woman’s gaze.

“My colleague Doctor Sebille should be around here somewhere.”

“I’m here.” A pear-shaped woman in her late fifties stepped up. Her hair was dyed a bright auburn, and her lipstick was the most vivid pink Elise had ever seen. The brightness of her hair and makeup was in perfect alignment with the sequined, pink dress and large gold costume jewelry she wore.

“Everyone, this is my colleague, Doctor Joyce Sebille,” Doctor Page offered. “Joyce, this is a patient’s mother, Doctor Elise Sullivan, her mother Joan, a friend Angie, and this is Doctor Kathryn Burke.”

“My, my, what an introduction.” Doctor Sebille quipped. “It’s a pleasure to meet the lot of you.”

“Doctor Sebille,” Angie spoke-up. “Am I hearing a hint of a British accent?”

The doctor smiled. “Excellent ear. I was born in Liverpool, but my family immigrated to the U.S. when I was seven. The accent has lingered.”

“My husband and I took a cruise several years back that docked in Liverpool. It was lovely. We weren’t there long but managed to take a tour of Bluecoat Chambers.” Angie slid in next to the doctor as she spoke.

“I’m afraid I don’t remember much about the city, and I’ve not been back since I was a child.” The corners of Doctor Sebille’s mouth turned down. “It’s on the bucket list, though.”

“I can recommend a wonderful cruise line if you’re interested,” Angie offered.

“Oh, that would be lovely.”

“Joyce, we should be going,” Doctor Page interrupted. “I want to get another glass of wine before they open the silent auction.”

“Excellent idea.” Doctor Sebille smiled. “It was nice to meet you all.”

With that, the two women disappeared into the crowd, linking arms as they walked off. Elise wondered if they were more than colleagues. The contrast between the two women’s personalities, Doctor Page being slightly aloof and distant while Doctor Sebille was warm and agreeable, brought to mind for Elise the old adage that opposites attract.

“More wine sounds like a good idea.” Kate held up her empty glass. “Can I get someone else a glass?”

“I’ll come with you.” Angie drank the last of her wine. “Then I need to find my husband.”

Kate and Angie navigated the crowd, and Elise couldn’t help thinking for the hundredth time how beautiful Kate looked. Her admiration was interrupted when Joan pointed to a man standing near one of the bars.

“He looks like he’d make a bad boyfriend.”

“Mother,” Elise admonished, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment at her mother’s frankness.

Joan looked confused. “What? Just look at him.”

Elise vividly remembered the man from Doctor Page’s office, and she had to admit, her mother’s forwardness aside, the man was attractive.

“Hello.” The man offered the two women a bright smile. “You’re Doctor Elise Sullivan, yes?”

Elise’s eyes widened. “I am. And you are?”

“Samuel Tynan. I share office space with Doctor Page and Sebille.” He extended his hand to Elise. “It’s a pleasure to formally meet you.”

Elise took the man’s hand and was taken aback by how smooth and cold his skin was. “Likewise. Are you a psychiatrist then?”

Samuel grinned. “Not at all. I’m a consultant for a pharmaceutical company. I manage subject data for drug trials.”

Joan chimed in. “An M.D.?”

Samuel turned his attention to Joan. His bright blue eyes shone as he addressed her. “No. I’m a data analyst.”

Joan nodded. “Fascinating.”

Elise resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her mother’s obvious flirting. “Do you mind me asking how you knew my name?”

Samuel lowered his gaze as if embarrassed, but no blush found his cheeks. “After our little run in, I asked Esther.” Seeing Elise’s frown, Samuel quickly continued. “Please don’t think she betrayed a confidence. All I know is your name.”

Elise got the distinct impression Samuel was flirting with her, and though flattered, she couldn’t be less interested. “I’m not upset.”

“I hope we might see each other again.” Samuel’s eyes bore into Elise, and the intensity of his gaze made her feel uneasy.

“Sadly, I can’t think, outside of Doctor Page’s office, and the occasional fundraiser, where our paths would cross.” Elise held the man’s gaze and wanted, though politely, to ensure he knew their interactions would not move beyond acquaintanceship.

Samuel’s brow arched, and he tilted his head to the side. There were several seconds of uncomfortable silence as he considered Elise. “That’s my loss.”

“That’s very kind.” Elise was pleased she had navigated that situation with minimal awkwardness.

Doctor Page appeared next to Samuel and affectionately looped her arm through his. “Excuse the interruption, but Joyce and I want to look through the silent auction.” She looked up at Samuel. “Will you join us?”

Samuel offered Joan and Elise a quick smile. “Ladies, please excuse me.”

“Of course,” Both Joan and Elise said in unison.

Elise took a sip from her wine glass and estimated three seconds would pass before her mother’s restraint would give way and she would share her insights regarding their interaction with Samuel. Three, two…

“He’s not hard on the eyes.” Joan chuckled. “If I was a few years younger.”

“That’s never stopped you before,” Elise joked.

Joan shrugged. “He’s too brooding and serious for my taste. If I’m going to date them that young, I expect some levity.”

“Standards are important.”

Elise spotted Kate nearby having an exchange with an older gentleman. When their eyes met, Kate grinned at Elise, turned back to the man and, excusing herself, made her way toward Elise and Joan.

“I’ve seen three parents of former patients, an old college professor, and an ex. It’s like this is your life.” Kate emptied her wine glass. “I think I’m going to step outside for some fresh air. Would you ladies care to join me?”

Joan looked back and forth between her unusually quiet daughter and Kate. “You two go ahead. I need a refill.” She held the empty champagne flute up before disappearing into the crowd.

The crowd had grown denser, and Elise and Kate were pressed shoulder to shoulder as they made their way to the courtyard. At one point, to avoid getting separated, Kate took Elise’s hand as they navigated the narrow walkway through the parlor. The intimate gesture set Elise’s pulse racing, and she worried her palm was sweaty.

As quickly as she had taken Elise’s hand, Kate released it. Elise felt a pang of loss skitter up her arm and into her chest at the lost contact.

Once in the courtyard, Kate grabbed two glasses of wine from the tray of a nearby waiter and handed one to Elise. “Do you like working with Doctor Page?”

“We had a few uncomfortable moments, but we worked through them. She’s competent.”

“Uncomfortable how?”

“Let’s just say she doesn’t have your humility.”

“Ah, the ego thing.”

“Right.”

Elise found it difficult to make eye contact with Kate. She felt every emotion, reaction, and inclination she ever had toward the doctor would be evident. This certainty that Kate would look at her and read her feelings wrapped around her tightly, rendering her unable to speak.

Kate looked down at her feet, tapping the toe of her heel against the cobblestone courtyard. “I meant to ask you how you liked the Matisse and Diebenkorn exhibit.”

“It was wonderful. I have to admit that after our talk, I pushed myself to look at Matisse’s sculptures with a fresh set of eyes.”

Kate expression was hopeful. “And?”

“Didn’t care for them.” Elise smirked and averted her eyes as she took a drink of her wine, the nervousness slowly leaving her.

Kate huffed and reflexively pushed Elise’s shoulder, the warmth of her hand momentarily pressing against Elise’s bare skin. “You’re terrible.”

Elise’s shoulder burned from the unexpected touch, and a shiver rippled through her.

“Are you cold? Should we go inside?”

“I’m fine,” Elise assured her. Kate’s concern, though welcome, seemed disproportional. It struck Elise that perhaps she wasn’t the only one struggling with her feelings. “Kate –”

“There you two are.” Angie and Gary appeared, and Elise didn’t think her friends’ timing could be worse.

Elise managed a weak smile and noticed a similar expression on Kate’s face. “Here we are.”

“I just placed a bid for season tickets to the Orioles’ twenty-twenty-two season. Twenty-nine game plan.” Gary beamed as he shared his news.

“Don’t ask what he bid.” Angie cringed.

“I don’t want to have to go back and forth all night,” Gary explained. “Best to throw my max number out there right up front.”

“How many tickets?” Kate asked.

“Four.” Gary looked at Elise. “Bailey and you can join us.”

Angie huffed. “She can help you pay for them, then.”

Gary leaned in and kissed his wife on the cheek. “It’s for a good cause.”

“Yours or the charity’s?”

“Causes,” Kate interjected. “Two for the price of one.” She winked at Gary.

“Don’t encourage him, and again, you didn’t see what he bid.” Angie looped her arm through Gary’s. “You’re lucky you’re stuck with me.”

The two kissed, and Gary affectionately wrapped his arm around Angie’s waist. Elise and Kate looked on, both averting their gazes to the ground, feeling they were inadvertently intruding.

Angie snapped her fingers. “Oh, Elise, I meant to tell you, be on the lookout. Jill is here.”

Elise looked at Kate. “This really is it’s your life.”

“Who’s Jill?” Kate asked.

Elise went to answer, but Angie held her hand up. “Let me.” She cleared her throat dramatically. “Doctor Jill Rainey is the head of the Pathology Department at Johns Hopkins.” Gesturing with her thumb, she pointed to Gary and Elise. “These two’s boss.”

Kate shrugged. “Why do you sound so ominous?”

“Wait for it.” Gary chuckled.

Angie took a deep breath. “Elise and Jill dated during their residencies in Boston. Jill was hell and gone from wanting kids; so, Elise waved the deuce, and then poof, Jill’s her boss, and she hooked up with a woman I had graciously and skillfully set Elise up with.”

Elise’s face was several shades of crimson as she listened on in horror. “Angie, I appreciate your ability to summarize the low points of my romantic life. It saves me the trouble.”

Unfazed, Angie continued. “Jill and Linda – Elise’s not-so-future-wife,” she leaned toward Kate, “are still seeing each other.”

Angie looked up, a forced smile finding her face. “Speak of the devil.” She raised her hand and waved. “Jill.”

“Angie.” Jill leaned in and quickly kissed Angie on the cheek. “I’ve seen so many familiar faces here tonight, it’s unreal.” She turned her attention to Gary and Elise. “How are you two?”

“I’m good.” Gary turned to Elise. “How are you?”

Elise stifled a smile. “I’m fine. Great.”

Jill’s brow arched. “That’s good.” She extended her hand to Kate. “Hi, I’m Doctor Jill Rainey.”

Kate shook the woman’s hand firmly. “Kate Burke.”

“How do you know these three?”

Elise’s shoulders tensed, and her breath caught. She hadn’t discussed what was going on with Bailey other than with family and close friends. She certainly wasn’t ashamed of the fact her daughter was seeing a therapist, but she had managed to keep her personal life private where Jill was concerned. The alternative seemed too complicated.

“Angie, Gary, and I go back a way, and they introduced me to Elise a couple months ago, and –”

“Oh, you two are dating?” Jill smiled. “That’s great.”

“No!” Elise practically shouted. Four sets of startled eyes were suddenly staring at her, and she quickly clarified. “I mean, we’re friends. Dating, I mean, we aren’t friends. I mean we aren’t dating.”

Jill lifted her chin a bit as her eyes moved back and forth between Elise and Kate. “My mistake. Well, Kate it’s nice to meet you.”

Kate smiled as she pulled her eyes away from a still frazzled Elise. “Likewise.”

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to mingle.” Jill merged into the crowd and then disappeared into the house.

“Well, that was only somewhat weird.” Angie took a drink of her wine.

Elise looked down at her wine, wishing the open bar included liquor. “I wonder why Linda wasn’t with her.”

Angie shrugged. “Maybe this isn’t her thing.”

“I want to go check on my bid.” Gary took Angie’s hand.

“What? Why? You bid so much –” Angie paused when she saw her husband’s eyes dart to Elise and then over to an unusually quiet Kate.

“You’re right. We’ve already put David and Erick’s college tuition on the line, why not dip into our retirement?” Angie pulled Gary toward the house. “We’ll catch up with you two later.”

“Jill and you broke up because she didn’t want children?” The forwardness of Kate’s question caught Elise off-guard, and she simply stared at the woman. Kate tilted her head, forcing Elise to make eye contact with her. “Elise?”

“No. Yes.” Elise cringed. “There were other issues, but I had been willing to work on them until we decided we didn’t want the same thing when it came to having children.”

“That’s difficult. Was the break-up amicable?”

Elise chuckled. “You don’t know Jill.”

“I know you.” Kate’s tone was gentle.

Elise wondered how they had come to stand so close to one another and why their voices were low and intimate. Her eyes trailed across Kate’s blue eyes, down the smooth plain of her cheek, along her pronounced jawline, coming to a rest on the fullness of her lips.

Elise’s brain was screaming at her to look away. She wasn’t allowed to openly ogle her daughter’s therapist. Or discreetly ogle, the part of Elise brain that was still working reminded her.

Clearing her throat, Elise stepped back. “So, I thought it was interesting that you didn’t introduce yourself as Doctor Kate Burke when you met Jill.” Smooth segue.

Kate blinked several times, her eyes seemingly unfocused as she looked at Elise. “I don’t make it a habit to introduce myself as a doctor when associating with patients.” She nodded to Elise. “Or in this case, a parent of a patient. I don’t know what you’ve shared with your social circle; so, I err on the side of discretion.”

“That makes sense.” Elise emptied her wine. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Kate pursed her lips as she tapped the side of her wine glass with her manicured nails. “I did find it telling how quickly Jill jumped to the conclusion that we were dating.”

Elise’s brow arched, and she lowered her voice to a faux conspiracy tone. “Telling? Telling how?”

“Well it’s just my opinion –”

“Your qualified professional opinion,” Elise jokingly interjected.

“Exactly.” Kate now lowered her voice. “If I had to wager a bet, I’d say your ex still has a thing for you.”

“What?!” Elise choked on her own spit and started coughing.

“God.” Kate lightly patted Elise on the back. “Are you okay?”

Covering her mouth, Elise managed to take a breath. “I’m good. Sorry.” Another quick cough escaped her.

“Here, take a drink.” Kate offered Elise her wine.

After emptying the glass, Elise carefully wiped under her eyes in an effort to stem the flow of tears and salvage her eye makeup. “Thank you.” She handed the empty glass back to Kate, tilted her head back, and took a deep breath, relieved the tickle in the back of her throat had subsided.

Kate retrieved several cocktail napkins from the nearby bar and handed them to Elise along with a bottle of water. Elise’s coughing had drawn the attention of several other attendees, and she managed to eke out a reassuring smile that she wasn’t choking to death before taking a drink of water.

“I am so cool.” Elise hadn’t meant to say the self-reprimanding comment out loud. She quickly looked up to see an amused expression on Kate’s face. Shaking her head, Elise tossed the empty bottle in a recycling bin.

“Look Elise, I think we should talk about something.” Kate nervously began, but before she could continue, Elise felt her smartwatch vibrate. She looked down and frowned. “What is it?” Kate asked.

“Bailey. She never actually calls.” Elise pulled her phone out of her purse. “One second.” She accepted the call, and brought the handset to her ear. “Bailey, what’s up?”

“Mom! I need you to come home!” Bailey’s voice was tight, and she was obviously crying.

A shock of panic surged through Elise, and she instinctively grabbed her stomach. “What’s happened?”

“Please come home!” Bailey pleaded.

“Are you hurt?” Elise felt Kate’s reassuring hand on her forearm.

“Something’s wrong with the house.” Bailey sobbed.

“Call the police.” Elise was already walking toward the exit, Kate in step next to her.

“No. Just come home!” Bailey insisted.

“I’ll be there in ten minutes.” Elise hung-up and tossed her phone back in her purse. She began rifling through the small clutch. “Damnit!”

“What are you looking for?” Kate’s tone was calm, almost soothing.

“My valet ticket.” Elise stopped and, looking up, began scanning the room. “Crap, my mother rode with me.”

“Go.” Kate took Elise’s hand. “I’ll find her and let her know you left. Unless –” She hesitated as she released Elise’s hand. “Do you want me to come with you?”

Elise didn’t think she could manage the intimacy of having Kate in her home, and deal with whatever had Bailey verging on hysterics. “No, but I’ll call you if she needs to talk.”

“Call me anyway.”

Elise, having found her ticket, waved down one of the valets. “Please hurry with this,” she instructed the young man.

“Did she say what was happening?” Kate asked.

“Just that something was wrong with the house.” Elise gasped. “Christ, what if it’s another fire?”

Kate grabbed Elise’s hands and squeezed tightly. “Then she would have said that and called the fire department.”

Elise nodded. “You’re right.”

Kate ran her hands up to Elise’s wrists and began gently rubbing her thumbs back and forth over the pulse points. “If she was able to call, she’s fine.”

Whatever energy and self-control Elise had was being channeled into not having a complete nervous breakdown before getting to her daughter. Without those controls in place, Elise found herself pulling Kate into a crushing embrace and burying her face in the side of the doctor’s neck. Hints of jasmine and mint invaded Elise, and the scents, mixed with the warmth of Kate’s skin, instantly calmed her.

Kate stiffened and then a second later wrapped her arms around Elise, her hand resting on the back of the distraught woman’s neck.

“Ma’am, your car.” The valet stood next to Elise’s SUV. With the last bit of control Elise could muster, she stepped away from Kate.

“I’ll call you later.” Elise found it impossible to make eye contact with the doctor and, keeping her eyes averted, quickly walked to her car.

As she drove around the circular drive toward the exit to the street, Elise ventured a glance toward the house. Kate was walking back toward the front entrance, stopping short as she greeted a man and woman who were leaving the fundraiser.

Elise could see Kate was smiling broadly as she hugged the woman and then shook the man’s hand. It was clear to Elise that the tension and awkwardness of the past few minutes had been entirely in her own mind. She shook her head slightly from side-to-side in an effort to clear her thoughts. She pushed her conflicted feelings for Kate to the side and focused her attention on getting home to Bailey.

Elise navigated the Baltimore surface streets, and in less than ten minutes she was in her Bolton Hill neighborhood. She quickly parked the SUV and hurried toward the house, convinced she would see billowing smoke or a crowd of onlookers gathered.

Slowing down, Elise paused at the bottom step of the stoop and looked up at the seemingly quiet house. Pulling her keys from her purse, she unlocked the door.

“Bailey?!” The hairs on the back of Elise’s neck bristled at the disquieting silence she was met with. Closing the door, she tossed her purse and keys on the small table in the entryway. “Bailey?” She projected her voice toward the second floor and was met with more silence.

“Damnit.” Elise kicked her heels off and ran up the stairs. The door to Bailey’s bedroom was open, but her daughter was nowhere to be seen. Sticking her head in her own bedroom, Elise scanned the space. “Bailey?”

Elise’s heart pounded, and a thin film of sweat formed on her forehead as she made her way into the spare bedroom. The room was empty, and Elise retreated back downstairs. After going over every inch of the first floor, Elise reached for her phone. Her hand trembled as she began to dial 9-1-1. With her finger hovering over the send icon, she hesitated.

Turning toward the back of the kitchen, Elise rushed toward the door to the basement. She couldn’t imagine why Bailey would go downstairs. The girl wasn’t a fan of the low ceiling and dark space. It was frequently Bailey’s excuse for not wanting to do laundry. Nonetheless, when Elise opened the basement door, she found the single lightbulb over the stairwell lit.

“Bailey?” Elise descended into the basement, her thumb still hovering over the send icon on her phone. Halfway down the stairs, Elise caught a sickly sweet odor she thought reminiscent of ether. Wrinkling her nose at the smell, she continued into the basement.

Elise shuttered as she stepped onto the cold concrete in her bare feet. In fact, the entire space was unusually cold, given the mild temperature outside and in the rest of the house. As her eyes adjusted to the dimmer light, Elise saw Bailey standing near the exposed brick wall along the far side of the basement. The girl’s back was to Elise, and one of her hands was wrapped around a metal water pipe over her head.

Elise had meant to rush toward her daughter and pull her into a tight hug, but there was something in Bailey’s rigid posture that kept Elise motionless at the bottom of the stairs.

“Bailey, honey, are you okay?” Elise managed to keep the tremor out of her voice.

“It’s too loud.” Bailey’s voice broke, and the realization that her daughter was standing in a dark basement crying, drove Elise forward.

Elise reached for Bailey’s hand, meaning to remove it from the pipe, when a painful shot of cold ran up her arm. Crying out, Elise pulled her hand to her chest and rubbed her aching forearm. Bailey’s arm fell to her side, and she turned around.

“Mom?” Bailey’s face was red and streaked with tears as she stumbled toward Elise.

Elise grabbed Bailey and, absorbing the girl’s weight, took several steps backwards before the two sank to the floor. “It’s fine. I have you.” Elise was immediately aware, in spite of the sweat matting Bailey’s hair to her forehead, the girl was ice cold to the touch.

Bailey clung to her mother, her face pressed to Elise’s chest as quiet sobs escaped her. “The house was so loud.”

Elise tilted her head back and gently brushed the loose strands of hair off Bailey’s forehead. “What do you mean?”

Bailey shook her head and laid it back down on Elise’s chest. “Never mind.”

“Hey.” Elise placed her fingers under Bailey’s chin and tilted her head up so she could look at her properly. “You can tell me anything. You know that, right?”

Bailey closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I know.”

Elise waited several seconds, not sure how much she should push her daughter at this point. “Do you need to see a doctor?”

“Doctor Burke?” Bailey leaned back.

“I meant a medical doctor, but if you want to talk to Doctor Burke, I can call her.” Elise didn’t care how awkward she was feeling around Kate, if Bailey needed someone other than her to talk this through with, then so be it.

“I’m okay.” Bailey shook her head. “Can we go upstairs?”

“Of course.” Elise got to her feet and pulled Bailey up by the hand. She noticed the coldness was gone. “I think we should take you to the ER.”

“I’m fine.” Bailey walked toward the stairs.

Elise followed her daughter up the stairs, not wanting to stand and argue with her in the basement. Once in the kitchen, Elise poured Bailey a glass of milk and handed it to her. “When you finish that, we’re going to the ER.”

“I said –”

Elise held her hand up. “I heard what you said, and I appreciate that you feel better.” She leaned against the counter as she spoke. “Please see this from my point of view. I get a frantic call from you, I rush home to find you nearly unresponsive and ice cold in the basement.”

Bailey put the empty glass on the counter. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she considered her mother. “Fine.”

Elise breathed a sigh of relief. “Fine. Let me change into something more comfortable, and then we can pop over to the ER.”

Not wanting to give Bailey too much time to reconsider, Elise hurried upstairs to change. She was pulling her jeans on when she heard what she thought was the front door opening and closing. Panicked that Bailey had left, Elise grabbed her blouse off the bed, and rushed down in just her jeans and bra.

Rounding the corner into the living room, Elise yelped when she saw her mother, Bailey, and Kate sitting on the sofa. “Jesus!”

The three turned and looked at Elise. Kate immediately averted her eyes when she saw Elise was only half-dressed. Joan had her arm around Bailey’s shoulders as she looked back at her daughter. “When Kate told me what happened, you couldn’t have thought I would stay at the fundraiser.”

Elise fumbled with her blouse and after realizing it was inside out, righted it, and pulled it on. She quickly buttoned the blouse as she walked around to the chair across from the sofa. “Thank you for bringing her over.” She looked at Kate, whose cheeks were a slight crimson.

“She wanted to take a cab, but that seemed –”

“Less of a hassle for you.” Joan interrupted, patting Kate’s hand affectionately. “Now, what’s happening?” She pressed a kiss to Bailey’s forehead.

“I don’t know.” Elise leaned forward. “We were going to the ER to have Bailey examined. I think she was running a fever.” She was more inclined to believe Bailey had a seizure. The idea that the nocturnal episodes had transitioned made Elise’s stomach knot up.

Joan pressed the back of her hand to Bailey’s forehead. “She seems fine.”

Elise winced, knowing what her daughter would say. “See, Mom. I’m fine.”

Rolling her eyes at Joan, Elise got up and walked toward the front door. “Humor me. It costs you nothing.”

Catching Elise’s expression, Joan quickly fell into line. “Your mother’s right. Better safe than sorry.” She pulled Bailey up and off the sofa. “I’ll go with you.”

Kate stood. “If you need anything, please give me a call; otherwise –”

“Can you come with us?” Bailey looked pleadingly at Kate.

Kate immediately looked at Elise, who offered a quick nod. “I – I can, if you want me to.”

“Please.” Bailey walked toward the front door with her grandmother.

Joan and Bailey walked outside, leaving Elise and Kate alone while Elise put her shoes on. “Are you okay that I’m going?” Kate asked. “I don’t want to step over a line.”

Elise slipped her leather flats on and chuckled, the ridiculousness and unpredictability of the day catching up with her. “Not possible.” She reached for her purse. “I’ve clung to you, my mother used you as a taxi service, and you’ve seen me half dressed.”

Kate winced. “I’m sorry about –”

“Bailey asked for you earlier,” Elise interjected. She couldn’t manage hearing Kate talk about the embarrassing moment. “So, even if she hadn’t said anything, I was going to.”

Kate smiled, and Elise felt some of the weirdness between them vanish. “In that case, I’m happy to help.”

Elise locked the front door and followed Kate down the stoop. Joan and Bailey were standing near Elise’s SUV, and the four climbed in to begin the short drive to the ER. Bailey sat in the backseat talking to her grandmother about a movie she wanted to see, while Elise and Kate sat silently in the front seat.

“Damn lights take forever.” Elise felt desperate to fill the silence.

“Always when you’re in a hurry,” Kate offered.

“Do you think things are generally ill-timed, or we just notice them more when we’re rushing?” Elise didn’t know the point of her own question, but she preferred small talk to nothing.

Kate shifted in the seat, pulling at the shoulder strap of the seat belt. “I haven’t thought about it.” She shrugged. “I guess we notice most things more if we are feeling inconvenienced by them.”

Elise drew a blank as to what she should say next, and she felt her heart begin to race. Squeezing the steering wheel tightly between her hands, she exhaled loudly through pursed lips. Then Kate’s hand was on Elise’s arm, and she squeezed gently. Elise turned her head, her eyes meeting Kate’s. There was a gentleness and calm in them that stilled Elise’s nerves.

“Thank you,” Elise mouthed.

“You’re welcome,” Kate whispered.

Chapter 14

“How long ago was she diagnosed with the seizures?” Doctor Harold was a man in his early forties with thinning gray hair and a slightly pockmarked face.

“A few weeks ago. She had a SPECT scan earlier this week, but we haven’t received the results yet.” Elise stood outside the examination room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “Do you think she was having a seizure?”

“No,” Doctor Harold said firmly. “From what you described, she was speaking and interacting.”

“Yes, but not rationally.” Elise lowered her voice. “She said the house was too loud, and then when I touched her –” She rubbed her forearm, remembering the jolt of cold she received in the basement.

“Ah, that.” Doctor Harold tucked his hands in the pockets of his white lab coat. “That was more than likely a shock, an electrical discharge.”

“It was like my arm had been submerged in ice water.” Elise was trying to be patient with the man, but he seemed to be verging on indifferent and dismissive.

“Doctor Sullivan, I can’t find anything wrong with Bailey.” Doctor Harold spoke slowly, his irritation evident. “Short of her blood pressure being slightly elevated – something I would expect given the circumstances – she’s perfectly healthy.” He began walking back toward the ER entrance. “I suggest you take Bailey to see her primary physician on Monday, and follow-up with Doctor Page as well.” He tapped the pad on the wall that opened the automatic doors to the waiting room. “If there’s nothing else, Bailey can go.” The corner of his mouth turned up slightly as he attempted a reassuring smile.

Elise reached around the man and pressed the door pad. As the doors closed, she looked up at the doctor. “I don’t appreciate your dismissive attitude. My daughter called me, hysterical. I found her in the basement, verging on unresponsive, and she was ice cold.” Elise lowered her voice. “That is not normal, and if you don’t know what caused it, then say so, but don’t act like I’m overreacting.”

Doctor Harold stood with his mouth open as Elise opened the doors again. Looking up at the doctor one last time, Elise glared at him. “Your bedside manner and diagnostic procedure leave a lot to be desired.”

Not waiting for a response, Elise walked away. She found Bailey sitting in the waiting room with Joan and Kate. “You’re fit as a fiddle, Bailey.” Elise forced the enthusiasm. “We’ll need to follow up with Doctor Page next week, but we can go.”

Bailey practically ran toward the exit, Joan hurrying behind her. Kate looked at Elise. “What aren’t you saying?”

Elise shook her head and glanced back at the ER. “She’s physically fine, but the doctor irritated me.”

Kate frowned. “How so?”

“He was just smug and dismissive.” Elise rolled her head to the side, the muscles in her neck and shoulders aching. “I wasn’t in the mood.”

Kate placed her hand on the small of Elise’s back and nudged her toward the exit. “It can be difficult when you’re just seeing a small piece of a larger puzzle. I’m sure his experiences dictated his conclusions the same as anyone’s does.”

Elise huffed. “Have you ever thought about going into therapy? You’re really very good at seeing both sides of the story.”

Kate smiled. “I’ve never considered it.”

“Too many needy patients?” Elise joked.

“Exactly.” Kate playfully nudged Elise’s shoulder. “Want, want, want.”

A moment of courage found Elise, and she reached for Kate’s hand. “Thank you for everything.”

“It’s nothing.” Kate tried to dismiss the compliment with a quick shrug of her shoulders, but when she went to pull her hand free of Elise’s, she stopped.

The two women looked at each other, the space around them pulling further away until they were standing inches from one another. Elise found her heart was no longer pounding out of nervousness, but because she had, in that moment, become certain of her feelings for Kate. She was terrified and elated at once, but mostly she just hoped Kate wasn’t able to sense the depths of her emotions.

“Mom, you’ve got the keys,” Bailey shouted from outside the ER’s automatic doors.

Elise released Kate’s hand and walked toward the exit. “I’m coming. Calm down.”

As Elise walked across the parking lot with Kate next to her, she hoped she could take her own advice and calm down. She had certainly seen hints of affection from Kate, but she reminded herself that was concern and professional consideration.

Kate’s empathy and compassion made her a good therapist. These traits were also part of a myriad of reasons Elise, with each interaction, could feel herself stumbling closer and closer to Kate. If she were honest, it was less of a stumble and more of a plunge.

***

It was a little before midnight when Elise stuck her head in to check on Bailey. “You wrapping up for the night?”

Bailey lay in her bed, her head propped up on several pillows. She looked over at Elise and put the copy of Carrie down. “Okay.”

Elise’s brow arched. “Okay? No pleading for ten more minutes?” She grinned as she teased her daughter. The truth was, given the events of the day, Elise was so relieved Bailey was back to herself, that she would have granted her almost any request.

Yawning, Bailey stretched her arms over her head. “I’m tired.”

Playfully shoving Bailey’s legs to the side, Elise sat down on the bed. “It was a long day.”

Bailey nodded.

“We’re going to see Doctor Page Monday.” Elise gently rubbed Bailey’s knee through the comforter.

“Okay.”

Elise cocked her head to the side. “You’re very agreeable tonight.” She tapped her chin with the tip of her finger. “What else can I hit you up for?”

Bailey giggled. “Don’t take advantage.”

Elise shook her head. “Oh no, this is the exact time to take advantage of you.” She squeezed Bailey’s knee, knowing the girl was ticklish.

Bailey began to squirm as her mother tickled her legs and then, pulling the sheets back, grabbed the girl’s foot.

“Don’t!” Bailey laughed. “Stop!”

“Too late.” Elise teased as she continued her playful tormenting.

“Ah!” Bailey thrashed about, her pleading mingled with giggling.

Taking mercy on her daughter, Elise finally stopped. She pulled the comforter down before leaning over and kissing Bailey on the forehead. “Night.”

“I love you.” Bailey said the words with such conviction, they caught Elise off-guard.

“I love you.” Elise was further surprised when Bailey sat up and wrapped her arms around Elise’s shoulders. It wasn’t unusual for Bailey to be affectionate, but the ferocity of it was.

Any other time, Elise would have asked her daughter about the display. Elise’s tendency had always been to talk through things with Bailey, but for now she was content to hold and reassure her daughter, though she herself was feeling anything but assured.

***

“Doctor Sullivan, how nice to see you again.” Samuel Tynan was dressed in an impeccable gray suit, wearing a bright purple tie, and matching pocket square. He stood in front of Elise and Bailey as they waited for their appointment with Doctor Page.

Elise stood and extended her hand to the cordial man. “Good morning, Mr. Tynan.” She turned toward Bailey, who sat with her eyes narrowed and fixed on Samuel. “This is my daughter Bailey.”

“It’s nice to formally meet you, Bailey. I’ve seen you and your mother coming and going, but had not had the opportunity to introduce myself.” Samuel extended his hand toward the wary girl.

Bailey sat perfectly still, and Elise felt a twinge of embarrassment at her daughter’s behavior. She had never been a parent who forced her daughter to greet people with a hug or kiss. In particular, Elise believed forcing that type of physical contact would only make Bailey believe she had to engage with adults in that manner, even if the contact was inappropriate. Basic courtesy was another matter.

“Bailey.” Elise gave her daughter a sideways glance and then nodded toward Samuel.

Sighing, Bailey flung herself out of the chair and quickly shook Samuel’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Samuel arched his brow. “All evidence points to the contrary.”

“It’s still early for Bailey. Though, I imagine noon is considered early to a teenager.” It was a weak excuse, and Elise resented having to make it on her daughter’s behalf.

Samuel tilted his chin up, his eyes never leaving Bailey. “No harm, I just wanted to see how you were doing. You left the fundraiser in such a hurry, I worried something was wrong.”

Elise frowned, surprised Samuel, a near stranger, had even noticed her leaving the gala. “Everything is fine.”

“That’s good to hear.” Samuel smiled. His flawless teeth struck Elise as being too perfect. “It was nice to see you again, Doctor Sullivan.” He turned his attention to Bailey. “And you too, Bailey.”

Bailey forced a smile and then sat back down. “Thanks.”

Samuel disappeared down the hall, and Elise contemplated if it was even worth getting into a discussion with Bailey about her attitude. She was mulling over the pros and cons of such a conversation when Doctor Page walked into the waiting room.

“Doctor Sullivan, Bailey, are you two ready?”

“Good morning, Doctor Page.” Elise smiled at the woman, and Bailey and she followed her down the hall to her office.

“Let me conference Doctor Ramsey in.” Doctor Page sat down behind her desk and tapped the monitor sitting to the side. The screen lit up, and Doctor Ramsey’s bearded face was front and center.

“Good morning, ladies.” The doctor offered a warm smile. “Did everyone have a nice weekend?”

Elise and Bailey settled into their chairs. Elise cleared her throat before speaking, not sure how she was going to describe what had happened with Bailey in the basement. “Actually, it was a bit rough.”

Both Doctor Page and Ramsey’s frowned. “What happened?” Doctor Page asked.

Elise looked at Bailey, who sat with her eyes cast down toward the floor. “Bailey had a – a spell. I found her in the basement unresponsive on Saturday.”

“Were you sleepwalking?” Doctor Ramsey asked Bailey.

Bailey looked up at the screen. “I don’t know.” She shifted in her chair. “I can’t remember.”

“I think she was,” Elise offered. “She called me and said the – she said she wasn’t feeling well, and then I found her in the basement. She woke up fairly quickly but had no recollection of calling me or going downstairs.”

Doctor Page jotted down several notes before turning to Doctor Ramsey. “This might be a good segue into discussing the SPECT results.”

“Agreed.” Doctor Ramsey’s image shrunk to a small box in the lower corner of the screen, and a three-dimensional heat map of Bailey’s brain scan appeared. “I want to start by saying the answer to Bailey’s behavior continues to elude me.”

Elise felt the air leave her lungs. She had held out hope the additional test would provide some insight into what had been happening with Bailey. That hope had grown to near desperation with the events of the weekend, and to hear the neurologist say he still didn’t know why Bailey was having the spells left Elise feeling deflated.

“I found no tumors or lesions on the brain,” Doctor Ramsey continued. “So, that’s good news.” The screen-shot changed, and two side-by-side images appeared. “There is no evidence of cerebrovascular disease, and I could find no seizure pattern.”

Elise forced herself back into the moment, pushing past her disappointment at the stalled progress. “You looked for encephalitis, viral or otherwise?”

“I did,” Doctor Ramsey responded. “There was no inflammation evident.”

“Can you please send me the scans?” Elise took Bailey’s hand in hers. “I’m going to get a second opinion to ensure we haven’t missed anything.” She intentionally used we to avoid offending the doctor.

“Of course.” Doctor Ramsey nodded. “I do think we are at a point to safely and effectively medicate.”

“How’s that?” Elise frowned. “If we don’t know what’s causing the episodes, how can we treat them?”

“We can treat the symptoms,” Doctor Page chimed in. “The concern is for Bailey’s safety and to ensure she doesn’t injure herself.”

Elise shook her head slowly as what the doctors suggested sunk in. “I’ll pass.” She looked at the screen and then over at Doctor Page. “We’ll wait for the second opinion.” She looked at Bailey. “We still don’t know what’s causing the sleepwalking, but I would prefer not to give you medication until we know for certain.” Elise scooted to the edge of her chair so she could look directly at Bailey. “Are you okay with that?”

Bailey glanced nervously at Doctor Page and then back to her mother. “Okay.”

Elise turned back to the two doctors. “So, we’ll wait.”

Doctor Page looked at the screen. “Was there anything else?”

“No, just keep me posted.” Doctor Ramsey’s image filled the screen again.

Elise thanked the doctor and then sat back in her chair as Doctor Page logged off the session. “You don’t agree with waiting?” She could see the tension in the doctor’s shoulders and the set of her jaw.

Doctor Page looked at Elise then at Bailey, hesitating, she finally spoke. “I don’t believe we do any harm to medicate at this point. Minimally, it will mitigate the risk of additional episodes.”

“As disconcerting as the sleepwalking and interactions can be, I don’t take lightly the administration of neurological drugs.” Elise didn’t want to argue with the woman, but she was resolute on this point.

“I don’t take it lightly, either, and it is, of course, your decision.” Doctor Page’s tone verged on condescending.

Elise laid her hand over Bailey’s. “Honey, if you don’t have any questions for Doctor Page, would you mind waiting outside?”

Bailey looked back and forth between her mother and the doctor, her gaze coming to rest on Doctor Page. “Don’t be mad.”

Doctor Page’s eyes widened. “I’m not mad, Bailey. People can disagree and be civilized about it.”

Elise watched the exchange between Doctor Page and Bailey with interest. Bailey was a relatively laid-back person and dismissive when it came to confrontations. She wondered what had triggered her outspokenness now.

“It’s nothing like that,” Bailey cryptically whispered. “So don’t worry.”

Doctor Page’s eyes remained steady and fixed on Bailey. “Thank you.”

Elise frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Bailey stood and walked toward the door. “I’ll be outside.”

“Do you know who you’re going to see for the second opinion?” Doctor Page turned the monitor off.

“First, what was that exchange about?” Elise gestured with her finger, pointing to the door and then back to Doctor Page.

“I think Bailey could sense the tension between the two of us, and it made her nervous.” Doctor Page leaned back in her chair. “I apologize for showing my frustration.”

Elise replayed the brief exchange in her head and couldn’t reconcile it with the doctor’s explanation. “What did Bailey mean when she said don’t worry?”

“I assumed she meant not to worry about her not taking medication.” Doctor Page sat forward and rested her elbows on her desk. “Now, who are you going to seek the second opinion from, and how long do you think it will take?”

“I’m going to get a referral and will let you know.” Elise thought she should take the opportunity and also get a referral for another psychiatrist. She had never been inordinately impressed with Doctor Page’s bedside manner, and she couldn’t help but feel the woman was being dismissive and patronizing now.

“I would like to get Bailey in for a follow-up before school starts; so, if you are able, please schedule the secondary review accordingly.” Doctor Page stood and walked toward the door.

“Of course.” Elise left the office and halfway down the hall was surprised to see Bailey and Samuel Tynan talking.

“I love that book.” Bailey smiled up at the man. “Have you seen the movie?”

Samuel smiled warmly at Bailey. “I’m not much of a film buff, but if you think I should make the effort, I will.”

Bailey nodded enthusiastically. “You should.”

“Hello.” Elise stepped up next to Bailey. “What are you two chatting about?”

“Your daughter and I have discovered we share a love of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.”

“And The Hobbit,” Bailey quickly interjected. “But don’t see the movie, watch the animated version.”

“Got it.” Samuel nodded earnestly. “Well, I should let the two of you get going.” He nodded at Elise and Bailey and then walked down the hall.

“I thought you didn’t like him,” Elise wondered aloud as Bailey and she stood waiting for the elevator.

Bailey shrugged. “We passed in the hall, and he asked if I was okay.”

“Are you okay?” Elise put her hand on Bailey’s shoulder and squeezed gently.

“I’m tired of these appointments, and I don’t want more tests.”

“That’s fair.” Elise pressed the button for the first floor. “We’ll figure it out.”

Bailey looked up at Elise. “Samuel is nice.”

“I think you mean Mr. Tynan.” Elise’s brow arched at her daughter’s informality.

“He said I could call him Samuel and asked if I preferred Bailey or Ms. Sullivan.”

Elise felt more uncomfortable by the second. “What else did you two talk about?”

“That was it.” Bailey stepped off the elevator. “That and the books.”

As Elise and Bailey walked through the parking lot, Elise felt more certain about her decision to find an alternative to Doctor Page. Not only was the doctor herself a bit off-putting, but she didn’t appreciate how familiar her office mate, a grown man, had been with her daughter.

***

“Please, have a seat.” Kate gestured toward the sofa in her office and then sat down in the chair across from Elise. Several seconds passed; the silence was awkward and heavy. “You seem nervous.”

Elise’s eyes shot up, a slight flush finding her cheeks. “No. I don’t think so.” She crossed her legs and pulled her purse tighter against her side.

Kate only nodded. “Bailey was in good spirits this morning.” She tilted her head to the side. “Though at first she was anxious about needing additional tests.”

“I’ve explained to her we need a second opinion on the SPECT, and based on that she might need more tests.” Elise had gone over the next steps with Bailey, but the girl had been convinced more invasive procedures were to come.

“She’s nervous about the unknown.”

“Who isn’t?” Elise’s tone was sharp, and it sounded unnaturally harsh to her ears.

Kate’s eyes were soft and filled concern as she considered Elise. “Has something happened?”

Elise ran her fingers through her hair, unsure why she was feeling agitated. “I’m going to get a referral for another psychiatrist. Doctor Page and I don’t – mesh.”

Kate nodded slightly. “I see. Would you like me to recommend someone?” She bit her lower lip nervously. “I know I recommended Doctor Page, and I would understand if –”

Elise had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts, she hadn’t noticed until Kate stammered that she was clearly feeling anxious about how things had devolved with Doctor Page. “I don’t blame you.” Elise quickly asserted. “God, please don’t think that.”

Kate exhaled as she placed her hand over her stomach. “I worried you might –”

“No.” Elise fought against the urge to hug Kate and reassure her she held no animosity toward her. “It was a bad fit temperament wise, but she’s a competent doctor.” There was a tension in her legs, willing her to get up and close the narrow space between Kate and her, but Elise forced it back. “I would appreciate another recommendation.”

A warm smile found Kate’s lips. “I’ll email you the information.”

Elise had thought the back-and-forth would ease the tension between Kate and her. She wasn’t sure what was contributing to the unease, but she wanted it to be done with. Just as she found the courage to ask Kate what was going on, both women began to speak at the same time.

“I’m sorry, go ahead,” Kate assured Elise.

“No, you first.” Elise wasn’t sure what she had meant to say, anyway.

Kate took a deep breath and moved her tablet to the table next to her chair. “Given the recent developments, it’s best if Bailey begins seeing a psychiatrist or neurologist exclusively.”

Elise felt a surge of heat through her chest, and a quiet gasp escaped her. “You mean stop her sessions with you?”

Kate shifted in her chair, finally leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees. “Yes. This is clearly a medical issue and not something that can be resolved through talk therapy. As I mentioned in our first meeting, Bailey’s sessions weren’t meant to go on indefinitely. Now that the cause of the original issues has been identified as brain based, and Bailey will receive support for those issues outside of our sessions, it’s time to focus on the physiological aspects of her treatment.”

Elise knew what Kate was saying not only made sense but was clinically sound. She struggled with the realization that she wouldn’t be seeing Kate anymore. Elise teetered between wanting to argue with Kate and wanting to just leave the office to avoid making a fool of herself. She felt frayed around the edges with everything that had been going on and didn’t trust that she could keep herself in check.

“That makes sense.” Elise’s voice caught, and she quickly coughed to clear the lump in her throat. “Have you talked to Bailey?”

Kate studied Elise closely. “No. I wanted to discuss it with you first.”

Elise tilted her head back and took a cleansing breath. “She’s fond of you, and this will be difficult.”

“I know,” Kate said simply. “I’ll miss her too, but I hope you – the two of you, will keep in touch.”

“I appreciate that.” Elise stood. She could feel the tears threatening to spill over and didn’t want this to be any more difficult than it already was. “I’ll go get Bailey, and the three of us can discuss this.”

Not waiting for Kate to respond, Elise hurried from the office. She didn’t want Bailey to see her upset and, spotting the ladies’ room, quickly detoured. Elise placed her purse on the narrow vanity next to the sink and, bending over, splashed some cold water on her cheeks. Grabbing several paper towels, she blotted her face before resting her palms on the counter.

With her head bowed, Elise silently reprimanded herself for being so emotional. Bailey was the patient, and she was the one who had every right to be upset or sad about Kate’s decision. Looking up, Elise studied her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes and nose were red, and she shook her head at the sight. This isn’t about how you feel. Pull yourself together, because Bailey is the one that’s going to be upset.

Elise blew her nose and tossed the tissue in the wastebasket. Running her fingers under her eyes, she wiped away her smudged mascara and took another calming breath. She didn’t want to leave Bailey or Kate waiting; so, Elise gathered her resolve and unlocked the restroom door.

Standing with her hand resting on the doorknob, Elise felt the dread of her impending separation from Kate beginning to wind its way through her. The sensation was distracting, and Elise failed to see Kate as she exited the restroom. The collision was slight but had enough force to send the two women careening into the wall.

Elise had managed to brace herself with one hand pressed against the wall over Kate’s shoulder, and, to her horror, her other hand firmly cupped Kate’s right breast. Elise was frozen, her hand refusing to move as her eyes found a startled Kate staring at her.

“Ah, Elise,” Kate glanced down at Elise’s hand.

“Shit, I’m –” Elise quickly stepped back, looking down at her hand as if it had acted on its own accord.

“Don’t worry about it.” Kate straightened her blouse. “I should have been paying more attention where I was going.”

Elise put her hand behind her back. “No, I should have –”

“Let’s forget it.” Kate stepped away from Elise. “I just came out to see what was keeping Bailey and you.”

Elise was relieved Kate didn’t want to talk about the accidental groping but wished she hadn’t sounded annoyed at the same time. “Let me go get her.”

Elise couldn’t believe she had done that. She was even more astounded by how incredible it had felt being that close to Kate, even if it had only been for a few seconds. Then she remembered the expression on Kate’s face. It had been somewhere between flustered and annoyed.

A whirlwind of conflicting emotions spiraled in Elise. She felt embarrassed, alarmed, and vulnerable. Stopping in the middle of the hall, Elise looked down at her hand. Her palm tingled as she remembered the press of Kate’s hardened nipple through the silk of her blouse. You’re a pervert, Elise chided herself.

“Is everything okay?”

Elise looked up to see Eugene standing in front of her. “What?”

“You look lost, Doctor Sullivan. Is there something I can help you with?” The man smiled. “Bailey’s in the waiting room. I hope you don’t mind, but I gave her a doughnut.”

Elise felt as if the conversation was taking place in a wind tunnel. Her ears buzzed, and she could barely make out what Eugene was saying. “That’s fine.”

Eugene nodded and, stepping around Elise, disappeared down the hall. Shaking her head back-and-forth, Elise hoped to dislodge the muddled thoughts rolling through her brain. She willed herself to focus on the task at hand and her breath caught when, to her complete dread, she realized she would have to face Kate again.

Chapter 15

“It’s perfectly normal to be upset.” Elise looked across the small kitchenette table at her daughter.

“I know.” Bailey picked at her Cesar salad.

The conversation with Bailey about terminating her sessions with Kate had gone as well as could be expected. Kate was clearly well versed in the transition process and assured Bailey that should she ever need to talk, Kate would be available.

“I know you looked forward to your sessions with Doctor Burke.” Elise took a drink of her red wine. “And, if you ever feel like you need someone to talk to, you can see her anytime.”

“Then why not just keep seeing her?” Bailey countered.

“Because that’s not the way it works.” Hearing her answer, Elise suddenly hated it. “You remember we had discussed the therapy would be temporary?” Bailey didn’t look up from her plate. “And it’s fine if you need to bounce things off Doctor Burke occasionally, but right now we need to focus on the physical and not the mental.”

Bailey laid her fork down. “May I be excused?”

“No.” Elise looked intently at Bailey. “I want to talk about this.”

Bailey huffed and, leaning back in her chair, crossed her arms over her chest. “Then talk.”

Elise’s eyes widened in shock. “Gladly, when you adjust that attitude.”

Bailey scowled and shifted in her chair. “What’s to talk about?”

Seeing the hurt in Bailey’s eyes, Elise softened her tone. “We can talk about how you like Doctor Burke and are sad that you won’t be seeing her on a regular basis.”

Bailey’s eyes shot up. “Isn’t that how you feel?”

Taking another drink of her wine, Elise reminded herself that Bailey was upset and lashing out. She refused to have the conversation turned on her. “I like Doctor Burke, and I will miss our chats, but you were her patient.”

“And now I’m stuck with Doctor Page?” Bailey sulked. “She smells like –”

Seeing Bailey struggle for the word, Elise interjected, “Cardamom.”

Bailey wrinkled her nose. “Is that what that is?”

Elise had noticed a slight hint of the spicy wood scent when she first met the doctor but hadn’t realized Bailey found it unpleasant. “It’s a little like black licorice.”

“Whatever it is, I’m not a fan.” Bailey took a bite of her salad and Elise hoped the conversation was taking a turn for the better.

“You’ll be happy to know, I am considering other psychiatrists and neurologists.” Elise poured herself another glass of wine.

“Good.” Bailey was emphatic.

“Bailey, if you didn’t like her, why didn’t you say something?”

“Why bother?” Bailey shrugged.

“Your opinions matter. This is your healthcare.” Elise had always tried to include Bailey in decisions regarding her health and was taken aback that she hadn’t thought to speak-up about Doctor Page before.

“Is Mr. Tynan a doctor?” Bailey looked hopeful.

“No. He’s a data analyst, or something like that.” Elise was uneasy with the sudden interest Bailey had taken in the stranger. “Doctor Burke has made a recommendation, and if we’re lucky, we can get you in with him before school starts.”

Bailey seemed to be considering. “Okay.” She looked down at her nearly empty plate. “I’m really done. Can I please be excused?”

“Yes.” Seeing her still half full plate, Elise realized her own appetite had dwindled because of their exchange. “Do you want to watch a movie?”

“No. I think I’ll just go upstairs and read.” Bailey rinsed her plate off and put it in the dishwasher.

“Well, don’t fall asleep too early. You’ll be awake at the crack of dawn.”

“Will do.” Bailey trotted up the stairs.

Elise sat at the empty table; the only sound in the house was Bailey’s bedroom door being shut. She waited for what she knew was coming and couldn’t help but smile as the thumping of bass came from overhead. Taking her plate to the sink, Elise figured she could give Bailey some leeway with the music tonight, given the day she had.

Elise reached for her wine glass and began gently swirling the dark red liquid around the glass. Thinking back on her exchange with Bailey, she couldn’t identify how she felt about not seeing Kate on a regular basis. She felt silly for having formed an attachment to the doctor. She had reminded herself throughout her interactions with Kate that any kindness or interest she may have shown Elise was due to the nature of Kate’s work.

Emptying her glass of wine, Elise sat the glass down on the table and leaned back in the chair. Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and listened to the steady thumping coming from overhead. Elise had never thought of herself as a lonely person. She had always thought of loneliness as a type of sadness, and Elise wasn’t sad.

Sitting forward, Elise rested her forehead on the table, her arms hanging limply at her sides. Thump, thump, thump. She squeezed her eyes closed tightly as the realization of what she was feeling began to swell within her. Thump, thump, thump. She sat up and opened her eyes. Thump, thump, thump. Tears began to stream down her cheeks as the longing threatened to overwhelm her. She knew it was not possible, but it felt as if the tears were falling in unison with the ceaseless thumping.

Elise had never been a believer in the power of a good cry. She thought it took entirely too long to put herself back together, and when it was over, nothing had changed. The few times she had given into the urge, she was left feeling sick to her stomach, and her head ached for hours.

Even with all of that, Elise was still unable to stop the steady stream of tears rolling down her cheeks. She wiped at her face with the palm of her hand, and as her breath caught, she realized she was on the verge of an outright sob. The worst part was, she didn’t know exactly why she was crying. The realization that there were any number of reasons only made Elise’s chest tighten more and the tears to fall even faster.

“Damnit.” Elise suddenly got up from the table and went to the sink. She turned the tap on and, bending down, splashed water on her face repeatedly. Thump, thump, thump. She grabbed several paper towels from the nearby roll, dried her face, and then blew her nose. Tossing the paper towel in the trashcan, Elise didn’t feel any better as she sat back down at the table.

The sound of running water mingled with the bass, and Elise assumed Bailey had decided to take a shower. Thinking that might be a good idea, she put her plate in the dishwasher, turned the machine on, flipped the downstairs lights off, and slowly walked up the stairs.

Elise turned the shower on and, after getting undressed, pulled her hair up. As she opened the shower door, the water suddenly stopped, followed by a loud creaking and rumbling sound from inside the wall. She turned the faucet back and forth, but only a weak stream of water trickled from the showerhead.

“Now what?” Elise muttered as she reached for her robe. She opened the bathroom door to find Bailey standing in the middle of her bedroom, naked, and dripping wet.

“Bailey?! What’s happened?” Elise grabbed a towel and rushed toward her daughter.

Bailey was shivering and near hysterics as she sobbed in Elise’s arms. “I was showering, and – I, I don’t know, but then –”

Elise pulled the towel tight around Bailey. “Honey, take a deep breath, and tell me –” Elise stopped, the sound of rushing water filling the space. Standing up, she looked past Bailey to see a small river flowing along the floor of the hallway. With a startled yelp, Elise hurried past her daughter, her eyes wide with shock as she surveyed the scene in the hallway.

At least two inches of water was running from the hall bathroom and down the hallway. Elise grabbed the railing along the wall and ran down the stairs, careful of the frigid water cascading down them. The water had formed a small lake at the base of the stairs.

Hurrying down the basement steps, Elise found the water shut-off valve. She grabbed the metal handle and was met with a searing pain up her hand. Recoiling, Elise pulled the hem of her robe up and, wrapping it around her hand, managed to get a grip on the valve. With more strength than she knew she had, Elise finally managed to turn it to the off position.

Stepping back, Elise’s breath came in short bursts as she looked more closely at the valve. A thin layer of ice covered it and the pipe protruding from the wall. Elise couldn’t reconcile what she was seeing. It had been close to ninety degrees that day and was still in the upper seventies outside. There was no way the pipes had frozen and then burst.

Elise’s hand felt tight and sore. Looking down, she could see the outline of the valve on her palm. The skin was red and swollen. Flexing her fingers, Elise’s frantic mind settled on one thing, Bailey. Running back upstairs, Elise found her daughter sitting on the edge of her bed, clutching the towel around her chest.

Elise sat down next to the girl and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. “Are you okay?”

Bailey nodded, her eyes fixed on the floor. “Is the house okay?”

Elise chuckled. “Yes, the house is okay. I’m going to have to call a plumber, but otherwise, it’s fine.”

“I’m sorry.” Bailey looked up at Elise.

“Why are you sorry, honey? You can’t help it that a pipe burst.” Elise kissed Bailey’s temple and pulled her closer.

Shaking her head, Bailey pulled away from Elise and stood up. “I was just thinking about how hot it had been today, and I thought it would be nice if the water was colder, but then it just stopped, and then I couldn’t make it stop.”

Elise watched in horror as her daughter dissolved into a sobbing mess in front of her. She quickly got up and pulled Bailey into a tight hug. “Shh, it’s not your fault.” She took Bailey’s hand in hers. “Honey, this is an old house, and there is bound to be issues with the plumbing.”

Shaking her head in an almost violent manner, Bailey pulled her hand free of Elise’s. “You don’t understand anything.” Bailey made toward the bedroom door, but Elise managed to outmaneuver her and shut the door before she could leave.

Elise put her hands on Bailey’s bare shoulders and willed the tension out of her voice before she spoke. “Bailey, your shower was running, the dishwasher was running, and then I turned my shower on. It was too much pressure in the pipes, and one of them burst.” Elise wasn’t sure she believed that explanation. It didn’t account for the ice she saw in the basement, but it was the most plausible, and from the evening out of Bailey’s breathing, it seemed to be calming her down.

Bailey sniffled and wiped at her nose with the back of her hand. “Are you sure?”

Elise nodded. “I am, now go get dressed. We need to mop this water up and see if we can get a plumber out here tonight.”

Bailey nodded and gingerly navigated her way down the still flooded hall. Elise got dressed and was relieved when her usual plumber was able to make an emergency visit. She assured the woman who answered the phone that she didn’t care about the upcharge; she needed her water turned back on.

For the next half-hour, Elise and Bailey mopped up the water in the bathroom, hall, stairs, and entryway. Both women jumped at the sound of the doorbell, and Elise told Bailey she could go to her room if she wanted while Elise dealt with the plumber.

“Damnedest thing.” Henry, a man in his late forties, stood scratching his head as he looked at the soggy, shredded drywall near the hall bathroom’s shower. “The water just ripped through the wall. I’ve never seen that in a residential system.”

Elise stood in the doorway of the bathroom, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “That’s unusual then?”

Henry chuckled. “I’d say. The pressure the city gives you isn’t enough to do this. I have no idea how this could have happened. Now, a commercial building, I’ve seen the PSI spike, and boom, the whole damn wall is gutted.” He pulled an X-ACTO knife from his tool belt and cut a square of drywall out.

“Can you fix it?” Elise looked over her shoulder. Bailey’s bedroom door was closed, but a light was coming from underneath. “And, can you do it tonight?”

Henry took a small flashlight from his belt and peered into the wall. “Wow.” He let out a high pitch whistle. “Amazing.”

Elise’s patience was at an end. “What? What’s amazing?”

Unphased, Henry stepped back. “Have a look.” He held the flashlight in place as Elise looked into the wall. “You see that? The pipe burst in the middle, not on a joint.”

Elise wasn’t sure what she was looking at, but from the plumber’s tone, she sensed it was bad. She could also see why the eruption had upset Bailey so much. The sound and flying drywall must have been terrible. “I can see that, but why is that –”

“This is an old house, and all the pipes are copper. Specifically, type L, which is actually thicker than code calls for.” He turned the flashlight off. “The pressure was so great the pipe swelled and then burst.” Henry demonstrated by pressing his palms together and then slowly pulling the apart.

“So there was a surge of water, and the pipe burst?” Elise was tired, and she wanted to go check on Bailey. “Can you please fix it?”

Henry shrugged. “Sure. I’ll have to replace the pipe, and I don’t do drywall, but I can recommend a guy.”

“I’ll call my insurance company in the morning. I’m sure they have approved contractors.” Elise stepped back. “As long as we can get the water back on tonight.”

“That I can do.” Henry smiled. “It should take about an hour.”

Elise thanked the man and walked toward Bailey’s room. Looking down, she saw the light had been turned off, and she thought better of disturbing her daughter. Leaning against the wall, Elise was content to wait while the plumber went about with the repair.

It was a little over an hour when Henry emerged from the bathroom and presented Elise with the bill. “This is probably covered by your insurance.” He sounded apologetic.

Elise hardly cared how much it was as she handed Henry her credit card. “I appreciate you coming out on such short notice.” She escorted the man to the front door.

“My pleasure.” Henry nodded. “You have a sixty-day warranty on the parts and labor; so please let us know if anything goes wrong.”

Elise thanked him and, after closing the front door behind him, leaned against. This would be the second insurance claim she would file in as many months, and she didn’t want to think about what that meant for her premiums.

Standing up, Elise rolled her shoulders forward and then back in an effort to relieve the tension. It didn’t work, and she winced at the tightness along her neck and shoulder blades. Elise placed her foot on the first step and cringed as water seeped from the carpet runner. Straddling the runner, she wobbled up the stairs and into her bedroom. Collapsing on the bed, she began to run through the list of what she needed to do in the morning.

Elise decided the list was too extensive, and she was too tired; so, she curled up on her side. Pulling the comforter over her shoulders, Elise wished for sleep, but her mind kept whirling around the events of the day and night.

Turning onto her back, Elise let out an exasperated sigh. She felt helpless, and worse, she had the sinking feeling that she was missing something. She knew there were answers to everything that had happened, but Elise couldn’t see the path through to them.

***

The weather was unusually hot for early August in Baltimore. Elise sat at a table inside Albie’s Bistro near the city’s Inner Harbor, waiting for Kate. She was glad she had decided on a pair of khaki shorts and a short sleeve t-shirt, given the humidity, and was relieved the busy restaurant had tables available inside.

Elise’s mind was wandering. It had been three days since the pipe had burst, and she was no closer to understanding why Bailey had reacted to it the way she had. In the days that had followed, Bailey had refused to discuss the incident any further, and Elise was reluctant to press the issue given the near hysterics she had seen from Bailey that night.

Elise worried Bailey was internalizing the accident and somehow assigning herself blame. She had tried to talk to her daughter, but Bailey had evaded the question. In the end, if Elise hadn’t known better, she would have thought she imagined Bailey’s reaction.

“Hi.” Kate stood in front of Elise, putting her purse down in one of the empty chairs. “You look deep in thought. Am I interrupting?”

Elise squinted as she looked up at the beautiful doctor. She had been concentrating on the situation with Bailey and had forgotten to be nervous about seeing Kate. Now, with the woman standing in front of her, she was suddenly having trouble breathing. You are a tragedy, Elise thought to herself.

“Thinking, yes, but I wouldn’t call it deep.” Elise gestured for Kate to have a seat. “I ordered a glass of wine but wasn’t sure what you would be drinking.”

“Wine sounds great.” Kate looked around for their waiter.

“I appreciate you meeting me.” Elise leaned forward and put her elbows on the table. “I know you aren’t seeing Bailey full time anymore, but I need your advice.” She unfolded and then refolded her napkin. “I thought it would be better to meet in person.”

The waiter appeared, and Kate placed her drink order. “I’ll have a glass of whatever she’s drinking.” She nodded toward Elise’s half empty glass of wine and thanked the waiter. “When I said Bailey could reach out to me if she needed to talk, I hope it goes without saying that means you, too.”

Forcing herself to stop fidgeting with her napkin, Elise laid it across her lap. “Well, thank you for that. I know you have a busy schedule.”

Kate tilted her head down so she could meet Elise’s eyes. “I’ve cleared my afternoon.”

Elise was both thrilled and anxious that there were no restraints to Kate and hers time together. “I won’t monopolize too much of your time. I’m sure you have plans with half-days being a rarity for you.”

Kate waved Elise off. “Not at all. I’ve blocked the entire afternoon for us. That’s why I asked for a later lunch.”

Shit. Elise forced a smile. She struggled with idle chitchat in short bursts with Kate and had no idea how she was going to manage possible hours’ worth. “That’s nice of you.”

“Don’t sound so thrilled, Elise,” Kate joked.

Elise’s face flushed. “I didn’t mean –”

“I understand.” Kate paused while the waiter placed her wine in front of her. She took a sip and then turned her attention back to Elise. “I understand small talk isn’t your favorite.”

Actually, Elise had no issue with relatively meaningless or lighthearted banter. Angie and she could go on for hours about nothing, and she had even had a few nonsensical back-and-forths with Hannah. Where she struggled with Kate was constantly being on guard. Elise didn’t trust herself not to say or do something that would embarrass her, or worse, Kate.

“Sadly, what I had in mind is the furthest from small talk that I can get.”

Kate’s brow arched. “Bailey? Is she okay?”

Elise was touched by Kate’s obvious concern. “She’s fine, now, but a few days ago were a different story.”

Elise told Kate about the pipe and Bailey’s reaction to it. She even told Kate about what she was certain was ice on the water valve, holding up her hand as evidence.

Kate gently took Elise’s hand in hers and lightly ran her finger over the red ring along Elise’s palm. “This happened when you touched a water valve?”

Elise nodded. “It was frozen, and I barely got it turned off.”

“Did you ask the plumber about it?” Kate looked up at Elise and continued to cradle her hand in hers.

Elise reluctantly slid her hand free of Kate’s, the intimacy of the touch causing a tightness to form in her chest. “No. I didn’t know how to explain it.”

“And now?” Kate took a drink of her wine. “Can you explain it now?”

“No.”

“What do you know about Bailey’s birth parents?”

Elise waited as the waiter sat their salads down in front of them. “Not much. Bailey was barely two when I adopted her. She had been in the foster system for about four months.” Elise applied a liberal amount of pepper to her salad. “I was told her parents had died in an accident, and she had no family to go to.” Just the thought of Bailey alone brought tears to Elise’s eyes. “I had rights to her medical history before and while she was in foster care.” Elise emptied her wine glass and took a deep breath. “There’s nothing unusual.”

Kate frowned. “That’s odd. Generally, there’s something in the medical history that helps.”

Elise shrugged. “No such luck. Bailey did have some blood deficiencies when she was a child. She had terrible ear and throat infections; so, after several tests, her pediatrician discovered her gamma globulin was low. Specifically, the immunoglobulins.”

“Her immune system?” Kate asked.

“That’s right,” Elise explained. “Gamma globulins are a class of globulins, which are a family of globular proteins.” Gesturing with her hands, Elise continued. “Though the term globular proteins is a bit archaic, having been around since the nineteenth century, this particular protein strand is better described as a structural motif, which –”

Elise stopped when she saw the amused expression on Kate’s face. “What is it?”

Kate tilted her head to the side, a faint smile on her lips. “I’m being given a glimpse of what one of your lectures must be like.”

Elise lowered her hands to her lap. “Sorry, I can get a bit –”

Kate quickly interjected, “No, God, don’t apologize. You’re brilliant.”

“I’m not brilliant, but I do know a thing or two about supersecondary protein structures. Especially when they aren’t working right for my daughter. Anyway, long story short, Bailey had several months of intravenous treatments, and the infections stopped.”

“Do you know what sort of accident her birth parents had?”

“I always assumed a car accident. It seemed the most likely.” Elise signaled the waiter for more wine and then hesitated as she remembered something. She tapped the edge of her water glass as she tried to recall the details.

“What is it?” Kate asked.

“Accident.”

“Pardon.” Kate was confused.

“Bailey lived in Accident, Maryland.” Elise looked up at Kate. “I remember because the social worker slipped and made a comment about the family’s accident in Accident.”

“That’s a pretty big slip. They aren’t supposed to provide any identifiable information.”

“She was embarrassed, and I assured her it was fine.” Elise pursed her lips in thought. “Now that I think about it, she said Bailey didn’t have any immediate family.” She looked at Kate. “Maybe she had cousins that could give me more information.”

“It would be unusual that a family member wouldn’t take her in, though,” Kate countered.

“Not everyone wants children.” Elise was formulating a plan as she got out her phone.

“What are you doing?” Kate craned her neck around in an effort to see what Elise was typing.

“I’m looking up Accident, Maryland.”

“I can tell you, it’s a small rural community in Garrett County in the far western part of the state.”

“You’ve been there?” Elise looked up from her phone.

“No, but I have a patient I see on occasion, and he and his family vacation every summer at Deep Creek Lake, south of Accident.”

“How far is it from Baltimore?” Elise slid her phone back in her purse.

“Three, maybe three-and-a-half hours.”

“How small is small?”

Kate turned her head to the side, her eyes narrowing. “Why?”

“Kate, please,” Elise coaxed.

“I don’t know the exact population count, but I got the impression less than a thousand people.” Kate clenched her lower lip between her teeth as she considered Elise. “What are you thinking of doing?”

“Legally, the State of Maryland can’t tell me anything about Bailey’s family, but small town gossip might suffice.”

“Elise, I would really encourage you to go through the proper channels, and –”

“My daughter thinks she caused a water pipe to burst and is hearing voices.” Elise pressed her lips together tightly, trying to stem the panic pushing its way to the surface. “So, you’ll forgive me if I forego the proper channels.”

Kate reached for Elise’s hand and squeezed it gently in her own. “Then I want to help.”

Chapter 16

“How do you imagine a town gets the name Accident?” Kate sat in the passenger seat of Elise’s SUV with her legs crossed and her phone on her lap.

“The two men tasked with surveying the area in the late seventeen-hundreds mistakenly claimed the same tract of land. They said it was by accident, and then the town was named accordingly.”

“That story isn’t nearly as exciting as I had hoped,” Kate teased.

“There are actually numerous stories about the name, but that one seems closest to the land records.” Elise glanced over at Kate. “Maybe there are more colorful stories to be had?”

Elise accelerated as she maneuvered the SUV up an incline and around a bend in the road. The area was populated with gently rolling, tree lined hills. The countryside that surrounded Accident was peppered with red barns and blue and white grain silos set against the backdrop of vividly green hillsides.

“It’s beautiful.” Kate propped her sunglasses up on her head and looked out the window. “It’s been forever since I’ve gotten out of the city.”

Elise had to force herself to focus on the road. She agreed that the countryside was lovely, but she could hardly stop herself from admiring Kate’s beauty. Seeing the usually reserved doctor relaxed made her even more appealing.

Kate turned, a worried expression on her face. “I don’t know that we should have lied to Bailey about why we’re taking this trip.”

“I agree, but what choice did I have?” Elise continued to find solace in Kate’s use of the word we.

Kate shrugged. “I don’t know, but if she asks you about the alleged conference you’re attending, it will only throw you further into the lie.”

The corner of Elise’s mouth turned up slightly. “I don’t make light of lying to my daughter, but trust me, Bailey won’t be interested in the details of a conference focusing on the surgical pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.”

Kate cringed. “Good Lord, who would want to know about that?”

“I attended that conference last fall,” Elise said flatly.

Kate’s eyes widened. “I didn’t mean to imply –” she pursed her lips. “You’re messing with me?”

Elise smiled. “I am. I attended a conference on gynecologic pathology.”

“Ha, ha,” Kate mocked. “I’m not falling for that.”

Elise frowned and looked at Kate. “I’m serious.”

Kate’s eyes widened. “Oh, well, that’s – that sounds very –” seeing the glint in Elise’s eyes, Kate gasped. “Stop it! That’s not funny.” She playfully slapped Elise’s shoulder.

“Ow!” Elise flinched. “All kidding aside, I didn’t attend, but there was actually a conference in Las Vegas this past spring about lesions of soft tissue and bone.”

“Not gross at all.” Kate pressed her lips together and shook her head.

The GPS announced their arrival at the hotel just as Elise was imagining what a vacation would be like with Kate.

“This is nice.” Kate slid her sunglasses back down as they pulled into the parking lot of the Deep Creek Lodge.

“It’s a little more rustic than I usually go for, but there weren’t tons of choices.” Elise put the car in park, and the two women walked into a large log cabin with a wooden sign over the door that read Lobby.

The cabin was decorated with a myriad of hunting and fishing décor, including a stuffed black bear that stood over six feet tall near the center of the room.

“Welcome,” A woman in her early thirties greeted Elise and Kate from behind a carved oak desk.

“Hi.” Elise set her suitcase to the side. “Doctor Elise Sullivan and Doctor Kate Burke checking in.”

The woman smiled warmly at Elise before turning her attentions to the computer monitor. “Doctor Sullivan, I have you for two nights in a king cabin, and Doctor Burke, I also have you for two nights in a king cabin.” The woman looked back-and-forth between Elise and Kate. “May I suggest one of our deluxe cabins? It’s a two bedroom, one bath, with a kitchenette and living room. It would be almost fifty dollars less per night, rather than separate cabins.”

“No thank you,” Elise eagerly replied. “I would prefer my own room.” Realizing how harsh her comment sounded, she looked at Kate whose eyes were wide and a slight grimace was on her face. She was clearly taken aback by the vehemence of Elise’s comment. “I snore,” Elise quickly interjected with a nervous laugh. “I would hate to keep you up.”

“Our cabins are very well insulated. I’m sure –”

“We’ll stick with the original reservations.” Elise could feel the panic pushing at the back of her throat. The idea of sharing a room, a cabin, or any space where she might see Kate coming and going in her pajamas, a robe, or – Elise shook her head, willing the image of Kate in a bath towel out of her mind.

“I’m fine to stick with the original arrangements,” Kate quietly chimed in.

“Understood.” The clerk nodded and handed them each a keycard. “Please let us know if you need anything.”

Elise and Kate walked through the lobby and out into an expansive courtyard that was home to a pool and several fire pits. Off the courtyard were narrow paths to each cabin.

“Looks like we’re at least in proximity to one another,” Kate commented as she followed Elise down one of the paths.

“That’s convenient.” Elise was feeling foolish about the scene she had made in the lobby but didn’t know how to apologize without telling Kate why she couldn’t share a cabin with her.

“You didn’t offend me, Elise,” Kate said plainly as the two women approached their respective cabins.

Elise turned around to face Kate and could see from the look on her face that she wasn’t holding a grudge. “I’m sorry, anyway.”

Kate shrugged. “I can appreciate people’s need for privacy. I grew up with three brothers. I would have killed for quiet, much less my own bathroom.”

Once again, Elise was amazed at Kate’s ability to put her at ease. “You’re very kind.”

Kate lifted her roller bag up so she could ascend the steps onto her cabin’s small porch. “Hey, who says I don’t snore?” She winked at Elise. “You might be saving us both sleepless nights.”

A rush of heat shot to Elise’s stomach when Kate winked at her, and her mouth refused to work. She managed a slight nod and grin as Kate unlocked her cabin door.

“Should we meet for dinner? See what’s around?” Kate suggested.

“Sure,” Elise managed through the lump in her throat. “Meet here in a half hour?”

“Sounds good.” Kate disappeared into the cabin and shut the door.

Elise stood perfectly still for several seconds before shaking her head and making her way onto her cabin’s porch. “I snore? Perfect,” Elise muttered as she slipped the keycard into the door.

The cabin was spacious and tidy with exposed cedar beams along the ceiling and rustic wood flooring throughout the space. Elise had always made a point of unpacking her suitcase, regardless of how long she was staying, and she was grateful for the distraction as she went about putting her clothes in the dresser drawers.

Sliding her now empty suitcase into the corner of the small closet, Elise looked at her watch and took a deep breath. She was slated to meet Kate for dinner, and she could only hope the evening wouldn’t result in her making a complete ass out of herself.

Grabbing her purse, Elise walked out the door to find Kate standing in front of the cabin, talking on her phone. Kate looked up and, raising her hand indicated she would be done with the call shortly. Elise leaned on the rail of the porch and couldn’t help but overhear Kate’s exchange.

“Is she not sleeping?” Even in the dim light of twilight, Elise could see the concerned expression on Kate’s face. “For how long?”

Kate began pacing back and forth. “I’m out of town, but if you don’t think it can wait, she can talk to my colleague. Doctor Foster is –” Kate stopped, her brow furrowing. “I understand your frustration.” There was another long pause as Kate looked up at Elise and mouthed that she was sorry for the delay. “Absolutely, I do, but we discussed my accessibility in the last session, and –” Kate’s shoulders stiffened, and her hand tightened around the phone. It was obvious that the call was tense, but if it weren’t for Kate’s posture, she wouldn’t have been able to tell from her calm and even tone.

“I want you to do what you think is best for Brie, but I encourage you to look at the big picture and account for the progress she has made in the past three months.” Kate nodded as she listened to what Elise could only deduce was a concerned parent. “Then we will discuss the sleep issues on Tuesday. Thank you for calling, and have a good night.”

Kate quickly swiped at the phone’s screen before tucking it into her back pocket. “I’m sorry about that.”

Elise descended the porch steps and fell into step next to Kate as the two women walked toward the parking lot. “It’s no trouble.” She glanced over at Kate and could see from the set of her jaw that the call had obviously upset her. “I know you can’t really talk much about your work, but is there anything I can do?”

Kate shook her head slowly, her eyes fixed on the ground as they walked. “No, but I appreciate you asking.”

Elise nodded. Kate was silent the rest of the walk, and it wasn’t until they were putting on their seatbelts that she finally spoke. “Sometimes it can be more difficult to manage the parents than the children.” Kate looked over at Elise, her eyes widening. “I mean, well, present company excluded.”

Elise chuckled. “No offense taken, and I’m sure I haven’t always been excluded.” She started the SUV. “I have a friend from college, we keep in touch on Facebook, and she teaches eleventh grade English in Richmond. She never complains about her students, but she has some horror stories about the parents.”

Kate laid her head back against the headrest. “I could use a distraction. Share away.”

Elise cleared her throat dramatically. “Well, one of her students got pregnant, and her parents asked for a conference with Alice – my friend – and the principal.” Elise went to leave the parking lot, and it dawned on her they hadn’t decided on where to eat. “Oh, before that, what do you want to eat?”

Kate rubbed the back of her neck and tilted her head to the side. “Can we just drive for a bit?”

“Of course.” Elise pulled out of the parking lot and began following the signs for Deep Creek Lake. “Anyway, the parents called for a conference, Alice assumed to discuss assignments, next steps for how their daughter would navigate a pregnancy while maintaining her studies.”

“I assume from your ominous tone, that wasn’t the case.” Kate looked at Elise.

“They wanted Alice fired because they believed if she had assigned more homework and called for more time consuming projects, their daughter wouldn’t have found the time to date, have sex, and get pregnant.”

Kate huffed. “They don’t know teenagers very well, do they?”

“I’ll pretend you didn’t say that, since I am currently raising a teenager,” Elise joked. “Anyway, it took over an hour for the principal and Alice to explain to the parents that the school, and certainly a teacher, were not responsible for their daughter’s extracurricular activities.” Elise cringed. “And after the principal explained that extracurricular activity was a euphemism for sex, the parents reluctantly acquiesced.”

“I had a parent who after one session wanted me to write their son a prescription for lithium.”

Elise’s nearly veered off the road. “What?!” She looked over at Kate.

Kate shook her head. “I explained I wasn’t that kind of doctor, and even if I were, I would not subscribe a psychotropic to a ten-year-old after a forty-five-minute conversation.”

“Why would that even occur to that parent?” Elise was flabbergasted.

“Google.” Kate lifted her head from the headrest and pointed to a red and blue neon diner sign. “Are you up for a cheeseburger and milkshake?”

Elise quickly flipped the turn signal on. “Good eye.” She pulled into the small parking lot of the Olmos Diner. The narrow building had stainless steel panels halfway up the exterior walls and windows lining the remainder of the exterior, allowing for an unimpeded view into the diner’s Art Deco interior.

The two women walked into the diner. It was the top of the dinner hour, and they waited while a waitress dressed in a pink vintage uniform cleared a table.

“They have a jukebox.” Elise pointed to the Wurlitzer sitting near the end of the counter. The rotating light columns that ran up the sides swirled with hues of orange and red. “My father had one in our basement when I was growing up. Minus the digital upgrade.”

The waitress returned and showed them to a booth with red vinyl seats and a table topped with black, glitter laminate. “What can I get you to drink?”

Kate glanced over the menu. “A chocolate milkshake and water, please.”

Elise smiled at Kate. “I’ll have the same, please.”

“Did your father collect jukeboxes, or was it just the one?” Kate slide her menu to the center of the table.

“Just the one.” Elise continued to look over the menu. “He really collected the forty-fives the Wurlitzer played. He was a DJ in college and had boxes full of records.”

“What sort of music did he listen to?”

“Everything. He and my mother would disappear into the basement for hours. They would listen to music, sort records, dance.” Elise smiled at the memory.

Kate began digging through her purse. “You might be in luck, and I may have cash for the box.” She pulled three dollar bills from her purse. “Here.”

Elise reached for the cash and then was struck with a better idea. “Surprise me.” She nodded toward the jukebox.

Kate’s eyes narrowed. “Are you willing to take that chance?” She continued to hold the money out in front of her. “This is all the cash I have, and what if I pick something you hate?”

“I trust you.” Elise grinned, enjoying Kate’s flirtatious tone.

Kate slid out of the booth, and Elise reached for her arm. “When you say something I might hate, what did you have in mind?”

A slight blush spread across Kate’s neck as she looked down at Elise’s hand. “I thought you trusted me?”

Elise forced her hand off Kate’s arm. “Let’s not get stupid about it. Even perfectly reasonable people can have crappy taste in music.”

Kate slid one of the dollars onto the table. “Insurance.” She walked away, and Elise gasped, realizing she had forgotten to breathe.

The waitress returned and, after depositing the two milkshakes and waters, tucked the tray under her arm. “I’ll come back when your friend’s done.”

“Thank you.” Elise took a drink of her water and choked as the opening verse of Blackstreet’s No Diggity filled the diner. She wiped the water off her chin and turned to see Kate still standing at the jukebox, her hips swaying to the bass as she selected additional songs.

Tell me who can stop when Dre making moves, attracting honeys like a magnet, giving 'em eargasms with my mellow accent.

Elise turned back around, her eyes wide with amusement. Kate slid back into the booth, a cocky smile on her lips. “Junior year at University of Maryland. I was studying for finals, and Blackstreet and Dr. Dre got me through three all-nighters.”

Elise slid the dollar Kate had left her across the table. “I like the way you work it.”

Kate snatched up the dollar. “You got to pay to play.”

The two women started laughing, only to be interrupted by the waitress clearing her throat as she tapped the edge of her order pad with a pen. “What can I get you two?”

“Oh, ah –” Kate looked down at the menu. “I’ll have a cheeseburger, no onion, medium, with fries.”

Elise had been enjoying her banter with Kate and had forgotten to look at the menu. “I guess I’ll have the same, but make mine well done, please.” The waitress wrote their orders down as she walked away.

“I don’t think she approves of my musical choices.” Kate looked over her shoulder at the surly waitress.

“I can’t believe No Diggity was on a diner jukebox in western Maryland.” Elise took a sip of her chocolate milkshake.

“Just wait for it.” Kate winked at Elise, and again, Elise felt a rush of heat shoot through her stomach.

Before Elise could ask what Kate meant, the guitar riffs from the beginning of R.E.M.’s What’s the Frequency Kenneth began. “I haven’t heard this in years. I drank my first café mocha while listening to a cover band butcher this song my freshman year.”

“Was that when a mocha came in a cup the size of a cereal bowl?”

Elise pointed at Kate. “That’s the one! I had never drunk coffee and had the worst caffeine headache.”

“You were young,” Kate teased. You said that irony was the shackles of youth. “I was so cool that after I heard the song for the first time, I had to look up Benzedrine.”

“That must be where you got your affinity for prescribing psychotropics.”

Kate snapped her fingers. “I’ve always wondered what my root was.”

“The worst part about that night, besides the caffeine induced headache, was the woman I was dating was the lead singer for that crappy cover band.”

“Awkward.” Kate’s eyes narrowed. “Wait. Did you even realize they sucked, or were you blinded by love?”

Elise rolled her eyes. “Please. I was eighteen.”

“So, blinded?”

“And hopeless,” Elise quickly added. “Don’t forget hopelessly in love.”

Kate sat back in the booth and sighed. “As they say, youth, wasted on the young.”

Elise lifted her milkshake. “I’ll drink to that.”

Kate followed suit and took a long drink. Wincing, she pressed her palm to her forehead. “Crap. Brain freeze.”

“Amateur,” Elise chided.

Kate blinked several times. “God, that hurts.”

“Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia.” Elise put her milkshake down.

“Fino-plate-gangly-whatnow?” Kate took a drink of water.

“It’s the medical term for brain freeze, but knowing that won’t make it any less painful.”

Kate started to fire off a retort but was interrupted when the waitress returned with their food. She seemed, much to Elise’s amusement, less annoyed by Kate’s final musical selection as she hummed along to Janet Jackson’s Miss You Much.

“Can I get you anything else?”

Elise remembered her comment about small town gossip. “I’m good, but I was wondering if you’ve lived in Accident long?”

“My whole life. Why?” The waitress looked down her nose at Elise.

“I heard there was a terrible accident here in 2009, and I wondered if you knew anything about it?” Elise attempted to be casual but knew from the annoyed look on the waitress’ face, she had failed.

“That’s a long time ago.” The woman snapped.

“True, but it’s a small town, and I just thought –”

“You thought I’d remember something from twelve years ago?” The waitress huffed. “I can barely remember last week.” She looked back-and-forth between Elise and Kate. “Now, can I get you anything else?”

“We’re fine. Thank you.” Kate offered the cross woman a smile and was met with a scowl before the waitress disappeared to the back.

“So much for small town hospitality.” Elise wrinkled her nose.

“You talking about the murders?” A man’s voice raised slightly over the last verse of Miss You Much. Elise and Kate looked at each other and then at the older gentleman sitting at the counter.

“We – we are,” Elise managed.

The man pivoted on the stool to face Kate and Elise. “I don’t know much. I had just moved here, but I remember the cop that worked the case didn’t live too far away.”

“Do you remember his name?” Kate pulled out her phone to take notes.

The man’s brow arched as he looked suspiciously at Kate. “Why are you two interested?”

Elise stumbled over the question and was relieved when Kate managed with a quick reply. “We’re doing research for an article.”

The man nodded. “Well, you just need to look it up. The whole county was on edge.”

“The police officer that worked the case? What was their name?” Kate gently prodded the man.

“Rakowitz.”

Kate typed the name in her phone and nodded as she looked up at Elise. “Thank you.”

“It was kept pretty hush-hush since the cops could never figure out who did it.” The man reached behind him and retrieved a half empty pint of beer. “Damn shame.”

“There was a little girl involved, wasn’t there?” Elise cautiously asked. As helpful as the patron was being, she wasn’t certain he was even talking about Bailey.

Taking a large gulp of beer, the man nodded. “That sounds right. She was two, maybe three when it happened.”

“We appreciate you speaking up.” Kate smiled.

The man shrugged and nodded toward the kitchen. “Harriet knows all this. Probably more, but she’s grumpy and doesn’t like strangers.” He chuckled. “She picked the wrong business.”

Kate and Elise smiled politely. “Thanks again.”

Twenty minutes later, Elise and Kate were walking back to the car. “It never occurred to me to look up information about a murder.” Elise unlocked the SUV, shaking her head. “I searched for car accidents, boating accidents, fires, but –”

Kate laid her hand on Elise’s back. “It’s not the first place my head would have gone, either, but now we have a direction.”

In spite of Kate’s assurances, Elise couldn’t squelch the tension building in her chest. She felt as if she were being pursued by some strange, inescapable calamity, and the repressive weight of dread was unmercifully bearing down on her.

***

“This is it.” Kate put her phone away as she pointed to a single story, ranch style brick house that sat a few hundred yards off the two lane road.

Elise pulled onto the narrow driveway and then around the circular drive toward the front of the house. Both women unhooked their seatbelts and got out of the car.

“You’re nervous?” Kate asked, placing her hand on Elise’s shoulder.

“Very.” Elise took a deep breath and held it, hoping it would ease the tension in her chest.

“What do you think he’s going to say?”

“I can’t imagine, and that’s the worst.” Elise shielded her eyes from the midday sun as she looked the modest house over.

Kate took Elise by the shoulders and gently turned her so they were facing each other. “I won’t lie. It might not be fine.” She looked intently at Elise. “But you’re not alone with it. Whatever it might be.”

Some of the tightness in Elise’s chest lessened, and she reached up and covered one of Kate’s hands with her own. “Thank you.”

Kate squeezed Elise’s shoulders, and the two women walked up to the front door. It was Kate who finally rang the doorbell after Elise stood staring at it for nearly a minute.

The sound of a deadbolt flipping was followed by a faint squeak as the front door pulled open. A thin man in his early sixties wearing a faded pair of jeans and a brown t-shirt stood in the doorway.

“May I help you?” His voice was raspy as if he had been fighting a cold.

“Are you Steven Rakowitz?” Elise managed.

The man’s eyes narrowed. “I prefer Steve. Who are you?”

“I’m Doctor Elise Sullivan, and this is Doctor Kate Burke.” Elise smiled warmly at the man, hoping to put him at ease.

“Okay, what do you need?”

“You were a detective with the Maryland State Police, and about twelve years ago you worked on a murder in Accident?”

“The Tolands.” Steve frowned, his eyes cast downward.

Elise was relieved the detective remembered the case. “That’s right.”

“And?” Steve looked back and forth between Elise and Kate.

“We were hoping we could speak with you about the case.” Elise looked at Kate.

“We won’t take too much of your time,” Kate assured the detective.

“Do you have any identification?” Steve asked.

“Oh, of course.” Elise pulled her wallet out of her purse and retrieved her physician’s identification card. Kate followed suite and presented the detective with her board of examiners identification card.

“You’re from Baltimore County?” Steve studied the cards.

“Yes,” The two women answered in unison.

“Why are you interested in the Tolands?”

Elise stammered, and Kate quickly chimed in, “I’m a psychologist, and Doctor Sullivan is a pathologist. We’re writing a paper on the impact of murders in rural communities versus urban areas.”

Elise managed to nod in agreement with Kate. “Any time you could give us would be appreciated.”

Steve looked over his shoulder. “Look, my wife’s napping. We can talk on the porch, but you can’t come in.” He lowered his voice. “She doesn’t like hearing about my old cases.”

Elise nodded. “That would be fine. Thank you.” She had half expected the man to send them away, and now that he had agreed to talk to them, her mind raced with a dozen questions.

“Can I get you something to drink?” Steve offered.

“Water would be fine.” Kate and Elise, again, answered in unison.

A slight smile crossed Steve’s thin lips as he looked at the two women. “Give me a second.” He nodded toward a wooden bench and two matching chairs along the side of the porch. “Have a seat.”

Elise and Kate sat in either of the chairs. Elise sat on the edge of her seat, her elbows resting on her knees, her hands clasped in front of her.

“He seems nice.” Kate sat with her legs crossed, and her posture reminded Elise of how she sat during therapy sessions.

Elise nodded, but she barely registered what Kate had said. Her mind was running through her exchange with the detective and every possible variation to minimize the risk of her missing some detail that might explain what was going on with Bailey.

The front door opened, and the detective appeared with three glasses of water on a white plastic tray. “I assumed ice was okay.” He sat the tray on the end of the bench. “It’s hot enough for it, I think.”

Elise took one of the waters and managed a quick sip before putting it down on the porch next to her. “It’s nearly ninety in Baltimore right now.” Elise looked around. “The cooler weather here is a nice break.”

“We don’t have the humidity you have.” Steve took a long drink of water as he leaned back on the bench and then looked intently at Elise. “There’s no need for small talk, Doctor. Feel free to jump right in.”

Elise’s brow arched. “I appreciate that.” She forced her back and shoulders to relax as she eased herself into the chair. She didn’t know how Kate could look so genuinely at ease when Elise thought she might jump out of her skin.

“I was told the Tolands –”

“Ed and Vivian,” Steve interjected.

“Ed and Vivian,” Elise continued. “They were murdered in their home.”

“Kitchen.” Steve took another drink of water and pressed his lips together before continuing. “They were found by a deputy when Ed didn’t report to work that morning.”

“How were they killed?”

“Ed’s chest had been blown out.”

“Blown out?” Kate asked.

Steve sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “There was no entrance wound in his back, but his chest had exploded outward.” He gestured to his own chest. “We never did figure out what the weapon was.”

Kate grimaced and shifted in her chair. “And Mrs. Toland?”

Steve laid his hand flat against his chest. “Her heart had been crushed.” He swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on the porch railing. “She didn’t have a mark on her.”

“What did the M.E. conclude?” Elise needed more details, because what the detective was telling them didn’t make sense.

Steve huffed. “He didn’t have a clue. He said Vivian had a massive coronary, and it was obvious what the cause of death was for Ed, but the M.E. had no idea what did that to him.”

“Do you have access to the autopsies?” Elise pressed. “I would like to see them.”

“Why are you looking into this, again? A paper?” Steve looked out the top of his eyes at Elise. “I’ve spent nearly twelve years trying to forget it.”

“Besides the brutality of it, why do you want to forget?’ Kate seamlessly redirected the detective’s question, and Elise recognized the tone from her sessions with Bailey.

“Wouldn’t you?” Steve’s response was curt.

Kate continued, undeterred. “I would think in your profession you would want the truth.”

Steve stood, shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans, and began pacing. “Ed and Vivian had a daughter.”

Elise forced a neutral expression onto her face. “What happened to her?”

Steve lifted his left shoulder and rolled his head back and forth before he spoke, a slight popping sound coming from his neck. “Vivian had a distant relation, a second cousin I think, and the girl was supposed to live with her and her husband.” Steve sat back down on the bench. “I don’t know why, but the cousin didn’t want the girl; so the last I heard, she was put into a foster home.” He rubbed his temple with the palm of his hand.

“Do you have a headache, Detective?” Elise asked. The man was clearly in distress.

Steve shook his head. “I was just remembering that day at the Tolands’ house. I used to have migraines.” He looked at Elise. “Real vicious bastards, but they had got less frequent.”

“Until?” Elise pressed.

“Until that day. As soon as I stepped in that house, my head felt like it was in a vice.” Steve shook his head slowly, his eyes unfocused. “As soon as she calmed down though, it was fine. And Bates’ nose bleed.” He chuckled. “Damnedest thing.”

“When who calmed down?” Kate asked.

Steve looked up at Kate, an apprehension expression on his face. “Kaylee. Ed and Vivian’s two-year-old daughter. She was hiding in the basement. She was crying and obviously upset, but then one of the other detectives, Bates, he soothed her, and –” Steve frowned, his eyes unfocused and fixed on the ground.

“Tell us, Detective.” Kate leaned forward and gently placed her hand on the distraught man’s arm. “Please.”

Steve looked at Kate’s hand and then up at her. “You’re going to think I’m crazy.”

Kate smiled. “I doubt that.”

Steve cleared his throat. “It was like when she was upset anything that had ever made you sick came roaring back.” Seeing the confused expression on Kate’s face, Steve continued. “A CSU tech had broken his hand in a car accident years before, suddenly he could barely flex his fingers. Bates used to have terrible allergies and nose bleeds. As soon as I brought her up from the basement, his nose just opened up.” He tapped the bridge of his own nose with his index finger.

“And you had migraines?” Kate clarified.

“Yes, and that day was the first I had in over a year, and I haven’t had one since.”

“And you never caught who did it?”

The detective frowned as he picked at a loose thread on his jeans. “No. We investigated family, friends, co-workers. For a while we suspected a drifter, but he had an alibi.”

Both Kate and Steve started when Elise abruptly stood and hurried off the porch toward her SUV. Tears streamed down Elise’s face as she slammed the driver’s door shut. Her face felt hot, and she thought she might be sick.

Starting the car, Elise turned the air conditioner on high and leaned toward one of the dashboard vents. She wiped at her face, but the tears continued to flow. The fear of the unknown had been violently overpowered by the horribleness of knowledge, and Elise felt as if she had been punched in the stomach.

The passenger door opened, and Kate was suddenly next to Elise. She immediately lifted the two armrests that were between Elise and her and pulled the distraught woman into her arms. Elise gathered the fabric of Kate’s blouse in clutched fists, her face buried in the side of Kate’s neck as she clung to her.

Kate entwined her fingers in Elise’s hair, pulling her even closer. Neither woman spoke; the only sound was Elise’s ragged breaths as she continued to cry.

Elise thought she should be embarrassed. She was not only making a scene, but she was making a mess of herself and Kate’s blouse. She couldn’t pull away, though. Her fears over what lay ahead for Bailey and the truth of what lay in her past smothered any sense of awkwardness as Elise tightened her grip on Kate.

Kate slowly leaned back, reached down into her purse that sat on the floor, and pulled a small pack of tissues out. “Here.” She handed Elise the pack.

Elise managed to right herself and leaned back into the driver’s seat. Wiping her nose, she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know –”

Kate laid her hand on Elise’s knee. “Please, don’t apologize. That was a lot of information to process in a short amount of time. None of it good.”

Elise still couldn’t look at Kate as she tried to discreetly blow her nose. “I can’t imagine what – what if Bailey witnessed the murders?” A sob caught in Elise’s throat. “W-what if what’s been happening is because she’s remembering –” She covered her mouth with her hand and squeezed her eyes shut.

Kate pressed her warm hand more firmly against Elise’s knee. “Elise, please look at me.” After several seconds, Kate’s long, slender fingers wrapped around Elise’s wrist and slowly pulled her hand away from her mouth. “Please.”

Elise felt her hair being brushed back and carefully tucked behind her ear. The touch broke through the grief and fear, and Elise turned to look at Kate. There was a gentleness and concern in Kate’s deep blue eyes, and something else.

The silence drew them together, but Elise didn’t know how to reach Kate. The feelings that had started as a silly flickering of a crush had grown into an ache that reverberated through her entire body. Now, at her most vulnerable, Elise was deeply restless with longing. Her feelings for Kate felt both like a weighty burden and a joyful reprieve.

A faint tap on the passenger window caused both Kate and Elise to jump. Seeing Detective Rakowitz through the window, Elise turned her head to avoid letting the man see she had been crying.

Kate rolled the window down, and Steve looked past her to Elise. “Doctor Sullivan, are you okay?”

Elise sniffled as she looked over at the detective. “A little bit of a stomach issue. Something I ate.”

Steve’s eyes narrowed, and he looked at Kate as he handed her a slip of paper. “Here’s the information you asked for. If you need anything else, let me know.”

Kate awkwardly extended her hand through the open window and shook the detective’s. “We will. Thank you for your help.”

“No problem.” Steve looked at Elise. “I hope you feel better.”

“I appreciate that and your help.” Elise managed a quick smile. “Thank you.”

Steve turned and walked back toward the house. Kate handed Elise the slip of paper. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and she squinted to bring the small block letters into focus. “Agatha Fowler?”

“That’s Vivian Toland’s cousin.” Kate watched as Elise’s eyes widened. “Are you up for this?”

Elise tucked the paper into her pocket. “In for a penny, in for a pound as they say.” She looked at Kate, wondering if she had imagined the intimacy they had shared moments before. “One thing.”

Kate squared her shoulders. “Anything.”

“I’m a mess. Can you drive?” Elise grimaced.

“Of course.” Kate opened the passenger door.

The two women switched seats, and Elise laid her head against the headrest. “I don’t think I can do this today. Would you think less of me if we talked to her tomorrow?”

Kate drove along the narrow driveway. “First, I could never think less of you. Second, Steve said she had lived in Oakland, about forty minutes south of here; so, I’m fine to call it a day.” She gave Elise a reassuring smile. “We can have dinner and see if we can get an address, maybe even a phone number.”

“That sounds good.” Elise reflexively reached for Kate’s knee and gently squeezed. “Thank you for coming and being here with me through this.” She pulled her hand back, feeling uncertain about what she felt she needed to say next. “I think of you as a friend.” Elise struggled to keep the underlying tone of disappointment out of her voice.

Kate smiled, but it didn’t seem to reach her eyes. “I’m glad I could be here.”

It wasn’t lost on Elise that Kate hadn’t returned her sentiment of friendship. She wondered if Kate still saw her only as the mother of a former patient. “Kate?”

When Elise didn’t continue, Kate glanced at her and then back at the road. “What is it?”

Elise realized she was too tired to have the discussion she wanted to have. On top of being worn out, she was still trying not to cry. “What do you want for dinner?”

Kate frowned, her brow furrowed. “I –” She pulled the car up to a stop light and looked directly at Elise. “What is it?”

Elise shrugged. “Nothing.” The corner of her mouth turned up. “Everything.” Her eyes filled with tears again. “Can we just talk about incidental, trivial things for a while? Like whether you prefer Italian or Chinese food?”

Kate’s eyes wandered over Elise’s face, pausing briefly at her mouth. “Alright.” She drove on. “Italian.” She said matter-of-factly. “Pizza. Greasy pizza and a beer sounds perfect.”

Elise stretched her arms over her head and exhaled. “Perfect.”

It wasn’t perfect, though. As Elise and Kate drove back toward Accident, Elise wasn’t sure she should continue looking into Bailey’s past. She wasn’t afraid of what she might find, rather, she was terrified what she might have to do about it.

Chapter 17

“A paper about – what was it, murder in rural areas versus urban areas?” Elise teased Kate as the two women sat in a small pizzeria in Accident. They were on their second round of beers and had finished a medium pepperoni and mushroom pizza.

Kate laughed, wiping tears from under her eyes. “It’s the first thing that popped into my head.” She took a drink of her beer. “I should really think about why that is?”

Elise shook her head. “Don’t. It was quick thinking and smart. Roll with it.”

Kate sighed and leaned back in the wooden booth. Holding the empty beer bottle up in front of her, she looked past it to Elise. “Should I get us another round?”

“Absolutely.” Elise grinned. “The hotel is two blocks away. Worst case scenario, we can stumble back.”

“Done.” Kate nodded emphatically and slid out of the booth.

Elise wasn’t drunk, but she was feeling more relaxed than she had when they walked in to have dinner over an hour ago. The casual atmosphere, beer, and the ease in which Kate and she talked was on the verge of rescuing what otherwise had been a terrible day.

Kate returned with two bottles of beer in hand and slid one across the table to Elise. “I may have ordered some cannoli.”

Elise took a drink of her beer. “I can’t.”

“Oh, come on, live a little.” Kate’s cheeks were flushed, and Elise wondered if the doctor was feeling the effects of the beer.

Elise held her hand up. “It’s not that. I only eat cannoli from Vaccaro's in Little Italy.”

“I love Vaccaro’s,” Kate gushed. “I’ve been known to work my way through one of their tubs of cannoli chips and dip over a weekend.”

Elise quickly countered, “I’ve managed one of their eclairs – you know, the ones the size of my head – all on my own.”

“There’s no shame.” Kate reassured Elise with a wink.

The young man who had brought them their pizza earlier arrived at the table with two small plates and a larger one that held four cannoli sprinkled with powdered sugar. “Can I get you anything else?”

“This looks great. Thank you.” Kate beamed as she reached for a cannoli. She took a bite, leaving a speckling of powder sugar across her upper lip.

Elise fought the urge to lean forward and gently swipe at the sugar. Instead, she pointed to her own lips. “You have a bit of –”

Kate put the cannoli down and wiped her mouth. “Thanks. Aren’t you going to have at least one?” She crumpled the thin paper napkin up in her hand and tossed it on the empty pizza tray. “Don’t be a cannoli elitist. It doesn’t suit you.”

Elise feigned indignity, rolled her eyes, snatched a pastry from the plate, and took a bite. “It doesn’t suck.” She covered her mouth as she spoke.

“High praise,” Kate teased.

The two women sat in a comfortable silence while Kate ate a second cannoli and Elise finished her beer. Elise’s smartwatch buzzed, and she retrieved her phone from her purse.

“Hi, sweetie.”

“Hey, Mom.”

Elise smiled at hearing Bailey’s voice. “How are things with grandma?”

“Fine. She keeps trying to get me to play Scrabble, and I’m telling her we can do that on our phones, but she’s pulled out the board game.” Bailey sighed. “When are you coming back?”

“Day after tomorrow,” Elise assured. “Humor your grandma. Play Scrabble with her.”

“I guess.”

“How is everything else?”

“You mean am I still not in my right mind?”

Elsie frowned, a surge of defensiveness rushing through her. “Don’t say that. I meant how are you feeling in general.”

“I’m fine. Bored, but fine. Grandma is taking me to brunch in Ellicott City tomorrow.”

“No mimosas,” Elise teased.

“She mentioned screwdrivers. Something about as long as there’s orange juice.” Bailey giggled.

“You know better. Can you please put your grandmother on the phone?” Elise didn’t know who was babysitting who at this point. “I love you, and I’ll see you in a couple days.”

“Love you, too.”

Several seconds passed, and Elise could hear her mother and Bailey muttering to each other. “I only suggested the screwdriver, she might prefer gin,” Joan joked.

“Mom, I know you’re kidding, otherwise I would have to call CPS.” Elise saw Kate gesturing toward the remaining cannoli and smiled as she nodded for her to take it.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Joan chided.

“Wouldn’t I?”

“You know she’s in my all too capable hands,” Joan reassured.

“I know. How is she?”

“She had some trouble getting to sleep last night but settled in around two,” Joan recounted. “Otherwise, she’s a bit more reserved than usual – which is to say she’s reserved at all –” Joan chuckled. “But she’s good.”

“I’ll be back on Monday.”

“What have you found out?”

“We can discuss it when I get back.” Elise wasn’t sure what exactly she had learned since being in Accident, but she knew she wasn’t in the right emotional frame of mind to discuss it over the phone with her mother.

“That bad?” The concern in Joan’s voice was evident.

“I honestly don’t know yet.” Elise wanted to put her mother at ease but wouldn’t lie to her.

“We’ll talk on Monday.”

“I’ll text you when we’re getting close.”

Elise and Joan said their goodbyes, and Elise slid her phone back into her purse.

“That sounded like all is well.” Kate finished the last cannoli and wiped her hands.

“Bailey’s bored, my mother’s threatening sedation with vodka laden cocktails, all is well.” Elise closed her eyes and smiled.

Kate looked down, running her fingernail along the edge of the table. “I have questions I want to ask you about Bailey, but in the spirit of keeping this evening – what was it,” Kate looked up at the ceiling as if in deep thought, “Incidental and trivial, I’ll save them for the drive to Oakland.” She slid her phone across the table to Elise. “While you were checking in, I found Agatha Fowler.”

Elise turned the phone around. “Agatha Fowler and Mark Fowler own a house in Oakland, Maryland.” She chewed nervously on her lower lip. “The things you can find on a county’s appraisal district site.” Elise slid Kate’s phone back to her.

“Are you about ready to go?” Kate finished the last of her beer and grimaced. “Note to self, beer and cannoli, not so much.”

Elise laughed as she gathered her purse. “Notice I opted for the beer.”

Kate shook her head back and forth, a disgusted look on her face. “Wise choice.”

As the two women exited the pizzeria, they decided to walk back to their hotel. It was a cool night, and the sky was clear, not to mention neither thought they should drive.

“I haven’t had beer in ages.” Kate ran her fingers through her hair as Elise and she navigated the narrow sidewalk. “Clearly, I can’t hold my beer anymore.”

“I drank beer all through college. It was cheaper than wine or liquor,” Elise offered as the two women stopped at a crosswalk. “If my younger self could see me now.”

“What would she say?” The two women stood less than a foot from one another as Kate turned to Elise.

The lump that formed in Elise’s throat made it nearly impossible for her to speak. The scent of jasmine wafted over her, and she didn’t fight the urge to inhale Kate’s scent. “She would –” Elise cleared her throat. “She would –”

The words wouldn’t come. All Elise’s slightly beer addled brain could process were Kate’s flushed cheeks and pink lips. The space between the two women shrunk, and Elise leaned forward as her entire body seemed to catch fire.

A loud bang, and the glare of light broke through Elise’s trance as three men barged out of a nearby bar. Their loud laughter and shouting brought Elise fully back into the present, and she took a step back from Kate.

“She was polite; so, she wouldn’t say anything, but she would be judging my low tolerance with her inside voice.” Elise attempted a casual tone, but her stomach was turning with nerves, uncertainties, and beer mixed with greasy pizza.

Elise turned and began walking again. She was surprised when Kate fell into step beside her and linked her arm through hers. “I have an idea.”

Elise knew in that moment, even if they had never, and might not ever speak of it, that Kate had feelings for her beyond professional and friendship. Elise was elated but knew the realization did very little to change their predicament. Even though Kate was no longer seeing Bailey professionally, it would be awkward for Bailey to see the two of them dating. Given everything else her daughter was struggling with, Elise refused to add to it. Her timing with Kate was terrible.

“What’s your idea?” Elise was surprised at the tears filling her eyes. She turned her head and feigned interest in the comings and goings of other pedestrians.

“You mentioned Scrabble on the phone earlier, and I saw some board games in the lobby.” Kate squeezed Elise’s arm. “Let’s buy a bottle of cheap wine from the sundries’ shop and go back to my cabin for a rousing game of Parcheesi.”

“Can one have a rousing game of Parcheesi?” Elise quickly wiped at her cheek as a tear fell.

Kate stopped walking and pulled Elise around to look at her. “What’s wrong?” She lifted her hand as if to touch Elise’s cheek but let it fall to Elise’s shoulder instead.

“I’m just tired.” Elise took a deep breath, desperate to get her bearings. “I need to sleep; so maybe Parcheesi tomorrow night?” She was torn between wanting to get away from Kate and the feelings her nearness invoked and wanting Kate to press the issue and force Elise to confess those feelings.

“I understand.” Kate offered a warm smile. She took Elise’s hand in hers and led her down the sidewalk. “But I’m totally kicking your butt tomorrow night. You’re in a lot of trouble.”

Elise couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. “I’ve never played Parcheesi, so the odds are definitely in your favor.”

Kate went on to explain the basics of the game, and as the two women approached their cabins, Elise realized she hadn’t been so much listening to Kate as she had been hearing her. The warmth in her voice and the easy way her words flowed from one thought to the next had settled her.

Elise found herself wanting Kate to keep talking. The ebb and flow of her words and the way her mouth moved were captivating. Would it be odd if I asked her to say starting point or capturing pieces again? Her mouth looks enticing every time she –

“And that’s it in a nutshell.” Kate smiled. “Nothing too complicated, so a perfect drinking game.” She pulled her keycard out of her purse as she walked onto the porch. “What time should we start tomorrow?”

“Nine?” Elise was amazed she had managed any response, much less a relevant one.

Kate opened her cabin door. “Perfect. I’ll see you here, we can walk over to get the car and then get some breakfast before the drive.”

Elise nodded. “Great.” She started toward her own cabin but stopped. “Kate, thank you again for the company, and the support.”

Kate walked to the end of the porch and stood only a few feet from Elise. “I appreciate the gratitude, but it isn’t necessary. I want to be here. I want to help.”

The sincerity and compassion both in Kate’s voice and eyes brought a fresh wave of tears. Unwilling to cry again in front of Kate, Elise managed a quick smile, a nod, and then hurried into her cabin.

Elise shut the door, leaned against it, and dropped her purse to the floor. She was exhausted. She had been moving around her feelings for Kate, and it was no good; because the longing always followed. Now, she stood still, her eyes blurred by tears, and she heard her heart shudder with want. It was a faint sound that caused Elise to wince as she sank to the floor.

***

“It’s another mile.” Elise had asked Kate to drive to the Fowlers’ house. She had not slept well the night before. Her mind had oscillated between her evening with Kate and the terrible fate Bailey’s biological parents had met.

“How do you want to handle this?” Kate took a drink from the to-go cup of coffee she had ordered before they left the small diner where they had breakfast.

“I’m going to tell them the truth.”

Kate’s head whipped around, and she nearly drove the SUV off the road. “Are you sure?”

Elise shrugged. She didn’t know if it was fatigue, or that she didn’t think she had the wherewithal to concoct a lie and stick with it, but Elise was done with stories.

Kate continued to give Elise side glances until the GPS informed them they had arrived at their destination. Neither woman spoke as they drove up the dirt road toward a small, Colonial style house. The red brick house sat in the middle of a sprawling field, and with the overcast sky, Elise thought it looked ominous.

As Elise and Kate parked the SUV, a heavy-set woman in her late forties walked toward a pickup truck parked near the side of the house.

“Can I help you?” The woman asked as Kate and Elise got out of the SUV.

Even if Elise didn’t know this woman was related to Bailey, she could have guessed. Though older and heavier, Agatha Fowler had the same brown eyes as her daughter. “Agatha Fowler?”

“Yes.” The woman wore a flowing floral patterned skirt and a white button-up silk blouse. It occurred to Elise with it being Sunday morning, the woman may be on her way to church.

“I’m Elise Sullivan, and this is my friend, Kate Burke.” Elise extended her hand and winced at the firmness of Agatha’s grip.

“What can I do for you?”

“I was hoping to talk with you about your cousin Vivian Toland.”

Elise watched as Agatha bristled and quickly pulled her hand away. “Why do you want to talk about Vivian?”

Despite her declaration to tell the truth, Elise found herself stuck for words and was grateful when Kate chimed in. “Elise adopted Ed and Vivian’s daughter Kaylee, and we –”

A severe grimace settled on Vivian’s face, and she took a step back from Kate and Elise. “You need to leave.”

Elise and Kate looked at each other, confused by the woman’s sudden hostility. “Let me explain –”

Vivian shook her head, and her eyes narrowed at Elise. “I don’t want to know anything about you or that devil.”

Elise’s confusion gave way to a brisk surge of anger. “Excuse me? What did you –”

“I won’t excuse you, and I want you to leave my property, now!” Vivian hurried past Elise and Kate and toward the back door of the house.

“Mrs. Fowler!” Kate called after the retreating woman.

Elise rushed passed Kate and seconds later had blocked Agatha’s retreat to the door. “I don’t know what you think we want, but I assure you, we just have a couple questions, and then we will leave you alone.”

Agatha’s hardened expression softened. “You don’t need me; you need a priest.”

“Why would you say that?” Elise forced her urge to defend Bailey back. Agatha was clearly unhinged, but somewhere in her muddled rantings may lay some truth about what was going on with Bailey.

“She must be fourteen now.” Agatha’s voice was laced with disdain. “So, why after all these years, are you here?”

Elise stammered. “We – I am doing some research –”

Agatha laughed. “Research? You mean she’s done something, or something has happened that you can’t explain.”

Elise wasn’t sure where the woman was going, but she decided to play along for the moment. “That’s right.”

Agatha brushed a loose strand of brown hair off her forehead. “She’s a devil.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Are you a person of faith, Ms. Sullivan?”

The question caught Elise off guard. “No.”

Agatha tilted her head back and took a deep breath. “Of course not. That makes it so much easier for her.” She leveled her gaze at Elise. “Your doubt will make her ascension possible.”

Blood rushed to Elise’s neck and face, and her mouth went dry as she squared her shoulders. “How dare –” Then Kate was there, standing between Elise and Agatha, her hand grasping Elise’s wrist.

“Mrs. Fowler, we’ve come so you can help us see the way.”

Elise nearly choked in shock at not only Kate’s controlled and soothing tone, but the casual way she incorporated Agatha’s vernacular into her own. “Will you guide us, Mrs. Fowler? Please?”

Agatha looked back and forth from Kate to Elise. It seemed like ages before she finally spoke. “Vivian was God-fearing. She had been raised with His Word, and lived her life by the Word. Then she met Ed, and he believed.” Agatha quickly interjected, “But his sister was another story.”

“How do you mean?” Elise was growing impatient.

Agatha shot Elise a sharp look. “If you want to understand, then you have to let me tell the story.”

Elise found herself nodding and was annoyed by her own acquiescence. She reminded herself this was for Bailey. “Go on.”

“I met Lori shortly before Vivian and Ed were to be married.” Agatha closed her eyes and covered her chest with her hand. “And I knew from the moment I laid eyes on her, she was in league with the Devil.” She shook her head back and forth, muttering words neither Elise nor Kate could make out.

“Ed couldn’t find work; so, he moved them to Charleston. They came back a year later with that devil. I told Vivian that Ed’s seed was tainted, but she didn’t listen to me.” Agatha opened her eyes. “She begot a devil.”

“Okay, that’s enough,” Elise chimed in. “Mrs. Fowler, my daughter is fourteen years old. She’s been having some issues of a medical nature, and I just need to know if anyone in Ed or Vivian’s families ever suffered from mental health issues.” She paused and looked Agatha up and down. “Clearly at least one family member’s grasp on reality is tenuous.”

“Elise,” Kate whispered.

Elise pulled her hand free of Kate’s. “I’m sorry, Kate, but I’m not going to stand here and listen to a bunch of superstitious nonsense.” She turned her attention back to Agatha. “Besides yourself, Mrs. Fowler, do any other family members suffer from mental illness or seizures?”

“It’s easy, isn’t it?” Agatha’s voice was calm, her stare icy. “For you to seek refuge in your science? But mark my words, that child is evil.” She took a step back from Kate and Elise. “Lori communed with the familiar spirits and was rewarded with control of the very fires of Hell. Kaylee controlled the plagues themselves and brought sickness wherever she went.”

Agatha raised her hands, palms up toward the sky. “A woman that is a medium or that is a necromancer, shall surely be put to death. They shall stone them with stones. Their blood is on them.”

Elise pushed past Kate and stood face-to-face with Agatha. “Are you condoning the murder of a child by stoning?”

Agatha lowered her hands, her eyes wide as she looked at Elise. “Whatever you imagine she is, you must know she is no child.” Her eyes moved quickly back-and-forth over Elise’s face. “You’ve seen it, haven’t you? You’ve felt the sickness that pushes out of her and into this world.” A look of pity found Agatha’s face. “And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.”

“Alright, then.” Kate wrapped her arm around Elise’s waist and gently pulled her toward the car. “Elise, let’s go.”

Agatha turned toward the two women as they left. “You have to destroy her. I should have taken her in then and ended her, but I was weak!” Agatha’s eyes were wide as she pointed and gestured toward Kate and Elise. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone – which is the second death!”

Kate had to practically shove an incensed Elise into the SUV’s passenger seat and then quickly shut the door. Moments later, they pulled onto the two lane road leading away from the Fowlers’ house. The low hum of the SUV’s engine was the only sound in the cabin for the first ten minutes of the drive back toward Accident.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped back there,” Kate tentatively offered.

Elise sat with her elbow resting on the door, her gaze fixed as the scenery rolled past in a blur. “It’s fine.” She sat up straight and laid her head back against the seat. “I’ve never wanted to hit someone before.” She shuddered. “That woman is awful.”

“She is,” Kate agreed.

“I don’t know what to do at this point.” Elise rolled her head to the side so she was looking at Kate. “She clearly isn’t going to be any help, and I wouldn’t know where to start with Lori. I suppose I could see if there’s a Lori Toland and maybe get lucky that she didn’t marry.”

Kate nodded. “That’s a start.”

“I get the impression you have more to say.”

“I do, but I would prefer to think about how to say it before I start the conversation.”

“Fair enough.” Elise pulled her phone out of her purse. “There’s no Laurie Toland.”

“How did you spell it?”

“L-A-U-R-I-E.” Elise tossed her phone into the center console.

“Try L-O-R-I,” Kate suggested. “I had a client that spelled her name like that.”

Elise picked her phone back up and entered the information. “God.”

“What is it?”

Elise felt nauseous. “She killed herself.”

“Are you sure it’s her?”

“Lori Ann Toland of Friendsville, Maryland, was found in her home on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Ms. Toland was predeceased by her brother, Edward Toland of Accident, Maryland.” Elise continued to scan the obituary, mumbling the words as she went. “Funeral to be held… no additional family.”

Elise put the phone down. “This is getting more and more –”

“Twisted?” Kate offered.

“I was going to use a few choice expletives, but we can go with twisted.” Elise rubbed her hands over her face. “So what do we know? Bailey’s parents were murdered, her cousin is a religious zealot who thinks Bailey and her aunt are demons or witches, and her aunt killed herself.”

“Why do you think Agatha thought that about Lori?” Kate asked. “By her own admission, she didn’t even meet Lori until shortly before Ed and Vivian were married, but she seemed to immediately be suspicious of Lori.”

“Are you suggesting Lori demonstrated some sort of behavior that made Agatha think she was a devil?” Elise tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice but knew she had failed when Kate gave her a disapproving sideways glance.

“I’m suggesting that it’s not impossible that Lori suffered from some disorder that Agatha, through the lens of religion, interpreted to be evil.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be the first time. Look at the witch hunts in the U.S.,” Elise contemplated. “In retrospect, it’s clear most of the accused suffered from mental disorders ranging from schizophrenia to borderline personality disorders. Or, they just didn’t adhere to the rigors of the Puritan lifestyle and were killed for it.”

Elise clenched her jaw as the events of the past week whirled through her mind. “The problem is, I know what I saw that night with Bailey. It wasn’t a seizure; it wasn’t a psychotic break; it was…” She frowned. “I don’t know what it was.”

“But now you know there is a family history of something,” Kate attempted to reassure Elise.

“That hardly helps Bailey,” Elise countered. “Short of getting to an attorney and trying to get access to Lori Toland’s medical records and the M.E.’s report, all I really know is Ed and Vivian Toland were murdered, Agatha Fowler didn’t like Lori, and Lori killed herself. One of those things may have nothing to do with the others, or everything could be connected.”

“Then get the records,” Kate asserted. “Find out for certain what was going on with Lori and what the M.E. found.”

Elise appreciated Kate’s encouragement and smiled warmly at her. “I’ll contact my estate attorney when we get back to Baltimore, and see if he can recommend someone.”

Kate nodded enthusiastically. “And you know anything I can do to help, just ask.”

Elise affectionately patted Kate on the knee and then turned back toward the window. She needed to think through her next steps and what the outcomes could mean for Bailey. Not knowing where she was going was foreign to Elise. Her life had always been deliberate, each moment managed towards the larger plan. Now, she had arrived at a place where certainty was elusive and answers vague. Elise glanced over at Kate, grateful to be in this uncharted space with her. She was struck not by how much she cared for Kate, but by how much she trusted her.

***

“I thought this was an easy, drink friendly game.” Elise took a drink of red wine from a plastic cup as Kate and she sat on the floor around the small coffee table in Kate’s cabin.

“It is easy.” Kate handed Elise the dice cup, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You’re playing the game right; you’re just losing.”

“Wow.” Elise shook her head as she rolled the dice. “Ha, five!” Elise practically clapped as she moved one of her pieces onto the board.

“Only two more pieces to go, and then just sixty-eight spaces around the board.” Kate took a drink of her wine.

“Thanks for the update.” Elise feigned offense, but secretly she couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun and felt that relaxed. Given the recent discoveries, Elise knew it was no small feat, and in no small part due to Kate. “Who taught you to play Parcheesi? Because, they were cutthroat.”

“My grandmother.”

“Kathryn?” Elise offered.

Kate looked up at Elise, her eyes sparkling. “Good memory.”

“I listen.” Elise grinned. “She being your namesake and all.”

Kate’s hand shook slightly as she rolled the dice. “You do listen.”

“You mentioned brothers, too. Three?” Elise frowned as Kate captured one of her pieces and moved it back to the beginning.

“I’m the second oldest. Robert is the oldest, me, Heath, then Peter.” Kate poured them both more wine.

“Where did you grow-up?” Elise reminded herself this wasn’t a date.

“Arbutus. Not too far from Baltimore City. My brother, Peter, lives in our parents’ house with his wife and two daughters.”

“So, Heath and Robert are the two brothers that live in Chicago?”

Kate looked up at Elise, the corner of her mouth turned up slightly. “That’s right.”

“What do your brothers do for a living?”

Kate leaned back, resting against the front of the loveseat. “Robert is a doctor, actually. Cardiology. Heath manages a non-profit alliance that helps find homeless women jobs and places to live, and Peter is a stay-at-home dad.”

“And they all have children?”

Kate nodded. “They do. I’m a very proud aunt.” She looked out of the top of her eyes at Elise. “Go ahead and ask.”

Elise’s eyes widened. “What?”

Kate smirked. “Ask me if I’ve ever thought about having children, if not, why. Would I ever have children, and so on.”

Elise shook her head. “You’ve never mentioned children; so, I assume you don’t have any. The reason is none of my never mind.”

“Well, thank you for that.” Kate beamed. “Before my mother died, I swear we had the when are you having kids talk weekly. I could practically set my watch by it.”

“I understand. My mother was relentless, and having met her, you can imagine what that might have entailed.” Elise rolled the dice and frowned when she failed to get her piece onto the board. “I told her I was going to adopt, and I swear the next morning she was on my doorstep with a list of websites and resources for single women adoption services.”

“How long did it take you to find Bailey?”

“That’s just it. It was less than six months, but to hear my mother talk, it took years off her life waiting to be a grandmother.”

“In Joan’s defense, you were her only shot. My mother already had three grandchildren when she started the weekly recitations.”

“She was ambitious, like her daughter.” Elise winked at Kate. Are you flirting? Christ, you don’t want her to think you’re flirting. Unless she wants you to flirt. Wait, strike that.

Kate’s blue eyes softened as she reached for Elise’s hand. Elise managed to control her breathing as Kate slid over, closing the space between them. The shudder of want Elise had felt in her heart a few days ago was now a tug, and it pulled her toward Kate.

Elise’s hand trembled in Kate’s, and she turned her palm upward, entwining their fingers. Something shifted between them, and Elise felt it as heat blooming from her center and pushing outward. Kate leaned over and gently kissed Elise on the temple, her lips lingering as Elise was enveloped by the warmth of Kate’s lips and the scent of jasmine.

Elise reached up and cradled the side of Kate’s cheek with her hand. She buried her face in the hollow of Kate’s neck and inhaled deeply. It wasn’t enough. Elise’s lips traced the outline of Kate’s jaw, coming to rest near the corner of her lips.

The first press of Kate’s lips to Elise’s was tentative, and Elise struggled to process the feelings coursing through her as a quiet whimper escaped Kate. As gentle as the kiss was, it forced a surge of electricity through Elise, and she pulled Kate closer.

At the first touch of Kate’s tongue to the part in Elise’s lips, all pretense of restraint fled. Months of longing overcame her, and the need to be close to Kate grew with increasing urgency as she pulled the blonde closer. Kate’s fingers twisted in Elise’s hair as her tongue eagerly explored her mouth.

“Kate.” The word was whispered as Elise’s mouth found the heated skin of Kate’s neck. Taking the supple skin between her lips, Elise gently sucked, eliciting a moan from Kate. Turning, Kate laid her forehead on Elise’s shoulder, her hand resting on the back of Elise’s neck.

“What is it?” Elise leaned back, her eyes finding Kate’s.

“I –” Kate’s gaze wandered to Elise’s lips and then slowly back to her eyes. She pressed her forehead to Elise’s. “We need to talk about this.”

The elation that had found Elise moments before rapidly retreated. She grasped Kate’s hand between her own. “I know.”

Kate rested her free hand on the side of Elise’s neck, her lips still inches from Elise’s. “How long?”

“A while.” Elise looked down, suddenly embarrassed that she hadn’t had the courage to speak up before. “You?”

Kate brushed a loose strand of hair from Elise’s forehead. “Since the third or fourth session. I fought with myself whether to even continue.”

At Kate’s touch, Elise squelched a shiver that threatened to overtake her. “Why did you?”

Kate looked intently at Elise, as if the answer to her question was obvious. “Bailey. I care about her a great deal. Which made my feelings for you even more difficult to manage.”

Looking down at the floor, Elise ran her hands along Kate’s forearms, the warmth of her skin and the nearness of her giving Elise courage. “In the beginning, for a long time actually, I hoped the feelings would just stop.” She looked up at Kate. “I don’t want that anymore.”

Kate cupped the side of Elise’s face, tears pooling in her blue eyes. “I want you.”

Elise pressed her lips to Kate’s. She had imagined this, yearned for it, and still the reality paled. Her heart raced as she pulled Kate closer, and it was only when she began to grow lightheaded that Elise realized she had forgotten to breath.

Opening her eyes, Elise could see a sadness had found Kate’s. “I want you, too.” Elise attempted to reassure the beautiful woman in front of her.

A faint smile flashed across Kate’s lips and then vanished. “Even though I’m not seeing Bailey anymore professionally, it would be uncomfortable for her if we were together.”

Kate’s breath was warm against Elise’s face and was peppered with hints of the red wine they had been drinking. It had come to this, Elise thought. The moment where all was revealed and nothing won. The space where the truth did not set them free and their affections for one another would not conquer all. Kate had paused their forward progression, and Elise ached with the realization that her hesitancy was warranted.

Elise had forgotten herself. Somewhere between the fears she harbored for Bailey, the dread of what the truth might mean for her daughter’s future, and the hopes she maintained for a chance with Kate, she had misplaced her purpose.

Now, sitting in Kate’s arms, Elise was once again reminded that loving a child was almost entirely about seemingly insignificant gestures and sacrifices that can mean the world to that child. The exception was this altogether meaningful moment. As she leaned away from Kate and pushed herself up onto the couch, Elise’s chest felt so tight that she had trouble breathing.

“We should be friends.” Elise managed the empty words in spite of the shortness of breath she was experiencing.

Kate sat down on the sofa next to Elise and placed her hand on Elise’s knee, her expression difficult for the despondent woman to read. “That doesn’t feel honest.”

A surge of irritation swept through Elise. It wasn’t honest, but none of this seemed suited for such ideals. She couldn’t change how she felt about Kate, but she could manage her behavior around those feelings. What more could be asked of her?

“Why did you kiss me?” Elise was surprised by her accusatory tone.

Kate stayed still, her hand resting on Elise’s knee. “I wanted to.”

The answer felt empty to Elise. “That’s all?”

Kate’s gaze faltered as she slid her hand off Elise’s knee. “What I was thinking lacks – integrity.”

Elise’s frustration was reined in by Kate’s self-deprecating disclosure. Even as they muddled their way through what could only be described as an awkward and disappointing conversation, Kate was honest, even if it meant admitting her own inadequacies.

Kate cleared her throat as tears filled her eyes. “I couldn’t keep quiet about it anymore.” She covered her mouth with her hand and coughed. “Not saying anything was the worst pain, and I felt like every second I was with you was a lie.” She wiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks. “So, I kissed you. I kissed you because I wanted – no, I needed to. And it’s not noble, or right, but it was –” Kate grabbed for Elise’s hand and clutched it tightly between her own. “It was the most honest thing I’ve ever done.”

The drumming of blood in Elise’s ears was the only sound that followed Kate’s admission. Her mind was stuck on a single thought, and that was how much she wanted to reach over and kiss Kate. Elise felt shallow for not being able to push past that basic physical need and offer a solution to their dilemma.

Kate got up, and as if in a trance, Elise watched as she went into the bathroom. A moment later, she returned with several tissues and blew her nose. She handed Elise a tissue, and it was the first time she realized she had been crying along with Kate.

“What should we do?” Elise asked as she wiped at her nose.

“We should focus on resolving the issues that Bailey is facing and making sure she is safe and taken care of.” Kate spoke so emphatically and tenderly about Bailey, Elise wondered if a stranger might think Kate were her mother too.

Though the path they needed to take was riddled with emotional peril, Elise knew putting her own wishes aside for the time being was the right way to move forward. Though, a small voice in the back of her mind, one far less selfless, whispered only for the time being.

Chapter 18

It was just before dark when Kate and Elise parked in front of Joan’s row house. The drive back had consisted of conversation around Elise’s next steps with Bailey and what they thought the chances were of her attorney being able to get copies of the Tolands’ autopsy records and Lori Toland’s health history. They had conspicuously not discussed the night before.

“Aren’t you coming in?” Elise asked as she watched Kate retrieve her bag from the SUV’s cargo area and then pull her car keys from her purse.

“It’s getting late, and I have a seven AM appointment in the morning.”

“It’s six-thirty, and I’ll never hear the end of it if you don’t at least say hi and bye to my mother.” Elise hoped she had managed to sound less desperate than she felt. The truth was, she was loath to see her time with Kate come to an end. Their decision to not pursue a romantic relationship had not diminished her feelings for the woman, or her desire to be near her.

“Well, we wouldn’t want to upset Joan.” Kate frowned as she walked along behind Elise. “But just a quick hello, and then I really do have to go.”

The slight hint of desperation in Kate’s voice wasn’t lost on Elise. “You know, Kate, never mind. I know it’s been a long weekend, and if you need to go… go.”

Kate looked up at Elise. “That’s not what I meant.”

“It’s what it sounded like.” Elise knew herself well enough to know she was intentionally picking a fight with Kate so their parting would be less difficult for her. It was childish, and she hated herself for it.

Kate wrapped her fingers around Elise’s wrist. “What’s wrong?”

Elise looked down at where Kate’s touch triggered goosebumps up and down her forearm. She felt her face heat with embarrassment at her behavior. Kate put her bag down, and her other hand touched Elise, and before she realized what was happening, Kate’s hand came to rest in the dip of Elise’s waist.

The front door opened, and Joan stood behind the glass storm door in a pair of jeans and a Baltimore Ravens t-shirt. “I thought I heard you two out here.” Her eyes went from Elise down to where Kate’s hand still rested on her waist.

“Joan, it’s nice to see you.” Kate forced a smile as she grabbed her bag and hurried past a still shaken Elise. “I can’t stay long; I just wanted to say hello.”

Joan held the door open for the two women. “We’ve just finished dinner, but I have leftovers you can take. Fried chicken.”

Kate shook her head. “Oh, please don’t put yourself out.”

Joan walked toward the kitchen. “No trouble. It’s already sorted.” She emerged with a plastic container and handed it to Kate. “You can give that back to Elise when you’re done.” Joan looked at her still silent daughter. “Bailey’s upstairs.” She cocked her head to the side. “Elise?”

“What?” Elise’s mind had been tumbling forward, trying to catch up to the present.

“Do you want to fetch your daughter, or are you going to stay awhile?”

Kate tucked the plastic container under her arm. “I have to go. Joan, thank you for the food.”

“My pleasure.” Joan leaned in and gave the doctor a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for taking care of this one.” She gestured toward Elise.

Kate looked at Elise, her eyes softening as she considered the unusually quiet woman. “It was my pleasure.”

Kate slid past Elise. “I’ll talk to you later?”

Elise nodded. “I’ll call you.”

Kate took a short breath. “Right. Bye.” With that, she walked down the stoop and disappeared around the block.

Elise forced air back into her lungs and fought back the urge to cry. “We’re going to head out too, Mom.” Elise picked up her purse and, directing her attention upstairs, called for Bailey to come down.

“Hold up there, daughter of mine.” Joan had a devious gleam in her eye. “What was that all about?”

Elise had hoped the awkwardness between Kate and her would go unnoticed, or maybe her mother would give her a small break and let it go. Clearly, she was delusional on both counts. “I don’t know what you mean.” When all else failed, Elise could feign ignorance.

Joan pulled the strap to Elise’s purse off her shoulder and placed the bag back on the table in the entryway. “No dice. Kate and you have been thick as thieves since you met, and suddenly you’re tongue tied and downright bashful with each other?”

“I wouldn’t say tongue tied, but –”

“Elise, honey, the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.” Joan’s tone softened, and she took her daughter’s hand. “What happened? I thought the two of you were getting on?”

Elise had never been very good at keeping things from her mother. A fact that had complicated her life. When her high school friends had lied to their mothers about who they were dating, or how much pot they were smoking, Elise had always, as if against her own will, confessed to her mother. This had not lent itself to an easy adolescence as there was something to be said for a sensible social lie.

“We’re getting along fine.” Elise tried for a casual tone. “She’s not seeing Bailey anymore; so, I can’t imagine that we’ll continue to see much of each other from this point on. She has a very busy schedule, and once term starts back up, I won’t have the time I did over the summer. Not to mention that outside of Bailey’s therapy, what do we really have in common?”

Joan placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “Oh, sweetie, you really like her.”

Elise rolled her eyes. “Mother, you don’t listen.” She picked her purse up. “Bailey, let’s go!”

Joan stepped between Elise and the front door. “I heard you loud and clear.”

“Then why would you –”

Joan glanced upstairs and, not seeing Bailey, softened her voice. “Do you remember how I found out you’re a lesbian?”

Elise’s shoulders tensed as the memory came rushing back. “How could I forget?”

“You were very close to Christy Hale. You two were practically inseparable your junior year, and then nothing.” Joan frowned. “You didn’t talk about her at all, and when I finally asked what had happened, you spent five minutes reassuring me just how little she had meant to you in the first place. I knew that second how very much she did mean to you.”

“What’s your point?” Elise was growing impatient with her mother and wondering where the hell Bailey was.

“My point is, you try to understate your feelings for people.” Joan wrapped her arm around Elise’s still tense shoulders. “You don’t have to apologize, or pretend to be indifferent to someone just because it doesn’t work out. Your feelings matter, regardless of the outcome.” She leaned over and kissed Elise on the cheek. “And you clearly have, or had, feelings for Kate. That was evident from the way the two of you looked at each other.”

“It doesn’t matter now.” The tears came despite Elise’s efforts to squelch them.

Joan pulled Elise firmly to her. “It absolutely matters.” She looked up at her daughter. “What did you find out in Accident?”

Jolted from her misery over Kate and hers situation, Elise sniffled and lowered her voice to barely a whisper. “Bailey’s biological parents were murdered.”

Joan covered her mouth as a quiet gasp escaped. “That’s horrible.”

Elise nodded, her voice even lower as she relayed the rest of the story. “She has a cousin that I’m pretty sure is mentally unstable and an aunt that evidently killed herself.”

“Christ,” Joan whispered. “Is any of that why Bailey is having these spells?”

Elise shrugged. “I can’t be certain, but I am going to reach out to Mark Henley and see if he can get me records. At least the aunt’s health history.”

Before Joan could respond, Bailey came bounding down the stairs. “I’m here!” The girl exclaimed as she threw her arms around Elise.

Taking a step back from the impact of having Bailey fling herself at her, Elise chuckled. “I missed you, too.” She kissed the girl on the forehead.

Bailey looked at her grandmother. “Did you tell her about Leah?”

Elise’s brow arched. “Bookstore Leah?”

Joan nodded. “Right, I nearly forgot. When we went to brunch the other day, we popped by the bookstore after, and Leah invited all of us to dinner with Ryan and her this Wednesday.”

“That was nice of her.”

“I told her I would check with you first.”

“That sounds like fun.” Elise pulled Bailey to her. “It can be your last weeknight hurrah before school starts.”

Bailey crinkled her nose. “Don’t remind me.”

Elise looked at her mother. “Would you mind confirming with Leah and sending me the information?’

Joan nodded. “Of course.” She smiled at Bailey. “It was nice to have you for the whole weekend.”

Bailey smirked. “Once I explained how the app store worked on your phone, we made real progress.”

Joan playfully nudged her granddaughter. “I still think the board game version of Scrabble is more civilized.”

“Not the way you play it,” Elise chimed in. “Bailey, did she try to tell you she could use hyphenated words without their hyphens?”

Bailey stood up straighter and looked suspiciously at her grandmother. “Yes!”

Elise tisked. “You have to read the instructions with her, and not the ones she gives you. Look them up online.”

“Grandma, you cheated?”

Joan shrugged. “No, I adhered to slightly outdated rules.”

“Cut it, Mom,” Elise teased. “You have never been able to use hyphenated words in Scrabble.”

Joan attempted to look consolatory. “My mistake.”

Elise gave her mother a hug and opened the front door. “And on that note, we’re off.”

Bailey kissed her grandmother on the cheek, retrieved her bag from the entryway floor, and practically bounded down the front steps. “You’re in a good mood.” Elise smiled as the two got in the SUV.

“I slept really well over the weekend.” Bailey buckled her seatbelt as she spoke. “Hey, where’s Doctor Burke?”

Elise swallowed the lump in her throat that the mere mention of Kate triggered. “She has an early morning and needed to get going.”

“She should come with us to Leah and Ryan’s.”

“Bailey, you can’t invite someone along to another person’s get-together,” Elise corrected.

“Why not?”

“Because it’s rude.”

“They’ve met, right?” Bailey persisted.

“Briefly at the fundraiser.” Elise wasn’t sure why Bailey had decided to harp on this.

“So, ask Leah if Kate can come along,” Bailey said matter-of-factly.

“Again, you don’t invite someone along to another person’s get together, and you don’t put them in a position to have to tell you no.”

Bailey pursed her lips. “Is this like me asking if Kim can stay over in front of Kim?”

Elise nodded, relieved her daughter seemed to be getting her point. “Exactly. It’s awkward.”

“There are so many rules.” Bailey sighed.

Elise couldn’t help but smile at both the accuracy and simplicity of Bailey’s comment. “There really are.” She thought about the rules Kate and she had decided to conduct themselves and their relationship by. She wondered if it was rules, and perhaps an abhorrence for them, along with mental illness, that had pushed Lori Toland to kill herself.

“How was the conference?” Bailey’s tone was surprisingly intense, and Elise glanced over to see if she was angry.

Elise was surprised by the question, having reassured herself and Kate that Bailey wouldn’t show any interest in the event. “It was fine.”

“What did you learn about?”

Elise was taken aback by the shift in her daughter’s tone. She had gone from casual and inquisitive to accusatory and assertive. Kate, Joan, and Elise had debated the merits of telling Bailey the truth about the trip. Though none of them liked the idea of lying to Bailey, the truth seemed too confusing and uncertain.

“Doctor Burke attended a different conference, so I can’t speak to her experience. I attended several seminars on gastrointestinal track pathology.” Elise turned onto their street as she spoke. She parked the car and looked directly at Bailey. “Why are you so interested?”

Bailey unhooked her seatbelt and flung the passenger door open. “You mentioned suicide, so I just wondered what sort of conference it was.”

Before Elise could correct Bailey and tell her she had not mentioned suicide, the girl grabbed her bag and bolted from the SUV. Elise sat stunned and staring straight ahead. She was certain the word suicide had never left her mouth and doubted Bailey could have heard Elise’s brief exchange with her mother about Lori Toland.

Elise got out of the SUV. Bailey had been fine at her mother’s house and for most of the ride home. Stopping in front of their house, a cold chill ran up Elise’s back. It was like the people around her were having a conversation, but their lips weren’t moving. Kate’s words bounced around Elise’s mind as they tried to take hold.

Looking up at the house, Elise could see through the glass storm door, and Bailey was walking back-and-forth between the kitchen and living room. Elise’s knees gave way, and she found herself sitting hard on the middle step of the stoop.

You just talk about her a lot… If I told someone how good they smell and how soft their hand is on mine, you would think I was dating them.

Elise gasped as she remembered Bailey’s assertions. Her stomach cramped, and bile rose to the back of her throat. The memory of that day she was called to Bailey’s school rushed back. Noah Carter called Kim a slut and said terrible things about her. I told him to shut up, and he said he hadn’t said anything.

There raged within Elise a battle between her understanding of the world and the human body and what her mind had just connected. She told herself it wasn’t possible, and yet it seemed the only plausible explanation.

Wiping at her tear lined cheeks, Elise took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself. Among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. She recited the basic tenant of Ockham’s Law. The simplest of competing theories is preferred to the more complex.

Elise thought about Lori Toland. Had she heard voices, too? Had she failed to control the disembodied words that pushed their way into her mind, ultimately losing herself?

Elise was certain she had not said anything to Bailey about her feelings for Kate. She was also certain she had thought about the softness of Kate’s hands and how good she smelled countless times. She had thought about Lori Toland’s suicide while they drove home and had lowered her voice enough when mentioning it to her mother to be certain Bailey could not have overheard her.

Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth. Elise had read Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Sign of the Four in her teens, and the statement asserted by Doyle’s hero, Sherlock Holmes, rang as true now to Elise as it had then.

Was Bailey able, either consciously or unconsciously, to hear the thoughts of the people around her? The idea alone made Elise uncomfortable. Telepathy had been disproven countless times, and there had never been replicable evidence that it existed.

Craning her head around, Elise could see the top of Bailey’s head over the back of the sofa. Pushing herself up, Elise steeled herself for what she needed to do.

Closing the front door, Elise put her purse and bag down. She casually walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table so she was facing Bailey. The girl was focused on her phone and didn’t so much as look up at Elise.

Elise gripped the edge of the table and, in the loudest internal voice she could imagine screamed, Bailey! The girl didn’t move. Elise closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. Bailey, goddamnit answer me!

Bailey tilted her head back. “What?! Why are you yelling and swearing at me?!”

A sharp breath escaped Elise, and she nearly choked as her lungs refused to inhale. “I – never mind.” Elise managed to get to her feet. “I’m tired and need to lay down. If you need anything, I’ll be upstairs.”

Bailey waved her hand. “Got it.”

Elise stumbled up the stairs and collapsed on her bed. Regardless of what her little experiment downstairs had demonstrated, Elise’s reasonable mind was still unwilling to accept what it had seen. There are no doubt countless other explanations. Elise sat up, and grabbing several tissues from the box on her nightstand, she tried desperately to imagine what those explanations could be.

She thought it could be a coincidence, but then why was Bailey able to point out the fact Elise had sworn at her? Maybe she’s inordinately intuitive? Elise shook her head, knowing intuitive didn’t explain Bailey’s nearly spot on account of what Elise had been thinking about Kate.

What about the fire and the frozen pipes? Elise felt nauseous. What if all of this ties together?

Elise scooted to the edge of her bed, her legs dangling over the side. She knew she should talk to Bailey about her suspicions, but she was fairly certain her daughter wasn’t fully aware of what was happening, either.

Running her hands over her face, Elise took several deep breaths. Should she continue with Doctor Page? Elise was fearful if Bailey was telepathic, and it was proven, she could face horrific biases. Again Elise’s mind went to Lori Toland, and a new wave of nausea washed over her when she thought of Bailey meeting her aunt’s fate.

Despite that single fear echoing in her mind, a quiet calm found Elise. This realization, this reality that had crashed into her and left her breathless, was a weight she was prepared to bear. It was a weight she must bear. After all, there were many predators, horrors, and struggles in the world. Elise would be as strong as she needed to be, and above all else, she would protect her daughter.

Chapter 19

Elise looked nervously at her watch as she sat in Kate’s waiting room. It was a little before eight in the morning, and though she knew Kate had an early appointment, she hoped to talk to her for a few minutes.

“Can I get you some coffee, Doctor Sullivan?” Eugene smiled at Elise from behind the reception desk.

“No, thank you, Eugene.” Elise managed a warm smile, despite being on edge.

A woman in her late thirties and a boy who wasn’t any older than ten came out of the door that lead to Kate’s office. The woman shut the door, offered Elise a quick smile, and then she and the boy left. Elise’s nerves were getting the better of her, and she wondered if it was the best idea to talk to Kate about her suspicions.

The hallway door opened again, and Kate stepped into the waiting room. She looked beautiful. She was dressed in a gray knee length pencil skirt, a dark teal silk button-up blouse, and her blonde hair was pulled up in a loose bun. Elise momentarily forgot why she was there and wished she had worn something other than faded jeans and a cream colored henley blouse.

“Elise?” Kate’s brow furrowed. “Is everything alright? Eugene said you needed to see me.”

Blinking several times, Elise stood. “I’m sorry to pop in, but can you spare ten minutes?”

“Eugene said I can spare fifteen,” Kate assured as she took Elise’s hand, walked her down the hall, and into her office. “Would you like some coffee?”

Elise shook her head as she sat down on the sofa. “No, I’m fine.”

Kate left her coffee cup sitting on her desk and sat down on the sofa next to Elise. It wasn’t lost on Elise that this was the first time Kate had chosen to sit next to her as opposed to in the chair across the way.

“What’s happening?” Kate frowned. “Is Bailey okay?”

Elise nodded and then thought better of it and shook her head. “She’s actually why I came to see you. I need your advice.”

Kate placed her hand on Elise’s knee. “How can I help?”

You can start by not distracting me, Elise thought, but continued despite the warmth that was spreading from Kate’s hand up her leg. “I’m going to tell you some things, and I want you to keep an open mind.”

The corners of Kate’s mouth turned down slightly. “I’ll do my best.”

Elise took a deep breath and proceeded to tell Kate what had happened the day before. “Then I started thinking about other times that Bailey has insisted I said something I know I didn’t.” She paused and thought it was now or never. “At least nothing I said out loud.”

Kate tilted her head to the side. “I’m not following.”

Elise shifted so she was sitting sideways on the sofa, facing Kate. “There have been at least two occasions when she is very insistent that I have been talking about you.”

“Talking about me how?”

Elise pushed past her own embarrassment for the sake of her daughter. “She insisted that I had told you how –” Jesus, why is this so hard? “That I had told you how good you smell and how soft your hands are on mine.”

A slight blush found Kate’s cheeks, but then something akin to recognition crossed her face. “But you’ve never said that to me.”

Elise nodded. “But I’ve thought those two specific things multiple times.”

“Well, I’m sure she sensed our attraction to each other, and assumed –”

“I don’t think so,” Elise interrupted. “She said it exactly how I thought it. I didn’t think, Kate’s hand is soft, or Kate’s hand feels nice. I thought how soft your hand is on mine.” Elise hurried on, worried she was going to lose her nerve. “She swore that fight happened at school because a boy was speaking badly about her friend Kim, but the boy insisted he hadn’t said anything. Then there was the comment about suicide yesterday, and I know –” Elise clutched Kate’s hand. “I know I didn’t say anything to her, or within earshot, about her aunt killing herself. I thought about it as we drove home.”

Elise was slightly breathless as she waited for Kate to respond. Part of her wouldn’t blame the doctor if she referred Elise to her own psychiatrist and encouraged her to get on medication ASAP.

Kate rubbed her forehead with the palm of her hand, her eyes averted to the floor. The silence seemed to stretch on indefinitely until Elise couldn’t stand it any longer. “Please say something.”

Kate looked up at Elise. “I’m going to say back to you what I think you’ve said to me, okay?” Elise nodded. “You think Bailey’s voices are actually the thoughts of the people around her?”

Elise was impressed with how succinctly Kate stated what was a very convoluted situation. “Yes.”

Kate stood up and began pacing. She chewed nervously on her right thumb nail as she walked back and forth.

“You think I’m insane, or worse, a mother in denial?” Elise choked out the words. She had half-hoped Kate would be on her side.

Kate opened her mouth to speak and was interrupted by Eugene’s voice emitting from the desk phone. “Doctor Burke, your eight-fifteen is here.”

Kate leaned over the desk and pressed a button on the side of the phone. “Thank you, Eugene. Please, let them know I’m running about ten minutes behind.” She tapped another button, and an automated voice chimed “Phone muted.”

“Kate, there’s something else.” Elise shifted to the edge of the sofa. “I didn’t believe it, either, not even with the examples I gave you.” Resting her elbows on her knees, Elise continued, “Yesterday, I walked into the house. Bailey was sitting on the sofa with her back to me. I sat down at the kitchen table, and as loudly as I could imagine my voice, I shouted and swore at her in my head.”

Kate leaned against her desk. “What happened?”

“She turned around and asked why I was yelling and swearing at her.” Elise watched closely for Kate’s reaction.

Kate exhaled as if she had been holding her breath. “You buried your lead, Elise.”

“What?”

Kate pushed off the desk and sat down on the sofa next to Elise. “You should have started with that, because that’s amazing.”

“You’re not going to say if that’s what happened, or try to rationalize it?” Elise was hanging on by a thread and was surprised how much Kate’s acceptance of the situation mattered to her.

“I trust you. I know you’re not prone to flights of fancy.” Kate cringed. “And this isn’t any better a diagnosis than possible schizophrenia; so, what would be the point of deluding yourself?”

Elise breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, I think.”

“I know you want my advice, but truthfully, I don’t know what you should do.” Kate chewed nervously on the inside of her lower lip. “Have you said anything to Bailey?”

“No. I don’t think she realizes what’s happening.”

“You have to talk to her.” Kate looked directly at Elise. “I’ll help, if you want me to.”

Elise grabbed Kate’s hand. “Yes, please. I have no idea what to say to her.”

There was a faint knock on the door. “Let me get that.” Kate got up and opened the door.

A subdued Eugene stood on the other side of the door. “I’m sorry for the interruption, Doctor Burke, but Mrs. Lerch said to please remind you she has to be at work by nine-thirty.”

Kate glanced at the wall clock. It was eight-thirty. “I’ll be right out.” She shut the door and, with her hand resting on the knob, turned to Elise. “Why don’t we meet tonight and decide next steps?”

Elise walked toward the door, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. “We can meet for drinks at seven.”

Kate opened the door. “Perfect, just send me the where, and I’ll meet you there.”

It took a tremendous effort on Elise’s part not to pull Kate to her. Between her elation that Kate didn’t think she was crazy and her continued attraction to the doctor, Elise’s hands literally trembled as she walked past Kate.

***

“I’m sorry I’m late.” Kate hung her purse on the hook under the dark maple bar and slid onto the bar stool next to Elise. “My last appointment ran long.”

“It’s no trouble.” Elise had arrived at The Keep, a small neighborhood bar near Kate’s office, fifteen minutes early. After the stress of the past week, she had welcomed the atmosphere of the small, intimate bar and its British pub feel.

Kate looked at Elise’s glass. “What’s that?”

“Rye Old Fashioned.” Elise took a drink. “And for full disclosure, it’s my second.”

Kate winced. “I was late.”

Elise shrugged. “I was early.”

“May I?” Kate reached for Elise’s glass.

“Of course.” Elise slid the glass toward Kate. “Have you never had an Old Fashioned?”

Kate took a sip. “I lean more towards gin, but this is good. Orange and a bit bitter.” She signaled to the bartender to bring her one. She placed a reassuring hand on Elise’s back. “I’ve only ever seen you drink wine and beer. Though, given recent developments, I’m surprised you’re not mainlining hundred proof grain alcohol.”

Elise glanced at her watch. “It’s only seven-thirty. The night’s young.”

“What’s Bailey up to this evening?” Kate asked.

“She and Kim are going school clothes shopping tomorrow, and she’s staying the night at Kim’s.” Elise huffed.

Kate’s brow furrowed as she considered Elise. “What?”

“The two of them have done this for the past couple years, and I just think how odd that nothing has changed, and everything has changed.”

“Life happens in degrees.”

The bartender placed Kate’s drink in front of her. Elise quickly chimed in. “Put it on my tab, please.”

Kate picked up the drink. “Next round is on me, then.”

Elise smiled. “I’m glad you know there will be a next round.” She raised her glass and lightly tapped it against Kate’s. “Here’s to not drinking any more… or any less.”

Kate chuckled. “Cheers.”

The two women sat in a comfortable silence, enjoying their drinks. Elise slid her empty glass to the bar’s edge and motioned the bartender for another drink. Kate’s eyes cast downward as she swirled the rye around in the glass.

“I talked to my attorney this afternoon. He’s starting the process for requesting family records.” Elise folded the black cocktail napkin into halves and then into quarters. “Including Lori’s information.”

Kate nodded as she took a sip of her drink. Putting the glass down, she wiped the corners of her mouth with the tips of her fingers. “I’ve thought more about what we discussed this morning, and I’ve narrowed it down to two issues.”

Elise scoffed. “Only two?”

Kate shrugged. “Well, two that we can actually do anything about.”

Again, the use of we wasn’t lost on Elise, and she couldn’t help the warm reassurance it gave her as she turned to fully face Kate. “You’re up.” She offered Kate an encouraging smile.

“You have to talk to Bailey about this.” Kate took a deep breath. “At least to find out what she understands, and so she knows you support her.”

Elise took her drink from the bartender, nodding as Kate talked. “And second?”

“I don’t think she should see any more doctors.” Kate’s eyes narrowed in concentration. “One, additional testing could actually lead to the doctor identifying the telepathy, and I don’t think public scrutiny is going to do Bailey any good. Two, and this seems more likely, if the testing doesn’t lead to that, then you might have a fight on your hands about medicating or inpatient treatment.”

“They can’t force Bailey into a hospital, can they?” The idea of a decision like that being taken out of Bailey or her hands seemed vulgar.

Kate finished the last of her drink before nodding. “They can. If two physicians, or a physician and a psychologist complete the involuntary admission process, Bailey could be admitted under an observation status. For that to happen she would, among other things, have to be suffering from a mental illness, and present a threat to herself or others.”

The corners of Elise’s mouth turned down as she considered the information. “All right.”

“How are you going to broach the subject with Bailey?” Kate waved the bartender over for another round but was stopped short by Elise’s hand on hers.

“You have another, but I think I need to slow up a bit.” Elise knew her limit was rapidly approaching, and she didn’t want to lose focus on the conversation. In addition, she worried if the alcohol left her too uninhibited, she may be inclined to discuss her feelings with Kate, and, among other things, that would distract from the more pressing matter of Bailey.

“Amateur,” Kate teased with a wink.

Elise meant to smile at Kate. She meant to go along with the casual and playful tone the doctor was attempting to ease into an otherwise tense conversation. In that moment, though, Elise couldn’t manage it. The truth of what was happening burned in her chest, choking any effort at whimsy.

“You look sick. Should we get you some water?” Kate laid her hand on Elise’s.

“Then what?” Elise looked at Kate.

“Then, ah, you drink the water and hopefully not look like you want to vomit?” Kate suggested.

Realizing what she had said and how she had said it, Elise closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “No, I mean once I talk to Bailey, then what?”

Kate visibly swallowed as she shifted her hand to the side of Elise’s. “It can be difficult, but we should focus on each step and try to avoid projecting too far forward. A lot of what is decided will be based on what Bailey says and how she reacts.”

A rush of affection washed over Elise. Kate was clearly struggling to stay within the confines of her role as an advisor, and Elise’s feelings for her expanded with each passing moment.

Elise placed her hand on Kate’s cheek. Thinking better of it, she quickly withdrew it, but not before Kate instinctively tilted her head into the touch. “You’re right.” Elise shifted on the barstool, trying anxiously to put some space between Kate and her. “One thing at a time.”

Elise saw Kate glance at her watch, and it occurred to her she may be keeping her from another commitment. “Should we close out?” Elise was disappointed to see her time with Kate coming to an end, but she didn’t want the doctor to feel obligated.

“I don’t have anywhere to be.” Kate hesitated, her brow creased in concentration. “I haven’t eaten since eleven, and –”

Elise reached for her wallet. “Let’s wrap this up, then.”

“No, actually, I was wondering if you might want to get dinner?” Kate’s eyes stayed fixed on her glass as she spoke. “Or would that be too weird?”

Elise’s breath caught. It was the first time since Accident either of them had so much as alluded to what had happened between them. “N –” Elise’s voice cracked, and she quickly cleared her throat. “No. It wouldn’t be weird.”

Kate’s eyes shot up, and she considered Elise closely. “You seem nervous; so maybe we shouldn’t.”

Elise shook her head vehemently. “I’m good. It’s fine.” She caught herself, paused, and forced an even tone into her voice. “I could eat.” She smiled broadly, hoping to reassure Kate, and to some extent, herself.

Kate’s eyes narrowed. “It’s not a ringing endorsement, but I’ll take it.”

The two women paid their bills, wound their way through the bar, and out to the sidewalk. It was almost eight-thirty, and the mostly residential area was quieting down for the evening.

“There’s a small bistro around the corner. They do an American and French fusion thing,” Kate suggested.

“If it’s a thing, then I’m in.” Elise joked as Kate and she walked toward the corner.

“Well, you should be,” Kate quickly countered. “Because things are huge this season.”

“I prefer my things huge.” Elise chuckled. “So, we should go. For the sake of the huge things.”

Kate grimaced as the two women stood at the crosswalk. “Wait, what are we talking about, again?”

Elise glanced around before leaning in and whispering to Kate, “We were skittering toward what might sound to the casual listener as a euphemism for –”

Kate’s eyes grew wide, and she cupped her hand over Elise’s mouth. “Don’t say it.”

Elise turned her head so that just the corner of her mouth brushed Kate’s palm as she spoke. “What’s the problem?”

Elise hadn’t intended on standing so close to Kate. She was going to make her obvious quip and then step away. Her retreat was impeded when Kate had literally taken matters into her own hands. With the warmth of Kate’s hand pressed to her cheek and the familiar jasmine scent wafting over Elise due to their proximity, the step back was growing less and less likely.

Kate narrowed the space between them even more when she tilted her body forward, her eyes fixed on Elise’s lips. Even in the dim light of twilight, Elise could see the longing in Kate’s eyes. She realized how foolish they both had been to think their attraction for one another could be tucked away and become the emotional equivalent of out of sight, out of mind.

Then, the seemingly inevitable stopped. Kate tilted her head back and simultaneously stepped away from Elise. The air between the two women was still charged, and neither could look away from the other.

It was Kate who managed to speak first, her voice quiet and nearly drowned out by the noise of passing cars. “Please, don’t think I’m being rude or a flake, but it’s getting a bit late.”

Sensing Kate’s retreat, Elise followed suite. “Good point. We should raincheck dinner. Things will still be huge next week.”

A sad smile found Kate’s lips. “No doubt. I’ll call you tomorrow night and see how your talk with Bailey went.”

Elise was torn between wanting to end what had become an awkward moment and the overwhelming need she had to pull Kate to her. “I look forward to it. You know, hearing from you, or talking with you, I guess both, technically.”

“Goodnight.” Kate gave Elise’s hand a reassuring squeeze and then crossed the street.

Elise meant to turn around. She wanted to walk back to her car, but her feet wouldn’t move. Instead, she watched as Kate grew further and further away. Her emotions churned and stung, and though it was a warm August evening, a chill ran through her. Wrapping her arms over her chest, she began walking back to her car.

Fatigue spread over Elise like a warm blanket as she neared the SUV. She was tired of longing for the impossible with Kate, or at the very least something that was delayed and complicated. To make matters worse, Elise only had a vague idea of what she was going to say to Bailey the following night.

Starting the SUV, Elise was struck by a calming realization. She and Bailey loved each other, and they had navigated their fair share of difficult conversations over the years. Granted, Elise knew this would be the most difficult talk she ever had with her daughter. The outcome of which could set the entire tone of Bailey’s life, but Elise trusted her daughter. More importantly, she trusted the love they shared.

Chapter 20

“I knew something was going on!” Angie practically sang the words. “You two were having all kinds of eye sex at the fundraiser.”

Elise was beginning to regret calling her friend on the drive back from her almost -dinner with Kate. She walked into her living room and kicked her shoes off near the bottom of the stairs before sitting down on the sofa.

“Well, we aren’t all as subtle as you, Angie.” Elise ran her fingers through her hair and laid her head back against the sofa.

“Don’t be bitter just because you’re sexually frustrated.”

“Ha! I wish it was just sexual frustration. I have a nightstand drawer full of solutions to that problem.” Elise shifted, pulled her legs up under her, and leaned against the arm of the sofa.

“Full of solutions?” Angie teased.

Elise rolled her eyes. “Please shut up. I love you, but please, if you have any affection for me, I beg you – stop.”

Angie sighed. “Okay, okay, but you’re no fun.”

Elise pinched the bridge of her nose, not sure if her headache was rye or stress induced. “Anyway, I keep making this decision about Kate again and again, but nothing new has been presented to me. There’s no reason other than me wanting a different answer that I should keep asking the question.”

“So, you’re both concerned about dating because even though Kate isn’t seeing Bailey anymore, you worry it would be uncomfortable for her to be around Kate socially?”

“I know how it sounds,” Elise quickly countered.

Angie sighed. “Bailey’s a pretty bright and pulled together person, and I think she can handle it. I grant you, if Kate was still counseling her it would be weird and unethical.”

Elise wanted to tell Angie about what had been happening with Bailey. She wanted to tell her about the odd nighttime episodes, the voices, and the dreams, but she didn’t know where to begin. “I think it just complicates things right out of the gate.”

“If you say so.”

Elise knew she would regret it, but she pressed her friend. “What does that mean?”

“Look, Elise, I’ve known you for years, and I’ve seen you kinda-sorta date a few women, but never anything serious. You’re too busy with work, with Bailey, and I get that.” Angie’s tone was soft and reassuring. “I think you need to consider what you want for once, and not worry so much about whether you can walk it through a flowchart, or put it under a microscope and analyze it. Just go with it.”

Tears suddenly formed in Elise’s eyes, and she stifled a sniffle, not wanting Angie to know she was crying. Part of her knew her friend was right. Elise had always been overly cautious where love was concerned, and even though the issues she and Bailey faced were very real, part of her knew she was using them as an excuse to over complicate the question of Kate and her being together.

“If it’s so easy, then I should get right on that.” Elise’s attempt at a joke fell flat as her voice cracked.

“Oh, sweetie, it’s going to be okay.” Angie attempted to console her friend. “I’ll tell you what, I’ll ditch Gary tomorrow night. You and I can go out to dinner, drink way more than women our age should, and you can forget about all this nonsense.”

Elise smiled at Angie’s efforts. “I appreciate the offer, but you and I both know I would just end up being your designated driver.”

An exaggerated gasp came from the other end of the phone. “Elise, I can’t believe you think –”

“I refer you to the Beer, Bourbon, and Barbeque festival of 2017.” Elise began talking over Angie.  “Then there was the whiskey pairing at Woodberry Kitchen in the Winter of 2018, and let’s not forget the tequila incident of 2020.”

Another gasp echoed in Elise’s ear. “I never thought you of all people –” Unable to keep up the ruse, Angie began to giggle. “When you lay everything out like that, I may have a drinking problem.”

“No wonder my mother and you get on so well.”

“Clever, but seriously, you and me tomorrow night, and I swear I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“What fun would that be?” Elise chuckled. “And besides, my mother made dinner plans for Bailey, her, and I with Leah Brewer and Ryan Myers tomorrow night.”

“Boo. You can’t get out of it?”

“No, and actually I wouldn’t. Bailey took a real liking to Leah; so, I think she would be pissed if I backed out.”

“Fair enough, but we should get together before session starts.”

“I’ll text you about this weekend.”

“Perfect, and Elise,” Angie paused. “About Kate.”

“What about her?” Elise gripped the arm of the sofa, not sure she wanted to hear whatever pearl of wisdom Angie was about to bestow on her.

“You’re both decent people; so, will you promise me that you’ll at least think about taking the next step with her?”

Elise’s mouth went dry, and the tears returned. “There’s days when it’s all I can think about.”

***

“You know how I hate to be late. Especially when we’re going to someone’s house.” Elise accelerated as Bailey and she made their way toward Leah and Ryan’s house.

“At least they won’t be sitting in a restaurant waiting for us,” Bailey offered.

“Is that supposed to make the fact you were two hours late coming back from Kim’s okay?” Elise shot her daughter a glare out of the corner of her eye. “Now, we’re late, and your grandmother is having to drive herself.”

“I said I was sorry. The shopping ran long.” Bailey slouched in the passenger seat, refusing to look at Elise.

“We’ll discuss it when we get home later.” Elise had wanted to discuss a myriad of things with Bailey, but when the girl arrived home a half hour after they were scheduled to leave for the dinner, Elise had to table the conversation she had been rehearsing in her head for the better part of the afternoon.

In retrospect, Elise was grateful for the delay. Depending on how the conversation with Bailey went, they may have had cancelled the dinner. At least this way, Bailey and she could enjoy Leah and Ryan’s company before delving into a topic Elise could scarcely imagine the ramifications of.

Elise glanced over at her sullen daughter. “Let’s call it even if you can promise a text next time you’re running that late.”

Bailey looked over at her mother, her eyes scanning Elise’s face before she responded. “Deal.”

Elise smiled. “Very good. Now, let’s enjoy the evening and hope your grandmother can drive herself home.”

Bailey giggled. “You act like she drinks all the time.”

“Doesn’t she?” Elise joked.

“Never on Tuesdays.” Bailey sat up in the seat. “At least that’s what she claims.”

Elise shrugged. “There are worse sins.”

“Like what?” Bailey’s tone was suddenly serious.

Elise looked over at Bailey and then back at the road. “It was a figure of speech.”

Bailey pulled on her seatbelt before turning in her seat to face Elise. “Are all sins created equal?”

“Where did that come from?” Elise’s eyes widened, unable to mask her surprise.

“I downloaded the Koran, the Torah, and the Bible, and I –”

“Doing some light reading, Bailey?” Elise couldn’t recall ever discussing religion with her daughter. Elise knew she was familiar with the more prevalent religions, but Bailey had never broached the subject with her. She had not anticipated their first theological discussion would occur in a car while driving along a highway at seventy miles an hour.

“Never mind.” Bailey turned so she was facing the dashboard again.

Elise reached her hand over and patted Bailey’s knee. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take a tone. It just caught me off-guard.” She smiled warmly at Bailey. “So, you’ve been reading religious texts?” Bailey shrugged, and Elise could see from her stiff posture that she was feeling defensive. “And you have questions?”

Bailey hesitated and then finally nodded. “Why don’t we go to church?”

Elise stretched her neck to the side as several muscles tightened at the question. “I’ve never gone to church, and so, by default, neither have you.”

“Why haven’t you gone to church?”

“I have found no evidence –” Elise stopped herself, remembering Angie’s comment about over analyzing emotional topics. “I don’t believe in God, and I’ve never had a use for organized religion.” The frankness of her own response surprised Elise. “I can appreciate the comfort a vast majority of people find in their faith, but that’s never been something that’s worked for me.”

Bailey pursed her lips. “You’re more a numbers person?”

Elise smiled as she nodded at Bailey. “I guess you could say that.”

“So, are they?”

“Are they what?”

“Are all sins created equal?”

The GPS chimed, signaling for Elise to turn off the main road and onto a narrow blacktop that led to Oella. The historic town was a few miles outside Ellicott City. The area was heavily wooded and hilly, and Elise slowed down as she navigated along the road.

Elise leaned forward, peering through the windshield as she scanned for Leah and Ryan’s street. “I didn’t realize they lived this far out. Your grandmother is going to be so lost,” she muttered.

“Mom, you didn’t answer me.”

“Just a second, Bailey.” Spotting the turn-off, Elise steered onto a narrower road that ran along the Patapsco River. “Okay, first, I’m not a fan of the word sin as a descriptor for human behavior. It implies a transgression between a person and God, and since I don’t believe in God, the very act of sin is impossible.”

“You’re making it more complicated than it needs to be,” Bailey asserted.

Elise huffed. “I’m really not.” She glanced at her daughter. “Not everything can be condensed into a soundbite, Bailey. Not everything can be worked out in a thousand-word essay, and not every question has a yes or no answer. In fact, very few of the important ones do.”

The GPS chimed again, signaling their arrival at Leah and Ryan’s house. Turning onto the driveway, Elise admired the lush foliage and dense tree canopy that surrounded the house. Despite only being twenty minutes outside Baltimore, it felt like they were in the middle of a vast forest.

Elise breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her mother’s car sitting to the side of the driveway. “We’ll have to finish this conversation after dinner.” She pulled behind her mother’s car and put the SUV in park.

Bailey shrugged, a sure sign to Elise that she was withdrawing from the exchange. “Wha –”

“Don’t say whatever. You asked a legitimate question, and I’m happy to discuss it with you later tonight.”

The corner of Bailey’s mouth turned up slightly. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Elise reached for her purse and then opened the car door.

She reached into the backseat and grabbed the bottle of Malbec wine she had brought for Leah and Ryan.

“Why do people always bring wine to these sorts of things?” Bailey asked as she shut the car door.

Elise looked down at the bottle as she and Bailey stepped onto a small covered porch. “I honestly don’t know. It’s just something I was taught to do.” She pressed the doorbell button.

“Maybe it’s to thank them for feeding us?” Bailey suggested. “Or maybe it’s to make sure you have something you like to drink?” she teased.

Elise shook her head. “Cute.”

The door opened, and Elise and Bailey were greeted by Leah. “It’s nice to see you two.” She stepped to the side, and Elise and Bailey walked into the house.

Elise handed Leah the bottle of wine. “This is one of my favorites. I hope Ryan and you enjoy it.”

Leah held the bottle in both hands, nodding. “Great minds.” She smiled at Elise. “We have the 2017 vintage, but we haven’t tried the 2019 yet.” She closed the door. “Thank you for thinking of us.”

“You made it.” Joan emerged from what Elise assumed was the kitchen.

Elise gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek. “You can thank your granddaughter for our lateness.”

Joan looked over at a sheepish Bailey. “You know what they say, punctuality is the virtue of the bored.”

Elise’s brow furrowed. “Who says that?”

“Everyone.” Joan chuckled.

“Can I get you something to drink, Elise?” Leah offered.

“What’s my mother drinking?”

“Why do you assume I’m drinking?” Joan looked over at Bailey and gave her a playful wink.

“Because it’s a day of the week that ends in Y,” Elise quickly countered.

Joan shrugged. “Fair enough.”

“I’ll have whatever’s open.”

“And what can I get you, Bailey?” Leah smiled down at the girl. “I have Coke, ice tea, or –”

“Coke, please.” Bailey grinned. “With lots of ice.”

Leah nodded. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

As Elise looked around, she realized the house was more akin to a small cabin. The walls, ceiling, and floors were light walnut, with dark maple trim throughout the space. The ceiling was low, and the walls adorned with a variety of primitive style paintings of the region. Bailey and she sat on an overstuffed sofa that took up nearly the entire back wall of the living room, while Joan sat in a leather recliner across the room.

Built-in bookcases lined the walls, each overflowing with a myriad of leather and cloth bound books. Adjacent to the living room was the walkway through to the kitchen, and Elise could see Leah walking back and forth as she prepared their drinks.

“It’s not what I expected,” Joan mentioned casually.

“What, the house?” Elise asked.

Joan leaned forward, looking to see if Leah was out of earshot. “They clearly have money, but the house is pretty simple.”

Elise shrugged. “They use the money in other ways, what with the charity and all.”

Joan sat back in the recliner. “I like them more and more.”

“Speaking of them, where’s Ryan?”

“Leah mentioned she had a last-minute engagement.”

“Are you asking about Ryan?” Leah came into the room with a tray of drinks in hand.

Elise jumped up to help, handing Joan a glass of wine and Bailey her Coke before taking her own wine glass. “I was asking after her.”

Leah sat the tray down on the coffee table and picked-up her glass of wine before sitting down in a recliner opposite of Joan. “The foundation is a full-time-plus job, and not always nine to five.”

Elise nodded as she took a sip of the wine. “This is good. It’s astringent, but not too dry. What is it?”

Leah smiled. “I’m glad you like it. It’s Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon.”

“Yummy,” Joan chimed in as she took a generous drink from her glass. “I’ll have to get this for the house.”

“My Coke’s good. Sweet, with a hint of citrus.” Bailey held her glass up for inspection.

The three women laughed, and Elise was glad to see Bailey was in a good mood. Given everything that had happened, she was never certain which version of Bailey she was going to get. Was she going to be sullen and dismissive, agitated and curt, or relaxed and entertaining? It would appear the latter was the case this evening.

“Leah, I was considering asking Marty out on a date.” Joan’s comment was out of the blue, and so matter-of-fact it took Leah several seconds to respond.

“He – he would be open to that,” Leah stammered.

Joan’s eyes narrowed, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I thought he might.”

Elise looked back-and-forth between her mother and Leah. “Okay, I’ll ask. Leah, has he said something about my mother?”

Leah looked down at her wine glass, running the tip of her finger along its rim. “Joan may have come up in conversation once or twice.”

“Then you won’t mind giving me his phone number.” Joan smirked.

“Not at all.”

“I like someone.” Bailey took a sip of her Coke, looking cautiously over the top of the glass at her mother.  His name’s Nigel Albie Dickens.” “We have biology together.”

“That’s a very British name.” Leah grinned.

Bailey’s eyes widened enthusiastically. “Oh, well he’s from England. His parents moved here for work.”

Elise was shocked. Bailey had never so much as hinted at liking anyone at school, and Kate had never mentioned Bailey talking about a boy. “How long have you liked Nigel?” She paid particular attention to her tone, trying to manage her surprise and, if she were honest, her hurt. Elise had thought Bailey and she talked about most things, but to find out she had been quasi-dating a boy, left Elise wondering what else Bailey wasn’t telling her.

Bailey shrugged. “Not long, and I haven’t seen him since school let out. He’s texted me a few times and asked if I wanted to go have lunch, but I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.”

Elise’s eyebrow shot up. “Wrong idea?”

Bailey put her glass of soda down, careful to slide a coaster under it. “I don’t want him to think I’m interested in being exclusive.”

Joan nearly choked on her wine in a fit of laughter, and Elise gave her mother a stern look before addressing her daughter. “So, you want to date more than one boy?” Elise managed to sound casual.

“I just want to keep my options open,” Bailey said emphatically. “Kim went to the movies a few times with Adrian Matthews, and he acted like they were married.” She wrinkled her nose. “That’s not for me.”

Elise tilted her chin up and nodded. “That’s fair.”

Bailey looked at Leah. “How did Ryan and you meet?”

Leah smiled at the mention of her wife. “We met on a train.”

“That’s romantic.” Joan smiled.

“She was on her way to a funeral.”

Joan grimaced. “That’s not so romantic.”

Leah sighed. “No, but we ran into each other in Baltimore after, and things just went from there.”

“Mom likes my therapist,” Bailey announced.

“Bailey!” Elise reprimanded.

“I knew it!” Joan practically squealed.

Elise gave her mother a disapproving look. “Stop.” She turned to Bailey. “And you know better. I’ve told you Ka – Doctor Burke and I are friendly, and besides, she’s not your therapist anymore.” A persistent beeping came from the kitchen, and Elise had never been so glad to hear an oven timer in her life.

“Saved by the bell,” Leah joked. “If everyone will move over to the dining room, we can start dinner.”

Joan took Elise’s arm as they made their way into the small dining room. “You’re not getting off that easy. I have questions later.”

Elise rolled her eyes and stared daggers at her daughter who flitted by them. “There’s nothing to tell.”

Joan released Elise’s arm and stepped around the table to sit next to Bailey. “An unlikely story.”

***

Dinner had been wonderful. Leah had served crab cakes and arugula salad, followed by a homemade cheesecake and french press coffee. Despite Leah’s protests, Elise had insisted on helping her clean up in the kitchen while Joan and Bailey browsed the extensive book collection in the living room.

“You really don’t have to help.” Leah stacked the dinner plates on the counter. “You’re the guest.”

Elise opened the dishwasher and began loading the machine. “You’ve been so gracious, and the food was delicious. Besides, when Ryan and you come over, you can wash the dishes, and even though I have a dishwasher, I’ll insist you do it by hand.” She winked playfully at Leah.

Leah chuckled. “That seems fair-ish.” Elise smiled, and the two women continued cleaning the kitchen in a comfortable silence.

Leah turned the dishwasher on and leaned against the counter. “Actually, I’m glad to have a few minutes alone with you. I was hoping we could talk about Bailey.” The seriousness of Leah’s tone gave Elise pause, and she put the towel she had been holding down on the counter.

“I’ve been with her all evening. She couldn’t have done anything,” Elise nervously joked.

Leah smiled and shook her head. “Of course not. She’s been great.” She braced her hands against the edge of the counter and bowed her head.

Elise turned to face Leah. She didn’t know the woman that well, but the tension in Leah’s shoulders and back put Elise on edge.

Leah took a deep breath, and her eyes closed for several seconds. “I’ve run through this in my head several times, and I can’t seem to find any way to say it except to just say it.” She looked at Elise, her light green eyes narrowed as she spoke. “Bailey’s different, yes?”

Elise’s brow arched. This wasn’t the topic she had imagined. “Different? Well, I mean every parent thinks their kid’s special.”

“That’s not what I mean, and I think you know it.” Leah lowered her voice, but the intensity of her tone remained. “She can – do things. Unusual things.” It wasn’t a question, but rather an assertion.

A rush of heat rose through Elise’s chest and into her neck and face. Leah seemed very far away, and Elise gripped the edge of the counter in an effort to stay upright. “I don’t know what –”

Leah grabbed Elise, wrapping her fingers around her forearm and wrist. Elise’s eyes widened as she looked down at where Leah’s hands were. A soothing coolness crept up her arm, across her chest, and into her neck. The heat from moments ago vanished, and Elise shivered at the cold now moving through her.

“What are you doing?” Elise managed, her voice hollow.

“I’m doing an unusual thing.” Leah smiled warmly at Elise to reassure her.

Elise pulled her arm free and took several steps back. “I don’t understand.” Even as the words left her mouth, Elise knew they weren’t altogether true. It stood to reason that if Bailey had abilities, then other people must too. The law of probability favored it. This truth did little to comfort her. It was searing and invasive, running like a wild fire through everything she knew of the world around her.

“Please, don’t be scared,” Leah quietly pleaded.

Elise looked over her shoulder and into the living room. She could see her mother and Bailey sitting on the sofa talking, completely unaware of the irrevocable shift Elise’s world had just taken.

“What is this?” Elise practically hissed at Leah. Despite Leah’s relaxed posture and tone, Elise found her defenses heightened. She was prepared to tear through Leah if it meant protecting Bailey.

Leah held her ground, her gaze leveled at Elise. “I don’t mean to upset you.” She rubbed her forehead with the palm of her hand.

“It’s a bit late for that.” Elise’s voice was louder than she had intended, and she nervously looked toward the living room to ensure Bailey and her mother hadn’t heard her.

“Your daughter has a great talent,” Leah said softly.

Elise’s head whipped around. “What talent?”

Leah cocked her head to the side. “You don’t have to lie to me. I clearly understand.”

Elise tossed the towel she had been clutching onto the counter. “We’re leaving.”

Leah grabbed Elise’s arm again while tapping the surface of the water in the sink with her fingertip. Elise’s eyes widened as she watched ice crystals form around Leah’s finger, branch out across the water, and eventually turn the water into a solid block of ice.

“Jesus.” Elise felt sick to her stomach, and her head was pounding. “That’s not – how did you –”

“I’m not without a few talents of my own.” Leah released Elise’s arm, laid the palm of her hand on the top of the ice, and a second later, the sink was full of near boiling water.

Elise’s eyes shot back-and-forth between the sink and Leah. “I –” Her knees gave way, and Leah managed to grab Elise under the arms before she fell to the floor. Leah quickly moved her over to the kitchenette chair and sat her down.

Leah grabbed a glass from the dish strainer and filled it with water before handing it to Elise. “Here, drink this.” Elise looked suspiciously at the glass of water and then up at Leah, who shrugged. “It’s just tap water.”

Elise’s hand shook as she took several large gulps and felt her heart rate begin to return to normal. Emptying the glass, she sat it on the table, her eyes fixed on the floor. “I don’t know how to say this; so, I’m sorry if this offends you, but –” She looked up at Leah. “What are you?”

Leah sat down in the chair next to her and after a few seconds placed her hand on Elise’s knee. “I am descended from a race of elementals, or in more common parlance – I’m a witch.”

“Impossible!” The word broke free before she could stop it.

Joan stood in the doorway to the kitchen. “Do you need help in here?”

Elise squeezed her eyes shut and then, forcing them open again, turned to her mother. “We’re just finishing up. Give us a minute.”

Joan frowned as she looked closely at her daughter and then at Leah. “Are you sure, because –”

“Mom, please.” Elise’s throat was tight and raw. “Five minutes.”

Joan threw her hands up in the air. “Pardon me for wanting to help.”

Once Elise felt Joan was safely out of earshot, she turned her attention back to Leah. “Please, tell me what’s going on.”

“Bailey’s an elemental.” Leah said it so matter-of-factly, Elise thought she must be misunderstanding the woman.

“No, she can’t –” Elise looked over at the sink.

“She can. She just doesn’t know how yet,” Leah explained. “In fact, I imagine she can do a great many things, only some of which she’s aware of.”

“She can read minds.” Elise slapped her hand over her mouth, shocked at her own candor, and feeling she had betrayed her daughter.

Leah’s brow arched, and she sat back in the chair. “That’s different.”

Elise shook her head. “Different? Different how? Can’t you – you know –”

“Read minds?” Leah winced. “No. I can manipulate water. Whether it’s in a sink, an arm, the ground, the sky, but that’s all.”

Elise huffed. “That’s all! Isn’t that enough?”

“Evidently, not if what you say about Bailey is true.”

“She started a fire while she was having a nightmare.” The truth of what had happened that night pressed down onto Elise. “I came home, after the fundraiser, and she was in the basement, clinging to the water line.”

Leah nodded. “When I was younger than Bailey, and still not sure what was happening to me, I was drawn to water.” She shifted in her chair, and it occurred to Elise that perhaps, except for Ryan, Leah had never talked to anyone about this. “I would take two, three showers a day, spend all day in the summer at the neighborhood pool. I couldn’t get enough, and I only felt whole and centered in or near water.”

“But what about the fire?” Elise pleaded. “That’s got nothing to do with water.”

“My mother told me there have been witches over the millennia that have possessed the ability to control all the elements, and the Ancient Greeks wrote that some people are made friends with fire, and some with water, some with air, and some with earth, and some with two or three of these, and some with all.”

“With all due respect, before Hippocrates, the Ancient Greeks also thought disease was the work of angered gods, and the only way to cure it was through prayer and sacrifice. So, you’ll forgive me if I need a little something more than that.”

“I don’t know the science behind it. I suppose the abilities can be explained by genetics or something, but who would I ever trust enough to test that?” Leah picked at the edge of the table with her nail. “I’ve only ever told Ryan and Marty.”

The sadness in Leah’s voice brought tears to Elise’s eyes. In part, she was sympathetic to what it must be like to keep such a huge secret, but also, she imagined Bailey, years from now, sitting across a table from someone and unburdening herself.

“Ryan knows, then?”

Leah quickly nodded her head. “Of course. It’s more complicated with her family, but we’ve managed.”

Elise was confused. “What does her family have to do with it?”

Leah took a deep breath, but her shoulders remained tense. “Ryan’s family goes back to Plymouth, and they’ve hunted witches. Some of her family, for reasons I would rather not get into, still harbor resentment toward witches in general, and me specifically.”

“When I met Bailey, I wasn’t sure.” Leah looked toward the living room. “My mother was the only other elemental I knew, but there was something about Bailey that –” She lowered her eyes and shook her head. “I don’t know, just something.”

“Like speaks to like.” Elise spoke in a hushed tone, her mind racing not just with the new information being thrust upon her but the implications that information held for how she viewed the world.

Leah’s light green eyes studied Elise for several seconds. “Yes. I guess that’s it.” She frowned. “That, and Ryan fainting.” Leah’s voice cracked. “That scared the crap out of me.”

“The fainting? What does that have to do with Bailey?”

“Ryan’s family has reactions akin to allergies when around witches.”

Elise tilted her chin up in understanding. “Is that why she’s not here tonight?”

“Yes. The reaction may lessen the longer she knows Bailey,” Leah offered. “Her reactions to me have become less intense over the years, but considering where she’s starting at with Bailey, it could be years before they can even be in the same room together.”

With each of Leah’s revelations, a thousand questions formed in Elise’s mind, but she instinctively knew this wasn’t the time. Leah was sharing her most intimate secrets with Elise, a practical stranger. Leah’s willingness to do this spoke volumes about how important she thought this information was and how much she cared about what happened to Bailey.

“What about the mind reading?” Elise pressed her palms flat against the table, hoping to control her shaking hands.

Leah pursed her lips together and exhaled. “I’ve never heard of that. I’m sorry.”

Elise nodded. She knew it was unreasonable to expect Leah to have all the answers. “Please, don’t apologize. You can’t imagine how helpful this is.”

“But not much of a relief?” Leah offered.

“No, it’s not a relief.” Elise frowned. “It’s ironic that my whole life I’ve always advocated for knowledge. I’ve always believed ignorance is never bliss.”

“And now?”

Elise looked down at her hands and, lifting them from the table, gently rubbed her palm. “I don’t want to do more harm by staying ignorant. I’m scared to death, but I don’t want Bailey living a lie.” She flexed her fingers. “There are some truths that require a lot of courage.”

Leah smiled and took Elise’s hands in hers. “That’s right.”

It was a simple affirmation, but Elise clung to it. “Thank you.”

A quiet cough came from the kitchen entrance. Leah and Elise looked over to see Bailey standing in the door. “I’m tired. Can we please go?”

Elise slowly pulled her hands free of Leah’s and stood. She tapped the screen on her watch and was surprised it was nearly eleven. “Is your grandmother ready?”

“She says if you aren’t ready to go, she can drop me at the house.”

Elise shook her head and walked past Leah. “No. I’m ready, but can you please wait in the living room for a minute?” Bailey looked at Leah, then back at her mother, and without a word turned and left the kitchen.

“You have to talk to her.” Leah stood next to Elise. “I’ll help if you’d like.”

Elise thought of Kate and how she had made the exact same declaration and offer. She wondered what Kate would make of the information Leah had shared.

Elise’s eyes widened as a realization washed over her. She had already accepted that she had feelings for Kate, but the fact she was the first person Elise thought to share this life altering information with brought tears to her eyes. She was in love with Kate.

“Are you going to be okay?” Seeing the tears, Leah placed a reassuring hand on Elise’s shoulder.

Elise sniffled and wiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Eventually.” She managed a weak smile. “I’ll have more questions after I talk to Bailey, and she’ll want to talk to you. Are you okay with that?”

Without hesitation, Leah nodded. “Of course. I didn’t think I would tell you all of this, and that would be the end of it.”

“Why did you tell me?”

Leah’s hand dropped from Elise’s shoulder. “I lost my parents and brother because we were bound by generations of secrets and lies. It allowed horrible people to do horrific things to us, and I don’t want that to happen to Bailey… to anyone.”

Despite the determination in Leah’s words, Elise could hear the undertones of grief and loss. She pulled Leah to her and hugged her tightly. Elise felt a tremendous obligation and loyalty towards Leah welling up within her. Leah had clearly lost so much but was still able to give.

“Thank you for trusting me with this.” Elise spoke softly as she held Leah.

A quiet sob escaped Leah, and she leaned back to look at Elise. “Will you call me as soon as you talk to Bailey?”

Elise stepped back. “Absolutely.” Taking a deep breath, she walked into the living room.

Joan and Bailey were still watching the Orioles game when Joan looked up at her daughter. “Are you okay?”

Elise knew she must look awful between the crying and the stress of the past ten minutes. “Yes. Are we ready?” She hoped her mother would leave it at that.

Bailey bolted up off the sofa and hurried toward the front door. “Leah, thank you for dinner.”

“It was my pleasure. We’ll have to do it again sometime.”

Everyone said their goodbyes, and Elise had nearly made it to her car when Joan grabbed her by the wrist. “What’s going on?” The worried woman glanced back at the house. “The two of you were –”

“I don’t want to talk about it right now.” Elise’s tone was harsher than she had intended, and she could see from Joan’s surprised reaction that it wasn’t lost on her.

“Well, when will you want to talk about it?” Joan shot back. “Because ever since you got back from Accident, I feel like there are things you aren’t telling me, and frankly, if you’re going to lie by omission, I wish you were less obvious about it.”

Elise winced at her mother’s tone. “I can’t talk to you about things I haven’t fully wrapped my own mind around.” She looked over at the SUV where Bailey sat with her head tilted down. Her face was illuminated by her phone’s screen.

“I don’t need a fully developed thesis, Elise. Just give me a hint about what’s been worrying you. You’ve always confided in me.” Joan’s voice softened. “I love you, and I want to help.”

“I promise you, once I even know how to explain it, I’ll talk to you.”

Joan looked at her daughter suspiciously. “When might that be?”

Elise rolled her eyes. “Christ, I can’t give you an exact day.”

“A ballpark then?” Joan’s tone was terse again as she glared at her daughter.

Elise pulled her car keys out of her purse. “Before Bailey leaves for college.” She leaned in and quickly kissed her mother on the cheek. “Drive home safe, and I love you.”

Joan crossed her arms over her chest as Elise walked away from her. “You’ll be the death of me.”

Elise waved over her shoulder as she got into the car. “Love you, too.”

Bailey looked through the windshield at her grandmother. “What’s wrong with Grandma?”

Elise started the SUV, and with an agitated, jerking motion, she attempted to hook her seatbelt. “She’s nosy.” Unable to get the belt fastened, Elise flung herself back into the seat. “Damnit!”

An awkward silence enveloped the interior of the SUV. Elise closed her eyes, willing the tension in her chest away. It was a tightness born of frustration, fear, irritation, and dread. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.”

Bailey slowly reached across her mother, pulled the seatbelt over, and latched it. “It’s okay.” She gave her mother a quick peck on the cheek before turning her attention back to her phone.

The gentleness and consideration in her daughter’s actions eased some of the pressure in Elise’s chest and helped prepare her for the conversation that lay ahead.

Chapter 21

“Can’t we talk about it tomorrow?” Bailey whined. “Whatever it is. I’m tired.”

Elise and Bailey had returned from their dinner at Leah’s house a little less than a half-hour ago. Elise was exhausted, but was determined to have the much needed conversation with her daughter.

“It’s important.” Elise gestured for Bailey to sit down next to her on the sofa. Flopping down next to Elise, Bailey kicked her flip-flops off and slouched into the sofa.

Here goes nothing. Elise took a deep breath. “Do you remember talking to Doctor Burke about hearing conversations going on around you, but no one’s lips were moving?”

Bailey nodded.

“I think you were hearing people’s thoughts, not their voices.” Elise managed to say the most amazing thing she had ever uttered in as casual a manner as she could muster.

Bailey’s head jerked up, her eyes wide with surprise. “That’s stupid.”

Elise swallowed the lump in her throat. “Why do you think it’s stupid?”

Bailey shifted. “Because it’s not scientifically possible.”

Elise couldn’t help the quick smile that crossed her lips. Bailey evidently had listened to her over the years. “There are things that haven’t been explained by science yet, but they still exist; they still happen.”

“Prove it.” Bailey turned to face Elise.

A swell of pride shot through Elise. “Alright.” She leveled her gaze at Bailey, and just as she had that day in the kitchen, Elise imagined screaming at her daughter. Bailey, do you believe me now?!

Bailey remained still, her brow furrowed as she looked at her mother. “Well?”

Elise frowned. “You didn’t hear that?”

“Hear what?”

Elise stood and began pacing. She assumed she would be able to replicate the results from that day, and now wasn’t sure where she should go with the conversation. She stopped pacing, an idea suddenly occurring to her.

“Bailey, do you remember telling me how Doctor Burke and I may as well date, considering the way we talked to each other?”

“Yeah.”

“You were right.” Elise sat back down next to Bailey. “We do like each other, but I swear to you –” She took Bailey’s hand in hers, “at that point we had never spoken to each other about it. What you were hearing wasn’t a conversation, but thoughts we were having about each other.” Elise squeezed her daughter’s hand. “I promise you that’s the truth; otherwise, why would I share something that personal with you?”

It was Bailey’s turn to pace. Walking back and forth in front of Elise, the girl clenched and unclenched her hands.

“Bailey, please tell me what you’re thinking?” Elise wanted to hug her daughter and reassure her she wasn’t alone in this revelation, but the almost aggressive posture in Bailey’s shoulders and back gave Elise pause.

Bailey stopped pacing and collapsed into the chair across the living room. She glared at her mother, causing Elise to recoil and press her back against the sofa. Bailey’s eyes narrowed, and her breath caught. “I’m a witch?!” she practically screamed.

Leah and Elise’s conversation had jumped into Elise’s mind, and clearly Bailey had heard the jumble of thoughts. Elise saw an opportunity to further make her case. “I didn’t say that aloud.” She was as calm and matter-of-fact as she could be, given the situation.

Bailey sat bolt upright in the chair, her eyes wide with shock and tears. “I’m not a witch,” she sobbed. “Why would you say that?”

A moment later, Elise was kneeling in front of Bailey, pulling the distraught girl into her arms. “Shh, it’s alright.” Bailey slid off the chair, curled up in Elise’s arms, and clung to her mother.

Several minutes passed, and beyond comforting Bailey, Elise couldn’t decide what she should say or do next. The rawness of Bailey’s reaction had not surprised Elise. She imagined her feelings would be comparable if someone had revealed such enormously, life altering information about her.

Bailey’s sniffling lessened, and Elise realized she had been gently rocking her. The two had not held each other like this since Bailey was eight and she had fallen from the slide at the neighborhood park. Her knee had been bloodied and her elbows bruised, and she had refused to let go of Elise for over an hour.

Elise pressed her lips to the top of Bailey’s head, and the scent of vanilla from the shampoo her daughter had used since she was ten wafted over her. Her mind filled with images of Bailey over the years. She saw the rambunctious toddler with big, brown eyes, the child who chewed non-stop on her nails and tried to cut her own hair when she was nine, and now the young woman she was holding, who was vulnerable and powerful all at once.

“I’m scared.” Bailey’s voice was small.

“That’s okay.” Elise held her daughter tighter. “I’m scared, too.”

Bailey looked up at Elise. “Why are you scared?”

“Because I don’t have all the answers for you with this.” Elise remembered Kate encouraging her to be more vulnerable with Bailey and to let her see Elise’s failures and weaknesses. She took a shaky breath. “But I’m going to be here with you, through everything. I promise.”

Bailey wiped at her nose. “I have some things I need to tell you.”

Elise’s heart raced. “You can tell me anything.”

Bailey sat back against the chair, and Elise was not feeling encouraged by the fact Bailey couldn’t or wouldn’t look her in the eye. She pressed her finger to Bailey’s chin and tilted the girl’s head up. “What do you need to tell me?”

Bailey’s eyes were red and puffy from crying. “I think I started the fire, and the pipes bursting was because I was hot.”

“Do you notice things happening more when you’re upset?” Elise tucked a strand of hair behind Bailey’s ear.

“Sometimes, but also when I’m nervous or even really happy.”

“That makes sense.”

Bailey frowned. “How does that make sense?”

Elise shifted and cleared her throat. “Regardless of whether someone has abilities, heightened states of emotion can lead to people thinking or acting differently than they otherwise would. I suspect it may have to do with your adrenal glands and what happens when you have surges of adrenaline.”

Bailey gasped. “You mean I won’t be able to control it?”

Elise saw the question as an opportunity for a segue. “Do you know about Leah?”

Bailey pursed her lips in concentration. “I think so. I mean I’ve heard her thinking about freezing and moving water.”

Nodding, Elise was relieved Bailey understood. “She can manipulate water, and she controls her abilities.”

Bailey smiled, her shoulders relaxing. “Will she show me how?”

“Yes. She wants to help.” Elise brushed a strand of hair from Bailey’s forehead. The relief of clearing this first hurdle washed over her, and exhaustion blanketed her. “Do you want to talk about this more?”

Bailey looked down and pursed her lips in concentration. “Not right now. I need to think about some things.”

Elise grinned. “That’s fair. Are you ready for bed, then?”

Bailey nodded and, taking Elise’s hand, followed her mother up the stairs.

“You can sleep in my room tonight,” Elise offered.

Without a word, Bailey retrieved her pajamas from her bedroom while Elise waited in the hall. Then she followed her mother into the master bedroom and quickly got dressed for bed.

As Bailey nestled down in the bed, Elise pulled the sheet and blanket up to her chin, her eyes heavy with sleep. Elise loved every part of Bailey. She loved her imperfections and her complexities. She loved all of her moods, for better or worse. Elise knew, with utter certainty, that whatever path lay ahead for Bailey, Elise would unquestionably and irrevocably walk it with her.

***

Bailey’s breathing evened out, and Elise knew she had fallen asleep. Picking her phone up from the nightstand, Elise sighed when she saw it was one o’clock in the morning, and sleep seemed unlikely. Her conversation with Bailey ran on a loop in her head, and the noise verged on unbearable.

Turning on her side, Elise closed her eyes and tried to quiet her mind. Feeling restless, Elise carefully got out of the bed and went downstairs. She didn’t know how, but she found herself sitting on the sofa, her phone in hand, and Kate’s contact information on the screen.

You can’t call her. It’s too late, and she is definitely asleep. Elise put the phone down on the table but was unable to take her eyes off the device. You could text her. That’s less invasive. Elise picked the phone up and reasoned that Kate probably muted her phone at night and would just respond to a text in the morning.

Hi. I know it’s late. Hope your phone is turned down. I would hate to wake you. I talked to Bailey, and there are some things I need to get your advice on.

Elise tapped the send button and laid the phone back on the table. Just having reached out to Kate made her feel calmer, and she thought she might be able to go to sleep now. She stood up and was surprised when her phone lit up.

I’m awake if you want to talk. Elise read the short message twice before deciding to call.

Kate answered on the second ring. “Hi.”

“My text woke you.” Elise felt guilty for not managing her impulses better.

“Not at all. I was reading.”

“Must be a good book to have you up this late.” Elise couldn’t help the image of Kate in bed that popped into her head.

“I’m reading Orlando for the fourth time.”

Elise smiled. “Nothing thicker than a knife's blade separates happiness from melancholy.”

Kate chuckled. “You’ve clearly read it a few times, yourself.”

“Twice, but the quote stuck with me and seems more relevant now than ever.”

“The talk with Bailey didn’t go well, then?”

“It went as well as it could, but there are so many things left unsaid, undone.” Elise leaned forward, the phone pressed to her ear as she rested her forehead in her palm.

“What did she say about the voices?”

“She’s reading people’s thoughts.”

“Did she realize that’s what was happening?”

Elise suddenly realized this wasn’t a conversation she wanted to have with Kate over the phone. “She didn’t. Look, can I see you later today?”

“Of course. I have patients until five, but could meet you after. The Keep again?”

Elise didn’t know if it was the fatigue, or the seriousness of what was happening with Bailey, but she suddenly felt like her concerns over her relationship with Kate were trivial and her attempts at squelching them ridiculous. “Would you mind coming to the house?”

Kate didn’t respond for several seconds, and when she finally did, her voice was quiet, verging on timid. “I don’t know if that’s wise.”

Elise sat back on the sofa and rubbed her hand over her face. “Probably not, but will you come over anyway?”

Another long silence stretched out between Kate and Elise. “Yes. Six o’clock?”

Elise smiled. “Thank you.”

“I’ll see you later, then?”

“Goodnight, Kate.”

“Night.”

Elise tossed her phone down on the sofa next to her. She wasn’t sure why she had done that. It would have been just as easy to meet Kate somewhere. As she walked up the stairs, the truth pushed its way to the front of her mind. She loved Kate, was tired of pretending she didn’t, and there were enough complicated aspects of her life right now without making her relationship with Kate one of them. Elise wouldn’t necessarily pursue Kate, but she certainly wasn’t going to avoid her.

***

Elise carried a basket of clean laundry up from the basement. As she walked through the kitchen, she heard Bailey talking and, rounding the corner to the living room, was surprised to see Kim sitting on the sofa next to her daughter.

“Oh, hi Kim. I didn’t know you were coming over.” Elise put the basket of clothes down at the bottom of the stairs. Kim looked over the back of the sofa at Elise. It was then that Elise saw the redness of her eyes and nose. “Are you okay, sweetie?”

Kim stood up quickly, sniffling as she walked toward the front door. “I’m fine, Doctor Sullivan, but I have to go.”

Elise wasn’t sure what to say and watched in silence as Kim disappeared out the front door. She looked over at Bailey, who sat slouched on the sofa. “What was that about?”

Bailey reached for the television remote. “Nothing. She’s fine.”

Elise walked around the sofa and sat next to her daughter. “Want to try again? Because your best friend just left in tears.”

Bailey muted the television and then tossed the remote on the sofa next to her. “She lied to me, and I told her so.”

“Lied about what?”

“She told me she doesn’t like Nigel, but I know she does.”

Elise’s brow furrowed. “I thought she liked Adrian, or was it Jacob?”

“She never really liked Adrian, and Jacob won’t give her the time of day; so now she likes Nigel.” Bailey reached for the remote and began flipping through the channels.

“She told you this?” Elise had a sinking feeling settling in her stomach.

“No.”

Elise took the remote from her daughter’s hand and turned the television off. “Bailey, look at me.” She waited several seconds, and when Bailey refused to make eye contact with her, Elise got up and sat on the coffee table in front of her daughter.

“Did you listen to Kim’s thoughts? Is that how you know she likes Nigel?”

Bailey finally looked at Elise, her eyes narrowed in concentration. “No.”

Elise tilted her head to the side, grateful her daughter had always been a terrible liar. “Bailey, please don’t lie to me.”

Bailey flung her hands up in the air dramatically. “Fine, I did, but I didn’t mean to!”

Elise sighed and sat back, her hands resting on the tops of her knees. She had not thought they would get to this point so soon after the realizations about Bailey’s abilities. “You may not have a lot of control over these – ah, powers.” She winced as Bailey shifted, effectively turning her gaze away from Elise. “Listen to me.” She took Bailey’s hand in hers. “Until you can control this, you probably will accidentally hear people, but you shouldn’t say anything to them.” Elise took a deep breath. “You should at least give them the illusion of privacy.”

Elise knew it wasn’t the best advice, but she believed Bailey when she said she couldn’t control the mind reading; so, until she could, this seemed like the fairest solution.

Bailey looked at Elise suspiciously. “You want me to lie?”

“Yes.” Elise cleared her throat. “Well, I want you to omit.”

“Lie.” Bailey repeated.

“Yes. I want you to lie by omission.”

“Even to you?”

The question caught Elise off-guard. “I – no. I always want you to tell me the truth.”

“That seems hypocritical.” Bailey glared at Elise.

Elise ran her hand over her face in frustration. “Look, Bailey, I know that you can read people’s thoughts – accidentally or otherwise. So, there’s no point in you pretending with me. If you pretend that you aren’t reading my thoughts, then I know you’re lying.” The reasoning seemed flawed to Elise, but she clung to it anyway. “There’s no point.”

Bailey was silent for a long while, and Elise began to dread what might come out of her daughter’s mouth. “This is really about people not finding out that I can read their thoughts, isn’t it?”

Elise never wanted her daughter to feel like she had to hide who she was, but the directness of Bailey’s question was unavoidable. “Yes, and even when you can control it, you won’t want to tell everyone in your life.” She took Bailey’s hand again. “There are always parts of ourselves that we save for those closest to us.”

Bailey nodded, Elise’s words seeming to resonate with her. “Okay.” She looked closely at Elise. “I know you’re in love with Doctor Burke.”

A quiet gasp escaped Elise, and she tightened her grip on Bailey’s hand. Her mouth was suddenly dry, and the sound of her heart pounded in her ears. “You’ve heard that?” She swallowed. “I mean, you’ve –”

“She’s always somewhere in your thoughts.” The corners of Bailey’s mouth turned up slightly as she pointed to her own temple. “Over the past few weeks it’s like you feel her all the time.”

Tears welled up in Elise’s eyes. “And you’re okay with that?”

Bailey cocked her head to the side as if the question confused her. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

A great relief washed over Elise as she pulled Bailey to her. “I love you.”

Bailey squirmed and leaned back so she could see Elise. “What’s wrong?”

Elise wiped at the tears streaming down her face. “I worried you would have a problem with Doctor Burke and I.”

“If you’re happy, what do I care?” Bailey said casually.

Elise held Bailey at arm’s length by the shoulders. “I’m glad you’re okay with it.” She leaned in and gave Bailey a kiss on the cheek. “I’m going to finish the laundry. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” Elise walked across the room and picked the basket of laundry up.

“Will you call Leah?” Bailey turned her head around so she could see Elise. “I want to talk to her.”

“Why don’t I see if she can come over for dinner this week?” Elise offered.

Bailey nodded. “Thanks, Mom.”

Elise walked up the stairs, and as she stood next to her bed, folding clothes, she wondered how long Bailey and she would maintain the relatively casual tone about her abilities. Elise wasn’t naïve enough to think they had learned all there was to know about what Bailey was capable of. This alone gave her pause, and she sat down on the bed with one of Bailey’s t-shirts clutched in her hands.

Elise was no stranger to fear. She had, like most people, faced the unknown countless times, and she had always learned something. This time felt different, cataclysmic and wrenching. She could feel the upending of Bailey and hers lives looming on the horizon, and it sent a short, sharp pain through her. All the things she had planned and expected for Bailey were in jeopardy.

Elise shook her head and, closing her eyes, took a deep breath. She refused to be drowned by the weight of uncertainty. Looking down at Bailey’s t-shirt, Elise brought it to her face and pressed the soft, worn cotton fabric to her cheek. Her uncertainty was partially replaced with something akin to joy.

She stood at a crossroads with her only child. The answers eluded Elise, something she was infinitely uncomfortable with, but she imagined what lay ahead could be more beautiful and more full of wonder than her deepest aspirations and dreams for her daughter.

Chapter 22

Elise had just opened a bottle of her favorite red wine when the doorbell rang. She wiped her hands nervously along her jean clad thighs before opening the front door. Kate stood on the stoop, an anxious smile on her face.

“Hi.” Despite the reasons for Kate’s visit, Elise couldn’t help the broad smile that found her lips. “What’s that?” She looked at the black cloth bag Kate carried.

Walking into the house, Kate held the bag out for Elise. “A little something.”

Elise’s brow arched as she pulled the bottle of hundred-proof Rittenhouse rye whisky from the bag. “This is one of my favorites.”

“It consistently appeared on the best-of lists; so, I took a chance.”

Elise was touched Kate had not only thought of her but taken the time to research the perfect gift. “I just opened a bottle of wine, but we can switch to Old Fashioneds if we need to.”

Kate put her purse down on the table next to the door. “Let’s see how the evening progresses.”

“Fair enough. I’ll put this up and get the wine.” Elise gestured toward the living room. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”

“Where’s Bailey?” Kate called into the kitchen.

“She’s playing bridge with my mother’s club tonight and then sleeping over.”

“She’s quite the card player.”

Elise returned with the bottle of wine and two glasses. “Here we go.” She put the glasses and bottle down on the coffee table. “She’s a quick study with the cards, and it’s amusing watching the sixty and seventy year olds vie for her to be their partner.” In that moment, it occurred to Elise that maybe her daughter’s success at various card games had less to do with skill and luck, and more because she could read her opponent’s mind.

Kate smiled as she took a glass of wine from Elise. “I’m sure Joan is all too happy to remind them whose granddaughter she is.”

“The way she shows her off, it’s like a parade.” Elise poured herself a glass of wine and sat down in the chair across from Kate.

Kate sat sideways on the sofa with one leg tucked under her as she looked around the narrow space. “I like your house.”

“That’s right, you didn’t get to see much of it the two times you were here.”

“The exposed brick along the stairs is one of my favorite features in these older row houses. I live in a condo that was built a few years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I love the location and the amenities, but it lacks character.”

“Old doesn’t always mean character. This place was a mess when we first bought it. The previous owner had been an elderly man who hadn’t kept the place up, and though that made the purchase price a steal, that savings was all but erased with the cost of renovations.”

Kate looked around the small living room. “Well, it’s lovely.”

“Thank you. Bailey can do more than read minds.” The words rushed from Elise’s mouth.

Kate stopped mid drink before putting her glass down on the table. “You’re not burying your leads tonight, are you?”

“I guess not.” Elise emptied her glass of wine in three large gulps and put the glass on the side table. “We had dinner at Leah’s. Leah knew about Bailey because she can control water.” Seeing the incredulous look on Kate’s face, Elise quickly held her hand up. “There’s more. She froze a sink full of water into a solid block of ice, melted it, and then made it boil.” Elise took a short breath. “Saying it aloud makes me sound insane, but I swear to you, I witnessed it with my own eyes.”

Kate sat perfectly still, her eyes fixed on Elise. After nearly a minute of silence, Elise couldn’t stand the tension. “You have to say something.” She tried to sound casual and assured, but her voice cracked, betraying her anxiousness. “Please.”

Kate swallowed and then cleared her throat. “I don’t know what to say.”

“That’s not reassuring.” Elise looked down at the floor, her chest tight, her palms sweaty. “Do you believe me?” She forced her gaze to Kate.

“Yes.”

The immediateness of Kate’s response comforted Elise, and she felt like she could breathe again. “Thank God.”

“You think Bailey can do what Leah does?” Kate asked. “Manipulate water?” She winced. “Is that even possible?” The question was asked more to herself than Elise as clearly her mind was racing to catch up with the revelations.

“Two days ago, I would have told you no. I would have told you the laws of thermodynamics made it impossible for a human being to freeze and then superheat three gallons of water within seconds and with only the touch of their fingers.” Elise licked her bottom lip nervously. “But now, anything seems possible.”

“And Bailey confirmed she’s able to do this?” It was Kate’s turn to empty her glass of wine, her hands trembling as she placed the glass on the table.

“She says the fire upstairs was –”

“Fire?” Kate interrupted. “I thought she could manipulate water?”

“Water and fire,” Elise offered. “Leah says she’s heard of people being able to do both, but not the mind reading.” She gripped the arm of the chair. “She’s never heard of that.”

Kate leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “What else did Leah say?”

Elise took a deep breath and reminded herself she had wanted to share this with Kate no matter how difficult it was. “She said, over the centuries, people who could do what Bailey and she can do have been called witches.” The word caused Elise to cringe. “But she referred to herself as an elemental, and she can control water; some can control fire and earth.”

“Earth?”

Elise shrugged. “I don’t know, but the mind reading was something Leah didn’t know about.”

“Aether,” Kate whispered the word.

Elise’s brow arched. “Ether? Like the compound?”

Kate shook her head as she looked up at Elise. “No, a-e-t-h-e-r. It’s an element the ancient Greeks thought filled the space between things.” She paused, her lips pursed in thought. “It was thought to be the method by which things like light and sound traveled.”

“How does that explain Bailey?”

“The elements aren’t always earth, water, wind, and fire. Over the centuries, different cultures have accounted for various numbers and kinds of elements.” Kate reached for her glass of wine and took a quick sip before continuing. “The Chinese Wu Xing system, for example, lists wood, earth, fire, metal, and water.” She went to put the glass of wine back on the table but, after taking a nervous breath, finished the last of it in one long gulp and put the glass down on the table. “Those are more like energies than types of material.”

Kate held her hands out in front of her and entwined her fingers. “Aether is the element that connects everything. So, given what Leah said, and the mythology behind it, Bailey’s ability to read minds is her controlling and moving in the space between things.” She flinched and dropped her hands into her lap. “Saying that aloud sounds ridiculous.” She looked apologetically at Elise. “I’m not helping.”

“You are,” Elise reassured Kate. “I was just wondering how you knew all that.”

Kate looked down at her hands. “I was a bit of a nerd in middle school and read Edith Hamilton’s Greek Mythology, and there’s an entire series by Robert Graves called Greek Myths that I read in high school.”

A surge of affection ran through Elise. In that moment, she couldn’t imagine loving Kate more. “If it makes you feel any better, I asked my grandmother for The Blood Book for my twelfth birthday.”

Kate frowned. “That sounds unpleasant.”

Elise grimaced. “It was a book about medieval medical practices with leeches, Mayan sacrifices, and vampires as an allegory for blood born disease.”

“That sounds lovely,” Kate joked. “That’s exactly what I would expect any pre-teen future pathologist, to have on their bookshelf.”

“Needless to say, I didn’t get the book, but my parents got a call from my grandmother wondering what in the hell they were teaching me.”

An awkward silence fell between the two women, and Elise tried to manage her discomfort by pouring them each another glass of wine. Kate looked over at the fireplace mantel and, raising her eyebrows, got up to inspect the photographs sitting along its edge.

“Is this Bailey?” Kate examined a framed photo of a small girl sitting atop a red plastic slide.

Elise stepped up next to Kate, their shoulders brushing. “She was four, terrified of heights, but determined to go down the slide like her friends.”

“She looks pretty happy.”

“That was her third time down.” Elise smiled. “It wasn’t enough to conquer her fear once, she had to do it repeatedly.” She ran her fingers over the silver frame. “We were at the park for hours, and I think she must have slid down that slide a hundred times.”

“Brave girl,” Kate said softly.

“I’m scared for her.” Elise sat her wine glass on the mantle and looked closely at Kate. “Tell me not to be.”

Kate’s eyes softened as she considered Elise, their faces only inches apart. “Be afraid. There is so much we still don’t understand about what’s happening with Bailey.” Kate looked down and seemed surprised to see she had taken Elise’s hand in her own. “But imagine the fear passing through you, leaving a path that is clear of any impediments, and in that clearing, let your courage rise.”

Listening to Kate, Elise realized she had been wrong moments ago. It was possible to love Kate more, and Elise wondered if her feelings for Kate were boundless. As she considered, Elise found her lips tentatively pressed to Kate’s, her free hand cupping the softness of Kate’s cheek.

It was Kate who stepped back. Her eyes wide with a myriad of emotions Elise was having difficulty interpreting. “I need to go.”

Elise leaned forward and rested her forehead on Kate’s shoulder. “Please stay.”

Kate tensed and stepped away from Elise. “That’s – I can’t.” She went to leave, but Elise continued to hold her hand. Looking down, Kate’s breath came in several short bursts. “Elise, please. I’ll call you –”

“Please stay.” Elise repeated the simple request.

Kate seemed to recoil slightly, her eyes flat and fixed on Elise. She took an unsteady breath before managing to speak. “You have no idea what I have to go through to look at you and feel – nothing.” Tears welled up in Kate’s eyes as she dropped her hand to her side. Lowering her head, she turned toward the front door.

Unable to find her voice, Elise could only manage to get her feet to work and hurried around Kate. Standing between the distraught woman and the front door, Elise begged her brain to start working again.

“I do have an idea; because every time I’m in a room with you—” Elise hesitated. “No, every time I even think about you, much less be in a room with you…” She stopped, her mind and heart racing. Elise knew this was the moment. This was the point where, despite everything else that was happening, or perhaps because of it, she was standing at a crossroads.

Kate’s breath caught as she attempted to stifle a sob. “I need to go. Please, keep me posted on what’s happening with Bailey.”

Elise leaned imperceptibly closer to Kate, her hand resting on Kate’s forearm as she refused to step aside. “I don’t want you to leave.”

Kate sighed. “Elise, we made this decision, and –”

“I want to un-make it,” Elise asserted.

“You can’t.” Kate exhaled the words, her shoulders slumping as she spoke. “And I can’t keep making the same decision over and over when nothing has changed. It’s exhausting and not fair.” Kate tried to step around Elise, but her path to the front door was thwarted.

“Things have changed.” Elise struggled, her eyes cast downward as she searched for the right words.

Kate pulled free of Elise, crossed her arms, and tilted her head slightly to the side. “What’s changed?”

We've got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen. The D.H. Lawrence quote rushed through Elise’s mind, bolstering her courage.

“I love you.” Elise felt the words push past her lips.

Kate’s entire body reacted to the declaration. Her arms dropped to her sides, her shoulders stiffened, and she took a step back. “Why would you say that to me?” Her words were whispered as a fresh batch of tears streamed down her cheeks.

Elise swallowed the lump in her throat. “Because it’s true.”

Kate wiped at her face with the palm of her hand. “I can appreciate, given everything that’s happening, that you believe –”

Like her emotions and words, Elise found herself rushing forward. Closing the space between Kate and her, she pressed her lips to Kate’s. A quiet moan escaped her, and Elise breathed it in as she pulled their bodies closer together.

Elise felt the warmth of Kate’s hand on her cheek as the kiss ended. The heat of her touch radiated down Elise’s neck as she pressed her forehead to Kate’s. Having found her courage, Elise wanted desperately to see where it would lead.

“Please stay.” Elise kept her eyes closed, hoping to still the spinning inside her chest.

Kate framed Elise’s flushed face in her hands, kissing across her lips and along her jaw. “Okay.”

Elise wrapped her arms around Kate’s middle and buried her face in the warmth of her neck. The familiar scent of jasmine and the press of Kate’s body to hers caused the room to shift as Elise clung to her. All the revelations of the past few months faded into the background as Elise took Kate by the hand and led her up the stairs.

The bedroom door barely closed before Kate pressed Elise against it. Her mouth blazed a trail of heat along Elise’s neck as she fumbled with the button of Elise’s jeans. Worried her legs wouldn’t continue to support her, Elise pushed back, and the two women fell onto the bed.

Both women fumbled and pulled at the other’s clothing. Kate lifted her hips off the bed so Elise could pull her shorts and underwear off, and then sitting up, Kate quickly pulled her blouse and bra off. Elise tossed her own shirt and bra on the floor and awkwardly pulled her jeans and underwear off before lowering her lips to Kate’s bare stomach.

Elise took her time, her lips brushing lightly over the soft skin of Kate’s stomach. Regardless of what happened after this, she knew Kate would always be there. She would be pressing down on the borders of Elise’s heart, and because of that, Elise needed to memorize every line, freckle, scent, tenderness, smooth plain, and valley that was Kate.

A shudder shot through Elise as she ran her tongue up Kate’s stomach and between her breasts. Bringing both hands to Elise’s face, Kate pulled her up and eagerly pressed her lips to Elise’s. The quiet moan that escaped Kate as the full length of their bodies touched left Elise feeling emboldened. She ran the tips of her fingers across Kate’s heated skin, along the slope of her breast, and then around her taut nipple.

“God.” Kate gasped and arched her back as Elise slid down; she ran her tongue along the outline of Kate’s clavicle and placed kisses down the narrow space between her breasts. Elise moved her hand away and took Kate’s hardened nipple in her mouth. Kate trembled when Elise took the sensitive bud between her teeth and gently bit down.

Lost to the feel of Kate under her, an agonizing tenderness threatened to overwhelm Elise. Her body shook with it as she ran her palm down Kate’s stomach, along her hip, and to the top of her thigh. Elise breathed in Kate’s scent and, taking a calming breath, lingered. Her mouth now hovered a fraction of an inch above Kate’s breast, and her hand ghosted over the smooth warmth of her skin.

Elise looked up at Kate. Her head was tilted back, her cheeks and neck were flushed, and her lips were parted. She was beautiful, and Elise was overwhelmed by the joy of being allowed the intimacy of this moment.

Kate wrapped her arms around Elise’s shoulders and gently pulled her up. Their eyes met, and a faint smile found Kate’s lips as she ran her fingers through Elise’s hair. “I love you.” Kate’s hands trembled as she brushed them along Elise’s shoulders and down her back, pressing her closer.

An unsteady breath left Elise’s body. She had only uttered those words a few moments ago herself, but seeing them form on Kate’s lips, watching as they left her, Elise realized she had been waiting somewhere between hope and doubt.

Elise shifted and slid her hand between Kate’s thighs. The heat she found there spread through Elise, branching out from her center and wrapping itself around all of her. She slowly rubbed Kate’s clit, reveling in the hoarse cry that filled the room as Kate thrust her hips up against Elise’s finger.

Bringing her hand around, Kate traced the tip of her finger along Elise’s hip and across her abdomen, causing a shudder to ripple through Elise as she moved her hand lower. Matching the strokes of Elise’s finger, Kate circled Elise’s clit with the tip of her finger.

Elise buried her face in the side of Kate’s neck. She increased the pressure on Kate’s clit as she rocked forward against Kate’s hand; eager sighs and whimpers escaping both women. Elise clutched her lower lip between her teeth, and her eyes closed as she rocked her hips up, pressing Kate’s finger further into her. Elise’s breaths grew rapid and shallow as Kate slid her finger inside, pressing her thumb against Elise’s clit as she thrust her finger in and out of her. Elise felt as if she were falling. The virtue of sacrifice she had desperately clung to was overcome by Kate’s hands, legs, breasts, and mouth.

Elise tilted her hand and pushed the tip of her middle finger inside Kate. Her warmth and tightness wrapped itself around her. A contented sigh escaped Kate as Elise slid the full length of her finger inside her. Elise rocked her hips in unison with Kate’s slow thrusts, the tension building inside her. Pushing harder against Kate, Elise moaned when the woman slipped a second finger inside her.

With each thrust, currents of pleasure cascaded through Elise. With increased urgency, Kate pushed harder with her fingers as Elise strained against her onslaught, trying to focus on the increasing tightness that encased her own finger. Cries filled the room as both women climaxed, their bodies tensing and writhing against one another.

Trembling, Kate slipped her fingers from Elise and wrapped her arms around Elise’s shoulders. Elise carefully moved to Kate’s side, resting her arm across her midsection as she placed light kisses along her shoulder and neck.

Several minutes passed, and in the dim light of the bedroom, Elise could just make out the contours and lines of Kate’s face. “Are you asleep?” Elise whispered.

Kate smiled. “No.” She turned so they were facing each other. “I’m hoping we’re not done.”

A new wave of arousal swirled in Elise’s stomach. “I assumed that was the warm up.”

Brushing a damp strand of hair from Kate’s forehead, Elise leaned forward and pressed her lips to Kate’s. She gathered Kate in her arms tighter than she’d ever held anyone, and again the yearning took her breath away.

***

Elise’s eyes fluttered open. She could tell from the dim light coming through the curtained windows of her bedroom that is was before nine in the morning. She could also tell from the weight and warmth pressed against her side that she hadn’t imagined her night with Kate.

With a wide smile on her lips, Elise carefully shifted so she was facing a still sleeping Kate. With the tip of her finger, Elise gently brushed Kate’s disheveled hair off her face. The blonde strands were like silk, and with a rush of heat to her stomach, Elise remembered grabbing and pulling Kate’s hair during their lovemaking the night before.

“Are you a morning person?” Kate’s voice broke into Elise’s reverie.

Elise grinned and leaned in to place a soft kiss on Kate’s cheek. “Not usually, but this morning is different.”

Kate opened one eye. “What’s so special about this morning?” she teased.

Elise nestled closer to Kate and brushed her lips along the soft curve of Kate’s bare shoulder. “Everything.”

Kate wrapped her arm around Elise’s waist, pulling their hips closer together. She shifted until she was on top of Elise. “You’re beautiful.”

Elise wrapped her arms around Kate; the press of her naked body verged on hypnotic. “So are you.”

Kate bent down and lightly ran her lips across Elise’s clavicle and then up her neck. A shiver of desire cascaded through Elise’s body, and she wrapped her legs around Kate’s waist. The tension between them was broken by the sound of the front door opening, and the alarm beeping as a code was entered.

Elise and Kate looked at each other, wide-eyed. “Bailey?” Elise nodded, and Kate rolled to her side, both women hurrying out of the bed.

Elise pulled her robe on and, seeing Kate was struggling to find all her clothes, quickly pulled a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from one of her drawers. “Are those okay?” Elise asked as she quietly cracked the door and peered into the hallway.

“It’s fine.” Kate pulled the shorts on, her bra, and then the t-shirt. Glancing down, Kate tilted her head to the side. “Funny.”

“Wh –” Elise tightened the sash on her robe, not sure at first what Kate was referencing. She looked at the t-shirt and smirked at the block lettering, All I care about is lacrosse… and like maybe 3 people. “Well, clearly now it’s at least four people.”

Kate smirked, but then looking at the open bedroom door, a serious expression settled on her face. “How do you want to handle this with Bailey?”

Seeing the rush of anxiety cross Kate’s face, Elise reached for her and pulled her closer. “She and I already talked about it, and she is okay with us.”

Gradually a smile replaced the skeptical look on Kate’s face. “Really?’

Elise leaned in and kissed Kate. “Really. So, let’s just be casual and open.”

Kate took a deep breath. “Got it. Casual and open.” Elise went to leave, and Kate grabbed her hand tightly. “Wait, is your mother with her?”

Elise frowned. “Crap.”

“She doesn’t know?” Kate worried the inside of her cheek.

Elise sighed. “She’s suspected, and I can only imagine the good natured ribbing I’m going to get.”

Kate squared her shoulders and pulled Elise into the hall. “I’m game if you are.”

Elise reluctantly allowed Kate to pull her to the top of the stairs. “Wait. Let me go down first.”

Kate looked toward the stairs and then at Elise. “Good idea. Let them know I’m here.”

Elise leaned in and kissed Kate. “Thank you.”

Kate smiled. “It will give me time to get properly dressed.” She walked back toward the bedroom, but not before giving Elise a playful wink.

Turning toward the stairs, Elise’s emotions skittered along. She was thrilled about the turn Kate and she’s relationship had taken, but despite Bailey’s reassurances, Elise was nervous about revealing Kate and hers new status.

Nervousness and doubt swirled as Elise walked into the kitchen to find her mother and Bailey sitting at the kitchenette table. “You two are up and out early.”

Joan took a sip out of her Starbucks cup. “We thought you might want to go to breakfast with us.”

Bailey looked up from her glass of orange juice. The corners of her mouth turned down, and a look of confusion shot across her face but was quickly replaced with a playful grin. “Maybe Doctor Burke can join us?”

“What a splendid idea,” Joan gushed. “You should give her a call.”

Elise frowned at her daughter, immediately realizing Bailey had read her thoughts and knew Kate was upstairs. She would have to be more mindful in the future and discuss propriety with Bailey when they were alone.

“Actually, I want you both to know that Kate and I are seeing each other.” Elise thought directness was best, less poor Kate be left waiting upstairs indefinitely.

Joan’s brow arched, and she smiled warmly at her daughter. “Good for the two of you.”

“That’s great, Mom.” Bailey got up from her chair and hugged Elise tightly.

Relief washed over Elise, and she pulled Bailey tightly to her. “Thank you both. We were anxious about telling people.”

“Nonsense,” Joan interjected. “Now, give her a call, and let’s go get some breakfast.”

Elise looked down at Bailey, both knowingly smiling at each other. “Kate’s upstairs. I’ll just go get her.”

Joan chuckled. “I wondered whose purse that was next to the door.”

Elise looked toward the front door and, seeing Kate’s brown leather bag on the table, blushed. Sensing her mother was about to launch into what she could only image would be an innuendo laden speech, Elise hurried upstairs to get Kate.

Kate was buttoning her jeans when Elise came back into the bedroom. “I’m sad that you’re dressed.”

Shaking her head, a faint smirk on her face, Kate pulled her hair back in a tie. “If it helps you sort out your feelings, wandering around downstairs half-naked is inappropriate.”

Wrapping her arms around Kate’s waist, Elise continued to be surprised by the depth of her affections. She would be perfectly content to spend the rest of the day locked away in her bedroom with Kate. “They want us to go to breakfast with them. Are you interested?”

“I’m starving.” Kate exhaled. “And relieved they both are clearly comfortable with me being here.”

Elise reluctantly let her arms fall from Kate’s waist and walked into her closet. “My mother suspected you were here when she saw your purse next to the door.” She pulled a pair of jeans off a hanger. “And Bailey knew as soon as I walked into the kitchen.”

“How much have you discussed the need for discretion and control with her?”

Elise’s hand hovered over the scoop neck pullover she intended to wear. Remembering her advice to Bailey that she should lie by omission, Elise wasn’t sure how popular that approach would be with Kate. “I told her to work on controlling it, and not to embarrass people by revealing too much about what she’s – ah, heard.”

Elise pulled her shirt on and, met with silence from the bedroom, reluctantly walked out of the closet. Kate sat on the edge of the bed, her brow furrowed in thought. “You don’t approve of what I told her?”

Kate slowly shook her head, her eyes set on the floor. “No, I – it’s just a lot to consider.” She looked up at a worried Elise. “There are so many implications with the telepathy. Not to mention her control of fire and water.”

Sitting down next to Kate, Elise laid her head on her shoulder. “To be honest, I don’t even know what the water and fire control entails.” Her anxiety was somewhat abated when Kate entwined her fingers with Elise’s. “I’m having to entrust those explanations to Leah.”

“And you trust her?”

Elise nodded, her cheek brushing against the cotton fabric of Kate’s blouse. “I do.” She didn’t think she was as astute an observer of people as Kate. After all, she didn’t make a career out of reading people. What Elise was certain of was Leah’s sincerity. They hadn’t discussed Leah’s life in great detail, but what little Elise knew, it had not always been easy.

“Mom!” Bailey yelled from downstairs. “We’re hungry!”

Kate brought the back of Elise’s hand up and pressed it to her lips. “We’ll talk more later.”

Elise nodded. “Yes, because even extraordinary abilities, and the management of those abilities, take a backseat to the teenage appetite.”

“God, do you remember being able to eat like that?” Kate asked wistfully as Elise and she left the bedroom.

“No. I’ve blocked it out. I don’t want to be bitter,” Elise teased.

The two women walked downstairs, and Elise watched as Bailey enthusiastically greeted Kate. Seeing Bailey’s obvious affinity for and comfort with Kate brought a smile to Elise’s lips. Despite the joy Elise found with Kate, she couldn’t help but feel the repressive weight of uncertainty bearing down on her.

Kate’s comment upstairs about there being a lot to consider lingered with Elise. It was only a few weeks ago that her life with Bailey was headed in one direction. Today, they were headed in another. Forces beyond anyone’s control had remade the entire landscape of Elise’s life, her beliefs, and her perceptions of the world. That reshaping had, among other things, revealed her love for Kate, along with Bailey’s remarkable gifts. It also left Elise with uncertainty, a feeling she loathed more than most, and it would be in the darkness of uncertainty that Bailey’s gifts would be unwrapped.

Chapter 23

“What are you making?” Bailey turned the oven light on and peered through the glass window.

“Pork roast with carrots and potatoes.” Elise carefully removed three large slices of cake from a pink bakery box and plated them.

“Oh, can I have a piece?!” Bailey practically squealed as she reached for the slice of lemon zest cake.

“Absolutely not!” Elise pushed Bailey’s hand away. “There are three of us, and I bought three pieces.” She pushed the plate to the back of the counter.

“Isn’t Kate coming?” Bailey asked absently as she continued to stare at the plate of confections.

“No. She had late appointments, and I think it will be easier since Leah and Kate don’t know each other.” Elise had resisted the urge to include Kate. Even before their relationship had moved to the next level, she had relied on Kate’s counsel and direction, and she feared tonight would be rife with crossroads and blind curves.

Bailey extended her index finger toward a slice of cake. “A little bit of icing won’t matter.”

Elise was contemplating how the evening would progress and almost missed Bailey’s attempt to abscond with a swipe of cream cheese icing. “Bailey! Control yourself.”

“I don’t see the point.”

Elise put her hand on her hip. “Let me spell it out for you. I know you. You’ll dessert first, and then eat half of mine after dinner.” She pointed to the cake slices. “And that slice of chocolate peanut butter cake is mine, and mine alone.”

“What if Leah wants it?” Bailey countered.

“She’s our guest, and I would give her first choice.” Elise pulled the electric corkscrew out of the drawer and began opening a bottle of red wine.

Bailey’s tongue stuck slightly out of the corner of her mouth as she considered what her mother said. Her eyes never left the plate of cake. “I live here; so, shouldn’t I get first dibs?”

Elise took a deep breath. She was nervous enough about the dinner with Leah without Bailey pushing her buttons. “If you want to get that technical, I pay the mortgage; so, it’s my house, and I get first dibs.” She laid the wine cork on the counter. “And, I choose to give Leah first choice, me second, and you third. After dinner.”

“Actually, if you’re paying a mortgage, then you and the bank own the house; so, where’s the bank’s representation?”

Elise ran the back of her hand across her forehead and took a deep breath. “You know something, Bailey? There are days I worry about what they’re not teaching you in school, but then there are days like today where I seriously consider home schooling you.” She handed Bailey a tray of utensils. “Please set the dining room table.”

Elise pulled two oven mitts on and carefully removed the roast from the oven to rest. Tossing the mitts down on the counter, she got two wine glasses down from the cabinet and a glass for Bailey’s Coke.

The doorbell rang and, before Elise could ask Bailey to answer it, the girl bounded from the dining room, through the kitchen, and had her hand on the doorknob. Elise couldn’t help but smile as she watched her daughter pause and take a breath. Evidently, Elise wasn’t the only one nervous about tonight.

“Hi, Leah.” Bailey smiled broadly at their dinner guest.

Leah came through the door and gave Bailey a quick hug. “It’s nice to see you again, Bailey.”

Bailey shut the door and, taking Leah’s purse, placed it on the table in the foyer. “What’s in the bag?” Bailey nodded toward small paper bag in Leah’s hand.

“I brought your mother some wine.”

“Why do people always bring wine to these sorts of things?” Bailey repeated the question she had asked Elise when they went to Leah and Ryan’s house for dinner. Elise wondered if it had become some odd dinner party conversation starter for her daughter.

Leah looked down at the bottle of wine, her brow furrowed. “I don’t know.” She handed the bottle to Bailey. “I’ve never thought about it, really. I guess it’s just a way of thanking your mom and you for having me over.”

Bailey’s eyes widened as she looked up at Leah. “So, the wine’s for me, too?”

“It is not,” Elise quickly interjected as she joined Leah and Bailey. She reached for the bottle of wine and smiled. “What a treat. You brought the Hess Select.”

“You seemed to enjoy it.”

Elise nodded. “Thank you.” She walked toward the kitchen. “Come on in. I just took dinner out and had opened a bottle of Cabernet Paso Robles.”

“Ryan enjoys a Zinfandel Paso Robles.” Leah sat down at the kitchenette table, and Bailey sat across from her.

“How can there be a cabernet and a zinfandel of the same wine?” Bailey leaned on the table and rested her chin in the palm of her hand.

Leah’s brow arched. “Good question. Are you sure you aren’t already imbibing?”

Bailey grinned. “No.”

“We can thank her grandmother for her sommelier skills.” Elise placed a charcuterie board on the table. “She plays cards with my mother’s bridge club, and I don’t want to know what they’re teaching her.”

Leah laughed as Elise handed her a glass of wine. “To answer your question, Bailey, Paso Robles is a wine region in California, and it produces several types of wine.”

Bailey nodded. “My grandmother’s friend, Margaret, says wine improves with age, because the older she gets, the better she likes it.” Leah quickly covered her mouth, managing to stem the flow of wine as she broke into laughter.

“Bailey.” Elise gave her daughter a mock look of disapproval but couldn’t hide her own amusement. Turning her attention back to Leah, Elise pointed toward the charcuterie board. “Here are a few snacks while I finish up with dinner. We have aged Gouda, Gruyère, and Gorgonzola cheese, along with prosciutto, salami, and soppressata.”

“Looks delicious.” Leah took the small plate Elise handed her and placed several slices of prosciutto, along with several slivers of Gouda cheese on her plate.

“Do I like any of this?” Bailey wrinkled her nose as she looked at the board.

“Yes.” Elise rubbed her daughter’s shoulder. “I left the pâté off.”

Bailey picked a piece of salami up gingerly between her fingers and took a bite. After chewing the cured meat for several seconds, she shrugged. “It’s okay. Not great.”

Leah put her fork down and took a drink of wine. “You can always try to cultivate a taste if you’re interested in something,” she suggested. “For example, when Ryan and I first met, she didn’t like wine, but over the years, she has come to enjoy white wines.”

“Why isn’t Ryan with you?” Bailey didn’t look up from the board as she asked the question.

Leah hesitated and looked at Elise, who nodded, before proceeding. “Your mother told you that I can control water?”

Bailey looked up at Leah, a slight frown on her face. “Yes, but I asked about Ryan.”

Leah exhaled. “Right. So, Bailey, have you ever known someone with allergies?”

“Sure. Madison Clayton has such a bad peanut allergy, she can’t even be on a plane if they’re serving them.”

Leah nodded. “Ryan has allergies too.” She looked down at the table and then, seeming to find the right words, continued. “When Ryan is around individuals like you and I, she can sometimes feel like she has a cold or is running a fever.”

Bailey frowned and sat back in her chair. “But you’re married.”

“The severity of the reaction depends on how much of the allergen she’s exposed to. And, after being around me for so long, she’s built up a tolerance.”

Bailey crossed her arms over her chest, the corners of her mouth turned down in concentration. “Is that why she fainted when we first met in the bookstore?”

“Yes.” Leah looked over at Elise, who stood leaning against the cabinet, her eyes focused on Bailey.

“What are you thinking, Bailey?” Elise asked gently.

“I’m wondering why, if she’s okay with Leah, she fainted with me.”

Leah laid her palms flat on the table and took a calming breath. “Because you were like a room full of me.”

“I don’t get it.” Bailey looked out of the top of her eyes at Leah.

“I can only manipulate water, but you can –” Leah again looked to Elise for the approval to continue. “You can control water, fire, and hear people’s thoughts.”

Bailey’s eyes widened at Leah’s declaration, and she looked worriedly up at Elise. “You can talk to Leah about everything, sweetie.” Elise knelt next to Bailey and put her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “It’s okay.”

Bailey visibly swallowed and, after several seconds, seemed to find her courage. “I can move things, too.”

Leah and Elise looked at each other, and then Elise, trying to calm the racing of her heart, managed to find a quiet, reassuring tone when she spoke. “Bailey, what do you mean by that?”

“What I said.” Bailey shrugged.

Elise wracked her brain for some clue this was coming and what it even meant. “The attic.”

Leah looked back and forth between Elise and Bailey. “What about the attic?”

Elise looked up at the ceiling. “I’d forgotten, what with everything else that’s happened.” She slid onto the chair next to Bailey. “School wasn’t even out yet, and I heard noise in the attic.” She covered Bailey’s hand with her own. “You were asleep, and I thought it was mice, but then the exterminator mentioned the furniture had been slid around.” Elise shook her head, irritated that she hadn’t connected the dots sooner. “I just – it honestly didn’t occur to me.”

The room had fallen awkwardly silent, and it was nearly a minute before Bailey finally spoke. “Do you want to see?”

Elise’s eyes snapped up, and she looked alarmed as she considered what her daughter was asking. “What – I mean, how would you show us?”

Bailey sat straight up in her chair and looked directly at the ceramic salt shaker across the table. Something akin to static electricity tickled the hairs on Elise’s arm, and a split second later the shaker slid across the table, stopping in front of Leah.

Reflexively, Elise leaned away from the table, her analytical mind not believing what she had witnessed with her own eyes. Leah remained perfectly still, her eyes fixed on Bailey. “What else can you do?”

Bailey slouched back in her chair. “I’ve practiced that the most. That, and trying not to eavesdrop on what people are thinking.”

Elise reached for the shaker and moved it in front of her. “Can you move it back across the table?”

“Sure.” Again, the hairs on Elise’s arms stood-up, and a moment later the shaker slid back across the table, coming to rest next to the pepper shaker.

“That’s amazing!” Elise stood up. “I mean it’s all amazing, but that – that’s something else!” She rubbed the back of her neck and then looked at Leah. “Can we try something else?”

“Bailey, do you want to try something with water?”

“Okay.” Elise was amazed at how casual Bailey was being when she felt like every nerve ending in her body was on overload.

Leah walked to the sink and filled a glass with tap water. Returning to the table, she sat the glass down. Placing her hand on the side of the glass, Elise and Bailey watched wide-eyed as the water transitioned to a solid chunk of ice.

“Now, melt it.” Leah looked reassuringly at Bailey.

“How?” Bailey studied the glass and its contents carefully.

“How did you move the salt shaker?” Leah asked.

Bailey rested her chin on the table, her eyes focused on the glass. “I called it.” She looked up at Leah. “Like you would call someone over, or ask a dog to come.”

Leah nodded. “Then ask the water to melt.”

Elise crouched down next to the table, effectively putting herself at eye level with Bailey. She watched as the ice melted, and the sight reminded her of a time lapse video.

All three women sat staring at the glass of water. Elise took a breath and realized she was crying. Standing, she wiped at her face. She felt dizzy, elated, and petrified at once. Knowing Bailey had been hearing people’s thoughts was one thing. Elise couldn’t see the thought being read, but witnessing the results of Bailey’s abilities left her stunned.

“You’re very good at that.” Leah’s voice hitched slightly, but she managed to give Bailey a reassuring smile. “It took me a lot of practice before I could do that and not break the glass.”

Elise was relieved to hear that Bailey was managing her abilities better than should be expected. “What about the fire?” She looked at Leah expectantly.

“My mother could control fire.” Leah got up from the table and slowly paced back and forth. “She managed her abilities in much the same way I did.” She looked intently at Bailey. “So, you should be able to do the same.”

Elise watched as an expression of sadness blanketed Leah’s features. Her eyes brimmed with tears. Elise took a tentative step toward her, not sure how far she should go given that, despite everything, they were still essentially strangers.

“Bailey, can you please take the roast, charcuterie board, and drinks into the dining room?” Elise patted her daughter on the back. “We’ll join you in a minute.”

“But I –”

“Just a few minutes, please.” Elise smiled at Bailey to assure she knew she wasn’t upset with her. Shrugging, Bailey grabbed the board and disappeared into the dining room.

“Join me in the living room?” Elise crossed her hands in front of her nervously. Leah nodded, blinked several times, and wiped her hand over her cheeks to clear the tears that had fallen.

The two women stepped into the living room, and Elise could hear Bailey coming and going in the kitchen. She didn’t expect, given everything that was happening, that Bailey would be patient enough to afford Leah and her more than a few minutes of privacy; so, Elise felt it best to get straight to the point.

“Your mother’s dead?” Elise placed a reassuring hand on Leah’s shoulder.

“She is. When I was younger.”

“And her death had to do with her abilities?”

Leah nodded, and Elise realized she was breaking one of her cardinal rules and asking closed ended questions. At this rate, she would never get to the bottom of why Leah was so distressed.

“How did your mother die?”

Leah turned so her back was to Elise, and her shoulders shuttered with a stifled sob. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting to have this reaction. It’s just, talking to Bailey about this has brought back a lot of memories from my own childhood.” She turned to face Elise, her eyes red with tears. “As I’m sure you can guess, not all of them were good.”

Elise glanced over Leah’s shoulder and was relieved to see Bailey had taken the initiative and was transferring the roast and vegetables to a serving platter. “Come here. Sit down, and tell me what happened.” She guided Leah to the sofa.

Leah cleared her throat as she sat down next to Elise. “It’s too long of a story for tonight, and this should really be about Bailey.”

Elise placed her hand on Leah’s knee. “This may help with Bailey, lest we repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Leah closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath. “That’s why I decided to talk to Bailey and you. To help. I don’t want her to ever be afraid of who she is.”

A surge of affection and gratitude rushed through Elise, and she clutched Leah’s hand in hers. “Thank you.” She reached across Leah to the end table and pulled a tissue from the box. “Here.” She handed it to Leah, who quickly wiped at her eyes and nose.

After a minute, Leah managed to find her voice. “I’m sure you’re familiar with this country’s history where witches are concerned.”

Elise cringed at the word and its connotations. “You mean the Salem trials?”

“Yes, but there’s more.” Leah pulled another tissue from the box and quietly blew her nose. “Even today, there are many families that claim divine providence in justifying the killing and ruining of a witch’s bloodline.”

Elise remembered Angie mentioning Ryan’s family lineage, and Leah alluding to their struggles with Ryan’s family. “Ruining?”

“There was a family that, once they found out who we were, they hired private detectives, and had my parents, my brother, and I pursued across the country. Our assets were frozen, and random and frivolous lawsuits were filed against my parents.”

Leah’s breath caught. “In the end, professional opportunities were also blocked.” Leah’s expression hardened. “We couldn’t even rent an apartment at one point; so, we lived with relatives.”

“I’m so sorry.” Elise knew the words could never be enough, but she didn’t have any idea what to say. Her heart was breaking for Leah, and she was also scared more than ever for Bailey.

“My father couldn’t find work and drank himself to death within five years.” Leah winced as she remembered. “My mother followed him three years later. My brother couldn’t get past it and drove his car off a bridge when he was twenty-seven.” Leah cast her eyes downward.

“Mom?” Bailey stood quietly near the kitchen entrance.

Elise looked up and, seeing the distressed look on her daughter’s face, wondered how much of the conversation she had overheard. “What is it, sweetie?”

“Dinner’s on the table, and I went ahead and carved the roast.” Bailey looked nervously at Leah as she spoke. “Is everything okay?”

Leah sniffled once and then, lifting her chin, stood. “I’m fine. I’m sorry for the waterworks, it’s just some old ghosts raising their heads.” She walked around the sofa and put her arm around Bailey’s shoulders. “I’m ready to eat. What are we having?”

“Pork roast, carrots, and vegetables.” Bailey seemed wary, and Elise could see her struggling with wanting to read Leah’s thoughts. Bailey was naturally curious, and if she felt like she was being left out of something, Elise feared she would always be tempted to resort to picking through someone’s head.

“Thank you for doing that, sweetie, and for giving Leah and I some privacy.” Elise emphasized the last part, hoping Bailey would get the hint to not pry into Leah’s private thoughts.

The corner of Bailey’s mouth turned down as her eyes narrowed. “You’re – ah, welcome.”

Elise walked toward the dining room, Leah and Bailey behind her. “Shall we eat? Then we can have some cake and coffee.”

The mention of cake seemed to lighten Bailey’s mood. She smiled broadly as she sat down and placed her napkin in her lap. “Mom is giving you first crack at the cake.”

Leah’s brow arched. “Oh, that’s generous of her.” She winked at Elise. “I don’t suppose you have a flavor preference.”

Bailey shrugged as she spooned carrots onto her plate. “Makes no difference to me, but the lemon cake can be a bit dry.” She looked up at Elise, who sat smirking at her daughter. “I mean, I wouldn’t want you to get a bad piece of cake.”

Clearly catching on, Leah feigned seriousness. “Thanks for the warning, and I’ll be sure not to choose the lemon cake.”

The meal progressed and Leah, clearly shaken from earlier, asked if they might forego additional tests of Bailey’s abilities for a later date. Elise was disappointed but would never think of pressuring Leah to disclose quicker than she was able or willing to. She was resolved to deal with the anxiety of the unknown and help Bailey however she could.

“When are you coming back?” Bailey asked as she opened the front door for Leah.

“I think this Sunday?” Leah looked over at Elise. “Does that work?”

Elise stood behind Bailey and placed her hands on her shoulders. “Perfect. Text me the time.” She found the evolution of the discovery process with Bailey amusing. They began with a psychologist, moved on to a psychiatrist and neurologist, and were now seeking guidance from a witch.

Leah reached into her purse and removed an oversized paper envelope. “I want to let you borrow this.” She handed the package to Bailey. “It’s a diary of a woman from the sixteen hundreds.”

Bailey carefully tore the edge of the envelope open and pulled a brown leather bound book from inside. The book was worn along the spine, and a thin leather band was wrapped around its center to keep it closed.

Arching her eyebrow in curiosity, Bailey turned the book over. “What’s it about?”

“Some of it’s pretty boring.” Leah turned her head so she was looking at the diary with Bailey. “But, the woman writing it is Ryan’s ancestor, and she talks about how witches were treated.” She looked at Elise reassuringly. “It’s nothing too graphic.”

Elise nodded. “I appreciate that.” She looked at the book. “I worry – I mean, if something should happen to it.”

Leah scoffed. “It’s purely sentimental.” She pulled her purse strap over her shoulder. “I promise, it’s not worth anything monetarily.”

“That’s a relief.” Elise showed Leah down the stoop, and Leah turned around when they reached the bottom. “I’ll see you Sunday, Bailey. Thank you for dinner.”

Bailey absently looked up from the diary. “Sure. Thank you for everything.” Leah smiled, and Elise and she walked toward her car.

“Thank you for dinner.” Leah pulled her car keys from her purse.

“It’s nothing, and I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing for Bailey.” Elise chewed nervously on the inside of her lip, everything she thought to say seemingly inadequate.

“She’s bright and decent.” Leah placed a reassuring hand on Elise’s forearm. “Don’t worry too much.”

Elise quickly nodded. “Of course.”

Leah cocked her head to the side. “But you will – worry too much.”

Elise chuckled. “A mother’s curse.”

Leah hugged Elise then walked around to the driver’s side and opened the door. “Elise, I know how terrifying all of this can be.” She spoke over the roof of her car, the light from the car’s interior casting shadows along her neck and jaw. “And it may seem daunting, and like nothing will ever make sense again, but I promise you there’ll come understanding.” Leah shifted and, placing her forearms on the roof of her car, leaned forward. “And after that, the fear and anxiety will give way, and you’ll see,” Leah smiled. “All of that stuff is just pieces of Bailey, and not the whole.”

As she watched Leah drive away, a dull ache settled in Elise’s stomach. By the time she reached her front door, the ache had morphed into a tightness in her chest that she could only describe as the onset of an anxiety attack. She had never had one, but she recognized the symptoms from her medical text.

Elise sat down on the stoop in front of her house and bent over until her head was between her knees. Forcing air in and out of her lungs, Elise pressed the palms of her hands into the granite steps to stop the spinning sensation that was threatening to overtake her. Pulling her phone out of her pocket, Elise tapped her call log and then pressed the call icon.

“Hey, I was just thinking about you.” Kate’s upbeat voice immediately lessened the tightness in Elise’s chest.

“Great minds.” Elise’s throat felt dry, and she could hear the tension in her voice.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen at dinner?”

“A lot happened at dinner.” Elise tried for a bit of levity. “Though, technically, it was before dinner. We didn’t even make it through the charcuterie board.”

“I’m finishing up. Should I come over?”

“Please.” Elise could hear the hesitation in Kate’s voice. She knew it was because their relationship was new, and neither was sure where the boundaries were. For Elise’s part, she wanted Kate around all the time, but the pragmatist in her knew that wasn’t realistic.

“I’ll see you in about thirty minutes.”

Elise was still catching hints of uncertainty from Kate, and she figured, given the events of the evening, this needed moment of bravery was a small thing. “Can you bring an overnight bag?”

“Absolutely.” The relief in Kate’s voice was palpable.

“See you then.” Elise smiled to herself as she ended the call.

***

Kate sat in the middle of Elise’s bed with her legs crossed, her head tilted down, and a look of concentration on her face as she read through the diary Leah left with Elise and Bailey.

Elise came out of the bathroom. Wrapped in her robe, she toweled her wet hair off as she crossed the room. “Anything interesting?”

Without looking up, Kate nodded. “Some of it, but then there are entire entries about crop rotation and a recipe for blood pudding.”

It was after eleven at night. Kate had arrived shortly before nine, and Elise, Bailey, and she had watched television for an hour before Bailey excused herself to go to her room. Her daughter had not been happy when Elise informed her she would be reading through the diary before Bailey could look at it.

“That isn’t fair.” Bailey had stood with the book in her hand as Elise and Kate sat on the sofa together.

“It’s no different than when I had to screen movies before you could watch them,” Elise had reminded her daughter.

“I was ten, and this is a book,” Bailey had quickly countered.

“Bailey, please. It’s been a long day; can you just let me have this one?” Elise had rubbed her hand over her face. “I promise you can have it before Leah comes back on Sunday.”

Bailey had looked down at the book, her eyes narrowed in concentration as if she were trying to see inside it. “Fine.” She had laid the book down on an end table and disappeared upstairs.

“Blood pudding?” Elise cringed. “Yum.”

Kate looked up and, seeing Elise in nothing but her robe, laid the diary to the side and, getting up, pulled Elise to her. “Thank you for inviting me to stay.”

Elise was still trying to wrap her mind around being able to have this level of intimacy. She didn’t think she would ever take it for granted. “Thank you for agreeing.” She kissed Kate lightly on the lips.

Kate leaned back and tucked a strand of damp hair behind Elise’s ear. “Not to distract you, but you seemed pretty upset when we talked earlier.” She cupped Elise’s cheek with her hand. “Do you want to talk about dinner?”

Elise turned her head and kissed the palm of Kate’s hand. “No, but I should.”

Kate took Elise’s hand, and the two women crawled into bed, Kate laying with her arms around Elise, her lips nuzzled against Elise’s neck.

“Were you serious about hearing this?” Elise asked, her face and neck flush with heat.

Kate propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at Elise with a playful grin. “What?”

“You know what.”

Exhaling, Kate turned on her back with her arms at her sides. “Fine.”

Elise cleared her throat. Her body felt like it was humming with Kate’s nearness, but she needed to tell someone about what had happened with Bailey. “Bailey is able to move objects without touching them.”

Kate sat up and looked over at Elise with a startled expression. “Telekinesis?”

“Yes.” Elise nodded. “She moved a salt shaker across the kitchenette table and back again.”

“So, she can move objects, read minds, and control water and fire?” Kate’s voice was tight as she chewed nervously on the inside of her cheek.

“You’re worried?” Elise shifted so the two women were facing each other.

It took Kate several seconds before she looked up at Elise. “Aren’t you?”

“Yes.” Elise rubbed her thumb along the terrycloth of her robe. “As a mother, you expect to have conversations with your child about drugs, sex, cyber bullying, relationships, majors, but discussing the risks of unchecked power doesn’t usually make the list.”

Kate placed her hand on Elise’s knee. “How did you talk to Bailey about those things?”

Elise had to think about it. She had the sex talk with her daughter when she was twelve, because that was when her mother had talked to her, and the drug conversation had happened when one of Bailey’s classmates was caught with a prescription for Ritalin that didn’t belong to him. “Something happened, and it lead to her and I discussing it in a larger context.”

“Well, something has certainly happened.” Kate squeezed Elise’s knee. “So, just start talking to her. The two of you are good together.”

Elise took some solace in Kate’s reassurances and encouragement, but the unsettled feeling pushing at the back of her throat was ever-present. The feeling left her short of breath and a little sick to her stomach. She had been presented with challenges and problems day after day, and Elise longed for a day – a moment even – when she wasn’t looking for answers.

Chapter 24

“What are you reading?” Hannah sat down at her small desk across from Elise.

Absently, Elise glanced up from the diary and then back down. “A diary from the sixteen-hundreds.”

“That’s different,” Hannah mused. “I didn’t realize you were into that.”

Sensing Hannah’s curiosity growing by the second, Elise closed the diary and placed it in the drawer of her desk. It was only the third day of the term, and she was already feeling stretched tight and thin by the demands of work and the worry of having Bailey back in school.

Bailey and she had spoken at length about her abilities and the inherent responsibility she had to manage them. The main sticking point for her daughter had been Elise’s insistence that she not tell anyone, not even Kim.

“She’s my best friend,” Bailey had insisted.

“I know, and I appreciate that you’re loyal and don’t want to deceive her.” Elise had placed a cup of hot chocolate in front of Bailey as the two had sat down for breakfast.

“She won’t tell anyone.” Bailey had taken a sip of the hot chocolate and winced. Elise had watched in amazement as Bailey had laid her hand flat against the ceramic mug, and seconds later the steam emanating from the beverage had vanished, and Bailey had taken another sip.

“What if Kim and you have a falling out?” Elise had asked as she spread butter on her toast.

“She still wouldn’t say anything, and if she tried to, I would talk to her,” Bailey had stated confidently.

The corner of Elise’s mouth had turned down as she recalled an exchange Bailey and she had had. “You told me that you can’t reason with a teenage girl. Do you remember that?”

Bailey had stopped-mid sip, her eyes fixed on Elise. “Yes.”

“Is that true?” Elise had known from the annoyed expression on Bailey’s face that she had already made her point.

“Is that something you took up over the summer?” Hannah interrupted Elise’s thoughts, pulling her back into the present.

“What?” Elise was perplexed as she considered her assistant.

Nodding toward the desk, Hannah smiled. “The diary? Is that something new?”

“Oh, yes. I found an antique bookshop this summer, and –” Elise glanced down at the drawer, “— it’s all fascinating.”

“My mother collects old almanacs,” Hannah offered. “I’ve never seen the point, but she believes in astronomy, and all of that ties into the almanac. In fact, she has one from the thirteen-hundreds that’s –”

“Would you excuse me?” Elise was nearly consumed by a wave of nausea as she quickly rushed from the office. She barely made it to the ladies’ room before dry heaving into one of the toilets. She leaned against the stall wall, her head tilted back as she forced herself to take deep breaths.

Wiping at the thin film of sweat on her forehead, she glanced at her smartwatch. It was at least the twentieth time she had checked for messages from Bailey since arriving at the office. In an effort to alleviate the stress and dread that was threatening to overwhelm her, Elise sent Bailey a short text.

How’s the first day back going?

Elise was relieved when less than a minute later, Bailey responded. I haven’t burned anything down… yet.

A short laugh escaped Elise, and she covered her mouth, relieved by Bailey’s levity. That’s my girl.

Going into Chem. Gotta go.

Love you.

Me too, Bailey responded, and Elise felt significantly calmer.

After washing her hands and splashing some cool water on her face, Elise felt up to facing Hannah and what was no doubt going to be a myriad of questions.

“Elise?” Jill called after her before she could make it to her office.

“Good morning, Jill. How was your summer?” Elise managed through a tense grin.

“It was wonderful.” Jill stood with her hand on her hip and a tablet tucked under her other arm. “And yours?”

“Uneventful.” Elise almost laughed at the understatement.

“Good to hear.” Jill motioned for Elise to join her, and the two walked down the hall. “Linda and I went up to Québec City and spent all of July and most of August. We rented a beautiful house overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, and it was…”

Elise could feel her head nodding, and she was vaguely aware she asked about the weather, but otherwise, Jill’s voice faded into the background as Elise’s mind wandered. It was a little after ten, and she smiled at the fact she knew Kate was already on her third patient. She felt fortified against the challenges of the day knowing Kate, Bailey, and she were having dinner that night.

“And I had forgotten just how much like Europe the city feels.” Jill laid her hand across her chest and took a deep breath. “We hated to come back.”

“That sounds lovely.” Elise smiled warmly at the woman, hoping with the obligatory small talk out of the way, she could return to her desk.

“You should go sometime, Elise,” Jill offered. “The city is perfectly accommodating to singles.”

Pushing past her irritation, Elise maintained an even tone. “I’m seeing someone.” She wasn’t inclined to give Jill too much detail, and she knew she shouldn’t have said anything less Jill take it as an invitation to pry.

Jill’s eyes widened as she leaned back. “That’s wonderful.”

Elise didn’t miss the slight hitch in her ex’s voice and couldn’t help the sense of satisfaction it gave her. “It is.” She stepped past Jill, unwilling to continue feigned niceties. “I have to get ready for a class. Have a nice day.”

Elise could feel Jill’s eyes on her as she walked down the hall. The woman was nothing if not predictable. It was all fun and games until someone was just as happy as Jill, and it was worse if Jill wasn’t the source of that happiness.

***

Diary of Remembrance Patience Allerton

Plymouth Colony

22 January 1628

Margery arrived today, in spite of the frigid conditions, with her mother. Goody Sebille was widowed three winters ago when her husband fell overboard from his small boat while fishing in Russell Pond. I remember hearing news of the tragedy and being perplexed as the day had been calm, and I seem to recall Goodman Sebille being an excellent swimmer.

Alas, the mild currents pushed him to the bottom of the pond, and it was late summer before he was found. Bless Goody Sebille, for she had witnessed her husband’s fall and untimely death. I am loath to admit this, as the poor man met an unseemly death, but he was rather the brute, and the town is better for not having him around.

***

Elise cringed as she laid the diary on her nightstand. She was barely a third of the way through the book, and there had already been several difficult sections. It was also the fourth time Goody Sebille had been mentioned, and Elise couldn’t help but conjure the image of Doctor Page’s colleague who bore the same surname.

With this most recent entry, Elise was more certain than ever that Goody Sebille was an elemental and, in fact, had murdered her abusive husband. Chewing nervously on her lower lip, Elise contemplated how much of this she wanted Bailey to read.

Elise’s watch vibrated, and she looked down to see an email from Doctor Page. With everything that had happened, Elise had not formally informed the doctor that her services were no longer needed, and the doctor had contacted her several times requesting an appointment with Bailey.

Elise was about to respond to the email when her watch vibrated again. Smiling, Elise pressed the call button. “Hi.”

“Hey, how was work and Bailey’s first day back?” Kate’s voice emitted from the small watch face.

“Hectic, but Bailey seemed unfazed and in good spirits.”

“I’m sorry I had to bail on dinner, but there was a bit of a crisis with one of my newer patients.”

“It’s perfectly fine.” Elise of all people understood professional demands. “Are you available tomorrow night?”

“I’m available tonight,” Kate quickly offered. “We can hang out, have a nightcap, and –”

“You can stay over,” Elise interjected.

Kate chuckled. “You read my mind.”

Elise winced. “Wrong Sullivan.”

Kate laughed. “It’s a good sign that you can find some humor in the whole thing.”

Elise wasn’t sure if she should share her run to the ladies’ room earlier that day with Kate but then decided with everything Kate knew already, what was the harm in a little self-deprecating humor. “Well, you missed me dry heaving over a public toilet this morning. I had clearly not found the humor at that point.”

“Oh, sweetie, are you okay?”

A surge of warmth rushed to Elise’s face at Kate’s use of an endearment. “Now I am, but not so much this morning.”

“But Bailey said school went all right?”

“Yes. She’s clearly still struggling with not telling Kim, but I think as things progress, she’ll understand the merits of discretion.” Elise held her watch away from her face and looked at the time. “Can you be over before ten?”

“I can. Should I bring anything?”

“Yourself is more than enough.”

“Then I’ll see you soon.”

Elise pressed the end button and rolled onto her side. The faint sound of music came from Bailey’s room and, once again, Elise was amazed at how some things had irrevocably shifted while other things remained happily the same.

***

Elise hurried up the stoop and, opening her front door, tossed her briefcase and purse on the table in the entryway. “Bailey?!” She paused long enough to take in the silence of the house and, breathing a sigh of relief that she had beat her daughter home, kicked her heels off.

She had been running late the entire day. Kate had arrived a little before ten the night before. Bailey, she, and Elise had stayed up watching a backlog of The Daily Show on DVR. Kate and she had intended on going to sleep when they finally made it to bed after midnight, but the other’s proximity and their affections for each other had led to slow and quiet lovemaking until three in the morning.

Elise had been in awe of Kate’s energy that morning when she had barely drug herself downstairs at seven-thirty to find Kate and Bailey laughing over a series of memes on the internet.

Bailey had been sitting at the kitchenette table with an empty bowl of oatmeal in front of her while Kate had leaned over her shoulder, a broad smile on her face as she had looked at Bailey’s phone. Seeing Elise, Kate had given Bailey’s shoulder a quick squeeze and then had handed Elise a cup of coffee.

“I was about to send out a search party. We’ve been hearing your alarm going off for over a half hour.” Kate had winked playfully at a still groggy Elise.

Taking the coffee, Elise had managed a quick smile. “Thanks. I didn’t sleep well.”

Kate had frowned. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Elise took a long drink of the coffee. “Totally worth it.” She had grinned at the rush of pink to Kate’s cheeks.

“I have to run.” Kate had glanced at her watch. “I have an eight o’clock.”

“I’ll text you that website,” Bailey had offered as she had taken her dirty dishes to the sink.

“Thanks.” Kate picked her purse and keys up from the table near the door and quickly closed the space between Elise and her. “I’ll call you later, and we can see about dinner?” She kissed Elise’s cheek and left.

“Hopefully, I’m awake by then,” Elise had muttered to herself as she had sat down at the table, knowing she should eat something but unable to find the energy. Bailey had sat down at the table across from her. After several seconds of awkward silence and her daughter staring at her, Elise had finally asked the obvious question. “Why are you staring at me?”

“When can I see the diary?”

Elise had rolled her eyes as she placed her coffee mug on the table. “Bailey, please, I –”

“You said I could look at it before Leah comes this weekend, and it’s Wednesday, and I haven’t seen it, and I need to –”

“Tomorrow.” Elise had uttered the first thought that popped into her head. “I’ll give it to you tomorrow.”

Bailey had leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s hardly enough time to –”

“Then not at all.” Elise had been cranky and in no mood for the back-and-forth. “Is that enough time?”

Bailey had opened her mouth to say something but had thought better of it and instead had excused herself from the table. Moments later, Elise had heard tromping around overhead, and then Bailey had stood in the entryway with her backpack over one shoulder and her hand on the front door knob.

“I’ll see you tonight.” Bailey hadn’t waited for Elise to respond and had hurried from the house.

Now, Elise stood washing the morning dishes and chastising herself for being such a grump. It was past five and as she loaded the dishwasher, Elise wondered where Bailey was.

Checking her watch, she didn’t have any messages from her daughter since their brief exchange during Elise’s lunch. Bailey had still been annoyed with Elise’s delay in giving her the diary but seemed resigned to wait. Otherwise, the only other message was a missed text from Kate about what time they were meeting for dinner.

Elise sighed as she loaded the dishwasher and decided to change into casual clothes before responding to Kate. Trudging up the stairs, Elise unbuttoned the burgundy silk blouse she was wearing, looking forward to the looser fitting cotton t-shirt she would wear that evening. She tossed the blouse into the dry cleaning hamper, walked into the bathroom, pausing as something struck her as odd.

Turning around, Elise scanned the bedroom, unsure what had unsettled her. On the second pass, her eye caught the drawer of her nightstand. She crossed the room and, bending down, took note of the drawer slightly ajar. Frowning, Elise pulled the drawer open to find the diary haphazardly tossed inside.

Elise knew she had carefully placed the book in the drawer and had firmly closed the drawer the night before. Puzzled, Elise picked the diary up and noticed the edge of one of the pages was creased. She opened the book and quickly scanned the entry.

***

20 March 1628

Our home was full this evening as three men from the court met to discuss the situation with the Sebille family. I had not imagined it warranted this level of attention, but clearly Isaac has failed – I suspect intentionally – to provide me with the entirety of the story.

I was familiar with two of the men. Goodman Payne and Goodman Middleton. The third man, who I have never seen before, had an intensity about him matched only by the piercing blue of his eyes. Isaac introduced the man to me as Samuel Tynan. His skin was as pale as snow, and his touch, as he took my hand in his, was cold as ice.

***

The diary fell from Elise’s trembling hands. Her knees gave way, and Elise sat down hard on the bed. Her mind raced to make sense of what she had read. It wasn’t possible that the Samuel in the diary was the same man that had gone out of his way to befriend Bailey and her.

Shaking her head, Elise bent over and retrieved the diary from the floor. She read the entry again and again, her instinct trying desperately to push her past reason and toward the truth. She recalled the smoothness of Samuel’s skin, the coolness of his touch, and the paleness of his complexion. Shaking her head, Elise reasoned the man in the book must be a distant relative, but there was no conceivable way they were the same person.

Covering her mouth with her hand, Elise was struck with the absurdity of her denials. With everything that had been revealed in the past few months, it seemed even immortality could be possible. Opening the diary again, Elise frantically searched its pages for more clues about who Samuel Tynan had been, and perhaps who he was.

***

2 May 1628

I stood huddled next to Coleen and Hester this morning on the banks of the Pemigewasset River. We had become one town, one people. Margery and Abigail were walked to the river. I had learned from Coleen that Goody Sebille had passed during the night, her soul now lost forever.

I confess, though, that I had a moment of sadness as the sisters, with eyes bloodshot from crying, neared the river’s edge. I could not help but pity the poor creatures for everything they lost, even if it was by their own sin.

It was Isaac who stepped forward, and I knew him well enough to see the nervousness he was trying to mask from our neighbors. I was proud that he was taking a more prominent role in the community but saddened that it should come with such a heavy burden.

“On this, the second day of May in the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and twenty eight, we, the people of Plymouth Colony, stand in judgment of Margery Sarah Sebille and Abigail Lea Sebille. The women, of keen minds and unfettered hearts, have willingly and knowingly given their souls and services over to the devil. This was evidenced to, and so decided by, a jury of freeman and witnessed by the God-fearing people of Plymouth.”

My heart grew heavy as Isaac pronounced the sentences. The women were to be bound and drowned. If they be truly of the devil, their dark master would find a way to save his servants and raise them from the river’s depths. If they be good Christian souls, then they would sink, their bodies lost but their souls saved. I prayed for the latter!

It is difficult to put into words what happened next. I can only convey what my eyes saw and know it to be true. Margery was the first of the sisters to be thrown into the cold waters of the river. I closed my eyes, my breath catching as I prayed she remain submerged and be the kindly woman I had always thought her to be.

Alas, it was not to be. For, mere moments after she disappeared under the surface of the water, she rose above the lapping waves, hands and feet still bound, and stood just at the water’s surface. I reached for Coleen for fear I would swoon from sheer shock, but she was no longer beside me.

Scanning the crowd of people as they scattered to and fro, I spotted Coleen near the river bank. I cannot say how she managed to clear such a wide distance in mere seconds, but she, along with Goodman Tynan, had grabbed Abigail around the shoulders and feet, their intent clear as they meant to throw her in the water.

Margery now stood on the far side of the river bank, no longer bound, her hands outstretched toward her sister. What I can only describe as two columns of water stabbed upward from the river and then as if directed by Margery herself were thrust forward with such force they knocked Goodman Tynan and Coleen to the ground.

I could see a faint glow coming from the ropes around Abigail, and within a blink of an eye, a flash of light engulfed her, and the ropes – now clearly singed – fell to the ground. Free of her restraints, Abigail waved her hands in front of her, and to my utter horror, flames from Hell’s fire shot from the ground.

Where the two columns of water had been, there was now an empty river bed as dams, unseen by my eyes, held the current at bay. Abigail ran across to Margery, and in a few heartbeats, the two women disappeared into the wooded area beyond the river.

***

Elise couldn’t make sense of everything she had read. Clearly, skipping ahead had left gaps in the story. A sharp cramp stabbed at Elise’s midsection, causing her to double over in pain as the diary fell to the floor.

Bailey read this. She couldn’t wait, and she read it. Elise pulled her phone from her pocket and pressed Bailey’s contact button. After four rings, the call went to Bailey’s voicemail.

“Hi, this is Bailey. I can’t take your call, so text me.”

Elise waited for the beep, trying to squelch the nausea and panic that threatened to overtake her. “Hey, Bailey, Mom here. Can you give me a quick call back? I need some input on dinner with Kate tonight. I’ll text you, too. Love you.”

After pressing the end button, Elise fired off a quick text to Bailey, asking her to call her. She didn’t want her to think she was in trouble for reading the diary, but Elise worried Bailey had gone to talk to Samuel. She knew, despite Bailey’s initial reservations towards the man, that she had taken a liking to him, and Bailey was confident and impatient enough to confront the man herself.

Elise looked down at her phone and, with no response from Bailey, tapped the icon for the Footprint application. She had originally downloaded the locator application and began paying for an annual subscription when Bailey was nine. It allowed her to locate Bailey’s phone within a thousand feet and had given her some measure of comfort as a single mother living in a large city.

Scrolling through the screens, Elise never had a need to use the application, and it took her a minute to find the locator screen. When she did, her heart sank. The small, blinking, blue dot was outside of Baltimore in the suburb of Linthicum Heights.

Wiping at the tears streaming down her face, Elise logged into the Uber account she shared with her daughter. She scanned the history screen and found a residential address in Linthicum Heights as a drop-off point at four-fifteen that afternoon.

“Jesus.” Elise was jolted off her bed, and she quickly changed into a pair of jeans and t-shirt. Hurrying downstairs, she grabbed a light coat from the hook near the front door along with her purse and car keys.

She couldn’t remember how, but Elise found herself in her SUV, speeding down MD-295 South. Bailey had been at what Elise could only assume was Samuel Tynan’s house for over an hour. The fact the man hadn’t contacted Elise to let her know the whereabouts of her daughter pushed bile to the back of Elise’s throat.

Her instinct was to call the police, but she didn’t know how she would explain Bailey’s interest in Samuel, or worse, if something had happened because Bailey lost control. How could Elise protect her from that?

A chill ran through Elise as she remembered Leah telling her how it had been easy for people to hurt her and her family because of the secrets they were forced to keep. Elise had not imagined how soon that would prove true for Bailey and her.

Chapter 25

It was six o’clock, and there was a chill in the air as the sun dipped below the horizon. Elise sat in her SUV across from a red brick, Colonial Revival style house. As she considered the house, she thought it didn’t look like the house of a monster, though she quickly conceded that she had no idea what a monster’s house looked like.

Elise’s watch vibrated, and for the second time since she had left her house, she rejected a call from Kate. It pained her to not include Kate, but Elise had no idea what she was dealing with, and she didn’t want Kate in the middle of something dangerous.

Scanning the sprawling lot the house sat on, Elise saw a gray Volvo SUV in the circular drive and a blue BMW sedan parked in front of the three-car garage. Two of the downstairs’ windows were lit; so, Elise was fairly confident someone was home.

Elise pulled the small canister of pepper spray off her keyring and slipped it into the front pocket of her jacket, tucking the keys and her phone in her jean pocket. The street was quiet as Elise made her way toward the house. She walked up the front steps that were adjacent to the sidewalk, taking note of the name Tynan scrolled in script on the mailbox.

A fresh wave of fear washed over her with the realization that she was in the right place, and in a matter of moments, she would be confronting a man who might be four-hundred years old. Samuel’s age, though inconceivable to Elise’s medical mind, was the least of her concerns.

The Samuel in the diary had not been kind toward elementals, and because of that, his interest in Bailey seemed that much more sinister. What Elise couldn’t reconcile was why Bailey, having read the same entries Elise had, would seek out someone who clearly despised people like her.

Elise stood at the front door, her finger hovering over the doorbell while her other hand clenched the can of pepper spray in her pocket. She knew she was no burglar, and any effort at a stealth entry would more than likely just draw more attention. She reasoned the direct approach was the best and pressed the button. A series of chimes sounded from inside the house, and Elise nearly forgot to breathe as she waited for someone to answer the door.

“Doctor Sullivan. We wondered when you might arrive.”

Elise’s mouth hung open as she looked at Doctor Page, and behind her, Doctor Sebille stood with a glass of red wine in her hand. “I – why –”

“Well, don’t stand out there and stammer all night.” Doctor Page stepped to the side. “Come in.” Elise managed to get her legs working and stepped inside the house.

“Can I offer you some wine, Doctor Sullivan?” Doctor Sebille took Elise by the elbow and ushered her into a formal living room.

“What?” Elise looked around the space, trying to process where she was and who she was with. The room was done in a French style design, with rich shades of beige and blues throughout. There were accents of gold and bronze in the antique furniture, and fresh white and pink rose and lavender flower arrangements were placed throughout the room. Once again, Elise was struck by how this was not the house of a monster.

“We have a lovely Château Montrose.” Doctor Sebille held a half-empty bottle up for Elise’s inspection.

“Where’s my daughter?” Elise stepped away from the two women.

Doctor Page smiled warmly. “She’s talking with Samuel.”

“I want to see her, now, Doctors.” The details of why the two doctors were here were of little consequence to Elise. She needed to know Bailey was safe, and she wanted to take her home.

“Please, call us Esther and Joyce.” Doctor Sebille held a glass of wine out for Elise.

Elise shook her head and took another step back. “Fine. Esther and Joyce, I want to see my daughter – now.” She squared her shoulders defiantly as the two women looked back-and-forth at each other.

Joyce sat both her glass and Elise’s rejected glass of wine down on the table. “She’ll be along shortly. In the meantime, why don’t we have a seat?” She gestured for Elise to take a seat on the Louis XV-style sofa.

“I’m fine to stand.” Elise tightly squeezed the container of pepper spray in her pocket, her palm sweaty against the cool metal of the canister.

“Elise, there’s really no reason to be cross.” Esther sat down on the sofa. “I always thought you were a little too contrary for my taste.”

Elise scowled at the doctor. “And I always thought you were a little too bitchy and cold for my taste.” She took a step forward, her gaze darting between the two women. “Go get my daughter, or I’ll tear through this house until I find her.”

Esther sat bolt upright on the sofa, her back rigid as she glared at Elise. “No.”

A numbness began at the base of Elise’s neck and quickly spread down between her shoulder blades. It was quickly replaced with an excruciating burning sensation that pushed through to her chest. Dropping to her knees, Elise cried out as she clutched her chest, the heat intensifying by the second.

“Is that warm enough for you?” Esther mocked.

“Oh, enough of this silliness.” Joyce bustled over to Elise, helped her to her feet, and then over to a chair. “Take a few deep breaths. The pain will subside.”

Elise couldn’t catch her breath even as the heat lessened. Rubbing her chest, she carefully stretched the muscles of her neck and back as she attempted to sit fully upright. “What was that?”

“I carefully heated the water throughout the layers of skin, fat, muscle, and tissue in your neck, back, and chest,” Esther said casually. “A less skilled witch would have scorched you from the inside out.” She tisked. “Difficult way to go.”

“What do you want with us?” Elise managed through the tightness in her chest.

“Us?” Joyce looked at Esther, her brow furrowed as she then looked back at Elise. “Doctor Sullivan, there is no us. There’s only Bailey and the extraordinary powers she has. Only some of which she’s discovered.” Joyce clapped her hands together. “We have so much to show her.”

“How long have you known?” Elise was biding time. She hoped if she kept the two women distracted, Bailey might eventually arrive. Otherwise, Elise was prepared to make good on her threat of searching the house.

“I suspected when I first met Bailey.” Esther grinned. “But, I was certain when I saw her PET scan results.”

Elise fervently shook her head. “Those scans were normal.”

The corner of Esther’s mouth twitched. “Quite the opposite, actually. Bailey’s scans were remarkable and more than enough evidence to convince me she was an elemental.”

“Oh my God, Doctor Ramsey knows?!” Elise’s mind reeled with the implications.

“Of course.”

“Not of course,” Elise snapped. “The obvious answer is not that three well regarded doctors are part of a conspiracy to hide the fact a fourteen-year-old girl is a witch. So, give me just a little break, Doctor.”

“I can appreciate how angry you must be, but try to look at it as the miracle that it is.” Joyce attempted to soothe Elise and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Elise immediately recoiled from the touch and got to her feet. “I’m getting my daughter out of here.” Turning, Elise’s heart raced when she saw Bailey standing next to Samuel, the man’s arm casually around her daughter’s shoulders.

“Bailey?” Elise rushed toward the two and sobbed when Bailey flung her arms around her.

“It’s okay, Mom,” Bailey reassured. “I’m fine.”

Elise leaned back and, cupping Bailey’s face in her hands, tried to organize her scattered thoughts. “Why did you come here? Are you hurt?” She bent down and peppered Bailey’s cheeks with kisses. “Where were you?”

Bailey wiggled under Elise’s kisses. “I’m fine. I had questions, and when I realized Samuel was in the diary, I looked him up and came over.”

Elise was dumbstruck by her daughter’s casual tone, and despite her relief at seeing Bailey uninjured, she couldn’t help the surge of irritation and anger that forced its way to the surface. “We could have come together and talked with –” she looked over at an unusually quiet Samuel. “We could have talked to Samuel together.”

“You wouldn’t even let me read the diary; so, what were the odds you would let me talk to him?”

Elise couldn’t argue with Bailey’s logic, nor did she want to with the audience they currently had. “We can talk about it at home.”

“Bailey is welcome to stay.” Samuel offered Elise a reassuring smile, his unusually white and straight teeth striking Elise as even more menacing, given the circumstances.

“Thank you, but no.” Elise was willing to feign graciousness to a point if it meant Bailey and she could leave quietly.

“I insist.” Samuel’s expression went flat as the blue of his eyes intensified.

“Bailey, let’s go.” Elise pulled Bailey toward the front door.

“But I want to stay.” Bailey pulled her hand free of Elise’s.

“We can discuss this at home.” Despite her best efforts, Elise was unable to budge her daughter.

“She wants to stay.” Samuel crossed his hands in front of him. “We were just getting to know each other.”

“Did you know, Mom, that I’m going to live to be, like, a hundred and fifty years old?” Bailey chimed in enthusiastically.

Elise blinked several times, her daughter’s words not making any sense to her. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s true,” Joyce offered. “We’re long lived. Not as long lived as Samuel, but you can’t have everything.” She winked playfully at the man.

Elise felt like she was in some twisted dream she couldn’t wake up from. She let Bailey’s hand go and pressed her back to the girl as she stared Samuel down. “We’re leaving this house.”

Samuel nodded, a sympathetic expression on his face. “I can appreciate how confusing all of this must be, and like any human, your first instinct is to run.” He looked at Esther and Joyce and then back at Elise. “But I assure you, we mean you no harm, and Bailey is far too precious to us for any harm to come to her.”

“What are you?” Elise spat the words, her patience gone, her nerves in tatters.

“I’m a vampire, and I assure you that what you read of me in that horrible book is not who I am now.” Samuel crossed the room, effectively leaving Elise and Bailey’s path to the front door open.

Regardless of the fact she had asked the question, Elise was unprepared for the answer and stood stunned in the middle of the living room as Bailey took a step toward Samuel, Esther, and Joyce.

“It’s really fine, Mom,” Bailey reassured her stunned mother. “They only want to help.”

Elise managed to speak past the lump in her throat, her voice slight and hollow. “Leah is helping us.”

“Leah Brewer?” Joyce cackled. “She’s scared of her own shadow.”

Elise swallowed several times before speaking. “How do you know Leah?”

“She’s descended from Abigail Sebille’s bloodline, and I’m Margery’s descendent.” Joyce raised her chin with pride. “I haven’t seen Leah since she was a child, and I’m happy to not have known her all these years.” The woman grimaced. “So many lies, and so much fear.” She glared at Elise. “I blame her parents, teaching her to be ashamed of what she is.”

“Leah’s not like that.” Everyone turned and looked at Bailey. “I mean, she’s been helping me, too.”

Joyce cleared her throat. “I’m sure it seems like that, dear, but she’s too afraid of her own power to help you realize yours.”

“That’s not true.”

Elise recognized the combative tone in Bailey’s voice. It had proceeded many a fight the two of them had had over the years. Bailey’s stubbornness and loyalty were two of her most prominent traits.

“Let’s not argue about it,” Samuel chimed in. “I’m sure Leah is doing what she thinks is best.”

“What do you want?” Elise managed. “What do you hope to gain from this?”

Samuel feigned indignation as he sat down, crossing his legs. “My kind and witches have been natural born enemies since the dawn of time.” His full lips formed into an exaggerated frown. “I’m ashamed to say, I’m guilty of perpetuating the bigotry and hate that has kept our two great species apart.”

Leaning forward, Samuel rested his elbows on his knees. “God created many versions of people besides humans. He strove to strike a balance between the natural world and species that would bear more of a resemblance to Himself. Like vampires and witches.”

“We’re atheists,” Bailey added.

Samuel hesitated, his lips parted as he looked up at Bailey. “That’s good.”

“I don’t believe you,” Elise asserted. “There’s no evidence.”

Samuel shook his head. “We don’t need old books full of lies and empty promises. We were there.”

Elise reached out her hand toward Bailey. “Let’s go.” To her great relief, Bailey took her hand, and they walked toward the front door. Elise expected Samuel to charge after them but was stunned when the man casually stood between them and the front door.

Elise stumbled backwards, pulling Bailey along with her. “How –”

Samuel’s voice was low and even, suddenly coming from behind her as he pressed his cool lips to her ear. “Is what I’m saying so difficult to believe? Until a few months ago, would you have grasped the possibilities that live inside your daughter?” Samuel gently stroked Elise’s cheek. “You asked me what I want. I want Bailey to take her rightful place, here, with us.”

“She’ll be our seventh!” Esther announced.

“Seventh what?!” Elise cried. “You’re all crazy!” The burning in her neck, back, and chest begun again. Elise stumbled backwards, grabbing at the air before slamming to the floor. She was only faintly aware of Bailey screaming before the pain in her chest overwhelmed her, and the room faded to black.

***

Elise’s eyes fluttered open. A sour taste coated the inside of her mouth, and she smacked her lips together several times, trying to get rid of the taste. She lay on a bed, her hands and feet bound with what felt like rope. Lifting her head, Elise winced as a sharp pain shot through her shoulders and neck. Rolling to her side, Elise could barely make out the shape of furniture in the dimly lit room. “Bailey?”

“She’s with Esther and Joyce.” Samuel’s voice came from the corner of the darkened room.

“If you’ve hurt her, I’ll –”

“Please, don’t insult us both by making threats you can’t possibly carry out.”

Elise swallowed, her throat like sandpaper. “You can just let us go. We all have secrets, and no one has to know about any of this.”

Without a sound, Samuel was kneeling next to Elise, his cool hand gently stroking her cheek. “You’re an intelligent woman, Elise. You must know that will never happen.” He stood and stared down at her. “Bailey will resist the separation from you. Her willfulness is one of the things that makes her so powerful.” He clasped his hands in front of him and tilted his head up. “But in time she’ll grow to understand her purpose.”

“You mean the purpose you’ve chosen for her,” Elise spat as she struggled against the ropes.

Samuel slowly tilted his head down and considered Elise for several seconds. “I’ve heard it said that when you come upon a monster, you have to stop it. Do you agree?”

“Bailey isn’t a monster.” Elise’s tone was steely and certain.

“She is. But don’t worry, mother, I’m not going to kill her. There are other ways to stop a monster.”

Elise should have felt relief at the admission, but the underlying menace in the vampire’s words sent a shudder through her. “What are you going to do to her?”

“I’m going to control the monster. Wield it like a blunt tool.” Samuel smiled broadly. “All children, even monsters, need guidance.” He pressed his finger against his temple. “Say, I’ve just had a thought.” Samuel seemed almost giddy. “Now, it’s a little unorthodox, but hear me out.” In a single, seamless motion, the man straddled Elise, his knees squeezing against her hips.

Elise writhed beneath the man as Samuel effortlessly pinned her to the mattress. “Please!” Elise sobbed. She wasn’t ready to die. The thought of leaving Bailey with these people was more than she could bare, and the fact Kate and she had just found each other made it even more cruel and horrific.

“Shh.” Samuel leaned over Elise and placed the tip of his finger over her lips. “No tears. You’re better than that.” Elise’s chest heaved as she sobbed, unable to control the terror that threatened to suffocate her.

“I’m going to turn you,” Samuel whispered.

Elise gasped in horror. In the darkened room, Samuel’s eyes glowed an iridescent blue. “Don’t.” She wasn’t certain what exactly she was pleading to be spared, but Elise wanted this thing off her, and she tried again in vein to lift her hips.

“You’ll see things more clearly after.” Samuel’s voice was an octave deeper as he pressed his lips to Elise’s neck, his incisors scraping along her pulse point. Elise tensed, and her eyes squeezed shut as she prepared herself for the unknown.

Then he stopped. Elise slowly opened her eyes to see Samuel sitting up with his head cocked toward the door as if he were listening for something. “Impossible,” he muttered and instantly leapt from the bed, flung the door open, and disappeared down a hall.

Seeing her chance, Elise managed to get herself into a sitting position. The light from the hallway revealed she was in a small bedroom with one narrow window. Past the point of caring who knew what was happening, Elise got to her feet, intent on breaking the window and yelling for help.

She had managed to hop halfway across the room when a series of piercing screams came from somewhere in the house. Wincing against the rope that tore into her ankles, Elise continued across the room.

“You stupid bitches!” Samuel’s voice was a booming roar and stopped Elise in her tracks, her eyes fixed on the open door. “She’s a child, for fuck’s sake!”

“You know she’s more than that!” Esther’s voice was shrill and triggered a chill up Elise’s spine before she continued her efforts to reach the window.

“What’s this?” Joyce rushed into the bedroom, grabbed Elise by her hair, and pulled her back toward the bed.

“Is she in here?” Esther stood in the doorway.

“No, but this one was making a go at the window.” Joyce flung Elise onto the bed.

Elise bounced once and then lay prone on the bed. Bailey had escaped, and the relief washed over her in waves of tears.

“What are you crying about?” Joyce groaned. She loomed over Elise as she grabbed her by the hair. “Call to her.”

Elise’s eyes snapped open, a wall of defiance shielding her from the pain radiating across her scalp. “Fuck you.” The smell of burning hair and skin filled the room, and Elise cried out as Joyce seared and tore hair from her head.

“Bailey.” Esther’s voice broke through Elise’s screams. “Where were you, dear?”

Elise’s vision was blurred by unrelenting tears. Blinking several times, she could just see Bailey standing in the doorway, the light from the hall casting her in shadows. “Bai –” Joyce wrenched her head backwards.

“Quiet!” Joyce seethed.

“Let go of my mother.” Elise hardly recognized Bailey’s voice. It was low and menacing, her words layered with unspoken threats.

Joyce released Elise and took a step back from the bed. “She was trying to leave you behind, and I stopped her.” Elise shook her head but was unable to form words as her eyes pleaded with Bailey not to believe the woman.

“That’s a lie.” Bailey stepped into the room.

“No it isn’t. No it isn’t,” Joyce insisted.

In that moment, Elise realized the two women were scared of Bailey. Whatever had happened between them earlier had left Esther and Joyce rattled and defensive.

“Let’s find Samuel, and we can all talk through this,” Esther cautiously suggested.

“I told you I want to leave,” Bailey admonished the woman. “I shouldn’t have come here.”

Esther took a tentative step toward Bailey. “Don’t say that, dear.”

“Don’t touch me!” Bailey thrust her arm outward, and Esther was lifted off the floor and flung across the room. With a loud thud, the woman hit the wall and fell to the floor. Moaning, she struggled to her knees.

“Stay down!” Bailey yelled, slapping her hand against her thigh.

Esther cried out as her body contorted and then lay pressed flat against the floor. “Bailey, please. I can’t breathe.” Bailey took several steps into the room, ignoring the woman’s pained pleadings.

“Get away from my mother,” Bailey commanded Joyce who, with a stunned expression, stepped back from Elise.

“Oh, good. We all found each other.” Samuel stood in the doorway, his shoulders squared and tense as he surveyed the room.

“We’re leaving.” Bailey’s voice cracked, and her confidence seemed to wane.

“Bailey, we talked about this.” Elise was struck by how gentle and reserved Samuel sounded now that he was speaking to Bailey. He hardly resembled the animal that had her pinned to the bed minutes earlier.

Bailey wiped at her tear streaked cheeks with the back of her hand. Elise ached for her and wanted to hold her and comfort her. “Bailey, honey, let’s go.”

Nodding, Bailey walked to the side of the bed, the corners of her mouth turning down when she saw the welts on Elise’s wrists and ankles from the ropes. “What did you do?”

“She was trying to leave you, and I had to stop her.” Joyce wrung her hands nervously as she spoke, her eyes darting back-and-forth between Bailey and a stoic Samuel.

“Stop saying that!” Bailey screamed. A sound of wood splintering filled the space, and Elise watched in horror as the thick stone tile floor cracked, revealing a foot-wide gap that ran from the bed to the exterior wall. Joyce stumbled backwards to avoid the crack, her eyes wide with shock and fear as she braced herself against the wall.

Samuel closed the space between Bailey and himself in a split second. Reaching around Bailey, he grabbed her across the chest. Tilting his head back, Samuel’s incisors extended beyond his upper lip a moment before he sunk them into Bailey’s neck.

Bailey screamed and flung herself about, but Samuel held fast. Instinctively, Elise lunged toward her daughter, the ropes digging into her already injured wrists and ankles. As she struck the floor, Elise looked up to see Samuel staggering away from Bailey. The man’s cries were muffled as he scratched and clawed at his face and throat.

Bailey fell to the floor and, with her hand clutched to her neck, watched Samuel flaying about. Elise focused her eyes to see what was causing the vampire so much distress. To her amazement, she could see shards of blood tinted ice protruding from his mouth, cheeks, and throat.

With one hand covered in her own blood, Bailey placed her hands flat on the tile floor. As she closed her eyes, Elise felt the ground beneath her shake and the hairs on her arms stood up. Crawling towards Bailey, Elise knelt next to her daughter and watched in both amazement and horror as the floor opened up.

Concrete gave way to dirt as water pipes burst, and a mist showered the room. A chasm more than fifteen feet deep and five feet wide appeared. Bailey opened her eyes, lifted her clenched fists in the air, a guttural cry escaping her as she hurled Samuel, Esther, and Joyce into the breach.

The entire house shuttered around Elise as she witnessed the seemingly impossible. Bailey held her hands out in front of her, and as she slowly brought them together, the fissure began to close, crushing the vampire and the two witches between a ton of earth.

Gasping, Elise clutched her hands to her mouth, a fresh batch of tears streaming down her dust and dirt covered face. She was only vaguely aware of the ropes falling from her wrists and ankles. She then felt as if she were stumbling through a dream as Bailey led her out the front door, across the well manicured lawn, and into the passenger seat of their SUV.

Both the blare and brightness of police sirens shook Elise out of her shock. Looking around, she saw three police cars speed past them. “Where are we going?” Elise coughed as her throat burned with soot and unshed tears.

“Home.” Bailey awkwardly navigated the SUV onto the main road, and they slowly wound their way back across Baltimore.

Bailey managed to parallel park the SUV, though the back half of the vehicle stuck out more than usual. Once inside their house, Bailey locked the door and set the alarm before helping Elise up the stairs.

The two women stood in Elise’s bedroom, staring at each other for several seconds before Elise pulled Bailey into a crushing embrace. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you.” She sobbed into the top of her daughter’s dirt encrusted head. “I’m sorry you felt like you needed to go there to get answers.”

Bailey cried and clung tightly to Elise. “I shouldn’t have gone. I’m sorry, Mom.”

Elise held Bailey at arms’ length and looked earnestly at her. “Don’t apologize to me. You couldn’t have known.”

Bailey’s shoulders shook as she continued to cry. “I killed them.” She fell forward into Elise. “They’re dead, and I killed them!”

Elise rocked her daughter back and forth in a futile effort to console her. She didn’t know what to say. The scene at the house, the reality of what Samuel, Esther, and Joyce were was still too much for her to process.

Pushing Bailey’s hair off her forehead, Elise gently kissed the girl’s temple. “What you did couldn’t be helped. It was born from a desperate situation, and you have to forgive yourself.”

Sniffling, Bailey wiped at her nose. “Am I a bad person?”

Elise gasped and pulled Bailey to her. “No, sweetie. You’re not a bad person.” She felt as if they were adrift in a raging river, and they were holding onto each other as hard as they could. The current was strong, and it was made of doubt, shame, guilt, and fear. It swirled around Elise and Bailey, threatening to pull them under, but Elise refused to let go. She squeezed Bailey tighter, needing desperately to save her.

Epilogue

“You’re here?” Elise smiled as she pulled Kate toward her.

Kate leaned into Elise and kissed her. “I’m here.” She smiled and cupped Elise’s cheek in her hand. “And I’ve absconded with your kitchen and cookware in an effort to cook you dinner.”

Elise peered over Kate’s shoulder and took stock of the three covered pots on the stove. “Lucky me.”

“You haven’t tasted it yet,” Kate teased as she ran her fingers through Elise’s hair. “Are you going to leave it short?”

Elise touched the nape of her neck. “It’s been four months. I’m kind of used to it.”

Kate kissed Elise’s neck and then gently bit down on her earlobe. “You’re hot, regardless.”

A rush of heat turned Elise’s neck and cheeks bright red. “Are you trying to get out of finishing dinner?”

Kate wagged her eyebrows teasingly. “No. But you’re in a lot of trouble later, lady.”

Elise chuckled, grateful for these intimate moments. “Where’s Bailey?”

Kate stepped away and retrieved a loaf of sourdough bread from the counter. “She went over to Kim’s, and I told her if she wanted to stay the night, she had to call and check with you first.”

“Very diplomatic of you,” Elise teased.

Kate winced. “She wasn’t impressed.”

Elise pulled a bottle of water from the refrigerator and looked out the window. “It’s supposed to snow tonight.” She leaned over so she could look up at the sky. “It looks it.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m making beef stew.” Kate held a slice of carrot up to Elise’s mouth and playfully popped it in when Elise parted her lips. “That’s weird.” Elise muttered as she chewed on the carrot and peered out the window.

“What’s that?” Kate followed her gaze across the street. “Oh, her? Yeah, she’s been standing there for about a half-hour. I thought she was waiting for someone, but who knows?”

Elise took a drink of water and looked more closely at the woman. She was dressed in relatively light clothing, considering it was nearly freezing outside. Her jeans and sweater couldn’t be affording her much protection from the elements.

“I felt like she was watching me when I came in, and now she’s looking right at the house.” Elise put the cap back on the bottle and sat it on the counter. “I’m going to go see what she wants.”

“Don’t do that,” Kate insisted as she stirred the stew. “She’s harmless.”

“She’s intense, and maybe she needs help.” Elise walked over to the entryway and pulled her coat on. “I’ll just be a minute.”

Kate shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

Elise walked down the stoop and looked both ways before walking across the street. To her surprise, the woman didn’t turn away, or even look away. She stared intently at Elise as she made her way over.

“Is everything okay?” Elise stopped several feet from the woman. Getting a closer look at her, something about the stranger struck Elise as familiar, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“Are you Doctor Elise Sullivan?” The woman looked to be in her mid-thirties with light brown hair.

Elise hesitated. “I – yes. I’m Doctor Sullivan. Do we know each other?”

The woman smiled broadly and extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Doctor Sullivan.”

Elise looked down at the woman’s hand and then reluctantly took it in hers. A jolt of heat shot up from her arm and into her chest. Wincing, Elise reflexively tried to pull her hand away, but the woman’s grip held firm.

“Who are you?” Elise stammered.

“I’m Kaylee’s mother.”

###

Thank you for reading Hidden Elements. If you enjoyed the book, then please support the author and leave a review on Amazon.com.

Excerpt from

November’s End

Fate moves you – whether it’s a gentle nudge or a violent push, your life is never entirely your own.  Calina Konev is a gutsy and determined young woman, trying desperately to support her family in early 20th century Baltimore.  Sparks fly when she meets her new co-worker Nessa Brennan, a charismatic beauty with a keen intelligence and lively wit.  But both women have big secrets…

Faced with impossible choices, Calina and Nessa must find the courage together to not only overcome the dangers of their everyday lives, but also defeat a cunning threat in a world neither knew existed.

***

“There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin…”

- Andrew Hozier-Byrne

Prologue

Ballycarry Village

Antrim County, Ireland

23 November 1886

The rain beat down on the back of her neck, the cold drops sending a chill through her body. Her hands were numb and heavy as they scratched and clawed at the earth. She frantically pulled the mud out of the shallow hole, her breath coming in short bursts.

Her nails bent and snapped as they scraped along a hard, wooden surface. Running her now bleeding fingers along the wood, she found the edge of the box. With increasing determination, she dug around the corners and then down the sides of the box until she felt it give.

With all the strength she had left in her, the woman fastened her fingers to the sides of the box and lifted. The box shifted but was not free of the mud. She lifted again and fell backward as the box was heaved from the hole.

Loose strands of hair clung to her face as she scrambled toward the box. Grabbing a rock from a nearby grave, she raised her hand over her head and then struck the corner of the box with the rock. She repeatedly struck each corner until the wood splintered. Dropping the rock, the woman winced as her torn and bloody hands pulled the lid of the box apart.

The inside of the box was still and dark. She hesitated before reaching in. Her hands grasped cold, wet wool as she pulled the small bundle up and into her arms. Getting to her feet, the woman stumbled toward a nearby tree. The branches hung low with rain water as she crawled under them.

She laid the heap of wool on the ground and quickly pulled the thick fabric apart. In the dim light of night, the woman could see the infant lay motionless. She pulled the child to her chest and, wrapping her arms around it, began rocking back and forth.

“Solas mo shaol. Ionad na m'anam. Beo. Beo.” Closing her eyes, she kissed the still infant’s forehead, willing life back into its body. “Beo. Beo. Beo. Beo.”

The child’s cry filled the night air. Opening her eyes, a sob escaped the woman as she quickly wrapped the infant back up in the wool blanket. Crawling from under the tree, she was relieved the rain had lessened. Scanning the graveyard, the woman heard the sound of horses behind her. Scrambling to her feet, she began to run.

The road was muddy, and she struggled to keep her footing. The horses drew nearer as the woman left the narrow road and made for the lights of a cottage across a sprawling field. Her lungs burned, and her feet ached with cold as she stumbled forward.

Unable to close her frozen, swollen hands, the woman beat on the wood door of the cottage with her palm. “Please. Please, open the door!” Her voice caught as a series of sobs wracked her body.

Moments later the door creaked, and a thin woman with light red hair stood in the doorway. “I don’t want trouble. Leave!”

The mud covered woman hadn’t realized she had sunk to her knees until she was looking up at the startled woman in the doorway. “I can’t leave.” She looked down at the bundle in her arms and carefully pulled the blanket back.

The woman in the doorway gasped and, without hesitation, reached for the infant. “Get in here! Quickly!” she hissed at the exhausted stranger as she carefully took the child in her arms.

The woman struggled to her feet and, stepping inside the small stone cottage, latched the door behind her. “Thank you.” Her back against the door, she slid to the floor.

“It’s not for you but for this poor lamb that I opened the door.” Kneeling next to the small hearth, the red haired woman carefully laid the infant down and unwrapped the wool blanket. “The baby is like ice. I don’t know how she’s survived.” She got to her feet and, pulling a thin wool blanket from the straw mattress in the corner of the cottage, wrapped the naked baby in it.

“She’s nearly dead with cold.” With the baby cradled in her arms, she turned and looked accusingly at the woman sitting on her floor. “What are you doing out with her at this hour and on such a night?”

The stranger slowly sat up and pulled herself onto a small wooden stool next to her. Before she could answer, men’s voices came from the other side of the door, followed by a loud knock. “This is Constable Grady. Open the door!”

Instinctively, the woman pulled the infant closer to her. Her brown eyes were wide as she looked at the exhausted woman sitting on the stool. “What have you done?!” she hissed.

The stranger swayed slightly before grabbing the edge of the table. “Do you want that child to live?”

The red head looked at the baby, her eyes filling with tears. “Yes.”

The nodded and took a tentative step forward. “Do you have a root cellar?”

Nodding, the woman carefully stood and, pushing the small table to the side with her hip, revealed a narrow hinged door in the floor. “It’s more like a crawl space than a cellar.”

The stranger pried the door open, dropping it once as her hands refused to work. She stepped down into a space no bigger than five feet by three feet. Laying down, she reached out her hands. “Give her to me.”

“If you don’t open the door, we will be forced to break it down!” The constable’s voice boomed from outside.

The red head laid the infant across the woman’s chest and then closed and latched the door. She slid the table back into place and, taking a deep breath, opened the door. “What is this?” The woman managed to sound outraged in spite of the fact her legs felt as if they might give out on her at any moment.

“Why did it take you so long to answer, ma’am?” The constable stood in the doorway, his black trousers and boots caked with mud.

“It’s the middle of the night.” The red head forced the indignation into her voice. “I was in bed.”

A tall, thin man with his blond hair pulled back in a ponytail ducked as he stepped through the narrow door of the cottage and pushed past the constable.

“You are awake now; so you can offer us something hot to drink.” He slapped his gloved hands together and, walking toward the fire, held them in front of him. “You would not want us catching our death.”

The red head stood in stunned silence as the constable stepped inside the small cottage. “Have you had any visitors tonight?” The constable asked as he latched the door.

“Are you joking? Who would be out in this mess?” The woman leaned against the edge of the table.

“No one you should want,” the man nearest the fire said as he glanced back at the woman. “Now, have you got any tea?”

“No,” the woman stated plainly.

“Some warm buttermilk then?” The man stood and smiled as he turned to face the woman. His blue eyes narrowed as they inspected her from head to toe. “You are Cleary’s widow - Maude?”

“I am.” Maude continued to lean against the table, the drumming of her heart pounding in her ears.

“I was sorry to hear about your husband. He was a good man and a better drinker.” The man smiled. His two front teeth overlapped slightly, making his mouth look off center on his face.

“Was the drink that killed him if I remember,” the constable added.

“He got consumption,” Maude shot back, her tone harsher than she had intended.

The constable shrugged. “From wandering home in the cold from the pub no doubt.” The two men erupted into laughter.

“Why are you here?” Maude asked bluntly, her fear giving way to irritation.

“Now don’t be like that, missus.” The constable smiled. “We are lookin’ for a woman.”

Maude made a point of looking around the small room. “Well, you’ve found one.”

The man standing with his back to the fire chuckled. “True that is, but we are looking for a specific woman.” He shook his head. “She has killed her child, and we need to find her so she can pay for what she has done.”

Maude frowned. The woman that lay hidden under her feet had been protective of the infant, and she couldn’t believe she meant the child any harm. “Before you came to my door, I hadn’t had a visitor in weeks.”

“Then whose is this, Miss Cleary?” The man bent down next to the hearth and, retrieving the small, discarded wool blanket, held it out in front of him.

“It’s mine.” Maude was surprised how easily the lie found its way out of her.

The man examined the blanket. “A bit small for ya.”

Maude took a step forward and snatched the blanket from the man. “I use it to cover my head when I go back and forth to the privy.” She folded the blanket. “Not that that’s any of your business.”

The constable cleared his throat. “Miss Cleary, we don’t mean to offend you.”

Maude knew she was walking a perilous line. She didn’t want to seem like she was hiding anything but also didn’t want to be so forward as to offend the two men. She just wanted them to leave her house.

“It’s late. I’m tired.” Maude waved her hand in front of her. “And, as you can see, I’m alone.”

The Constable looked at the other man. “Let’s move on to the Daily farm.” He turned and opened the door.

The man sighed. “Alright.” He took a step forward and then stopped. His eyes held Maude’s in an intense gaze. “If this woman does show up on your doorstep, you will report her to the constable.” The statement had been spoken as a command, and Maude felt the man’s icy stare chill her to the bone.

“Of course.” Maude swallowed the lump in the back of her throat. “I don’t want any trouble.”

The man’s stoic expression gave way to an exaggerated grin. “Wonderful.”

Seconds later, with the men gone, the cottage was silent again. Tears streamed down Maude’s face as she pushed the table to the side and lifted the door. She knelt and took the infant into her arms.

“Who are you?” Maude gently rocked the baby as the woman crawled onto her knees and then stood.

“Ernmas.” The woman ran her hands over the front of her soiled skirts.

“You can’t stay here.” Maude looked down at the infant in her arms.

“If you would please let us stay the night, and then we will leave at first light.” Ernmas closed the door in the floor and moved the table back.

Maude shook her head. “I can’t.” Though she spoke the words, looking down into the baby’s bright green eyes made her heart ache.

“Have you had children?” Ernmas asked as she sat down on the stool.

Maude’s eyes filled with tears as she nodded. “My son died last winter.”

“I’m sorry. Your husband is dead too?” Ernmas asked gently.

Maude nodded and walked toward the straw mattress on the floor. Kneeling again, she carefully laid the infant down. “I can offer you shelter for tonight, but then you have to go.”

“Thank you.” Ernmas’ voice was barely a whisper as the tears began to flow. “You’re kind.”

Maude turned and looked at Ernmas. “I know what it is to be alone and scared.”

***

Maude rolled over on the thin straw mattress. A beam of sunlight had crept through the wooden shutters and had come to rest on Maude’s sleep filled eyes. Rubbing her face with the palm of her hand, Maude sat up. Movement to her right brought the memories of the night before flooding back. She had taken a woman and her child in, and now the infant laid next to her.

Looking around the small room, Maude frowned when she saw the discarded blankets Ernmas had used lying in front of the hearth. Maude crawled out of bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping baby. Assuming Ernmas had stepped out to the privy, Maude went about stoking the fire back to life.

After ten minutes, Maude wrapped one of the discarded blankets around her shoulders and went outside. The storms of the night before had given way to a clear, cold day. Maude walked around the side of the cottage toward the privy.

“Ernmas?” Maude gently knocked on the closed door. “Are you alright?” She lifted the latch to find the privy empty. Maude quickly walked back to the cottage.

Pacing back and forth, Maude kept glancing down at the baby, who continued to sleep, unaware her mother had abandoned her. Maude sat down at the table, and it was then that she saw a scrap of paper and a small cloth bag.

Unfolding the paper, Maude struggled to read it. She had learned some words from church hymnals, but had never stepped foot in a school.

Maude, please keep my baby safe. She is more special than you know.

Straining, Maude couldn’t read several of the words and was unable to piece together what Ernmas had written. She understood the word blessed but nothing else beyond the first two lines. Maude put the paper down and cautiously opened the small cloth bag.

Maude’s eyes widened when she saw the bag’s content. Thirty silver pieces fell onto the table. Maude cautiously picked one of the pieces up. Its weight told her it was real, and the lot was more money than she could hope to see in a lifetime.

Maude laid the coin back on the table and stood up. Her mouth was dry, and she felt she might faint as she bent over to place her hands on her knees. A quiet whimper came from the bed, pulling Maude back from the brink.

She knelt next to the mattress and, looking down at the small baby girl, felt a surge of love and protectiveness wash over her. Overwhelmed with grief at the loss of her son, Maude had willfully forgotten what it felt like to have a child. Now, picking the infant up, she was determined to be a mother again.

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