Hell And Back(14)

I look around the house. It is in dire need of new shades, a new sofa, a television. It needs a makeover, and let’s face it, I have the money to do it.

I will worry about how to replace the money soon enough.

“I think you are right. This house needs a little bit of a makeover. Is there a second-hand store we could maybe pass by to perhaps pick up a couch?”

“I think we could see what we can do. You don’t know this, but your Nan, she saved me. She helped me when I moved in next door. I had just lost my Harold. I was lost. I begged death to come and take me. I begged to just go and be with him. I even tried to go with him. She found me. She saved me. Every day she would show up at my door. Knocking, irritating me. That woman”—she laughs while recalling the memory—“she didn’t take no for an answer. So every day she got me out. Took me shopping, took me to the mall, took me to the zoo, took me to Bingo. Jesus, I was sixty, and we were already eating dinner at four-thirty. She never left me, though. Day in, day out, she would be there for me.” She wipes a tear from the corner of her eye with the back of her hand.

“She was amazing, right?” I ask her.

“She was more than that. She turned out to be the best friend I ever had. Now it’s my turn to return the favor. I’m going to do my all to save you. Because you were all she talked about. You were all she ever wanted to talk about. So, for that, I will be here for you. And you will let me, not for you, not for me, but for her.” She points to Lilah. “And for Nan.”

“I don’t need you—”

“You do need me. I know, I said the same thing. We might not be running from the same thing, but I know when someone is drowning and is a second away from letting go. I’m your lifeline. Take it. Go upstairs and dress your little angel. Then you will let me buy you a new couch, a TV, some throw pillows, because God knows your grandmother hated them”—she giggles once again—“and then we are going to buy some beautiful drapes with color. It’s time this house started living again.” She turns around, walking away. “I’ll meet you in the car in thirty minutes.”

“I guess we are going shopping today with Brenda. Would you like that?” I pick Lilah up, closing the door and heading upstairs to dress us.

I have a shopping date with a sixty-five-year-old woman, and in that minute, I feel a draft move over me, almost like I’m being hugged. If I didn’t know better, I’d think someone was trying to talk to me. It’s the sign I needed.





Chapter Nine


Jackson





It’s so fucking hot outside. The humidity is thick in the air. We’ve been up and down these streets, trying to talk with anyone who might give us any information.

The people in this neighborhood can smell a badge a mile away. They walk on the opposite side of the street to get away from us.

I wipe my brow. “No one is fucking talking, Mick. Plus, all the people we want to talk to are probably sleeping it off.”

“We should come back down tonight, catch them in action. You up for it tonight? Or are you still nursing your sour mood?”

I can’t hide anything from him. “Kendall and I have run its course. It’s over. Been a long time coming.” I place my hands on my hips, waiting for his snarky comments.

“It’s about time you set her—and yourself—free. I’ve been waiting for this. No one could have said anything to make her turn around and walk away. It had to be you to pull the plug. She’s a good girl. She’ll be just fine.” He turns to walk to the car. “What was the last straw?”

“I can’t really pinpoint it,” I say, getting into the car. “When I got home, she was on my couch watching television, and it just felt wrong. Then my neighbor dropped off cookies, and my head wasn’t there. She sensed it, we had a conversation, and now we’re just friends, without benefits.” I pull out into the street, making my way back to the precinct.

“Your neighbor brought you cookies? That threw you off?” He turns around in his seat and takes off his sunglasses to look at me.

“Leave it be.” I don’t say anything else. He knows when I’m ready, I’ll talk. “What time do you want to head out tonight? I think around ten should be good.”

We make it to the precinct, and he nods his head. “I’ll pick you up tonight. I’ll get an unmarked car.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be at home if you need anything.”

“Hey.” He leans in the car. “Bring me a cookie tonight.” He closes the door before I can reach over and smack his head.