Simon was waiting with his shoulder propped up against the door frame. “Are you okay?” I could see the worry in his eyes.
I nodded and took another breath. “Yes. Thank you. I just found out some things that…that…” I couldn’t get the words out. Simon saw my suffering and offered me a hug. I accepted it. I needed solace—I needed to feel I had someone after this desperate feeling of loneliness.
Simon held me and let me take all the time I needed to get over whatever bothered me. Once I had calmed, I pulled away and smiled at him. I relayed the conversation to him as he listened in shock. I saw horror, I saw despair.
After several seconds of silence, Simon seemed to gather his composure. “I’ll go speak to someone.”
He walked away and I found a chair to sit down in. Silence filled the space until I saw the guard come out with Justin Merryfield. I looked into his sorrowful eyes. I’m sure he saw the despair in mine. I could see the acceptance of that despair, but it didn’t help dissipate this gut-wrenching feeling in my stomach.
“How did you do it? How could you have possibly known?” Justin said in obvious awe.
The guard looked over, not sure I should answer that question. I could see the hesitation. Was he actually concerned for my well-being?
Trying to be nonchalant about the whole thing, I just shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess it was just a hunch.”
“That’s bullshit. You and I both know it.”
The outburst shocked me, but I stood my ground. The guard yanked him by the arm. “That’s enough from you.” The guard nodded to me and pulled Justin down the hall. All the while, I could hear Justin protesting about how I knew, how I could have had a hunch like that.
Silence filled the hall again until Simon returned. He took one look at me and sighed. “I’ve taken care of things. Let’s get you home. You look exhausted.”
Standing up, I smiled and linked my good arm with his. “Thank you. I am feeling a little sleepy.”
Quickly, we walked out into the parking lot. Simon held the passenger door open for me. “You know, Sharice really wants to meet you. She wanted me to ask you for dinner tomorrow night. I’m not sure if you would like to come, but I thought I would—”
“I would love to.” I needed this now. I needed to be around people and take comfort in others.
Simon took a deep breath. I could tell he had been nervous about asking. “Okay. I didn’t think you would want to after what happened.”
“Simon, I’m fine. I would love to meet your family.”
“Great! She wants to cook my mum’s favourite jerked chicken recipe. I’m not sure how it’s going to turn out, but my mum will be there to help her.”
The thought of a homemade meal had me salivating. “Sounds wonderful.”
Stepping back, Simon said, “Good, you can bring Stephen along.” Then he shut the door.
At the thump of the door closing, I was left with heartache. I missed him. If I could bring Stephen along, I certainly would.
Simon got in the car and started the engine. I smiled nervously and played with my fingers. I knew he liked Stephen, especially after what he did for him that day. He seemed to hold us both in high regard. I suppose that was one day in his life he would never forget.
Chapter 6
The whole journey home, I kept fidgeting with my fingers. I wasn’t sure why, but I had this sudden urge to be at home. I just had this aching need to feel something familiar.
Once Simon pulled up outside my flat, I pulled the handle of the door to leave. Simon quickly grabbed my arm. “Thank you again for today. You keep going above and beyond, and I never know how to thank you…except to keep thanking you.” He chuckled, which made me smile.
“Don’t mention it, Simon. I just want to get to the bottom of it all, get justice.”
Simon sighed and stared ahead “You have a good evening, Cassie. I’ll be in touch with the time and everything for dinner.”
Sliding out of my seat, I held the door. “I’m looking forward to that. See you tomorrow then.”
Simon nodded and I quickly shut the door before he drove off. I wasted no time getting back inside. I needed solace and the remembrance of all the good times.
How on earth could I bring Simeon tomorrow and pretend he’s Stephen? How could I possibly trash his memory by being with his twin like that?
I sank to the floor. Looking up, I saw the little music box Stephen bought for me. Grabbing it, I opened it and watched as the little ballerina danced to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
Immediately, I could hear it. The sound of children’s laughter. Why did I keep hearing that? Why did it haunt not only my dreams, but my waking life? Why did it fill me with not only pain, but so much happiness that I couldn’t think straight?