When A Man Loves A Woman(24)
“Oh Mac. I’m so sorry. I hope this makes sense. What you’re going through now is almost like post-traumatic stress disorder. The events that took place two decades ago were traumatizing. From all accounts you handled it stoically. You never really dealt with the loss of Callie because you had to stuff your grief down where it couldn’t be seen or judged. No one really allowed you to mourn the loss of Callie because no one knew that she really existed. She was truly a ghost.”
Mac looked down and heaved a giant sigh. “That’s right, Delilah. I feel like there’s this huge weight on my chest. It seems as if it’s a hundred pounds. And it’s Callie. I feel the guilt of not acknowledging Callie weighing heavily on me.”
“It wasn’t your fault, Mac. You were a child. One who was doing his very best to survive an abusive home life and move forward in the foster care system. You have to forgive yourself.”
His eyes flared with anger. “The only way I’m ever going to forgive myself is by finding my sister. I need to look her in the eye and make sure that she is happy and loved and protected. Then and only then will I be able to move on with my life.”
Callie nodded. She understood Mac’s anger and confusion and pain. He was still grieving the loss of Callie. He had been doing so for the past twenty years. And even though he loved every single member of his Donahue family, it still didn’t dull the ache of loss. It still didn’t make up for the void created by Callie’s absence. It still didn’t make Mac whole.
“Where does the investigation go from here, Mac?”
“My cousin Parker is a PI. He’s committed himself to helping me track down both Mrs. Worther and Callie. That picture might help him since it’s the only existing picture of my sister.”
Delilah frowned. “How can this picture help? She couldn’t have been more than six years old at the time. It’s too much of a long shot to think anyone will recognize her from a childhood photo.”
“There’s lot of programs these days that can take a picture and do a rapid age progression. Parker has that capability so I need to get him a copy of this article and the photos.”
“I can get a copy of this for you. It might be better if I scan a copy that you can give to Parker. It’s probably best to have the clearest image possible.”
“Agreed.” Mac stood up from the couch. “I should be on my way. I’d like to pass this information on to my cousin as soon as possible.”
“It will just take me a few minutes to scan and print the photo. Would you like a glass of lemonade or some soda?”
“A lemonade would be great.”
Delilah led Mac to the kitchen where she poured him a glass of frosty lemonade. She pulled out the batch of chocolate chip cookies she had baked earlier. “Help yourself while I go print the picture.” Within minutes Delilah had the black and white pictures in her hand along with a manila envelope. She took a moment to write down the name of the photographer on a piece of paper. Tracking Dirk Grazio down might be important.
When she returned to the kitchen Mac was seated at her kitchen counter wiping his mouth with a napkin. There was something almost comical about seeing Mac sitting on her dainty kitchen stool. He was all arms and legs and muscles. She had to admit he added an interesting element to her kitchen. It was amazing, she realized, what a little testosterone did to the atmosphere of her home.
“Those cookies are dangerous. I had a few more than I should have,” he admitted.
“Better you than me,” she laughed. “Chocolate chip cookies are my Kryptonite. I’m glad you’re sharing with me.” She placed the photos in the envelope, then slid it across the counter toward Mac.
“Thanks, Delilah. For everything,” he said as he reached for the envelope and stood up. He patted the envelope. “This may very well turn out to be a game changer.”
She smiled at Mac, pleased by being able to help with the search for Callie. “I’m happy to help, Mac. If you need anything more, don’t hesitate to ask.” She looked up at Mac, suddenly feeling tiny compared to his height and strength.
“I’ll keep you in the loop with any updates, if that’s okay.”
She led him down the small hallway toward the front door. She turned toward him. He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels.
“Oh I’d love that. I’m really curious about where this journey will take you.” She opened the front door. “I’m praying for a happy ending.”
“Me too,” he said in a low voice as he crossed the threshold and left her house. “Enjoy the rest of your day, Delilah.”