Deadly Echoes (8 page)

“How wonderful,” I said, choking up some. “At least Cicely didn't lose everything.”

“Let me help you carry this stuff,” Mr. Hanson offered.

Within a few minutes all the things from Hannah's trunk had been transferred to my car.

“Would you like me to keep the car at my place until you decide what to do with it?” he asked.

“That would be wonderful.” I put my hand on his arm. “I honestly don't know how to thank you for everything.”

He patted my hand. “You just take good care of that young lady. And maybe after things settle down, you could call me once in a while and let me know how you're both doing?”

I nodded. “You can count on it.” After a quick hug, I said good-bye and got into my car, checking a map for directions to Cora's. Looked like I could get there without driving directly through busy Kansas City traffic. My years in Sanctuary had softened me to large, hectic cities. It took me about twenty minutes to find Cora's house. It was a nice two-story home in a lovely neighborhood. I parked the car and hurried to the front door. After I rang the bell, the door was opened by a pleasingly plump older woman with gray hair and a lovely smile.

“You must be Sarah,” she said. “Please come in.”

I stepped into a well-kept home with comfortable furniture. Two small, friendly mixed-breed dogs ran up to me, wagging their tails. I leaned down to pet them.

“Meet Mutt and Jeff,” Cora said. “The children love them. Pets make a home friendlier, don't you think?”

“I agree. We have a golden retriever named Murphy. He thinks he owns the house.” I smiled. “I think he may be right.”

“Cicely certainly loves animals. I'm so glad she'll have a dog.” She reached out a hand. “May I take your coat?”

“Thank you.” I slid it off and handed it to her.

“Why don't you have a seat? I thought maybe we'd talk a minute before Cicely comes downstairs. Is that all right?”

I nodded. “I think that's a great idea. Thank you.”

I sat down in a comfortable overstuffed chair while Cora hung up my coat in the hall closet. “How about a cup of coffee?” she asked.

“That sounds wonderful. I'm chilled to the bone.”

“I'll be right back.”

Cora hurried from the room. It gave me a moment to look around a bit more. The living room looked lived in. It was clean and neat, but there were signs that children lived here. Scuff marks from little shoes were on the wooden frame of the couch. A stuffed animal's arm peeked out from underneath a chair. The coffee table had been cleaned, but it was obvious a child had not only colored outside the lines, he'd actually missed the paper. The house felt peaceful and good. Once again, I thanked God Cicely had found Cora.

“Here we are.” Cora came in with two cups of coffee on a small tray. “I brought sugar and cream in case you use it.” She smiled as she set the tray down on the coffee table. “I've got
regular cream and my favorite pumpkin spice creamer. It's so good.”

“Thank you.” Although I usually drank my coffee black, I poured a little of the pumpkin spice creamer into my cup. A quick sip made me grateful I'd tried it. It was delicious.

“Cicely is packed and ready to go,” Cora said, “but I wanted to talk to you before she leaves. Losing a parent is so traumatic. And in her case, since her mother was the only person she had, it's even worse. She wants to live with you because you're her only relative, but she's still frightened. Although she knows you, you two haven't had a lot of time to bond. It might be rough for both of you for a while.”

I nodded. “She's lived in this city her entire life. She'll be leaving behind her friends, everything that's familiar to her.” I sighed. “We were building a relationship, but as you say, we don't really know each other very well yet. If it were possible, I'd stay here with her. At least for a while. But it just won't work. I don't have much money, and my job is in Sanctuary. I have no choice but to take her home with me.”

“I know that. And in her heart she knows it too. But don't be surprised if she acts resentful. You'll want her to appreciate you. Realize that you care deeply for her and that you want to give her a good home, but she probably won't feel that way for a while. Even though you're her rescuer, she has to find some way to release her pain and anger. You may be the recipient of most of those emotions. Just don't be hurt. Be patient and steadfast. No matter what she does, don't let it throw you.”

“I understand.”

Cora frowned. “I'm not sure you do. That's why I wanted to prepare you.”

I took a sip of coffee and then put my cup down on the table. “You don't know my history, do you?”

Cora shook her head and frowned. “Your history? I'm sorry. I don't understand.”

“My parents were murdered when I was six. I spent the rest of my childhood being shuffled from one foster home to another. Although my sister, Cicely's mother, was finally adopted, I never was. When I say I understand how Cicely feels, I'm not being flippant. I truly do.”

To my surprise, Cora's eyes grew shiny with tears. “You poor thing,” she said. “I'm so sorry.”

I shook my head. “Water under the bridge now. I have a wonderful life in Sanctuary with dear friends. Everything turned out great for me, and I'm believing the same will happen for Cicely.”

“I'll be praying for the same thing,” Cora said. “She's such a sensitive child. Very compassionate. I've found that sometimes the children who care deeply for others have a harder time adjusting. I'm not sure why, but I wonder if their ability to feel actually makes it more difficult for them. Hopefully, it won't be that way for Cicely.”

“Were you able to keep the news about her house from her?” I asked, taking another sip of coffee.

“What about my house?”

I jumped, almost spilling my coffee. Cora and I turned to see Cicely standing on the stairs, staring at us.

Telling Cicely about the fire was incredibly tough. Although she didn't cry, she looked like someone had punched her in the face. To be honest, I couldn't be sure she actually accepted what I'd told her. She was relieved to hear that many of her things were found in Hannah's car. I had no idea if she knew her mother had planned to leave Kansas City, and I didn't bring it up. The last thing I wanted her to know was that her mother thought they might be in danger.

“Do you want to stay in Kansas City tonight, or would you rather head to Sanctuary?” I asked her.

“I guess there's no reason to stay here anymore,” she said. “Everything's gone.”

The look on her face wreaked havoc on my already battered emotions. “Then let's get going. I know Janet can hardly wait to see you. She's fixed up a nice room that I'm sure you'll like.”

Cicely didn't respond; she just nodded.

“Wait a minute,” Cora said as we prepared to leave. She ran upstairs and then came down with a small bag. “I put some extra clothes and things in here for you.” She handed the bag
to Cicely. Then Cora reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out several sparkly blue hair clips. She smiled at Cicely. “I know you love these. I want you to have them. Maybe when you wear them, you can think of me.”

Cicely held out her hand and took them. Then she wrapped her arms around the kind older woman. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I won't forget you.”

After saying a final good-bye to Cora, we got into the car and started for home. I hadn't driven very far before Cicely suddenly asked to see her house.

“I don't know if that's a good idea,” I said. “Wouldn't you rather remember it the way it was?”

“It's
my
house, not yours. I want to see it.”

Although her tone was sharp, the look in her eyes broke my heart. Against my better judgment, I turned around and drove back to the house. No one was there this time, so I pulled up right in front.

“I'm so sorry this happened, Cicely,” I said gently. “As I told you back at Cora's, your mother had already removed some of your things, so you haven't lost everything.”

“Yes, I have,” she said in a small voice.

“Honey, I know it might seem hard to believe, but things will get better. You're not alone. I'm here for you and Janet is too. You like Janet, don't you?”

She nodded. “She's nice.”

“She's worked hard on your room. I really think you'll like it.”

“I want my own room. And my own things.”

“I know. If I could give them to you, I would. All I can do is tell you that eventually, the room at Janet's will feel like yours. And we'll buy you whatever else you need.”

She turned to glare at me. “I need my mom.”

I could feel her frustration but knew I couldn't take it personally.
Stay steady. Don't react.
“Cicely, we have a long and difficult road ahead of us, but we'll make it. I promise.” I reached over and smoothed her hair. As I gazed at her, I saw myself. She even looked like me. Although her hair wasn't quite as red as mine, more of a strawberry blond, she had my freckles. Hannah had been blond, with perfect skin. She could have been a model. But Cicely and I had inherited my mother's coloring. Even though I found my looks troubling, I could remember my handsome father telling my mother that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. It had always given me hope that someday I would be beautiful too.

Cicely pulled away from me. “I want to get out and look around.”

It was getting a little late, and I really wanted to get on the road, but I decided it was best to let her face the reality of what had happened. I hoped it might help her to move on.

“All right,” I said, “but you can't get too close. It's not safe.”

She didn't respond, just opened her door and walked over to the sidewalk.

I left the engine running so the car would stay warm and followed her as she made her way into the yard.

“Isn't there anything left?” she asked, her voice so soft I could barely hear it.

“I'm sorry, honey,” I said. “I went through it and so did Mr. Hanson. But I think you'll be happy to see what's in the boxes and bags in the trunk. I also took some pictures. We'll go through everything together when we get home.”

“It's not my home.”

“It will be.” I sighed. “Look, Cicely. I realize how hard this is. I'm only trying to help. I loved your mother. She was my sister.”

“If you loved her so much, then where were you all this time?” she fired back. “You weren't around when my mom needed you.”

I frowned at her. “You know the answer to that. It wasn't my choice to be separated from your mother.”

Even though she was ten years old, at that moment, Cicely seemed much younger. A look of defiance came over her, and she put her hands on her hips. “Mom didn't believe you, you know. She told me you didn't really want her in your life. That you could have found her a long time ago if you'd really wanted to.”

At first, Cicely's pronouncement knocked the breath out of me. Had Hannah really believed that? But it was impossible. Sealed adoption records kept me from locating my sister, and a lack of information from my last foster home had left Hannah's search at a dead end until she located Janet's friend. There was only one reason Cicely would say those things to me. The realization made me feel like crying.

“That's not true, Cicely, and you know it.” I put my hands on her shoulders and felt her tremble. Resentment flashed in her eyes. “Look, maybe you think I'm only taking you in because I have to. It's not true. You have my word. We're family, Cicely. We belong together. The same blood runs in our veins. When I look at you, I see myself. I see your mother. I loved her, and I love you too, honey. Can you understand that?”

She shook her head. “All I had was my mother and now she's gone.”

“No. You had me from the moment you were born. You're a part of me, and you always will be.” I gazed deeply into her eyes. “Things will change, but eventually, you'll be okay, Cicely. You have my word.”

She wrestled away from me, tears streaming down her face. “I'll never be happy without my mom. Never.”

I took a step back and stared at her. “I said the same thing after my parents died, but you know what? Life kept happening. The sun came up and went down. Every day I survived. Some days were good, and some were bad, but I kept breathing. Kept living. Then one day, something wonderful happened. Someone reached out and loved me. It changed everything. It took me a long time to find that person, but you don't have to wait like I did. I'm right here.”

Cicely gazed at the remains of her home, grief etched in her childish features. “I feel like I'm leaving my mom behind.”

“This was just a building, honey. A few rooms. Nothing more than a shell. What you loved in this house is still inside you. Your mother isn't here,” I said, pointing at the ruined structure. “She's in here.” I put my hand over my heart. “And here.” I reached over and lightly touched her chest. “No one can take her away from us. No one has the power to do that unless we let them. And I don't intend to allow that.”

“I won't forget her?”

I shook my head. “No. Some memories will change. Fade. But you don't have to worry. I believe God protects every good memory, every bit of joy, every laugh you shared. You'll see your mom again, and everything you shared will be there waiting for you.”

“How do you know?” she whispered.

“I just do.” I knelt down in front of her. “But now we've got to start building a new life with new memories.” I put my hand on her cheek. This time she didn't pull away. “I'm not your mother, Cicely, but I promise you that I'll do everything in my power to make you happy again. Please give me a chance. If you can't do it for me, or for yourself, do it for your mom. You know it's what she'd want for you.”

Tears slid down her face as she reached out to me. I let her collapse into my arms. She cried for a little while, but as the cold air bit through our clothing, we had no choice but to finally head back for the warmth of the car. I'd just closed Cicely's door and was walking around to the other side of the car when a sedan pulled up across the street. Before I had a chance to open my door, someone got out. I was surprised to see Captain Bentley. After checking traffic, he walked over to where I stood shivering.

“Captain Bentley,” I said. “I'm surprised to see you.”

“I heard about the house and came by to see it myself. I'm so sorry, Sarah. It's hard to believe.”

“It's very difficult. Even tougher for Hannah's daughter. She's lost her mother, and now a lot of her belongings are gone.”

He nodded. A few flakes of snow danced around his head. “I want you to know that I'm taking a personal interest in your sister's death.” He nodded toward the house. “And this. If this wasn't an accident, I'll find out.” He looked intently into my eyes, and I was temporarily shocked by the depth of emotion I saw there. He possessed a charisma that made him seem much younger than he was. Something about him made me feel a little shy.

“I'd like to meet your niece,” he said, “unless you don't think it's a good idea.”

“I'm sure she'd love to meet you too.” I pulled my door open and he peered inside the car. Cicely stared wide-eyed at him.

“Hi, Cicely,” the handsome detective said. “I work for the police department, and I just wanted you to know that we're doing everything we can to find the person who hurt your mother. Your aunt has my number, so if either one of you need anything or have any questions, you can call me anytime you want to. Okay?”

Cicely nodded. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

He straightened up. “I understand you live in a small town near St. Louis?”

“Yes. It's called Sanctuary.”

He frowned. “That name sounds familiar . . .”

“A few months ago a young man who had been kidnapped as a child was found living there. It was in the news.”

His expression showed that he recognized the reference. “Yes, I remember now. I believe the FBI is still investigating, trying to find other children that were taken by the same couple.”

I nodded. “Our small town was overrun with news media for a while, but things have calmed down again.”

He patted my shoulder. “Well, I hope you and Cicely will find some peace there.” He shook his head. “Look, we have a fund for victims. I'd like to help replace some of the belongings you've lost. Cicely will need clothes and other things. You shouldn't have to shoulder all the cost.”

“Thank you, but I think we'll be fine. My sister had renter's insurance, and thankfully, I was able to remove some stuff from the house last night. This morning we even found some of Cicely's clothes in my sister's car.”

“Do you have all the information you need about the insurance?”

“I have a lot of my sister's papers. I haven't had time to go through all of them, but I'm certain the insurance information is in there somewhere. If it's not, the landlord knows Hannah's. But . . . thank you. I can't tell you how much your kindness means to me.” My last words were a little shaky because my lips trembled from the cold.

“Oh, Sarah. You're freezing. I'm sorry.” He grabbed my door and held it open. “You'd better get on your way. It's not supposed to snow much, but later today the highways could get slick.”

I slid into the car, thankful for the warmth awaiting me. “Thank you again. Good-bye, Captain.”

He smiled at both of us. “Good-bye. You'll both be in my thoughts and prayers.”

He closed the door and went back to his car.

“I like him,” Cicely said after I got into the car.

“Yes, I do too.”

Cicely was quiet as we headed out of Kansas City. On the edge of town I stopped at a convenience store and bought coffee for me and hot chocolate for Cicely. I wanted to talk to her but felt she might need some time to think. I'd brought a few praise CDs with me and slid one into the CD player.

“Who's that?” she asked when the music started.

“It's a group called Selah. I love their music.” I glanced quickly at her. “Do you like it?”

She nodded. “It's nice. Mom played music like this. Wish I would have listened to it more.”

“Cicely, open my purse and look inside.”

She looked at me strangely but did what I asked. When she saw the CDs I'd taken from Hannah's car, her face lit up. “Where did you get these?”

“They were in your car. I took them before Mr. Hanson and I moved the bags and boxes from your mom's car into my trunk.”

“That's awesome, Aunt Sarah. I'm so glad.”

“Would you like to play one of them?” I asked.