See Me (56 page)

April never ceased to surprise Maria. Though she’d grown up in the South and knew what to expect, there were always a few glorious days, perfect days, when it seemed as though anything were possible. Cloudless blue skies would greet green lawns that had been brown all winter, and everything would suddenly explode with color. Dogwoods and cherry trees and azaleas would burst into life throughout the city, while tulips sprang forth from carefully tended gardens. Mornings were cool, but the days would warm up as the sun rose bright in the sky.
 

Today was one of those ephemeral spring days, and as Maria stood on the carefully tended lawn, she could see Serena chatting animatedly with a group of people Maria didn’t recognize, the smile on her face wide and joyful. Seeing her now, it was hard to believe that until recently, Serena had struggled to smile at all; she’d suffered nightmares about her ordeal for months, and when she’d looked in the mirror, she’d seen bruises and cuts Manning had inflicted while she’d been tied to the chair. Two of the cuts had left scars
–
one near her eye, the other on her jawline
–
but they were already beginning to fade. In another year, Maria doubted anyone would notice them at all, unless they knew exactly where to look. But that would also mean they would have to remember that horrible night, and with those memories there was always pain.
 

It had been two weeks before Detective Wright, along with a still recuperating Pete Margolis, had met with Maria and admitted that Colin had been right about everything. The remains of Atkinson’s body were found in what was left of the burned-out icehouse. Ballistics testing eventually connected the bullet in Atkinson’s head to the gun that had been in Lester’s possession. The fire made it impossible to determine exactly when he’d been killed, though investigators suspected that it was around the time he’d vanished. They were able to determine that his body had been stored in a large, otherwise empty freezer in Dr. Manning’s garage in Charlotte thanks to a few strands of Atkinson’s hair found frozen to the sides. Research into Manning’s bank accounts showed numerous cash disbursements, the numbers matching the amounts that had been transferred into Atkinson’s accounts to pay his bills, and also confirmed the rental of the bungalow in Shallotte.
 

Lester’s fingerprints had been found in Atkinson’s car, and investigators had hoped that Lester would provide even more answers. It was not to be. After spending three days in the infirmary under constant supervision, he was evaluated by a psychiatrist and deemed fit to be returned to a cell, subject to frequent monitoring. Later that afternoon, Lester met with his attorney, who reported that Lester, though heavily medicated and shaken by the loss of his father, seemed fairly lucid. Lester agreed to be interviewed by detectives the following day, as long as his attorney was present. He was returned to his cell and finished the tray of food that had been brought to him. Video recordings indicated that guards checked on him every fifteen to twenty minutes, but Lester nonetheless managed to hang himself, using strips from the bedsheet that he’d tied together. By the time the guards found him, it was too late.
 

Maria wondered sometimes whether Lester had truly been an accomplice or was simply another victim of Dr. Manning’s. Or maybe even both. Pete Margolis admitted after he woke from his coma that he was unsure who had shot him. Dr. Manning had called out, telling him to come in, but Margolis saw only a brief glimpse of a gun barrel poking through the gap in a closet door before he was hit. The only thing Maria knew for sure was that Lester and Dr. Manning were both dead, and neither would ever come for her again. But despite what they’d done to her and to Serena, she sometimes felt flashes of grief and pity for the Manning family. A young son who died in an accident, an older sister murdered, a mother long struggling with depression who committed suicide
…
She wondered who she would have become had those things happened to her, or had Serena died that night in the icehouse.
 

Glancing over her shoulder, she surveyed the crowd that had gathered on the lawn and silently counted her blessings. Her mom and dad were managing to keep their protective instincts in check, her job with Jill was hugely satisfying, and she’d used some of her severance package to refurnish her condo and buy a new wardrobe
–
and still had enough left over to start building a small nest egg. Last weekend, she’d even wandered into a camera shop and fallen in love with a wildly expensive UV lens. The water was warming, too, her paddleboard calling to her
…
 

 

 

The wedding had been spectacular, though with Lily directing and stage-managing, Maria had expected nothing less. While Wilmington would always be home, Maria could see that Charleston definitely had its charms. Lily was ethereal in her wedding dress, a confection of floating satin, tiny seed pearls, and fragile lace. Evan had been dreamy-eyed as he stared at her during their vows at St. Michael’s Church. The oldest religious structure in Charleston, it was the preferred wedding venue for the more aristocratic families of Charleston, but when Lily drawled, “Why, I simply can’t imagine why anyone would want to be married anywhere else,” she somehow made it sound logical and sincere rather than snobbish.
 

On that awful night, Lily had miraculously escaped unharmed. Evan had been less fortunate, however. He’d emerged with second-degree burns on his back and a couple of broken bones in his leg. He’d been in a cast for nearly two months and had only recently begun walking without a limp again, in part due to his new exercise regime. His workouts weren’t quite up to Colin’s standards, but he’d confided to Maria that he’d been putting extra work in on his arms and was hoping Lily would notice on their honeymoon to the Bahamas.
 

They’d both had angels on their shoulders. Maria believed that as she’d seen Lily and Evan emerge from the Prius, and though some people might laugh at the notion, she didn’t care.
 

She knew.
 

 

 

Behind her, the wedding reception was in full swing, solemnity finally giving way to festivities. Lily had wanted the reception held at her parents’ spacious second home on the banks of the Ashley River, and as far as Maria could tell, no expense had been spared. A palatial white tent glowed with elaborately strung lights, and guests were dancing on a parquet floor before a ten-piece band. The food had been catered by one of the finest restaurants in the city, and the spring flower arrangements were works of art. Maria knew she’d never have a wedding like this; it wasn’t her style. As long as she had her friends and family
–
and maybe a couple of piñatas later for the younger guests
–
she would be happy.
 

Not that she was thinking of getting married in the near future. The subject had yet to come up, and Maria had no intention of asking Colin about it directly. In most ways, Colin hadn’t changed at all. He’d tell her the truth, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear the answer. She might be inclined to hint if the opportunity presented itself, but even the thought of that sometimes made her nervous.
 

Colin had only recently managed to resume his workout routine, but he was sometimes frustrated he wasn’t able to do the things he used to do, including MMA training. He needed at least another six months, the doctors insisted. The shotgun blast had torn through part of his shoulder muscle, leaving vivid scars and a weakness that might be permanent. He’d already undergone one operation on his hand, and another was planned in a few more months. The injury that concerned the doctors most, however, had been the skull fracture, and he’d spent four days in the ICU, near Pete Margolis.
 

Margolis had been the first one to speak to Colin when he regained consciousness.
 

“They tell me you saved my life,” Margolis had said to him. “But don’t think this changes anything about your deal. I’m still going to keep an eye on you.”
 

“Okay,” Colin had managed to croak out.
 

“They also tell me that Dr. Manning beat the crap out of you, and that Evan ended up being the one who finally took him out. I find that very hard to imagine.”
 

“Okay,” Colin said again.
 

“My wife said you came to check on me. Said you were polite, too. And that my friend Larry apparently thinks you’re pretty smart.”
 

His throat dry, Colin merely grunted this time.
 

Margolis shook his head and sighed. “Do me a favor and stay out of trouble. And one more thing.” He finally cracked a smile. “Thank you.”
 

Since then, Margolis hadn’t dropped by to check on Colin even once.
 

 

 

Maria sensed Colin’s approach and then felt his arm settle around her. She leaned into him.
 

“There you are,” he said. “I was looking for you.”
 

“It’s so beautiful by the water,” she said. She turned, slipping her arms around him.
 

“Maria?” he whispered into her hair. “Would you do something for me?” When she pulled back and looked at him quizzically, he went on. “I’d like you to meet my parents.”
 

Her eyes widened. “They’re here? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
 

“I wanted to talk to them first. See where we stand.”
 

“And?”
 

“They’re good people. I told them about you. They asked if they could meet you, but I said I’d have to check with you first.”
 

“Of course I’ll meet your parents. Why would you have to check with me?”
 

“I wasn’t sure what else to say. I’ve never introduced them to a girl before.”
 

“Never? Wow. That makes me feel pretty special.”
 

“It should. You are.”
 

“So let’s go meet your parents. Since I’m so special and you’re crazy about me and you probably can’t imagine living without me. In fact, you just might be thinking that I’m the one, right?”
 

He smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. “Okay.”
 

Every novel presents its own unique set of challenges, and this novel was no different. As always, there are those whose help and support were invaluable to me as I worked my way through those challenges.

I’d like to thank:

Cathy
, who remains a wonderful friend. She will always be dear to me.

Our children –
Miles, Ryan, Landon, Lexie
, and
Savannah
– for the joy they continually add to my life.

Theresa Park
, my fabulous literary agent, manager, and producing partner, who is always there to listen to me and provide constructive advice when I need it most. I’m not sure where I would be without her.

Jamie Raab
, my terrific editor, who works wonders with my manuscripts. We’ve worked together on every book, and I consider myself blessed not only because of her expertise, but because of her unwavering friendship.

Howie Sanders
and
Keya Khayatian
, my film agents at UTA, who are not only exceptional at what they do, they’re creative, intelligent, and fun to be around.

Scott Schwimer
, my entertainment attorney, is one of the best friends I have in the world, and my life has been enriched by his presence.

Stacey Levin
, who runs my television production company, is an amazingly talented individual, with great instincts and passion for her job. Thanks also to
Erika McGrath
and
Corey Hanley
for their talents in the same areas.
Larry Salz
at UTA, my television agent, keeps the complex ship running as smoothly as possible. I appreciate all that you do.

Denise DiNovi
, the producer of
Message in a Bottle
,
A Walk to Remember
,
Nights in Rodanthe
,
The Lucky One
, and
The Best of Me
, with whom I’ve been lucky to associate, has true-blue instincts. In working with her, I’ve always been the lucky one. And many thanks to
Alison Greenspan
as well, for all you’ve done with these memorable projects.

Marty Bowen
, the producer of
The Longest Ride
,
Safe Haven,
and
Dear John
, for his excellent work, his creativity, his humor, and friendship. Our time together is always enjoyable. Thanks also to
Wyck Godfrey
, who works with Marty in everything they do.

Michael Nyman, Catherine Olim, Jill Fritzo
, and
Michael Geiser
at PMK-BNC, my publicists, who are first-rate at their jobs, and have become close friends as well.

LaQuishe Wright
– or Q – who handles all things social media related in my world, not only does incredible work, but is someone with whom I simply enjoy spending time.
Mollie Smith
handles my website, and without you both, it would be impossible to keep people informed as to all that’s going on in my world.

Michael Pietsch
, at the Hachette Book Group, deserves my gratitude for all he does to make my novels a success. I’m honored to work with you.

Peter Safran
, the producer of
The Choice
, for his enthusiasm and knowledge, and for welcoming my team into your exciting world.

Elizabeth Gabler
, who has unbelievable passion for what she does, and the talent and drive to make it work.
The Longest Ride
was a remarkable and beautiful film. Also, my thanks go to
Erin Siminoff
for her extraordinary commitment to making that project a success. I loved working with you both.

Tucker Tooley
, whom I consider a friend. I’m honored by your endless support for my work.

Ryan Kavanaugh
and
Robbie Brenner
at Relativity Media, for the numerous great films they’ve helped to adapt from my work. It’s been fabulous working with you both.

Courtenay Valenti
, at Warner Bros., for helping to launch the Hollywood side of my career. It’s always fun to catch up with you whenever I’m in town with a new project.

Emily Sweet
, at the Park Literary Group, is always available to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity is needed. Thanks so much for temporarily taking over the reins of my foundation, and for listening whenever I call.

Abby Koons
, at the Park Literary Group, for so deftly handling my foreign rights. I am always aware of the amazing work you do. You’re the best, and I’m the first to understand that.

Andrea Mai
, at the Park Literary Group, for all she does with our retail partnerships. It’s been an extraordinary working relationship, and I must say that I’m in awe when it comes to your enthusiasm and persistence. And many thanks also to
Alexandra Greene
, who not only peruses every contract, but has incredible creative instincts. I would not be where I am today without you both.

My gratitude also goes to
Brian McLendon
,
Amanda Pritzker
, and
Maddie Caldwell
at Grand Central Publishing – your enthusiasm and commitment mean the world to me.

Pam Pope
and
Oscara Stevick
, my accountants, have been a blessing in so many ways, not only for their work, but for their friendship. You’ve both been terrific.

Tia Scott
, my assistant, is not only a friend, but she keeps my daily life on track. I appreciate all you do.

Andrew Sommers
has always been an essential sounding board, and does important work behind the scenes in my world. My life has been the better for it. Thanks also to
Hannah Mensch
for all you’ve done this past year.

Michael Armentrout
and
Kyle Haddad-Fonda
, who do amazing work at the Nicholas Sparks Foundation. Thanks so much.

Tracey Lorentzen
, who is always willing to lend a helping hand in the way that I most need it, when I most need it. I don’t know what I would have done without you.

Sara Fernstrom,
formerly of UTA, and
David Herrin
, my oracle at UTA, have unique talents and abilities, and I’ve benefited much from their expertise.

Dwight Carlblom
and
David Wang
, who run the Epiphany School of Global Studies, are terrific educators. I am so appreciative.

Michael “Stick” Smith
, a friend, who has always been there to listen and offer support. The next few years should be interesting and fun, don’t you think?

Jeff Van Wie
, who has been a friend since we roomed together in college. Thanks for always being there for me.

Micah Sparks
, my brother, is the best brother a guy could have. We’ll make a point to do more traveling together this year, okay?

David Buchalter
, who help arranges my speeches, is consistently outstanding. Thanks for everything.

Eric Collins
, who has helped in ways that I can’t even express. The same goes for
Jill Compton
. Thanks.

Pete Knapp
and
Danny Hertz
, who always did whatever they could to help. Thanks, guys!

Other friends, with whom I always enjoy speaking, the kind of friends who make life worthwhile:
Todd
and
Kari Wagner
,
David Geffen
,
Anjanette Schmeltzer
,
Chelsea Kane
,
Slade Smiley
,
Jim Tyler
,
Pat Armentrout
,
Drew
and
Brittany Brees
,
Scott Eastwood
, and
Britt Robertson.