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Blake and Harriet appeared to be home. There were two cars in the drive, and I could see movement behind the living roomwindows. Knocking on the door, I noticed a very intense security system. Rose had shaken these people. There were cameras, an alarm, and a Ring doorbell.
“Yes?” A woman’s voice asked. I couldn’t see her. She’d opened the front door, but we had a wire security door between us, designed so that she could see me but I couldn’t see her.
“My name is Ryan Vasili. I was hoping to speak to Blake Evans.”
I heard footsteps and then a male voice.
“I’m Blake Evans. What is this about?”
The sounds of a toddler laughing and a young baby crying rang out behind him.
“I was wondering if we could talk about Loretta Swan?”
The door opened, and a man in sweats emerged, motioning me further outside. He looked late 20s or early 30s, dark hair, and was wearing “man clothes,” but then half the men in this state probably matched Glenn’s vague description. We stood on the front lawn, with Blake glancing frequently back at the house. He obviously didn’t want his wife to hear this conversation.
“What about Loretta? I really don’t want to talk about that time in my life.”
“I think Loretta may be my mother. I was given up for adoption and I’m trying to find my parents. The only lead I could find was the mention of her daughter Rose in the news articles. I know that was an awful time for you, but I have to start somewhere, so I’m begging you for any information you may have.”
He looked at me sympathetically but retained his defensive body language.
“I had maybe two interactions with that woman. Ever. I know nothing about other kids she may have had, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she had a whole bunch. Her daughter Rosecreated hell in my life, and I’d appreciate not seeing or talking to you again.”
“Do you have any contact with her daughter? Do you know where she lives so that maybe I could talk to her?”
“No idea. I know she got parole. Probably changed her name given the media reports about her. She should still be locked up. My advice is to stay away. If you see her, run the other way.”
His face was sincere. If he didn’t know where Rose was, and didn’t even know her new name, he would be unlikely to be stalking her.
“Okay, thanks man.” I handed over a card I’d had made in my fake name. Ryan Vasili was my go-to fake identity for this kind of work, so he had his own card with his own number.
Blake took the card and shook his head. “Really Ryan, run the other way.”
Part of me wanted to slug this man. He’d thrown out bad signals to my Zahra when she was unwell. He wasn’t blameless in this. At best, he’d been naïve or flattered. At worst, he was a cheater. Dr. Conti was unlikely to have opened the door to Rose, but she was at the peak of her illness when she knew him. This man in front of me had driven her there. He didn’t understand my Zahra.
I waved and headed to my car, mentally crossing Blake off my list. Dr. Conti was my least likely suspect. He was a professional and had been hurt by Rose. He wouldn’t invite contact like this. Perhaps his wife though?
Chapter 21: The Shadow—Isolation
She stood on the edge of the group, listening intently to the conversation but never speaking herself. Those coworkers of hers were pathetic. There was a man paying attention, watching her face, but she didn’t seem to notice. She nursed a drink. It looked like soda but maybe it was a mixed drink. I’d never seen her drink much, probably because she feared the interaction with her medication.
That’s right, my little regret; you don’t belong in groups. You don’t deserve it. You belong on the outside, or wherever I put you. You don’t get to build your circle unless I give you permission.
My Rose needs to be isolated, where only I can reach her, where only I can punish her, in a loving way of course.
Chapter 22: The Rose—I am enough
I waited at the café, eager to see my Hound again. He was late, which was unlike him. I checked my phone: 10 minutes late. Maybe I had the wrong café?
I enjoyed going out with my colleagues, which surprised me. We had a few drinks and then left, so it was really only a few hours together, but I loved being part of the group. Sarah was hilarious, and Jason Barr was so nice to me. Jessie barely said anything except to criticize the service, but Sarah was able to turn even that into something funny.
I couldn’t wait to tell Ace all about my night. I know he was watching. I could feel eyes on me all night! I loved our game, but I did feel ready to step it up and actually be with him or go on a proper date rather than a “work” meeting.
“Hi Rose,” Ace said, slipping into the seat opposite me. He looked amazing, more casual than usual: jeans and a fitted gray tee. I beamed at him, but my smile died when I saw his face. It was cold and serious. He was all business.
“Is everything okay? Have you heard from Paul?” Paul still hadn’t responded to my request for a DNA test. Had he refused? Is that why my Kalb looked angry?
