“Send him a text telling him to not open a window.” That seemed sort of obvious.
Jeremy shook his head. “That’ll tell him we left, and he’ll want to come. You clearly don’t want him to.”
He was always sharp as nails. They followed me down to the lake where I turned and headed a distance more.
This was the only place I could sort through these thoughts. The only place I needed to be. “Your granny said to me once that there was always the other side of the lake. I have read a lot about it in her journals. I am thinking there will be more to read. I’m not going to spoil her keepsake for you by saying toomuch, but I will say that she has never been comfortable with this place.”
Truthfully, it was probably the last place she wanted to die. Although her family was here so maybe she didn’t care.
“Go on.” Jeremy nodded. “We know that our mother’s family is a problem and most likely had something to do with Phoenix’s kidnapping and the death of the kids. They probably sent that text.”
I nodded. “Sure. They were involved, but they didn’t plan it, and they didn’t do it. There is a social hierarchy. I learn it again and again. Everywhere I go.” And Dina knew it was important when dealing with people. “Rosalind’s family is not powerful anymore. They don’t have the resources to kidnap a Lent. To make you sick, Barrett. To terrify you, Jeremy. You were little, but I bet already you were not easily scared.”
Barrett winced. “That’s true.”
“I’m sure Rosalind’s family played a role, but they didn’t do this and they don’t have access to phones with hidden numbers. Maybe they’re smart enough, but money talks. Someone on this side of the lake is involved. You know all of them, but you don’t really know them. They invite you to visit because they hardly see you. They know us. We have to know them. Phoenix is still trying to figure out how to survive this, and ultimately, he has to be able to do what he needs to do to make peace with what he can’t remember. That doesn’t mean it’s his battle to fight alone. I’m here. You’re here.” I touched my chest. “Jules is here when he wakes up. They know us. We need to know them. When we look hard enough, we’ll know. Your parents think it’s her family. Again, I’m sure they play a part, but they can’t see the forest for the trees because this side of the lake are their friends. But they weren’t Dina’s friends. They’re not.”
Jeremy touched my cheek. “You’re just back a week. What you’re saying makes sense. But maybe we wait to do it until you are feeling better.”
I wasn’t going to be left in the house when I knew I could help. “I’ll tell you if I can’t do it.”
I already knew that I could.
10
Barrett leaned over and kissed me. He wasn’t wrong, it was cold out, but the way it made his lips feel cold, even frost kissed, was perfect. When he was finished, Jeremy did the same. It was like we were sealing the deal among us. We were going to get some answers. I was sick of being victimized and that had to mean that they were well and truly done with it.
Jeremy cupped my cheeks. “We love you so much. I wish this didn’t have to be your battle, too.”
“My battles have become yours, why shouldn’t yours be mine?”
Barrett stroked my hair. “That is really beautiful. Sounds almost like a marriage vow. Since Jer apparently introduced that topic.”
“Months and months ago.” I grinned.
Barrett groaned. “You have no game.”
“I don’t need it with my Princess.”
I wasn’t quite done with what we had to talk about. “We aren’t going to hide this from Phoenix. We’re not lying to each other.” I cleared my throat. “Ever.”
Barrett nodded. “Okay. There’s another vow. He’s going to hate it.”
“We’re going to start with Sam’s family. Who is this dude hearing all his secrets? Low key, if he turns out to be part of this, I am going to be so disappointed in life.”
Well… maybe more disappointed.
March 1st1967
We opened.And we had a crowd. What a day it was. Actually, what a week it has been. If I thought we’d get into a routine and be settled after it opened, I was wrong. I’ve never been so busy. I am in charge of all of the female salespeople. They call me Mrs. Lent and think that I am just Nathaniel’s wife. Some of them make passes at Robert, Ed and Victor. Right in front of me.
It’s hard. I never considered the subject of other women and their interest in who they think are eligible men. I suppose I will get used to it. Robert thinks it’s funny that it makes me worried.
“I only have eyes for you, Dina. I only ever will. The Lents love once.”
My father only had eyes for my mother, I think.
I am not pregnant, and it is bothering me more and more.
