Okay, at least they aren't inside for whatever fuckery this is.
“Gentlemen, thank you for waiting,” I begin, and they stand. “I'm sorry for the delay. I work nights and wasn't expecting a visit.”
I try to stay polite because I don't know why they are here.
“Ma'am, I'm Officer Wilkens, and this is Officer Matthews, and Officer Lyons, I'm afraid this isn't a pleasant house call. We have some news about your sister…”
I grip the table and pull out a chair. Taking some deep breaths, I sit and look up at the man in charge.
“Okay, I'm ready.”
He gives me a sad look, and I already know.
“She was found this morning in a run down motel a few blocks from here. I'm sorry, but we need you to come down to the morgue and ID her body.”
“How?”
“She overdosed.”
I suck in a gasp as my shoulders begin to shake. Rock places his hand there as he talks with the police, getting more information.
I stare out the window at the blessings my sister gave me. How am I going to tell them? Should I even bother?
Christmas is in three days. The first tear rolls down my cheek, and then many more follow.
Alla brings me Alec and a box of tissues. Her eyes are rimmed red, and I can tell she's heartbroken as well.
“What do I do?” I ask her quietly, she sighs, takes the seat beside me and grabs my hand as I rock Alec with my other arm.
“I think Leena already suspects. The moment she saw their uniforms she shut down, grabbed the twins and led them out the door.”
I close my eyes and breathe. God, she doesn’t deserve this. None of us do. I think deep down I knew this would be the end result, but why now?
Happy Fucking Holidays.
“Ma'am,” Officer Wilkens says, pulling my attention his way. “Are you able to come now? With the holidays approaching we need to handle everything in a timely manner.”
Alla holds out her arms for the baby, and I press a quick kiss to his head, then pass him over.
“I will distract the children with sweets and activities while you're gone,” Alla says and I nod.
I look at Rock. “I know you didn't sign up for this, but would you come with me?”
He crouches down in front of me, pulls me into a tight hug, and then rubs my back. “Yes, you don't even need to ask,” he assures, then turns toward the policemen, standing. “I will drive her there within the hour. Allow her some time to process.”
“Of course. We are sorry for your loss.”
Alla sees them out as I sit at the table zoning out, thinking back to the days when my sister and I would play tag in the yard.
There was a large age gap between us, but I still loved her. I never wanted this for her. I shouldn't have left. Marrying Patrick was a mistake in so many damn ways.
Chapter Five
Rock
Shina doesn't say a word when I lead her up the stairs to her room to shower. As I turn on the water and strip my clothes, she begins to shake.
“I left her,” she mumbles, her voice cracking with unshed tears.
