“Thank you.”
His honesty tempted her much more than she’d like. Sure, he could be trying to manipulate her into protecting his brother, but…he wasn’t. She had to believe that he wasn’t tricking her.
She settled into the plush leather seat. “Tell me about the Fulsomes.”
“Too late.” Seth drove quickly down a dirt road to park in front of a small house surrounded by overgrown pine trees. “We’re here.”
Mia slowly jumped from the truck, her gaze on the quiet home. The white paint had faded, and the front porch was missing a step. A sense of depression hung over the building with an oppressive presence. Maybe that was just her imagination, considering she knew what the occupants must be dealing with. She straightened her shoulders and wound around mud puddles to climb the steps, stretching over the missing one.
Seth beat her to the door and knocked quietly.
A little girl, about four years old, pulled it open. Sloppy braids captured her dark hair, and her nose and eyes were red. Her resemblance to Mandy was obvious, even in the threadbare dress. She looked at Mia and then tilted her head to stare up at Seth. She jumped for him. “Seth!”
He caught her easily and cuddled her close. “Hi, Juliet.”
The girl levered back and put both tiny hands on his face. “Manda’s dead.”
“I know, sweetheart,” Seth murmured. “I’m sorry.”
“Ruby’s dead, too,” Juliet said with a sniff.
“I know,” Seth said.
Juliet shook her head. “No more dead peoples, Seth. No more.”
Seth inhaled, his face remaining calm, but his blue eyes burned with a fire that he briefly failed to bank. Then nothing glittered there. He tilted his head toward Mia. “This is Mia. She’s my friend.”
Juliet turned serious eyes toward Mia. “Okay.”
A slight woman wearing a faded black dress pulled the door open farther. “Hi, Seth.”
Seth tightened his hold around Juliet and leaned to hug the woman with his free arm. “I’m so sorry, Claire.”
Claire nodded, her eyes blank, her black hair up in a bun. “I know. You didn’t have to stay outside when Ben was here earlier, you know. You’re our choice—”
“That’s all right.” Seth cut her off.
Claire put a trembling hand to her head and glanced at Mia. “Oh. Um, the doctor gave me a sedative, and my head is spinning.”
Her pupils were huge, though shock still glimmered in their depths. What in the world had she been about to say? Mia would have to question Seth later.
Mia stepped closer. “I’m Mia, and I’m also so very sorry for your loss. I met Mandy. She seemed like a wonderful girl.”
“She was.” Claire’s lips trembled. Her skin was smooth, and she looked to be in her early thirties. “My husband went to take care of arrangements with Ben, and I, uh, I just can’t go through another interview right now. I’m sorry.”
“That’s all right,” Seth said smoothly. “We can come back later.”
“Actually,” Mia kept her voice soothing, “I was hoping I could take a look at Mandy’s room. Just to get an idea of what was going on with her lately.”
Claire frowned. “I don’t see why. I mean, the Volks will—”
“Help with the arrangements,” Seth finished for her.
Claire’s shoulders jerked. “Oh. Yeah. Help with the arrangements. I, um, I should go lie down.”
“Could I take a quick tour? I’d like to see if Mandy kept a diary.” Mia asked softly, edging between Seth and Claire, her irritation with Seth growing. That was the second time he’d interrupted Claire. What secrets was he hiding now?
“Mandy didn’t keep a diary. Um, I don’t know about a tour.” Claire looked up at Seth, almost as if waiting for permission.
