“Yes but delivering a message through a guard ensures that you receive that message in a timely manner. It cannot be left unread in your inbox or ignored.” John strode over to his chair and set the box on his desk before sitting down.
She sat in the chair and I followed suit, giving her a shrug. She didn’t attend our meetings for one simple reason: She didn’t want to. The benefit was that it didn’t allow her a chance to accidentally say something she shouldn’t. The thought made me cringe. Had they found something?
“Any news on our mom?” I asked and noticed his gaze dart to the box in front of him.
“Unfortunately, no. There have not been any new findings.” He took a moment, studying me and Viv. “Your mom is here.”
John opened the box and gently pulled out a sleek, handmade-looking octagon urn, setting it on the desk. Aura jolted from her sleep, trotting over. She let out a mournful howl and lay down on her belly, staring at the urn. Foxes were intuitive, I suppose.
“I am so sorry,” John began. “If I can help either of you in any way—”
“I just want to find those responsible.” My eyes fixed on Mom, and I grabbed Viv’s hand. She only nodded. If they were found and taken care of, she would be safe.
“I do too.” He rested his hands on his desk, clasping them together.
“Black walnut?” I asked about the urn, staring at the smooth color variants in the dark surface.
“It is.” John nodded. I waited for him to explain its significance, but he remained silent. Not that I needed anexplanation, and Viv most likely knew. Black walnut trees signified spiritual wisdom and guidance, as well as resembling the strong link between people and nature. Picking out her urn hadn’t crossed my mind. John—or whoever had decided—had chosen well.
My heart ached as tears threatened to fall. Without her ashes, it was easier to pretend she could still be alive somewhere. I knew she was gone—I had seen it with my own eyes. There was no surviving a horrific death like that.
A tear rolled down my cheek. Reality sucked.
I swallowed and wiped the tear away. Wallowing wasn’t going to help avenge her or keep Viv safe.
“I’m going to use the restroom.” Viv stood, letting go of my hand.
“I’ll join you,” I said and stood, not wanting her to be alone.
“Sal. Please.” Tears traveled down her cheeks. “I just need a moment. I’ll meet you in the hall?”
“Okay.” I nodded and hugged her.
She pulled away and walked out of the office. I faced John, who remained sitting. There was one thing he could clear up.
“You didn’t tell me you were in my mom’s classandlab partners,” I said, letting a bit of harsh accusation seep into my tone.
John was quiet for a moment before a grim smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Yes. We had been lab partners.”
“You led me to believe you didn’t know her,” I said.
“I don’t recall saying I didn’t know her.” He tapped a finger on his desk. “We were classmates. She was a very caring, gentle soul, and very educated. She was kind to all other students, including me. I want to find who did this to her, Selene, and I won’t stop until I do. I promise.”
My jaw clenched but I found myself nodding, wanting to believe him. But he was hiding something—and he was darn good at it.
Chapter Eleven
Selene
“Welcomeback.”Sydneyloungedon her bed, drawing on her tablet. “Are you coming to dinner with us tonight?”
“Not tonight.” I went farther into our room, Viv walking in behind me. Sydney had been the one to convince me to go to dinner the last few times. She was growing on me, but I didn’t have an appetite and Viv and I needed time together. I clutched the box in my arms.
Sydney looked up, her expression falling when she saw us.
“No problem. Maybe tomorrow.” She set her tablet down and climbed off her bed. “I think I’m going to go for a walk before dinner. Let me know if you need anything.”
I nodded, and Viv kept her head down, her hair falling into her face. Sydney wasn’t going to go for a walk—it was raining—but the privacy was appreciated.
