“Yes ... she would be.” Justine’s chest ached, reminding her that she needed to breathe. This couldn’t be ... not Keith.
Misty rubbed her hands up and down her arms as if she were cold. “It’s terrible. Really terrible. I wanted to be here for you. I knew you’d be upset.”
Justine closed her eyes to the count of three and then she ordered herself to pull it together. She had a practice to supervise in one hour. This was terrible news but perhaps not totally unexpected now that she was over the initial shock and thought about it. Keith hadn’t been himself since Austin’s return to Pine Bluff. She would need to talk to Ray and find out if it was murder ... or suicide.
When she felt composed once more she opened her eyes.
“Would you like some coffee?” She could use a cup herself.
Misty nodded. “Please.”
A glimpse of something red or dark brown on Misty’s arm distracted Justine. “Have you hurt yourself?” She reached out, took Misty’s arm, and inspected it. A nasty gash near the elbow.
“It was a stupid mistake. I fell. It’s nothing.”
Misty, Misty, Misty.“Did you clean it?” The answer was evident. Blood had oozed and dried.
She shrugged carelessly. “I forgot about it.”
“Come on.” Justine ushered Misty into the bathroom and turned on the shower. “As soon as the water’s warm I want you to get in there. Wash your hair and I’ll braid it for you.”
She peered at Justine through her thick glasses. “You’re too good to me, Justine. No one’s ever been as good to me as you.”
Justine ignored Misty’s sentimentality and pointed at the shower. “I’ll be back with coffee.”
With Misty in the shower, Justine pulled on her favorite silk robe. Gold, handmade. A gift she treasured. Pushing away the pain, she went into the kitchen and made a fresh pot of coffee. Her movements felt mechanical.
Poor Violet. And the boys.
Justine braced against the counter. And Granville. He would be completely shattered. His wife was gone. He had no other children. He was all alone. This was such a tragedy. Austin should never have come back here and started this thing.
A sense of purpose filled Justine. She would see that Keith’s father was well taken care of. It was the least she could do. Keith would want her to.
She took her time, sipped her coffee and resumed command of her composure. Yes. Purpose was the key. Her future might very well hinge on how she handled the aftermath of Keith’s death. Granville would need someone ... someone like her. The timing was perfect.
When the water stopped running in the shower, she poured another cup and headed to the bathroom to see to Misty’s needs. She was obviously badly shaken. Justine would need to ensure her friend was calm and rational. Misty was far too easily agitated.
“Here you are.” Justine walked in as Misty stepped out of the shower. She clutched the towel close to her chest. “Misty,” Justine scolded. “Don’t be silly. I’ve seen you nude before.”
“But there’s so much light in here.”
Justine set the cup of coffee on the vanity counter and smiled. “Honey, you have nothing to be embarrassed about.” She reached for the towel, tugged it from Misty’s hands. “Just look at you; you’re beautiful.” She took Misty’s hand. “Come with me.”
She led Misty to her bedroom, the steaming coffee forgotten, turned on the light, and positioned her in front of the enormous mirror.
“Now look.”
Droplets of water from Misty’s damp hair slid down her smooth skin. Justine frowned at the claw marks on the back of Misty’s other arm near her shoulder. The notion that she’d most likely gotten those scratches in a struggle twisted inside Justine. Whatever Misty had done, it was too late to do anything about it now.
“I’m ugly,” Misty murmured.
Justine snapped to attention and moved up next to Misty. She pushed the other troubling thoughts aside and smiled. There would be time to sort all that out later. “Absolutely not. See how nicely shaped your breasts are.” She touched one, cupped its roundness, and smiled. She swept her fingers down Misty’s flat belly. “You’re thin, with hips the perfect size.” She dragged her fingers over the nice flare between Misty’s waist and her thighs. “We’ve talked about this before.”
“Not as beautiful as you,” Misty said, looking at Justine in the mirror.
The missing glasses alone made such a difference. Misty’s face was the perfect heart shape. Her eyes big and round. Justine wished she would wear her contacts. “You’re every bit as beautiful as me.”
Misty lay her head on Justine’s shoulder. “You always know how to make me feel better.”
