David winced. He looked around and then at the two of them. “Of course, I understand. But . . . is there a prayer?” he whispered. “Is there a prayer that Donna is alive?” he asked.
“I’ve already called in the case to our founder, a man named Adam Harrison, who has the power to put every possible investigator and investigative technique into play. Some of the best techs in the world are going through cyber clues that mightexist . . . David, if there is a chance, we’re on it,” Angela assured him.
“Really?”
“Really.” Jackson said. He hesitated. He wondered if it was so great that the man had not been arrested. He’d be going home to his empty house—a new house he had still prepared as if his wife and baby might walk back in at any moment—alone.
And Jackson thought there was still a chance for his family. He knew Mary would have brought the children to their special lodging for the night and ready for the great day he’d planned for tomorrow. Tomorrow, which was already here.
But he knew his wife and his partner, too. And she just didn’t intend to leave the man alone at a time like this.
“You’re coming with us!” she told him. “You are not going to be alone tonight. And you’re not—I do meannot—taking any of those wretched drugs that man gave you. Do you understand?”
“I . . . I . . . mean, thank you. But after everything, the last thing I want to do is impose on you or cause any confusion of the plans you must have made,” David told them.
“If you want to make us happy, come with us! Give us the assurance that you’re going to be okay!” Angela told him.
“I can promise—” David began.
“That you’ll come with us. Now. It’s late!”
Jackson grinned. Angela had no clue they weren’t going home. But it would be all right. The place he had reserved had several rooms for the kids and a big pull-out bed in the parlor. Mary and the kids would probably already be asleep in their rooms.
And miraculously, Corby and Victoria always understood. It made their family moments very precious.
In another ten minutes, long enough for David to gather a few things, they were on their way.
Naturally, Angela frowned when he was “going the wrong way.”
Then of course, he let her know what was going on and how they’d all have an enjoyable day with the hot tub and the heated pool and good friends, old and new.
When they arrived, despite the late—or early—hour, the kids came running out with balloons celebrating Mother’s Day with shouts and hugs. And they introduced David who was quickly great with the kids.
They made up the bed in the parlor.
Everyone headed off for a few hours of sleep.
And as he took his wife in his arms, Jackson told her, “My love, you are the greatest gift in life, a brilliant partner in all the madness we encounter, an incredible wife, the kindest human being despite all that you witness. And today, above all, the world’s most amazing mother!”
She laughed softly. “Wow! Eloquent, my love. Was that your way of asking me if I was too tired to fool around?”
They both burst into laughter. Angela proved she wasn’t too tired at all, and of course . . . the energy of their lovemaking helped dispel the stress of the day. And when they fell asleep, it was quick and deep.
He held her in his arms, and he thought that while they’d had a few distractions, she’d helped a baby enter the world. And for her, he knew that her being able to help under such circumstances already made it an extra-special Mother’s Day.
And for people who miraculously understood kindness and forgiveness, as well!
*
Angela
Spirits of the dead—ghosts—tended to respect couples and closed doors.
That’s why Angela was stunned to feel the strange sensation of a touch that was hot and cold at the same time. And as she opened her eyes, she knew a dead man’s spirit was anxiously waking her.
It was Ray Cummings; a man she thought should have been extremely happy since his great-grandson was sleeping on the sofa in the parlor of the rooms Jackson had taken for her special Mother’s Day treat.
“Ray,” she whispered in confusion. Jackson woke, possibly hearing her whisper, possibly aware that they’d been joined by a spirit.
