Since She Went Away(102)

She feared she was right. And if she was . . . “It’s just—it’s private. Personal.”

He looked up then, a strange curiosity on his face. “Like a date?”

“Not a date. I can tell you all about it another time. Why don’t you come with me?”

“No, thanks. I’m tired.”

“But I can’t leave you here—”

“They just caught the bad guy, remember? And if you try to get Grandma to babysit me, I’ll scream.”

“Are you sure you’re okay here?”

“Mom, how many times in my life are you going to ask me that question?”

She hated the jaded tone in his voice. She knew he’d been through a lot, but she didn’t want to think his soul was growing disenchanted with the world. He flopped back on the bed, closing his eyes.

“I’m okay, Mom,” he said. “Lock the door behind you and I’ll be fine. They arrested him. About fifty cops dragged the guy away. It’s over.” He rolled over and spoke into his pillow, his voice muffled. “They took Natalie away too. Remember? It’s all over.”

His words pierced her heart.

But she really needed to go.

“I’ve got my phone,” she said.

She drove to Ian’s house.

? ? ?

On the way, Jenna’s phone rang. Her mother.

She considered not answering, letting it go to voice mail. She didn’t need another lecture or scolding. But something in Jenna didn’t allow her to just ignore her mother.

What if it’s an emergency? What if she needs me?

So she answered.

“Jenna? I want to talk to you about that TV show last night.”

“I don’t have time, Mom. I know it was awful.”

“Awful’s not the word for the way you were treated.” Her mother sounded breathless. “It was . . . abysmal.”

“The way I was treated?” Jenna said.

“Of course. There was no excuse for it. They shouldn’t share your private business on TV like that. It’s a violation.”

“So you’re taking my side?” Jenna asked.

“Don’t I always?”

Jenna almost laughed. A million responses raced through her mind, but she held them all in. She felt real gratitude, a warmth in the center of her chest. Her mother could be counted on when the chips were really down. Jenna always knew that.

“Thanks, Mom,” she said.

“Do you want to talk about this more?”

“I can’t now,” Jenna said. “I’m on my way . . . I’m going somewhere. But really. Thanks.”

“Always, honey. Always.”

? ? ?

Ian opened the door, wearing a button-down shirt and jeans. He held a pair of reading glasses in one hand and looked surprised to see Jenna standing on the porch.

She’d driven away from his house the night before feeling sick about his admission that he’d had Celia spied on, and he looked like a different person—one without the stardust glow she’d seen encircling him ever since the day they first met.

Jenna stepped inside and looked around. She smelled coffee brewing and maybe something baking. “Is Ursula home?”

“She’s asleep. It’s only nine o’clock.”

“Have the police been here?” Jenna asked.

“Detective Poole called. She said she needs to come by later. What is this about, Jenna?”

“I need to ask Ursula something.”

Ian closed the door and stood in front of Jenna, blocking her access to the rest of the house. He was a good eight inches taller than she was. His body was still trim, his shoulders still broad and thick. “What do you need to ask Ursula?” Then a knowing look crossed his face. “Are you still on this kick about why she wanted Jared to go on TV? Look, Jenna, I’m going to have to ask you to lay off of her. I saw the news today. They arrested that man.” He lifted his hand and rubbed his eyes. He kept his hand there, obscuring Jenna’s view of most of his face. “I’ve wanted this to end for so long, to just know something. And now that we might learn something, the real truth about it all, I’m terrified. I just don’t want to find out. I don’t want to get some final answer. What would I do then? Do you know?”

“Ursula didn’t just push Jared to do it,” Jenna said. “She went online, to message boards where they talk about missing persons cases. She went on there and she led another man on, making him think these photos he was taking in another state were photos of Celia. She encouraged this guy to think Celia was alive and living in his town.”

Ian looked like a man who understood only half the story. He tilted his head to one side, as though her words might register in his brain and make more sense if he pointed his ears a different direction. “I don’t follow any of this. Can we go out to the kitchen? Ursula’s bedroom is right up there, and I’d like to know what you’re saying about my daughter before she hears it.”

Jenna looked up the staircase. She wanted to break past him, shove Ian aside, and go right to the source. But she held herself in check. No need to make a scene. No need to run wild.

Yet.

She followed Ian out to the kitchen, where he offered her coffee, which she accepted as she sat at the table. Her body felt energized, but she knew it wouldn’t last. The mixture of adrenaline, fear, and lack of sleep would bring her back to earth soon. She’d crash like a meteor.