Finding Eden (A Sign of Love Novel)(79)

"Are you okay?" I asked Calder, glancing at Detective Lowe who was sitting on the chair across from the couch. He had shown up at my mom's house to let us know in advance there would be breaking news about Clive Richter. Apparently, finding out Calder and I were alive prompted Clive's ex-partner to seek immunity and bring to light crimes he knew Clive was and had been involved in.
Calder kept staring ahead for a minute and then he nodded a barely perceptible nod and rubbed his hands on his thighs before standing up. "I'm going to get a glass of water. You want one?"
"Yeah, sure." I tried to read his expression, but couldn't.
He nodded, one quick jerk of his head. "Detective?"
"Yeah, sure. Thanks, Calder."
I watched Calder's back as he walked out of the room. Initially, hearing there was news about Clive had rattled me, too. But for Calder, I could only imagine that seeing Clive's face had brought up the rage and helplessness of that day, despite the fact that there was a good chance now that he'd pay for his crimes, at least a few of them. I wasn't surprised he'd been involved in other illegal activities. Those who enjoy destroying lives generally are more than happy to spread their particular brand of misery around. I just hoped there would be enough evidence to convict him for the crimes he'd committed against Calder and me, too. I guessed we'd have to wait and see.
I turned my attention to Detective Lowe and took a deep breath.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
I nodded. "Fine, I think . . . it's just . . . so strange seeing him again."
"I can imagine." He stood up and came to sit on the couch next to me. He turned toward me. "Hey, Eden, you're doing really great under the circumstances," he shook his head, "I can't even imagine how difficult this is, and you're holding up so well. I hope that doesn't sound patronizing." He laughed a small laugh. "But I see a lot of people in difficult situations and I just wanted you to know that I'm really impressed by your courage."
I smiled, thankful for his words. "Thank you, Detec—" I looked up as Calder moved into my vision. His jaw was hard and he put the two glasses of water down on the coffee table hard enough that a little bit of water sloshed over onto the wood. I looked up at him and his eyes widened and he looked embarrassed.
"Sorry, I'll go get a napkin."
When he left the room, the detective said, "This is just as hard on Calder, I'm sure. Take care of each other."
I let out a breath. "We will. I appreciate that." I walked him to the door and stood against it for a minute after I'd closed it behind him, considering the situation now in front of us. I wasn't sure what to think yet.
I went into the kitchen where Calder was standing with his hands braced on the counter. I put my arms around his waist and hugged him. "Hey," I said.
"Hey," he said softly, turning in my arms. He brought his arms around me and I laid my cheek against his chest.
"Everything's going to be okay," I murmured.
"Yeah," he said and paused. "Just seeing Clive's face . . ." He let out a harsh breath.
"I know."
We stood like that for a few minutes, taking comfort in each other.
"What do you think he thought?" Calder asked. "When he heard we're still alive? What do you think went through his mind?"
I leaned my head back and looked up at him. "I don't want to even try to get into his mind. I can only imagine it's a really ugly place to be." A shiver ran down my spine.
The look on Calder's face told me he agreed wholeheartedly.
After that, the media amped up their efforts to get to us—for now, it was safest and most convenient to be at my mom's house. So a couple days after we'd arrived, the police drove us to Calder's apartment so he could pack a small bag and grab what he needed for an extended stay.