In the Heart's Shadow by T. L. Haddix

Author:T. L. Haddix
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780615739175
Publisher: Streetlight Graphics Publishing
Published: 2012-11-29T08:00:00+00:00

Stacy’s phone was in the kitchen, out of Murphy’s reach, and it was ringing off the hook. When Gordon glanced at it to see that Maria was calling so insistently, he answered.

“How is she?” Maria asked.

“Not good. I don’t think it’s hit her yet.”

“Do you need me to come over?”

He hesitated. “No. I think she needs a little space. I’ll let you know if that changes.”

“Okay. You know it was more than just a house that burned today, right? She built a home, piece by piece, and she’s worked like a demon to get it to the point she had it. It’s her refuge and the only real home she’s had. I can’t tell you what it meant to her. I’m worried that this will destroy her, Gordon. Please take care of her for me.”

“I will,” he promised. “And as soon as we can, I’ll get her to you, so you can see for yourself that she’s okay. I just don’t think she’s up to it tonight, though.”

“Everyone’s asking about bringing food over,” Maria told him. “What do you want me to tell them?”

That was difficult to answer. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. We don’t know that our suspect won’t bring something and that it won’t be spiked. Can you let everyone know that she’s just not up to it right now, and that as soon as she is, we’ll stop by the department or something?”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, Maria. I’ll let her know you called.”

When Murphy and Chloe, both meowing loudly, ran into the kitchen where he was preparing dinner, Gordon figured something was wrong. Remembering the incident with the chicken breast, he quickly stashed the food in the fridge and hurried upstairs, wiping his hands on a kitchen towel as he went.

“What is it, guys?”

The cats raced ahead of him. Murphy looked back to make sure he was following. As soon as he reached the top of the stairs, he heard Stacy’s sobs. Chloe was frantic, desperately clawing at the door, and Gordon gave a perfunctory knock before opening it. Stacy was curled up on the floor. He sat beside her and tugged her into his arms, ignoring her resistance.

“Just pretend I’m a stuffed bear, okay? Come on, sweetheart, let me in.” After a few seconds, Stacy gave in and burrowed her head against his chest. Gordon wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair as he made soothing noises. “Shhh, it’s okay,” he whispered. “It’s okay.”

The tears didn’t slow down for a long time. When they finally faded into hiccups, Gordon reached grabbed the box of tissues from the nightstand and held them out to her. She wiped her face and nose. With a shuddering breath, she rested her head against his shoulder.

“Feel better?” he asked, and she nodded. “Chloe’s worried about you. Murphy’s even keeping vigil.” He gestured to the cat, who was sitting a few feet away, watching them with an unblinking gaze.

With a thick voice, she called Chloe. The cat eased up and edged close, and when she was near enough to pick up, Stacy settled her into her lap.

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