The Taking (The Riverview Mysteries) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek)

Author:Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) [PW (Pariza Wacek), Michele]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Love-Based Publishing
Published: 2022-07-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

“Her name is Sarah Ramsey,” Missy said. We were sitting around the kitchen table, mugs of hot tea in front of us. She looked pale and haunted under the harsh lights of the kitchen, and her hands shook as she picked up her mug, cradling it for warmth. “She told me she was a certified nurse and midwife.”

“Did she ever tell you where she worked?”

Missy worked her lip with her teeth. “The Riverview Women’s Clinic. At least I think.” She rubbed her forehead. “It’s hard to sort out what was real and what was wasn’t.”

“It’s okay,” I said, reaching over to touch her hand. “There’s no rush. Just do your best.”

“We met at the coffee shop. I used to stop there after my therapy appointment. One day, I had some cramping—that happened sometimes—and Sarah was there. She introduced herself, and we started talking.

“We immediately clicked. You know how that happens sometimes? We liked the same things, had the same interests and sense of humor. It was awesome. Like finding an instant friend.

“So, of course, we started hanging out, and before too long, she was coming over to help keep an eye on things. And from there, since she is a midwife, it just seemed best for her to be the main person checking up on me.”

“Were you paying her?”

Missy shook her head. “Sarah had a cousin who was bipolar. When she got pregnant, Sarah tried to help her, but she wouldn’t listen. She ended up losing the baby. Sarah told me she was so haunted by what happened to her cousin that she still questioned whether there wasn’t something more she could have done to help her. She told me helping me was a way for her to make up for that mistake.”

I sipped my tea, careful to keep my expression blank, but Missy must have seen something on my face, because she gave me a look. “You think I’m an idiot, don’t you? Or at the very least, too gullible?”

“It’s a convenient story,” I said. “Maybe a little too convenient. On the other hand, we have the benefit of hindsight right now. Plus, you were off your meds. I don’t think this is your fault.”

“Then whose is it?” she asked, and for the first time, I saw bitterness on her face. “I was the one who was pregnant. I was the one who let her into my home and life. If it’s not my fault, then whose?”

“I think she took advantage of you,” I said quietly.

Missy looked away. “Maybe. But what I lost that night …” she shook her head, grabbing a paper napkin from the center of the table to dab her eyes.

I gave her a moment to compose herself. “When did you realize she wasn’t what she seemed?”

She put her napkin down and gave me a crooked smile. “That’s not as straightforward as you might think. I don’t know what my thoughts are about Sarah. Maybe she was behind me losing little Jude. You and Cole certainly seem to think so.

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