Coming Home by Lauren Lee

Author:Lauren Lee [Lee, Laurèn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-08-03T16:00:00+00:00

Twenty-One

Without needing to use my app, I texted Sandy that I was ready to be picked up and asked if she could be here as soon as possible.

She replied with a wink emoticon, which I assumed to be confirmation that she'd be here shortly.

I paced the sidewalk to the left of the bar's patio entrance. I didn't want Renlee to see me waiting for my ride. Dark images invaded my brain and pushed out the carefree feeling from tonight. The image of the person who killed Callie wasn't just a shadow in my mind anymore. I was one step closer to finding out who stole a beautiful soul from this world.

As I stood on the curb, a light switch turned off in my heart as darkness enveloped my consciousness. I could almost hear Callie’s screams for help ringing in my ears. Was she afraid? What did she think about just before she died? I couldn't hold it in any longer as a fit of sobs wracked my body. I pulled out a mini shot of vodka from my purse, opened the plastic container, and tossed back the liquor down my throat.

I knew I was drowning. All the booze. All the pining darkness. The current threatened to pull me under at any second. Deep down, I was hoping finding Callie's killer would be the life preserver I desperately needed.

Sandy pulled up just as I'd tossed the empty shot bottle into a trash can beside the curb. She parked a few feet ahead, and I ducked under a small sapling with budding leaves to get to the rear passenger door.

"Leaving so early?" she asked with a motherly curiosity.

"Yeah. It was getting too crowded," I lied and wiped the tears from my face.

"Not a problem.”

My mother’s house was only a handful of blocks away, but far enough where I shouldn't walk by myself. Many years ago, I wouldn't have minded the distance, but with too much alcohol in my system and a killer on the loose, I figured it wouldn't be exactly the safest mode of transportation.

Sandy asked if I'd had a nice time.

"Yeah, it was okay." I sniffled.

Our eyes met in the rearview mirror. I broke contact first as we turned down my street. She pulled into my driveway, and I handed her a crisp twenty-dollar bill. She smiled and shook her head.

"It was only a short drive. Keep it for yourself," she said warmly.

"Please take it. Consider it a down payment for future rides.”

I ignored the ebbing embarrassment deep in my bones. If I weren't such a lush, I could drive myself as I galavanted across Keygate. I pushed away the thoughts. I could dwell in self-pity later. Now wasn't the time.

"Oh, all right. If you insist. Have a good night, dear," Sandy said.

"You too.” I exited the vehicle and waved goodbye. She waited until I reached the front door before driving away. I rummaged through my clutch trying to find the house key. After a moment, I caught it tucked in my wallet.

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