Page 87 of Behind the Shadows

A silly, broad smile slipped into place as I was unable to contain the joy her words brought. “Yeah?”

“Definitely.” Her laughter filled the room like a warm, comforting embrace, wrapping around us and lifting the atmosphere. “In fact, I’d like to show you just how much.”

Her next words were like a tidal wave, sweeping over me and leaving me reeling with disbelief and wonder. Never in a million years had I imagined Holland would do something so unexpected.

The sun was alreadyhigh in the bright blue sky by the time we reached the driveway. I hadn’t slept much, but I didn’t need rest. I needed closure. I parked in front of the house and then turned off the engine. Holland shifted in her seat and turned to me.

“Are you sure?” She reached for my hand, and I gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Are you?” I pinned her with a stare and searched her for any uncertainty, but I didn’t even see her flinch when she told me her plan.

“Yeah. I’m ready.”

I leaned over the console and kissed her. “Let’s go. The sooner this is over, the better, and we can hopefully move on.”

“You have help. You’re not alone in this anymore, babe.” She pressed her soft lips to my knuckles.

We climbed out of the car, and I took her hand in mine as we walked up the sidewalk and to the house. I reached for the handle and turned it, then opened the door for Holland.

Dog barked as we entered Mother’s place. “It’s just us,” I said, petting him as he licked my arm. “Did Cynthia feed you before she left?” His tail wagged as he sniffed at Holland, and then he trotted off to the kitchen where his food bowl and water were.

“He’s smart.” Holland’s smile widened as she watched him. “What will happen to him when your mother is gone?”

“I’ll see if Cynthia wants him, but if I recall, she’s a cat person.”

“Will he go to a shelter?” Her eyes pleaded with me. “Kip, you can’t do that to him.”

“I couldn’t do that. Dog has some good years left. If she doesn’t want him, I’ll take him. Hopefully, my girlfriend will help when I have to go out of town.” I winked at her.

“Then don’t. Don’t ask Cynthia; let’s take him. I can even take him to my office for patients that need a pet during the session.” Her face lit up with her idea. “Dog?”

Surprisingly, he came to her when she called. Holland knelt and rubbed behind his ears. “Do you want to live with Kip and me? Would you be happy, buddy?”

Dog barked once, then licked her chin. Holland’s laughter filled the room, and I wondered how she could feel so happy at the moment, but Dog had that effect on people.

She stood. “It’s settled, then.”

“Good. I was having a tough time with the idea of not seeing him anymore.” I gave her a crooked smile. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” She turned on her heel and headed toward Mother’s room.

The door was nearly closed, and I knocked before I pushed it open. “Mother,” I said, my voice sharp.

She jerked awake at the sound of me entering the room. The oxygen machine whirred in the background as Holland and I walked into her room.

A sharp laugh slipped through her thin lips. “If it isn’t the devil and his bride.”

“I’ll cut to the chase. I know you need your rest,” I said, walking to the edge of the bed. Holland walked around to the other side and sat down.

“You’re not looking too well.” Holland took Mother’s hand in hers and patted it as if she loved my mother with undying devotion.

I had to give it to Holland; she had fucking balls walking in here and confronting the woman who’d sold her and Ally. Not to mention visiting her a second time.

“I’m dying, you little brat. What do you both want?”

“Information.” I sank onto the mattress and pinned Mother with a glare. “Before I meet the Pied Piper, I want to know what I’m walking into. Why does he want to meet with me?”

Mother wheezed, “He doesn’t tell me his plans, Kip. Just get in touch with him. It will be worth your time.”