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“KEEP THY HEART WITH ALL DILIGENCE; FOR OUT OF IT ARE THE ISSUES OF LIFE.” —PROVERBS 4:23

W hen Jarilyn called the next day to invite Sydney to an early dinner and to accompany her to Friday night’s football game, Sydney accepted the invitation with open arms. She hoped that dinner with a friend would help restore an element of sanity to her life. Sydney and Jarilyn’s friendship had been a gradual process, deepening a little more every time they were together. Jarilyn had opened up to Sydney, telling her how Reggie’s father had deserted her a few months after he found out she was pregnant. She confided the struggles she had faced raising Reggie on her own. “I’ve lain awake many a night just praying that everything would be okay, and somehow it usually is,” Jarilyn said.

Sydney divulged as little as possible about her own life. The easiest thing to do was to tell basic facts, leaving out the details. She told Jarilyn about growing up in Ft. Worth with her aunt after her parents died. There had been a few occasions when she had fought the impulse to bare her soul to Jarilyn. She knew that was impossible and left it at that.

They agreed to meet at a Mexican restaurant in Glendale. As usual, Sydney’s Friday had been hectic. She’d planned on getting off work a few minutes early to give herself plenty of extra time to get to Glendale, but it didn’t work out that way. Sean called a last-minute staff meeting that didn’t end until 5:15. When she pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, she was ten minutes late.

She rushed in and made her way to the table where Jarilyn was sitting. A small lantern hanging on the wall reflected an amber light on Jarilyn’s ebony skin, adding a touch of mystery to her striking features. Sydney sat down in the booth and her heart warmed when Jarilyn reached across the table and patted her hand. She had once heard that friends were like precious jewels to be cherished, and she had certainly found a jewel in Jarilyn.

“It’s so good to see you, Sydney.”

“I’m sorry I’m running late.”

“That’s okay. I just got here a few minutes ago. Friday’s are always a madhouse at the bank.”

Sydney chuckled. “Sounds like we had a similar day.”

“What do you think about the game tonight?” Sydney picked up the menu with one hand and retrieved a chip with the other. She dipped it in salsa and popped it in her mouth. The chip was a little stale. She couldn’t help but think about the Blue Mesa, one of her favorite Mexican restaurants in Ft. Worth. Some of Blue Mesa’s sweet potato chips and chipotle salsa would be good right now. This little restaurant, sandwiched in a strip mall with its generic menus and glass vases of plastic flowers, couldn’t hold a candle to the posh décor of the Blue Mesa. The mom and pop restaurants so prevalent in the South had their own appeal, but sometimes she missed the wide variety of restaurants in Ft. Worth.

“Reggie says we have our work cut out for us, but Coach Fletcher believes we have a good chance of winning.”

“I sure hope so,” Sydney said in between bites. “What’re you going to have?”

“I’m thinking about getting a taco salad.”

“That sounds good.”

Jarilyn studied Sydney’s face for a minute. “I’m so glad he has someone like you.”

“Who?”

“Kendall.” Jarilyn laughed and laid the menu on the table.

Sydney’s eyes widened. Jarilyn had made a similar remark on the first day they met at football practice. Sydney had been tempted to ask her about it, but couldn’t figure out how to phrase the question. “What do you mean?”

Jarilyn’s face grew serious. “Sydney, I can’t begin to explain how much Kendall means to Reggie and me. He’s been like a brother and a father to Reggie—all rolled in one. He’s a wonderful role model. Sometimes I think he’s Reggie’s salvation. I shudder when I think about all the things Reggie could be doing other than playing football. I want the best for Kendall, and I think you’re the best—not like that other woman he was dating.”

“What woman was that?” Sydney pretended to read the menu to avoid making eye contact.

“That Jessica woman. She dropped him like a hot potato the minute that fancy friend of yours came to town. Kendall took it pretty hard, too. He was just another notch on her belt. But this time I think she’s met her match. From what I hear, that guy’s a player like Jessica. He dates lots of pretty women.”

Even though Jarilyn wasn’t saying as much, Sydney knew she was remembering the time Sean sat with her during one of the football games. Was this Jarilyn’s way of warning her about Sean?

“All I’ve got to say is that Jessica may be in for a big upset with this one, and it would serve her right.”

Sydney put down the menu and tried to erase the images of Sean with Jessica and then Kendall with Jessica that were flip-flopping back and forth like a yoyo. “We’d better order or we’ll be late for the game.”

“Close your eyes. We’re almost there.”

Sydney raised an eyebrow at Kendall and shook her head. “The last time I closed my eyes, we ended up out in the middle of nowhere at a rooster fight.”

“Please, just close your eyes.”

Sydney sighed. “Okay.” Ever since Kendall had picked her up this afternoon, he’d been secretive about their destination. When she’d prodded him, he’d given her his famous boyish grin, the one that melted her heart.

“Okay, we’re here. You can open them now.”

She smiled at the open excitement in Kendall’s voice. It was hard to believe this was the same man whose face had been as hard as flint as he led his team to victory the night before. Kendall was an enigma with more layers than an onion, and she wondered if she would ever be able to fully understand him.

Sydney opened her eyes and then widened them in surprise. Tall pine trees surrounded a log cabin overlooking a scenic part of the Tennessee River. The sparkling blue water was framed by rolling mountains in the distance. A thick carpet of pine needles cushioned her step when she got out of the truck.

“Who lives here?”

“I do when I’m not staying at the house with Emma and Mom.” There was a touch of pride in his voice.

“Kendall—wow! This is incredible. When did you buy it?”

Kendall looked down at the ground. “I built it myself with one of those pre-fab kits, but I’ve put a lot of extras into it. Come on inside and I’ll show you around.” He took her hand and led her up the steps.

When they reached the door, he surprised her by giving her a long kiss that melted through her like warm chocolate. “Welcome to my own little part of heaven,” he said, opening the door.

“That it is,” she said, mostly to herself as she stepped inside. The floor was covered with wide cherry planks. A stacked stone fireplace took up the bulk of one wall. Sydney walked over and ran her fingers over the grainy hearth that had been formed from a split log. It was definitely a man’s place, complete with a deer head mounted over the mantel and rifles propped in the corner, but it had a cozy feel about it too. Pillows with a woven Indian design of rich, vibrant colors were heaped haphazardly on the dark leather sofa and chairs.

Kendall came up behind her and encircled his arms around her waist. His lips brushed against her neck, sending a thousand tiny shivers rippling down her spine.

“Why don’t you relax, and I’ll bring in some wood and make us a fire.”

“Sounds good to me.”

A few minutes later, Sydney and Kendall settled down on the sofa. She snuggled close to him and watched the flames lick hungrily at the logs, their movement reflecting colors of yellow, blue, and red on the polished wooden floor. Kendall was full of surprises. When he had told her he wanted to show her something, she had no idea he was taking her to a log cabin on the lake. A cabin he had practically built single-handedly. It felt right to be here in this setting with Kendall. It helped take her mind off of her problems—and off of Sean.

He looked over at her and grinned. “What’s going through that pretty head of yours?”

There was no way she was going to tell him that she had been thinking about Sean. “Oh, I was just thinking how relaxed I feel.”

“Well, don’t get too comfortable. I’m hungry.” Kendall laughed and started tickling her.

“Kendall, stop,” she begged as she tried to get away from him. Before she could make her escape, he pulled her closer and covered her lips with his. A feeling of deep affection and security flooded her. Reluctantly, he released her. “Okay, I’ll let you go if you promise to get the food ready while I stoke the fire and bring in a couple more logs.”

“It’s a deal.”

Sydney took stock of the well-furnished kitchen. A few minutes later she had their plates piled with the barbecue they had picked up on the way out of town. She rummaged through the cabinets and found some packs of hot chocolate and a bag of potato chips. She reached for the kettle on the stove and filled it with water and then placed it on the burner.

Kendall came up behind her and grabbed her around the waist. He pulled her close and buried his nose in her neck.

“I thought you said you were hungry.” Sydney laughed and untangled his arms.

“It’s spittin’ snow outside,” he said, releasing her and grabbing a handful of chips.

“You’re kidding. This early in the fall?”

“If you don’t believe me come and look.”

She moved to the window and looked out at the flurrying snow. The scene outside made her glad that she was in the warmth of the cozy cabin with Kendall.

After they finished dinner, Sydney looked at her watch. “You know, we’ve got to get back to town. I have a lot to do before I go to work on Monday.”

“You worry too much. Just relax and enjoy yourself. You’ll have plenty of time tomorrow to work, and besides, they were running that mill long before you got there.” She’d heard that before. She changed the course of the conversation as she began clearing the table. “Kendall, this cabin—it’s so fantastic. I’m surprised you don’t live here all the time.”

He shrugged. “I’ve considered it, but it’s out of the way. I like being close to the school, and I enjoy the company of Mom and Emma.”

“I can’t believe I’ve known you all this time and didn’t realize you had this cabin.”

“There are only a few people who know about this place.”

“I saw a four-wheeler parked outside, and then there’s the fishing boat in the shed. Does all of that belong to you?”

He smiled and got up from the table. “Yes, all of that belongs to me. I come up here whenever I get a chance. I like my privacy, that’s all.” Kendall came around the table and took the plate out of Sydney’s hand. His lips brushed the side of her face.

“We’ve got to go,” she whispered.

“Okay, if we really have to. I’ll put out the fire if you’ll take care of the kitchen.”

Sydney hummed while cleaning the kitchen. It felt so right to be here. So comfortable. “Where are the trash bags?” she yelled, but there was no answer. After waiting for a couple of minutes, she decided to search for them herself. She looked through all the cabinets and came up empty-handed. That’s when she saw the door off the kitchen. It was a laundry room with deep cabinets above the washer and dryer. She opened the first cabinet and saw only cleaning supplies and several bottles of iodine—no plastic bags. She proceeded to the next cabinet and found the garbage bags. The box was beside two other large boxes—no, not boxes, but cases of … allergy medicine? Why would Kendall need two whole cases of allergy medicine? Each case looked like it contained at least fifty boxes of medicine. And what was this? There was something pushed back behind one of the boxes. She reached and pulled out a framed picture of Kendall and Jessica. The picture, taken in front of the cabin, had obviously been taken by Kendall. Part of his arm had been caught in the picture, like he’d been holding the camera at arm’s length. He and Jessica had their heads together, and Kendall looked so … She couldn’t even bring herself to think it, but it was there. There was no denying it. The look on Kendall’s face was one of perfect contentment. Jarilyn’s words seared her mind. Jessica had been here with Kendall. She’d dumped Kendall for Sean. Did Kendall still have feelings for her? She thought back to the night they’d gone to Jessica’s house for dinner and remembered the warmth that came into Kendall’s voice when he talked about how well she could cook. Jessica and Kendall … Jessica and Sean. It was too much to take.

“What are you doing in here?”

She jumped as Kendall came in the door. His eyes flickered first to the open cabinet and then to the picture in her hand. What was it about his eyes? There were always so warm and expressive. Now they were cold hard marbles and all she could see in them was her own startled reflection, cowering back. A chill came over her. She looked down at the picture that now felt as heavy as lead in her hand.

“I was looking for the garbage bags. I didn’t mean to snoop. I accidentally came across … Kendall, I didn’t know that you have allergies.”

Kendall’s face remained unreadable. She felt very small, standing there holding the picture, and then her anger took over. She thrust the picture in his hands, grabbed a garbage bag, and brushed past him. Kendall had invited her here. She’d stumbled upon the picture accidentally. She had no reason to feel ashamed.

Sydney went back to the kitchen and started shoving the remains of dinner into the garbage bag. Kendall followed her. He watched for a second and then reached and took the bag from her. He looked directly in her face. “I’m sorry you had to come across that picture. I would’ve told you about Jessica. It’s just that—um, well, I didn’t think it was that important. That’s all in the past—over now.” He reached and touched a strand of her hair. “You have to know how I feel about you.”

She stood staring at him while his eyes pleaded with hers for understanding. “I’m sorry I reacted that way,” she said. “It was that look in your eyes. You acted so furious when you came through the door, like I’d done something terrible. I couldn’t understand why you would react that way unless you still …” The words got caught in her throat, and she forced them out. “Unless you still have feelings for her.”

Kendall leaned back against the cabinet. Splotches of red were forming on his neck and moving up to his face. Her candor was obviously making him uncomfortable. “I guess I’ll always have a special feeling for Jess.”

Sydney’s throat went as dry as sandpaper.

“She’s been a part of my life for so long …” He paused to find the right words. “Jess and I were engaged. Two months before our wedding, she broke it off.”

Sydney’s heart sank. What had Jessica said? The mocking words tore through her mind with brutal force. “I broke Kendall’s heart.”

“It wasn’t until you came along that I even felt attracted to anyone else. Now I hardly even think of her anymore.”

Hardly? What was that supposed to mean? She looked up and realized that he was smiling tenderly at her. She forced herself to smile back.

“Let’s just take things one step at a time,” he was saying. “Give it some time. See what happens.”

Wasn’t she just congratulating herself on being able to put Sean out of her mind for a few hours? How could she fault Kendall for harboring past feelings for Jessica? She nodded.

“That’s my girl.” He took her in his arms.

But for her the matter wasn’t settled—not by a long shot.

The idea for the Helping Hands Organization didn’t come to Sydney all at once. Like bits and pieces of an almost forgotten dream, the fragments shifted in the kaleidoscope of her mind until suddenly, it all became clear. No doubt the late-night talks with Stella had been part of the catalyst that prompted her decision. But that wasn’t all. It was more than that. It was her past and present all welded together—a way to help ease that sinister shadow of guilt that was always right on her heels, the one she never could outrun. No matter where she went or what she did, it was always there. She could have traveled to the end of the earth and back and it wouldn’t have made a bit of difference, for how could she escape herself?

At night in her dreams, she was on the boat, checking the bilge. No matter how hard she tried, she could never plug up the leaks. Some nights she would wake up, choking on the toxic poisons that were filling the cabin of the boat. Other nights it was the searing heat from the explosion that jarred her awake, leaving her lying on her bed, gasping for air like a limp fish discarded on dry land.

Maybe there was nothing on earth strong enough to erase the hurt of the past, but as long as there was breath in her lungs, she had to continue to try. If she could help others, then just maybe she could find a shred of hope for herself. When the idea for Helping Hands came, it was like a ray of fresh sunlight that dissipated the gloom. She was so excited that she wanted to share it with someone. She told Stella and Ginger first. Stella was pleased and offered her help. Ginger was surprised and had a slew of questions about the particulars. Sydney tried to share her plan with Kendall, but he was too preoccupied with football to pay much attention, so she dropped it.

She almost talked to Sean about it but changed her mind at the last minute. The crux of the matter was that Sean would have probably really listened and talked to her about it. A vague fear was beginning to form in the back of Sydney’s mind, and she kept hearing Sean’s remark about Kendall wanting a trophy girlfriend. She and Kendall never talked about anything of substance. Whenever she tried to take their conversation to a more serious level, Kendall either clammed up or changed the subject. Sean, on the other hand, was very easy to talk to—too easy. She knew that any relationship with Sean would end up like her relationship with Adam—a dead end. Why then was she still so attracted to him? Sometimes it seemed that all Sean had to do was look at her to know what she was thinking. Kendall was the one she wanted to build a relationship with. There were so many things she admired about Kendall—his goodness, his integrity. How come Kendall didn’t understand her any more than she understood him?

All of these thoughts kept running through Sydney’s mind as she drove to Tuesday Phillips’ house. Sydney had called Tuesday and told her about the idea for Helping Hands. “It’s really a simple concept,” she said. “I want to start an organization that helps people in the community. We can start by providing the basics like food and clothing. I would like to get donations from private individuals to help fund it.” She didn’t mention the fact that she had enough of her own money to buy a building and get the organization off the ground ten times over.

Tuesday was quiet for a moment. “I want to help,” she finally said.

A smile tugged at the corners of Sydney’s lips. “I was hoping you’d say that because I’d like for you to help run it.”

There was a gasp on the other side of the phone and then a chuckle. “Tell me what you have in mind.”

“I thought we’d start by helping the Nolan family.”

Tuesday was waiting on her front porch when Sydney pulled into the driveway. When she got in the jeep, Tuesday reached in her purse and retrieved slips of paper with the children’s sizes scrawled on them. “Are you ready to do some shopping?”

Sydney smiled. “No time like the present.”

A few hours later, Sydney and Tuesday pulled up in front of the Nolan’s trailer with their goods. The weather had turned unseasonably warm for fall, making Sydney regret her decision to wear a sweater. They had debated about whether or not they should drop off the clothes anonymously or deliver them in person. They decided on the latter. Sydney got out of the jeep and a knot formed in her stomach. The rusty blue trailer was braced up on concrete blocks that looked about as flimsy as toothpicks. Someone had attempted to attach an aluminum piece of underpinning around the bottom, but had given up halfway through the task. The piece that was still hanging was bent up on one side, reminding Sydney of a metal can that had been chewed open with a can opener. A layer of brown leaves covered the yard that was littered with a junk car, bicycles, and toys. An overall sense of decay pervaded the place, and Sydney wondered how much longer the old trailer would hold together. She glanced at her companion. Tuesday looked tired from all the shopping, but her chin was set with determination. “I’m tellin’ you, this little family needs all the help they can get. It’s a sad situation.”

“Yes, it is,” Sydney agreed grimly.

Sydney and Tuesday went around the back of the jeep to retrieve the clothes and toys they’d placed in cardboard boxes.

“Maybe we should’ve called them first to let them know we’re coming.”

Tuesday shook her head. “No, it’ll be all right.” She approached the door with Sydney following close behind. It took a couple of knocks to get a response. Finally, one of the girls opened the door. When she saw Tuesday and Sydney, she gave them a shy smile, then turned and yelled into the house.

“Mama, Sister Phillips is here.”

This news caused an explosion of activity to erupt in the house as the younger ones started running around the living room and jumping on and off the furniture.

“Tell her to come on in. I’ll be right there,” yelled a voice from the back.

Not surprisingly, the inside of the house was the perfect match to the outside with its shabby furniture crowded into the small room. The trailer would have been a cramped living quarter for a family of three or four, much less a family of seven. Two metal butterflies were hanging on the wall, surrounded by varying sizes of family photos. Lace curtains, yellow with age, were half hanging on the windows.

“Look,” one of the younger boys said, his eyes shining with excitement, “they brought us presents.” The children gathered around while Tuesday dispersed gifts.

Patsy Nolan came into the room. She looked at Sydney’s designer sweater and jeans. They were a stark contrast to Patsy’s baggy sweat pants and stained T-shirt. When Patsy reached and pushed back a strand of her dark hair that was streaked with gray, Sydney had the urge to jump up and throw her arms around the woman . The last thing she wanted was for Patsy to be ashamed. I may look all put together on the outside, Sydney thought, but goodness knows I’ve got enough problems within to make up for it.

Tuesday did the introductions. “Patsy, this is a good friend of mine, Sydney Lassiter. She goes to church with us.”

Patsy’s face colored and she looked at the floor. “I don’t get out to church much no more ‘cause of work.”

Tuesday nodded in understanding.

Patsy extended her hand and smiled tentatively. “It’s nice to meet you, Sydney.” She looked at Tuesday and motioned at the boxes. It might have been Christmas morning in the small home as the children searched through the items, their faces beaming. Patsy sat down on the sofa. “These clothes and toys—well, how nice … I just don’t think I can accept.”

Tuesday interrupted her. “Nonsense. Well, of course you can, honey. You shore can.” The words were spoken with such complete authority that it would have been impossible for Patsy to refuse. Tuesday reached and patted Patsy’s hand.

In that moment Sydney knew for a certainty that forming Helping Hands was the right thing to do. She also knew that Tuesday Phillips was indeed the perfect person to run it.

“All of this stuff … there’s so much. I don’t know how I can possibly thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. I didn’t do it. Sydney did,” Tuesday said.

Sydney’s face turned as red as her sweater.

“Thank you,” Patsy said. Her eyes met Sydney’s.

“You’re welcome,” Sydney said.

A thought struck Sydney. Where was the oldest daughter? The one who asked to take home the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? She wasn’t among the children. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she looked up to see the girl standing in the doorway, watching her happy siblings. Sydney smiled, and she smiled back shyly. Sydney motioned for her to come and sit down beside her.

“What’s your name?”

“Brenda,” the girl said so softly that Sydney had to strain to hear her.

“Brenda, I’m Sydney. Let’s see, I believe there’s something here for you too.” She bent over one of the boxes and retrieved a turtleneck sweater and pair of jeans.

Brenda didn’t say anything at first. She just held the clothes in her lap and rubbed her hand over the sweater. Then, to Sydney’s surprise, Brenda hugged her. That’s when something totally unexpected happened. A warm feeling of peace flooded over Sydney, and she marveled at it. Peace. It was the one thing she sought after the most—the thing that always eluded her. And here it was, a gift straight out of the blue when she least expected it.

Patsy and the children stood by the front door and waved goodbye to Sydney and Tuesday. Looking at the family, huddled on the porch of the trailer, Sydney thought again how unfair it was that she had everything and these people had nothing. But as she and Tuesday drove away, Sydney saw Patsy hug Brenda. Brenda rewarded her mother with a brilliant smile that showed so much love, it filled Sydney with a bittersweet longing, and she knew that it was really the opposite. The Nolan family was the one that had everything because they had what mattered. They had each other, and all the money in the world couldn’t buy that.

Sydney and Tuesday drove in silence until Tuesday spoke. “You done a good thing here tonight.”

“I’m just glad I could be of some help.”

“Oh, you were. That’s for shore. You know, there are some people in this world who say that money cain’t buy happiness.”

It was like Tuesday had read her mind. “That’s for sure.”

“I said that’s what some people say. I didn’t say I agree.”

Where was this conversation going?

“Well if you ask me, I say those people who believe money don’t buy happiness just don’t know where to shop. Look at the happiness you brung that family tonight. It just goes to prove that money can be very useful … in the right hands.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

“Absolutely.”

They drove in silence again and Tuesday began chewing her lip. “I’ve been thinking about that first time you came to visit me and the questions you were asking.”

Sydney was silent for a moment. “Yes?”

“Well somethin’s been gnawing at me.” Tuesday paused and shifted in her seat. “Well, I ain’t quite shore how to tell you this ’cause I don’t wanna sound crazy.”

“Just tell me.”

“All right it’s like this. Ever since I first met you, I had this feeling, like you’re in danger.”Sydney’s eyes went round. “What kind of danger?”

Tuesday blew out a breath. “That’s just it. I don’t know. I keep trying to figure it out. It’s just a feeling. That’s all.”

“You told me that Buford was mixed up with some shady men at the mill. Do you remember a man by the name of Lewis Jackson?”

“That name don’t ring no bell. I’m sorry. It’s been too long.” She stared out the window into the blackness. “There is something else.”

“What?”

Tuesday began turning her wedding band on her finger. “I probably shouldn’t even say nothing ’cause I don’t know exactly. What I mean is that the other night I dreamed about that tune that one of the men was always whistling—like to have drove Buford crazy.”

“Which man? What song?”

Tuesday scratched her head. “I can’t remember. Oh, I shouldn’t have said nothing about it. It’s probably nothing.” She paused. “It’s caught on the edge of my mind, and I just can’t get my hands on it.”

“If it comes to you, will you tell me?”

“Sure. Look Sydney, I don’t know why you’re so concerned about the past, but I know there’s a lot more to all this than you’re telling me. Am I right?”

Sydney’s silence was a confirmation.

“Anyways, I guess you have your reasons for keeping quiet, but I feel impressed to tell you that whatever it is you’re running from, you’re gonna have to face it sooner or later. That’s the only way you’re gonna be able to go on.”

The truth of Tuesday’s words hit Sydney like a landslide. It was almost exactly what Stella had told her. But how could Tuesday have known?

“I know what you’re thinking: that I’m rattling on like a crazy woman. Maybe I am, and maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s just a gut feeling I have. That’s all.”

Peace vanished when the all-too-familiar sick dread settled over her. She swallowed hard. “My life is just really complicated. I have all these different things pulling at me, and I’m not sure which direction to take.”

“You have to listen to your heart.”

Weren’t those almost the exact words Ginger and Stella had used? Sydney tried to keep her voice even. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I’d say you done a pretty good job of listening to your heart today.”

Sydney had never thought about it that way. She’d always associated listening to her heart with getting to the bottom of Avery’s death. But she’d listened to that inner voice when it prompted her to help and had felt peace. Was it possible that the same feeling that had prompted her to help the Nolans and Hazel was the same one that kept urging her to get to the bottom of Avery’s death?

“You have to learn to shut out all them outside voices that are coming at you and go to that inner place inside your heart.” Tuesday balled up her fist and placed it over the center of her chest. She paused. “If you’ll learn to listen, and I mean if you’ll learn to really listen, you won’t never go wrong.”

Sydney thought about this for a moment. Tuesday’s words were coming at her so fast that she couldn’t sort through it all right now. She was filing each word away so she could ponder over them at her own pace.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

Sydney looked at her. “What?”

“Whatever it is you’re dealing with is very serious. Please be careful.”

“I will.” Sydney paused. “And will you please promise me that if you remember anything you’ll let me know?”

“I give you my word on it.”

Sleep didn’t come easy for Sydney that night. In the blackness of night, her fears rose to a fevered pitch, and she was helpless against them. She kept thinking about Tuesday’s warning and the truck that ran her off the road. Tuesday was right. Danger was so close that she could feel its sick tentacles twisting in so tight that she felt like she would smother. Tuesday’s advice to face the fear and stop running was almost word for word what Stella told her. The cemetery loomed like a dagger, hanging by a silk thread. She had to visit the cemetery and look those graves straight in the eye so she could put it all behind her. There was no getting around it.

Tomorrow—I’ll go tomorrow, she promised herself. She buried her head in her pillow and tried to get some sleep.