Page 80 of In the Bones

With a wistful look, Nicole said, “We’ll work it out. Always have, always will. You’re the one who taught me that.”

Mac felt a flood of warmth for her sister. The New York State primaries were scheduled for the end of June, and she remained hopeful, but there was no question that the crimes didn’t reflect well on the sheriff’s office. Nicole was right, though. They’d work it out.

And they wouldn’t have to do it alone.

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Molly

When I think about Gigi now, it’s my sister’s face I see. They didn’t look alike, not particularly, but they shared an energy and power I miss so much that it hammers my bones.

Her bones still haunt me. The shape of them, twisted like a ball of wire. How small Gigi looked when stripped of her flesh. They’re home now, buried not far from her house, and her mother and I visit them sometimes. It’s a gift I don’t deserve, but I take it anyway.

I wonder if, someday, that night will finally leave me, or if I’m doomed to relive it for all time. The choices we made, the paths we followed, shouldn’t have led to this, but they did, and I’ll find a way to cope with that. I’ve known grief before.

We all have.