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CHAPTER 57

Bend, Oregon Friday, August 2, 2024

TWENTY MINUTES AFTER SHE WOKE, WITH HER HAIR WET FROM HER shower, Sloan walked to the side entrance of the main house. Nora met her at the sliding glass door and handed her a coffee mug spiraling with steam.

“Thank you,” Sloan said.

She walked into the kitchen to the smell of bacon, toast, and coffee. Everyone was around the kitchen table.

“Good morning, dear,” Tilly said.

“Morning,” Sloan said.

“Did you sleep alright?”

“Yes, the guest cottage is wonderful.”

“Let’s eat and then get to work,” Ellis said.

Reid turned on the television as they ate omelets and toast. The morning news shows were saturated with stories of baby Charlotte’s return, photos of Sloan, and the same historic footage they watched the night before.

“I think that, for Sloan in particular, she should have an attorney present when she speaks with the media,” Ellis said. “Especially if you give a formal interview.”

Sloan shrugged. “Okay.”

“We could use someone from the firm, unless you have your own attorney already.”

“No. I don’t have an attorney. What do I need a lawyer for?”

“To prevent you from walking into an ambush. My brother and Annabelle are still missing. The FBI, as you said, is reopening the investigation. If we all start spouting off at every random question posed to us, a federal agent somewhere will try to use our words against us.”

“To do what?” Sloan asked.

Reid smiled. “Ellis is being a bit overprotective. But it’s true we don’t want to say the wrong thing during an interview. If we all grant interviews, and do so with legal representation present, the chance for misinformation to be spread will be lessened. Unfortunately, we learned that the hard way back when all this happened. The media will twist your words and statements to match whatever narrative they hope to sell. We won’t let that happen this time.”

Ellis wiped his mouth and stood. “I’ll make some calls. Do you have anyone in mind, Dad? From the firm? If not, I’ll make the call on who we all use.”

“The call’s yours, son.”

Ellis nodded and hurried out of the kitchen. Sloan got the impression that a vacation for Ellis Margolis involved reading legal briefs and plotting trial strategy. It was a far stretch to imagine the man in a swimsuit lying on the beach.

Reid laughed when Ellis was gone.

“I’m afraid he doesn’t have an ‘off’ switch.”

“No,” Sloan said. “I’m flattered that he’s so willing to help me.”

“It’s sur vivor’s guilt,” Tilly said, taking a sip of coffee.

“Tilly,” Reid said in a scolding voice.

“Oh, stop. It’s as obvious now as it was back then. He feels guilty that his brother is gone and feels the need to make up for his absence. He’s done it at the office for nearly three decades, and constantly tries to prove himself to both of us.”

“Perhaps,” Reid said. “But it comes from a good place.”

“Okay,” Nora said, standing with her breakfast plate and heading to the sink. “Let’s not talk about Ellis when he’s not here to defend himself.”

“Defend himself against what?” Tilly asked. “We’re not making accusations, just observations.”

Nora smiled awkwardly at Sloan, then looked back at Tilly.

“Just the same, let’s move on to something else.”

“Good idea,” Reid said. “I’ve arranged for a tour of the vineyard and winery. Since this is Sloan’s first time here, I figured we’d take our minds off the hectic craziness we just escaped from.”

Sloan smiled. The last thing she wanted was a wine tour.

“How does that sound, dear?” Tilly asked.

Sloan pushed a smile onto her face and nodded. “Yeah. Sounds great.”

“Excellent,” Reid said. “We’ll get ready. Let’s meet in the tasting room in an hour and we’ll get started.”

Reid and Tilly disappeared into the first-floor bedroom, leaving Nora and Sloan alone in the kitchen.

Nora smiled. “Sorry. You just got a little behind-the-scenes look at my constant struggle.”

Sloan smiled. “I think you handled it well.”

“I probably could have done better, but it’s early and that’s all I had. Before the grand tour,” Nora rolled her eyes, “let’s head into the darkroom and see what’s on that roll of film.”

“Now?”

“Sure. We’ve got an hour.”