Page 138 of Our Daughter's Bones

Abby’s eyes lit up. She sputtered a nervous laugh. “You think so? I was afraid they would look at me like I’m a freak or––”

“Of course not! You are Lakemore’shero. You’ve brought justice to multiple women. You exposed Lakemore’s darkest secret.”

Delirious enthusiasm clouded Abby’s face as she tried to contain a smile threatening to break free.

“Who would have thought a young woman would be instrumental in bringing down the most powerful men in the city? It’s going to make headlines around the country.”

“No, no, I don’t want all that!” Abby protested. But her toes and fingers wiggled in excitement. “Do you really think that people will care?”

“Of course they will. People will finally see you. Appreciate you.”

“You think so?”

“Why shouldn’t they? It’s exactly what you deserve for your courage and sacrifice.”

Abby’s eyes widened with every word coming out Mackenzie’s mouth. Her chest swelled, like she was feeding off the praise and what Mackenzie was promising her.

“People searched hard for you, Abby. Everyone was very concerned. We had so many volunteers. Even Quinn came forward, wanting to help find you.”

“Q-Quinn?” A blush crept up her face.

“Yes.” Mackenzie’s face fell. “If only Erica were here…”

Abby looked at her, puzzled at the sudden shift in mood. She blinked vehemently. “Of course,Erica! I… I… I still can’t believe what happened.”

“You really cared about her, didn’t you?”

“I did, I did. I can’t believe her own father did this.” She looked away and tucked her hair behind her ear. “It’s disgusting.”

Mackenzie regarded her warily. “Do you think about her?”

“All the time.”

“If she were here, what would you say to her?”

“What a strange question.”

“When I was trying to save you, I used to think about you a lot. I used to think about what happened to you. What you were doing at that moment. What you would say if I found you. I just wondered, since you were trying to do the right thing by Erica, if you thought about her?”

“Yes! I did! I-I do. She’sstillmy best friend.” Her smile was strained. “She’s everywhere.”

“Some people never leave you.”

“They don’t. They haunt you.”

“Do you ever think about her last moments? I thought about yours when I wondered if you were dead.”

“Y-yes.” Abby swallowed.

“What would you say to her?” Mackenzie whispered. “If she were here, what would your last words to her be?”

“I would say I’m sorry and that she didn’t deserve this.” She raised her hand but froze. It fell limp on her lap.

“I wonder what her last thought was when she died. Did she think about everyone she loved?”

Abby recoiled, like she’d been slapped. “Probably.”

“You have nightmares.”