Page 46 of Special Agent Raven

I want you to have my most precious possession… my home and whatever savings I have left. You’ve always cared about me and made me feel loved. Thank you for being there for me.

Palmer

Winona held her while she cried, soothing her as best she could. Then in her soft voice, she added, “He wanted me to tell you that you could do whatever you wanted with his property. He understood your attachment to our home and knew it would be left to you one day.”

Smiling, tears clouding her eyes, she took her nana’s hands and squeezed them hard. “You know I cared for him like you did… not because of his disability, but because of his heart. And he was right; I probably will move there and be glad to have aplace I can call my own. But not right away. In the meantime, I think Val and Bonnie might be happy to get settled. Rather than charge her rent, I’d be satisfied to have the place lived in and looked after until something else comes along. What do you think?”

“I think you’re a good girl, honey. And no doubt Val will be thrilled to have a home again. In fact, she’s become very attached to Noah’s two. Do you think they might want to share the place? I mean as roommates… nothing more. She could help him with Josh and Amelia during the time they’re not with me, and I’d still be happy to care for Bonnie and Noah’s two when Val needs to work with Elvira. That would give them both a place, and I’d have the space to let my other friend stay with me here.”

“Sure, we can make the suggestion. Which friend were you thinking of?”

“You know Saddie-May, she’s wanting to give up her house to her nephew Joe Mathews, his family, and their extended relatives until they can move back into their own places. Seems like they’re trying to exist in tents on their property, and it’s taking its toll. She asked if she could bring her cat and stay with me for a while. I guess their son Jack is highly allergic. I’d like to say yes.”

“What did you tell her?”

“That I’d get back to her after talking to you about her using your room. You know I’d never let anyone just move in without your consent. As far as I know, Cane will be heading back to the city to work out his notice period and might be wanting to come back, but we can deal with that at the time. I’m just thrilled that if Val and Bonnie leave, plus Noah and the kids, they’ll be room for Saddie-May too.”

“Sounds like it’s all figured out then.” Raven smiled and patted Nana’s hand to show she was on board.

“Not quite. Noah approached me about letting Colin stay in the trailer out back. Unknown to Noah, Colin has a very pregnant girlfriend. The kid is terrified to leave her alone, which is reasonable. Therefore, if he can move her here, he won’t have so far to travel each day.”

Raven chuckled, “The kid’sgot some cleaning up to do to get it livable, but we can all help. Did you tell him yes?”

“I did. And rest assured, if more folks ask to stay, I’ll have the rooms upstairs, or I can use your room and let them have mine. I know how much you appreciate your privacy.”

“Good, because in three weeks I’ll be back to stay.”

Winona swung to face her. Eyes lit up like stars. “What did you say? You’re moving home?” Her arms clutched Raven so tight she had to fight to breathe.

Finally, when Winona calmed down, Raven slid away and began to explain. “I’ve decided to quit my job and come home. After that terrifying situation with Dale, I’m done, Nana. Those moments when I knew he wanted to kill me were the worst I’ve ever spent.” She shivered. “I’ve seen some horrific images from back when I worked homicide, but I’ve never personally been in that kind of danger before. It made me realize that life is too short to die so young.”

She spent the next half hour going over her plans for their podcast and was relieved when Winona’s excitement matched her own. She even began to offer clever suggestions as to how they could work together.

By the time they returned to the house to get dinner ready, they had their futures mapped out and both were giddy with excitement. When the others came to the table, Noah, Josh, Ami, Val, and Cane, they too became excited about Raven’s decision to move home and the two women’s ideas for the podcast.

Enthusiasm peaked when Raven explained about her new inheritance. Taking her time to map out what she and Winonahad talked about, she made the offer to Val and Noah. Though shocked at first, both were in agreement to take advantage of her generosity.

Noah had looked across shyly at Val. “You’re in no way obligated here, Val.” When the silence hung on, Raven cut in and clarified. “That’s true, Val. It’s just an idea we had. If you want nothing to do with this, please say so. We’ve all been through so much recently that no one would blame you if you chose to stay here.”

Upon hearing Raven’s plans, Val’s eyes had filled with tears, and she’d childishly covered her face with her hands. Hearing Raven’s clarification, she cut in, her voice shaking from the emotion she couldn’t hide. “Are you kidding me? Living with the sheriff there to protect us is like winning a lottery in my old world.” She held Noah’s gaze. “I love Josh and Ami and would be happy to help out with them same as I do here. And you’re all so good with Bonnie.”

Both Josh and Ami beamed at her words and sat nodding at their father until they heard his agreement. Then they both flew to him with hugs, showing an excited reprieve for staying close to the baby they’d adopted over the last few days. Heading back to their seats, they stopped to do high fives with Val, showing everyone how much they liked her decision.

Once the noise settled, Val looked over at Raven next. “I’d be seriously thrilled to rent the house with Noah, but I don’t make much money at Elvira’s. I’ll pay what I can. I hope it’s okay.”

“Hey, I don’t care about the money, I just want you to have a place to live… you and Noah.” She smiled at him and was thrilled when he grinned back.

He spoke up then, “I’ll make up the difference in the rent, Val. Having a furnished place to move into is like a dream come true for us. So, yes. We’re in.”

“Then it’s settled. You can check out the place tomorrow and see what needs to be done.”

Once dinner was finished, both Raven and Winona shooed Val out of the kitchen rather than staying for cleanup. Raven watched as Noah and Val headed to the living room with their mugs of tea to discuss plans, the excitement on their faces uplifting, making her feel pleased she was able to help.

Once they’d finished tidying up after their meal of delicious Shepherds pie and bread pudding, Cane approached Raven. “Can I talk to you?”

She fidgeted before agreeing, but noticing the nervous way he stood, she gave in. “Okay. Come to my room after the rest are in bed.”

“Oh… no. I wasn’t—” He actually gulped before adding, “I just need to explain something. I’ll meet you out here in the kitchen once everyone’s settled. Is that okay?”