Page 99 of Twisted Ties

“What do they look like? Do you recognize them?”

I stare at it. The skin is old and creased. Tucked beneath an old rumpled shirt. “A man. An old man.”

“Do you recognize him? Do you know who he is?”

“No,” I say with disappointment. “No, I don’t. I can’t see their face.”

There were no men in our lives. No one I’d recognize.

“Come on, Rhi. Try harder. There is always more to see.”

“Nothing.” I snap open my eyes. “Damn it.”

“At least we know it wasn’t buried with her,” Winnie says, searching for an obvious silver lining on this fresh gray cloud.

“Which means someone stole it.”

“The undertaker?” Winnie suggests.

“Was it valuable?” Rosa asks.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Then I doubt it was the undertaker. I assume it wassomeone looking for the locket for the same reason as you, Rhianna.” The old woman downs the last of her tea and places her cup back on the table. “But I do think your aunt wouldn’t have been so cryptic. I think the answer is probably right under your nose.” She peers towards my pig. Pip? Has she met the little dude? I love him to bits, but pigs are meant to be intelligent and Pip definitely missed that memo.

I’m about to tell her just that, when my stomach tugs violently. I wince, my hands flying to my belly button.

“What is it?” Winnie says.

“Azlan,” I say.

“He’s coming?” Winnie asks, her face paling.

“Yes.”

“How did he find us?”

I peer down at the table where my phone lies. “I turned my phone on.” I sigh dramatically. “He’s going to be so angry with me.”

“I’m sure if you talk with him about all this,” Rosa starts.

“They don’t really do talking. They mostly bang,” Winnie says helpfully and my cheeks burn.

“Well, that’s only to be expected. Are you telling me you aren’t banging your boyfriend, young lady, because if–”

“Yes, yes, plenty of banging.” She grins at her grandma who nods with satisfaction.

“Good to hear it. You’re only young once, girls. Make the most of it while you can, because, as good as eating cookies is, it doesn’t compare to a hot man between your legs.”

I almost choke but Winnie only laughs.

Laughter that stops dramatically at the sound of a strong fist hammering against the front door.

“Should I get it?” Rosa asks.

I take a deep breath in.

“No,” I say, standing up and squaring my shoulders. “I’d better go.”