Before She's Gone, page 2
Amanda went upstairs where no guests roamed, but unfortunately, he wasn't there.
Still, Amanda lingered for a bit. The room was left the way Jacob decorated it in high school because he moved out once he started college and never returned.
The room looked pretty standard for boys of that age, but the thing that always struck her as odd was that there was only one picture in the room.
And it was one of a young boy. And it wasn't Jacob. But his older brother Kyle. It was the only picture of him in the entire house.
Her father-in-law’s death wasn't the first tragedy that had struck the Corey family. Jacob's older brother committed suicide before Jacob was even born. And in a way that affected Jacob as well.
In a rare moment of weakness, he shared how he sometimes felt like a substitute for his parents; for the son they lost.
And that broke her heart.
Leaving the room, Amanda continued her search.
Where could he be? she wondered.
"Amanda?"
She heard a familiar voice calling out for her. Turning, Amanda forced a smile. "Aunt Beth," she greeted. She wasn't really Jacob's aunt, but a distant relative. Still, the entire family called her ‘Aunt Beth’ because she insisted.
They started descending to the ground level together.
"How are you, dear?" the old woman questioned.
"Fine," Amanda replied in the same manner Jacob replied to her earlier.
That really is an annoying question.
"And you?" Amanda asked politely.
"I still can't believe it," Aunt Beth practically sobbed, placing a hand across her heart.
"I know," Amanda said in return, simply because it was expected of her.
"Why would he do such a thing?" She tsked with her tongue. "Did he show any signs of depression? Was he in some kind of trouble?" Aunt Beth probed.
"Not that I know of," Amanda replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable being interrogated in such way.
But despite everything, Amanda had wondered about the same things. Even though the Corey's enjoyed certain power in the city even they couldn't hide the truth about Andrew's death.
Jacob's father had committed suicide three days ago and the word clearly spread like wildfire.
Ever since then, Amanda couldn't stop thinking about the possible reasons for such a drastic action. And looking around, Amanda was certain it was on everyone's mind despite acting all civil in front of Melinda.
But Aunt Beth was always an exception to every rule, and her words were heard across the room, making Amanda feel even more awkward.
"I see," Aunt Beth replied in return, clearly disappointed Amanda had no real information.
All that was known so far was that he’d chosen to stay at their city apartment after work. He’d spoken to his wife over the phone about some case, and after hanging up with her, he'd blown his brains out with his Smith and Wesson pistol right there in the study.
There were no prior signs that something was wrong with him, and there was no suicide note.
"Such a great man, a shame," Aunt Beth added since Amanda remained quiet, too lost in her own thoughts.
"I have to go find Jacob," Amanda tried to excuse herself, really starting to get worried about him not being there.
"If I don't see him, tell him I’ll keep him in my thoughts and prayers," Aunt Beth delivered with another sob.
"I will."
Luckily there were no encounters along her way so Amanda managed to eventually find her husband in the winter garden.
Jacob was apparently in the middle of a funny story by the looks of it. All the gathered people around him were smiling as he continued to animatedly gesture with his hands.
"And that's how he got his nickname," Jacob delivered triumphantly and the crowd laughed.
Jacob's grin became even bigger when he spotted her.
"There she is," he said opening his arms and Amanda went to him willingly.
He tucked her by his side, giving her a kiss. And even though she could taste the alcohol on his lips, Amanda knew he wasn't drunk. Which was even more troubling.
"Your mother is looking for you," Amanda informed, and that sobered him up a little.
They excused themselves, to the disappointment of a lot of people and returned to the living room. While Jacob spoke with his mother, Amanda was forced to make small talk with strangers which made her feel completely exhausted in record time. She was more than ready to leave when Jacob came to join her.
He was moody once again so Amanda figured that whatever was said between mother and son wasn't particularly good.
So after saying goodbye to her parents and Melinda, they headed home.
"You look tired," Jacob observed helping her get out of her dress.
Amanda wanted to ask him how he was in return because that was far more important but bit her tongue. "I'm just glad we're home even though I feel slightly guilty for leaving your mother alone," she confessed.
"She prefers it that way," Jacob replied before kissing her neck, and Amanda closed her eyes, savoring the feeling.
But he didn't stop there and Amanda didn't want him to.
They were both under a lot of stress, so being together was exactly what they needed at the moment. But afterward, Amanda was very much aware that Jacob was wide awake, tossing and turning.
She pretended to be asleep, but no matter how exhausted she was feeling, Amanda simply couldn't fall asleep. Her mind refused to take a break so all kinds of thoughts plagued her. And on top of it all, she was worried Jacob was up for the very same reasons.
Maybe Amanda was too much her father's daughter since he was a retired police lieutenant, but everything revolving around Andrew's death felt strange to her. As far as she or anyone else could tell, he wasn't the suicidal type, and besides there was no note.
What if it wasn't a suicide at all? Amanda couldn't help but wonder.
But there was something else. Something truly frightening that was the real reason that kept her wide awake.
What if Jacob had something to do with it?
Chapter Two
Amanda
Amanda woke up feeling more tired than ever.
It's time to face another bright and sunny day, she thought.
Of course, she was tired. That had something to do with the fact that she barely slept in the first place.
She tossed and turned the whole night, managing to fall asleep (probably from sheer exhaustion) only at dawn. On top of that, it was a troubled slumber.
Amanda dreamt how she couldn't get to Jacob. They were at some kind of strange almost macabre party and she could see him in the distance, but anytime she reached him, Jacob's face would change, becoming someone else. Jacob! Jacob! she would scream, but it was as if he couldn't hear her. So she would have to start her search all over again.
Reaching for Jacob now, still sleepy and with her eyes firmly shut, she discovered the mattress beside her was empty and cold, suggesting he woke and left long before her.
They both took the day off so Amanda was surprised he wasn't beside her.
Amanda got out of bed, finally opening her eyes and stretched only to find another bleak day ahead of her through the curtains. She hated the rain.
"Jacob?" she called out to her husband while entering the bathroom, but it was empty.
After visiting the toilet, she splashed some cold water across her face but it didn't do her any good.
You look like hell, she informed herself. She still felt troubled by what happened in previous days.
Abandoning her reflection, Amanda exited the bathroom only to be smacked by a familiar combination of aromas, and despite everything that made her smile. Her stomach growled, urging her to follow the smell of food being prepared. Unfortunately, her delicate good mood was short lived as she crouched next to her nightstand to take her hidden pills.
I'm sorry, baby. Sorry, Jacob.
Amanda hated lying to Jacob, and the guilt was eating her alive, but still, she didn't see any other way.
At least not for the time being.
That last thought helped her a little to take her daily dose before putting it right back.
Rushing downstairs, Amanda discovered Jacob in the kitchen, just as she knew she would.
He was humming to himself while chopping some vegetables, preparing breakfast. He was so immersed in it that he didn't even hear her come in, so Amanda leaned against the door frame and looked at him from behind.
He gave a stirring fryer a firm shake before continuing with his other work. The tune he was humming felt familiar to her but she couldn't place her finger on it.
I have the finest husband in the world, she thought and that somewhat helped with her mood, despite everything.
Amanda continued to look at her husband for a while, as he fussed over the meal he was no doubt preparing for her and her heart swelled with so much love it almost hurt, making her previous actions seem that much worse and ugly.
Unexpectedly, Jacob turned, finally noticing her and offered the most radiant of smiles to her.
They had been married for a long time, but it still got her every time when he looked at her in that way. Amanda had genuine butterflies in her stomach as Jacob gazed upon her as if she was the only woman on the whole planet for him.
And she felt the same way about him. I love you so much, Jacob.
At this day and age, most people were too jaded, skeptical of love but Amanda could proudly say she still loved her husband from the bottom of her heart and considered him her soulmate despite everything.
"Good morning, my love," Jacob greeted her, coming to her to give her a kiss.
"Good morning," Amanda mumbled, getting on her toes to make the kiss last longer.
"Here,'' Jacob continued when they parted. "Have some coffee while I finish this up." He offered her a steaming cup of black nectar also known as coffee before returning by the stove.
"Thanks," she replied, breathing in the smell of her drink. Oh, yes. Amanda was in heaven.
She loved her morning cup of delight more than anything. Especially, if Jacob made it for her.
Jacob sometimes joked she liked her morning java more than him, but it was actually a close tie.
"What are you making?" she asked, getting a bit curious. His good mood this morning was contagious. A small part of her wondered if it was too good to be true, but she banished that thought. If she learned anything in her life, it was that dark days were always lurking just up ahead so you had to enjoy the good days whenever they came by because they were too precious to waste.
"It's a surprise," Jacob replied with a bit of mischief.
What is he up to know? she wondered.
Amanda tried to peek over his shoulder, but he moved so she couldn't see anything.
"No, stop peeking," Jacob warned playfully.
"Ok," Amanda replied with a pout which made Jacob chuckle.
She moved toward the cupboards, but Jacob stopped her.
''What are you doing?" he asked, still in high spirit.
"Setting the table," Amanda replied, a bit perplexed.
"No," he replied stubbornly. "I'll do everything."
"I am fully capable of doing it, you know," she rebelled.
"I know," he replied and still wouldn't budge.
"That's ridiculous," Amanda said with a smile. "I'm not even pregnant yet.''
He leaned in and kissed the top of her nose. "Let this be a good practice then," he replied before shooing her away.
''Are you planning on doing everything instead of me then?" she teased.
"Absolutely," he replied, not missing a beat.
She laughed wholeheartedly. "I have the best husband in the whole universe." She moved to hug him from behind, but Jacob turned and gave her a chaste kiss.
He frowned. "You still look tired," he stated, touching the dark circles around her eyes. "Why don't you go back to bed?"
"I'm not tired," she replied simply. I'm worried, she added to herself.
"You sure?" he pressed.
"I'm fine," Amanda reassured.
"Ok, I won't insist, but I am worried," Jacob said, surprising her a little.
"Well, that makes two of us," Amanda replied with a sigh, "because I am worried about you, too."
She hated ruining the mood, but it couldn't be helped.
He kissed her again, but refused to let go. Amanda pressed herself deeper into his embrace, letting his warmth and gentle touch comfort her, as she did the same for him.
"It's hard," Jacob said eventually. "But I'm really ok. It's not like I was close with the man, besides," he moved slightly so he could look at her face, "as long as I have you, my life is perfect," Jacob confessed sweetly.
Oh, Jacob...
"You'll always have me," she replied instantly, meaning every word.
Maybe she imagined it but it felt like he shuddered slightly before releasing her.
"Park your cute ass there and let me finish this breakfast, woman," he barked in a light tone. "Before I ruin it by picking you up and taking you here and now."
"You won't get any complaints from me," she deadpanned and his eyes darkened. But her stomach growled again so he chuckled instead and continued cooking.
Amanda sat down as was instructed and simply watched him work. She couldn't believe she ever thought this loving man was capable of something so monstrous as killing his own father. Amanda must have temporarily lost her ever-loving mind for entertaining such a thought for even one nanosecond.
I know Jacob, and he is a good man, through and through.
Jacob and Amanda chatted about everything and nothing while he set the table.
When he finally presented her with her meal, she couldn't help but gasp.
Oh my God...
"You remember?" he asked a bit sheepishly yet excited at the same time.
"Of course I remember. We ate this every day on our honeymoon. But how?"
"I finally wore Jean-Pierre down and he shared the secret recipe with me," Jacob replied proudly.
Amanda was really touched since it wasn't that easy to get all the right ingredients in the States, plus Jean-Pierre was adamant before that it was a family recipe that couldn't be shared with strangers.
So she was doubly impressed and leaned over the table to give him another kiss.
"Thank you," she said, overwhelmed with emotions.
Jacob laughed out loud. "You haven't even tried it yet," he joked.
"I know I'll love it," Amanda insisted. And that wasn't a lie. Jacob was an amazing cook most of the time. It depended greatly on his mood. But even on his worst day, he was a better cook than she was. Why bother when I have a sexy man doing it for me?
Jacob watched her intently as she took the first mouthful.
"Oh my God," she exclaimed and he beamed. "This is amazing, Jacob," she praised.
Amanda savored every bite of her breakfast and it took her a while to notice Jacob wasn't eating. He was simply staring at her.
"What?" Amanda asked a bit self-conscious while taking a sip of her orange juice.
"You know how much I love you, right?" he asked instead.
She took his hand in hers to kiss the wedding band on his finger. That was their little ritual when they lacked words.
"Not as much as I love you," she replied eventually, not taking her eyes off him.
"Impossible," Jacob replied playfully, caressing her face with his other hand.
Oh, Jacob, she wanted to weep. He was such a good man but was she a good woman? Keeping such a big secret from him made her feel horrible.
But the problem was, she was feeling like he was keeping something from her as well.
"Amanda?" Jacob said patting her cheek. It felt like he was calling out for her for a while.
"Hm?" she replied, returning to reality.
"I lost you there for a moment, where did you go?" he asked, curious.
She waved with her hand and opted to tell him only a small trouble that was on her mind.
"Just thinking if Collin can handle today's shipment all by himself."
Amanda finally managed to get her hands on a pair of rare, spotted arachnids she had looked for, for a long time.
She could say it would be a cool addition to the store, but truth be told she wanted those babies all to herself.
But as she said before, that was only a small part of her worries. The bigger and more important was of course Jacob. But she kept that to herself.
"Do you want me to drop you off to the store?" Jacob offered, finally starting to eat.
"No," Amanda replied instantly. "We took the day off for a reason. Besides, after we clean-up we should probably head over to your mother's," Amanda added, thinking out loud.
"My mother's?" Jacob asked frowning, clearly a bit confused.
"For the reading of the will," she reminded him.
Jacob started to shake his head way before she finished that sentence.
"I'm not going," Jacob was adamant.
And that surprised her. "But your mother said..."
"I don't care," Jacob cut her off. "I don't want to know what he had to say and I certainly don't want his money."
And when he put it that way, Amanda saw his point.
"All right," Amanda replied slowly. She wasn't going to press the issue. "We won't go."
If he didn't want to go that was completely his right, and she was going to support it.
Amanda stood up and sat in his lap. He looked at her questioningly but said nothing as if waiting what would happen next. She was trying to recapture his previous good mood, so she improvised. "What do you want to do instead?" Amanda asked in a flirty way, but instead of waiting for Jacob to answer she kissed him.
And he let out some kind of noise of approval, between a growl and surprise. She liked that very much, it was hot as hell so she kept going.
Jacob abruptly stopped the kiss, taking her face between his hands and looked at her for a while.
"I want us to have a girl who looks just like you," he confessed sweetly and Amanda teared up.
"How about a boy who looks like you?" she asked all emotional.
He frowned and that made Amanda frown in return.
That wasn't the reaction she was going for. What did I say?
