Pieces & Parts, page 7
“Love you, too!”
I have the biggest smile on my face when I hang up. I’ve never seen or heard Chaundra be so giddy. I hope and pray this works out for her. After the hell Adam put her through, she needs a good man.
Chapter 16
It’s impossible for me to relax, which I’ve been instructed to do as much as I can because of my concussion. What the hell are people supposed to do if they can’t read, watch TV, or play on their phones?
“Hey, hon! What’cha doing?” Jonas says as he leans over the back of the couch.
“Looking through baby name websites. I know I’m not supposed to be on my phone too much, but geez, I’m bored,” I say.
“Any good names?”
“Well, for a girl, I love Gabriella and Alayna.”
“I really like both of those. I also love the name Zoe. What about for a boy?” Jonas plops down on the couch and pulls my feet onto his lap.
“So far, Gabriel, Zander, Josiah, and Alexander,” I say and pause. “No matter what, I’d like the middle name to be some form of Cyle… girl or boy.”
Jonas squeezes my foot. “I am one hundred percent in agreement with that. And those boy’s names rock. I notice you stayed as far away from the letter c as possible.”
I laugh. “That I did. I didn’t even look at any names that start with that dreaded letter. So, if it’s a girl, do you think we should stick with Cyle as the middle name or maybe Cylie?”
“Either works for me. It’s entirely up to you, my love,” Jonas says and pulls his phone out of his pocket. “Did you happen to see the news update?”
I shake my head. “About?”
He pushes a few buttons on his phone and then hands it to me. “They found his family.”
I gasp and read the article. They identified the bones found in our creek as the missing boy, Tatum Wright. The article quotes his parents, Monica and Jared Wright, as saying they’re relieved to finally be able to bring their son home, where he belongs. The article goes on to state they are seeking any and all information about what happened to Tatum and pleading for people to call in with any relevant tips. It doesn’t mention his missing leg bone but says that local police wonder if it may be linked to some other cases of missing children around the state.
A tear falls down my cheek. “I’m glad they found his parents and got him home. But how heartbreaking.” My hand goes to my stomach. “I can’t even imagine their pain.”
Jonas rests his hand on top of mine. “I know. Me either. I’m glad you could help get him back where he needed to be. Maybe now your flashes will end.”
“God, I hope so. If I went through all this to help that poor family, then I’m grateful it happened. I really don’t want any more of those images in my head, that’s for sure,” I say and pause. “But I’m curious about why they think it could be linked to other cases. Maybe the missing bone?”
Jonas shrugs. “Maybe. Let’s hope if it is, they find the sick bastard that did this.”
“Indeed. Oh, and by the way, Chaundra’s date with Detective Oliver went well today. They’re going to dinner this weekend and Lily will be coming over to spend the night.”
Jonas smiles. “Good. Chaundra needs to have a break once in a while. I hope it works out for her.”
“Me too. Do you have to go to work tomorrow?”
He shakes his head. “My TA is covering the rest of this week, so I can stay right here with you. I’ve got enough grading to keep me busy.”
“Professor McCafferty, your students will be so disappointed that you’re not in class.” I sit up and straddle his lap, which isn’t easy with this baby bump. “Your wife, however, has some plans for you.”
Jonas kisses me deeply and makes me forget all about baby names, missing boys, and disappointed students.
Since Jonas doesn’t have to go into the office, he and I both sleep in on Thursday morning. My ringing phone finally rouses me around ten.
I answer, seeing that it’s Chaundra. “Good morning,” I say, stifling a yawn.
“Were you still in bed? I’m sorry,” she says.
“It’s okay. I’ve slept late enough. Jonas has the week off, so we are spending as much time in bed as possible,” I say and rub my hand down his bare chest.
“Good for you. I’m jealous. I need some time in bed with a sexy man,” she chuckles.
“Oh, dear lord. Detective Oliver isn’t gonna know what hit him, is he?”
“Speaking of the sexy detective, that’s why I’m calling. He has to cover shifts this weekend and wanted to see if we could do dinner tonight instead. Lily doesn’t have school tomorrow, so could she come over and spend the night?”
“It sounds like he couldn’t wait for his date with you! And of course. Is she okay with it? She got a bit weirded out in the hospital. Liam is welcome, too.” Jonas is now fully awake and kissing my neck. This man’s appetite is insatiable, I swear.
“She’s okay. We’ve talked about it, and she knows you’re still you. I told her you’d probably be much better now that they located Tatum’s family. You saw that, right? Oh, and Liam already made plans to stay with a friend.”
“Hold on,” I say and cover the mouthpiece of my phone. “Jonas, give me a minute. I’ll be all yours in a second.” I return my attention to the phone. “Sorry… someone’s feisty this morning. Yes, I did see that, and I’m doing much better. Tell her we’ll have fun. I think I’m allowed to watch a little bit of TV now, so we’ll watch some movies and paint our nails.”
“Awesome. I’ll bring her over at five. In the meantime, spend some quality time with Jonas,” Chaundra giggles.
“Sounds good!” I hang up and turn toward Jonas.
“Have I ever told you how sexy you are pregnant?” he says, running his hand over my belly.
“I’m not sure how you see it that way, but I’ll take it,” I laugh and lean in to kiss him.
He breaks our kiss. “I don’t know how you can’t. You’re sexy as hell. Now, let’s have a little morning lovin’ to get this day off to the right start.”
I could get used to starting my morning like this. Pregnancy has done crazy, unexpected things to my libido. I bury myself under the covers, where Jonas is ready and waiting for me.
Chapter 17
I hear the crunch of Chaundra’s tires on the gravel at four, an hour earlier than she said she’d be here. I walk out onto the deck to greet her and Lily, which is a good thing because Chaundra’s arms are loaded down with clothes.
“Are you moving in?” I ask as I grab an armful to help ease her load.
“I need your help! I can’t decide what to wear. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date?” Chaundra asks, breathlessly.
“Let’s get inside and ease you of this burden. Hi, kiddo! I’m glad you’re here,” I say and lean over the bundle in my arms to kiss Lily on the head.
“Mommy’s a disaster!” Lily laughs.
“Yeah, I can see that. We’ll get her taken care of, won’t we, Lil?”
We dump the clothes into a pile on the table, and Chaundra starts frantically digging through it. “Sit down and take a breath, okay? We’ll get this sorted out.”
Jonas’ footsteps pound down the stairs. “What in God’s name? Are you two moving in?”
I can’t help but laugh. “That’s what I asked. Chaundra is having a bit of trouble deciding what to wear on her date.”
“I will never understand women. Don’t you know we don’t notice things like that?”
“Oh, you guys notice when things fit in all the right places. I guarantee that,” Chaundra says, plopping in the chair.
Jonas holds up his hands in defeat. “Okay, you may have me on that point. Lily, do you want to hang out with these two or do you want to play with my VR? I’ve got some really cool, new games.”
Without hesitation, Lily bounds toward Jonas. “Your VR, definitely. I’ve been dealing with Mom stressing out all day!”
“Great. Ladies, Lily and I have a date with virtual reality. Let us know when it’s safe to come back.”
“Have fun,” I call out as they quickly make their escape up the stairs. “Do you need some coffee or a glass of wine?”
Chaundra shakes her head. “I don’t have time. Look at me. I’m a hot mess! He’s going to pick me up at six. Help!”
“We have plenty of time. This reminds me of the days when you would help me get ready for dates with Jonas,” I say. “And you are one hundred percent correct, Jonas absolutely noticed my curves hiding underneath my outfits.”
She laughs and nods. “Part of the problem is I have no idea where he’s taking me. He said to wear whatever I want. Doesn’t he know how unhelpful that is?”
“Men can be clueless sometimes, that’s for sure. But a surprise date is pretty romantic.”
Redness creeps into Chaundra’s cheeks. “I know, right?”
“Well, let’s find something that’s both sexy and comfortable!”
For the next hour and a half, we work together to get her ready. I help do her hair and make-up and we find an outfit that emits the right amount of sexiness and comfort after digging through her pile of clothes and my closet. She looks hot. It’s so weird to see her all made up because normally she’s dressed in leggings and a t-shirt without makeup and her hair in a messy bun.
“Lily! Come kiss me goodbye,” she yells up the stairs.
Little and big feet pound down the stairs in unison.
“Mommy!” Lily gasps. “You look beautiful!”
“She does, doesn’t she?” I say.
“You look very nice, Chaundra. I’m sure the detective will be pleased,” Jonas adds.
“Thank you, guys. Tess, I couldn’t have pulled myself together without your help.” She pulls me into a hug, then stoops to make eye contact with Lily. “You, be good. I’ll come get you tomorrow afternoon. Listen to Aunt Tessa and Uncle Jonas. And go to bed when they tell you to.”
“I will, Mommy! Promise!”
I walk Chaundra to the door and lean close to whisper before she steps out onto the porch. “Hoping you get lucky tonight. I think you’re about to.”
She raises a hand to her chest in mock surprise. “A lady never puts out on the first date. But I never did claim to be a lady.” She laughs. “Call if you need me, but I hope you don’t.”
I wave and shut the door against the winter chill.
“Alright, guys. We’re making homemade pizza!” I turn to Lily and Jonas.
“Sounds delicious!” Jonas whoops.
We spend the evening crafting and devouring our delicious homemade pizzas, watching Beauty and the Beast, eating ice cream sundaes with all the fixings, and then giving each other manicures and pedicures. Jonas even joins in to get a hot wax treatment on his hands and feet. It is the perfect night.
Watching Jonas interact with Lily only makes my excitement grow about having a baby. Despite my anxieties, we will be great parents. Thankfully, there’s none of the weirdness remaining on Lily’s part that was there in the hospital. It’s just a normal night of fun.
At about one in the morning, while watching The Little Mermaid, Lily’s head nods against my shoulder.
“Hey, Jonas,” I whisper and point at her while mouthing the words, “Is she asleep?”
He nods. “Let’s give her a few minutes and then I’ll carry her upstairs.”
I give him a thumbs up and wrap my arm around Lily. I can definitely get used to having a child around all the time. My eyes grow heavy with her deep breathing and sleeping sighs.
Jonas flips through the channels before choosing a show on The History Channel, and my eyes finally drift closed.
“Hon. Let’s go up to bed,” Jonas says, and I bolt upright, feeling beside me for Lily.
“I already carried her up. I put her in your studio on the pullout.”
I rub my eyes and nod. “Thanks, hon. Sorry I fell asleep. Your history shows bore the crap out of me.”
Jonas laughs and pulls me up. “I know. C’mon sleepyhead.”
“What time is it?” I ask amid a yawn.
“It’s three. I can’t seem to turn off those shows you find so boring.”
I fall into bed and curl up to Jonas. I’m back to sleep within seconds. It seems like I just drifted off when a loud, shrill scream yanks me awake. Jonas bolts out of bed and pulls on his sweats. We both run toward the studio and Lily’s shrieks. She stands in front of the painting of the little boy made from bones. Tears stream down her face, and her entire body trembles.
I run to her. “Lily, it’s okay. It’s okay.” I pull her against me and shield her face from the picture. It does nothing to calm her quivering or screeches.
“What can I do?” Jonas shouts.
“I don’t know. Lily, honey, calm down. What’s wrong? What can we do?”
She looks into my eyes and pulls away from my hug, clutching my hand tightly in hers while pointing at the painting. “Look.”
At that moment, another flash like lightning courses through my entire body, electrifying every nerve ending and seeming to magnetize Lily’s hand to mine. Her mind to mine. Images and sounds bombard me. A young black boy lying dead in a pile of leaves, his left arm removed. A girl with auburn hair and lifeless eyes lying on the forest floor with her left foot gone. Another dead girl with short brown hair, with her lower right arm removed, thrown into a ravine like trash. Then a boy with sandy brown hair with his entire right arm gone. Two more boys and a girl that all blend together in my mind, each missing either their entire right leg and foot or parts of it. A boy whose hair has been shaved so that part of his skull can be removed, his brain showing through the right side of his head.
Names echo in my mind. Dominick. Chase. Anna. Scott. AJ. Leah. Stephanie. David. Tatum. They play on repeat, along with the images—a thunderous chorus in my mind.
A man’s voice rises above the cacophony. Forgive me. I will make you new. A broken spirit dries up the bones. I will carry your bones up from here. O, dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Rise up. You will be whole. I will make you whole. I will fix what is broken. Forgive me. Forgive me.
I cannot see the man’s face, but his pain, agony, and heartbreak consume me, crush my soul. I need to pull free from Lily’s hand. I need this to stop. But I can’t. I’m stuck. Names, screams, the man’s chants play over and over on a loop in my mind. I can no longer hear Lily’s wails. I’m no longer in this room. I’m in the middle of the forest with bloody hands holding a bone. I have become the blue-eyed man who did awful things to these poor, innocent children.
Suddenly, my hand and Lily’s are forced apart. I fall to the ground where darkness and quiet engulf me.
Chapter 18
“Tessa, can you hear me?” A voice calls out to me from somewhere.
I force my eyes open. It’s Chaundra, leaning down to meet my gaze. Somehow, I’m now sitting on the chaise in my studio with Lily curled up next to me.
Jonas stoops next to her. “There you are. I didn’t know what to do to help Lily calm down, so I called Chaundra.”
“Mama,” Lily says and hoists herself into Chaundra’s arms. Her entire body quivers.
My eyes frantically search the studio for the painting, but it’s gone from the easel. “Where is it?”
Jonas sits next to me and pulls my hand to his. “I moved it for now. Can you make it downstairs?”
Tears stream down my cheeks. “I… don’t know.”
Chaundra carries Lily from the room as Jonas hoists me to my feet. “Let’s try to go downstairs so we can all talk. Okay?”
My legs are so wobbly that I must cling to him for support. Jonas and I carefully make our way down the stairs where Lily and Chaundra are cuddled on the couch and Detective Oliver is seated at the kitchen table.
“I hope it’s okay that I brought him with me. We were… uh… together when I got the call. I drank a bit too much wine, so he offered to drive me.”
I nod, unable to force any words out. Nothing makes sense. Nothing matters. Jonas leads me to the sofa where we both sit, and he pulls me close to him.
“Do you need anything, Tessa, Lily?” Detective Oliver asks.
“Water,” I whisper and Lily nods.
“There’s bottled water in the fridge,” Jonas says.
Detective Oliver brings a bottle to each of us. “I can step outside if you’d like. I don’t want to intrude.” His comment is directed toward me.
“It’s fine, detective. You can stay,” I say.
“Please, call me Micah.”
I nod. Silence falls like a heavy blanket.
Finally, Chaundra breaks it. “What happened?” She looks between Lily and me, but neither of us speaks.
Jonas clears his throat. “We put Lily to bed in the studio and she woke up screaming. We both ran into the room where she was standing in front of the painting Tess did the other day. She and Lily linked hands and then… I’m not sure what happened. Tess?”
“Another lightning flash. And so many kids. Those poor, poor children.” Sobs overtake me.
“What kids?” Jonas gently prods.
“The man killed them. He cut off parts of their bodies,” Lily declares.
Detective Oliver rises from the table and comes to sit on a chair in the family room. “What do you mean, Lily?” he asks.
She shakes her head and burrows her face into Chaundra’s side.
“The painting. Each of the bones was from a child. Each one a different child,” I say, feeling like I’m about to puke.
“Lily, honey. Can Mommy get up a minute to show Micah the painting?”
She nods and sticks her thumb in her mouth, something she hasn’t done since she was four.
“I put it in the corner of the studio turned toward the wall,” Jonas says.
Chaundra and Micah leave the room as we sit in silence. I want to offer to snuggle with Lily, but I’m terrified to touch her again. Jonas rubs circles on my back and kisses me on the head.
After a few moments, Micah and Chaundra return. Chaundra pulls Lily back onto her lap.
I have the biggest smile on my face when I hang up. I’ve never seen or heard Chaundra be so giddy. I hope and pray this works out for her. After the hell Adam put her through, she needs a good man.
Chapter 16
It’s impossible for me to relax, which I’ve been instructed to do as much as I can because of my concussion. What the hell are people supposed to do if they can’t read, watch TV, or play on their phones?
“Hey, hon! What’cha doing?” Jonas says as he leans over the back of the couch.
“Looking through baby name websites. I know I’m not supposed to be on my phone too much, but geez, I’m bored,” I say.
“Any good names?”
“Well, for a girl, I love Gabriella and Alayna.”
“I really like both of those. I also love the name Zoe. What about for a boy?” Jonas plops down on the couch and pulls my feet onto his lap.
“So far, Gabriel, Zander, Josiah, and Alexander,” I say and pause. “No matter what, I’d like the middle name to be some form of Cyle… girl or boy.”
Jonas squeezes my foot. “I am one hundred percent in agreement with that. And those boy’s names rock. I notice you stayed as far away from the letter c as possible.”
I laugh. “That I did. I didn’t even look at any names that start with that dreaded letter. So, if it’s a girl, do you think we should stick with Cyle as the middle name or maybe Cylie?”
“Either works for me. It’s entirely up to you, my love,” Jonas says and pulls his phone out of his pocket. “Did you happen to see the news update?”
I shake my head. “About?”
He pushes a few buttons on his phone and then hands it to me. “They found his family.”
I gasp and read the article. They identified the bones found in our creek as the missing boy, Tatum Wright. The article quotes his parents, Monica and Jared Wright, as saying they’re relieved to finally be able to bring their son home, where he belongs. The article goes on to state they are seeking any and all information about what happened to Tatum and pleading for people to call in with any relevant tips. It doesn’t mention his missing leg bone but says that local police wonder if it may be linked to some other cases of missing children around the state.
A tear falls down my cheek. “I’m glad they found his parents and got him home. But how heartbreaking.” My hand goes to my stomach. “I can’t even imagine their pain.”
Jonas rests his hand on top of mine. “I know. Me either. I’m glad you could help get him back where he needed to be. Maybe now your flashes will end.”
“God, I hope so. If I went through all this to help that poor family, then I’m grateful it happened. I really don’t want any more of those images in my head, that’s for sure,” I say and pause. “But I’m curious about why they think it could be linked to other cases. Maybe the missing bone?”
Jonas shrugs. “Maybe. Let’s hope if it is, they find the sick bastard that did this.”
“Indeed. Oh, and by the way, Chaundra’s date with Detective Oliver went well today. They’re going to dinner this weekend and Lily will be coming over to spend the night.”
Jonas smiles. “Good. Chaundra needs to have a break once in a while. I hope it works out for her.”
“Me too. Do you have to go to work tomorrow?”
He shakes his head. “My TA is covering the rest of this week, so I can stay right here with you. I’ve got enough grading to keep me busy.”
“Professor McCafferty, your students will be so disappointed that you’re not in class.” I sit up and straddle his lap, which isn’t easy with this baby bump. “Your wife, however, has some plans for you.”
Jonas kisses me deeply and makes me forget all about baby names, missing boys, and disappointed students.
Since Jonas doesn’t have to go into the office, he and I both sleep in on Thursday morning. My ringing phone finally rouses me around ten.
I answer, seeing that it’s Chaundra. “Good morning,” I say, stifling a yawn.
“Were you still in bed? I’m sorry,” she says.
“It’s okay. I’ve slept late enough. Jonas has the week off, so we are spending as much time in bed as possible,” I say and rub my hand down his bare chest.
“Good for you. I’m jealous. I need some time in bed with a sexy man,” she chuckles.
“Oh, dear lord. Detective Oliver isn’t gonna know what hit him, is he?”
“Speaking of the sexy detective, that’s why I’m calling. He has to cover shifts this weekend and wanted to see if we could do dinner tonight instead. Lily doesn’t have school tomorrow, so could she come over and spend the night?”
“It sounds like he couldn’t wait for his date with you! And of course. Is she okay with it? She got a bit weirded out in the hospital. Liam is welcome, too.” Jonas is now fully awake and kissing my neck. This man’s appetite is insatiable, I swear.
“She’s okay. We’ve talked about it, and she knows you’re still you. I told her you’d probably be much better now that they located Tatum’s family. You saw that, right? Oh, and Liam already made plans to stay with a friend.”
“Hold on,” I say and cover the mouthpiece of my phone. “Jonas, give me a minute. I’ll be all yours in a second.” I return my attention to the phone. “Sorry… someone’s feisty this morning. Yes, I did see that, and I’m doing much better. Tell her we’ll have fun. I think I’m allowed to watch a little bit of TV now, so we’ll watch some movies and paint our nails.”
“Awesome. I’ll bring her over at five. In the meantime, spend some quality time with Jonas,” Chaundra giggles.
“Sounds good!” I hang up and turn toward Jonas.
“Have I ever told you how sexy you are pregnant?” he says, running his hand over my belly.
“I’m not sure how you see it that way, but I’ll take it,” I laugh and lean in to kiss him.
He breaks our kiss. “I don’t know how you can’t. You’re sexy as hell. Now, let’s have a little morning lovin’ to get this day off to the right start.”
I could get used to starting my morning like this. Pregnancy has done crazy, unexpected things to my libido. I bury myself under the covers, where Jonas is ready and waiting for me.
Chapter 17
I hear the crunch of Chaundra’s tires on the gravel at four, an hour earlier than she said she’d be here. I walk out onto the deck to greet her and Lily, which is a good thing because Chaundra’s arms are loaded down with clothes.
“Are you moving in?” I ask as I grab an armful to help ease her load.
“I need your help! I can’t decide what to wear. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date?” Chaundra asks, breathlessly.
“Let’s get inside and ease you of this burden. Hi, kiddo! I’m glad you’re here,” I say and lean over the bundle in my arms to kiss Lily on the head.
“Mommy’s a disaster!” Lily laughs.
“Yeah, I can see that. We’ll get her taken care of, won’t we, Lil?”
We dump the clothes into a pile on the table, and Chaundra starts frantically digging through it. “Sit down and take a breath, okay? We’ll get this sorted out.”
Jonas’ footsteps pound down the stairs. “What in God’s name? Are you two moving in?”
I can’t help but laugh. “That’s what I asked. Chaundra is having a bit of trouble deciding what to wear on her date.”
“I will never understand women. Don’t you know we don’t notice things like that?”
“Oh, you guys notice when things fit in all the right places. I guarantee that,” Chaundra says, plopping in the chair.
Jonas holds up his hands in defeat. “Okay, you may have me on that point. Lily, do you want to hang out with these two or do you want to play with my VR? I’ve got some really cool, new games.”
Without hesitation, Lily bounds toward Jonas. “Your VR, definitely. I’ve been dealing with Mom stressing out all day!”
“Great. Ladies, Lily and I have a date with virtual reality. Let us know when it’s safe to come back.”
“Have fun,” I call out as they quickly make their escape up the stairs. “Do you need some coffee or a glass of wine?”
Chaundra shakes her head. “I don’t have time. Look at me. I’m a hot mess! He’s going to pick me up at six. Help!”
“We have plenty of time. This reminds me of the days when you would help me get ready for dates with Jonas,” I say. “And you are one hundred percent correct, Jonas absolutely noticed my curves hiding underneath my outfits.”
She laughs and nods. “Part of the problem is I have no idea where he’s taking me. He said to wear whatever I want. Doesn’t he know how unhelpful that is?”
“Men can be clueless sometimes, that’s for sure. But a surprise date is pretty romantic.”
Redness creeps into Chaundra’s cheeks. “I know, right?”
“Well, let’s find something that’s both sexy and comfortable!”
For the next hour and a half, we work together to get her ready. I help do her hair and make-up and we find an outfit that emits the right amount of sexiness and comfort after digging through her pile of clothes and my closet. She looks hot. It’s so weird to see her all made up because normally she’s dressed in leggings and a t-shirt without makeup and her hair in a messy bun.
“Lily! Come kiss me goodbye,” she yells up the stairs.
Little and big feet pound down the stairs in unison.
“Mommy!” Lily gasps. “You look beautiful!”
“She does, doesn’t she?” I say.
“You look very nice, Chaundra. I’m sure the detective will be pleased,” Jonas adds.
“Thank you, guys. Tess, I couldn’t have pulled myself together without your help.” She pulls me into a hug, then stoops to make eye contact with Lily. “You, be good. I’ll come get you tomorrow afternoon. Listen to Aunt Tessa and Uncle Jonas. And go to bed when they tell you to.”
“I will, Mommy! Promise!”
I walk Chaundra to the door and lean close to whisper before she steps out onto the porch. “Hoping you get lucky tonight. I think you’re about to.”
She raises a hand to her chest in mock surprise. “A lady never puts out on the first date. But I never did claim to be a lady.” She laughs. “Call if you need me, but I hope you don’t.”
I wave and shut the door against the winter chill.
“Alright, guys. We’re making homemade pizza!” I turn to Lily and Jonas.
“Sounds delicious!” Jonas whoops.
We spend the evening crafting and devouring our delicious homemade pizzas, watching Beauty and the Beast, eating ice cream sundaes with all the fixings, and then giving each other manicures and pedicures. Jonas even joins in to get a hot wax treatment on his hands and feet. It is the perfect night.
Watching Jonas interact with Lily only makes my excitement grow about having a baby. Despite my anxieties, we will be great parents. Thankfully, there’s none of the weirdness remaining on Lily’s part that was there in the hospital. It’s just a normal night of fun.
At about one in the morning, while watching The Little Mermaid, Lily’s head nods against my shoulder.
“Hey, Jonas,” I whisper and point at her while mouthing the words, “Is she asleep?”
He nods. “Let’s give her a few minutes and then I’ll carry her upstairs.”
I give him a thumbs up and wrap my arm around Lily. I can definitely get used to having a child around all the time. My eyes grow heavy with her deep breathing and sleeping sighs.
Jonas flips through the channels before choosing a show on The History Channel, and my eyes finally drift closed.
“Hon. Let’s go up to bed,” Jonas says, and I bolt upright, feeling beside me for Lily.
“I already carried her up. I put her in your studio on the pullout.”
I rub my eyes and nod. “Thanks, hon. Sorry I fell asleep. Your history shows bore the crap out of me.”
Jonas laughs and pulls me up. “I know. C’mon sleepyhead.”
“What time is it?” I ask amid a yawn.
“It’s three. I can’t seem to turn off those shows you find so boring.”
I fall into bed and curl up to Jonas. I’m back to sleep within seconds. It seems like I just drifted off when a loud, shrill scream yanks me awake. Jonas bolts out of bed and pulls on his sweats. We both run toward the studio and Lily’s shrieks. She stands in front of the painting of the little boy made from bones. Tears stream down her face, and her entire body trembles.
I run to her. “Lily, it’s okay. It’s okay.” I pull her against me and shield her face from the picture. It does nothing to calm her quivering or screeches.
“What can I do?” Jonas shouts.
“I don’t know. Lily, honey, calm down. What’s wrong? What can we do?”
She looks into my eyes and pulls away from my hug, clutching my hand tightly in hers while pointing at the painting. “Look.”
At that moment, another flash like lightning courses through my entire body, electrifying every nerve ending and seeming to magnetize Lily’s hand to mine. Her mind to mine. Images and sounds bombard me. A young black boy lying dead in a pile of leaves, his left arm removed. A girl with auburn hair and lifeless eyes lying on the forest floor with her left foot gone. Another dead girl with short brown hair, with her lower right arm removed, thrown into a ravine like trash. Then a boy with sandy brown hair with his entire right arm gone. Two more boys and a girl that all blend together in my mind, each missing either their entire right leg and foot or parts of it. A boy whose hair has been shaved so that part of his skull can be removed, his brain showing through the right side of his head.
Names echo in my mind. Dominick. Chase. Anna. Scott. AJ. Leah. Stephanie. David. Tatum. They play on repeat, along with the images—a thunderous chorus in my mind.
A man’s voice rises above the cacophony. Forgive me. I will make you new. A broken spirit dries up the bones. I will carry your bones up from here. O, dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Rise up. You will be whole. I will make you whole. I will fix what is broken. Forgive me. Forgive me.
I cannot see the man’s face, but his pain, agony, and heartbreak consume me, crush my soul. I need to pull free from Lily’s hand. I need this to stop. But I can’t. I’m stuck. Names, screams, the man’s chants play over and over on a loop in my mind. I can no longer hear Lily’s wails. I’m no longer in this room. I’m in the middle of the forest with bloody hands holding a bone. I have become the blue-eyed man who did awful things to these poor, innocent children.
Suddenly, my hand and Lily’s are forced apart. I fall to the ground where darkness and quiet engulf me.
Chapter 18
“Tessa, can you hear me?” A voice calls out to me from somewhere.
I force my eyes open. It’s Chaundra, leaning down to meet my gaze. Somehow, I’m now sitting on the chaise in my studio with Lily curled up next to me.
Jonas stoops next to her. “There you are. I didn’t know what to do to help Lily calm down, so I called Chaundra.”
“Mama,” Lily says and hoists herself into Chaundra’s arms. Her entire body quivers.
My eyes frantically search the studio for the painting, but it’s gone from the easel. “Where is it?”
Jonas sits next to me and pulls my hand to his. “I moved it for now. Can you make it downstairs?”
Tears stream down my cheeks. “I… don’t know.”
Chaundra carries Lily from the room as Jonas hoists me to my feet. “Let’s try to go downstairs so we can all talk. Okay?”
My legs are so wobbly that I must cling to him for support. Jonas and I carefully make our way down the stairs where Lily and Chaundra are cuddled on the couch and Detective Oliver is seated at the kitchen table.
“I hope it’s okay that I brought him with me. We were… uh… together when I got the call. I drank a bit too much wine, so he offered to drive me.”
I nod, unable to force any words out. Nothing makes sense. Nothing matters. Jonas leads me to the sofa where we both sit, and he pulls me close to him.
“Do you need anything, Tessa, Lily?” Detective Oliver asks.
“Water,” I whisper and Lily nods.
“There’s bottled water in the fridge,” Jonas says.
Detective Oliver brings a bottle to each of us. “I can step outside if you’d like. I don’t want to intrude.” His comment is directed toward me.
“It’s fine, detective. You can stay,” I say.
“Please, call me Micah.”
I nod. Silence falls like a heavy blanket.
Finally, Chaundra breaks it. “What happened?” She looks between Lily and me, but neither of us speaks.
Jonas clears his throat. “We put Lily to bed in the studio and she woke up screaming. We both ran into the room where she was standing in front of the painting Tess did the other day. She and Lily linked hands and then… I’m not sure what happened. Tess?”
“Another lightning flash. And so many kids. Those poor, poor children.” Sobs overtake me.
“What kids?” Jonas gently prods.
“The man killed them. He cut off parts of their bodies,” Lily declares.
Detective Oliver rises from the table and comes to sit on a chair in the family room. “What do you mean, Lily?” he asks.
She shakes her head and burrows her face into Chaundra’s side.
“The painting. Each of the bones was from a child. Each one a different child,” I say, feeling like I’m about to puke.
“Lily, honey. Can Mommy get up a minute to show Micah the painting?”
She nods and sticks her thumb in her mouth, something she hasn’t done since she was four.
“I put it in the corner of the studio turned toward the wall,” Jonas says.
Chaundra and Micah leave the room as we sit in silence. I want to offer to snuggle with Lily, but I’m terrified to touch her again. Jonas rubs circles on my back and kisses me on the head.
After a few moments, Micah and Chaundra return. Chaundra pulls Lily back onto her lap.
