“I’m sorry, but this is my family.”
The voice was as familiar to Julia as the man who entered. Christian rushed to her side. He pulled Julia and Taylor into a hug. The three of them huddled together in a collective embrace.
Julia let go of all sense of betrayal for the moment as she melted against Christian, allowing him to hold and comfort her. Taylor buried her face into her father’s shoulder.
One of the agents—Fulton or Cody—cocked his head in confusion. “Hey, are you local cops clairvoyant or something? We didn’t even have time to call it in. This guy was going to shoot.” The agent pointed to David, who was lying on the floor, handcuffed, and not taking it well.
“Call it lucky timing,” said Baker. She pointed to Christian. “The husband came to the house, saw what was going on inside, and phoned it in. Guess he didn’t see your car parked nearby.”
“Well, we’re kind of undercover,” said the agent. “At least wewere.”
Julia touched Christian’s cheek as though he might not be real.
The police and FBI were busy sorting out David and Jimmy, so the two of them had a chance to talk in low voices.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Julia said to him.
“That’s what happens when you don’t reply to my text messages,” he said, finding a half smile. Then, more quietly, he whispered in her ear, “We have to talk. Rick’s family used to own the land where the bones were found. I was doing research because the guy who wants to buy our business—”
“Wait, you found a buyer?” Despite the full-throttle excitement, Julia found room for an extra burst of energy.
“Yeah, but that’s not important right now. Our potential buyer is looking for property in Vermont, so I did some research for him. That’s how I found out. It bothers me that Rick never told us. Worse, he lied about it when I asked him. Obviously he’s hiding something.” His voice was still low as he glanced toward their friends to make sure they couldn’t hear.
“Oh, they’re hiding something, all right,” said Julia with a nod. “Erika killed Susie Welch.”
“What?Jesus,” Christian murmured, the blood draining from his face. “For real?”
Before Julia had a chance to elaborate or press Erika to do the same, everyone was ushered out the door by the police and FBI, Jimmy T and his thugs included.
Outside, Christian pointed to the new arrivals. “Who are those guys?”
“Long story,” said Julia. “But that’s Erika’s Uncle James… turns out he’s Fiona’s father.”
“Wait, so does that mean Erika…?”
She had to give Christian credit. He was a quick learner. “That’s right… she knew Fiona before any of us, David included.”
“As soon as I found out about the land, alarm bells went off in my head,” Christian said. “I remembered how bothered you were by their lack of a reaction to the glass house. And you’re right. It did feel… off. I couldn’t stop worrying that you and Taylor could be in a really bad situation, so I decided I had to check on you. I didn’t tell you I was coming because I didn’t want you to try and talk me out of it.”
“I’m glad you listened to your intuition,” said Julia.
“Well, I wasn’t exactly a hero. The FBI got here first.”
“Ever hear the expression, it’s the thought that counts?” Julia hugged her husband again, holding on extra tight. “We have a lot to talk about. Whatever happens between us, please know I’m really happy to see you.”
And that was true. Having his support meant everything right now, especially with her two oldest friends caught up in something nefarious. David’s blackmail scheme meant he knew about the murder. He must have. But why didn’t he ever come forward?
He might now if he wants to try for a plea deal, Julia thought. Potentially, he could give up Erika and Rick to lessen his punishment. But for the moment, the cops didn’t know about her confession. At present, David was the only one guilty of a crime—threatening people with a gun.
But Julia knew what Baker did not. Erika and Rick had a story to tell, and they weren’t even being questioned.
That was about to change.
Chapter 46
Izzy
This is why you don’t rush childhood, why kids should be allowed to hold on to their precious belief that the world is full of magic.
