"She was always a sweetie who did the right thing. I missed Alice and you. I'm glad you had each other."
He wouldn't disillusion Vicki yet, and the image of Alice in his arms again burned in his skull. The hallway stayed silent. "I spent the past few years blaming Dad and wanting to avenge you."
"I love you, John."
He blinked. Vicki was another reason to stay in Miami and she'd answer all his questions once they were alone. He dropped his arm to his side. "I love you too."
A door clicked closed in the distance. Alice must have retrieved her suitcase and gone back in her room. He turned on his heel and walked into the living room. His sister said, "I should have called you sooner."
He nodded though she couldn't see him. "You should have."
"I want to see you and Alice tomorrow."
"Maybe. Let's play it by ear. I might have to take her to her parents' place."
His sister sighed. "I'm sure with Dad's funeral and the shot into the glass door, they'd want to check every inch of her body to make sure she's okay. I'd do that if my… I always wished our dad was like either of her parents."
His sister took the words right out of his mouth. "You're here now and with the family you have. Don't run away on us again."
"I won't. And I'll text you the second I get my own phone."
A knock sounded at the door and Peter's voice echoed through the phone. "In two days we're reading Dad's will. Tell John he should be here."
Their sister shouldn't be reduced to the buffer zone, but he couldn't have a conversation with Peter yet. Peter would want answers on what he'd do with his life. John sucked in his breath. "Tell Peter I might."
She astutely added, "John, you're both my brothers. We're all that's left, and I don't want to live with everyone throwing daggers at each other anymore."
John's neck heated. "No one's sharpened any blades, Vicki."
"Then let's start acting like a family who loves each other."
He could see in his mind's eye his sister with her arms crossed. He smiled but then stopped himself. "Whatever Dad did to you, Peter must have known about it."
"No. I don't believe that. So I'll see you for sure in two days. Tell Alice's parents hello for me, and I'm calling tomorrow to get her number from you."
She evaded too many questions. Something wasn't right with why she left and never came back. He'd get the truth out of her, but for now he stared down the hall. "Night."
Vicki hung up.
Just knowing that Alice was here in the house brought warmth to his chilled heart.
