I turn wildly in Arion’s room searching for the remote. Then, once it’s in my hand, I flip the TV on and search for a news station. The second I see the screen, everything I’ve worried about over the last eight months hits me like a ton of bricks.
The news reporter is standing in front of a seaside home and says, “The FBI made the arrest of Anthony Eldridge today.” They show a mid-twenties male with his head hung low being walked out of the home in handcuffs. I don’t recognize him at all. “He’s being charged with the kidnapping and first-degree murder of Kinsey Adams. She was a young student who passed away late last year. Her death was originally ruled as a suicide, however, since day one, that’s been a mystery to those closest to her. Her brother, Bain Adams, quoted her as ‘a loving free sprit that would never hurt a fly, much less herself.’” Hearing the reporter quote my words, which I barely remember saying, makes it feel like she left so long ago. “Detective Mark Eldridge, the accused’s uncle, was also arrested. He was the lead investigator on the case and is being held on felony menacing charges. Detective Eldridge is believed to have helped Anthony cover up the entire ordeal. It’s a tragic day for many in the great state of New Jersey. I’m Rebecca Zalapois, reporting for Channel 3 News.”
The phone is gone, I don’t know where it is. All I can see in that moment is Arion’s face and I say to her. “She didn’t do it, A. She didn’t fucking kill herself.”
She nods her head, as a mix of emotions rush through me. My heart is racing, and for the first time in God only knows how long, I can breathe. “Fuck, my dad.” Looking on the ground for the phone, I find it, picking it back up, asking, “Dad?”
“I’m here, son. You were right all along – she didn’t do it.”
He sounds a lot calmer than he did before. I think giving him some time to process the information helped. I’m not sure how finding out someone was murdered versus killing themselves could make a difference like this, but for us it does. In one way it doesn’t make a difference – she’s still not ever coming back. But knowing that she didn’t choose to leave us relieves a lot of the what-ifs.
“No, she didn’t. Do you recognize the guy?”
“No. Do you?” he asks me.
“Not at all, he doesn’t look one bit familiar.”
“Why would someone kill her?” I ask. It pains me to think someone could so heartlessly take her life.
“There are a lot of sick people in this world, son. Some of them we will never understand.”
“I guess you’re right. I knew all along that piece of shit detective was crooked.”
“I just don’t have a clue why in God’s name a man of his stature would cover up such a heinous crime.”
“Because they are family. It sickens me, Dad. I hope they throw the fucking book at him like the piece of shit he is.”
“I know, I hope so too,”
“Does Mom know yet?”
“No. I’m going to call up there now. Would you and Arion want to make a visit with me this weekend to see her? I’m sure after finding out, she could use some family time.”
“I’ll ask Arion if she has to work, but I’m sure we can make it happen. What about the FBI? Have they or anyone else contacted you?”
“No.” Just then I hear his doorbell ring. “Hang on. It’s them, son. I’ll call you later.”
“Are you sure? I can come over there now.”
“No, no.” The doorbell rings again. “I’m gonna run.”
We hang up and I look at Arion. She opens her arms to me and I lay my head on her lap, loving the strength she gives me. She runs those talented fingers through my hair and whispers, “Bain, I’m so sorry. I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am.”
“Just hold me for now.”
“Do you want to sit out back?”
“It’s freezing!” I slur, feeling the effects of the alcohol.
He hands me a blanket, not caring that I complained about the weather, and I snatch it out of his hand.
“I’ll start a fire in the pit. It will help keep you warm.”
I get up, agreeing to get some fresh air, ultimately hoping it will clear my mind. Anthony grabs my wine glass and we proceed outside. The view of the ocean is breathtaking and the sounds of the waves crashing in instantly consume me.
Sitting on the love seat, I pull my legs under me and put the soft blanket over my cold body. All of a sudden, the fire pit in front of me starts and I look at Anthony. He walks away from a panel of switches as the automatic covers on the sides of the patio are lowered. The lights dim, and soft music croons through the speakers. He hands me back my glass, which is already full, and I want to protest, but the wine is delicious. Staring into his eyes, he is delicious too. Taking the blanket, he lifts the corner and slides underneath it with me.
I cross one leg over the other turning my entire torso towards him. “You’re so gorgeous,” he whispers into my ear. I moan, not only at his words, but loving the attention. “Can I kiss you?” he asks.
“Please.”