Tamsyn knew the basics of Saige’s past for about a year now, but Saige had never sat her down and explained further. Her friend had stumbled upon Saige’s picture online, so all that she knew was what was available to the public.
Saige added, “I really don’t remember anything from before, Tamsyn. I think the other day at work I was more surprised at seeing the man on the television and not feeling anything like I thought I would. It’s frustrating not being able to remember anything.”
When she paused, Tamsyn offered her a small smile of encouragement to continue, which she did, “I’m going to find out what happened, which is why I’m not going back to the diner. I can’t work my shifts and spend my time trying to read everything that I find. This is something I have to do. I’ll probably have to head home for a short while as well.”
“Oh wow.” Tamsyn sat beside her. “But I understand what you’re saying. I’m not sure I’d want to remember what happened if it was me, but I can’t imagine not having my memories...and, are you sure you can put up with your stepmom if you have to go home?”
“She won’t say anything about the job.” Saige sighed as she stared into her coffee mug. “When she discovers what I’m doing, she’ll go nuts. My dad won’t be too impressed either, once he knows that I lied to him about leaving it in the past.”
Tamsyn raised a brow. “You talked to your dad about it the other night at dinner?”
“Yeah. I asked him about the trial and Quinten Peterson. He wasn’t happy that I wanted to drag it all out into the open again, and he asked me to leave it alone.” Sighing, she added firmly, “I can’t do that.”
Sipping her coffee, Saige wondered again about Quinten Peterson and his brother. She knew the work that Alex had told her they’d done because it was beautiful and had always been admired when guests came to the house for the first time. Their carved design didn’t only go up the banister; they’d created the same design into molds that went around the light in the foyer of her father’s home. Each time Saige walked down the stairs, her fingers would trace along the delicate work, and for years she hadn’t had one memory of the Peterson brothers.
“Whatever you do,” Tamsyn started, “just be careful.” Her friend wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I know I haven’t been around these past couple of days for you, but if you need me, you call, okay? Don’t do this alone.”
“I’m not alone,” Saige blurted out before she could stop herself. She winced as Tamsyn’s attention focused on her completely.
She’d planned on keeping Alex to herself for now because she knew others would warn her about helping him. After all, he was Quinten’s brother. They didn’t look like brothers though. He was broader in the shoulders than Quinten had looked on the TV, and Alex’s light hair was a stark contrast to Quinten’s deep red.
“I’m waiting for you to explain.” Tamsyn moved away and slipped her feet into her shoes. “I need to go so be quick. Who’s helping you?”
“Alex Peterson came looking for me.”
She frowned. “Should I know who that is?”
“He’s Quinten Peterson’s brother. We talked last night over coffee.”
Her eyes widened. “Wow...that’s, um, strange.” She picked up her purse and shoved the strap over her shoulder. “Why would he come looking for you?”
“He thinks I lied.” Saige turned to look out of the apartment window to the city below that gradually started to wake for the day. “Apparently,” she whispered, “I gave a statement, which implicated his brother.” Tamsyn moved to stand beside her, so Saige continued, “I also selected his brother from a lineup of photographs. I don’t remember any of that, Tamsyn.” She shut her eyes at the revelation. If she’d done that, what was the reason why? Was it that he was guilty or had she lied and forgotten?
Guilt filled her as she continued, “So today, Alex is meeting me at his brother’s defense attorney’s office. I figure it’s the quickest way to get the information I need. My father isn’t going to be forthcoming and I just need to know.”
“Oh, honey.” Tamsyn pulled her close before letting her go. “Try not to be too disappointed if everything turns out to be true.” She paused and looked hesitantly toward the door, as though she was debating calling in sick. “I don’t want to leave. If you’re not going in, then I really need to be on time.”
Saige smiled and tried to make it reach her eyes. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
Tamsyn stared at her for another minute before she must have decided everything really was okay because she turned, waved, and disappeared out the door.
Saige stared at where Tamsyn had stood. Wrapping her arms around herself, she was more nervous than she wanted to admit about what secrets the day would unveil.
* * *
5:50am
* * *