What other memories has she had?
Luke went on. “Sara also said that she hasn’t had any other memories and has been taking her medication. Elizabeth encouraged her to tell you if any more memories returned.” He rested his hand on my shoulder. “Here’s my advice, you had a lot to deal with this afternoon. It doesn’t matter how many times we tell Sara that none of this is new, it is. The memory was probably not her biggest concern when you returned. She not only had her transgressions with Elizabeth but her one with Father Gabriel. Sara doesn’t understand the significance of recalling a memory. If she’s punished for not relaying that particular bit of information to you, she’ll learn to fear memories; more accurately, she’ll fear telling you. It’s your choice, but remember that’s why Brother Daniel and I are here. We’ll be happy to give advice, and we want you both to succeed. The Light isn’t a singular journey. You’re not in this alone.”
I sighed. “It’s more difficult on this side than sitting on the Assembly.”
Luke nodded. “I was there once. Well, Elizabeth wasn’t acquired, but she still had to be indoctrinated. We’re here for you, and for Sara. Now, let’s see what’s happening in there.” He inclined his head toward Father Gabriel’s office.
I nodded. Taking a deep breath, Luke and I entered the office.
From behind his desk, Father Gabriel looked up. Brother Daniel was already there, seated at one of the chairs facing him. Beside Brother Daniel were two empty chairs.
“Brothers,” Father Gabriel greeted us. “Have a seat. Before we meet with the Assembly and Commission in the morning, I want to discuss my decree regarding Sara’s retribution for the incident.”
CHAPTER 16
Stella
Dylan’s voice had that edge, the one that said he was serious. “No. I didn’t call you to have you run to Highland Heights. I called to tell you to stay away.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” I replied. Though I wasn’t fazed by his tone, I was concerned about letting him know that I was already there. I’d been in Highland Heights most of the morning, not far off Woodward Avenue, sitting in my car parked in the lot of one of the few open businesses.
“What doesn’t make sense is you wanting to come here. It’s dangerous!” His voice was getting louder by the minute. “This is body number three in less than two weeks.”
“Same house?” Sirens sounded from the phone and outside my open window. I quickly pushed the button to raise the window, hoping that Dylan would think the sounds were all occurring around him.
“No. I shouldn’t even be telling you this. I need to get back to work.”
My mind raced with questions as I turned from side to side, searching for the source of the sound. The sirens’ roar grew louder and then softer, but they were nowhere to be seen.
How close is he?
“Where, Dylan? Is it near where the other two bodies were found? Is it a woman? A man? What’s her age? Is she blonde?”
“Seriously?” he asked in disbelief. “Stay away from Highland Heights. The DPD will be covering the entire area today and tonight. If one patrolman, one detective, or hell, even a Highland Heights traffic cop tells me that he or she saw you or your car here, so help me . . .” His sentence trailed away.
My shoulders stiffened as my brows rose. The temperature inside my car wasn’t going up only due to the closed windows. “Finish your threat, Detective Richards. I’d like to know exactly what you planned to say before I tell you to stick it up your—”
“It wasn’t a threat.” He exhaled. “Listen to me and I’ll make you a deal.”
“What kind of deal?”
“You stay away from here today, and in the morning, I’ll escort you to the crime scene.”
The opportunity sounded too good to be true. My curiosity was piqued. “Why? What are you hiding from me?” My hand moved to my suddenly racing heart. “Oh my God, do you think it’s Mindy?”
“No. I know it isn’t. Stella . . .”
I sighed. “Thank God. Then why? Why would you be willing to do that?”
More voices, growing louder, came through the phone, mingling with the sirens. “Listen, I’ve got to go. Just shut up.” He paused.
Though my lips came together, and my rebuttal was on the tip of my tongue, I stayed silent since his time was obviously short.
Dylan continued hurriedly, “I’m offering because I know you. You’re not going to listen to me unless you know you’ll get to see this. Call me a controlling ass, I don’t care. I don’t want something to happen to you because you’re in the wrong place. Just let the DPD handle it today. Tomorrow early, after dawn and before all the idiots hit the street, I’ll bring you to both houses. That way you’ll get a look at the crime scenes, satisfy your curiosity, and I’ll know you’re safe.” He lowered his volume. “I’m hanging up. Tell me we have a deal.”
Shit!
“OK, we have a deal.”