Once we were alone, we went from room to room, checking closets and doors. I think Ashland needed to make sure there really was no child here. I didn’t need to look. It was after three now, and the stillness outside began to creep indoors. It was the sort of stillness that promised lurking danger. I don’t know if I was just tired or if I was seeing things, but the shadows began to move erratically. I heard every creak in the old house. I didn’t like it.

“Ashland, let’s go. Will you take me home?” Fear crept over me. I had the overwhelming sense that we weren’t alone in the house, that someone or something was watching us. I wanted to run away. Far, far away. I walked out on to the porch, feeling some relief. Ashland flipped off the last light and joined me.

“Well, this will be a date you’ll never forget.” I laughed at that but quickly walked to his car. I wanted to go home and climb into my bed. I wanted to forget Mia and William. Forget the uneasiness I was feeling.

“I know I said I would tell you everything, but it’s really late—or really early, depending on how you look at it. Can we talk tomorrow? Maybe have lunch or something?” I needed to think about what I would say to him, and I was so tired that I might not make sense. This was going to sound crazy enough as it was.

“Yes, that would be great. I’m exhausted too.” He started the car. “I just need to know…can I trust you?”

I looked at him squarely in his handsome face. “Yes, Ashland, you can trust me.” We didn’t talk on the ride home. Three turns, and I was at my front door. I waved goodbye and stepped inside. I kicked off my shoes, locked the door and stripped before climbing into bed.

* * *

My phone was ringing. I ignored it, but it rang again and again. Finally, I crawled out of bed and dug for it in my purse. It was Ashland. What time is it? I saw that it was 8 a.m. I was exhausted; wasn’t he?

I yawned and answered the phone. “Hey! Good morning. You’re up awful early…”

“Come to the house. I’m sorry to wake you up, but I need you to come over.” The urgency in his voice was palpable.

“What is it? Is everything okay?” I stood, my body tense. Did they vandalize the place? What mischief was Mia into now?

“TD called me this morning. He found Matthews. He’s dead, Carrie Jo.”

I sat on the edge of the bed, barely able to process what I had just heard. “What? How did he…I mean, when did he…”

“I don’t know anything. But because of the report we made, the police want to talk to everyone who was there last night.”

“Of course. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Thanks, Carrie Jo.” He hung up, and I scrambled to get dressed. I couldn’t believe this was happening.