The Lake

Her eyes pierced the darkness. Instinctively, she drove past her driveway and stopped in a dark, shadowy place a couple more yards on. While all her senses were taut, oddly acute, a part of her brain told her she needed a workout. One of those hard, punishing jobs when all she focused on was the pain of her hurting lungs and straining muscles.

It was a strange yet familiar feeling—more a compulsion, really. She always felt this way when she had one of her “insights.”

Yeah. I need a workout.

But that’ll come later.

After that, sleep.

Same routine every time.

She heard voices.

Peered into her rearview mirror.

It was Warren and some kid. The kid’s face showed up ghost-white against her black clothes.

They were jogging out of the driveway. Laughing quietly. Looking into each other’s face. Sharing a joke.

Sheena’s brows raised a little.

Nice work, bro.

What happened to the “one man and his dog” routine?

The joggers rounded left and set off down Del Mar.

Sweat glistened on Sheena’s forehead.

Her hands clenched the wheel.

Something was wrong.

TWENTY-NINE

Deana went to the kitchen in search of coffee. It was eight a.m., just six hours since she’d left Warren’s place. All she needed was a mug of hot coffee and maybe, just maybe, she’d crawl back to bed…

The flowers were standing in the sink.

“Wow, Mom. Who sent those? Don’t tell me. Your new friend, ta-dah: Detective Mace Harrison!”

“Right the first time, hon,” Leigh said, ignoring Deana’s last remark. “They’re from Mace. Aren’t they just beautiful?”

Deana stared at the bunch of flowers. Exotic pink orchids mixed with sprays of white freesias. Still encased in their cellophane wrapper and tied with a pink satin bow.

Some bouquet.

Puzzled, she looked at Leigh.

“I had no idea things had gotten so far. So soon.”

Leigh smiled dreamily. “You better believe it, hon. Mace and I are getting along very

well. He’s so kind and thoughtful. It’s been ages since anyone gave me flowers like these.”

Leigh disappeared into the utility room, busying around finding a vase large enough to hold the flowers. Moments later, she reappeared with a tall, elegant one, decorated with a blue and white Chinese design.

Removing the bow and cellophane, she began arranging the blooms to her liking. She hummed a tune to herself.

Deana couldn’t remember seeing her this happy—so bright-eyed and her cheeks all flushed like those of a teenager in love.

Warning bells rang.

Mom’s got it bad.

Worse than bad, she had this sinking feeling that Mom was more than “getting along very well” with Mace.

Leigh stepped back to admire her display and caught Deana’s expression. A worried frown clouded her face.

“Deana, honey. Smile, please. Be happy for me.”

“Sure thing, Mom. I’m thrilled for you. Really.”

Choked, Deana turned away. She went to her bedroom and closed the door.

So Mace had been here again last night.

Jeez. What an asshole. Bringing flowers, like that. He probably stayed the night.

A thought occurred.

If he was here overnight, did he hear me come in this morning?

Count on it.

Mace is a cop. A real pro. And they say cops on a case never sleep. Right?

And from what Mattie said, Mace was pretty much joined at the hip to his job.

Maybe he heard me come in this morning and decided not to tell Mom. Like he’s saving the news to blackmail me later…

I should tell Mom about Warren.

Before Mace does…

She’d be real worried, knowing about my midnight trysts.

She’d worry herself sick…

God. That’s the last thing she needs, what with Nelson still on the loose and everything.

After I’d promised I wouldn’t leave the house, wander off without her knowing.

I’ll have to tell her about Warren.

Before Mace gets there first.

She’d never forgive me if that happened.

Her mind in a turmoil, Deana returned to the kitchen.

Leigh was still lingering over the flowers.

Deana cleared her throat.

“Mom. I have something to tell you. You’re not going to like it…”

“Oh? What is it, honey?”

Mom looks so radiant. So happy.

I can’t spoil it for her.

“Mom,” she began. Hating herself. Knowing she was about to chicken out of telling the truth. “I’m really happy for you. If this is what you want, I hope it works out for you and Mace.”

Christ.

I’m such a liar.

A deceitful, scheming bitch lying her way out of a seriously tricky situation.

I could say I met Warren accidentally. That might take her mind off Mace for a while.

She pictured what would happen when she told Mom about Warren.

“And where did you meet him, honey? We both agreed you should stay in the house, not go out unless I was with you…Yes, I know it’s hard, Deana…Oh. You met him when you were out running…”

A pregnant pause.

Then: “AT NIGHT???”

Yeah.

Can you just imagine it?