A Sublime Casualty Read online

  “I see.” She shakes her head as if it all makes sense now, and my gaze drags down over her body. Thin. Far too thin to have any real fun with. She’s wearing light tan corduroys and a long red cardigan. If we had a Target nearby, she could work there, too. I hate that I just judged her body so cruelly. But women are often so very cruel to one another when a primal sense of jealousy is piqued. I’m not sure which I’m more upset about—the fact she slept with Theo for six years straight or the fact she knew Lizzy. Probably both. I wonder what she would think about my little Lizzy secret? I’m guessing she’d track down her old friend Neil. “I’m sorry. We don’t carry those kinds of books. I mean, we do have romance, and there are a few authors who take the steam all the way to hell, if you know what I mean.” She leans in and gives a low husky laugh. Great. Just when I was starting to nurture my hatred for her, she gets cute and sweet on me. “I can help you fish something out if you want.”

  “Sure.” I follow her over the expanse literary terrain. She has a pleasant gait. Sure, there’s no wiggle or no jiggle, but men usually prefer the Jackies to the Marilyns when it comes to the marrying kind. But she and Theo aren’t married, so I guess that says something, too. I wonder if that makes me the Marilyn in the equation. I rather like that. “Sinead O’Mallory is one I like to read.”

  “Ah! A dark confession,” I tease. So it begins.

  She pulls a hardback off the shelf with a picture of a sultry brunette in a flowing pink dress. A scruffy pirate is kneeling beside her with a sinister gleam in his eyes as his hand disappears under her hemline.

  “The Pirate’s Treasure,” I muse. “It’s historical, though, right? I’m a thoroughly modern Millie, if you know what I mean.” I give a subtle wink. It’s all so easy to toy with Ashley it almost feels unfair.

  “Oh, I totally get it.” She puts the book back and frowns at the aisle. “That’s pretty much all I read, though. Believe me, it can get real steamy. I need something to take the edge off every now and again, and these books always fit the bill.”

  “Are you single?” I pat my chest as if she just confessed to having hepatitis.

  “For now.” She gives a sly smile. Two lines for lips. How did Theo possibly work with those? “I had my eye on someone, and it didn’t work out the way I was hoping.” Her demeanor darkens as she glances past me. Then, as if someone switched on a light, she brightens. “A part of me is still pining for my ex, though.” She smirks at the idea, and I freeze. “He’s open to it, of course. I mean, we have a history together.”

  And just like that, my stomach sinks to the pit of my shoes.

  “Did he say that?” Every alarm in my body screams at me. Shut up, Phoebe. Shut the hell up. “I mean, it sounds like he’s still interested, especially with the history. That’s a good thing if you are, too. They say there’s nothing quite like a second chance romance.”

  She flashes a wide, toothy grin. Picket fence smile, my mother would say. She was missing six teeth.

  “I have a feeling you’re right. And it’s no fun being alone, believe me. My life was so full, and then it was empty.” Her affect softens with pain. I could see Lizzy there in her eyes, twin versions of that poster I’ve memorized. “But then I was the one who emptied it, so I guess there’s no one to blame but me.” Her shoulders give a hard bounce.

  “So you broke it off with your ex?” I’m disappointed in you, Theo. You should have cut cardboard goody two-shoes out a long time ago. I bet she never let him play the part of the naughty pirate. Something tells me that no matter how hard she tries, she cannot get the edge off.

  “It was mutual.” Redeemed! “But I hurt him.” Her lips press tight, eyes watering on cue. “He’s a great guy and an even better catch.” She takes a deep breath while casting a hard look to the door. “You know, I think I will give him a call.”

  Just great.

  “Do that,” I muster all the coed-based enthusiasm I can. “You never know what could happen. Life is short. You gotta move fast.” Got that off a bumper sticker from a hippie van that took me to Des Moines. Ah, the wisdom. I knew it would come in handy. I’m sure my algebraic knowledge will be needed next. I turn to leave and she taps me over the arm.

  “I see you in here all the time.” She gives a sweet smile. “Don’t be a stranger. I’m a people person myself.”

  I bet you are. “Thanks. I’m sort of still new to the area.” But this townie already knows that, I’m sure. “Is it safe to walk the streets at night alone? I’ve seen posters everywhere about that missing girl.” She flinches as if I’ve struck her, and I gasp. “Did you know her?”

  “Lizzy Hartley?” She leans in, whispering her name like a dirty secret. “We were pretty good friends. Her brother was my ex.”

  “Oh my God.” I feign a mixture of shock and grief. “What happened to her anyway? I mean, how does somebody just disappear like that? In Wakefield, no less.”

  A dull laugh rumbles from her as she arches her neck back. “Welcome to the new millennium. Nobody is safe anywhere these days.” Her affect darkens. “Lizzy had problems. She wasn’t your average girl next door. She liked to get a rise out of people.” She grunts, “I mean, I guess everyone has two sides to them, but Lizzy had fifty.” She leans in. “Fifty shades of gray, if you know what I mean.”

  “What?” I jolt to life. Ashley here is impressing the living hell out of me. I’m not sure who’s more entertaining, her or her ex. “But I thought you said you didn’t have erotica here.” I tick my head, silently begging for more. If Lizzy had a naughty side, I can’t leave without all the juicy details. Throw me a morsel, Ashley. My mouth is watering.

  “Wakefield doesn’t. But that’s never stopped my Lizzy.” My Lizzy. She offers a delicious smile. “Don’t be a stranger.” She starts to take off, then turns. “Oh, and enjoy dating! It’s the spice of life.”

  “I will. And good luck with your ex.”

  I may or may not tell him you said hello.

  I head on out and take in a lungful of the chilled Wakefield night air.

  Lizzy had a wild side. I wonder if her brother knows about that? Good thing she’s up for discussion tomorrow night. I know what I’m having for dinner. A sister skewer with a side of lies.

  Theo

  “Saturday night.” Jackson chides as I comb back my hair one more time. “Someone’s getting lucky.”

  “You,” I flatline as I head out and snatch up my phone and wallet. I texted Gabby and told her I’d be there at four, and Charlie agreed to it. “Charlie and I are taking things slow. We’re just feeling one another out. She’s timid. Gun-shy.”

  “Hey”—he tosses up his hands—“feel each other out all you want. In fact, I encourage it. It’s been a while since you’ve tested out the pipes.”

  “Would you stop?” I toss the remote at him, and he catches it mid-flight like a ninja. “It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone—you know, dating. Ashley and I were together for so long, and before that were just a handful. I don’t want to screw this up.” I offer up a quick fist bump to my overeager cousin before heading for the door. “Besides, we’re talking about Lizzy tonight. It’s probably a good icebreaker for us.”

  “You think your missing sister is a good icebreaker? Dude, you belong in a psych ward. If Lizzy was here, she’d knock some sense into you.”

  “Well, she’s not, and she needs to be. And Charlie said she wouldn’t mind taking a look at things.”

  Jackson folds his arms over his chest, that demonic Irish look in his eyes. “Make sure you tell her what Neil said this afternoon.”

  I mull it over for a second. “I will.” It turns out that there were no DMs from Lizzy. It was bullshit. Miles was stoned. End of story. Neil said he roughed him up a bit. That he won’t do it again.

  “Miles is a sick asshole.” Jackson shakes his head my way as if trying to brush it off. “We’ve always known that. The thing I don’t get is that he’s so night and day from Thomas. Look, I’m not judging the guy, but I didn�
�t see him shed a single tear when it all went down. Thomas looked as if he were about to sink in a grave.”

  “That’s because Thomas genuinely loves my sister. Miles is an inconvenient moron who happened to be there for the rebound.” True story. I step out and glance back. “Do me a favor and get lost for the night, would you?”

  “Optimistic. I like that. Gabby’s already taken care of it. I’ll be at her place until morning. I’ll be sure to tuck a condom under your pillow for you, sweetheart.”

  “Geez.” I groan as I head into the icy air. “Thanks, man. Bury it in the nightstand,” I shout as I head out to the truck with a spring in my step. For the first time in over a year, I feel light, so unlike myself it’s freeing.

  For the first time in over a year, I actually have something to hope for.

  Charlie is a stunner in a tight blue sweater, dark matching tight as all hell jeans, and a pair of black suede boots that ride up to her thighs.

  “Holy heck,” I moan as I help her out of the truck on our way to the Silver Fork, an all-American restaurant that claims fusion with just about anything. I offered to take her wherever she pleased, and we finally narrowed it down to this place. It’s casual. And it’s in Wakefield, so no reservations needed. “You look amazing.” It takes effort not to wink. In no way do I want her to think I’m not telling the truth.

  “Thank you.” Her brows bounce. Her lips are painted a heavy shade of crimson, and it brings out the red highlights in her hair. On an average day, Charlie is a beauty, but add a little night magic, and she outshines every woman who’s ever lived. My heart is going off like a semi-automatic bent on destruction. I don’t ever recall feeling this nervous, this aroused by a woman. I’m sure my ex would love to hear that. Speaking of which, she sent a text this afternoon, inviting me to dinner. I told her I was busy and she suggested another night. I haven’t answered her back. Ashley is tenacious. She may look as vicious as a poodle, but she’s a pit bull in disguise. Once she clamps down, there’s no hope of her letting go.

  We head in and a waitress leads us to a table that overlooks the pond out east. The sun is getting ready to set, and the sky is washed gray with the threat of rain looming heavy on the hoizon.

  We peruse our menus and hem and haw before sliding them to the edge of the table. The waitress comes back with water and we put in our orders.

  Charlie shifts in her seat, a quirky grin twitching on her lips. “I have a confession.”

  “You do realize who you’re speaking with.” I can’t help but swallow down a laugh. “Shoot.” I take a quick drink, never taking my eyes off hers. Lemon yellow, hazel surprise. They glow with those long, dark lashes. Everything about Charlie glows.

  “I had an interesting talk with your ex yesterday.”

  Water goes down the wrong pipe, and I choke for the next few seconds. “Ashley?” There is no other ex. It’s been so long, the others don’t count. Shit. “How did this happen?” More importantly, why? My stomach explodes in a vat of acid. Is that why she’s talking to me out of the blue? She’s jealous?

  “Gabby happened.” Charlie runs her finger over the rim of her glass, shrugging in that cute way that makes me want her ten times more. Everything about Charlie is endearing to me. I want to help her, protect her. And for the love of God, I want to get her a phone of her own to help keep her safe. And so that I can communicate with her whenever the hell I want.

  She sighs and it sounds like an apology. “I told her I was headed to the library, and she mentioned that your ex worked there. Anyway, she told me her name, and low and behold she popped up and asked if she could help me find a book.”

  “Huh.” Seems innocuous enough. “Did she help?”

  “Sort of.” Her teeth graze her cherry-stained lips, and everything in me approves. “Anyway, it was odd, and I didn’t know what to make of it. I didn’t mention you or this or anything in between. She seems nice enough.” She shrugs again, but this time she’s asking a question. I can read body language with the best of them.

  “She is nice. But she’s not for me. I’m not sure she ever was. It was comfortable and over, all at the same time. She and my sister were pretty close. I don’t know, it never felt natural. But Lizzy was our biggest cheerleader. She wanted us together sometimes more than I think we wanted to be together. Everyone got along. It was great in that sense.”

  “I bet your sister took the breakup pretty hard. Oh, wait, was she around? I mean, did she know before she disappeared?”

  “She knew. In fact, there was much ado about nothing in my opinion, but she and Ashley weren’t getting along because of it. Once Lizzy disappeared, Ashley took it pretty hard. I know she feels remorseful over the fact they let something so petty get between them and then that happened. It just, sucked. I guess there’s no better way to say it.”

  “That does suck.” Her hand glides over and covers mine, warm and soft. “Go ahead and tell me about your sister, about the investigation. I’m here for you, Theo. Anything you want to share. I’m all ears. I’m ready and willing to listen. I know what it feels like to be alone in your pain. I don’t want you to feel like that around me.”

  The words I know what it feels like ring out like a gong. She’s said them before. Without realizing it, Charlie is highlighting her grief over something that’s happened in her own life. I hope one day she’ll be comfortable enough to share that with me.

  “It was July seventh, a Tuesday. Miles saw her last, mentioned they had a fight about the water bill. Lizzy liked her baths, and she was staying at his place the month before. By that time, I think they were on the skids and she was back in her apartment. She ping-ponged between it and our mother’s. Anyway, Neil says a couple of coeds saw her at Conrad. She was talking to some people, seemed in good spirits, then headed for the parking lot. End of story. Beginning of nightmare.”

  The waitress drops off our food and takes off. Steak and potatoes for me. Chicken with mac and cheese for Charlie.

  “That’s all you have?” She shakes her head in disbelief. “That’s all this Neil guy has?”

  A dull laugh pumps through me. “Trust me, I’m not impressed either. And I promise you, Neil is as sharp as they come. If there’s any information out there, he’s going to get it. He’s cracking cases left and right. He’s assured me a breakthrough will come.”

  Her eyes flash wide. “How can he assure you that? I mean, unless he’s psychic, there’s no telling, right?”

  A hard knot settles in my gut. “Right. I guess Neil is more like family, and he hates leaving us disappointed. He wants to think the best for Lizzy, and I do, too.” A ripe anger percolates in me. All of the pain, the boiling cauldron of rage begins to course through my veins. “I just”—my voice breaks—“I need to know who did this to her. There’s a monster out there, and I swear to God, when I get my hands on him or her, they will beg for mercy that will never come.”

  Charlie groans as she digs her fingers into my flesh. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to do this to you. Please, we don’t need to go on.” Her grip tightens over my wrist, and I offer the idea of a smile.

  “No. I want to. It feels good to talk about it. But if you’re uncomfortable.”

  She shakes her head emphatically.

  “Then ask me anything,” I offer. “But don’t let your food grow cold.”

  We start in on our meals, and she blinks to the ceiling between bites. “You said Miles and your sister had already broken up. So, what do you think his motivation is behind these horrible revelations?”

  “Celebrity. He liked his fifteen minutes the last time he had them. He and my sister really lit the gossip train on fire. And now he’s gunning for another round. Neil checked it out, and it was all bullshit. Miles has lost so many brain cells tweaking, he doesn’t know shit about reality. Sorry about that.” For some reason, it doesn’t feel right letting the expletives fly in front of Charlie. Not that I don’t think she can take it, but because it feels strangely disrespectful, and above all els
e, I want to respect Charlie. A visual of Jackson shoving a box full of condoms under my pillow flits through my brain.

  She nods as if approving of my thoughts. “I think we need to probe Miles again. Go over his story. He’s my prime suspect.” She winces. “And not to be a troublemaker, but I think Ashley is an interesting character, too. Gabby mentioned to me privately that she’s obsessive—possessive.”

  My head ticks back with the thought. “Hell yes, she is. Gabby nailed it. But I highly doubt she had anything to do with this. They were like sisters. In fact, my youngest sister Nikki used to get jealous. It was an insane period of my life. The only part I would want back is Lizzy.”

  “Okay.” She closes her eyes a moment, and I’m mesmerized by the gold shadow on her lids as it glimmers in the candlelight. “She went missing then, seemingly into thin air. What about her ex-husband? Ex-husbands are classic prime suspects. Any ongoing discord there?”

  “Thomas is a saint.” There are no truer words. “He married Lizzy after all. According to both parties, she was the reason for the split. Prior to it, they were hot and cold. And believe me, both extremes had something to do with my sister.”

  “Lizzy sounds like a spitfire.” She grins as she takes in a forkful of mac and cheese.

  “She was, is. Lizzy loved Thomas. If either of them were to be accused of a crime of passion, it would be Lizzy. Trust me on that one. I’ll introduce you to Thomas if you want. He’s a good guy. I miss seeing him at the holiday table. Speaking of which.” I saw through my steak a moment, unsure if she’s ready for this. “Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving? I’ve got Thursday and Friday off, so I’m pretty psyched about all the turkey and football I can handle. Best combination.”