“What did you say?”
“Folks always trying to change their names. Think us old timers will forget who they really are.”
Returning to where she’s standing, I lean down. “What do you know about Mercy’s family?”
“One of those Strong daughters was my best friend.” Her voice grows sentimental, and her eyes look past me into the distance, into the trees. “It was a long time ago. She went away.”
Doris has some pretty deep wrinkles on her ancient face, but I can’t believe she’s much more than eighty. She can’t be talking about anyone who could help us, and most likely, she’s talking about Mercy’s mother who died. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I’d know her by the mark. They all have it. Tells you who they are.”
For a moment, I don’t respond. I’m pretty sure Doris isn’t aware of the shifters in Woodland Creek. At the same time, she’s a scrappy old biddy. No telling what she knows, and if she were best friends with Mercy’s mother… Don’t best friends tell each other everything?
“Those shoes fit you well.” She motions with her cane to the canvas slip-ons I’m wearing. “Figured you two were about the same size.”
“Oh, yeah. Thanks again.”
“Don’t thank me.” She starts for her house, and I straighten, watching her go. “Love is stronger than death. It’s deep magic. Stronger than anything.”
She wobbles through her door, and I stand there watching her like an idiot, puzzled by her strange words. “Stronger than anything,” I repeat as the metal door slams behind her. “Deep magic.”
Even if she’s talking about her dead husband, I can’t help thinking she’s giving me a clue. Turning for town, I take off at a jog, but her words linger in my thoughts.
Vows
Mercy
It’s my last day at the gym. I feel a twinge of sadness saying goodbye to my young client. She’s always so stressed out, and I think she considers me her friend. I can’t help feeling like I’m alone now that I know what’s ahead of me.
This time Andy accepts my resignation and says he’ll give me a reference when I get to California. I never mention Koa’s firing. Everything has changed since that day, and things like unfair dismissals seem very trivial.
“Dude, I can’t believe it,” Jim says, standing behind the juice bar. “Your dream is coming true.”
“I hope so,” is all I can bring myself to say. One way or another, I won’t be here on Friday. The thought gives me a shudder.
“Will you write to me when you get to California?”
“What if I send you a text?”
“No way, dude. I want postcards. Send me one with the sign on it.”
“Sure.” I don’t bother telling him I’m not headed to Hollywood.
When I look up and see Koa entering the parking lot, I don’t even say goodbye. I’m out the door and running to him before Jim has even finished speaking.
“Any news?” I hate the way I sound, breathless and desperate.
It’s so pathetic that I’m looking for him to save me, but I’m out of options. My sister tried, I tried… short of running away, which I know would be a death sentence for Penny and Dylan. I don’t know if he would spare Autumn, since she now lives in New York.
God, this is so hard to comprehend. I can’t reconcile the Hayden I’ve known for two years with this monster stealing my future. Still I can’t shake the cold determination of his gaze, the chilling entitlement in his voice. You’re mine, Mercy.
“Slayde has requested the autopsy photos. They’re old, but he’s hoping he might find something unusual, accidental death… anything, really.” Koa’s expression is grim, and I’m afraid I’ll be sick.
Pausing a moment, I take a deep breath and steady my nerves. He touches me, and the warmth of his love soothes my jumping insides. “I was thinking as I walked over here, I’ve never taken you to dinner.”
Wednesday night dinner? My brow lines as I look up at him. “You want to go out tonight?
“I think we could use the distraction.” A hint of a smile crosses his lips. “Will you go on a date with me?”