“I’ll have the eggs, and give me plenty of bacon.”
“And for you, May?”
Those were the first words her mother had spoken to her directly, and what was worse, she didn’t even seem to notice.
“A bit of everything, please.” She smiled, determined to contribute positive energy to this important breakfast.
“There you go, honey. It means so much to me that you’re here for such an important event,” her mother enthused, passing the plate to her.
May couldn’t help thinking of Lauren again. One day they had been three, and then two. She felt suddenly sad. If only Lauren could have been here too. Wasn’t anyone else missing her?
“We’re planning on a spring wedding, but that actually doesn’t give us long to get everything figured out,” Brandon said. “What we visualize is to have the ceremony outdoors, in a little glade.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful. It’s going to be so unique,” her mother said.
“It will be lovely,” Kerry said.
“I can’t wait to see your wedding dress. Have you decided on a theme?”
“We thought we’d go with a classic look,” Kerry said. “Nothing too fussy. I want silver and white as the décor theme.”
“Oh, my dear, I’m sure you’ll look just beautiful,” her mother said.
“Brandon, do you want more bacon?” May’s father asked. “It’s the best in town.”
“I’ve never been a part of a family like this,” Brandon said. “You’ve been so welcoming. It’s amazing.”
At that moment, May’s phone rang. She jumped, grabbing it from her pocket. It was Jack on the line.
“I’m sorry. I have to take this. I may have to rush away. Thank you so much for a wonderful meal,” she said. Grabbing her purse, she hurried out of the dining room, feeling relieved to have a reason for leaving the table.
“May. We have some news.” Jack sounded excited.
“What’s happened?” she asked.
“Emily’s been found. She arrived at a small local airport about an hour ago. Airport security picked her up and arrested her, and she’s on the way to the police department. You need to come in as soon as possible so that we can question her.”
Suddenly, May felt as if this day, which had started so awkwardly, was full of hope and promise.
Their strong suspect was on the way in. Soon, this case might be closed.
“I’ll be there in five minutes,” she said.
The keys to the pickup were on the hall table. Her pickup. Kerry didn’t need it anymore. She could use her folks’ car for getting around town.
Grabbing the keys, May called out a quick goodbye to the family. She wasn’t sure if anyone heard her.
She rushed out to the car, climbed inside, and sped off to the police department, her mind filled with the make or break interview ahead.