CHAPTERFOUR
Later the next morning, June found herself sitting on the sofa in her mother’s living room. When her mom had called and asked her to come over, she and Cameron had just finished breakfast.
Her mother’s call had put an end to the prospect of leisurely lovemaking that morning, but June had discovered that hot and quick had much to recommend it.
“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” Camille Dion Parker was a pretty woman, with the same dark hair and hazel eyes she’d passed on to her youngest daughter.
Aubrey had favored her father’s side of the family with her curly blond hair and blue eyes.
The past ten years, beginning with the death of her oldest child and followed by a divorce, had taken a toll on Camille. The light that had once sparkled in her eyes hadn’t been seen in years, and lines now edged her eyes and mouth.
Before Aubrey’s death, Camille had loved shopping for clothes and keeping up with the latest fashions. The woman sitting across from June, wearing a faded dress that had seen the inside of a washing machine far too many times, was someone June barely recognized.
“I was just eating breakfast when you called. I went to a party last night and got home late, so I slept in,” June told her mom, sticking close to the truth.
“A party.” A wistful look crossed her mother’s face. “If Aubrey were alive, she’d be attending parties. Or maybe she’d already be married with a couple of children.”
This was how it was most days with her mother. Somehow, every comment got turned back to Aubrey. Most of the time, June understood, but just once, she’d like her mom to pay attention to what was going on in her life.
“It was a fundraiser for Anson Hawkins.” June kept her tone light. “He’s running for a seat on the city council.”
“I’ve never been interested in politics.” Her mother waved a dismissive hand. “In my experience, all politicians are the same.”
Okay, time to move on. “How’s the new routine going?”
Her mother’s dark brows pulled together as if June had spoken in a foreign language.
“Last time I was here, you and I worked out a schedule.” June had read that a person with depression could feel more in control if they had a regular routine to follow.
It had taken a good part of an afternoon to come up with a schedule for meals, medication, physical activity and sleep. June had even helped her mom organize when she would do household chores.
Her mother made a face. “I’ve never liked schedules.”
“You said you’d give it a try,” June reminded her, trying to keep any irritation from her voice.
“I changed my mind.” Her mother leaned forward. “Before you ask, I also canceled my upcoming appointment with Dr. Albers.”
Her mom had been seeing the psychiatrist for the past year. “Why did you cancel?”
“I didn’t feel like going.”
“I’m concerned,” June chose her words carefully, “that your depression may be getting worse. You like Dr. Albers. You told me you believe he’s helped you.”
“I’m not worse,” her mom snapped, then expelled a breath. “This is a difficult time for me, June. Ten years since your sister left this earth in such a horrific manner, and we’re no closer to finding who did it.”
“I’m still working on that,” June assured her.
“And getting nowhere.”
The words felt like a slap. June took a breath and let it out. “I’m doing the best I can—”
A knock at the screen door stopped June from saying more.
A smile—an actual smile—lit Camille’s face.
“Up for a visitor?” Detective Gary Willis asked.
“Please, come in.”