Beside him, Cameron sensed June was trying to figure out the best time to ask Deron her questions. The way Cameron saw it, there was no better time than now. If she waited too much longer, the opportunity would pass.
“June has a couple questions she’d like to ask Deron.” Cameron turned and smiled at June before refocusing on his brother-in-law. “Is now a good time?”
“Sure,” Deron said. “I—”
“What kinds of questions?” Nyla interrupted. “For what purpose?”
“It’s okay, Nyla.” Deron covered her hand with his and gave it a squeeze. “I’ve nothing to hide.”
“I’d still like June to answer my question before she interrogates you.”
A muscle in Cameron’s jaw jumped. “I can assure you—”
This time, it was June who jumped into the conversation. “I understand where Nyla is coming from, and I don’t mind explaining.” The smile she offered Cameron held reassurance. “My questions concern a party that was held at the home of Sly Allen ten years ago.”
Nyla opened her mouth, but June continued without taking a breath.
“My sister, Aubrey, was eighteen at the time. She’d graduated from high school in May and had started taking college classes that summer.” June took a breath and let it out slowly. “My sister was about as far from a party girl as one could get. She was quiet and studious. On a Saturday night, you’d more likely find her in the library than at a party.”
“But not that Saturday night,” Miles said softly, compassion filling his hazel eyes.
“No,” she agreed. “Not that Saturday night.”
“You know this Sly?” Nyla asked Deron.
Deron shrugged. “Back then, everyone knew Sly and his parties.”
Nyla turned to June. “I take it your sister went to his party?”
“She went with a friend who ended up hooking up with a guy she met there. From everything I’ve learned, Aubrey left the party alone.”
Quiet filled the table.
“That night, my sister,” June paused and visibly fought for control, “was struck by a car and killed on West Morrison Road. The police found her car parked on the side of the road.”
When her voice trembled, Cameron reached over and took her hand. She grasped it like a lifeline, offering a weak smile. “It feels as if I’ve told this story a thousand times. Sometimes I get through it without so much emotion, like it’s a report. Other times, it’s more difficult.”
“Was her car hit?” Deron asked.
“No. She had a flat tire. Cell reception in that area tends to be spotty. The police determined she was on the side of the road, likely trying to flag down someone for help. They believe whoever hit her stopped, but…” June shut her eyes for a moment and took a breath before continuing. “She was killed instantly. A man called 911 from her cell phone. The police told me that even though she had no service out there through her own carrier, the 911 call connected via rival carrier’s network. At any rate, there weren’t any prints on the phone, and whoever called 911 wasn’t there when rescue vehicles arrived.”
“I’m sorry, June. I can’t imagine something like that happening to anyone I love.” Sympathy filled Deron’s eyes. “I’d like to help you, but I’m not sure what information you want from me.”
“The main traffic on the road that night came from those attending Sly’s party. That isn’t to say it couldn’t have been some random guy driving in that area.” Cameron cast a glance at June. “Whoever hit and killed June’s sister has not been caught. The police have stopped investigating, lacking the resources to continue without new evidence. Last year, with the tenth anniversary of Aubrey’s death approaching, June’s mother began to spiral.” Cameron paused, unsure how much to say.
June stepped back into the conversation. “My mother battles depression. The tenth anniversary of that horrible night has been especially hard on her. I’ve been speaking with those who might have been in the area around the time Aubrey was hit, with the goal of discovering who the hit-and-run driver was. Right now, all I’ve learned is what I’ve told you.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, June.” Nyla’s voice took on an unaccustomed softness. “I can’t imagine losing a sibling in that manner and having no answers.”
“I told June that when I drove by the accident that night, the rescue vehicles were already there,” Cameron added.
“And Cameron didn’t recall seeing Aubrey at the party.” June unsuccessfully tried to hide her disappointment.
“Did Aubrey look like you?” Deron asked.
“No.” June pulled a photograph up on her phone and handed the phone to Deron. “This is, ah, was Aubrey.”
Miles, Nyla and Deron leaned close to study the picture.