"I’d love to join you for drinks with the folks," she said reluctantly.
"Good. I have my own wheels now, so I'll see you there."
Kerry turned and stalked out.
Quickly, May rushed outside to the parking lot, where Owen was busy reading an email on his phone.
"We're done for the day and I have to go to my parents," she explained reluctantly. "Let's meet as early as we can tomorrow. Shall we say seven-thirty a.m. at Humphrey Andrews's workplace? It's a car dealership called Stan's Wheels, in Lakeview, so about twenty minutes from here."
"Seven-thirty it is. I'll see you there, May," Owen said.
May picked up a note of commiseration in his voice. He knew how she felt about family get-togethers that involved Kerry and her parents. But May's loyalty would not allow her to complain out loud.
She got into her car and headed off, on the five minute drive to her parents' place.
When she got there and parked outside, May found herself viewing the quiet street with different eyes.
Ten years ago, someone had stood nearby here, from a vantage point that she guessed was across the road somewhere, but could be further away. They had filmed Lauren storming out of the house after the fight with May.
That person had been watching and waiting. But where were they now?
May was sure it was not any of the immediate neighbors. She knew them well. One was a retired dental technician, now in his seventies. One was a nursery school teacher who'd moved to the area five years ago. And one was the local pastor's mother, who'd lived there thirty years. May simply could not see any of these good citizens committing such a crime, or sending such a threat.
It had to be someone else, but who?
Her thoughts were interrupted by Kerry pulling up alongside. As if on cue, the front door of her parents’ house opened.
Light streamed out, framing her mother and father in its warm, rosy glow.
"Kerry!" her mother called in delighted tones. "How wonderful to see you here!"
May took a deep breath, preparing herself for the onslaught of admiration that her parents would now unleash on her older sister.
She didn’t mind; she really didn’t. But she wished that she wouldn’t become invisible herself when it happened.
"I can't believe how serious this case is," her father said as Kerry marched up the garden path. "No wonder they called in the experts. I’m glad you’re here to solve it now. People getting blown up, and in our county, too? Cops being killed? I can't believe what the world is coming to."
"Well, we know what an evil world it is out there but I guess we never expect it to touch us here. Come in, Kerry. You do look beautiful. So fit and well. I’ve always thought you are so lucky with your naturally fit build. You must tell me what you’re eating now, you mentioned you have such an interesting low-carb meal plan! What a pity your wonderful fiancé can’t also be here, but I guess this is a work trip and not a social one. And May, how lovely to see you, too," her mother said, sounding slightly apologetic, as if mentioning her as an afterthought had been unintentional.
May followed Kerry into the house.
It was immaculate. On the coffee table in the lounge, an array of drinks had been set out. There was coffee, tea, sodas, as well as her mother's famous non-alcoholic punch, with lemon and mint leaves. There was a bowl of nuts and a small tray of sliced vegetables and dip.
"What can I pour you? Sit, sit," her mother encouraged them both. “I was going to make cookies, but then I remembered they have carbs, so I prepared the vegetables instead.”
"I'd love some punch, please," Kerry said, taking a carrot stick. “This dip is delicious.”
"I’d love punch, too," May said, deciding it was the best choice.
"So, Kerry, I'm sure you don't want to dwell on the case, since you've probably been busy solving it all day," her mother said, passing them each a glass of the bright amber drink. "Let’s talk about something we'll all enjoy and can participate in."
"The wedding!" her father said.
"Please tell me, sweetheart, what are the updates? Have you decided on the menu yet? And what about the flowers? Did you have a look at the suggestions I sent?"
Her parents both beamed at Kerry.
May sat back in her chair, sipping her drink.
It was going to be a long hour. She knew that she wouldn't get asked any questions and that this was all about Kerry. It always was. She didn't feel jealous, but rather not good enough.
She longed to be the focus of her parents' loving attention, the way Kerry naturally was. She longed to be regarded as the family's superstar and shining light, even though she knew that only one person would ever have that status.
But by tomorrow morning, May hoped, she and Owen could get a lead on the case. That was what was important to her now. Not her parents, not the wedding, but the Bomber who was now terrorizing their county and its surrounding area.
She couldn't wait for seven-thirty a.m., when she could take the next step in the investigation, and look for the killer.