The Lake

Deana had met someone so soon?

“And how did you meet this…Warren, honey?”

Deana grimaced slightly. The next bit wasn’t gonna be quite so simple.

“He owns a bookstore, Mom. In San Anselmo.”

Yeah. San Anselmo. Where Allan and I were supposed to have gone to the movies that night.

“I ordered a book by phone one day…”

She cringed.

More lies. My God. I can’t believe I’m doing this. What am I—the original daughter from hell?

“But how romantic, honey. You should have told me. And is he nice, this Warren?”

“Yes, he’s real nice, Mom. You’d like him.”

“So when do I get to meet…Warren?”

“I’ll give him a call today. We can arrange something.”

“Dinner would be fine. Just let me know. I’ll get something sent over from the restaurant.”

Leigh’s mind slid back to the night Deana brought Allan to dinner. When he’d met Mom and Dad—was it only ten days ago?

My God.

What can happen in ten days!

Your world turned upside down; a boy dead; your daughter devastated by it all.

Although she appears to be getting over it…

And Nelson…Thank God Mom and Dad hadn’t been around to see it all happen.

She hated herself for even thinking this way, but it was a blessing Mom and Dad made that emergency dash to Colorado. And if it didn’t seem so awful on Aunt Abby, she hoped Mom and Dad would stay there a while longer…

Deana smiled at Leigh.

“Good thing Gran and Pops are in Boulder. They would’ve made things ten times worse. Pops shouting, Gran crying and everything…Missed out on the barbecue, though.”

“What are you, young woman, a mind reader? I was just thinking the same thing. But never mind the barbecue, Gran and Pops had to go to Aunt Abby. She was seriously ill.”

Their eyes met, and Leigh smiled. “Got to agree, honey. They been here, Mom and Dad could’ve made things a whole lot worse!”

“You gonna tell them about Allan and Nelson and everything?”

“Uh-huh. But not for a while, honey. Just let’s see how things go.”

THIRTY-SEVEN

It was dark on Del Mar tonight. Really dark.

A gentle wind disturbed the trees.

Scudding clouds hid the moon and stars from view.

Apart from the rustling leaves, it was quiet, too.

Deathly quiet.

Only Deana’s breath sounded harsh and loud as she hurried toward Warren’s house.

She hadn’t called him, as she’d told Mom she would. Instead, she’d decided to slip out again. Meet up with Warren as he walked Sabre.

I’m the midnight runner again.

A thrill of excitement brought goose bumps to her skin. The hair on the back of her neck rose and prickled.

It was scary out here on the street.

In the dead of night.

It may be scary, but the thrill of running alone through the night was worth every second.

Anyway, with Nelson gone, there wasn’t too much to be scared of.

Except Mommy Dearest and her dog.

Maybe a rapist or two.

And the black car.

Don’t forget the black car…

But she was a fast runner.

She could hide in shadows, dart down alleyways, or tackle anyone who looked like they were going to attack her.

Mom still didn’t know about her midnight runs.

Warren did, though.

And Mace.

Fuck Mace.

Somehow, though, she didn’t think he’d inform on her.

He’d keep it all to himself.

It was their little secret.

She shuddered.

She hated keeping things from Mom.

And she loathed the idea of being in league with Mace. The mere thought of it made her flesh crawl.

Anyway, she had too many midnight runs under her belt to start explaining things to Mom now.

Besides, I get a real kick out of it…

Could be I’m addicted to midnight running.

Can a person become addicted to running at night?

I guess so…

Nearly there now. I can see the two redwoods, their branches reaching out onto the street.

Where’s Warren?

Not here yet.

Deana felt a twinge of disappointment. It had been so romantic, thinking they’d meet up again this way.

And he’d be really surprised, and pleased, that she’d shown up again.

Tonight, when she saw him, she intended to invite him to dinner. She felt a squirm of excitement at the prospect of him coming to her home. Again.

This time, she wanted to show off a little.

’Cause Mom really knows how to throw a dinner party.

She’d look elegant, chatting to Warren. Charming him, but not too much, with her intelligent conversation.

She knows about books, too…

Deana ran on, her mind turning to her wardrobe. Mentally going through all of her clothes, deciding what she’d wear the night of the party.

A really big decision.

Maybe her new black dress with the low square neck? She knew it showed off her breasts and her small waist to perfection.

Well, maybe not that yet. Don’t want to scare him off.

Black’s way too formal, anyway. Because we’ll go somewhere after the meal.

Don’t bank on it, Deana.