Page 10 of Shadows of Before

For a billionaire, Jackson’s house was small. A ranch, built on the outskirts of town, she could see most of the rooms faced the back.

Annie came out to the porch. “Don’t just stand there,” she called out, “come on in.”

Kate retrieved her sunglasses from the car, then crossed to the front. The day was comfortably warm. She hadn’t noticed the chairs and a table set out on the lawn. “We’ll watch the eclipse from out here, but we’re inside now.”

“You got a beautiful day.”

“You don’t say that with much enthusiasm, Katie. Aren’t you glad to be here?”

Annie couldn’t break the habit of the nickname. “I am. I didn’t know Kirkland would be.”

“Why would that bother you?”

“I didn’t warm up to him during the kidnapping.”

She’d gotten warm with him lately, though. Hot actually, in the sack. She had a clear vision of him, sweaty and sexy, as he made his way up her body.

“Come inside.”

Squelching the memory, she walked into a beautifully decorated living space with a wall of windows. The kitchen was adjacent to it. Across the room, she caught sight of Will. His eyes widened. He didn’t know she’d be here, either. Also present were Annie’s mom and dad, her sister Bianca and Diego’s family.

And of course, the homeowners stood among them. Now there was a mismatch if Kate had ever seen one. But somehow, they got together, had a small, quiet wedding and Maisy moved in here with her foster son Freddie.

“Hey, everybody. This is Katie Donovan.”

“Kate, please.”

“What happened to your hand?” Diego asked, coming close and kissing her on the cheek.

“I got hurt at work.”

“Sorry to hear that. Come get a drink.”

“I’ll have beer.” Which was what most people were drinking.

Will stayed where he was while she talked with the others. Sipped her beer. She overheard that Maisy’s son was with her brother, Caleb, who shared custody with her. That Diego and Annie were living in his home. That Joe Romano, a friend of Diego and Jackson, brought a woman with him, which was apparently rare.

She sighed and checked the clock. The eclipse was at 3:23. She could excuse herself after that. She’d think of a reason.

Finally, they went out to the porch then down to the lawn. Annie and Diego helped Jackson and Maisy bring out snacks. The group stood in the sun. When Jackson said, “Okay, it’s gonna happen,” they put on the eclipse glasses Jackson had provided.

Will came to stand next to her.

She frowned at him, but he faced forward.

They watched as the bright sun was whole until the moon closed over it, little by little. Then darkness descended and a white corona appeared. The atmosphere was eerie. And colder. A few dogs barked in the distance. Suddenly she felt Will’s fingers link with hers. For some odd and stupid reason, she held on.

When the sun returned to the front of the moon, daylight broke again. Will leaned over. “Tonight?”

“No, I’m mad at you for two nights ago.”

“No, you’re not. Not really. See you at ten.” Then he went to talk to Annie and Diego.

The man was impossible. She should go out tonight so he’d learn his lesson. Yep, that’s what she’d do.

* * *

Once again, Will reached her apartment at ten. He exited the car and walked around to the far side of her building. All the lights were off. First he knocked. Then, he tried the door. It was locked up tight. No car was parked in the back, either.