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“Well, a college girl needs her privacy, doesn’t she?”

  “I suppose.”

  “Did she have any roommates?”

  “No. As I said, Ella loved having a place to herself. To study. To relax. We even had a pool built so she could train.” Sandra played with the spoon at the side of the saucer and then looked up. “I don’t understand why you’re asking these questions.”

  “I’m not sure. I’m trying to understand what happened. In case it comes up during our sessions, I want to be prepared with a few facts. To make it easier for her to talk about it with me.”

  “Her father thinks it’s better to, as he puts it, let sleeping dogs lie.”

  In other words, they turned a blind eye to whatever they thought their daughter was involved in that might cause her to be on the highway in the middle of the night.

  “And you agree?”

  “I’m not going to tell you my marriage is perfect, but we do OK. One of the reasons we do OK is that I know my husband very well.”

  Maven nodded.

  “My husband is a powerful man, and he likes to be in control. He couldn’t control this, but I saw no reason to make it worse for him by making him see Ella in a different light. You know how fathers can be about their daughters. They think of them as their little girls forever.” Sandra shrugged. “Whatever Ella was doing, she won’t be doing it any longer. Her whole life changed in a blink of an eye.”

  Maven thought back to her own sweet father. He certainly wouldn’t have wanted to know all the things she’d done during college. “I can understand that.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, Ella was…is a wonderful person. An honor student, a good daughter, and a driven athlete. She was very ambitious and focused on making it to the Olympics. So every now and then, she needed to blow off a little steam.”

  “I can understand that.”

  “So could I, but her father…not so much.”

  “He didn’t want to know why she was—”

  “He doesn’t want to know if his daughter was involved in things that we would not agree with. If she was then, she’s not now. And that’s really all that’s important at this point.”

  “I’m sorry for bringing up bad memories.”

  13

  “I got fired.”

  “What do you mean, you were fired?” Paul took his eyes off the road as he stared at her. They were on their way to a restaurant. Paul drove since last night’s snow had turned to dirty slush on the roads and his car was better able to handle it. “You made a breakthrough. She’s communicating again—not perfectly, maybe, but you can carry on a conversation with her. Right?”

  “Right.”

  “I can’t believe they would do that to you. Forget about you, why would they do that to their daughter? It doesn’t make sense.”

  “It’s not quite as bad as it sounds, Paul.” She paused. “They didn’t actually fire me. I’m just feeling sorry for myself. It’s become a habit of mine.”

  “Sounds pretty bad to me.”

  “Not really. After Christmas, Ella is going away for a few months to a spa to get stronger and healthier. While she’s there, they’ve hired a deaf woman to be there so Ella can continue learning more sign language.”

  “You can’t hire friends.”

  “Well, they aren’t hiring the woman as a friend. She’s to teach Ella more sign language. When she comes back, we’ll see if she needs to continue her speech therapy or not. With the progress she’s been making, I’m guessing not.”

  “Still doesn’t seem right to me.”

  “They gave me a very, very nice Christmas bonus. And besides, my first disability retirement check came in. Financially, I’m fine. Nothing to fret about.”

  “It still doesn’t seem right to me.”

  “Everything will be fine. Ella’s progressed more with my help than she has in the last ten months. She’ll be OK.”

  “That’s not what I’m talking about.”

  “Then what are you talking about?”

  “Didn’t you tell me that the last time you went, you were asking questions about Ella’s accident?”

  Maven nodded.

  “And then suddenly your services aren’t needed any longer? Seems oddly coincidental to me.”

  “I never thought about it that way.” Maven thought back to the conversation, seeing it with a new perspective.

  “I don’t like those kinds of coincidences. How did Mrs. Decker act when you asked your questions?”

  “She cried as she told the story of hearing the news and then the months of not being sure whether Ella would live or die. Or if she would come out of the coma.”

  “Natural for a mother, of course.”

  “When I started asking for details, like why Ella was on the highway in the first place, she sort of shut down. She said she didn’t know. The police didn’t know, either.”

  Paul skidded to a stop at a traffic light. The car fishtailed but then righted itself.

  Maven grasped the door handle. She hated snow. “I asked her why they hadn’t been more concerned about why she was on that highway in the middle of the night.”

  The light turned green and Paul slowly moved forward. “Yea, if it was my daughter I’d want to know. What was her response?”

  A little stab of pain pierced Maven’s heart. She and her husband had never been blessed with a child. “Of course, I would, too. But I think you’re being overly suspicious. Must be the cop in you.”

  “Me? You’re the one who got me thinking about it.” He shrugged as he pulled into the restaurant parking lot. “So, what was her response?”

  “A very interesting one, actually. She made it clear that her husband was the one who didn’t want to know the details. She said both of them were quietly worried that Ella was doing something she shouldn’t have been. Now that part of Ella’s life is over, they can’t change it, and they’re going forward, leaving any sin in the past. But now, I’m thinking back on our conversation and it makes me wonder if they have something to hide. I guess we’ll never know.”

  14

  A gust of wind blew in as Maven opened the door. She shivered. Winter was definitely here. “Come in, Paul.”

  He walked in but stayed on the welcome mat.

  “You can come in. I don’t care about your shoes.”

  “It’s not that. I’m on my way to work, but I wanted to tell you something. I talked with the investigating officer of Ella’s accident. He had a few interesting things to tell me.”

  “You definitely need to come in and sit down.” Maven hoped her curiosity wasn’t nosiness. No, she might still be working with Ella later, and it would be good to know the facts in case the girl ever remembered and needed help getting over it. “The coffee’s ready.”

  “I really don’t have the time. She told me Ella’s father insisted they shut down the investigation into the accident. He claimed it was best for Ella to forget about it and to move on with her life. But the officer thought it was strange, too.”

  “Why would the police acquiesce to him?”

  “They didn’t, but since Ella couldn’t tell them anything because of her language difficulties, they didn’t have much to go on.” He sighed. “One of the witnesses thought they saw someone run from the accident, but no one was at Ella’s house when they checked so…not much to investigate.”

  “You know, I might just go visit Ella.” Maven couldn’t quell the sudden uneasiness. Something feathered against her mind, something unpleasant, just out of reach. Something to do with Ella, who still couldn’t speak for herself. Maven turned her attention back to Paul. “I’ll go see her to say bon voyage and Merry Christmas. I think I’ll just come right out and ask her what she remembers about the accident.” Her gaze met Paul’s. “What do you think?”

  “It couldn’t hurt.”

  

  Maven shivered as she shifted the Christmas presents that filled her hands. Using her elbow, she rang the Deckers’ doorbell. Something she’d never
had to do in all the times she’d been here.

  Sandra had always made a point of being at the door, waiting.

  The door opened.

  Donald Decker stood there. “Maven, how nice to see you. What are you doing here? Were we expecting you today?”

  Surprised to see him as well, she held up the gaily wrapped packages. “No, you weren’t expecting me. I was out finishing up my last minute shopping and thought I’d drop off these gifts.” Her knees shook from the cold.

  “Gifts? For us? Well, aren’t you kind?”

  “They aren’t much. I mean, really, I can’t compete with your generosity.” The icy wind ruffled her hair. She was beginning to feel foolish, and frozen.

  “After all you did for Ella, it wasn’t much. She’s getting back to her old self. Believe me, we’re so grateful.” He opened the door wider. “Where are my manners? It’s freezing out there. Come in.”

  “Thanks. So, how is Ella?”

  “Unbelievable.” His eyes twinkled. “I told you from the start you were the right person for the job. I love to say I told you so. Especially in this case.”

  She laughed as she held up her packages. “Where do you want these?”

  He held out his arms as if to take them.

  “Just tell me where to put them.”

  “This way.” He led the way to the formal living room. A huge pine tree blocked the sunlight from the window.

  “Wow. That’s a beautiful tree.”

  “It is, isn’t it? Sandra and Ella had a great time decorating it.” He lowered his tone. “A lot different than last Christmas.”

  “I can imagine.” She placed her packages under the tree. Pine wasn’t one of her favorite scents anymore. It reminded her too much of her husband.

  “And that’s mostly thanks to you, Maven. I can’t begin to tell you how much we appreciate what you did for Ella and for us. It truly is a miracle. I can’t believe how much she’s improved in the past few weeks.”

  “It wasn’t me. It was mostly Ella. Improving communication skills is hard work. She’s the one who put in the effort to get there. It’s a testament to her hard work, not mine.”

  “Still, it wouldn’t have happened without you.”

  She winked and gave a little curtsy. “I’ll accept your thanks. If it’s OK, I thought I’d see Ella while I’m here. To wish her a merry Christmas and tell her good-bye before her trip.”

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible. Ella and Sandra went out shopping for the day.”

  “Well, that’s too bad for me. But good for Ella. I’m glad to hear she’s getting out more now.”

  “She definitely is. She’s practically a social butterfly these days.”

  He moved towards the door, his subtle way of telling her she’d used up her time.

  Maven took the hint. “I’d still like to say good-bye before she leaves.”

  “Of course, and I’m sure Ella wants the same thing.”

  “Next time, I’ll call ahead to make sure she’s here.”

  His hand was on the door knob when what sounded like a herd of elephants made their way down the steps. It wasn’t elephants, but two young men.

  “Micah.” Donald Decker’s voice was stern and disapproving.

  Both stopped, as if shocked to see Mr. Decker.

  “Sorry, Dad. Didn’t know you were still home. I thought you’d be off to work by now.” Micah gave a charming smile.

  “Whether I’m home or not, I still expect certain behaviors. Including manners.”

  Micah’s eyes flashed anger, but in the next second, it was gone. He gave what seemed like a genuine smile. “I said I was sorry.”

  “So, you did. Micah, this is Mrs. Morris, Ella’s speech pathologist. Maven, these two are my sons, Micah and Donald, Junior.”

  “Oh, sure. I didn’t recognize you under the coat and hat.” Micah smiled. “How are you, Mrs. Morris? Do you remember me?”

  “I’m fine, Micah. And, of course, I remember you. You were one of my favorites.”

  Micah laughed. “You said that to every one of your students. I remember that.”

  “That’s because it was true. You were all my favorites. Home for the holidays, huh?”

  “We just got home from college yesterday.” The other young man stepped towards her with a hand held out. “He calls me Donald Junior, but everyone else calls me Donny.”

  “Nice to meet you, Donny.”

  His grasp was warm.

  After a smile, she turned towards Micah. “So you go to college. That’s great.”

  Micah had difficulties at the local high school and ended up attending a private school in the area. That he overcame a shaky start was a good sign.

  “Clemson. This will be my last year,” Micah said.

  “We can only hope that’s true.” Mr. Decker spoke. “Six years to get a Bachelor’s Degree. Donald Junior’s finishing up his advanced degree, as well as taking care of some of my business concerns in the area. Micah just goes to school. It’s all he can handle.”

  Micah’s face flushed red. “Not all of us can be as good as Donny here. He’s the genius in the family. Not me.”

  After a sideward glance at his father and brother, Donald Junior stepped forward as if to stop an argument between the two. “I can’t believe the changes in Ella since the last time we saw her. You’ve worked miracles.”

  “Not me. Ella’s done all the hard work.”

  “Yeah, she’s become a regular little chatterbox again,” Micah said. “Almost good as new. Hard to believe that she’s the same girl we saw at Thanksgiving. Good thing I didn’t tell her any of my secrets. Not that I have any secrets.”

  Donald Junior locked gazes with his father for just a moment and then studied his shoes. “That’s for sure. No secret would be safe with her.”

  Another tension-filled moment, but Maven laughed. “Well, that may not be convenient for you and your secrets, but it’s good for Ella.”

  Donald Junior gave an easy smile. “No secret here. I’m an open book.”

  Micah rolled his eyes. “We all know you’re the good son, Donny. But just because you’re an open book doesn’t mean it’s one I plan to read. Too boring.”

  “If boring means making a living and taking care of responsibilities, then I guess Donald Junior is boring.” Donald gave Micah a pointed look. “You could take a few notes in that area.”

  Not wanting to get involved in family drama, Maven looked at Mr. Decker. “Well, I shall try again to see Ella before she leaves, but I will call ahead next time.”

  “Sounds like a plan, Maven. And if I don’t see you again, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.”

  “Thanks. It was nice to see you again, Micah, and good to meet you, Donny. Merry Christmas to all of you.”

  Micah walked with her to the door. He leaned close to her. “Don’t worry. That’s a normal day in the Decker household.”

  She grasped his arm and squeezed. “You look great, Micah.”

  After giving her a small hug, he opened the door for her and she left.

  She made her way down the ice-free, snow-free walk to her car. The wind still howled and chilled her to the bone. It was going to be a cold Christmas. Turning the key, she waited for a few moments to let the car warm up. She put her car in gear and started out the drive. As she waited for the gate to open, she looked in her rear view mirror.

  Ella stood at her window staring out at her.

  

  “I know what I saw, Paul.”

  “I’m not saying you didn’t, Maven. I’m just telling you to calm down.”

  She was pacing around her living room. Her table-sized Christmas tree was small compared to the Deckers’ enormous tree. But it was a giant step forward for Maven. “He told me she wasn’t there. He lied.”

  “I get that. I’m just saying there could be any number of reasons why. Not every person tells the truth all the time. It was probably just an inconvenient time.” His calm voice irritated her. “And
none of the reasons have to be nefarious.”

  “I know. I’m worried. The expression on her face as she stared down at me really got to me. And you’re the one who thought their timing was odd.”

  “Nothing to apologize for. I just want you to understand we cannot go up to their door and demand to see Ella.”

  “I know that, too.” She sat up and turned to Paul. “But I was hoping you would say we could. Especially if I complained about it loudly.”

  “Sorry. No can do.” He pointed at the tiny Christmas tree. “Love the tree.”

  “Are you making fun of my little tree?”

  “Not at all. I was serious. It’s a first step.”

  She looked at the TV, not wanting Paul to see the tears. She knew what he meant—a first step back to the land of the living. A first step in easing the pain of losing her husband. A first step in moving on. “But seriously, what are your thoughts about this new development? Do you think I’m overreacting?”

  “Overreacting might be too strong of a word. It’s odd. I’ll give you that. But people are odd. You know that. And rich people are probably even odder.”

  “What do you think I should do?”

  “About what?”

  “Don’t be obtuse. What should I do about the nefarious activities that are occurring there?”

  “There is nothing to do. Because there are no nefarious activities occurring. It’s Christmas time. People are busy. She probably was getting ready to go shopping but hadn’t left yet.”

  “I’ve called three more times. And each time, she’s either busy, not at home, or they have some other excuse why I can’t see her. I only want to make sure she’s OK.”

  “Why would she not be OK? After all she’s been through, you don’t really think her parents are going to let anything happen to her? “

  “Don’t you be obtuse.”

  “Can’t think of another word. You really do win.”

  “I am the winner.” She pumped her fist in the air. “Now, back to the subject at hand. You thought it was suspicious when they fired me, remember?”

  “But that was before you explained the whole situation, remember? You were feeling sorry for yourself.”

  “It’s one of my specialties—throwing myself a pity party. But I think I’m getting better in a couple of ways.” She turned and pointed at her lip. “OK, are you watching?” She smiled.