The next morning Rylan grabbed the rest of the cleaning supplies her and Marlysa were going to need before heading to the house. When she had gotten back to the Inn last night Marlysa wasn't in their room, giving her time to gather herself after the run-ins she had, had at the grocery store. Thankfully, Marlysa never noticed the lack of cleaning supplies last night when she arrived at their room in an oddly good mood. Rylan wasn't about to question it. It was risking too much. If she questioned Marlysa then Marlysa could question her for no reason at all.
Rylan pulled up at the house. She wasn't surprised that Marlysa wasn't there. She hated being at this place alone and Rylan didn't blame her. She hated it too but knew she couldn't let that fear stop her. Not if she wanted this place presentable in a month so she could put it on the market. Rylan got out of her car and lugged her bags of cleaning supplies to the back door.
The day was going to be warm and sunny, a high in the sixties. A perfect day for being at the house. No, dark shadows lurking around her. Rylan got right to work cleaning. Scrubbing every inch of the kitchen to get it done and out of the way. It was getting close to lunch by the time she moved to the dining room off to the left of the kitchen.
Rylan paused in the entryway, her eyes on the huge dark wood table, surrounded by eight heavy wood chairs. The last meal she had, had with her family at this table filled her thoughts. It was her parents, Rydel, Tate, Anna and Marlysa. They were discussing the party for the next night. They were all so happy. Laughter from all of them. Even her mom seemed to be normal and not acting like she had to appear rich and refined like she always did. They were going over the details. When the decorators were going to show up and the catering company her parents had brought in from New York. It was the perfect night with family and friends.
Rylan walked over to the huge chair that sat at the end of the table, with the windows overlooking the water behind it. She lightly ran her fingertips over the top of it. It was the place her father sat. His chair. Her chest tightened a little as she pictured the many times he had sat there.
There was a memory there in the back of her mind from when she was a little girl; her dad helping her build a birdhouse out of popsicle sticks. A little girls laughter seemed to echo around her, mixed with the deep and hearty laughter of her dad. Her mom wouldn't let her keep it in the house. It didn't match her décor. Her dad built a stand and they put it down by the water. It had broken long ago. But there were pictures.
Rylan looked up. She was told most all the pictures were packed away in the attic. She had only been on the upper floors to open windows the day before. Except the windows in her old room and her parent's room. Was she going to be able to go in those rooms? Was she going to be able to sort through her sister's things? And go through her parent's room? Was she going to be able to do this at all? Her hands came to her mouth as she fought back tears. A sob escaped. The past six years had been so long and horrible. She had worked so hard to leave the past in the past. It didn't matter that didn't remember most details from that night. But being here was bringing up other memories. Memories she had fought not to think on over the years.
Rylan felt tears slide between her hand and face. She jerked her hand away, annoyed. She hadn't cried about her family in six years. Not since that first week after finding out the events of that night. She cried and cried until she was sick and never thought she would stop crying. Then one day, she woke up and the tears were gone. That was her first meeting with a therapist. There was no talking and no crying. Only an hour of silence. This would be the pattern for the most part for the next two years until she was eighteen and didn't have to attend anymore unless she wanted to. She didn't.
Now here she was crying over her family at the worst possible time. When she needs a clear and focused head to get the job done. Rylan banged her fist on the back of her dad's chair. The urge to curse was there. The words on the tip of her tongue. Being back in this house and remembering how both her parents were against such words seemed to put a clap over her mouth, not letting the words escape. That only annoyed Rylan even more.
"Ugh!" With a swing of her arm, she threw down the dust rag in her hand and ran from the dining room, through the kitchen and out on the patio. Rylan took a few deep breaths of warm wooded air to calm her nerves. She heard the sound of gravel crunching. Someone was here. Wiping her face with the hem of her shirt, Rylan expected to see her cousin walk around the side of the house. Where had Marlysa been all morning?
"Good day, Miss. Somers." Sheriff Thomas said when he spotted her standing on the patio. The Sheriff had always been a heavy-set man with now gray hair and a gray beard.
Rylan forced a smile. She knew she shouldn't be surprised he was here today. Not since she had ran into Mrs. Thomas last night at the grocery store. Mrs. Thomas had probably told him to come check in on her, all things considered.
"Hi, sheriff." Rylan's arms crossed loosely around her. It was odd seeing him again. The last time she had seen Sheriff Thomas was in the hospital when he broke the news about her parents and sister. Rylan mentally shook her head. Strong. She needed to stay strong. She did not want pity from these people, and she did not want them to think she was fragile. "What brings you around?"
"Just out on my rounds and thought I would come see if my wife was right. She said she saw you last night, but I was sure she was seeing things." Thomas said with a smile.
"Nope, I'm here." Rylan shrugged her shoulders. Interacting with people had become almost nonexistent in her life and especially with people she knew. This was person number two from her past. The pastor was a stranger and she still wasn't sure about Casper.
"Glad to see you're doing well, Rylan." Thomas said a little gruffly as he scratched his bearded chin. "The wife said you were thinking of selling this place." He looked up at the house that was a scene of a case that is still a thorn in his side. It was a good think Rylan was selling. She needed to move on.
"Not just thinking but going to." Rylan corrected him. "There's really no reason for this place to just sit here like this. I'm never going to move back here." There was an edge to her tone.
"How long you plan on staying?" Thomas asked. There was real concern in his tone. Rylan wasn't sure but she thought he looked sorry for her.
"I was planning on just a month but that was before I saw this place." Rylan's tone was weary as she looked out over the backyard with its overgrown lawn. There was no way just her and Marlysa, when Marlysa decided to show up that was, could get this entire place ready in a month.
"That yard does look pitiful. I'm sure I could gather a few able body men to come out and take care of the outside and I'm sure the wife wouldn't mind helping out on the inside." Offered the Sheriff.
"I'll take the outside help." Rylan said without hesitation. She had a timetable to stick too and with the help on the outside her and Marlysa could easily get the inside done by themselves. She really didn't want anyone else inside.
"I'll make some calls today."
"And you're sure this won't be any trouble?"
"None at all." He assured her with a smile. "I know just the guys to do it."
"Thanks Sheriff. Um, can you explain to them what needs doing so I, um." Rylan stumbled over the right words to say. She didn't won't to come off as rude or ungrateful. She just really didn't want to have to deal with people unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Why don't you tell me now what you're thinking for the outside area so then you won't have to worry about anything else."
"Okay." Rylan said with relief. The two of them walked around the backyard. She was glad the Sheriff knew more about landscape then she did. He made most of the suggestions and she just agreed to them.
When they were done and the Sheriff had left, Rylan went back inside and got to work. This time she put in earbuds and listened to music to keep her thoughts at bay. Hours flew by and she was pretty much done with the first level of the house when it came to dusting. She still needed to mop.
Rylan gathered her things. When she pulled her phone from her purse, she had a missed call from both her aunt and cousin along with a text from Marlysa. She read it out loud.
"Sorry! I ran into an old friend and lost track of time. Please don't be mad, Ry." Rylan rolled her eyes. So much for Marlysa feeling guilty about not wanting to come here in the first place. As she walked to her car her stomach let her know she hadn't feed it since her flight here. That was over forty-eight hours ago. That wasn't the best thing for her to be doing.
For the past four years she had been struggling with an eating disorder. It had all started her freshman year of college. She was bound and determined not to fall victim to the freshman fifteen. It got out of hand. Her food intake seemed like the only thing in her life that she could control. She had the power over the food and her body and the only time that the two could disappoint her or hurt her in anyway was if she let it. In the past year she had been seeking help. She had spent six months the year before in a program at a hospital. She was doing better this year. This was the first time in months she had gone this long without eating.
Rylan got in her car and drove into town. She found a small diner with Wi-Fi. The diner was new. It hadn't been there when she was here last. She hoped that she wouldn't run into anyone she knew. The bell above the door chimed when Rylan pushed opened the door. There was this small-town homey feel to the diner. And smelled of burgers and fries. And maybe chicken. Small wood tables with wood chairs filled the dining room. It was a seat yourself kind of place. Rylan found a table off to the side, away from the few customers that were there. No one seemed to pay any attention to her.
Rylan pulled out her tablet and connected to the Wi-Fi. She needed to check on her order of kitchen appliances that she had placed before leaving to come to Oak Harbor. The power would be turned on sometime the next day. Rylan was going through her email when she felt someone approach her table.
"Hi, I'm Anna, your waitress."
The color drained from Rylan's face, her stomach dropping. She couldn't bring herself to look up. Even though she knew that voice, she prayed – begged – it wasn't really her. Anna Lindley. Rylan tried to swallow. Her mouth and tongue felt like it had a layer of cotton. Her chest tightened with anxiety.
"Here's a menu. Can I start you off with something to drink?" Anna asked the girl sitting alone with her head down.
Rylan knew she had to look up. Knew she had to face another person from her past. It felt like she had a weight strapped around her neck forcing her to keep her head down. The seconds ticked by with Anna still holding out the menu and waiting for her drink order. You can't hide forever, Rylan. You knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. I was just hoping it would be later.
"Um, Miss?"
"Coffee." Rylan finally looked up, her eyes meeting with Anna's, her former best friend. Rylan took the menu form her. Anna didn't say anything. She only wrote down the drink order as she walked off to get the coffee. Did she not recognize her? It had been six years. But Mrs. Thomas had recognized her, and Anna had been her best friend. Anna should at least think she looked familiar. Rylan wasn't sure why she felt a little offend. She should be thankful Anna didn't recognize her. It was one thing she wouldn't have to deal with right now.
"Here you go." Anna sat down a cup of coffee. "I'll give you another minute to look over the menu, but may I suggest chili cheese fries with bacon and a side of mac and cheese, and bacon bits sprinkled on to."
Rylan found herself smiling. Leave it to Anna to go about their reunion this way. Bringing up a past meal they had shared together many times during the summer months. Slowly Rylan looked up. Anna wore a huge smile and didn't hesitate when hugging her.
"I heard rumors you were back but couldn't bring myself to believe it." Anna gushed happily as she squeezed Rylan tightly. It felt like forever since she had seen her best friend. Over the past six years she prayed Rylan would contact her and let her know she was okay. It had broken her heart when she found out Rylan had just up and left without a goodbye to anyone. Anna understood the tragedy Rylan had just endured but to just leave without saying goodbye. It hurt. "I'll go get your order started!"
Rylan watched Anna rush off to the kitchen. She felt eyes on her. Now the diner knew who she was. They had to know or assume she was the one back opening up the old Somers' house. Rylan turned her back to the diner, her email momentarily forgotten. It had felt wonderful seeing Anna and hearing her voice but only for only a second. Then the past came tumbling to the front of her mind. Derek Morgan. The summer affair. Rylan shook her head and covered her eyes. She fought the urge to bang her fist on the table.
"Here you go." Anna sat down a plate of chili cheese bacon fries and bacon mac and cheese in front of Rylan before sitting down at the table too. "I brought you a Dr. Pepper too."
"Thanks." Rylan barley smiled. Her first thought was how many calories were staring back at her from the food and drink in front of her. She mentally got on to herself. She needed to stop thoughts like that before that took over completely. She still had the number of the woman from the hospital that heads up a weekly group for people like her. Rylan hoped she wouldn't have to call. This trip down memory lane was just the kind of trigger that could send her relapsing.
"How long are you here for?" Anna asked. She watched Rylan closely. She was thin and tired looking. Dark circles under her eyes popped against her pale skin. She wore long sleeves and jeans hiding the past.
"Hoping just a month. Just enough time to get the house ready for the market." Answered Rylan. She picked up her fork and took a bite of mac and cheese. It melted in her mouth, the flavors causing her stomach to growl loudly.
"You're selling?"
"It seems like the logical thing to do." Rylan answered around mouthful of mac and cheese. "The house is just sitting there wasting away. Might as well see if someone wants to buy it. At least I won't have to worry about it then."
"True." There was a pause. Rylan looked across the table. "Have you been there yet?"
"I got here Monday." Rylan noticed the hurt flash in Anna's eyes.
"Oh." Why hadn't Rylan sought her out as soon as she got here? Why would she want to do this alone?
"I just jumped right into cleaning." Rylan told her. Anna's hurt only added to the guilt she felt when it came to her former best friend. "I've only seen the Thomas' and a Pastor Caxton, I think."
"Yeah. He's only been here three years."
"That's what Mrs. Thomas said. Sheriff Thomas came to see me today. I'm sure he was sent by his wife even though he didn't say." Rylan forced a smile, hoping to ease the tension now between them.
"Sounds like her. Always thinking of others." Smiled Anna.
"So is the Sheriff. He said he would gather a few men to help with the outside. I wish I knew who he was getting." Rylan bit her thumb nail nervously.
Anna watched Rylan. She wasn't sure if Rylan's nerves were from not knowing the people possibly or because she was back home. It was rumored that whoever the masked killer was, he was solely focused on the Somers'. He had mutilated Mr. and Mrs. Somers' by cutting off their fingertips and cutting their hearts out. Rydel had been found with her fingertips cut off and her heart cut out also. Not even the FBI could piece together why the killer did what he did the way he did it. "Well, I can pretty much guarantee Pastor Caxton will help out. That's just who he is. Um," Anna tapped her chin. "possibly Collin when he isn't working."
"Who's that?"
"Collin Bancroft. He's the Deputy Sheriff. I'm sure Tate will want to help out." Anna's voice hitched a little when she said Tate's name.
"It's alright to mention him, Anna. I'm fine." Rylan lied. She pushed Tate from her mind. She really wasn't sure she could face Tate after all these years. He was a connection to Rydel. She hadn't looked at a picture of Rydel in six years. It hurt enough seeing her sister in her own features every day.
"Okay." Anna hated the feeling that she had possibly made it weird between her and Rylan now. The bell above the door chimed. Anna looked that way. "I'll be right with you Casper."
Rylan, without thinking, looked toward the bar. Casper stood there looking their way. He smiled when their eyes met. She smiled back. The action worried her a little. It had been an easy smile. Not forced. She did it without thinking.
"Hi, Rylan." He said.
"Hi." Rylan hated that she was suddenly aware of her appearance. Her dirty-sweaty-having-cleaned-all-day-in-a-hot-stuffy-house appearance. What was wrong with her? She hadn't thought about a guy since, Rylan quickly changed her thoughts.
"You know, Casper?" Anna whispered as she moved to stand up.
"Not really." Rylan whispered back. Why did she feel embarrassed? She hardly knew the man, but the look Anna was giving her spoke volumes of suspicion. Her face warmed.
"What can I get for you Casper?" Anna asked when she got back behind the bar.
"The usual and a large coffee." Casper gave his order. When Anna disappeared to the kitchen, he toyed with the idea to go talk to Rylan. He looked over at her. She sat there eating and looking at her tablet. He didn't want to disturb her even if he hadn't been able to get her out of his mind since meeting her.
Rylan wasn't sure but it felt like Casper was watching her. Or maybe she was just being paranoid. But it did feel that way. She wanted to look and make sure but fear of giving him the wrong impression stopped her. What if her looking at him made him think he had an open door to talk to her now? She didn't want that. Or did she? Casper Eckhardt had crossed her mind at the oddest of times since that meeting in the grocery store parking lot.
"Here you go Casper." Anna handed over a bag with a smile. She had noticed him watching Rylan. Not in a creepy way but an interested way. Anna wondered if Casper Eckhardt was interested in Rylan as a person or in Rylan Somers the survivor. She knew by Tate, Casper knew of that summer but if he had made the connection to Rylan, Anna wasn't sure just yet.
"Thanks. I'll see you later." Casper took his food. He sent a quick glance toward Rylan, but she still had her head down.
"Bye, Casper." Anna said. She walked over to Rylan's table and sat down with a smile.
"What?" Rylan questioned Anna's goofy grin.
"Seems like you got the attention of a certain photographer."
"Photographer?"
"Yeah. He owns his own photography business. He's really good. He has a few books published on the subject and of his work."
"Really." Rylan didn't know what else to say. She hoped no one else noticed Casper looking at her. If they did, Rylan actually hoped they would chalk it up to him just interested in that summer. Like most everyone was when they find out she's Rylan Somers from that summer.
"How do you two know each other?"
"We met yesterday." Rylan told the story, leaving out the part of her crying in the rain. No need to worry Anna or have to answer unwanted questions. "How long has he lived here?"
"Around a year. He came for a vacation and just stayed. He and Tate have become good friends."
Rylan wondered if that would mean Casper might be someone the Sheriff recruited to help with the outside of the house? Oh, she hoped not. She really didn't want to have to ignore two people hour after hour. The bell above the door chimed again.
"I've got to get back to work. I'll see you around?"
Rylan heard Anna's words as the question it was. Unsureness rang in her voice. Rylan hadn't once thought about how her sudden disappearance out of Oak Harbor made Anna feel. It was easier that way to deal with the guilt over Derek.
"Yeah." Rylan reluctantly answered. She wentback to her food and emails, her mind not focused on either one.