28. Casey
Chapter Twenty-Eight
CASEY
Over the next few days, I didn’t know how to adjust to the news that Nathaniel was going to be arrested and charged. When I got the call from Officer Blankenship that he was in custody and the charges were public information, I burst into tears.
The truth finally might come out and I wouldn’t have to carry the weight of my suspicions alone. My relief was short-lived because, of course, his parents bailed him out of jail.
My parents called and left me emotionally devastated.
“I simply cannot believe it,” my mother said, her voice ringing with conviction.
“Mom, you know how Callie died. Just because you think you know someone doesn’t mean you actually do,” I said.
My father cut in, “I talked to Nathaniel as soon as he was out. They got the wrong guy. The police are connecting dots that don’t even exist. He and your sister were never involved. You’re the one he’s been in love with for years.”
It was amazing I didn’t vomit on my phone. “Dad! He’s not in love with me. He never has been. I have no idea why you would think that. I know he and Callie were seeing each other, and he was dealing her drugs. She told me! There are four deaths connected to drugs he sold. Don’t be so na?ve.”
“Honey, you cannot believe that,” my mother insisted. Her voice was a little shaky though, and I sensed cracks starting to form in her faith in Nathaniel.
“I do. I’ve suspected he had something to do with Callie’s death ever since it happened. While I did always want to travel, finally coming to Alaska has been a relief. I’m far enough away from what happened to feel like I can breathe. Nathaniel knows I suspect something because he’s been texting and calling me. I don’t answer. While Callie is responsible for her own actions, he is responsible for selling her drugs that were too strong.”
Tears were rolling down my cheeks, and I was shaking all over.
“He’s innocent until proven guilty,” my dad said.
I’d known my dad would struggle with this. He’d been horrified by what happened to my sister. He couldn’t even believe my sister had gotten addicted to anything. He didn’t understand addiction and how it affected people. He thought she’d been too strong for that to happen.
“Believe whatever you want. I’m confident Nathaniel is going to be proven guilty. I won’t be surprised if he cuts a plea deal. If you want to honor Callie’s memory, maybe you should think twice about who you believe.” With shaking hands, I ended the call.
I missed Leo. I would’ve given anything for his strong embrace right now. I was relieved for work and the escape it offered. We were getting busier by the day. Janet had warned me I might think winter was busy, but once the tourists started pouring into town, the pace would increase exponentially.
Luna couldn’t even keep up with the donut demand. At the end of another crazy day, I locked the front door and turned on some music while I cleaned. It was quiet, and Leo strolled into my thoughts. It was late evening after closing time when he’d stopped by for that late coffee and spilled it all over me.
I’d give just about anything to see him right now. When I fetched my purse from the back and checked my phone, I felt as if I were falling. There was a slew of text messages from Nathaniel. While he didn’t directly incriminate himself, he was furious I’d spoken to the police. His final message was like a blast of icy cold water.
You’d better not testify against me. You’d better fucking tell them you must’ve misunderstood. You might be far away, but I can make things really uncomfortable for your parents. It’s not what you think.
My hands were shaking when the back door to the café opened. Josie poked her head in, her brown curls bouncing around her shoulders as she smiled over at me. “Hey, what—” she began.
She stepped inside, quickly pulling the door shut when she saw my expression. “What’s going on?”
I burst into tears. I’d been doing that frequently ever since the phone call from Officer Blankenship. Josie got me some tissues and sat me down in the break room. She already knew the outlines of the situation, so all I did was show her the series of texts.
After she read through them, she looked up, fury flashing in her eyes. “Fuck him! He can’t do anything to you.”
I held her gaze and took a slow breath. “I know, but he can make my parents miserable just by messing with their guilt and the fact that they love him like a son.”
“Maybe so, but eventually, they’ll believe it. The courts don’t approve warrants unless they have a good case. Who gives a shit if he’s out on bail? He’s threatening you because he’s worried. It’s not like they built their case on your information.” She held my gaze and reached for my hands. “This is going to be okay. Callie is going to have justice.”
I breathed in slowly, almost feeling as if I was inhaling her strength as she squeezed my hands. “Okay.”
“Your hands are freezing,” she pointed out.
“I get cold when I’m anxious.”
“This calls for a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea,” she announced. “What’s your preference?”
I blinked away my tears and looked at my friend. “Chai tea.”
“Coming right up!” She bounced up and hurried to the front.