Chapter Twelve – Liam #2
He gave me a questioning look. “What do you mean?”
“She said the guy had a laugh she’ll never forget.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “This is messed up, Liam.”
“I know. But I’m glad, in a way, that MaryAnne stumbled onto Mallory. I know she’s been lonely.”
“And she doesn’t remember anything?”
“Nothing. Not her age, where she’s from, her last name…nothing. She said the guy called her Mallory, and she had a brief memory of being in a kitchen with an older woman who also called her Mallory.”
Billy whistled. “This is some true crime scene stuff.”
“Tell me about it. I’m sorry you got dragged into it, but I really need you to keep this to yourself. No one can know Mallory is here. Not until we figure things out.”
He nodded. “You know you can trust me.”
The doorbell rang, and we both looked at the door, then back at each other before I quickly made my way through the house.
“It’s Randy,” MaryAnne said as she stepped away from the door. I opened it, and Randy made his way inside.
With one glance around the room, he asked, “Have we decided not to keep Mallory a secret?”
“It was my fault,” MaryAnne said. “I used my key to let myself in to drop off sandwiches for poker night.”
Randy looked like someone had slapped him. “You do poker night and you’ve never invited me?”
I stared at my cousin. “Really? That’s what you’re worried about?”
He shrugged. “I like poker.”
Rolling my eyes, I said, “Fine, I’ll invite you next time we play.”
He grinned.
“Shoot, I better text the boys and tell them it’s called off for tonight,” Billy said, taking out his cell and sitting down on the couch to send off what I assumed was a group text.
Randy cleared his throat. “I’ve got some developments. Did you want to talk alone or…”
“You can talk in front of Billy and MaryAnne,” I said without thinking. Then I looked at Mallory. “Unless you’d rather he speak with you alone? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed.”
Mallory shook her head. “I don’t mind…unless it’s something bad?”
For the first time since arriving, Randy really took in Mallory, giving her a quick perusal in her new clothes, and for a moment, he actually stumbled on his words. “No, not…nothing, um, bad, it…it may be good. Maybe.”
Mallory smiled politely. “Would anyone like any drinks?”
“And we’ve got plenty of sandwiches if anyone’s hungry,” MaryAnne added.
“I’ll take a drink,” Randy said. “And you said sandwiches? I’m starved!”
I helped Mallory pour everyone tea as MaryAnne got out the sandwiches and bag of chips she’d brought for poker night.
Once we were all seated around the table in the kitchen, Randy opened the file he’d carried in with him. “We had a couple of hits.”
Mallory’s eyes widened. “You found out who I am?”
He nodded.
“How?” I asked.
Randy ignored my question and finished chewing his bite of food before focusing on Mallory. “Does a town called Arcola sound familiar to you?”
Mallory frowned and appeared to be trying to search her memory, or lack thereof. She shook her head. “No. Where is it?”
“Illinois.”
All four of us repeated, “Illinois?”
Randy nodded. “Your prints got a hit from the local sheriff’s office there. I called the county office, and after getting transferred around, I finally spoke with someone who actually knew you.”
My heart started to race in my chest, and I suddenly didn’t want to find out who Mallory really was. What if she was married or had a boyfriend? Would that mean she’d leave Montana and head back to her family? Would she be safe if she left here?
When I glanced over to Mallory, I could have sworn she was thinking the same thing as me. Her face was white as a ghost.
“What did they say?” MaryAnne asked when Mallory remained silent.
“Mallory Lee Wilson worked for the county, cleaning offices, when she was in high school. Part of the background check included obtaining fingerprints, that’s why they were on file. She lived with her grandmother, Elenore Hapner, who was her mother’s mom.”
Mallory covered her mouth with a hand, as if in shock.
“Do you need a break, Mallory?” I asked.
Slowly lowering her hand, she replied, “No. Please go on.”
Randy looked at me, then Mallory. “Maybe we should eat first, and then—”
“Are you kidding me?” MaryAnne stated. “You just dropped this bomb on her, and you want her to eat before you tell her more about herself?”
Randy looked to Mallory for guidance.
“Please keep going, Randy.”
He drew in a breath and slowly let it out. “According to this person, you and your parents lived in Chicago until they passed, when you were five. She couldn’t remember how they’d died.”
I kept my eyes locked on Mallory, ready to be there the moment she needed me. She slid her hand toward me, and I quickly took it in mine.
“You moved back to Arcola to live with your grandmother.”
“Did she know who my parents were, the lady you spoke with?”
Randy nodded. “Paul and Roxie Wilson. Your mother was from Arcola, and the county employee thought they might have met in college. I looked up as much information as I could. Paul Wilson was adopted, and your mother had no siblings. The only other relative the woman knew of was your grandmother’s older sister, Nora, and she’s also passed away. ”
Mallory looked at me, and I gently squeezed her hand. “My grandmother must be the older woman I saw in the memory.”
I nodded.
“Do I have any siblings?”
Randy shook his head. “Your grandmother was the last living relative. You were working at a restaurant when she passed, less than a year ago. I’m guessing your grandmother left her house to you, because according to real estate records, you sold it about six months after her death.
The city worker also said she believes you put some things into storage. Then you moved to Chicago.”
“What?” Mallory said softly. “When?”
“According to this lady, you moved a month or so ago. She wasn’t sure exactly.”
Mallory looked at me, and I could see the utter confusion in her eyes.
“I think…I’m sorry… I need a minute.”
I stood and pulled her chair out. “Do you want to be alone, or do you want me to come with you?”
She blinked at me a few times. “I…I don’t know.”
MaryAnne suggested, “Liam, why don’t you take Mallory out back for some fresh air.”
“Right,” I said, wrapping my arm around her waist and guiding her through the kitchen and outside. Piper, of course, followed us, never leaving Mallory’s side.
The moment we were outside, Mallory turned and threw herself into my arms, and started to cry.