Chapter Seven
Lucy
The next few days pass by in a blur of old paperwork, going through all the things Nana collected in her lifetime. Turns out you can acquire a lot of stuff in seventy-six years of living.
“Did you know Nana was in the circus?” Ember asks excitedly, holding up a picture. It’s Nana in a flashy outfit, riding an elephant.
Giggling, I reach for the picture. “Yeah. She only made it one summer before her parents found her and dragged her home. She was only seventeen at the time,” I say, remembering the day Nana shared that story with me.
Putting the picture in the keep pile, Ember laughs. “Nana was such a badass.”
There's a lifetime of stories I share with her I've learned over the years as we comb through Nana's pictures and sip through a bottle of white wine.
“You really should call those guys from the bar. This house does need some help. I expect the hot tub to be fully functional the next time I come back here.” Em finishes her glass of wine and puts it in the sink.
A soft smile on my face is the only answer she gets in return as I clean up our bedtime snack in the kitchen. Once I’m done, we head up the stairs.
When Ember closes the door to her room, I’m immediately filled with dread knowing I have to take her back to the airport tomorrow.
I don’t want to be alone again.
I crawl into bed and fall into a restless sleep, my anxiety hitting me full force.
Dropping Ember off at the airport went exactly how I thought it would. Tears were shed, and we got more than enough odd looks from passersby. After promising me she’d call as soon as she landed, Em disappeared through security to board her flight.
The drive back to Nana’s house is almost uneventful. When I’m only a couple of miles away, a small red truck comes racing towards me down the straight stretch of the road.
What the hell?
I keep my eyes focused on the truck as it starts crossing over into my lane. My hands start to sweat as the truck gets closer and closer. I slam my hand down on my horn and immediately swerve towards the ditch, hitting my brakes. The truck veers back into its own lane and keeps moving.
Where do I know that truck from?
It’s a small town with a lot of trucks. It could be anyone. The tingling in my spine tells me I know who it is, though. I sit for a couple minutes to calm my breathing before straightening out back on the road and making my way home.
I put the car in park and let out a breath. From the corner of my eye, I see the card Nash gave me at the bar before their sudden departure. He told me to call or text to set up a time for them to start work. I think of Ember’s remark and pull out my phone before I lose the courage to send a text.
Lucy: Hi. It’s Lucy Winslow. When are you free to start work here?
Unknown: We can stop by tomorrow morning to discuss and go over things if that works for you?
Lucy: Can it be after 9am?
Unknown: Sure thing. See you at 10.
Lucy: Thank you.
I put my phone in my purse and open the car door. Walking to the front porch, I pause and look around. My skin tingles as though there’s danger lurking around.
That’s just your anxiety, Lucy. It’s your first night alone in a week. Calm down.
I shake my head and continue up the porch stairs. I put the key in the lock and notice the door isn’t completely closed.
Did I really not lock the door when Ember and I left?
I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise but I shake the feeling away, pushing the door open the rest of the way. There’s a strange smell emanating from the house, so I take a step back.
Walking back down the porch stairs, I feel around for my phone. Once I grab it, I hesitate.
Who do I call?
I click on my most recent message and press call. They answer in two rings.
“Nature’s Spaces. We grow your green. How can I help you?” The voice is deep but sounds unbothered. I can hear muffled yelling in the background.
“Hi. Uhm, it’s Lucy. Lucy Winslow.”
“Oh, hey!” the voice cuts me off.
It only takes a second to realize who is on the other side of the phone.
“Ren?”
“You know it! What can I do for you, Love?”
I smile while looking around.
“I’m surprised they let you answer the phone, Ren.”
“Between you and me, Nash left the work phone out in the shop when he went into the office, and Cole refuses to answer it.” Ren chuckles, and I hear someone yell again in the background.
“I actually think I need a favor.” My voice turns serious as I continue, “I just arrived home from taking Ember to the airport and my front door wasn’t latched all the way. There’s also a weird smell coming from inside. I’m not sure what to do.”
“That sounds serious. What does it smell like?” Ren’s tone matches mine.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. Is there any way one of you can come check it out if you’re not busy?” I hope he can’t hear the desperation in my voice.
“Absolutely, Love. We’ll be there in ten.”
Ren hangs up first, and I pocket my phone.
With the smell lingering on the porch, I make my way back inside my car.
Deciding to lock the doors, I quickly hit the button.
Something still doesn’t feel right. I look around the property from the safety of my car until I realize there’s nothing to see.
I turn the radio on, closing my eyes and humming along.