Part Eighteen

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Blaine looks like someone about to go on a bender as he threw back one shot, then another.  He just found out his sister is dead, so I can't really blame him.  I just realized if he hasn't spoken to his parents, I'm about to witness one of the most horrible things anyone can see.  A mother learning her daughter is dead. 

"Miss Ashley, are you alright?" Sinclair asked.

I felt a little dizzy for just a moment. 

"Why don't you please have a seat." He helped me onto the leather sofa. 

"Thank you."

Images of Lisa dead on that cold table swirl through my mind, and I'm trying as hard as I can to shake it off. 

"What's wrong with her?" Blaine asked.

"It's okay, I'm just a bit overwhelmed.  Your parents have no idea about this, do they?" I asked.

Blaine threw back another shot.  "No, I wasn't likely to tell them over the phone."

My heart started to race when I heard heels walking just outside the door.  Blaine fixed his jacket and tie, then stood up straight, that's not a good sign. 

He stepped forward just as the door opened, and a beautiful blond woman appeared next to a very handsome and distinguished older man when the doors opened.

"Mother, Father, how was your flight?" Blaine kissed her cheek, then shook his father's hand.

"It was fine. I understand they are here about Cassidy?" His mother peeked around him. 

"Yes, Mother, Father this is Detectives Franks and Sinclair from the Seattle Police Department." Both men stepped up and shook their hands. 

"This is, Miss Cora Ashley." I stepped forward and shook their hands. 

"Aren't you just gorgeous, Carter look at her green eyes.  They are just like Cassidy's."

"Thank you, and, yes, they are very similar." I said.

She tilted her head.  "Do you know my daughter, where is she?"

I looked at Blaine.  "Mother, Father, please have a seat."

They did as they were asked and looked at me with curiosity.

"Miss Ashley has come because she actually lived with Cassidy until recently when she moved home to Liberty."

His mother looked at me.  "Liberty, Kentucky?"

I nodded yes. 

"I grew up in Scipio." She said, and that's actually hard to believe. 

I gave her my best smile, but this isn't easy. 

"Where's Cassidy?" She looked from me, to the detectives, then to her son. He kneeled down in front of her and took her hands in his. 

"Mom, Cassidy passed away." Now he is less formal.

"What?  What do you mean passed away?  Did he find my baby?"

He shook his head.  "No, she died from natural causes, and Miss Ashley was her very close friend."

He told them the whole story, and she held herself together like she's expected to not show emotion.  One thing I know for sure, is that she did not come from this life.  Not if she grew up in Scipio, it's a small town of middle-class families and not known to have wealth.

"Well then, that's that." She tried to hold herself together, but it's not working too well.  His father is just sitting with a stone-cold look on his face. 

"How long do you plan to stay in New York, Miss Ashley?" She asked.

"I believe I will be leaving tomorrow." I said.

"Where are you staying?"

I told her my hotel's name. 

"Nonsense, Bernard will go to your hotel for your things and you will stay with us.  He will get your belongings, and I will not take no for an answer."

I looked at Blaine and he just stared, then I looked at the detectives and they were no help.  They both just shrugged.

"It's settled then, please give Bernard your keycard to get into your room.  Dinner will be served shortly." She stood, and her husband practically held her up as they left the room. 

Blaine went right back to the bar and poured another drink, while the detectives just looked at me. 

"Um, what just happened?  I'm staying here?" I asked in disbelief.

"It would appear that way, but you don't have to do anything." Franks said.

"Sure she does, we have many things to discuss." Blaine held out his hand, and I just looked at it like I was clueless.

"Your keycard?" He asked.

What the hell?

"Why do I have to stay here?" I snapped at him.

"My mother will want to know about Cassidy's last days in a less formal setting.  I'm sure you can imagine she has many other questions." He said. 

Right, like the baby that I know absolutely nothing about.  I don't believe these people ever accept the word no from anyone. 

"Fine." I reached into my purse and handed it to him. 

"Are you sure about this, Cora?" Franks asked, and used my first name for the first time. 

"I'm not sure I've been given a choice, have I?" I glared at Blaine. 

His eyes softened.  "I do apologize.  Things are a bit strange for all of us, and if you remember correctly, you did agree to a discussion later." He reminded me. 

I looked at Franks and Sinclair.  "I'll be fine."

"I can assure her safety, and I will see you out." He looked back at me.  "Please make yourself comfortable."

They left and the doors are still open.  This isn't right, not at all, and I can't help this unsettling feeling I have as I sit in this room alone.  I walked over to a shelf where there are several photos.  I picked up the one of Lisa and felt a tear escape my eyes.  She is in a formal gown and smiling like she had no worries.  She looks so young and absolutely beautiful. 

"That was her sweet sixteen." I heard Blaine's voice behind me and I turned.  He is standing there with both hands in his pockets.  I wiped my tear away and set the photo back down. 

"Would you like a drink?" He walked to the bar. 

"No, thank you." I turned toward him.

"Why am I here?" I asked.

"For your own safety." He answered.



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