Deadly Echoes Read Free

glass of water.
    â€œIs Paul still here?” I asked when she came back.
    She nodded. “He’s downstairs. I told him he could leave, but he didn’t want to go until he was certain you were okay.”
    â€œThat’s very kind.” A thought suddenly struck me. I felt ashamed that it only occurred to me now. “Cicely. Where is Cicely?”
    â€œThat’s something we need to talk about, Sarah. You’re her closest relative.”
    I sat up straighter in the bed. “I’m her only relative. Her father isn’t part of her life. I’ve got to get her. She’ll have to come here, Janet.”
    She nodded. “We probably need to contact the police department in Kansas City and let them know that.”
    â€œYou’re right.” I tried to get up but immediately felt dizzy and fell back.
    â€œLet me do some checking,” Janet said. “I’ll find out who you need to talk to.”
    â€œAnd ask where she is now. She’s only ten years old. I don’t want her to be afraid. I need to speak to her. Let her know I’m coming.”
    â€œI’ll take care of it, honey.” She frowned. “I know Hannah’sfoster father died several years ago, but didn’t you say her foster mother was still alive?”
    â€œShe’s in a nursing home. In the last stages of Alzheimer’s.” I shook my head. “She doesn’t even remember Hannah. There’s no reason to call her.”
    I pushed the quilt off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Although I felt another wave of dizziness, it dissipated quickly. My shoes sat on the floor so I slipped my feet into them. “I’d like to talk to Paul.”
    Janet took my hand. “Are you sure? Shouldn’t you lie down a bit longer?”
    I grabbed her hand. “I’ve got to keep myself together for Cicely. I’m so thankful Hannah and I found each other again after all these years. If we hadn’t, I probably wouldn’t know about her death, and Cicely would be all alone.”
    Janet hugged me. “She is blessed to have you for an aunt. There isn’t anyone else in the world who could take care of her the way you will.” She stroked my hair. “I think it would be best if you moved back to my house, Sarah. Right away. Your apartment is too small for two people, and I have an extra room for Cicely. Besides, I can help. Be a support for both of you.”
    I wiped away tears of gratitude. “I don’t know what I would do without you. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, and I know Cicely will love you too.”
    â€œWe’ll all be okay,” she said quietly. “God will walk us through this.”
    I finally got to my feet. “He’ll have to. I know I can’t do this under my own power.”
    Janet slid her arm through mine. “I’ll make you something to eat while you talk to Paul.”
    â€œI’m not hungry.”
    â€œI understand, honey, but you need to keep your strength up. Just trust me. Okay?”
    I gave her a small smile. “Whatever you say.”
    She returned my smile, though her eyes held the pain of the past few hours. “Now, that’s what I like to hear.”
    She helped me downstairs. I found Paul sitting on the couch in the living room. When I came into the room, he stood up.
    â€œHow are you feeling?” he asked, his eyes wide with concern.
    â€œBetter, thank you. I’m sorry I fainted.”
    He shook his head. “Please don’t apologize. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
    â€œThank you.” I sank down into the chair next to the couch.
    â€œIf you’ll excuse me,” Janet said, “I want to make Sarah some lunch. Will you stay and eat with us, Paul?”
    â€œI’d like to, but I’ve got to get back to the station. They’re probably wondering where I am. After you called me, I told them I would help you deliver the