Deadly Echoes Read Free Page A

news about Sarah’s sister and then report right back.”
    â€œI called Paul after I talked to Hannah’s neighbor,” Janet explained. “I wanted to make sure what she told me was true. Paul contacted the police in Kansas City to confirm the details.”
    â€œThank you, Paul,” I said. “I appreciate all your help.”
    â€œI want to thank you too,” Janet said. “Not only for your assistance with the police, but for helping me get Sarah home.” She patted my shoulder and left the room.
    â€œI’m so embarrassed,” I said to Paul. “I can remember fainting only one other time in my entire life.”
    â€œYou were told some incredibly shocking news. Fainting is a natural reaction.”
    â€œYou’re very kind.”
    He nodded and stared down at the floor for a moment. Whenhe looked up again, his expression was somber. “When you got the news about your sister, you said, ‘Not again.’ I hope you won’t think I’m sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but I couldn’t help but wonder what you meant.”
    I cleared my throat. Sharing my past was something I didn’t often do. Only a few people in Sanctuary knew my history. With Hannah’s death, the past had suddenly come roaring back.
    â€œWhen I was six and my sister was twelve, we lived in Raytown, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City. One night my parents were murdered. Hannah and I were both in the house when it happened. Hannah hid us in a small storage area under the stairs. If she hadn’t, we probably would have been killed as well. Some things were taken from our house, so the police ruled the killings the result of a burglary gone wrong.”
    Paul looked stunned. “That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”
    â€œPaul, did I hear Janet right? Did Cicely find Hannah?”
    He nodded.
    I covered my face with my hands, trying to compose myself. When I finally brought them down, I took a deep, shaky breath. “When my parents were murdered, our next-door neighbor called the police. I guess he saw the killers leave and thought it looked suspicious. Unfortunately, he couldn’t identify them. It was night. Too dark to see anything clearly. Hannah and I stayed in that closet until the police came, but as they removed us from our home, we saw our parents’ bodies.”
    â€œI can’t imagine how traumatic that was.”
    I nodded. “Hannah saw more than I did. I was so young all I can remember is blood . . . and white orchids. I guess my mother had them in a vase. In the struggle they fell on the floor next to her.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, Sarah.” He paused for a moment. “I understandyou and Hannah only recently reconnected. Did you get separated after you lost your parents?”
    I nodded. “It’s a rather complicated story.”
    â€œI’d like to hear it sometime. If you want to tell me, that is.”
    I stared at him in surprise. “I’m not sure you’d find it very interesting.” I was startled to see him blush.
    â€œActually, I’m very interested in you.” He coughed lightly. “In your story, I mean.”
    Not knowing what to say, all I could come up with was “Thanks.” I shook my head. “I . . . I’m sorry. It’s hard for me to think right now.”
    â€œI understand. I wish I could do something more to help you.”
    â€œYou’ve done enough,” I said, trying to smile at him. “I’m very grateful you were here.”
    He stood up slowly. I sensed his concern for me, and I fought back the tears that threatened to overtake me again. He’d seen me cry enough for one day.
    Paul’s eyes were locked on mine as he ran his hand through his thick, dark hair. “Someone from Kansas City will contact you soon. Again, please feel free to call me if I can do anything. Anything at all.”
    â€œIf