Murders & Romance: A Psychic Detective Romantic Mystery (Isaac Taylor Mysteries Book 5) by Lashell Collins (ready player one ebook .TXT) 📗

“Next step?”

Ann gave her a blank look, as if she couldn’t remember. And Sidney reached up and tugged on one of her own curls.

“Oh, yes! Most important. Change my appearance.”

“Yes!”

Ann took another breath, to steady herself, Sidney supposed.

“There are so many details, Sidney. I don’t know if I can do this.”

“You’re a mother, Ann. A good one. I believe you can do anything if it means saving their lives.” Sidney gestured to the backseat.

Ann nodded.

“Here.”

Sidney handed over the large manila envelope that held their new forged papers, and Ann tucked it safely into her bag.

“One more thing.”

“Yes?”

“When you get yourself settled somewhere, find a local self-defense class and throw yourself into it. You’ll be surprised what it can do for you.”

Ann smiled. “Will it make me an action heroine like you?”

Sidney chuckled. “It might not make you an action hero, but it can bring you all sorts of wonderful things, like confidence, bravery and self-esteem.”

Ann nodded. “I’ll remember that.”

They got out of the car then and made their way inside the terminal to the boarding area. Once they found the right bus, Ann turned around and engulfed Sidney in a bear hug.

“Thank you for everything, Sidney.”

“You’re welcome, Ann. I mean Angela.”

Ann looked at her and smiled.

“Yes. Angela. I always loved that name. Ann is so boring.”

“I’ll expect a postcard at the shelter in a few months from Angela Mason. Which I will read, savor, and then burn so that there’s no trail back to you.”

“And then you’ll get a message to my mom?”

“As promised.”

“Okay.” She glanced around. “Looks like we’re boarding. Come on, kids. Tell Miss Sidney goodbye.”

“Bye, Miss Sidney,” the kids said in unison. Then, to Sidney’s shock, Laney rushed toward her and wrapped two chubby arms around her knees in the sweetest hug.

“Thank you, Laney. You take care of your mommy, okay? She’s going to need your help.”

“Okay.”

Sidney watched as they boarded the bus and got settled in their seats. She waited and waved them off as the bus pulled away, praying for their safety and success. Then she left the depot and headed back to her car.

Her footsteps echoed on the pavement.

As she crossed the parking lot, the sky grew darker.

Her pace quickened.

She clutched her purse, reassured by the outline of her gun.

She shot a safety glance at the backseat when she slid into her car. Then she locked the doors as soon as she was inside. Starting it up, she hit the ‘home’ button on the fancy GPS system Isaac had insisted on getting her, and then she pulled out of the lot and headed straight for home.

When she walked into the house just over an hour later, Isaac was pacing the living room.

“Sidney!”

His tone was laced with what Sidney could only call relief. He rushed forward and wrapped his arms around her.

“Isaac? What’s wrong?”

“I was getting worried. You’re over an hour late. I didn’t think you were working so late tonight.”

“Well, I wasn’t working exactly. I mean, I was, but I wasn’t.”

“What?”

“It’s a long story.”

“You’re okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine, baby. What’s wrong? You seem rattled, Ike.”

He sighed and turned around, pacing again.

“I didn’t know what to think. And I texted you, but you didn’t respond. So I called, and nothing.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t get a text or a call.” Sidney pulled out her cellphone. “Shit. It’s dead. I’m so sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“Ike, did something happen? What is it? Here. Come sit with me.”

She took his hand and led him over to the couch.

“What’s wrong?”

He let out a heavy sigh, and she ran her fingers through his hair. A move that always seemed to have a calming effect on him. Tonight was no exception. His soft moan was right on cue.

“I had a run in with Natalie Bains today at work. She’s on the warpath because I filed a harassment complaint against her with Internal Affairs. So when you were late getting home, and then I couldn’t get you on the phone…”

“Oh, baby.”

“My mind just went to the darkest places is all. I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize for worrying about my wellbeing. If you didn’t worry, it would mean you didn’t care.”

He turned his head and kissed her lips.

“I love you, Sidney. You know how much I do care.”

“I do know, and I love you back.”

“And when that bitch went off on me today…”

He let his sentence dangle, and Sidney knew he was reliving whatever horrible things must’ve been said.

“Afterwards, Lt. Hayes warned me to keep you close, seeing as we both know how vindictive and obviously off kilter Natalie Bains is.”

“And then I go and make myself unreachable for an hour. I’m sorry, Ike.”

He placed his hand on hers, lacing their fingers together.

“It’s all right. I’m just glad you’re home safe and sound.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “So were you working or not? You seemed confused on that point.”

Sidney grinned. “Well, I forged ahead with my plans for Ann. The resident who wanted help getting away.”

“I see.”

“I contacted Mr. O’Dwyer and got what she needed. And tonight, I drove her to a bus depot in Sandusky.”

“Sandusky? Why there?”

“One of their lines goes from here to Montana.”

“And that’s her destination?”

“No. Her destination is a little further north.”

“As in across the boarder.”

It wasn’t exactly a question, but Sidney silently nodded.

“Well, did she get off okay?”

“She did.”

“I hope things work out for her.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m going to be on pins and needles waiting for word.”

“Is she supposed to get word to you?”

“We have a system set up.”

Isaac nodded, and Sidney wondered what he was thinking. For a long moment only silence passed between them. Silence and a tension so stiff she could feel the abrasiveness of it on her skin, like sandpaper.

Then Ike looked into her eyes.

“I’m proud of you, darlin’.”

Relief washed over her, soothing the sandpaper roughness like water over a sandcastle.

“Really? You’re not mad?”

“I’m not mad. I’m in awe of you.”

Sidney leaned forward and rested her forehead against his.

“Thank you for being so supportive, Ike. I know you still have big