Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Goodbye.”
I hang up, but not before I catch her sobs on the other end. I feel like shit. I did care for her.
However, I’m crazy about my wife. I love Symphony in a way I could never explain. Maybe someday Julissa will find what she’s looking for in someone who can return her feelings.
CHAPTER 47
ICan Help Him
Symphony
Five months later …
I am having a bad day. The last four months have been difficult since Ellen Mairettie was murdered. I told her she could come to me. If she could see things, why didn’t she come to me?
I would have protected her. Everyone wouldn’t be so sad if she would have allowed me to help. I have been trying to understand how she could help me keep Michael alive but not ask for help for her own life.
Her decision has been messing with my head. Today has been especially difficult and I can’t figure out why. I have had to put on my weighted vest to try to realign myself.
“Sim, baby, did you hear me?”
I look up to find Michael looking at me expectantly. I notice I’m popping my wristband and I’m chewing on my tongue. I’m so confused.
Why would a woman who could see things not change such a horrible thing? Did she not see that I’m one of the best? I could have helped. I could have done something.
“I’m sorry. What was that?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. I just need a little time today. I’m having a bad day. Did you need something?”
“No. You take all the time you need. Misha is coming by to see me and Uri. He’s bringing Sammy along. I’ll be with them.”
I pop my head up at the mention of Ellen Mairettie’s son. I still remember how she said I would be instrumental in his life. I desperately want to do all I can to repay his mother for her words of caution.
Had it not been for his mother, he wouldn’t be alive, nor would his father. I like Sam Mairettie. It would have been a mistake to take his life. I am sure of that now.
“I am fine. I would like to see the boy. Will Milanie be with them? Is she well?”
“Uri didn’t say, but I don’t believe so. Apparently, Sammy is having a bad day too. No one could calm him down at the house.
“Misha and Uri have some business to talk about. He’s bringing the kid with him. That’s all I know for now. What can I do to help you?”
“I will go play for a little while. Please let me know when they arrive.”
Michael closes the distance between us and pulls me into his arms. I relax a bit just from being in his embrace. I inhale deeply, taking in his intoxicating scent.
“I love you. Whatever has you unsettled, if I can do anything about it, let me know. Whatever you need, I am here,” he says and kisses my forehead.
I look up at him and smile, making sure to look him in the eyes so he can see I’m already feeling better. Michael likes it when I give him my eyes. I try to when I’m aware and able to.
“Thank you. You have done more than you know already.”
He turns to leave, and I go to head to the piano room. Something about knowing Sammy will be here has shifted my mood. If he’s having a bad day, maybe I can help.
Michael
I leave the sitting room in our wing of the house, where I’d found Symphony sitting by herself. I knew something was off when I didn’t find her with Val and the children. Sim loves spending time with them.
The children love her as well. I expected to find her hanging out with them and Val when I first went in search of her. When I did find her, I was concerned to find her staring into space while popping her wristband and making that chewing sound with her mouth.
I believe she’s been struggling with Ellen’s death. They didn’t know each other for long as friends but I know Ellen was the woman Sim met at the charity event who gave her the warning for my life.
“Hello,” I say into my phone after it rings, pulling me out of my concerned thoughts about my wife.
“Michael?”
“Julissa? What’s going on?”
“I think I’m being followed. I didn’t want to bother you, but I don’t know what else to do.”
I pause in my tracks. I did tell her to call if she ever needed me. If she were ever in danger.
“For how long?” I bite out.
“I thought I was being paranoid at first, but it’s been about three weeks I believe.”
I think fast. Symphony is having a bad day. I’m not about to tell her I’m running off to help the same woman she threatened to kill and I’m not going to help Julissa without telling my wife.