20. Nikoli

As he leaves the kitchen,Dodge holds a fresh ice pack to his face. Empty pizza boxes sit in the middle of the wooden kitchen table. I know I"m tired, and Willow must be, too. Her brother hides a yawn behind his hand as he leans back in the chair. Rhodes and Rosie are talking quietly across from where I sit with Willow.

We entered the house after Sarah was taken away. We gave our statements to the detectives and Gabe ordered pizza while Willow prepared rooms for Dodge, Rhodes and Rosie.

It"s been a long night, but Willow and her brother have had it especially hard. I spoke briefly with Grams to let her know the outcome of tonight"s adventure. I also told her what Sarah said about Harold. Cross is also aware of this.

"I think we should call it a night," I say.

The others groan. Rhodes and Rosie are the first to move. "See you in the morning," Rhodes says, leading a tired Rosie out of the room.

"I want to have a memorial service for Dad," Willow says to her brother. "At his graveside. Just for us."

I swallow hard, wondering if she is including me. My heart calms a moment later when her hand rests on my thigh. She turns to meet my gaze. "You are included in any plans that involve me, Nikoli."

I brush my fingers across her jaw. "I"ll stay as long as I can, but you know I"m committed to Boston."

Tears well up in her eyes as she nods. "I know." She smiles. "I have a job there. Who"s going to keep Agatha Christie in line if I don"t come back?"

"What are you talking about?" Gabe asks.

Willow wipes her eyes and rests her elbows on the table, facing her brother. "Nikoli"s grandmother is a resident of Evergreen, a care facility in Boston. Martha Southern and her friends enjoy a good investigation. They enjoy diagnoses murder, and I"m sure Martha thinks of herself as Agatha Christie."

I look at Gabe and see resignation in his eyes. "You"re leaving?"

Willow reaches out and takes his hand. "I"m in love with Nikoli. He can"t leave Boston. I wouldn"t ask him to. My home now will be wherever Nikoli is, but here with you will also be my safe haven." She leans in to kiss his knuckles. "I"m not going back right away. We have things to work out here, and I want to spend time with you. In fact, I think you should come with me to Boston."

Gabe looks at me. "I"ll take care of her, and as Willow suggested, you can come back with her. I have a guest room. It"s yours whenever and for as long as you like."

After a short pause, Gabe removes his hands from his sisters' grip, and offers a hand for me to shake. "I think I"ll take you up on that."

Willow bursts into tears before jumping at her brother, who catches her.