Chapter 11

"I'm fine." Hez took a sip of the rich black brew. "As fine as I can be, anyway."

"Yep." Hez drew in a deep breath, and the scent of fresh beignets from the restaurant below reminded him that he hadn't eaten. "I'm going to grab a little breakfast and then go for a long run, with a stop at Ella's grave. Then errands and paperwork for the rest of the day. I've got a to-do list a foot long."

"Sounds like a plan." Jimmy paused. "Are you going to be on your own?"

"Yeah. Blake is tied up today."

Jimmy was silent for a moment. "Wish I could be there. I'll give you a call later. And I'll be praying for you."

As he ran, Ella filled his thoughts. He shied away from memories of her death, making himself focus on her all-too-short life. She'd been a carbon copy of Savannah, except that she had his blue eyes—which had been gorgeous on her. They sparkled when she laughed, which she did often, especially after they brought home Marley as a puppy. The two of them had been best friends. If only Hez had paid attention when Marley started barking that day, maybe...

He ran to the hilltop and the scene came into view. Savannah and Jess, standing in bright sunlight at Ella's grave. Savannah's back was to him, her shoulders heaving with grief. Jess had her arm around her sister, comforting her. He took a step forward into the light, instinctively wanting to comfort his wife.

Ella's eyes had the exact same empty stare when he pulled her body from that pool.

He needed cayenne pepper and a few other items for the bisque. His wallet was back in the condo, but Publix had Apple Pay, so he could just use his watch. He spotted a store off the path and headed for it. Hopefully, he wouldn't see anyone he knew.

He hesitated. "I have work to do, babe. This brief is due on Monday."

She pressed her lips together. "You always have work to do. It's the weekend, and she needs some time with her daddy."

"I was going to take her to the park when this is done."

"Take her now. I won't be gone long."

Hez went back to his home office and left the door ajar—enough so he'd hear what was going on, but the movie wouldn't distract him. He soon lost himself in the brief, honing his argument that the other side had misinterpreted a key statute. If he could just convince the judge on this point, everything else would fall into place. It was a nuanced issue, so he needed to word this section exactly right.

"Ella?"

No answer.

"Ella?" he called in a louder voice as he walked down the hall.

Still no answer.

The first little wave of fear rippled through him. "Ella!"

And in the pool itself, Ella floated face down. Her golden hair spread out around her little head like a halo.

The rest of the day had been a blur. Scattered memories cut through him like glass shards—the sirens, the EMTs, Savannah's screams when she came home, the grocery bags she dropped on the kitchen floor. The only thing he clearly remembered was fighting over the candy. He yelled at Savannah for leaving it where Ella could see it from inside, and she yelled back that he must have done it. It was the first skirmish in his losing war against guilt.

"Mr.Webster," a vaguely familiar voice said, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"I just wanted to let you know I checked them out."

Hez blinked. "Checked out... what?"

"The pieces for my book. The ones you and Savannah came to see me about."

"Oh, uh, yes. Thank you."

He went straight to his condo, where he grabbed his phone from its charger and called Jimmy.

Jimmy picked up on the first ring. "Hi, Hez. You okay?"

"No. No, I'm not." Hez recounted everything that had happened since he walked into the cemetery.

Jimmy whistled. "Man, that's rough. Wow. When was the last time you prayed the Serenity Prayer?"

"The last time we were at a meeting together."

"It's a long drive."

"Yeah, perfect for listening to a book I just downloaded."

"I don't know, Jimmy. I—"

Hez managed a chuckle. "Thanks, Jimmy. I really appreciate it."

He ended the call and went out on the balcony. Pelican Harbor's bustling little French Quarter spread out below him. His shaky breathing became even, and a light breeze cooled his face, bringing the scent of beignets and the faint strains of jazz.