Celeste Files: Unlocked by Kristine Mason Page B

Kelly left, Celeste asked, “I thought Kelly said your mom divorced your dad?”
    “She did, after she caught him having an affair.”
    “Are you talking about Dad?” Kelly asked when she returned.
    “Unfortunately.”
    Kelly shook her head and took Avery from Celeste. “Yeah, I think what hurt our mom the most was that the other woman wasn’t any younger than her. I think she could’ve justified the affair if he’d chased after a girl half his age. You know—newer, younger model, and all. But to take up with a woman his own age? That was a slap in the face for her.”
    Which meant the relationship wasn’t just physical, but emotional.
    “He’s an asshole,” Lea said. “And he doesn’t deserve a thing from Mom. I have a hard time believing she’d leave him anything.” She let out a breath. “Sorry, Celeste. It’s been a long day. Thank you again for taking Zoe.” Lea picked up her Coach diaper bag, then turned to Kelly. “I’ll see you inside.”
    When Lea left, Kelly said, “Lea’s never been good with showing her emotions. Instead of being a blubbering mess like me, she shows her sadness through anger.”
    “Everyone deals with their grief differently. I think she has every right to be angry. You just lost your mom, and now it sounds like you two are forced to deal with your father.”
    Kelly shifted Avery to her other hip, then picked up the diaper bag. “Don’t get either of us wrong. It’s not like we don’t love him, we just don’t like how he treated our mom.”
    Unsure what to say, Celeste glanced inside the Jeep and noticed Olivia had taken off her shoes and socks, and was now pulling at the straps of her car seat. “I better get going. Is there anything I can do to help you out tomorrow?”
    “No. I think we’re good, thanks. Since it’s Saturday, Dale will be around if I need to leave.”
    “When is the wake?”
    “Sunday. My mom arranged for one showing, and since she’d chosen to be cremated, the memorial service will be held the next day. The obituary will post later today in case you plan to come.”
    “Of course I’ll be there.” Celeste rested a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Why don’t you let me take Avery to the daycare for you during the wake and funeral?”
    “That’s okay. Lea and I decided to bring the girls with us. Our aunts are coming into town and want to see the babies, so they can help out if they get fussy.”
    “If you change your mind, I’m here for you.”
    Kelly’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.” When Kelly hugged her, Avery latched onto Celeste’s curls. She and Kelly both laughed as Celeste took care of Avery’s iron grip. “You’re a good friend,” Kelly said, and gave her a watery smile. “I really appreciate knowing I have you in my life.”
    After they said their good-byes and Celeste drove home, the guilt returned. Not only was she keeping secrets from her husband, she was trying to discover if her friend’s sister was a murderer. The way Lea had acted outside of Kelly’s townhouse had been genuine. Finding out that Sandra had disliked both of her sons-in-law and the reason why she’d divorced her husband had doubt creeping in and taking root. While it was possible the black aura had belonged to Lea, there had been no mention of murder or of speeding along her mother’s death. Maybe what she’d witnessed had been nothing more than husband and wife not only counting on money, but counting down the days until Sandra died. Although horrible, their conversation in no way made either of them killers. Maybe she was wrong and Sandra had committed suicide after all.
    As she slowed to stop at a red light, her cell phone rang. She checked the caller ID, then quickly answered. After she greeted her dad, she asked, “Well, was Rachel able to find anything?”
    “Does the name and number of not only the private investigator Sandra used to locate her secret daughter, but the daughter herself work?”

Chapter 7

    CELESTE