Jane Doe's Return by Jen Talty Page B

around the bay near the village,” Jessica answered. Excitement danced in her soft gold eyes.
    “I’ve never been to a dance or on the Minnie Ha Ha ,” Shauna said.
    “What about the prom? I can’t believe you didn’t go to your prom,” Travis said, placing his fork on his plate.
    She looked around the room feeling all the eyes on her. Why did the prom mean so much to some people anyway? “Not a big deal.” She shrugged.
    “I won’t believe that no one asked you.” Kim said, looking shocked.
    “I wasn’t really into it,” Shauna replied.
    “Na-huh, no way. Someone had to ask you. You are way too hot—um, I mean pretty,” Kirk said, while his face turned three shades of red.
    “Thanks.” Shauna smiled. “But no one asked and I wasn’t interested.”
    “Girls ask boys to dances all the time,” Jessica added, looking into her plate.
    “Not a lady.” Rita patted Jessica, who sat up
    straighter.
    “Ladies can ask,” Kim added, with squinted eyes. “We don’t live in the dark ages anymore.”
    “I still don’t think young girls should be so forward.” Rita gave the squint back, but smiled playfully.
    “And that’s why Grandma asked me to the formal, long before we started going steady.”
    “I most certainly did not.” Rita narrowed her eyes.
    Out of the blue, Shauna wanted more than what she’d had most of her life. Now that she had her dream career, it seemed she wanted more. She didn’t want to feel alone anymore, except until now, she hadn’t realized she felt lonely. Her therapist used to argue with her about her inability to form meaningful relationships. Of course, Shauna had always replied that she got enough meaning out of her relationships with her fellow agents in training.
    “She also told me that she might say yes, if I asked her to marry me.” John stood, helping Rita clear the table.
    Shauna watched everyone roll their eyes, including Travis.
    “How can you tell such fibs?” Rita swatted her husband’s arm. “I mean, really. I would never.”
    John whispered something in Rita’s ear.
    She giggled.
    A few minutes later, Shauna found herself alone in the large family room. She took in a deep breath, taking in all the scents from dinner and dessert realizing she’d never smelled anything so wonderful in her life. Being here, with his family, made her heart flutter, skipping beats, knowing this was how life should be.
    However, her life could never be like this.
    Even if she did find her attacker, she’d never have this. There would always be another attacker. Another rapist to catch. Another murder to solve. Another victim to help.
    She held up a picture of Marie and Travis. Tears fought to break free, but she wouldn’t let them drop. She’d get though this without falling apart. Her life depended upon it.
     
    ****
     
    Travis watched Shauna interact with his family with a degree of sadness. She seemed withdrawn and he wondered how much of her life had been spent having to fight. No one should be alone in the world. Then again, the last few years he’d gotten used to being by himself. However, no matter how distant he got, he could always come home. Funny how someone can make you rethink things.
    Travis followed Bill down to the dock. The boat needed to be cleaned and battened down for the night. Somehow, no matter who used the fishing boat, Travis and Bill always had to take care of it.
    “You’re in big trouble, little brother,” Bill said as he gathered up the fishing tackle.
    “What are you babbling about?” As if Travis didn’t know. When it came to women, he’d always been such an easy read. Not a single crush went by unnoticed, or without mega family teasing.
    “That’s one damn good-looking woman.”
    “She’s smart, too.” Travis hooked his finger with a fishing lure. “Shit.” The blood dripped to the dock.
    “Oh, big trouble. Especially since Mom is on the prowl again. She wanted me to fix you up with the new gym teacher.” Bill tossed him a