Chapter Three
her eyes glittered with moisture. Oh, Matt. You cant blame yourself for her death.
Sure, I can. And so do plenty of other people. Matt swallowed hard, choking on the bitterness and grief that swelled in his throat.
False presumptions she murmured.
Matt nodded. He fisted his hands and stepped back.
Why had he said anything? He hadnt wanted to spoil the camaraderie theyd shared this afternoon. But shed asked the one question hed hoped she wouldnt, and he wouldnt lie to her. Even if he didnt tell her the whole truth, the whole sordid story, he owed her an honest answer in return for her kindness.
The endearing pink flush that had stained Hollys cheeks since hed come downstairs from his shower now drained from her face, leaving her complexion wan and bleak. Matt hated the sadness and turmoil that crept into her green eyes. His explanation, vague as it was, cast a pall over the friendly meal hed hoped to share with Holly before going back to town. Hed been looking forward to sharing her company for a couple hours, free of the suspicion and guilt that still dogged him.
The strident ringing of her telephone startled them both out of the morose and awkward moment hed allowed them to get mired in.
Holly sidled past him. Excuse me. I should answer that.
Matt scrubbed a hand over his face and shook off the haunting memories, the sights and sounds of those dark days after he found Jills body in his study.
With a shudder, he shifted his thoughts to Hollys invitation to dinner. Keep it light. Keep it casual. Then get out.
Holly answered the rotary-dial wall phone and tucked it under her ear.
Oh, hi, Jana, Holly said, sending him an apologetic look and holding up a finger as she mouthed, Just a minute.
He waved off her concern and strode over to the salad shed been fixing to continue chopping vegetables.
Thanks, but I have plans tonight. I have company for dinner, then I need to make another quick trip to town. It was an impromptu thingNo, I dont think you know him. She flicked a self-conscious glance toward him and nibbled her lip. Its nothing like that. Dont get any ideas. NoI
The pink stain returned to her cheeks, and Matt acknowledged again how attractive Holly was. But as lovely as her face and physique were, what really caught Matts attention was the sparkle in her green eyes, the glow in her cheeks, the joie de vivre that radiated from herin spite of her tragic loss.
Her bright disposition was contagious. Being around her, Matt found it easier to be optimistic about his future, and he grew more determined to set his life back on an upward trajectory.
Holly finished her call and pressed a hand to her still-flushed cheek. That was my husbands sister inviting me over for the evening. She curled her lips in an embarrassed grin. I think the idea that Id made my own plans for Halloween night shocked her. Ryans family has been wonderful about looking out for me since his death, but they seem surprised whenever I make steps toward moving on with my life.
He acknowledged her with a smile, then dragged a hand along his jaw, hesitating. Would it be rude of me to ask how your husband died?
No, its a legitimate question. She inhaled deeply as she met his eyes. He was murdered.
Matts pulse tripped. Hed expected anything but that. Cancer. A car accident. Even suicide like Jill. But murder?
Im so sorry. That had to have been such a shock.
She pressed her lips in a taut line, nodding as she turned toward the counter.
Have they caught the person responsible? he asked, hoping he wasnt pushing a touchy subject.
Holly lifted the lid from the Crock-Pot to stir the chili, then paused and shook her head. No.
Sympathy speared his chest along with pain, honed razorsharp by his own losses. I havent given up hope that his murderer will be caught one day, but Im slowly coming to terms with the fact that we may never know what really happened. The best the police can figure is he was killed by a mugger who stole his shoes, his wallet and his watch.
Matts gut tightened.
Where did you get that watch?
Flipping his wrist, he extended his arm. A watch like this one, I take it.
She glanced up from stirring their dinner, and the color drained from her sculpted cheeks. Iwell, yes.
Without hesitation, he unfastened the clasp and turned the timepiece over, offering it to Holly. My wife inscribed mine. You can look if you want.
She frowned and shook her head. No, II believe you. You dont have to prove anything to me.
He sighed and squeezed his wifes gift in his fist. I just wanted to alleviate any doubt you had.
Holly bit her bottom lip and, after a brief hesitation, took the watch from him. To Matt with all my love, Jill, she read aloud. She turned the watch over and stared at it with moisture puddling in her eyes. Its lovely. I know how much you must treasure it.
He nodded as she handed the timepiece back. Its very important to me.
Primarily as a reminder to him of how hed failed Jill.
How hed neglected her because of his work. How hed taken her for granted. How hed let her slip into a deep depression without him noticing.