Once in Every Life

Savannah and Katie were crouched on either side of the path, planting more roses.

Tess reached up and rang the supper bell. The clanging, metallic sound vibrated on the air. "Come on, y'all. It's time for supper."

Jack looked up and gave her a smile. "Thank God." He waved her over. "Come here."

Katie popped to her feet. "Look at what we did!"

Tess smiled happily and moved down the steps. "It's perfect. I love it."

"Come here," Jack said, pushing to his feet. "I have something for you."

Tess stopped in front of him. "What is it?"

"Close your eyes."

"Okay."

Something airy and nearly weightless settled on the top of her head.

"Aw, shit," he cursed. "Don't move."

Tess smothered a laugh.

"You can open your eyes now."

Tess blinked up at him. "What is it?"

"A dandelion crown. I made it myself."

Tess felt as if she'd been given the crown jewels of England. She smiled up at him.

Jack leaned down to give her a kiss.

"Look, Daddy!" Katie yelled. "Miz Hannah's runnin' over here."

Jack pulled back. Turning, he saw Minerva run through the fields toward them. As he watched her, a chilling sense of apprehension skittered up his spine. He tensed, breathing heavily, his hands coiled into fists at his side. Something was wrong.

By the time Minerva Hannah reached them, she was

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pale and out of breath. "Thank ... God ... you're ... here," she panted, clutching her side.

"What is it?" Jack asked.

"Henry and Selina Dwyer have been murdered. The Terrells found their bodies this morning, but it looks like they've been dead since yesterday."

Yesterday. The word hit Jack like a punch to the lungs. Horror crept through his body in an ice-cold river.

Yesterday. Exactly when he'd been wandering the island in a blackout.

The sickness in his stomach intensified, turned his in-sides into a burning, twisting coil of terror. Where had he been? Where the hell had he been? And what in God's name had he done?

"I must go now," Minerva said shakily. "There's a meeting down at the schoolhouse to discuss it. I figured you'd want to go."

Lissa gave her a quick hug. "I understand. We'll see you there."

Tears glistened in Minerva's eyes as she nodded. "Thanks." Then she turned and hurried back toward her farm.