I grip Deklan’s fingers tightly, and he reaches over to rub at the back of my wrist. I place my head against his shoulder, suddenly exhausted though it can’t be much past noon.
“I think she’s had enough for one day,” Miss Jolly says.
“Agreed.”
“Make sure she gets some rest. She should eat and drink plenty of water, too. It will help.”
“I’ll make sure.”
Miss Jolly gives me a quick hug and says she’ll call with an appointment time in a couple of days. Deklan shakes her hand, and we head for the door.
“Deklan?”
He stops and turns to face Miss Jolly.
“I’ve seen the reports,” she says. “The police found the boat where they suspect Kera was held. I’ve heard about what was found there.”
“And?”
Miss Jolly’s eyes narrow. She sets her jaw and stares intently at my husband for a long moment. They seem to be having a conversation with their eyes, and I don’t know what to make of it.
“And,” she finally says, “I have no problem with what I’ve heard.”
“Good.” Deklan takes my arm and leads me out the door.
I toy with the idea of asking him what that was all about, but I consider that there are some details I don’t really want to hear. Deklan’s explanation is plenty for me at this point. Besides, there is something else I want to address with my husband.
“You knew the whole time.” I turn toward him as he drives us out of the parking lot and back toward the motel.
“The new apartment should be ready tomorrow morning,” Deklan says casually.
“Do not do that!” I can’t help but snap at him. “Do not change the subject—not after I just went through all that!”
Deklan presses his lips together and grips the steering wheel.
“You’ve never asked me for oral sex,” I say. “You’ve never even hinted at it. That didn’t even occur to me until just now.”
“I never will, either.” He looks over at me, but I can’t understand the expression in his eyes.
“Don’t you like it?”
“Not the point.” His stare is intense.
I want to press the issue, but I have no idea what I want to communicate. The thought of even trying it brings the taste of bile into the back of my throat. Maybe I should let this one go.
“I didn’t remember anything about the creepy guy—Charlie.” It’s not a complete change of subject, but Deklan’s eyes soften a little. “Maybe he wasn’t a part of it.”
“He was.” The assuredness of Deklan’s words brings goosebumps to my skin.
“You still aren’t telling me something.”
“That shrink said you’ve had enough for one day,” he says, but he doesn’t deny it. “It can wait until later.”
“No,” I tell him. “I said before—I want to remember everything. I also want to know everything that you know. You can’t hold back on me, Deklan, not when it comes to this.”
He taps a finger against the steering wheel as he ponders. After glancing at me several times, he finally agrees.
“After we get to the motel, and you have had a full meal, I’ll tell you what I’ve figured out.”