Perfect Night (Mason Creek)

“Thank you for coming,” I said in his ear.

He put his forehead to mine. “Always.”

I angled my head back before pressing my lips to his in a quick kiss. I didn’t bother to survey anyone around me. I guided him to the back and into the office. Once seated, I turned the computer in his direction. “I don’t think I can look.”

There was tenderness in his expression toward me that made me fall a little harder for him as he clicked some keys. I watched his eyes move as he read the information.

After a few minutes, I said, “Well?”

He took in a deep breath before he answered. “Manner of death is listed as homicide.”

Air in my lungs became trapped as I didn’t know how to feel.

“Cause of death is listed as an acute subdural hematoma.”

“What does that mean?” I asked, hoping Dad hadn’t suffered.

“I think it’s a brain bleed. But we should call. There is a phone number listed.”

Aiden brought out his phone and dialed, putting it on speaker.

The medical examiner from the private forensic lab I’d hired answered the phone.

“This is Aiden Faulkner and Emma Hawkins. We are calling about the autopsy results for Doug Hawkins,” he said.

“Ah yes. I can schedule a time to go over the results with you in person, but I have a few minutes now.”

I found my voice and said, “Can you give a general explanation of your results without all the medical terms.”

“I assume that is you, Ms. Hawkins.”

“It is.”

“I have your permission to discuss this with Mr. Faulkner present?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Well, in general terms, it is my medical opinion your father died as a result of a fall on a hard surface which created a hematoma. A hematoma is a brain bleed where the blood is trapped between the skull and the brain tissue. This causes pressure and, in this case, when not relieved causes death.”

Aiden spoke. “You listed manner of death as homicide.”

“Yes. Under the microscope, I was able to see signs of a leucocyte reaction on the face.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Basically, an early indication of a recent bruise to the face. Such signs can be detected shortly after the impact, which cause it. The bruise would then stop forming after death. My best guess in layman’s terms is that your father was punched which resulted in a hard enough impact with a solid surface to create the brain bleed.”

“Did he suffer?” My voice was weak, and I thought I might have to repeat myself.

“In my opinion, no. Based on the size of the bleed, he probably lost consciousness quickly.”

Tears spilled from my eyes and I let Aiden take over the conversation.

“This is Aiden again. I’m the chief deputy sheriff stationed in Mason Creek. The initial death certificate states he died of natural causes. Based on your findings, we will open a new investigation. I’ll have to have you coordinate with the Coroner’s office to make that change.”

Jessie’s man Miles was the coroner of the county.

“No problem. We do it all the time. We will handle Mr. Hawkins until such time as he can be transferred to the coroner or laid to rest.”

“Thank you,” Aiden said. “I’ll be in touch.”

He ended the call and came over. He scooped me out of the seat and then sat with me on his lap. I cried for the hundredth time and figured I’d cry at least a hundred more before I felt even the slightest relief from Dad’s loss.

I couldn’t tell you how long he held me. At some point, he asked, “Are you going to be okay?” I nodded because I knew he had to get back to work. “I’ll see you at home.”

Home. He’d said it like it was ours. Choked up, I bobbed my head again and managed a small smile. He sat me back on the chair and placed a lingering kiss on my lips.

“I could stay all night,” he said.

“But you need to go and save the world.”

“For you.”

And just like that, I fell even deeper. I wasn’t sure what to call the emotion. But it was far stronger than anything I’d ever felt for Evan.

Chapter 28

Aiden

Leaving her became harder and harder to do. There was no question about how I felt, and I hoped she understood what I meant when I’d told her I’d see her at home. From the moment I’d bought the place, I’d seen her sharing it with me. Some may have considered that cocky. I thought it was determination. My parents always encouraged me to go after what I wanted. I’d wanted Emma for a very long time.

I drove back to the station and sought out the sheriff, who was in his office.

“Do you have a moment?” I asked.

He waved me in, and I waited for his attention to be fully on me before I spoke. “The results are in. The medical examiner from the private autopsy firm Emma hired has ruled Doug Hawkins death as a homicide.”