In Silence

“People are looking for you.”

She nodded and turned back to the fireman. “John, I’d like to talk to you more about this. Could I give you a call, set up something?”

He shifted his gaze, obviously uncomfortable. “Sure, but I don’t know what I could tell you that would—”

“Just for me,” she said quickly. “For closure.”

“I guess. You can reach me through the dispatcher.”

She thanked him, turned and crossed to where Matt and Cherry waited.

“Ms. Chauvin?” She stopped and glanced back at the fireman. “You might want to call Ben Mitchell, at the state fire marshal’s office in Baton Rouge. He could tell you a lot more than I can.”

“Thanks, John. I’ll do that.”

“What was that all about?” Cherry asked.

“Nothing. I needed some air.”

Cherry frowned slightly and glanced over her shoulder, obviously annoyed with her answer. “Jill Landry married him. You remember Jill? Met him through her sister, in Jackson.”

“He seems like a nice guy.”

“I guess.”

Avery stopped and looked at the other woman. “Are you trying to tell me something, Cherry?”

“No. I just thought you should know … he’s not from around here, Avery.”

“He found Dad,” she said sharply. “I was asking him about it. Is that okay with you?”

“I didn’t mean anything—” She glanced from Avery to her brother, expression wounded. “I just … I’m worried about you, that’s all.”

“I’m a big girl, Cherry. I don’t need protecting.”

“I see that.” Color flooded her cheeks. “I won’t make that mistake again. Excuse me.”

“She was only trying to be your friend,” Matt said softly, tone reproachful. “She cares about you. We all do.”

Avery swore softly. “I know. I just reacted.”

Matt laid a hand on her arm. “I understand. Just don’t—” He paused.

“What?”

“You’re hurting. I’m sympathetic to that. We all are. But don’t push us away, Avery. We love you.”

She swallowed hard, eyes burning. He was right. Alienating the people who cared about her would do nothing but leave her more alone than she already was.

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