Whisper In The Wind

Mrs. Carrington hugged her and ran her crooked fingers over Caitlin's hair. "It's all right. I'm here now. We'll find a way to triumph." She squeezed the woman harder, never wanting to lose this. She needed an older woman in her life.

As they ate breakfast, Mrs. Carrington asked about the cause and the wreckage, to which neither had answers. "What happened, really?"

"I have an idea, but no proof," Garrett said.

"You leave the detective work to the police, young man. Caitlin can't lose you too."

"I'll be fine. Honest."

Rachel pulled Garrett aside, but did not lower her voice. "Look at me?" When Mrs. Carrington had his undivided attention she said, "You do anything to hurt her and you'll answer to me and Marshall. He's not here physically, but his spirit lives on."

Garrett nodded. "I won't hurt, Caitlin, ever."

Rachel touched Caitlin's shoulder and she cringed. "Call if you need anything." Caitlin nodded.

Garrett escorted Rachel outside and Caitlin laid her head on the table. She could not believe what had happened. "I want it to be a nightmare, but I know it's real. Where is Scott with the answers? If he has them, will he share with me?" Caitlin's raspy voice hurt when she talked, but there were words screaming to get out.

"Are you ready?" Garrett asked with keys in hand.

Taking a deep breath Caitlin shook her head. "Yes. No, I'm scared, Garrett. I have to see the place, but the idea of not seeing the house standing frightens me." She took the water bottle Garrett handed her and drank half of it. The cool water soothed her raw throat.

Garrett stepped closer to Caitlin and put his arm around here. She cringed as her shoulder hurt. "I want to tell you it was all a nightmare, but I can't. The flames were real and destructive. I'm sorry. We don't have to do this today."

Caitlin licked her lips and cleared her throat. Would she ever purge her system of the smoke? "We have to go. Why prolong it? It is what it is."