Page 205 of Devil’s Disciples

When we finally decided to retire for the night, Erin walked me to the living room while Cash carried our things to the bedroom.

She placed her hand on my shoulder. “He called me one night in tears when you were apart,” she said. “His heart was broken.”

I didn’t know that he’d even told her. I felt terrible. Before I could tell her my fear of losing him was all that caused it, she gave me a hug.

“I told him, your feet will bring you where your heart is.” She kissed me on the cheek and then looked me over. “And, look where they took him.”

She turned away. “Sleep well.”

I smiled. “Thank you. Sweet dreams.”

* * *

We stayed for three wonderful days. I hated the thought of leaving but knew we must. A few hours ahead of a storm, we loaded our gear, and walked out to the motorbike together.

Cash looked up at the darkening sky. “I hope we miss this son-of-a-bitch.”

Erin smiled. “If you don’t, just remember, there’s nothing so bad that it couldn’t be worse.”

I thought about what she said long after we were gone. In fact, I thought about it for most of the trip.

When we arrived home, I missed having her around. I missed the immediate comebacks to Cash’s smart mouth, her Irish accent, and her Irish sayings that seemed to solve all of my problems and worries.

“When can we go back and visit your mother?” I asked as I unpacked my bag.

“Whenever you want.”

“Before summer’s over?”

“Sure.”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

Upon reaching the bottom of the bag, I found a folded sheet of paper. Knowing I didn’t put it there, I unfolded it, wondering what it was, and how it got there. A few sentences were hand-written in a beautiful cursive script.

Kimberly,

I’m so sorry about your parents. I though this might help. Give it some thought.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Erin

I folded the piece of paper and closed my eyes.

Thank you.

80

Cash

As soon as we walked through the door, I fell in love. There were only two bedrooms, but the living room was humongous, and the rear of the home was all glass – giving a great view of the ocean from anywhere in the living room or kitchen. There was no room for a family, but it would be perfect for us and one guest – or entertaining. The home was in the perfect spot – in Point Loma, within walking distance of Sunset Cliffs.

The realtor walked into the kitchen and picked up the spec sheet from the countertop. “Let’s see. Twenty-six hundred square feet, two bedrooms, two full baths, and the owner will pay half the closing costs. Beach view, and a two-car garage. It’s tough to get a garage, so that’s an added bonus.”

“Let us look around,” Cash said.