Chapter 20: The Haunting Past

After I got back from the airport, I snuck out the back and watched Tony’s house from the orchard. There was no sign of activity. His bedroom light was on just as I’d left it.

Three hours later our phone rang. It was my dad. Marissa had arrived in Seattle safe and sound. She was starting to get strung out, so he took her directly to a clinic where she voluntarily admitted herself. My dad told me that the treatment lasted two weeks and during the first week she wasn’t allowed any outside contact. I thanked him profusely.

At six p.m. I drove into work to meet Agent Ferraro, just like I’d promised. Three agents spent over four hours taking pictures of all of the documents I had in my possession relating to Tony’s businesses and personal finances. I was exhausted and went to sleep in a chair until they were finished. Agent Ferraro thanked me and assured me that the U.S. Attorney would have a chat with the District Attorney to get my drug charges dropped.

I don’t remember most of the drive home, but I fell into bed and was asleep in minutes. Mid-morning the next day, I got my gloves and went through the orchard to the back of his house. I had to make sure that he wouldn’t bother us anymore, so I entered his house through the French doors. I prayed that he wasn’t waiting for me with a gun, but the house was eerily quiet. I went upstairs and Tony was lying peacefully in bed. His body was cold. I didn’t hang around but stole back to my house.