Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 20 - Be On My Side

While hugging his wife, Kyle glanced in the direction of the living area across the dining room from the open kitchen and saw all electronic devices were set low. Music flowed from Alicia's various small stereo pieces on the walls in each area. A soft glow cast across the dining table from the lit candles in the centerpieces.

Alicia had stolen his heart since the first time he laid eyes on her at a local skating rink. They attended high school the next year and his feelings have only intensified every day since. Alicia turned and gave him a kiss as electrifying as the first time then turned back to stir the gravy.

"You smell great, so does the food." Kyle said as he nuzzled into Alicia's neck.

"I love you more than anyone I know." Alicia giggled.

Kyle kissed her on the cheek then grabbed the wine and started pouring two glasses while he stayed out of Alicia's way.

"Have a seat, dinner's ready then I have to get to work for tomorrow's party." Alicia said rushing around.

"Where are the kids?" Kyle asked staring at the only two place settings.

"You just missed them. They're at Bryce Jensen's house for a New Year's party. They will be home before long. Jake didn't want to stay out late so he can leave early to get skiing in. I just hope Stacy doesn't want to either because she is supposed to work off shoe shopping tomorrow at the party for her trip."

Kyle made a face and Alicia touched his hand and laughed. He knew it wasn't the shoes he made a face over.

"I have Emily coming over early to help us set up. I also invited the staff that is setting up for the wedding to help and get a feel of the bride as they discuss details. That way the bride will trust in their expertise. The staff gets along with everyone, so it will be a great mix of speed and comfort when setting up the wedding because of the familiarity. Nancy's been my friend for so long, I just can't believe her daughter is getting married already. That tells us that Stacy isn't too far behind." Alicia said. Kyle caught her last sentence with anxiety.

Kyle immediately held his hand up to stop her from continuing. Alicia laughed hard from this topic and the effects from the wine. It was a sensitive topic for Kyle and he would rather not discuss it until he had to.

While Alicia recounted the activities of their friends' strange little needs for the desire to be on top of the list of most fabulous wedding of the century, Kyle blanked his mind of the death of Jolene the best he could. He focused on listening to a more perfect plan of pretty that Alicia presented. She made him laugh as she spoke of her gentle manipulations to make her customers and their families get along, so decisions could be made quickly. It amazed him how her mind worked. He still believed she was a witch.

"How's work?" Alicia asked. She knew that he could only give her a couple of details as they weren't allowed to discuss cases. However, this was a small town and with Alicia in the city's public eye, everyone knew she was married to a detective. That put her in danger on an occasion or two. He only told her what was necessary, so she wouldn't be defenseless.

"Today was a rough day." Kyle wasn't ready to tell Alicia that Jolene was an exact replica of an older version of Stacy, but he didn't want Stacy to leave either.

"I'm telling you Alicia, I don't like that Stacy is going on a trip right now. I think this murder is different, as if we have unrelated cases, maybe even a copycat, and it is right in our back yard. Stacy will be following the trail that these murders lie on. I don't like it." Kyle said carefully.

"I'm worried too but she won't be alone. Haven't the women that all have been killed been alone?" Alicia asked. He knew some of the details about the cases she got through social media. She sometimes kept an eye out for people talking online about the cases she'd seen in a more personal format. Kyle appreciated that since he didn't have the time allotted for gossip. He did however investigate leads Alicia provided him if they didn't sound like opinions. That was how they got two of the girls' names who were in the West Coast Runaways chain of murders.