Perfect Storm: A Murder Mystery

Chapter 20. A Missing Piece

The kitchen of the guest house was bathed in bright sunlight, mirroring Ann's cheerful mood. She gracefully danced around the table, placing plates of steaming pancakes before Marie.

Marie picked up her dessert fork and gave Ann an attentive look. "I can tell your time with Theo went well."

Ann's smile persisted despite her words. "Not exactly, but now that the investigation is over, it means –"

"You two can start dating," Marie interrupted, her smile widening. "So, have you two already slept together?"

Ann froze in her tracks. Last night, Theo had restrained their intimate moments with passionate kisses. He had explained that he was concerned about Ann's recovery from her magic overuse. "We've decided to take things slowly."

"Ah, I see. Just let me know if you need the Prevention drops."

Ann furrowed her brow, glancing over her shoulder to ensure Theo wasn't within earshot. "The drops for... preventing pregnancy?"

"Exactly."

"Aren't you in trouble because of them?" Ann asked, her question bringing back the memory of yesterday when Theo had been on the verge of arresting her. Amidst everything Ann had experienced, she had forgotten to inquire about Marie's well-being.

"No, not at all." Marie finished her pancake and wiped her hands with a napkin. "Following your advice, I spoke to Elajio last night. But this time, I remained calm throughout the conversation."

"How did it go? Tell me everything," Ann said, settling into a chair and resting her chin on her palm, eager to listen.

"I won't deny that it was difficult," Marie let out a sigh. "At first, I wanted to yell at him because I felt terrible after Theo nearly arrested me. But then I remembered that I had argued with Elajio countless times before, and it never got us anywhere. So, I sat down and explained that I started taking these drops because I wanted a year or two to adjust to my role as a teacher. After that, I would love to have a child with him. However, by then, I would have developed a comprehensive educational program for our child and others in our town. It would give me more confidence in our child's future."

"That's a wise point," Ann remarked. "So, what did he say?"

"He admitted that he became scared when he discovered the half-empty bottle and assumed I was keeping this secret from him. He believed that I never loved him and never wanted a family."

"But that's absurd."

Marie's smile grew wider. "Love is often absurd. It fills you with worry for the person you love, yet you're willing to sacrifice everything to protect them. As it turns out, he did the same. When he learned that Theo might apprehend me, he alerted the doctor, despite all our disagreements."

Ann nodded, understanding the depth of these words. Yesterday, Ann had pushed her Gift to its limits because of Theo, and she would do it again in a heartbeat.

"What about you?" Marie inquired. "If you're seriously considering my offer with the Prevention drops, it's clear you have strong feelings for him!"

"I do," she admitted. "But I'm not sure if we can have any kind of relationship. Theo will be leaving today, and I don't know if it's worth discussing this with him."

Theo entered the kitchen and positioned himself behind Ann. "We can discuss anything, sunshine," he whispered, leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. Her hair carried the scent of summer sweetness and fresh wind, making him wish he could stay in this house forever.