Shots in the Dark by Allyson K Abbott Page A

and gave me a hug, rocking us both gently. When she finally let me go, she sandwiched my face between her hands and looked me in the eye. “It will come with time, Mack, I promise. Of course you miss your father. He was the primary influence in your life, the one constant that was always there. And he was your only family. Now you have a temporary, makeshift family, an eclectic group of crime-solving misfits who love what they do and love you. Use us as much as you need to until you figure out where your head is at and which direction you want to go in. Once you know that, you’ll be able to start your own family. Until then, I and the others are here for you.”
    My throat was tight with emotion, making me unable to speak. So I simply nodded instead.
    Cora leaned forward and kissed me on the forehead. Then she released my face. I swiped at the tears on my cheeks and smiled at her.
    â€œYou know,” she said, “I don’t have any family close by, either. I have a brother who lives out in California that I haven’t seen in eight years. I get one of those Christmas newsletter things every year to keep me up to date on how he and his family are doing, but otherwise I never hear from him. My father died fifteen years ago, and my mother remarried a few years later and moved to Florida. We talk on the phone from time to time, but when it comes to day-to-day stuff, I don’t have anyone. I’m forty-three years old, I’ve never married, never had any kids, and for the most part, my business has been my life. That’s probably why it’s been so successful. Aside from a dozen or so romantic entanglements, I’ve never had anything to distract my focus. All my time and energy have gone into my business.”
    â€œDo you ever regret not marrying and having a family of your own?”
    â€œAt times,” she said. “But deep down inside I know I’d make a lousy mother or wife. I bore too easily, and I value my freedom too much. And over the years I’ve learned that the definition of family stretches a lot. Between my friends and my lovers, my emotional needs are met just fine.” She paused and smiled. “You’ve been a key part of that.”
    â€œMe? How?”
    â€œMy brother and I never got along very well, even as kids. We were so different in every way, and the five years of age difference was just enough to keep us from ever bonding well. I used to wish I had a sister, and I did what I could to fill that need with female friends. But I never got that close to any of them. I’ve always related better to men than women, and not just on a sexual basis. My personality just tends to mesh better with men. But you’re different. With you, I feel like I’ve finally found the sister I never had.”
    â€œThat feeling is mutual,” I said, flashing a grateful smile. We hugged again, and when we were done, I changed the subject. “I went down to the Public Market earlier today. I found the vendor who got that last letter from the letter writer.”
    Cora’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I thought Duncan had already talked to the vendors down there.”
    â€œHe did, but he did it as part of the official investigation into Gary’s murder. Since Gary’s body was found in the Public Market parking lot, it allowed Duncan to talk to folks there without appearing to be involved with me or my interests in the place. He said he asked if anyone had received any unusual notes, mail, or packages, and everyone said no. But I think the fact that his inquiries were official and attached to a murder investigation made people afraid to fess up.”
    â€œWho was it? And are you going to tell the cops about it? Do you think you’ll get into trouble if they find out you went down there and questioned people on your own? The cops have been giving all of us the third degree regarding Gary’s murder, and it’s been made