The Devil's Orchard by Ali Vali Page A

more. That’s how little someone thought of them. Their deaths were meant to put the scent on Cain, and like an idiot, she’d fallen for it.
    Her reaction had ensured the death of her relationship with Muriel and the once-strong tie to Cain. All she had left was Fiona and the team she’d worked with since arriving in the city, but none of them understood the ball of rage that was close to consuming her.
    “Special Agent Phillips.” Carmen, Cain’s housekeeper, folded her hands in front of her.
    “Did you tell her it was important?” Carmen welcomed her every morning and evicted her every afternoon. She was so polite and nice about it, Shelby left without argument whenever Carmen asked.
    “I tell her every day,” Carmen said in a tone that projected pity for her. “But I’m not here to tell you to leave. Ms. Casey said it’s okay for you to go back.”
    Finally, she thought as she followed two steps behind Carmen. She saw Cain at her desk through the open door, and for the first time she was envious. Cain Casey wasn’t simply attractive; she lived by no other code than her own. Every problem she’d ever encountered, she’d dealt with and buried the evidence so deep, no one would find it in this lifetime. How freeing that must be.
    “Shelby,” Cain said as she stood and moved around the desk to take her hand. “I never got the opportunity to offer my condolences on your recent loss. No matter our age we still need our parents, and their loss leaves a profound sadness that seems to cling to us like an oppressive blanket in summer.”
    “Thank you.” When Cain touched her she had to swallow a few times in an effort not to cry. “Thank you for seeing me.”
    “It’s no problem, since Cain understands better than most what you’re going through,” Emma said, and Shelby whipped around at the sound of her voice. She hadn’t counted on Emma’s presence, considering why she was here.
    “Thank you, Emma, and you’re right. Cain is the only one who understands my loss.” She released Cain’s hand and fully faced Emma. “Since we agree, do you mind if I meet with Cain privately?”
    Cain watched Emma’s reaction and almost laughed at the way Emma’s eyes closed to slits. The only way she’d leave the room was if she ordered Lou to hogtie her and drag her out. “Shelby, have a seat.” She pointed to the chair closest to the sofa before taking her place next to Emma. “Trust that whatever you have to say, you’re free to do so in front of Emma.”
    “I’d rather not.”
    “Then this will be a short visit.” The flash of anger that spread across Shelby’s face marred her features and proved to Cain that Shelby still hadn’t cooled off. Someone with this much rage wasn’t in control.
    Shelby stared at her with mouth set in a thin line and, after what appeared to be an internal struggle, finally relented. “I blamed you for my parents. I was so sure.”
    “You don’t have to elaborate on that—we believe you,” Emma said. “Cain has the bruises to prove it.”
    “I’m sorry for what happened to you,” Shelby said sincerely. “The only family I truly have now is an aunt, and my team.”
    “Shelby.” Cain wanted to interrupt Shelby’s run down an emotional road that would get them nowhere. “Had you asked me, I would’ve been honest. But you should’ve considered how important you were to Muriel. I would’ve never hurt you or your family because of that fact alone.”
    “I was important to her.”
    “Muriel wanted more from that relationship than I think you were ready to give.”
    The skin around Shelby’s neck turned bright red as she spoke, and her jugular veins were vivid. “I really don’t need a lecture.”
    “I love Muriel, but I understand your motivations, so this is no lecture. When you examine your life truthfully, you’ll see it’s actually made up of priorities. We work and strive for the things we want most. I won’t dispute that you care for Muriel, but you