dad even though he doesn’t have to be.” She scoffed. “He even gets along with Justin, for the kids. I never knew life could be like this. As you know, I didn’t exactly see it growing up.”
I waited.
“Steve and I went into counseling before we married. I wanted him to know what a mess he was getting by marrying me.” Her gray eyes moistened. “He said he didn’t care. The kids and I were worth weeding through some issues.” She took a deep breath. “Some issues is a kind way to say a lot of BS.
“I had to come to terms with the difference between decisions I made and the ones that were made for me. I tell Julie all the time to make her own choices.
“Anyway, being mean to you, Lorna, was a choice I made. It was wrong.”
“We both came out on the other side.”
“Is that what you came here to hear?”
“No,” I admitted, “but it was nice to hear. I’m happy for you, Anna. I really am. The reason we came is that I have a few questions. Do you see or did you see...” I wasn’t certain how to title Gordon Maples.
“My father” —Anna took a breath— “and Julie’s father.” While I knew that was the case, I didn’t respond. “I haven’t seen him since Julie turned ten.” Sitting taller, she swallowed. “I wouldn’t let him be around her.” Anna stood. “I’m sorry. May I get you two anything? This isn’t an easy subject. I’m being honest because I know you know the truth.”
I nodded. “I’m not trying to bring up old memories. It’s the more recent past I’m interested in.”
Anna nodded, taking her seat again.
“So how long has it been...what? Eight years?”
“Longer. It was back when we first began to work together. I still hadn’t come to terms with everything, but I knew I had a responsibility to my daughter.”
My lips pursed. “I’d say that makes you a good mother. And with that timetable, I don’t believe you’ll be able to help me.”
“What did you want to know?”
“We have reason to believe my mother returned to your father’s house in the recent past. I wondered why. I also was recently told that my mother had received payments. I can’t ask her, and I am grasping at straws.”
“I never saw Nancy, but Zella told me she was there.”
“You were in contact with Zella?” Reid asked.
“Am, I guess.” Anna shrugged. “I haven’t heard from her in a couple weeks. I’m afraid she got messed up in whatever happened with our father. The police said that drugs were found. It doesn’t take a genius to assume our dad tried to skim from someone who didn’t like the idea. I know it sounds terrible, but when I was told he was dead, it was more of a relief than a shock. Until Julie turned eighteen, I was always afraid he’d try to claim custody. I think even Zella will agree we’re better off without him. That is, if she gets and stays clean. She and little Gordy can have a better life. I know that for a fact.”
“Maybe Zella could answer my questions,” I said, knowing that wasn’t possible.
“Don’t take this wrong, Lorna,” Anna replied, “but she wouldn’t give you answers even if she could. Zella and I took different paths. Our communication is usually spurred by her need for cash or food for little Gordy. When it comes to her, I can’t say no. It’s something I’m working on. It’s also one of the few things Steve is adamant about. He is okay with helping little Gordy, but he does not want drugs around our kids.”
“Do you know if Nancy lived with your father recently?”
Anna nodded. “She was there for a while. I only know what Zella told me and none of it was complimentary. According to her, Nancy didn’t have any money. She still held out that her tried-and-true commodity was of value.”
I nodded. I wasn’t here to defend my mother’s choices.
“Zella also said she had forgetfulness issues.”
“Forgetfulness?” I asked.
“The way Zella talked, Nancy was like one of those highs-and-lows people. One day she’d be real sullen and the next she would rant about all she’d lost and beg for...anything and everything. Given her surroundings, I’m going to assume she was either high, coming down, or looking for more. It’s the cycle.
“Zella never said anything nice about her or anyone.” Anna shrugged. “I wish I could tell you more, but I have the feeling it wasn’t a