Forbidden With Me - Leigh Lennon Page 0,3
with a necklace for the two of you is wonderful. And don’t worry about writing me. I want you to live your life.
Take care of yourself, sweetie.
Wells Shanahan
When I place her letter on the end table, I retrieve my cell and send a message to the detective on her case. He’s easygoing and not territorial like it’s his case as most would be. When I get the message from him, there’s still nothing new, and I pull out my file I still keep close to me.
Everyone felt the old boyfriend of Annie Strickland was the main suspect, that was everyone but the lead detective and myself. We hadn’t believed in our guts, Smith Turner had done it . I continue to comb through all the information several times until I can’t keep my eyes open for another moment. It’s the only way I would ever put it down after reading Malia’s sweet words.
Five years after the murders
I can sense the large smile broadening on my lips when I receive my third letter from this girl. But she can’t be little, not anymore. She must be in her teens by now and adjusting to her life. I hope she’s happy. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.
Dear Mr. Police Angel,
Can you believe it’s been two years since I’ve written? I still talk about you all the time to my therapist. That best friend I told you about, Briana, is now my sworn enemy. But now I have Georgia, and she’s one feisty redheaded wonder who won’t let anyone mess with me. Her last name is Nancy, Georgia Nancy. I’ve never heard that as a last name. But I think Georgia will forever be my best friend. I hope you see less bad things than before. I want all the good things for you in life, Mr. Police Angel.
I will write you back soon.
Your friend,
Malia Strickland
P.S. I’m still drawing. Enclosed is a picture of my cat on Aunt Mally’s farm.
Dear Malia,
I’m sorry to hear about Briana but am so glad you have a friend like Georgia. She sounds like the most fierce friend you could ever have. And friendships are important. Matt’s not my partner anymore because he went to another department. We are both detectives, but I still see him a lot.
You’re a talented artist. I can’t believe how beautiful it is. I’ll frame it, in my home.
Take care of yourself, sweetie.
Wells Shanahan
Her drawing is advanced. It certainly doesn’t look like a child drew it, and the blending of the calico cat is beautiful. I move to my hallway closet to retrieve the tape measure. This picture deserves to be showcased in my house as a reminder of the little girl who stole my heart. Regardless of where this girl goes, she’ll always be a constant in my life, even if from afar.
Seven years after the murders
I open her letter. It’s been so long since I’ve heard from her. She must be driving by now and her life in order. It’s my hope and has always been my hope that she’s happy.
Dear Mr. Police Angel,
Can you believe I’m driving? Aunt Mally isn’t happy about it. Not in the least, she’s a nervous Nellie every time I leave the house. But I’m happy. I miss my family every day, but because I have a little bit of freedom now, I can go out and do some of those teenage things. I won’t bore you with those teenage things, but don’t worry, I’m safe. Aunt Mally wouldn’t have it any other way.
I still talk about you a lot in counseling. Do you ever talk about me? I’m now in high school, and I’m still best friends with Georgia. She’s the greatest, and I swear, whenever she gets mad, her fire engine red hair becomes brighter. But now, Briana is back as a part of the gang, too. It’s fun having two best friends, though Georgia will always be my favorite.
Do you have favorites? I hope to be one of your favorites.
Your friend,
Malia
The letter stays in my hand, and I wonder if there’s a little bit of intimacy and desire in her words. Do I talk about her? I don’t, but it doesn’t stop me from thinking of her as the little girl I rescued. She’s put me on a pedestal, and I can’t afford for her to keep me there. It will be the hardest thing I do, but I have to stop all communication with her before she gets the wrong idea.
Seven