Heidi was murmuring, “Oh no, oh no.”
“He accused me of sneaking out to be with a guy. And then he ‘taught me a lesson.’”
Sarah pulled at the neck of her shirt and turned her head so that Heidi could see the fingerprints around her throat.
Heidi clapped her hand to her mouth.
“Oh my God, Sarah,” she said. She put her arm around the woman she loved and drew her close. “Sometimes I wonder if I even know you.”
Chapter 85
THE WARMING HUT is a bright-white snack and gift shack at the intersection of the Crissy Field and the Presidio, where the outstretched arm of the Golden Gate Bridge spans the bay.
Sarah and Heidi lunched on soup and sandwiches while the kids sat near the window, picking at their food and blowing bubbles into their drinks.
“There’s something else,” Sarah said. “That stone I gave you.”
“Let me guess. It’s hot.”
“Very, very hot. It’s a diamond. With a name and a freaky history.”
Heidi pulled at her necklace so she could look at it. “You said it was something else. A citrine.”
“Its name is the Sun of Ceylon, and it comes with a curse.”
“A curse? That’s insane.”
“I know, I know, but the stories go back three centuries. Hey, it belonged to Casey Dowling when her son-of-a-bitch husband killed her. What more do I need to say?”
Sherry came over and leaned against Heidi. “What’s a curse, Mommy?”
“It’s a wish for something—bad.”
“Like if I wished something bad would happen to Daddy?”
“Sherry, Stevie is about to cry. Be a good girl and give him a hug.”
“I don’t want you to wear it anymore,” Sarah said when Sherry had gone. “It’s tempting fate, you know?”
“Really?” Heidi laughed. “This is tempting fate? My God, that’s a riot.” She unclasped the chain and handed the necklace to Sarah. “The Sun of Ceylon, huh? Well, it’s a little flashy for me anyway.”
Sarah said, “Thanks,” took the pendant, jammed it into her hip pocket, and forged ahead to the last of her story—her plan to meet with Lynnette Green and turn the jewels into cash for their plunge into a new life as a family of four.
“I have something to say, Sarah.”
“Okay, but take it easy on me. I’m a wreck.”
“I can hardly believe you did this.”
“You’re appalled. Go ahead and say it.”
“I’m completely blown away. But I’m so grateful that you’d do this for us. You risked your life, Sarah. If the kids weren’t here, I’d kiss you. I’ve never loved anyone so much.”
“I love you, too.”
“What now? You think the police are on to you?”
“It’s possible,” Sarah said, rubbing her temples. “That kid at the supermarket. He could tell the cops. A fingerprint could turn up on something I ditched. Time is running out on all fronts, Heidi. If we’re going to jump outta here, we have to do it soon.”