“Nico told me his dad was abusive. That he got into the business he was in to help his mom and sister financially,” I said.
I watched Harmony still, like the information was new to her. “Nico didn’t talk to me about his family. I knew his mom was single and he had a sister. I never went to their place,” she admitted.
“Sounded like they were poor. He felt it was up to him to take care of them,” I stated, and that changed something on her face.
She blew out a breath. “It could be that he’s more able to open up about the past now. Maybe he was ashamed when we were younger. He had stars in his eyes when it came to my father. But he chose illegal work, knowing people would get hurt. My father never lifted a finger on my mother or me, but he had a way of controlling us that felt suffocating anyway. Maybe he did have a soft spot for your friend’s mom, maybe Nico had a soft spot for your friend. Unfortunately, when people get involved with bad elements, bad things happen. I’m talking from experience, Claire. My mom wasn’t involved in my father’s world, but she was still collateral damage.”
Her words caused a shiver to slide down my spine. “I’ve spent the last six years of my life trying to figure out how Sophiedisappeared. I’ve put my life on hold and now I think it was all for nothing.”
Harmony gave me a sad smile. “I know something about putting your life on hold. I did the same thing until I felt like I was drowning and needed more.”
“What did you do?” I asked.
“I came home, to Val-Du-Lys. I faced my fears head-on. I fell in love with Eric all over again,” she beamed.
I nodded.
That’s when a woman walked through the door. She looked to be about thirty and very pregnant.
Harmony said, “Elyna.” Then she walked around the counter and gave her a hug. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I want one of each thing you have on that counter,” she laughed, holding her back.
“Coming right up,” Harmony giggled.
“I’m joking. I came to get a bouquet from Sandy for Braden’s teacher, and I wanted to see if I could steal you away for lunch.”
“Elyna, this is Claire,” Harmony introduced. “She’s working for Asher in the orchard.”
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I said, stepping forward and shaking her hand.
“Nice to meet you too,” Elyna said. “I think your name came up at dinner,” Elyna said, looking over to Harmony.
I was confused.
“Elyna’s married to Phoenix. The eldest Thorne,” Harmony explained.
I nodded. “Ah, I heard about Asher telling everyone about my best friend.”
Elyna looked apologetic.
“I honestly don’t mind. I want word to get out. Hopefully I’ll come across someone who knows something,” I explained.
“Okay,” Elyna exhaled. “I was afraid I overstepped.”
“Both our moms were killed in car accidents,” Harmony began.
“Under completely different circumstances,” Elyna continued.
“I’m so sorry,” I said. I had a good family with a mom and dad who always had my back. I always felt supported. Even now, with this crazy idea to come live here and investigate Sophie’s death myself, my parents were terrified but supportive. They understood that I needed to do this because I had a hard time letting go.
“It’s been a while,” Elyna explained. “If there’s anything I can help you with, please let me know.”
“That’s very kind. Thank you. I met with Nico last night,” I said, and I watched her eyes pop.
“Nico?” she looked at Harmony with alarm.
“He was there the night Sophie went missing. I recognized him, and he recognized me. I thought I was getting somewhere with him, but he shut down. I must have hit a nerve,” I explained.