Sinth Salvation - Pearl Tate Page 0,1

and look up, nodding.

“I was planning on it. At least until I make other arrangements.”

“Do you mind sleeping here tonight? I’ve got plans with Viktor and don’t have a sitter.” I’m sure his plans are at the local bar, but I just smile slightly and nod.

I don’t mind sleeping here with Eva. I think she gives me just as much comfort as I give her. Having such a young cousin has never bothered me.

I know what it’s like to lose your mother at a young age. The last time I returned to Kopavogur was for my aunt’s funeral almost six months ago. Now that I’m back, though, I don’t plan on ever letting Eva feel the lack of a mother. My aunt took care of me, and I plan to take care of her.

“A sleepover!” My eyes drop to Eva, who hops back up, elated. Jumping up and down again, she claps her hands while bouncing in a circle.

“Of course.” I answer my Uncle Gunnar over the top of her head and yank my suitcase toward me at the same time. He’s already turned away, stepping into the tiny kitchen to open the fridge and pull out a drink.

“Maybe we should go see what I brought you in your room?” I ask Eva. Eventually, I’ll have to call my father. He knew I was coming back today, but not when. He won’t miss me, but common courtesy drives me to give him an update. “I’ll phone my father shortly to let him know my plans,” I throw in for Uncle Gunnar as I stand.

Eva’s still jumping up and down behind me as I move across the living space, tapping my arm to get my attention. There’s no reason for me to go see anyone else around here. No one but Eva’s going to care that I’m back. And Gunnar.

Uncle Gunnar was probably counting the seconds until his built-in babysitter was back to town, and my father will probably be at the local bar when Uncle Gunnar gets there. They’re two peas from the same pod. They grew up together, married sisters, and now drink away their sorrows into a bottle over their deaths. Typical.

“I have so much to show you! You haven’t seen my new bedspread. It’s beautiful …” Eva draws out the word as she skips ahead, swinging open the door to her small bedroom.

Sure enough, in place of her old bedspread, I see a pale purple blanket slung over the single bed. Throwing herself down on it, she spreads out her arms and legs, making a snow angel on her bed. I recognize the old blanket. It used to be mine. Something my Aunt kept and put away for me when I outgrew it.

“Oh, my! It is beautiful.” Lowering myself to the mattress, I let my suitcase drop to its side before bending over to pull the zipper around the edge. I have just enough room between the bed and the wall to tip it over and throw it open. “It’ll match this perfectly! Purple is still your favorite color?”

“Lilac,” Eva states before her mouth drops open in awe as I pull out the gauzy material. She covers her mouth with both hands, eyes wide open in excitement as she looks back at me. I intentionally packed it so that the ornate princess dress would be the first thing to pop out. I’ve been planning this for weeks. Ever since I found the dress shop in Ísafjörður, the town where I’d been stationed for the last year.

I hadn’t planned to get reassigned so far away in my law enforcement position, and, in hindsight, it was a learning experience. Not only will I make sure that any future posts are locked in with ironclad details, the specifics will be outlined and agreed to in advance. Chalk it up to another lesson in dealing with my male counterparts. I don’t like to think they’re threatened by me, but this past year has proven someone is.

“Well, I think I may have found the perfect lilac dress for you.” Picking up the beaded and layered gown, which caught my eye as soon as I walked into the store, I hold it up by the shoulders for her to see. “I sure hope it fits …”

“Is that really for me?” Eva’s whisper makes my heart ache. Has it really been that bad since her mother passed? Doesn’t she get any gifts? I feel like throttling my uncle.

Holding the small dress up to myself,