Page 2 of More than a Memory

“You guys are a riot!” Darcy said, letting them out, as each dog, pushing the others out of the way, tried to be the first one through the door.

Darcy’s phone rang. It was Annie. Wondering what the latest drama with her youngest sister was going to be, she answered with slight trepidation. Darcy was the oldest of four girls, and growing up with two alcoholic parents had forced her to take on a parental role with her younger siblings. Annie and Darcy were the only ones that hadn’t left town the minute that they were able to escape. Emma and Charlotte both lived in California now and loved it there. They were always trying to get Darcy and Annie to move out there with them. Darcy missed them but was relieved that their lives appeared to be happy and stable.

2

“Hello, Annie.”

“Can I borrow your car?” Annie asked, without salutation.

“What now?” Darcy asked.

“Well, Bradley had to borrow my car and left me here at the house without transportation, so I thought maybe you could pick me up and I’d drop you back at your house,” Annie said.

“Can’t this wait until tomorrow? It’s after six o’clock. Where do you have to go tonight?” Darcy inquired suspiciously.

“Well, don’t get mad, but Bradly and I had a fight and he took off in my car. I’m sure he is going to Finnegan’s Pub and I want to check up on him,” Annie explained in a rush.

“So, what you are telling me is Bradly didn’t ‘borrow’ your car, he just took it. Annie, when are you going to learn?” Darcy replied with exasperation. “He is a loud-mouthed jerk and way beneath you. What do you see in that man?” she asked for what seemed like the thousandth time.

“Let’s not get into that right now. Can you come get me?” Annie pleaded.

“I’ll pick you up and we’ll go together to the bar. We’ll get your keys and you can drive yourself home. Bradley can figure things out for himself from there,” Darcy said.

“Control freak,” Annie said.

“Ungrateful brat,” Darcy countered.

“Alright. I guess I have no choice. See you soon?” Annie asked.

“I’ll be there in fifteen.”

* * *

Pulling into the apartment complex’s parking lot, Darcy saw Annie was waiting for her by the curb. As always, when she saw her little sister, she was filled with an instinctive maternal protectiveness. Of all her siblings, Annie had probably been the most wounded by her parents’ neglect and drama. She had basically grown up without parents, and Darcy had always tried to fill that void.

To say that Annie was beautiful was an understatement. Her youngest sister was stunning. She had a voluptuous body that was every man’s fantasy. Her luxurious, thick red hair fell almost to her waist and her large eyes were the color of emeralds. Her skin was flawless and fair, turning to a peaches and cream tone in the months of summer.

Annie jumped in the car a whirl of energy. In that way, she was a lot like Darcy. Darcy would be shocked to know that many would describe her appearance in a similar way to Annie’s. The Morgan girls were all beauties, like their mother. They had strong Irish roots on both their maternal and paternal sides. Unlike Annie, however, Darcy was unaware of her own beauty, often feeling invisible when around her gorgeous, vibrant sister.

Annie, on the other hand, was well aware of the power she wielded and she cashed in on her looks frequently. Unfortunately, she had terrible judgment when it came to men and always seemed to go for the bad boys. This had been a source of conflict with Darcy over the years.

Darcy was very familiar with Finnegan’s from her six years on the police force. It was the most popular hangout among the cops and one she used to frequent. Her job sometimes required her to be a liaison with law enforcement, and she assisted in helping them solve cases when she could. She still did some afterhours schmoozing when a case called for it.

Darcy and Ryan had been well liked and highly regarded by the tight-knit group at their precinct. When he was shot and killed during a routine domestic call, everyone had come through for her, knowing the unfathomable pain of helplessly watching your partner die in your arms. When they lost one of their own, they collectively grieved together. After she resigned from the force, her communication with them had faded over time. Once in awhile, she would pop in for a beer and a game of pool or darts to catch up, and it was always bittersweet.

When Darcy and Annie walked into the dimly lit pub, there were catcalls and whistles from her old gang. Jack, the bartender, was topping off a frosty mug with draft beer when he spotted Darcy and called out, “Well, if it isn’t Darcy Morgan, as I live and breathe! Long time, no see!” Smiling, she joined a group hanging at the bar while Annie scanned the room looking for Bradley.

“We’ve missed you, Sunshine! What’ll you have?” Jack asked.

“Hi, handsome!” Darcy, replied. “We aren’t staying. Just here to pick up my sister’s car.”

By this time, Annie had found Bradley, who was off in the corner shooting pool and flirting with a pretty blonde who barely looked old enough to be in the place. “What a loser!” thought Darcy.

Striding over to Bradley, Annie demanded “Give me my keys, NOW!” Glaring at the blonde, she held out her hand for her keys.

“Screw you!” he slurred, already drunk.

“Screw you!” she yelled back. Looking at the young girl, she snarled, “And who the hell are YOU, and what are you doing with MY man?”