"It involved Henry Wilcox, didn't it?"
It took all of Annie and Auggie's training to hide their reaction to Danielle's statement. "Why would you say that?" Auggie asked, hoping he was giving Annie a chance to recover.
"Well, he was a big wig at the CIA, recently got out of prison, Annie was friends with his son, and I heard on the news that he passed away suddenly a month ago."
Annie poured herself a shot of Patron while Danielle continued. "Auggie, you told me what you could, but I knew there was something more to Annie's death. I did some research of my own when I got back to California. Henry Wilcox was released from prison just around the time Annie got too distracted to call me."
Auggie grinned. "She also started a new relationship around that time."
"I have no doubt that you were fully involved in whatever she was dealing with." Danielle said.
"This is silly. Henry died of a heart attack." Annie said. Her tone was even.
"I'm sure that's the company line." Danielle replied. She looked at her sister pointedly.
"I don't even know what you are thinking." Annie said.
"I am thinking that there was something going on with Henry Wilcox, maybe even related to when Jai died a couple of years ago, and that's why we had this 'mistake.'"
"You have a wonderful imagination." Annie replied.
Danielle looked at Auggie and knew he wasn't going to say anything more on the subject, either.
"So you are back now? You are suddenly not-dead?" Danielle asked, her tone was still accusatory.
"Yes."
"And we are all just supposed to pretend that this whole thing never happened? Because I don't know if I can do that."
"I don't expect you to." Annie replied. She was soft, trying to earn her sister's trust.
Danielle sat back a moment, thinking. Annie poured another drink and walked over to Auggie, offering it to him. As he took the glass from her hand, Danielle noticed the ring.
"Oh my God."
Annie and Auggie both looked toward Danielle.
"The ring." Danielle said, pointing at Annie's hand. "Auggie never actually denied me when I asked him if he was getting married. You two are engaged."
Annie took Auggie's free hand in hers and stood close. "Yeah," She said with a smile. "We are."
Danielle looked at the pair in front of her and sighed. "I guess you deserve each other." She said, her tone bitter. "Neither of you will find another person that puts up with so many lies."
The comment was a blow to both Annie and Auggie, who cringed at the words.
"I get it." Danielled added. "I'm happy for you. I just… I think I need some time to think about all of this."
She stood up as Annie walked forward. "Take all the time you need, Danielle. We will be here."
Danielle nodded.
"I want you to be my sister again. I know I have hurt you in ways I can never make up for, but I hope that you can forgive me."
Danielle touched her sister again, reminding herself that she was real. "I'll try."
Annie nodded.
"And don't go off and get married without me, okay?" Danielle added.
Annie fought back a tear. "I won't."
Danielle walked to the door, and with one last look at her sister, walked away.
Annie turned and was met with Auggie's arms. She took deep steady breaths but said nothing.
Auggie gently rubbed her back and held her tight until she was ready to step away.
"She didn't smack either of us." Auggie said, almost upset.
"She was unnaturally calm." Annie replied. "Thank you."
Auggie kissed her forehead. "You are welcome."
"One day, I do want to hear about my memorial."
Auggie grimaced. "It's a hell of a story. Can we skip it tonight?"
"Yeah. I need to get out of here. Let's go for a walk."