One number after the next she called. For a moment it felt to him as if she was a steam roller but it was effective. Not one person hung up on her, they listened and were willing to help. At times she made notes. He wasn't sure about his task. The only thing he could think of was waiting, serving tea, and watching her. With every step he took, he carried the boot with him. To keep his hands free he had shoved it underneath his shirt. Would she still remember him? Miss him? How long ago was it she disappeared?
He tried to remember it but he couldn't. The only thing he could not forget was the face of that police officer. The expression that made clear he made it all up. There was no child, there had never been one. Not one single neighbor had corroborated it. The death of his wife had only confirmed what they already thought "the wishful thinking of a drunk".
Suddenly he found himself back sitting on the stairs with a bottle of gin ready to take a sip. His mouth felt dry, he felt thirsty. Just one sip won't harm.
"Jim, where did you got that?"
Perplex she gaped at him. She had searched the entire house and had only found empty bottles.
The liquid disappeared through the sink at least it wouldn't harm the sink as much as him. He was down now but from now on it would be uphill. He would arise from the ashes and be his charming self again. All he needed was being sober, a bit support, and someone who believed him. The police had never interviewed, totally ignored her. They had wiped a terrible crime underneath the carpet. Although it was nearly two decades later she would find out why and what happened that fatal day.
"Drink your tea."
After she emptied her cup she said: "They will come and take care of the garden. It will be crowded around here for a few days. Four more people will give us a hand. The lawn needs to be brought back into the state it once was and she needs a room. Let's see how fast they can realize it."
He nodded. She had thought it all out, had a plan and he trusted her.
Device: mobile phone
Egg timer: set at 10 minutes
Grammarly: ran
Prompts: written in bold
Wow it's really very beautiful.