Page 42 of Absolution

I have two suitcases containing everything I own. Watching as they roll out of my sight at check-in, I hold Cece in one hand and give Mr. Anderson a one-armed hug with the other. We’re standing in the middle of the bright departures’ hall, people rushing by.

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there for Ray’s funeral.”

Stephan’s face falls a little. “I knew ‘im since he was a kid. He’ll be missed.”

Making a non-committal noise, I shift and take a step back. Suddenly my skin crawls and I can’t wait to get on that plane. All I see before me is my house, the steep slopes of San Francisco, hear the squeaking noises from the cable cars, smell exhaust and the salty sea air, the bridge. I fiddle with the passports and glance around me, looking for the security checkpoint.

“We should be on our way.”

“Of course. It’s been an honor knowing you,” he crouches before Cecilia who slides halfway behind my leg, clutching her arms around my knee, “and you, little one.”

“Thank you for everything, Mr. Anderson. You’ve been very kind and I can never hope to repay—”

“Don’t you worry about that too, now. Go on home. You’re finally free of that bastard. Go start the life you were meant to live. You and the little doll.”

As the plane starts moving across the tarmac, I throw a quick text to Mom as Stephan’s words burn in me. Free? I’ll never be free of Christian Russo.

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