Page 58 of Capturing Hearts

Walking to the small cooler, I bring it to her, along with the two remaining bottles of water. “I’m taking off.”

Her eyes go wide. “You’re what?!”

The frightened look in her eyes cuts me to the core. Kneeling down, I say, “Look. He’s going to be here very soon. He’ll probably have the cops with him.”

“He said he wouldn’t!”

“And I’m not going back inside, Annie. I told you, I can’t. Would you? Would you go back into a place like that?” She doesn’t argue. “Right. This is my chance to be free. I have to take it. Do you understand?” Her face goes rigid. “What’s your son’s name? Jacob, is it?”

“I don’t want to tell you!” she cries, bending again. “Ow!!!”

Kneeling in front of her, I look at her with earnestness. “Well, it’s a boy. You did say that. So just hear me out. If when he grows up he makes a mistake but then makes it right, would you want him to spend the rest of his life in prison? Would that be what you wanted? Now, I know my parents don’t give two shits about what happens to me. But you’re a better person than they are, and you’re going to be a better mother. I saved your life today, Annie. I escaped prison and put my own life and future on the line to do it. So, am I supposed to go back into jail now that it’s done? Picture your son having a second chance, wouldn’t you want him to take it?”

She gazes at me, loathe to admit, “I’d do everything in my power to make sure he had that chance.”

I lean in, desperation all over me. I don’t want to leave her like this. What choice do I have?

“Please forgive me.”

Panting, she holds my eyes, lets out a quick exhale and drops her head. “Run.” She closes her eyes. “Run, Tommy. Go.”

Slowly walking to the mouth of the cave, I’m covered with guilt for leaving her like this, but I’ve got no other choice. It’s me or her.

“Tommy!” she calls over, scared to be alone.

Looking at her over my shoulder, I frown long and deep. “I should have taken you to a hospital. I’m sorry.” Without another word, I walk out into the sunlight, sliding my hand into my jeans pocket for the keys.

---