Page 153 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“I do.” Nodding, I agreed. “But not at this cost. Having you here wasn’t the best decision, either. But, we’ve built an entirely new identity for you. To them, she’s Ellen Johanson. No alias.”

“I didn’t consider– I apologize.”

“It’ll be okay.”

“I can have her leave.”

“Please. Please don’t. I doubt she will, anyone. She’s here now.”

“She brought over dinner. She’s not staying long.”

The next few words from my mouth pained me but were necessary.

“When she leaves, Art, I think it’s best if you do the same. For your safety and hers. Did valet take your car?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Hopefully, they have hers as well. I don’t want either of you walking alone or in a dark garage. I need you to walk together. I’ll have your cars ready before you make it down. I’ll make the call sooner so there won’t be a wait.”

“Are you sure?”

“My life is on the line, Art. Yes, I’m sure.”

I moved to go down the stairs to open the door, but she grabbed my hands.

“When my time comes, it comes, babe. I’m not afraid of dying, especially on your behalf.”

“I’m afraid of you not living, especially on my behalf. I’m going to get the door.”

“I’ll get it.”

“I should, Art.”

“I’ll come down and set the table.”

“Alright.”

I descended the stairs and took a few seconds to retrieve my weapon from the kitchen counter where I’d forgotten I’d left it. When I pulled the door open, my mother's flustered face bandaged every wound the day had opened.

I wrapped her in my arms, pulling her forward and into the loft. It had been months since I’d had the chance to see her, touch her, or feel her presence. It was soft and gentle just like the woman I’d become the best of friends with.

“Egypt, honey, you’re shaking.”

My nerves were irreparable at this point. Having both her and Art in one place, a place they didn’t belong had me on edge. The sooner I got them out of here, the better I’d be. I locked the door and made my way into the kitchen behind her.

“Hey, baby,” she greeted Art, hugging her.

“Hey.”

It was so good seeing my mother. I wished the circumstances were different. However, I was in a scope. I wasn’t sure where it was or when it would fire, but keeping my two favorite people alive would remain my goal until I took my last breath.

Absentmindedly, I ventured over to the window and peered out into the evening crowd of downtown Clarke. Chem’s overwhelming presence didn’t greet me. The phone he’d given me didn’t begin chiming in the distance. He wasn’t on the other line demanding I lift my head and fix my face. Neither was his asking how he could fix whatever problem I had.

It’s over.

The air in my lungs pushed through my body and out of my mouth, deflating my chest.

It’s really over.

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