Page 191 of Fallen Princess: Shadow Stalker

I shrug my shoulder because I don’t care what the press does. They’ve already dragged me to the bottom of the pit; I’ve been there, so there’s nothing new they can do that’ll bother me.

“They can try,” I explain. “But we’re moving back to Terra Sands, and the desert is an unforgiving place for those who want to wallow around.”

“I guess, then congratulations?”

“Thank you, Catalina.”

“I have all my paperwork in my car. We could go get it so you can pass it on to your accountant.”

I look out the window and see the white Chevy I bought her some years ago. It’s parked in the far right of the parking lot.

“You’re driving back to New York alone?”

“Eden, I don’t want to seem ungrateful for everything you gave me, but you need to understand that I lived with you in a desert for ten years, I didn’t have the opportunity to make friends and those who I did know before I started working for you passed away. So, yes, I’m driving back to New York alone.”

“I’m sorry, Catalina, I didn’t….” I don’t even know how to finish my sentence. I don’t feel guilty because I never asked her to stay. She just tagged along with me.

“So, will you accompany me to give you the paperwork?”

“You could just scan and email them to Frank.”

“With the scanner and computer I don’t have?”

Dammit. I need to get out of here.

“Fine,” I say, pursing my lips, “I’ll take them and post the documents to Frank via a courier for you,” I slide out of the booth, leave some bills on the table, and go to pay for our coffees.

“Thank you for everything, Eden. I really appreciate this.”

“That’s fine, Catalina,” I’d love to say,it’s the least I can do,but I know she’ll take advantage of every word I utter.

I open my phone and text Asher to tell him my meeting with Catalina is over, and he needs to pick me up pronto.

Asher:Sure, I will be there in ten.

While Catalina rummages through her shit in the trunk of her car, I silently stand nearby, scanning the parking lot. It’s just an eerie feeling I have. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to a suited bodyguard nearby that I feel vulnerable. But my threat was eliminated, and I need to learn to live again like an average person who isn’t being hunted by some psychopath.

“I think I left the file at the motel.”

I sigh. This day will never end for me.

Rick’s funeral was devastating enough, now I have to deal with Catalina’s mess.

“Can’t you just courrier them?”

“Do you know how much that will cost?”

I’m tempted to give her a wad of money and just let her fuck off, but I can’t insult her like this. She’s an older lady whose main vice was that she got attached to her boss and is finding it hard to make new adjustments in her life.

“Where’s your hotel?”

“Not far, about five minutes away.”

I make a quick estimation. One last favor and then I need to cut my ties. I can’t be a constant lifeline to this woman.

“Fine! I’ll come with you, but you’ll need to bring me back here because Asher is on his way to pick me up.”

“I could take you home if you like.”

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