Page 55 of Resolutions

“And what about him?” she asks, scratching his ears.

“He'll be fine for a day. If we're gone longer, I'll have my neighbor check on him. Her son loves him.” I look at the ceiling. “Thank you. For believing me. For looking for me. For everything.”

“Oh sweetheart, I've missed you. And no matter what happens with Cameron, you're still part of my family. Speaking of which, I want you checking in every hour until bedtime. Text when you wake up too.”

“I can't. - your phone is bugged.”

“Oh, damn it. Alright, I'm going right now to get a new phone.”

“No, don't. He'll want to know why you changed phones. Tomorrow, accidentally forget to bring it. If there's an emergency, we can use mine and I'll get a new one.”

“Good idea.” Evelyn stands and makes her way to the door. “You've learned to think of details. Tomorrow, I'll call Charlie and tell him I forgot my phone - that way Michael can hear it too. I'm sure we'll only be gone a day. Charlie won't care as long as I'm with someone who has a phone. And Michael couldn't care less about my church charity work.”

I smile and engulf her in a hug. We stand like that for a while before she kisses my cheek and releases me.

“Be ready at the back door at three. We'll load and go.”

“I'll be ready.” I close the door behind her, then sink onto the couch. Moses immediately climbs into my lap. “What do you think, boy? Even if Cameron never forgives me...” I stroke his fur. “At least we might stop Michael from hurting anyone else.”

For the first time in weeks, I feel like maybe there's a chance.

Chapter 28

Melanie

I barely slept, anticipation thrumming through my veins about our trip to New York. I'm desperately hoping this trip will help, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm grateful to be getting away. A whole day where I don't have to be constantly worried, where my mind isn't on high alert. I'm exhausted from jumping at every noise, always thinking Michael and his goons are about to break down my door and drag me away.

I close my eyes and say a silent prayer that Law is the man Evelyn makes him out to be, that he'll know how to take on someone like Michael. Though my evidence feels pitiful it's really, just papers and notes from what I've found. But, I'm happy to give him everything I have. A pang of regret hits me as I think of the tablet and phone I destroyed. Maybe they could have provided a digital trail back to Michael's operation. Then again, maybe they would have led him to me already. Given the choices, I would throw them in the dumpster again.

Not sure what to bring or how long we'll be gone, I've packed an overnight bag with several options. I've checked Moses' food and water supplies three times, though I know Cindy will look after him if we're delayed.

By two AM, I'm out of the shower and going through my mental checklist again and again. Once dressed and ready, I sit with Moses and drink my coffee. Out of need and habit, I log on to check the newspaper for overnight developments, but it's too early for the new edition. I check Mom's patient portal to see the home health aide had been there yesterday. She had and everything was fine. Thank goodness. After cuddling with Moses while finishing my coffee, I put on my disguise. Even though we're leaving early, I'm not taking chances, especially now that Evelyn's involved.

“I'll be back soon,” I call to an already yawning Moses.

My hand trembles slightly as I grab my bag and head for the back door, arriving just as Evelyn's car pulls up, headlights flashing our prearranged signal. During the drive, we talk about family and how much I miss everyone. I mention that I miss the easy female companionship we shared which seems like a lifetime ago.

“It will take time,” Evelyn assures me, “but everyone will understand and support you. You'll see.”

We drive an hour outside of town on roads I've never traveled, but Evelyn maneuvers them with ease as if she drives this route daily. We slow and turn onto a gravel road; a few miles later, we pass a quaint farmhouse and scattered outbuildings. If you wanted an airfield hidden from the public eye, this would be the perfect place. Evelyn guides the car onto a well-worn two-lane path that takes us around the barn. I'm about to ask where any airplane could possibly be housed when she steers down into a valley between rolling hills. There, perfectly camouflagedagainst the landscape, an enormous pole barn materializes out of the darkness.

“Who keeps a hangar this size hidden on their property?” I ask, awe coloring my voice.

“These are Charlie's military buddies, dear, lifelong friends of ours. Their service, like Charlie's and mine, continues into retirement. You'll know some of them, others you don't.” She glances over with a conspiratorial wink. “But the less you know about certain things, the better.”

The sight leaves me speechless. This is the kind of secret facility I'd expect in a spy movie, not tucked away in family farm country. Pulling up alongside the building, I step out into the pre-dawn stillness, still processing the scale of what I'm seeing.

“Impressive, isn't it?” Evelyn retrieves a bag and cooler from her trunk, heading for a standard door set into the hangar's vast wall. “Grab that other cooler, would you please?”

Inside, I blink repeatedly as my eyes adjust to the bright lights. The hangar houses a private jet that's larger than I expected, its polished white exterior gleaming under the overhead lights. A tall, lean man with salt-and-pepper hair and a sidearm strapped to his belt approaches to take Evelyn's cooler.

“Evelyn! Here, let me help.” They embrace as he takes the cooler.

“Steve, it's so good to see you. Thank you for flying us today. This is Melanie.” She makes the introduction smoothly, though I notice Steve's posture stiffen as he registers my name.

“This is who needs our help?” He draws himself up to his full height, looking down at me with barely concealed judgment. “You said it was about a woman in desperate need.”

“Yes, and she is,” Evelyn cuts in with steel in her voice. “You of all people should know that just because you hear one thing doesn't mean it's the truth. Do you remember the red rescue?”

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