Page 86 of Cause and Effect

“Well, guess what, asshole? Sophie recognized you. She told me she saw you. She was fucking frightened, Jason!”

“I’m sorry, Laurel.” He looked up at me as I stood over him.

“What the hell did you think you’d accomplish by finding me? Did you think I would understand and take you back? Did you think I would tell you that it was okay that you faked your death and the girls and I would welcome you back from the dead with open arms? Answer me?” I screamed in his face.

“I was hoping you’d forgive me, and we could go back to the way things were.”

“Ha.” Morgan laughed. “Why are men so delusional? They really don’t give us women enough credit.”

“You know what, Jason? You belong in a mental institution. Was Brendan a part of your plan? He knew all along you faked your death?”

“No. Brendan doesn’t know. I didn’t want him involved. He has no idea I’m alive.”

“Thank God for that because I’d hate for him to share a prison cell with you,” I said.

“Prison?” His brows furrowed. “Faking your own death isn’t illegal, Laurel.”

“No, it’s not, you idiot. But everything that went along with faking your own death is. It’s fraud, deception, and lying to the police, not to mention all the resources they used looking for your fucking body!” I shouted. “Trust me. I could make sure you go away for a very long time.”

“God, Laurel. No. Please, don’t say that. I found you because I love you.”

“You have no idea what love is, you pathetic piece of shit.” I folded my arms and shook my head.

My phone rang. Pulling it from my pocket, I saw it was Julian. I immediately declined the call.

“Was that him? The man you’ve been seeing?” Jason asked.

“That isn’t any of your business. Where have you been the past two years?”

“Different states, never able to find my footing. I made a huge mistake, Laurel, and I’m so sorry. Please, baby?—”

“Don’t you ever call me that again.” I sat on the couch beside Morgan and placed my face in my hands. She reached over and softly rubbed my back.

“Do you want him in your life?” Morgan whispered, and I shook my head.

“You have two options, Jason,” Morgan said. “I can get you a new identity and passport so you can find some other country to fraud, or Laurel will call the North Carolina police and inform them you’re alive. Then you’ll go to prison. Take your pick.”

“No, I can’t do that. I want to be with my wife and daughters,” he said.

“I am not your wife!” I shouted. “And you lost your daughters the day you faked your death. I can promise you that you will never see them again, so you better take Morgan up on her offer to get you out of the country, or you’re going to prison. The girls will never know about this, Jason. They will continue to live their lives believing their father died in a kayaking accident.”

“Please, Laurel. Don’t do this.” Tears fell from his eyes.

“You did this when you decided you wanted your freedom.” I stood up and grabbed my purse. “Morgan, let’s go.”

“Well, Jason, what’s it going to be? I can have a new identity ready for you tomorrow.”

“Fine. I’ll take it and leave the country because there’s no way I’m going to prison.”

“I’ve got news for you, Jason.” I got in his face. “The rest of your life will be like a prison, and if I ever hear one word from you again, I’ll make sure there’s a pretty little prison cell with your name on it. That also goes if you try to contact the girls. You’ve been dead to us for over twoyears, and you’re still dead to us. Do yourself a favor and get yourself cleaned up. You look like a homeless person.” I opened the door and stormed out.

I climbed into Morgan’s car. My chest tightened like a steel band was wrapped around it, pulling tighter with every breath. I couldn’t breathe. The air felt very thick, and it felt like I was drowning as I gasped for air. My heart slammed against my ribs. I pressed my hand onto it, thinking it would help slow it down.

“Breathe, Laurel. You’re having a panic attack.”

My stomach twisted, and sweat formed on the back of my neck, even though I felt extremely cold.

“Long, deep breaths,” Morgan said, softly rubbing my back. “Just focus on my hand rubbing your back, nothing else.”

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