Page 99 of We Can Stay
“She’s gone,” I whisper.
“Stay inside. I’m turning onto your street now.”
True to his word, Sebastian’s car screeches to a stop moments later. He’s through the door before I can even reach for the handle, gathering me into his arms like he’s trying to physically hold me together.
“You okay?” He pulls back just enough to study my face.
“Just scared.” I press my face against his chest, inhaling his familiar scent. “If that door had given way...”
“But it didn’t.” He pulls back enough to meet my eyes. “You did everything right. You stayed calm, you called for help, you kept her talking. I’m so proud of you.”
The praise unknots something in my chest. I’ve spent so long trying to handle everything alone, forgetting that strength can also mean knowing when to ask for help.
Sirens wail in the distance, growing louder. We step onto the porch as two squad cars speed past, lights flashing. Detective Harlow’s unmarked car pulls up to the curb.
“We’ve got units searching the area,” he says, radio crackling with updates. “She was spotted heading east. We’ll get her.”
Sebastian’s hand stays firm on my shoulder as we watch the detective coordinate the search. Every few minutes, his radio spits out locations, sightings, near misses. The island isn’t that big—she can’t hide forever.
“Come on.” Sebastian guides me back inside. “Let them do their jobs. You need to eat something.”
The chili has been simmering perfectly, but the cornbread... I pull out a pan of charred remains, smoke curling up from the blackened top.
“So much for comfort food,” I say, surprised to find myself laughing. It’s slightly hysterical, but still laughter.
“The chili’s perfect.” Sebastian ladles generous portions into bowls. “And burned cornbread is a small price to pay for staying safe.”
We try to eat, but I mostly push beans around my bowl. Sebastian doesn’t do much better. When we attempt to watch a movie, I can’t stop checking my phone, jumping at every notification.
Finally, blessedly, Detective Harlow calls.
“We caught her at the marina,” he says without preamble. “She was trying to steal a boat. She’s in custody now, being brought to the station for booking.”
The relief hits me so hard my knees buckle. I sink onto the couch, phone pressed to my ear. “It’s really over?”
“It’s over. She’ll be charged with stalking, harassment, attempted breaking and entering, and attempted theft. She won’t be bothering you again.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
I end the call and turn to Sebastian, who’s watching me with hopeful eyes.
“They got her.” The words come out as barely a whisper. “She’s in custody.”
He crosses the room in three strides, lifting me off my feet in a fierce hug. I wrap my arms around his neck, legs around his waist, holding on like he’s the only solid thing in a tilting world.
“Thank God.” His voice is thick with emotion. “I was so scared, Flick. When you texted that she was here...”
“I know.” I pull back enough to see his face, to trace the worry lines that have appeared these past weeks. “But it’s over now. We’re safe.”
He sets me down gently but doesn’t let go. We stand in my living room, holding each other as the reality sinks in. No more looking over my shoulder. No more creepy packages. No more wondering if today will be the day she escalates.
“I love you,” I whisper against his chest. “Thank you for being here.”
“I love you too.” He tips my chin up, eyes serious. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
He kisses me then, soft and sweet and full of promise. When we finally break apart, the world feels different. Lighter. Full of possibility.
“Stay tonight?” I ask, though I already know the answer.
