Page 109 of Free to Run
I pick up the elongated box wrapped in plaid wrapping paper. There’s a card attached to the top.
Remember when we watched “The Reichenbach Fall”? When Holmes said alone protected him? I needed that for a while. Not anymore. Unlike Holmes, it’s not how I want to live. I had a different gift planned for your birthday. Until I can give it to you, accept this one. —XO, A
Carefully opening the wrapping paper, I find a brass and carved wooden magnifying glass. Lifting it gently out of the box, I hold it, knowing Alison had her hands on it just a few days ago, thinking of me.
The box flutters to the floor with a thud.
“Keene, are you okay?” Caleb asks. He’s been silent this whole time, letting Cassidy and I absorb Alison’s gifts.
I shoot daggers at Charlie as I gather the box from the floor where it crashed. “If you don’t tell me everything you know about how to track her, I will hurt you. Badly.”
“All I know is the box arrived at my house today from New York,” Charlie admits.
I glare at him. That piece of information is useless. Alison isn’t in New York.
“But we haven’t broken down the video yet. I wanted you both to see it untouched in the event there are any safeguards on it,” Charlie says.
“Keene,” Caleb interrupts.
“Hold on, Caleb.” I order Charlie, “Break down the video. I want to know where it was shot by the end of the day.”
“Keene,” Caleb interrupts, more urgently.
“Hold on, Caleb,” I say impatiently.
“Jesus, Keene. Look at the bottom of the box,” Caleb snaps, exasperated.
My head drops to the floor. There’s a sticker from the store on it. Charleston, South Carolina.
“She’s in Charleston? The whole damned time?” I shout.
“Oh, holy hell,” Charlie mutters.
Caleb shakes his head.
“Charleston? Why would she go back to Charleston?” Cassidy’s confusion is obvious.
“Because nobody in the world would ever expect her to go back there, Cass, that’s why. She’s been living with her memories for the last two months on top of her emotional state when she left,” I yell. Shifting slightly, my feet kick the remaining innards of the box on the floor.
“Keene, look!” Cassidy points down excitedly. Folded cardstock sticks out beneath the cotton cushioning that held my magnifying glass. The embossment indicates it’s from Stafford Antiques, Charleston, South Carolina.
I pick it up and read aloud.
I’ve known Louise since her mama was alive. If you’re half the man I expect you are, based on what she’s told me, you’ll be looking for her. Here’s a hint, Keene. There’s a race being run in our beautiful city this weekend to benefit a children’s charity. My Louise and your Alison is running in it. I’ll be cheering her on at the finish line. Will you? —JS
“What is it, Keene?” Caleb asks.
I drop my head. The search for her is over.
Walking over to Charlie, I lean over and kiss my new niece. Before I lift my lips, I whisper, “Thanks, Mom. I love you.” I walk over to my new nephew and do the same to him as well. Then I hand Caleb the note.
“You found her,” he breathes.
“What? Keene? We know where Ali is?” Cassidy’s excitement is palpable. “When are you leaving to go get her?”
“Soon, Cass. I know where she’ll be in a few days,” I murmur.
“Screw that,” Caleb says. “Go tonight.”
