No one’s ever yelled at me because they were scared for me, she whispered. Jack sat back, the tension in his shoulders easing. Well, he said quietly, you are in the wrong house now.
Emma wiped at her cheeks and laughed, a wet, broken sound, and for the first time, it did not feel like a house anymore. It felt like something else, something like home. Emma was folding towels behind the counter when the necklace slipped out.
It was a delicate gold chain, thin and elegant, with a single sapphire pendant that caught the light like a drop of blue flame. She had hidden it inside a pocket of her duffel bag, wrapped in an old sock, hoping never to see it again, but somehow, it had made its way into the laundry by mistake. She froze the moment she saw it lying atop the pile of whites.
Before she could reach for it, Jack walked past, stopped, and looked down. His gaze landed on the necklace. For a moment, he said nothing.
Then, slowly, he looked up at her. She held her breath. That, he said quietly, is not something a broke student carries around.
Emma hesitated, then reached down and snatched the necklace up, tucking it into her back pocket. I forgot it was in there, she murmured. Whose is it? Emma didn’t answer.
Jack stepped back, his face tightening. Who are you, really? Emma swallowed hard. The silence was louder than any shout.
I’m someone who walked away from a world where everything has a price, except love, she said finally. That’s all you need to know. He stared at her for a long moment.
You lied to me. I didn’t lie. I left things out, Jack’s voice dropped.
That’s the same thing. Emma’s lips trembled, but she turned away, her hands trembling. Do you know what it’s like to be watched every moment of your life? To be told who to love, where to go, what to become? No, Jack said, but I know what it’s like to be honest with someone who isn’t.
They stood there in silence, the hum of machines, the only sound between them. Emma felt tears rising, but refused to let them fall. Before either could speak again, the door swung open.
A man in a leather jacket and ball cap walked in, holding up a smartphone. His eyes locked on Emma. There she is, he muttered, raising his camera.
Emma’s breath caught in her throat. The man snapped a photo. You’ve been missing for five days, sweetheart.
Your daddy’s offering six figures to know where you’re hiding. Jack stepped forward. Hey, get out of here.
Relax, man. I’m just doing my job, the man said, taking another picture. Emma backed away, panic blooming in her chest.
Jack moved quickly. He grabbed Emma by the arm and pulled her toward the back exit. Go now.
They burst out the rear door, Emma panting, her mind spinning. Jack didn’t stop running until they reached his truck. What about Lily? Emma gasped.
She’s at school. I’ll get her. Within the hour, Lily was in Jack’s arms, confused and sleepy.
Jack handed her a juice box and strapped her into the back seat of the truck. Emma watched in stunned silence as he drove them not home, but to the house next door, his neighbor, Mrs. Ramirez. She’ll keep her safe, Jack said.
You trust her? With my life, Jack said, his tone firm. Mrs. Ramirez opened the door before he could knock, nodding silently. Come in, mijo.
I’ll keep the little one. Jack leaned down and kissed Lily’s forehead. You’ll stay with Grandma Ramirez for a little while, okay? Just like a sleepover.
Lily nodded. Okay, Daddy. Jack straightened, exhaled deeply and turned to Emma.
Let’s go. They drove out of the neighborhood, not speaking until they were on the edge of town. Emma stared at him in the silence, guilt and gratitude battling in her chest.
He kept one hand on the wheel, the other resting lightly on his thigh, fingers flexing. Emma realized then that his shirt sleeve was torn. Your arm, she said suddenly…
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