What must it be like to love?
I wonder if I’ll ever know.
But that’s just sentimentality, my imminent departure playing with my head.
Rita walks back to her chair. “We were interrupted.” She opens the folder she’d left resting on it, and places a single piece of paper on my desk.
“What’s that?” I ask, not bothering to pick it up.
“My resignation,” she says. “Effective immediately.”
That somehow makes it all the more real.
Rita’s been a large part of my life for the last two years.
I’m leaving, I’m taking Vicky with me, but Rita quitting is what brings it home? It’s strange.
“Got something lined up?” I ask casually.
“Of course I have.” She shrugs one shoulder and gives me a coy smile. “I’m going to do some management consultancy work with Greenstone. They’re really in a shit situation, did you know? Six month contract to help them restructure.Verygood pay.”
I laugh at work for the second time in as many days. “That’s… perfect.”
“See you tomorrow, Alex. Six p.m.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Understatement of the year.
Thirty-One
Alex
Our house in Westchester is empty and feels stark, like it’s missing any sense of home.
I don’t know why I only realize that now.
It doesn’t take long to strip the safe of valuables and pack bags for Vicky and myself. She already has her suitcases, but if she returns to my Manhattan apartment without them, she’ll need something to wear.
I don’t plan to stop by Carol’s before we leave. Not after DeLuca’s veiled threats.
The clock is ticking, and I’m feeling twitchy. It’s time to leave.
The bedroom is untouched since I found her ring on a piece of white paper. The bathroom still has a towel on the floor. She’snot been back.
Ourhouse.Myapartment. And I can’t imagine Vicky would’ve been happy here, not really. Changes need to be made, and I’m going to make them.
The day is spent running errands. Meeting with Daniel and checking on progress. Cleaning out the apartment and collecting our passports. Ensuring a flight is chartered for this evening.
Mid-afternoon, I drop Vicky a text.
I know I said I’d collect you this evening, but something’s come up. I’m sorry I won’t be able to, but Iamcoming, though it’ll be late. I’ll explain then.
She doesn’t reply, and I can’t really blame her. Not when I have a track record of breaking promises. Something else that will change in our new life together.
Persuading her to come with me won’t be easy.
Hell, I’d abduct her if I could. Drug her, put her on the plane, wake her up when she’s safe. Maybe tie her to a bed first, and explain everything while she’s forced to listen. Then have some fun with her.
