Page 3 of King

After we board the ferry, we stand at the bow to watch the water.We both enjoy the ferry ride.I can’t wait to come back someday soon.

While we are standing there admiring the ocean, Harrison’s cell phone chimes.He removes his phone from his pocket and checks out the message.I glance over and see that it’s from someone named Fogerty.

“I have to take this,” Harrison says.He holds up his finger and puts the cell to his ear.

“Harrison speaking,” he says, his voice sounding tired.

He listens for a while and then clears his throat.“Of course, I understand,” he says.“As soon as I get into town, I’ll come and see you.What happened to Reynolds?”

After a moment, he nods.“I understand.Yes, of course, I’ll tell her.Thanks.”He ends the call and then turns to look at me, shaking his head slowly.

“That’s Special Agent Fogerty,” he says, his voice low.“Our new handler.“

“What happened to Reynolds?”

“I have no idea,” Harrison replies.“Whatever the case, Fogerty is our new handler, and we both have to meet with him as soon as possible.”

Harrison frowns and says nothing for a moment.He seems concerned.

“Reynolds must have done something to piss them off, the powers that be, so to speak.”

I shake my head.“I would think they’d be happy with him, considering what he achieved.He got the children of two mafia bosses under his thumb, doing his bidding.That should make them happy.It should earn him a promotion.”

“You might think so,” Harrison says.“But I guess not.I can’t see him asking to take himself off our case.As I said, he must’ve done something wrong or pissed someone off.”

I sigh heavily.“I’m so sick of all this,” I say, and I truly feel regret.If I had done nothing instead of trying to mix myself up in Harrison’s life, I would still be doing my forensic psych rotation, unaware of everything.I’d be going out with my friends for drinks and with Michelle for Bennies on Sundays.Of course, I wouldn’t have met Harrison in person.He would’ve been a distant figure.But would I have been happier?

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Harrison takes my hand and holds it on the railing in front of us.“What do you really want, Natalia?”

I take in a deep breath and consider my answer.I want Harrison -- that’s certain.I want all of this to end and for us to be together.

“I want this,” I say and squeeze his hand.“This makes me happy.I used to think revenge would make me happy, but seeking revenge has only made things worse.For both of us.”

Harrison squeezes my hand back.“You’re right,” he says.“I want a life for us together if you want it, too.”

“I do.”

He smiles softly, and his blue eyes fill with emotion.

The shore approaches, and we go to the gate where our luggage is waiting.Our trip to the island is over, and our brief respite from real life has ended.We gather our luggage and exit the ferry, then call an Uber that will take us into Manhattan.

We are both lost in our own thoughts on the trip back to the city, but we hold hands the entire way.When we finally arrive at the building where our apartment is located, I feel the weight of reality on my shoulders for the first time.On the street in front of the building sits a black sedan.

Harrison sighs heavily.“That looks suspiciously like an FBI vehicle.”

Before I can speak, a man gets out of the driver’s side and waves at us.Harrison turns to me and shakes his head.“You stay here,” he says.“I’ll see what he wants.This must be Fogerty.He could’ve waited until we got settled in, so whatever he wants must be important.”

He gives me a quick kiss and then walks over to the man.

I stay where I’m standing, waiting for Harrison to come back.Harrison and the man speak quietly, and the man gestures to me and then points to the car.Harrison looks upset, like he doesn’t want or didn’t agree with what the man said.

Harrison comes back to me and grabs the luggage.

“That’s Fogerty, and he wants me down at the station,” he says and hauls the luggage up the front stairs to the door.“We’ll get these put away, and then I’ll go with him.I have no choice.”

“I hate this,” I say and pull him closer, my arms around his neck.“When will it ever end?Are we just going to be in there at their command forever?”