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“What details? Because I wanted to talk to you about what kind of counsel you should get. I think it’s best if we meet with someone before you turn yourself in.”
“Ell, that’s not happening.”
I dropped the towel. “Of course it is. It’s the only way.”
“There is another way.”
He reached into his back pocket and handed me a passport.
I examined the cover and flipped it open.
“Holy shit. That’s me.” I looked at him. “Everly Thorne? What is this? Who did this?”
“That is your new identity. I liked the name. I didn’t have a lot of options. You can’t be selective when it comes to creating a person who doesn’t exist.”
I dropped the document. “You bought a fake passport for me?”
“It’s more complicated than that, but yes. It’s a new identity.”
I sat on the bed. “I can’t believe this. I can’t believe you would think this is even a possibility.” I traced the golden eagle on the front of the passport.
“It’s the reality of the situation. I told you I wasn’t leaving without you. How else did you think we’d leave the country together?”
My mouth hung open. “I don’t know enough. I don’t know how this works.”
“I suppose you have a new name too?”
He nodded. “I haven’t decided on this trip. I thought I’d let you choose mine. It seemed fair.”
“I don’t know who you are,” I whispered.
“You do know me. You know who I am. Look at me, Ell.”
My eyes lifted to his.
“Do you trust me?”
God, I knew I should say no. That I didn’t trust anything about him. He was a liar and a criminal. He had evaded authorities and betrayed his country. But I did know him. I knew his soul and he knew mine.
“I don’t know how to call you another name. To switch back and forth like this.”
“Then don’t. I’m Vaughn. I’m yours. That’s all that matters.” He traced my lip with his thumb. “Just make sure not to use that one in public.”
“Oh God,” I uttered.
“It will be easier than you think. You’ll get used to it.”
“But what about my life?” I looked around my tiny room. It was dawning on me what all of this meant. There was more at stake than slipping up on false names.
“You can visit it sometime.”
“It’s almost Thanksgiving. My mom will freak out.” I was grasping at the most insignificant details.
“Moms do that anyway.”
“And my job? The students? My classes?” I gawked at him. “I have cases and clients who depend on me. And what about Greer? I just walk out on the lease and leave her with the apartment?”
He eyed me. “She has Preston.”
