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The chair makes an awful sound against the floor as he stands up and starts to pace. “And how long do you think it’ll take to get the proof in front of the judge once you have it?”
Whatever answer he’s given isn’t what he wants to hear. “There’s nothing you can do to keep me out in the meantime?”
Fear blooms in my stomach. It’s not like I expected this to be resolved overnight, but a dental exam to compare to his records shouldn’t be a huge hurdle to leap.
“Alright, you have Ella’s number and email. I want her kept updated on everything.” He pauses to listen. “I understand what you’re advising me to do. I need to know you’re going to do what I’ve asked.”
He must get his agreement because he replies, “Okay, I’ll be in touch again shortly with my decision.” The call is ended, and the phone gets tossed on the table.
“What did he say?” I ask, dreading the answer based on the slump of his shoulders.
His lips press together, and he comes over to hug me. I breathe him in, planting my face against his chest. His hand strokes the back of my head. “We need to talk.”
Have those words ever been a good omen?
“Lowell doesn’t believe you, does he?”
“I don’t think so, but as long as he does what I asked, it’s fine. He can believe me later.”
“The dental clinic still isn’t answering their phone?”
“No, but there’s nearly two feet of snow on the ground. Almost everything is closed.” He lets go of me and takes a deep breath. “El, the judge revoked my bail. I have four hours to turn myself in or they’ll come and get me.”
My heart drops to the floor. “No,” I whisper.
“Look at me.” He cups the back of my neck, and I stare into his eyes. “Everything is going to be alright.”
“Not if you’re going to jail!”
“I don’t intend to.”
Blinking, I try to grasp what he’s just said. “What?”
“Listen to me. Lowell will keep you updated with what’s happening. Keep in touch with him. I’m sorry. I have to go.”
Panic seeps into my bones. “You can’t run…the anklet.”
“I’ll take care of it. I can’t let them lock me up until Lowell proves who I am. If they have me in custody, they’ll drag their feet forever before allowing me to visit the dentist or try to get proof. Once we have the records, I’ll turn myself in.”
“This is crazy,” I murmur. I don’t want him to go to jail, but the alternative is also terrifying. “They think you’re a murderer. They’re going to hunt you down. You could get hurt.” Or killed.
“I’ll be careful. I’m sorry to drag you into this, El. They’ll definitely question you to try to find me. Please, just tell them the truth. Let them search or whatever. Don’t give them a reason to charge you with anything. All we need to do is buy some time.”
Adrenaline dumps into my system at the thought of what the next few days are sure to bring, but there’s only one thing I care about. I throw myself into his arms, and he picks me up, hugging me like we’ll never get another chance. “I can’t lose you again,” I sob.
“You won’t. Sweetheart, I promise, you won’t. I’ll be back. This isn’t the end of anything, do you understand?”
A pause. Our last pause was five years. This time could be much worse.
I release my vice like grip and slide down his body to stand in front of him. “Where will you go?”
“It’s better that you don’t know.”
“They’ll be able to track your phone if you keep it. I can keep trying to reach the dental office, but how will I get in touch with you if I do?”
“No. Let everything go through the lawyer. Not only to keep you safe but to keep the prosecution from claiming any records were tampered with.”
He leans to kiss me, and I do my best to imprint the memory of how it feels. In case it’s the last. It’s so unfair. I only had him back for twenty-four hours. “Wait!” I cry, when he starts to put on his coat. “I’ll be right back.”
