AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My past may never leave my bones, like the salt in the sea, they are a part of me, but with James, I know now I will never have to carry them alone.
As he covered my naked body with a blanket, I drifted into a peaceful sleep.
For the first time in years, my dreams were filled with visions of a beautiful future.
The chains that bound me had broken.
I am finally free.
EPILOGUE
AVA
New York: One Month Later
Istood at the window, mesmerized by the sea of lights illuminating the cityscape below. All of Manhattan glowed like a beacon from 20 stories up. I was utterly transfixed by its beauty. James and I had spent almost two weeks with each other, with no distractions, naked and having a lot of sex, before he was called back to New York.
When James asked me to go with him, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, knowing I would get to be with him during my pregnancy. I knew Sherrie would keep my house and greenhouse safe while I was away, but what moved me more than anything else was the chance to start a new life without the oppressive darkness that had been cast over me by Skinner for so long. My tiny baby bump flourished, and I'd soon be five months pregnant. This little miracle grew stronger each day, and I was thankful for every second I carried him or her. James had been the ever-doting partner, making sure I took my multivitamin each day and holding my hair back as nausea had me hunched over the toilet, spewing my guts out.
James was working late, a consequence of his insubordination and his assault on his boss, Javier Martinez. I hated that he wasn’t home until late, but I supported his hard work.
The TV blares, the harshness of its sudden volume ringing in my ears. I flinch as a breaking news announcement cuts through the air. The newscaster's voice takes on an urgent tone. "Breaking news out of Virginia. A decade-long manhunt for Benjamin Callahan has come to a head after FBI agents found and shot him dead. He was responsible for murdering at least twenty women during his violent killing spree. Our sources say he was stalking one of his victims, Ava Thompson, now Monroe, who had escaped and been placed in protective custody. Ava testified against David Commons, who was convicted of these murders and sent to prison. Commons has been exonerated of the murders and was released a month ago. We have reached out to him and look forward to hearing his story. One thing is for sure, the FBI and Ava Monroe made a serious error, costing Commons ten years of his life.”
My heart pounded as I heard her speak. I was so lost in the conversation that I didn’t hear James come in. I was startled when he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my stomach, and kissed my neck.
"Hey, baby," he whispered into my ear.
"Hey, I didn't hear you come in," I returned in breathless surprise.
"I thought you heard me calling your name. What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry, I was watching the news," I sighed heavily. "Commons was released, and they officially named me, letting everyone know I was still alive." I couldn't keep the anguish out of my voice.
"How did they figure that out?" His tone hardened slightly.
"They claimed a source told them," I spat with contempt.
"Ah, of course. I'm sorry, baby."
"I just don't think I can handle the world knowing about me since I testified against Commons and exposed him as my kidnapper and torturer."
James nodded abruptly and pulled me closer to him until every inch of my body melted into his. "It wasn't your fault, baby. The FBI used you, and you are just as much of a victim as Commons is. Don't waste any more time worrying about it; it isn't good for you orourbaby."
The thunderous beat of my heart began to slow as his words comforted me and brought peace back into my soul. He lovingly ran his hands through my hair before tenderly pressing his lips against mine. I exhaled deeply before leaning against him and pressing my forehead against his chest with closed eyes.
"You're right."
He chuckled softly before teasingly saying, “Wait, did I just hear you tell me I am right? Is it my birthday or something?”
“Ha. Ha. Smart ass.” I chuckled. “But, yes, I did.” I turned and wrapped my arms around him, pressing my lips against his.
"I missed you today," he breathed in between kisses.
"You did?" I asked teasingly before melting into his embrace once more.
"Mmhmm." He smiled against my skin, sending fresh shivers down my spine.
"Well then, how about you show me how much you've missed me?" I suggested when we were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing incessantly.
