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EPILOGUE
AURORA
I had blocked most of what happened that day a few weeks before. I’m not sure if it’s intentional or not, but either way, it’s just how the mind works. The brain can shut out the most disturbingly traumatic experiences for the sole reason as not to lose your sanity. It’s some basic survival instinct that’s triggered in all of us.
I told Dane the bits and pieces of what happened that day Desiree kidnapped Michael and me. She made me drive us into Virginia to the Red Herring Motel while she held a gun sitting in the backseat of my new Mercedes. I remember ending up in Room 103 and seeing the look of fear in Michael’s eyes. I told my son not to be afraid and promised him that I would never let anyone hurt him.
Michael had more bravery than some men, escaping from that motel room and running for help. My husband, Dane Neri, is a man who kills to destroy his enemies and keep his family alive.
We sat on the deck at the beach house on a nice sunny day to celebrate Michael’s sixth birthday. Nolan and Gina drove up for the weekend to be there to celebrate with us. Anna baked him a three-layered double chocolate cake. Michael shut his eyes real tight, whispering a wish that we all already knew was about to come true, then he blew out the candles.
“Keep your eyes closed, birthday boy,” Dane said with a mischievous grin on his face. He went back inside the house and returned carrying the small gift and placed it in Michael’s lap.
He giggled and opened his eyes when the little Labrador puppy licked his face. It was the birthday gift he’d been begging us about for weeks.
THE END
