Chapter 149 A Private Meeting
AMY
Finished
niel came home earlier than usual later in the evening just like he said he would. I was sitting on the couch in my pajamas, a blanket around my shoulders and an empty tea cup on the table. I heard his car pull into the driveway and, for some reason, my chest relaxed a little.
He walked in a few seconds later, looking tired but still managed a small smile when he saw me. “You’re still awake.”
“I tried to sleep,” I said, pulling the blanket tighter. “Didn’t work”
He came closer, bent down, and kissed my forehead. “Rough day?”
I nodded before responding. “Something like that.”
He sat beside me and loosened his tie. For a moment, we didn’t talk. We were just quiet. He leaned back and sighed, like he’d been holding his breath all day.
“Were you able to occupy your mind with something else,” he asked.
“I couldn’t focus,” I admitted. “I kept trying to go through documents but it felt pointless. My mind kept wandering back to everything Elias said.”
Daniel nodded slowly. “I figured as much.”
We sat there, both staring at nothing. After a while, he turned to me. “Amy, I think you should take some time off work.”
I looked at him, surprised. “You want me to stop working?”
“Just for a while,” he said. “You’ve been through too much. You can’t think straight when you’re forcing yourself to act fine. Take a break, clear your head.”
I thought about it for a moment. The idea didn’t sound bad. In fact, it felt like the perfect cover to do what I really needed to do finding answers about myself without everyone hovering.
—
“Maybe you’re right,” I said. “I could use the time.”
He smiled faintly. “Good. I’ll handle things at the office for now. Just rest, okay?”
I nodded. “Okay.”
He reached over and took my hand. “You’re not alone in this, Amy. Whatever you find or don’t find, I’m here. Always.”
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9:28 Thu, Jan 8
Chapter 149 A Private Meeting
6933
Finished
Something about the way he said it made me believe him. I leaned against him, and for the first time in days, I didn’t feel completely hollow.
Later on, we ate dinner together quietly, and when I went to bed, I slept better than I expected.
The next few days passed slower than usual. I stayed home most of the time, reading, cleaning up things that didn’t need cleaning, and thinking more than I should. Daniel still went to work, but he checked in often, either by calling or coming home carly.
Cole came by every morning like he always did, just in case I needed to go somewhere. He’d been my driver long enough to know when to talk and when to stay quiet. Since I took time off, most of our drives were short. To the grocery store, the park, once to Mrs. Carter’s house.
Three days after Daniel suggested the break, Cole called me early in the morning.
“Morning, ma’am,” he said.
“Morning, Cole. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. The investigator I told you about, he wants to meet.”
I straightened up on the bed. “That was fast.”
“He’s good,” Cole said simply. “And discreet. Said he’d prefer somewhere quiet.”
“Where?”
“The town library. There’s a secluded section near the back. Not many people go there.”
“Alright,” I said. “When?”
“In an hour.”
“Okay. Pick me up.”
He agreed and ended the call. I got ready quickly, wearing something simple like jeans, a long- sleeved shirt, and a cap. I didn’t want to draw attention.
When Cole arrived, he was in his usual black car, the one Daniel assigned to me months ago. He greeted me with a small nod as I got in.
“You sure about this?” he asked as he started the engine.
“Yes,” I said. “I need to know who I am, Cole.”
He gave a small sigh but didn’t argue. “Then let’s do it right.”
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9:28 Inu, Jan ở
Chapter 149 A Private Meeting
693
Finished
The drive to the library was quiet. The morning traffic was light, and sunlight streamed through the windows. I watched people walking their dogs, shop owners opening stores, kids heading to school – normal lives, untouched by secrets or family scandals. I envied that.
When we arrived, Cole parked near the side of the building, away from the main entrance. We went in through the back door, where it was quieter. The librarian at the front desk barely glanced our way.
Cole led me through the aisles until we reached a small reading area tucked behind a row of tall shelves. It was empty except for a man sitting at one of the tables. He looked to be in his forties, clean–cut, with sharp eyes that missed nothing.
He stood up when he saw us. “Mrs. Carter?” he asked.
I hesitated. The name sounded strange, still new, but I nodded. “Yes.”
He extended his hand. “I’m Mason. Cole told me you needed help.”
I shook his hand. “Thank you for coming.”
Cole stayed beside me, watching carefully but letting me speak.
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