Ch. 17: Promises

The letter had arrived without a name, and that was the first thing that frightened her.

Money could buy a great many things, he had learned, but never the one thing that was wanted most. Money could buy a great many things, he had learned, but never the one thing that was wanted most.

Money could buy a great many things, he had learned, but never the one thing that was wanted most. For a heartbeat the careful distance between them thinned to nothing at all.

Money could buy a great many things, he had learned, but never the one thing that was wanted most. Emily crossed the room slowly, aware of every step, of the way he was watching without seeming to. There was a history between them that neither would name, written in the things they did not do.

They did not speak for a long moment. Some silences carry more than words ever could, and this was one of them.

Emily crossed the room slowly, aware of every step, of the way he was watching without seeming to. "I'm not asking you to forgive me," Emily said. "I'm asking you to listen."

Tomorrow would ask its questions. Tonight, she let herself simply breathe.