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Seemed like a dream come true at the time. Thingspretty much fell flat after that. He had his family: his new wife and his golden-boy son.

We didn’t fit.

The cabin should be empty, though. Alistair only used it to fish, unless things have changed in the last eight years.

They’re on vacation in Fiji.

And I can find the address.

I sit up quickly enough to slam my head against the upper bunk. I need to get out of town quickly and go somewhere private. The cabin is sitting there unused and empty.

Holy fuck. Did I just solve my problem?

Sinking back down, I force myself to smile. Because even though it’s an option, I know well enough to understand problems are not easily solved.

Even with the best escape routes.

Chapter 4

Gilli

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Suzanne’s strident voice clangs against my ears and I wince. “Can you maybe take it down a notch?” I beg. “I didn’t sleep last night and I’m driving. Don’t you always say not to phone and drive?”

“I know you’re using the hands-free I got you for Christmas,” Suzanne gripes. “And you’re avoiding telling me what’s going on. I know you. I know your tone when you’ve done something bad.”

She knows a lot, apparently.

If I say it’s none of her business, she’ll destroy me. It’s her duty as the oldest.

I’ve got my window cracked, and the chill breeze filtering inside brings with it the scent of cows. This area of Pennsylvania is filled with them and you know where you are by smell alone without having to look.

But I’m on my way. It’s a three-hour drive if I go directly from the trailer to the cabin.

And luckily for me, Ma still had the address in her old black book, one of the many things she left behind when she went to start her new life. Hopefully north New Jersey is going to be far enough away from Baltimore for me.

No one will trace me there.

“You’re not listening to me, Gillian.” Suzanne’s tone goes Arctic.

I press my foot down on the accelerator to pass someone who has no business hogging the left lane. “I’m more concerned with the fact that Bill called you to say I was crashing at the trailer.”

“I shouldn’t have to hear it from him. If you’ve got issues, then call me directly. You never reach out anymore.”

“If that’s what this is about, I’m sorry.”

She pauses, then goes in for the kill. “You’re only twenty.”

I bristle automatically.“What does my age have to do with anything?”

“You may still need a shoulder to lean on. And I’m here. You never talk to me,” she replies.

“You’ve done enough for me. Trust me when I tell you, Suz, it’s not personal. I just need to get away. That’s the truth.”Partly.

“Maybe,” she admits reluctantly, “but it’s not the whole truth. Iknowyou.”

Then she’s psychic.