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Kat panicked, hating the sight of her upset and leaving. “Don’t.”

Brynn stopped. “Why?”

“I don’t want you to.”

Brynn didn’t turn, just stood still, facing the door. “Why?”

“Because, because…” But what could she say? She wasn’t even sure her feelings were wise or safe or even rational. And Murph’s reaction had told her that they might not be any of those things.

Brynn’s shoulders fell. “Because you like me like I like you? I’m afraid that’s not enough. I’m afraid I will never be enough. Your friend…he just pretty much said so.” She laughed and looked up at the ceiling. “I’m a Williams. Lord knows that’s a curse I can’t do anything about. You shouldn’t have to suffer because of it too.” She unlocked the door and pulled it open.

“Brynn…”

“Good-bye, Vander. I would say call if you need me, but it’s probably best if you didn’t.” She stepped out and closed the door behind her. Kat crossed to it, pulled it open, and called after her as she walked across the grass. Across the street, Murph sat in his cruiser, phone to his ear. Furious, Kat slammed the door and stormed to find her phone. She tried calling Murph, but it went straight to voice mail.

She looked out the window. Both Murph and Brynn were gone.

“Damn it.” She sank into a kitchen chair, once again feeling completely helpless despite her strong will.

Gunner came to her and licked her knee. She scratched his head. “I know, Gunner. I didn’t want her to go either.” She stared out the window, watched a hummingbird pause to feed out of her feeder. Brynn was flying away, flying home. And her home…was just too different from hers. Unlike her own, Brynn’s home would swallow her whole.