Page 67 of Before the Night Falls

When Tina ran off to play with other children, an elderly woman settled next to Olivia. Her face was mapped with deep lines that spoke of decades under the sun, but her eyes were sharp and assessing.

“You are troubled,” she said, not a question but a statement of fact.

Olivia blinked, surprised. “I . . . yes, I suppose I am.”

The woman nodded as though Olivia had confirmed something important. “There are some who carry darkness with them. It follows, like shadow.”

Olivia drew in a sharp breath.

The woman’s gnarled fingers reached for Olivia’s wrist, turning it gently to examine the fading marks from the ropes that had once bound her. Most people didn’t notice them.

Most days, Olivia didn’t either.

But this woman seemed to know instinctively that they were there.

“And some who carry light, even when walking through darkness,” the woman continued.

Olivia’s pulse quickened, and she shuddered.

This woman was hitting a little too close to the truth.

Olivia withdrew her arm and muttered thank you to the woman.

Then her gaze searched the crowd for Tyson.

But even when she found him, the woman’s words wouldn’t leave her mind.

Which one was Olivia—did she carry darkness or light?

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

After they’d eatenand talked for a couple of hours, Tyson turned to Olivia. “Ready to get going?”

Olivia nodded. “Let me just tell Tina goodbye.”

She found the girl and sat beside her.

“Will you take this to remember me by?” Tina pulled a beaded necklace from her neck, the intricate pattern of blue and white beads catching the light.

“I don’t need a necklace to remember you.” Olivia’s heart warmed at the gesture.

“Please, take it.” Tina pressed it forward insistently.

Olivia glanced at Tyson, hoping for an indication as to whether or not she should accept it. He nodded, his eyes showing pleasure.

“Thank you, Tina. It’s very beautiful.” Olivia gave the girl a hug. “Would it be okay if I came back to see you sometime?”

Tina’s eyes widened, and a smile spread across her face. “Don’t forget about me.”

“Never, sweetheart. Never.”

When Tina hugged her again before running back to her family, Olivia fought tears. Tyson slipped an arm around her shoulders and led her back to his F-350. Olivia wished they didn’t have to leave.

“Thanks for sharing your visit with me,” Olivia said inside the truck.

Tyson started the engine and backed out, silence falling between them.

Olivia waited for Tyson to explain and knew he would in good time.