Page 13

Present Day

I have been moved to an area adjacent to the execution chamber, which is referred to as the death watch area. It’s not any nicer. Much like my previous dwelling, my room is about the size of a parking spot. The mattress is slightly more comfortable, although not much.

We are making preparations for the event. Kinsey brought in an outfit for me to wear so I don’t have to die in my prison clothes. Instead, I will die in black slacks and a blue cotton blouse—so much better.

I will also get to decide what I want for my final meal. It’s not as exciting as all that, though. I have been informed that there is a price limit of forty dollars, so it’s not like I can get an omakase experience for my final meal.

And then, of course, I will have my visit with Father Decker.

Ever since I laid eyes on that chaplain, my dreams about Noel have been growing darker. The two of us had so many happy times together, but at the end ... No, the end wasn’t so good. I did things that I regret.

Terrible things.

But if he’s alive ... If, somehow, that gas explosion did not kill him, and he’s still here and breathing ...

It’s possible. I never saw his dead body. He could be alive.

I want it so badly it hurts.

On the day before my execution, Rhea fetches me from my cell in death watch. We go through the same rigmarole of shackling my arms and legs, then patting me down. I barely even notice it. All I can think about is Noel.

I’m going to see him.

“You’re shaking,” Rhea notes as she leads me to the visiting area.

“Yes . . .”

“It will be good for you to meet with the chaplain,” she says. “You’re almost at the end now.”

Yes. I am almost at the end. Short of a miracle, I will not avoid execution.

The only thing that could stop it is if my husband is still alive, because you can’t be executed for murdering someone who is still alive.

I follow Rhea to the visiting area. She’s right—I’m shaking like a leaf, and when we get close, I nearly trip over my own feet. It’s entirely possible that this man is just an ordinary prison chaplain. In fact, that is the most likely scenario.

We reach the visiting area, and I am the only one here. Much like the yard, they have cleared it for me to be alone. There is only one man waiting on the other side of the glass. He is here to give me my last rites.

Slowly, I walk toward the man dressed in black with the white stripe on his collar.