Page 96 of Deliverance

"Well," she sighed. "I think I should have one more night with my parents. Can you pick me up tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Do we even have a place to live?"

I took a deep breath. "I've been looking, but I want to see the places in person. All of them are available now, though."

"I can't believe we're moving across the country." I could hear the joy in her voice.

"Yeah, baby. Things are looking up."

"Yep. So, if you pick me up tomorrow, when are we leaving?"

"We can leave the next morning."

"Really?"

I nodded. "We're ready to hit the road. Momma sold her car, and what we're taking is packed. We're ready to do this." After we got out of town, we were going to put the house up for sale. I would fly back if need be, but we didn't want to do it before we left and tip-off Uncle Marco that we were leaving town.

"Then, I am too."

* * *

I didn't waste time the next morning getting to Albany. I had texted Erin when I left Long Island, so she knew I was coming. When I arrived, her father met me at the door again.

"Ric," he greeted and stuck out his hand.

I took it. "Mr. Moreland."

"Coffee?"

"Please."

We walked to the back of the house that I realized was the kitchen area. He didn't call up to Erin to tell her that I had arrived, and I wasn't sure if she knew or not. It was clear he wanted to talk, and I didn't blame him. I was taking his daughter—a daughter who had been missing for ten years—almost 3,000 miles away.

He poured me a cup, then took a seat across from me at the kitchen table. "Erin told us that you were a SEAL?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"How long did you serve?" He took a sip of his coffee.

"Eight years in the Navy, five of that as a SEAL."

"What made you get out?"

I swallowed. "I was shot in the back."

"Wow."

I took a drink of my coffee. "Was medically discharged after that."

"I've always had respect for the men and women who want to defend our country."

"Thank you."

"This leads me to my next questioning."

"Of course." I bobbed my head in understanding.