Page 88 of In Death, Love Survives

Nova steps out of my hold and opens the door. Jessica’s rocking on her heels with her hands twisted together in front of her as she waits.

“Oh. Hi,” she chirps as I step in front of Nova.

“Hi.”

Officer Walls steps forward and gestures for me to follow him. Looking at Nova one last time, I give her a small smile before following Walls.

Through the doors, heading back to my home for only a few more days, my mind is consumed with Nova.

Walls enters a code into a box, and a door opens. He holds onto the door handle and looks up at me. He’s one of the friendlier officers but usually keeps to himself. There are rarely any snide comments or favors he asks for.

“When the time comes, take care of Dr. Fletcher. I’ll do what I can for her here,” he says quietly.

With his positioning, there’s no way a camera caught it either.

“I hope it comes to that,” I say back.

Walls opens the door, and I step back into hell for another few days.

The following day,I call Caleb to let him know the good news.

“Fucking finally,” he says.

“At least you’ll be happy to see me,” I joke.

“I’m not cut out for all of it.”

“Don’t do that. You’ve done well in my absence the past few months.”

“I’m just glad you’ll be back. Do you need me to get you?”

“Not exactly.”

“What do you mean?”

“I need you to drop off my bike.”

Caleb hoots on the other line.

“Wolfe, does that mean you’ve got an old lady, finally?”

“Not exactly.”

This time, Caleb stays silent.

“She’s not sure.”

“Then don’t waste your time.”

“You know it’s not like that.”

Caleb sighs, and I can tell he’s debating what to say.

“Why is she unsure?” he finally asks.

“She met me in prison. This isn’t normal. Life back home won’t be what she’s used to either. You know that, man.”

“When I met her, she was different than I expected, even despite what you had told me.”