Page 142 of Lawton

Right, because I hadn't done enough damage already.

So instead, I followed after her, pleading for her to stay, even as she gathered up Chucky, along with the rest of her things. At this rate, she'd be gone any minute.

It was true. She didn't have much, and she gathered it quickly. Before I knew it, we were at the front door. She turned and held out her hands. "Keys."

It killed me to do it, but I reached into my jeans pocket and held them out. "Won't you at least let me drive you home?"

"No," she said. "And the gate had better be open."

Somehow, I managed to say, "It will be."

"Good."

I held out a hand, but didn't quite touch her. I spoke very softly. "But only because I hope you'll be coming back through it."

"Yeah, well, keep hoping that."

"Please." Something in my gut twisted. "Stay."

Her tone grew snotty. "What are you gonna do? Force me?"

"No." My voice was still quiet. "I'm not going to force you, but I'm not giving up, either. You wait. I'll win you back." I swallowed, trying to hold my emotions in check. "And then, baby, I'm never gonna let you go."

For a long time, she just looked at me, clutching the squirming dog tight against her chest.

Into her silence, I spoke again, a strangled whisper in the quiet house. "I'm sorry. Just stay, okay?"

Say yes.

But she didn't say anything. Instead, she reached for the door and opened it. A moment later, she turned and walked out, taking her little dog with her.

When the door shut behind her, I stood, staring at the empty space. Into the emptiness, I whispered her name. "Chloe."

She was gone. After all this time, I had found her. And then, I'd lost her.

No matter what it took, I'd win her back.

Somehow.

The End