Page 41

IT’S BEEN SIXTY months, and she still comes to see me from time to time. When she sits in the chair on the other side of the plastic barrier and picks up the phone, she nods for me to do the same.

It always takes me a minute to register why she comes to see me. She’s the only person I ever did anything good for. Her bright smile makes my day, every time she says the only words I ever needed to hear: “Thank You.”

The cadence of her voice warms my heart. She’s happy. She gets together with her siblings. Her life has turned around completely.

Cody’s dad tried to keep her from receiving any of the money she deserved. They had not signed a prenuptial agreement, so everything Cody owned became hers. Although she tells me money doesn’t matter to her, it sure did help get her back on her feet .

“I hadn’t told you this before because I didn’t want to jinx the deal.

” Kennedy pauses and allows her smile to overtake her face.

“Last year, I partnered with Brian, and we expanded his restaurant enterprise. Six months ago, we opened another location in Talkeetna, and next week, we’re opening the third restaurant in Anchorage. ” Her excitement was contagious.

“That’s fantastic. You’ll have to bring me a burger next time you come see me.”

Laughter fills the air. I think about how what I did changed both of our futures. I truly think Cody would have killed her sooner rather than later. Humbly, I know I saved her life.

After she leaves, the memory of that night and the years leading up to it marinade in my mind.

It was worth the price to see a brighter side of the girl I picked up that night.

I might be here forever; It ain’t paradise, that’s true.

But it’s a whole hell of a lot better than the place I sent him to.

Lord have mercy on me.