I try not to laugh. “I don’t need you and André fixing me up, Collin. I told you that.”

“Everybody can use some help now and then.”

I glance back at him. “We’ll see.”

“Hey, André made a lemon cream cake before he left. You want me to run some down?”

I take a deep breath. I could use a little dessert to absorb the wine. “Yeah. That would be great.”

“Be right back,” he says, and runs up the stairs.

CHAPTER 45 - Molly

CHAPTER 45

Molly

IN THE GRAY OF DAWN, JUST AS THE SUN STARTS TO COME UP, SADIE AND I head down the apartment building’s back stairs. The Uber I’d called, a small black sedan, is idling at the curb. Sadie and I jump in, and the young man at the wheel mumbles a “Good morning.” My stomach is in knots as we head to the highway. We’re going home.

The house looks forlorn as Sadie and I make our way inside. It’s chilly and echoes with emptiness. I usually feel a sense of calm when I walk through my front door, but not now. The letter from Keith Russell has soiled it, soiled Jay. Everything I’d held on to is broken.

Upstairs I pack a suitcase, stow my toiletries in a small bag. Glance around to see that I’ve got everything I need from up here. Downstairs, I gather Sadie’s stuff, wrap her service dog vest around her as she stands patiently. Then I slip my laptop in its carry bag, and we’re ready.

I’ve been driving Jay’s Mercedes lately, but I decide to take my Subaru instead. As I back down the driveway, I call Corrine, put the phone on speaker.

“Where are you?” she asks. “I just went in to check on you.”

“I’m home, or I was home. I’m on the road now.” Sadie is panting quietly, sitting in the passenger’s seat. I reach over and lower the heat. “Look, Corrine. I need to get away for a while.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going to go stay in a hotel and relax someplace where the media can’t find me.”

“Where?”

“I don’t know.” But I do, and I don’t want her to worry. “I’m just going to drive out of town a ways and find a hotel. I’ll call and keep in touch.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I don’t like this, Molly. Don’t you think it would be better to stay with me and Rich? You’re safe here.”

“I appreciate your help, really. I just need some time. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

I hear her take a deep breath. “You’ll call me?”

“Yes. I’ll stay in touch.”

“You’ll keep your phone on and nearby?”

“Yes. Yes. It’ll be fine. I’ll be back in a couple of days.”