For some reason only known to Fate, he was the only person who knew about Orelia and her callous use of a terrible power. The only person able to stop her. That was his challenge and his burden because there was nothing else in his life anymore.

So William, we just need another plan.

Yup, like I’m so full of them.

As his hopes crashed about as low as they could go, waddya know, an idea sprung at him as he stared at her things.

He just might have one more play. Fortune just wanted him to work a little harder.

The saying, the best luck is the luck you make for yourself, was very true. He felt infused with a determination as if the entire world depended on him, even though he was more an out of shape, hopelessly out-gunned super hero. From where this new William Barnes had evolved he couldn’t say, but he was beginning to like him and his ability to bounce back, tiring as that might be.

Yes, he was beginning to like him a lot. And though he wouldn’t back him in a race to win, he’d certainly put a bet both ways.

61

Nem flung open the stall door but the person who’d stolen her bag had already gotten away. She ran down the hall to arrive at the café counter where only moments before she’d chosen and looked forward to eating a delicious cake. She wouldn’t be eating that now.

As she came to a stop she took a deep breath to calm herself then she addressed Benny, the waiter who’d served her earlier. He apologized for not noticing anyone suspicious near the bathroom area, but he didn’t seem to understand. His assurance that they’d thoroughly check everywhere later while cleaning in case the bag was misplaced, gave her no confidence.

“I’m telling you it wasn’t left in here. Someone reached under the cubicle and stole it away, bold as brass.”

“Shall we call the cops?” he asked.

“No. Not much cash in my wallet and I have another set of keys. I’ll cancel the cards. Just disconcerting how brazen they were.”

She didn’t need any more attention focused on her by notifying the police. Thanks to Morris’ death, she’d already had to deal with them and there was more to come. Despite the diary entry supposedly meant to protect her against people like Morris, it hadn’t.

She wondered if she’d asked for too much over the last three years. Nothing good came when she acted with high emotion. After all this time, she still struggled on the odd occasion. In his case, with his drowning, she’d created a mini disaster for herself. Now, thanks to his death, there’d be months, even years, of unraveling business contracts.

William Barnes was to blame. He was the reason for this mess.

He’d have to be the most resilient person she’d met. She didn't understand why he didn’t go away and leave her alone. She stopped short of asking for worse consequences for him because his was a minor transgression. And he had helped her considerably with her good fortune.