Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes as the sense of damage, of loss, and the vertigo from that, overwhelmed her. Not a physical blow to her but to her life, to every cell of her being, her existence.

She struggled to drive, keep control of the car, but her instincts told her she must get home, even as she knew as if whispered in her ear, that she was already too late.

As she pulled into the driveway and waited long, long seconds for the gates to roll open, she knew. The sobs came then as the feelings of nakedness and exposure swamped her heart.

Even before she ran inside, to leap the stairs two at a time and fling the bedroom door ajar, she knew. The diary was gone, and the person who had stolen it wasn’t a stranger. He would be very, very sorry.

66

William’s first plan was to find an out-of-the-way eatery, grab a bite and look over the book. He probably wouldn’t be able to eat a thing, but, after the day he’d had, if he didn’t force himself he’d probably faint at some point.

The farther he traveled from Orelia’s house though, the more he found himself unable to wait. An itch to see what secrets the book held began the minute he’d turned the ignition key.

The café stop was necessary for two reasons. Refueling, and he didn’t relish the thought of being alone with the thing.

Since picking it up from her bedside table, a peculiar pressure had settled over his body, as if a heavy blanket had been draped across his shoulders.

But as he drove past a neighborhood park with an oval expanse flanked by large trees of various species, his plans were changed again. He spied locals enjoying the surroundings; playing ball, walking their dogs, or strolling. This was perfect. He could eat later, takeout was just as easy. The burn to open the covers was greater than a niggling hunger.

He slowed and pulled alongside the curb. A minute later he’d found an empty bench under an oak and settled himself down. For a moment, he held the book pressed into his lap as he surveyed his surroundings.

A young boy ran through the open space between the trees, a kite trailing behind him, as he attempted to make it fly. He wasn’t having any luck but still the kid continued to try. Good for him; it reminded William of himself. From the sideline, his father yelled encouragement.

A group of power walking women went by on the path. Their chatter and laughter made everything seem normal. He could almost believe he didn’t have a care in the world, that he’d imagined the last six months, heck the last two years.

The afternoon sun felt warm and heartening but with every minute a tinge of oncoming, cool night air reminded him darkness was on its way. He didn’t want to be sitting anywhere dark with this book.