“I guess so.” We walked along the shore, let the cool waves wash over our bare feet.

“I guess you’ll go back to New York now,” she said.

“Actually, no. I think I’ll stay here, at least for a little while.”

“You’re not scared?”

“I am, but I don’t have a plan to go anywhere. Not really.” A seagull swooped over our heads, and we both flinched. “What about you? You’re being safe, right?”

“The stuff with the men, that’s all over. But I am leaving. I don’t know how. I actually think Des used my cash to leave town herself. I haven’t seen her or heard from her in days. I mean, she goes MIA all the time when she’s on a bender, or when she’s met some new guy, but usually she at least comes home for a change of clothes. But I can’t wait for her. I’ve got to get out.”

We were quiet as we walked back to my car. Clara was still wearing Victoria’s purse. I didn’t think I could help Clara until we passed the bank. I pulled over on a side street and told her to wait. I couldn’t take out more than $1,000 in one withdrawal—it was half of what I’d made so far at the spa. I had never handled that much cash before, and what overwhelmed me was the scent, that tantalizing, terrible smell of grime and paper and promise. I hoped it would be enough to hold Clara—Ava—over for a little while.

I handed it to her, told her she could only use it to go.

“I can’t take this, Lily,” she said.

“For once, you’re not taking anything.” She smiled at that. “I wish I could give you more.”

“Are you sure? You might not want to get back to the city now, but maybe in a few months you’ll change your mind.”

“Doubt it. Plus … maybe this is stupid, after everything it almost cost me. But I really want to figure out the story with those paintings.”

“It’s not stupid at all.”

“Any psychic insight you can give me on those?”

“Ha. Nothing, unfortunately. I think you’ve got this one, though.” We were almost at the bus stop. Clara finally put the money in her purse.

“I hope you’re right.” I felt like there was still so much to say between us, but anything I tried to think of felt forced, melodramatic. “And hey. I never said thank you.”