“I’ll go get her,” Randy said and left.

Marina pulled nervously at the end of her shirt, worried that something could happen to prevent Avery from leaving. Worried that Preston might show up and send things over the cliff. Or even worse, Chastity. But after a couple minutes, Randy opened the door and Avery walked out.

As soon as she caught sight of Marina, Avery ran over and threw her arms around her mother, squeezing her like she was the only life preserver in an endless sea. Marina hugged her daughter, fighting back the tears. This was never supposed to happen. Avery was not the kind of kid who had this brand of trouble. She was not the kind of mother who had to post bail. And yet here they were.

“Sign here, Avery,” Randy’s voice cut into their moment.

Avery shot over to the desk and scribbled her signature where Randy indicated. Then she whirled around and almost ran to the door.

“Let’s get out of here!” she said before hurrying outside.

“Thank you again for your help,” Marina said to Mike. She barely glanced at Randy before leaving, but the sheriff didn’t even look up as they exited. Another coward.

Avery was already slumped in the back seat of Marina’s car when she and Halcyon climbed in. Marina checked the rearview mirror and could see her daughter glancing around as they drove, probably worried that someone was going to see them and say something. Marina’s heart clenched again for Avery. She didn’t deserve this. Should never have to be going through this.

Before the car even came to a complete stop in Halcyon’s driveway, Avery jumped out and practically ran to the front door. Halcyon hurried after her and opened the door so Avery could get inside. When Marina came in, Avery was standing in the middle of the living room, staring at the stack of boxes.

“What’s all this?” she asked.

“It’s your things from your father’s house,” Marina said. “Halcyon and I packed them up earlier.”

“We’ll get everything set up in my guest room,” Halcyon said. “Consider it your room now.”

“But where will Mom sleep?” Avery asked.

Crap! Marina had completely forgotten that she’d never let Avery in on her current living arrangements. Avery had assumed she was living with Halcyon.

“I’m not staying here,” Marina said. “I moved into the fishing cabin.”

Avery’s eyes widened. “That dump! Good God, Mom. It’s not even safe, much less hygienic. You can’t live there.”

“Your aunt and I got it cleaned up and decorated,” Marina said. “It’s a lot nicer than what you remember.”

“But why don’t you just stay here?” Avery asked. “Aunt Halcyon has a nice house and it’s close to your job. The cabin isn’t close to anything but weeds and bugs.”

“I’m not working for Patricia any longer, so the commute isn’t an issue,” Marina said.

Avery stared at Marina for several seconds, then glanced at Halcyon, who was unusually quiet. Then tears formed in her eyes and she flopped down in the middle of the couch.