an before, as if the city itself were holding its breath. She pulled her jacket closer and walked

had not bee

been

hurt more than a

ripped bare by the season. The air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth. For the

ere po

re watc

eady destroy

ibrated in

to look to know

retending you

eart pounding. Her hands shook, b

llowing me

e

over strangers passing by. Any one of them could be watch

essage continued. This end

ok a dee

he typed back, ar

took longe

pro

rept down

teps to remain steady. She knew fear was wha

That she was dangerous because

tion. Too many memories. Too many

dge of town under her real name. If they were wa

t on the bed, staring at the wall. The sile

ear. Live quietly and let t

risk losing what litt

ather's tired smile. Of the nights he spen

ened h

e truth," sh

engine started

meant anything. But she k

ed the point