Chapter 15 - Marcus Brings Back the Bracelet
Months later, Marcus visited Claire in Maine.
Hannah was recovering.
He had resigned from private security.
He looked different without the suit.
Less like a bodyguard.
More like a tired brother.
He placed the silver bracelet on the table.
Claire frowned.
“I already have it.”
“This is the other one.”
Evelyn stepped into the room.
She stared.
Her matching bracelet had been taken at the clinic.
Hannah found it after police cleared the building.
Claire placed both bracelets side by side.
Identical.
For ten years, one had belonged to a missing mother.
The other to a daughter who believed she was alone.
Now they were together.
Marcus looked at Claire.
“I’m sorry I watched you.”
“You were trying to save Hannah.”
“That explains it.”
He paused.
“It doesn’t excuse everything.”
Claire smiled faintly.
Apparently everyone around her was finally learning the difference.
Before leaving, Marcus told them Adrian’s medical tests showed no
permanent damage from the altered medication.
Claire was relieved.
She did not examine that feeling too closely.
Evelyn noticed anyway.
“You care about him.”
Claire rolled her eyes.
“Don’t start.”
Evelyn smiled.
May you like
For the first time, they sounded like a mother and daughter who had lost
years but might still have years left.
