How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Even Joseph couldn't hide the complicated look on his face.

He clenched his fists in silence, the shock evident in his eyes.

Anyone who said they weren't surprised would be lying. Jarrod's feelings for Elodie were so obvious, you could almost feel the weight of them in the air.

So this was it—he really did love her, with a depth Joseph had never fully understood until now.

A cold suspicion crept up on Joseph, sending a chill down his spine.

If Jarrod cared for Elodie this much, then all those times before those subtle glances, those careful words-had Jarrod really not noticed his own feelings for her?

The thought made Joseph's throat tighten. He felt a knot forming in his chest, so tight he could barely breathe.

He turned on his heel and walked away.

Maurice didn't even realize at first, and called after him, "Hey, aren't you coming in? Didn't we say we'd grab lunch together?"

Joseph didn't answer.

Suddenly, he found it impossible to face them. Shame gnawed at him.

And, truthfully, he couldn't let go of Elodie-not yet.

He needed time to pull himself together.

When Watts arrived at the police station, Patricia had already been processed.

expression sour. "I want out of

been spoiled and pampered-she was never one to

today was just a coincidence? If he hadn't set you up, you wouldn't

exactly

the perfect moment to strike, and he did. Do you really think you'll just walk out of here today? You should be praying he doesn't have anything worse planned for you. Tonight is

He'd already foreseen it.

come after me, he'd better think about the consequences. If I

she was teetering on the

of mood stabilizers from his

on straight. This is Jarrod

jaw, her eyes bloodshot

up going back to

her to the

as she stepped out

noticed the red veins in his eyes-he clearly hadn't slept. She knew, of course, she was

this kind of

they are now. I've come

to finish her

and rested his forehead gently against her shoulder. He closed his eyes, as if this was the only way he could be sure she was really here,

silent swallow before he spoke, his voice low. "It actually

at a loss

blind, after all-she couldn't just pretend not to see

home and get some rest. Don't let your grandma worry," she said

still wrapped tightly around her wrist,