How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Sometimes, all you can do is take things one step at a time.

She followed her guide across the grounds toward another building.

They escorted her upstairs.

The sheer opulence of the place struck her immediately-so out of place in a country where most people seemed to get by with so little.

The gulf between rich and poor was staggering.

As soon as Elodie stepped inside, the heavy door shut behind her.

She frowned and glanced back.

Before she could process much, footsteps echoed from ahead.

She whipped around, alert, every nerve on edge.

And found herself staring into a pair of familiar eyes.

Elodie's brow tightened. "Why is it you?"

She took in the tall, lean man before her, dressed in dark, casual clothes. He still radiated that same youthful energy and undeniable good looks, but now there was something else about him—an air she couldn't quite define.

away to pour himself a glass of water. "If it hadn't been me, you'd be in real trouble with that man back

of the man

had no quarrel with him, no reason

He just raised his eyebrows at her. “I imagine you're already shaken. This isn't the safe, orderly

cut straight to the point,

notice. He kept the tone easy, almost as if they were still friends. “Business. There's a mining operation

bother with pleasantries either. "Why did you

it later." "Mr. Aldridge, I don't care how you knew I was there today, or why you chose to help me. I'm grateful. But I need to leave now-I have urgent business."

make sure Jarrod was

Every second counted.

"What's the rush?"

set his glass down and tilted his head,

Elodie's eyes flashed.

hadn't said a word

him, knowing the history knowing Watts and Jarrod had unfinished business.

He narrowed his eyes, then shrugged. "Don't worry, I'm up to anything. I've already

to look for

you're safe here. As soon as there's

pressed her

read

really helping her find

even know