How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

The call still wouldn't go through.

That was unexpected.

Watts met Elodie's eyes, then glanced at the phone in her hand. "No luck? Maybe most of the networks are down. Try again in a while."

Something flickered across Elodie's face-a feeling she couldn't quite name, a tiny sting that left her unsettled.

She didn't say a word.

Watts checked his watch. "Are you hungry? I'll have them bring you something to eat."

He stood up. "Just stay calm for now. You're a long way from home, and not everyone here is trustworthy. But while you're with me, you're safe. I promise."

The words had the effect of a sedative, meant to settle her nerves.

Elodie remained silent.

She turned toward the window.

Armed men still patrolled outside.

Clearly, this wasn't the sort of place you could come and go as you pleased.

She knew Watts had a point, but as far as she was concerned, his promise of safety didn't carry much weight.

The food was ready quickly-Watts had seen to it himself.

Elodie glanced at the spread: dishes from her own country.

Without revealing anything, she asked quietly, "What about the people who came here with me?"

Watts ladled soup into a bowl for her, his manner calm and unhurried. "They're all resting elsewhere. Later, they'll be escorted out."

overt malice from the very start, Elodie couldn't ignore the subtle tension in the

him; she knew she had to play this

his gaze steady. Elodie was as composed as ever, showing no change, no sign of discomfort. That calm was precisely what frustrated him. He'd tried to win her over for so long, and

He wondered-

Elodie

any less than Jarrod,

to do, I'll keep you

"Don't trouble yourself. I just want to leave as

face, but he kept his

poured her a glass of

he stood and walked

set down her spoon and silently

Outside, Watts' phone rang.

then stepped into

good. Jarrod's

officially involved now

pull

stops to

in

course. That was Jarrod for

he'd immediately think of the

the authorities on the

there

detavas

no way to keep

for long.

putting on the pressure,

of responding, Watts asked,

I heard, he's already there. Chances are, it's

and stared at

chaotic over there