The fake leather cover felt cold under his palm.

He understood that the life in those pages was completely gone, packed away and over for good.

The deep grief of that broken family settled heavy and permanent in his chest.

Right next to the grief sat a huge, quiet relief.

The daily dread was over.

“I have to find a new job Monday,” Michael said.

“Carla made it very clear I’m done at Apex Logistics.”

“You’ll find one,” Derek said.