“They didn’t believe you,” she said softly.

It was not a question.

Chapter 13 — The Bus

That night, exhausted, I fell asleep in the chair beside her bed.

When I woke at dawn, the bed was empty, and she was gone, and there was a note on the pillow in her careful hand.

I am taking the morning bus out of town.

Please do not come looking for me, Callahan.

I love you far too much to let this town destroy your life along with mine.