Chapter 11 - CLARA LEAVESTwo years after the gate, Clara packed again.
Lawson found the suitcase.
His stomach dropped exactly as before.
“Why?”
“I got a job.”
“What?”
“Pediatric support program.”
“Where?”
“Northwestern.”
“You have a job here.”
“I’m not your employee anymore.”
“Then stay without one.”
Clara looked at him.
That sentence contained danger.
Possession disguised as affection.
Lawson heard it too.
He stopped.
Then tried again.
“Do you want to leave?”
“Yes.”
Pain.
Honest.
“Why?”
“Because I need a life that isn't built entirely around almost losing people.”
Mara’s letter.
Lawson understood.
“You'll still see them?”
“If they want.”
Jonah screamed when told.
Blythe cried quietly.
Lawson wanted to solve.
Clara stopped him.
“They are allowed to be sad.”
Her last night, they ate dinner.
No guards in the room.
No medical equipment.
Jonah complained about broccoli.
Blythe stole dessert.
Ordinary.
Beautiful.
At the door, Lawson asked:
“Will I see you?”
Clara looked at him.
“Ask me to dinner.”
He blinked.
“What?”
“I am leaving as the twins’ caregiver.”
Pause.
“If you want to know me as Clara, ask.”
Lawson smiled.
“Dinner?”
“Not in a restaurant you own.”
“Difficult.”
“Try.”
“I know one.”
“You own it?”
“Technically—”
“No.”
He laughed.
She kissed his cheek.
Then left.
Lawson watched the car disappear.
He did not send security after her.
No tracking.
No order.
No cage.
May you like
That was harder than any threat he had ever faced.
And better.
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