Inside, everything was exactly as she’d left it weeks ago. Except for the bedroom.
The spray paint had been scrubbed off, but a faint shadow remained:FOUND YOU.
Nora stood in the doorway, staring at the wall. “I don’t think I can live here anymore. Every time I walk in, I’ll remember.”
“Then don’t.” Carson wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Move in with me. For real this time. Not protective custody. Not temporary. Just...us.”
“You really want that?”
“I’ve wanted it since the first night you stayed at my place.” He turned her to face him. “I know it’s fast. I know we’re supposed to take things slow. But I love you, Nora. And I want to come home to you every day. Want to build a life with you. If you’ll have me.”
“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I’ll move in with you. I’ll build a life with you. I’ll do all of it.”
He kissed her—deep and claiming and full of promise.
When they broke apart, Nora looked around the apartment one last time. “Help me pack?”
“Always.”
They spent the next hour boxing up her belongings, loading them into Carson’s truck. With each box, Nora felt lighter. Like she was leaving behind more than just an apartment.
She was leaving behind fear. Isolation. The constant feeling of being watched.
She was moving toward something new. Something bright.
Something with Carson.
As they loaded the last box, Nora’s phone rang—the new one Finn had set up for her. Lila’s name on the screen.
“Hey,” Nora answered.
“Oh my God, I just heard about what happened! Are you okay? Do you need anything? I’m coming over right now—”
“I’m fine, Lila. Really. It’s over. Eugene’s in custody. I’m safe.”
“Thank God.” Lila’s voice cracked with relief. “I was so worried. When I heard about the standoff at the police station, I thought—”
“I know. But I’m okay. Carson kept me safe.”
“The detective?”
“Yeah.” Nora glanced at Carson, who was securing the last box in the truck bed. “We’re actually together now. Like, really together.”
“Nora Bell, are you dating the hot cop who saved your life?”
“I am.”
“That’s so romantic I might cry. Also, I need details. All the details. Lunch tomorrow?”
“Can’t. We’re leaving town for two weeks. But when I get back, we’ll have lunch and I’ll tell you everything.”
They talked for a few more minutes before Nora ended the call.
Carson appeared at her side. “Ready to go?”
She looked back at the apartment one last time. At the place that had been both her home and her prison. At the life she was leaving behind.
“Yeah,” she said. “I’m ready.”
