“Okay. Let’s talk when I get to your place. I’m just leaving baggage claim—”
“Wait, baggage claim? You’re at the airport?”
“I told you I’d come if I didn’t hear from you! A mother knows when her son needs protecting.”
“Better late than never.”
She responded with a tiny, wincing gasp. To his surprise, her next words held not a hint of defensiveness.
“I know, honey. I’ve made so many mistakes. When you were younger I didn’t know what I was doing; my therapist says I was in survival mode. She’s been helping me figure all that stuff out. That’s part of why I wanted to come out. There’s so much I want to—”
“It’s okay.”
“It’s not. You were right. You’re always right,” she said. “There’s somethin’ special about that boy.”
Emmett’s throat closed around a sob.
“That’s fine,” he said, covertly wiping his eyes. “But I’m not home. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”
“I’ll meet you at work. We can have lunch and talk.”
“No—”
“That’s the shuttle for the rental place. Gotta go. Love you!”
“Mom—”
Beep-beep.
He shoved the phone into his pocket.
Lizette was looking at him, prodding for a reaction. “That was nice.”
He couldn’t talk about it, not now. “She’s going to meet us at the museum.”
“I’m not driving you to—”
“Yes you are. Please. I need to do this.”
“Do what?”
“You’ll see. Please—just get me there.”
CHAPTER 51
Emmett threw on a hoodie from his suitcase while Lizette found parking in the public lot. The garment was now three sizes too big, but with the hood up and sunglasses on, he might just about get by unnoticed, hopefully in time for the prime midday posting window.
Lizette insisted on going with him. “Last time I let you out of my sight, you ate a guy.” But as they reached the steps of the museum, Joanna texted.
“Shit. My mom’s gonna be here in a few minutes.”
“I’ll wait out here for her. Don’t be long.”
He headed up the stairs and through the entrance, cursing under his breath as he spotted his former coworker Ry behind the ticket desk. He considered turning back, but there was no telling if he’d have another chance. The police might already have a warrant for his arrest.
“Good morning,” she said as he approached. “Just one adult today?”
He nodded, pleased that she hadn’t recognized him.
