Page 79 of Dirty Legacy

“My phone?!” I turn it over in surprise, but it’s definitely mine. There’s a scuff down the side where I dropped it on the pavement a few months back.

I find a note tucked underneath. It’s in Connor’s handwriting, cramped and narrow. Angel, this one doesn’t have any tracking software at all. You wanted trust? We can try this again. Love, your husband.

I smile to myself as it powers on. I hold the note against my chest, breathing the paper. Why’d he sign it love? Why does it even matter?

Messages fill my inbox. I have a surprising number of emails and texts. I shoot one to Nadia real fast letting her know everything’s okay, and she replies instantly.

Nadia: Glad to hear you’re still alive. Tbh, didn’t know if that was a given, considering how mad Big Boss looked.

Angelina: We’re all good. I just learned not to do stupid stuff anymore.

Nadia: HA! How long will that lesson hold?

Angelina: Long enough, hopefully.

Nadia: Seriously, you’re OK? You haven’t been at work. Rick’s worried sick.

I smile to myself. That’s very sweet. He usually pretends like he can’t stand the pair of us, but I always knew he had a soft spot for me.

Angelina: Tell Rick I’m fine. Honestly, you saw me last night. Proof of life!

Nadia: Proof of Big Boss too.

Nadia: Speaking of which…………

Nadia: Who’s that Marcus guy, anyway?

Angelina: Dude are you kidding me?

Nadia: WHAT?!

Angelina: Unacceptable!

Nadia: Put in a good word for me, pls.

I toss my phone aside, shaking my head.

Damn that girl is thirsty.

I call down to Lisa from the house phone and ask for breakfast before checking on my mother. She’s awake and watching Judge Judy reruns on YouTube, only somewhat high, several cups of tea scattered around her. She seems happy to see me, and we chat for a few minutes until my food arrives. I meet Lisa in the hallway to take it into my room.

“You know, I got word earlier.” Lisa turns a sly smile on me. “There’s been a change in your freedoms.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Apparently, Colm doesn’t have to guard your door anymore.” Lisa jerks a thumb over her shoulder. “You got space to wander now.”

It takes a moment to realize there’s no guard posted outside. “Oh, wow. This feels weird.”

“Good weird?”

“I kind of miss Colm.”

“Liar.” Lisa beams at me. “There’s a massive sunroom downstairs. I’ve been putting plants and stuff near the windows. Want to have breakfast there?”

“I’d love that.”

The space is gorgeous. Lisa sets me up at a table with a view of the grounds. Morning sunlight streams in casting long shadows of all the various planters she has set up. Some big leafy greens in pots, a few that look like tiny trees, and more that I can’t begin to name. It’s warm, comfortable, and beautiful. I eat quietly, legs tucked under me, feeling content for the first time since I came here. I can almost ignore the guards wandering between the trees and lurking in the hallways. At least they aren’t keeping me trapped anymore.