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Chapter 10
Clara
Ryder leaves Devil’s Peak tomorrow.
I know this because Lila told me.
Not Ryder.
Lila.
Which is why I’m standing behind a table of donated books at the Devil’s Peak Library Fall Fundraiser pretending I don’t care.
I’m doing a terrible job.
“You just gave that woman twenty dollars too much change,” Lila says.
I look down at the cash box. “Shit.”
She smiles. “Good girl said a bad word.”
“Don’t.”
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
“No. But I’m trying to be supportive.”
“Try quietly.”
She picks up a hardcover and rearranges it for no reason.
It’s been four days since I’ve seen Ryder.
Two days since he last texted me.
Working on something. Chat soon.
I’m starting to think it was all a dream. Every part of me wants to stomp over to his hotel and demand answers but I told myself I wasn’t going to chase a man who has spent eighteen years running away.
Apparently he’s going back to Idaho tomorrow.
His father’s estate is settled. The Indian was transported. His business is there. His house is there.
His life is there.
And I’m here.
Fine.
That’s an answer.
Not the one I wanted.
Still an answer.
“You could call him,” Lila says.
