Chapter 10 - THE MOTHER WHO REFUSED TO RUN AGAIN
Graham returned to Chicago.
Not openly.
But investigators found evidence that he was contacting former associates.
Alexander wanted Oliver and me moved to a secure property.
I refused to disappear again.
“I'm not running.”
He looked at me.
“Claire, this is serious.”
I crossed my arms.
“I know.”
He took a breath.
“Then let me protect you.”
I shook my head.
“Protect us by telling me everything.”
Alexander went quiet.
I continued.
“No secrets.”
He nodded.
“Okay.”
We worked with investigators.
Provided documents.
Reviewed old correspondence.
For the first time, Alexander treated me like an equal.
Not a fragile wife.
Not a problem to manage.
One evening, we sat at the kitchen table.
Oliver was asleep upstairs.
Alexander looked at me.
“You're stronger than I ever understood.”
I smiled sadly.
“I had to be.”
His eyes filled.
“I know.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he whispered:
“I'm proud of you.”
I looked down.
May you like
Because those were words I'd once desperately wanted to hear.
And now I didn't know what to do with them.
