Chapter 5 - The Photograph in the Drawer
Z
The first sign that something was wrong appeared on a Thursday.
Marin was searching the study for a paint catalog when she found an envelope tucked beneath a stack of shipping documents.
Her name was not on it.
Inside lay photographs of her leaving the diner, walking to the bus stop, and entering her apartment building.
The pictures had been taken over several weeks.
A note accompanied them.
THE WOMAN IS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE BOY.
Marin's stomach tightened.
She heard footsteps and turned to find Gideon standing in the doorway.
“What is this?”
His expression changed when he saw the photographs.
“Where did you find them?”
“Here. In your desk.”
He took the envelope without touching her.
“Freddy.”
The security chief appeared almost immediately.
“Find out who put these here. Quietly.”
Marin stepped back.
“You've been watching me?”
“No.”
“But someone has.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Gideon looked at the photographs.
“Because someone wants to know who matters to me.”
The answer chilled her.
“I’m not part of your world.”
“I know.”
“Then keep me out of it.”
“I've tried.”
She laughed without humor.
“You don't even know me.”
“I know you jumped in front of a moving car for a child you had never met. I know you refuse money when you think it comes with strings. I know you work until your hands shake because you believe you can't afford to stop.”
His voice softened.
“And I know my son looks for you before he looks for anyone else.”
Marin hated that the words moved her.
She placed the catalog on the desk.
“I’m finishing Noah’s room. After that, I need some distance.”
Gideon nodded, although every line of his body resisted the decision.
That evening, she found Noah waiting beside the lighthouse mural. He had drawn a small figure standing beneath it.
The figure wore a paint-stained apron.
Marin swallowed.
“I’m not leaving today, sweetheart.”
Noah took her hand and pressed it against the wall.
Then he pointed toward the figure and shook his head, as if to say he didn't want her to go.
She stayed until he fell asleep.
Outside his bedroom, Gideon waited in the hallway.
“I'll protect you,” he said.
Marin met his eyes.
“Protecting me isn't the same as deciding for me.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?”
He stepped aside, leaving the corridor clear.
It was a small gesture, but she noticed it.
May you like
For the first time, he was not blocking her path.
He was letting her choose it.
