Chapter 9 - THE MAN WHO OFFERED EVERYTHING
Gabriel visited Newark two weeks later.
He came without a convoy.
Without an entourage.
Just one security driver who remained outside.
I opened the door holding Wren.
Gabriel stood in the hallway wearing a dark sweater and jeans.
He looked almost ordinary.
Almost.
"May I come in?"
I hesitated.
Then stepped aside.
He looked around the apartment.
Small kitchen.
Secondhand sofa.
A crib beside my bed.
Boxes of diapers stacked near the closet.
He said nothing.
I appreciated that.
Wren stared at him.
Gabriel smiled.
"Hello."
She reached for his watch.
He laughed softly.
"Apparently you like shiny things."
I smiled.
"She's expensive that way."
We sat at the kitchen table.
Gabriel placed a folder between us.
I stiffened.
"What's that?"
"Information about the investigation."
I opened it.
Calder had been arrested.
Several associates were facing charges.
The financial fraud investigation was expanding.
I read the documents.
Then looked up.
"Is it over?"
Gabriel hesitated.
"The immediate threat appears to be contained. The legal process will take time."
I nodded.
He continued.
"I also wanted to ask whether you'd consider accepting help."
I closed the folder.
"Gabriel."
He raised one hand.
"Not money."
I stared.
He smiled faintly.
"I learned."
He explained that a victim-support organization could help me relocate if I wanted.
They could assist with childcare resources.
Legal representation.
Counseling.
Employment support.
All without requiring me to depend on him.
I stared.
"You arranged that?"
"I asked my attorney to identify legitimate resources."
I looked down.
For the first time, help didn't feel like a trap.
"Thank you," I whispered.
Gabriel nodded.
Wren began fussing.
I lifted her.
Gabriel watched.
"You're good at that."
I smiled.
"At what?"
"Knowing what she needs."
I looked at him.
"Not always."
He frowned.
"Really?"
I laughed.
"Gabriel, sometimes she cries because I won't let her eat a receipt."
He laughed.
A real laugh.
Then he grew quiet.
"Claire."
I looked up.
"I owe you more than I can repay."
I shook my head.
"You don't owe me anything."
He stared.
I continued.
"Just take care of your children."
He nodded.
"I intend to."
When he left, Wren waved from my arms.
Gabriel waved back.
May you like
And for the first time since the train, I felt something other than fear when I thought about him.
I felt hope.
