Chapter 11 - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BLACK SUV
The black SUV from the intersection was found six months later.
It had been sold through a private auction.
The original registration traced back to a company controlled by Graham Hail.
Celia stared at the report.
Her stomach turned.
The vehicle that nearly hit her.
The vehicle that had disappeared into traffic.
Connected to Travis's employer.
She called Evelyn.
“Was it deliberate?”
Evelyn answered carefully.
“We don't know yet.”
Celia closed her eyes.
“Okay.”
But the possibility haunted her.
Had Travis pushed her intentionally?
Had the SUV been waiting?
Or had the collision simply been a terrible coincidence?
She needed the truth.
***
Investigators reviewed traffic footage.
The SUV had been traveling too fast.
Its driver had ignored a changing signal.
But there was no evidence that the driver coordinated with Travis.
The driver was identified and cited for traffic violations.
The incident remained terrifying.
But the evidence did not support a planned attack involving the vehicle.
Celia listened.
Then exhaled.
For once, the truth was less dramatic than her fear.
And she was grateful.
***
Lorenzo met her afterward.
They walked along the river.
The weather was clear.
Celia looked toward the intersection where everything had begun.
“Do you ever think about that day?”
He nodded.
“Often.”
She smiled faintly.
“Me too.”
Lorenzo looked at her.
“I almost didn't reach you.”
Celia stopped.
He continued.
“I saw Travis grab you. I started moving before you fell.”
She swallowed.
“Why?”
“Because I recognized the look on your face.”
Celia stared.
“What look?”
“The one people have when they're trying to keep someone else calm because they're afraid of what happens if they don't.”
Her eyes filled.
Lorenzo looked away.
“I've seen it too many times.”
She took his hand.
“Then you know why I need you to change your life.”
He looked at her.
“Yes.”
“Not for me.”
“I know.”
“For yourself. And for everyone who might be hurt if you don't.”
Lorenzo nodded.
“I know.”
***
That evening, Celia visited Marissa.
She told her about the investigation.
The SUV.
The financial scheme.
The relationship.
Marissa listened.
Then said:
“Are you happy?”
Celia considered.
“Yes.”
“Are you safe?”
Celia thought carefully.
“Safer than I was.”
Marissa nodded.
“Good.”
Then she leaned forward.
“Don't confuse gratitude with love.”
Celia smiled.
“I know.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
She looked toward the window.
“I don't love Lorenzo because he saved me.”
Marissa waited.
“I love him because he listens when I say no.”
May you like
Marissa smiled.
“That's a better reason.”
