The remains

Chapter 42

We left the city and drove in the direction of my apartment.

Michael set his hand on my leg.

“Let’s skip town,” he said. “Why don’t we pack a quick bag, head down to New York for the night. Just like old times. We can get a room at the Gramercy Park, head out to Les Halles for steak frit, maybe a hit a bar or two. Just like we used to do.”

It sounded very appealing. Getting out of town for a night. God it sounded good.

“Do you think it’s a good idea to leave Robyn?”

“She needs rest, Bec. Not visitors. Besides, she’s got her mother and we’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.”

Michael was making sense. But there was just one more obstacle.

“What do we use for money?”

He tossed me a grin.

“Got a few bucks put away.”

“You robbed a convenience store and got away with it. Congratulations.”

“I’ve been selling the occasional news piece,” he offered. “Strictly online fluff stuff.”

We pulled into the apartment complex. Michael parked the truck in my designated spot. As we walked around the building to the terrace, I couldn’t help but notice how the sky was blackening, how the clouds were gathering with some speed. There was also a significant wind. Definitely a storm coming.

Outside the apartment door a team of blue uniformed maintenance workers were raking up the leaves. No one seemed to notice me.

I unlocked the door. Stepping inside the apartment, I felt suddenly lighter. Even the thought of heading down to New York for a night was enough to send a flash-wave of optimism cruising through my body.

Michael closed the door behind me.

“So do I have a date for Les Halles tonight or what?”

“Make the reservation,” I said, turning to him, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “I’m going to wash up, pack an overnight bag and we’re gone.”

He smiled, hugged me tight.

“No worries, Bec.”

“It’s all good.” I lied. True or false, it felt good to simply say it.

As I made my way through the hall to the bathroom, I heard the sound of distant thunder.