Aftermath and Revelation

Chapter 116

The house was a nondescript, small, two-story quiet suburb. More than that, it was a singularly soothing vista for James to come upon. He yawned as he turned off onto the drive and felt suddenly weighted about the shoulders with a bone-deep tiredness that called him to rest.

Lily sat next to him, Ave sleeping in her arms. "We're here," James said softly, shaking Lily's shoulder.

Lily blinked out of her reverie. "Is it safe?"

"Yeah," James bobbed his head in a nod, "Mike's best people are watching the place. Come on, let's get inside."

They entered the house; James carried their few, hastily packed belongings, Ave cuddled up in Lily's arms. It was sparely furnished but clean and comfortable.

James did all the rounds of the room, moving within each as if habituated by them, checking the windows and locks. And finally, in the living room, he saw Lily sitting on the couch, Ave still curled up in her lap.

"I put her to bed," Lily whispered. "She's exhausted, poor thing."

James