Page 30 of Never Forget
I didn't want to think about him. That was a door I had closed a long time ago, nailed shut and painted over. I wasn't going to open it now just because his face was plastered on every other lawn in Havensworth.
The lawyer's office was on Broad Street, in one of those old buildings with tall windows and crown moldings that made you feel like you should be speaking in a whisper. I spent an hour going over documents, signing my name so many times my signature started to look unfamiliar.
By the time I left, my head was pounding and my stomach was empty. I stopped at a takeout place on the way home. I ordered enough for me, Loretta, and Rosie, and was heading for the door with the bags when I heard my name.
"Jamie!"
I turned. Sam was crossing the restaurant toward me, weaving between tables, wearing jeans and a station t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
"Hey." He stopped in front of me, close enough that I could see the shadows under his eyes. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm managing." I shifted the bags in my arms. "Running errands. Signing paperwork. The glamorous life of estate administration."
"Can I help with anything?"
"I think I've got it under control. Loretta's been amazing with Rosie."
He nodded. His eyes stayed on my face, searching for something. I didn't know if he found it.
"Where's Mark?" He scanned the restaurant behind me.
"He flew back to New York the other day. He had work stuff he couldn't put off."
"So you're handling all of this by yourself?"
"Yeah." I shrugged. "But it’s no big deal."
Sam was quiet for a moment. "When are you heading back?"
"I'm staying for a bit. Just until everything’s done."
Something shifted in his expression. It wasn't quite a smile, but it was close.
"Good," he said. "That's good."
Before I could respond, a voice called from across the restaurant.
"Sam!"
Amber was near the door, waving at him with her car keys dangling from her fingers.
Sam glanced at her, then back at me. Something flickered across his face, there and gone before I could name it.
"I should go," he said. "But call me if you need anything. I mean it. Anything at all."
"I will."
He held my gaze for a beat longer than necessary. Then he walked toward Amber, his hand finding the small of her back as they pushed through the door together.
I watched them go.
I stood there a moment longer than I needed to, then headed to the car.
CHAPTER 7
Sam
Station 33 ran drills every morning.
