； there was no hope。
She heard the front door slam shortly after he left her room。 She didn't
know where he went； and he was back in time to take her to the train
station； but even the short ride there was awkward。 It wasn't until she
was about to board the train that he said more than a full sentence； and
then his voice was quiet。
〃I'd like to follow through with the liaison between Hansen and ESE； but
I think Lee should handle the account。 You're right。 It'll be too
difficult any other way； at least for now。〃
Chloe wanted to argue； but no words came out。
His eyes held defeat when he looked at her a final time。 〃I'll be here；
Chloe。 When you're free； let me know。〃
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving； Chloe boarded a plane。 It taxied and
took off； then climbed into the sky and headed north。 New Orleans fell
behind。 New York was ahead。 She was going back to Ross。
She tried to sleep； but was too excited。 She ate dinner； she read a
magazine； she looked out the window and smiled。 Where a haunted woman
had been just a few days before； was one with a newborn peace。
She had e a very long way in a very short time； but it hadn't been
easy。 There were dozens of doubts and second thoughts dogging her
through Mobile； and added days spent wavering there； then fear and
unsureness when she arrived at her parents' home in New Orleans on
Than