“But I’m also a mother,” Rachel added softly.
Something in his voice eased the tension slightly.
"When I saw your file and your children, I realized you weren't complicit in his mistakes," he continued.
"So I made a deal."
“What kind of deal?” she asked.
"That he disappear completely and never contact you again," Rachel said. "In exchange, you and your children will be left alone."
His heart almost stopped.
“Disappear completely?”
" YES. "
"And he agreed?"
Rachel shook her head slightly.
“He had no choice.”
Silence filled the space again, heavy and final.
“Is he still alive?” she asked, her voice shaking.
Rachel hesitated for a moment before answering.
