Page 16 of Ransom

I didn't make it that long in any other place. But Robert-fucking-McKenna was a stubborn and infinitely patient man. No matter what I tried, I couldn't get him to quit on me. "Yeah. It was too long. And it wasn't long enough."

Mia waves her arms at me, and I head for her, happy to have my turn and even happier to leave that conversation behind. I don't want to think about that town and the people I had to leave behind.

It hurts too fucking much. And the lie that I keep telling myself—that I'm better off having left—is getting harder and harder to believe.

6

BLAIR

Iwrap my arm around Maggie's waist, supporting her as we follow Max down the sidewalk. Jack-o'-lanterns flicker on every porch, and strands of orange lights crisscross between houses, casting a festive glow over the neighborhood. The crisp October air nips at our faces, but thankfully the snow's held off. I always hated having to wear a coat over my costume when I was a kid, and I know Max feels the same.

"Trick or treat!" Max bellows, his enthusiasm undiminished despite hitting what must be his fiftieth house of the night. When Mrs. Gunderson opens her door, he launches into an animated conversation about his T-Rex costume.

"Your son's got quite the set of pipes on him," I tease Maggie, giving her a gentle squeeze, so aware of how thin her shoulders have gotten. Maggie's never been tall, but she always had strong shoulders and a healthy, curvy body. Now, she's shrinking, and I hate it.

She laughs, the sound a bit wheezy but genuine. "Christine called me in for a talking to yesterday. Apparently, he called Jimmy a 'dickwad' for stealing his juice box."

I snort. "Wonder where he picked that up?"

"I plead the fifth," Maggie says, winking at me. "Christine said she had to do her duty and have a talk with me, but she couldn't keep a straight face, so I'm not too worried about it."

"Christine swears more than any person in this town, and everyone knows it. It's a good thing she has the patience of a fucking saint, or she would have been fired by now for introducing the first graders to the phrase 'motherfucking cocksuckers.'"

Maggie cackles. "Oh my god, could you imagine!"

"Yeah, I totally could." Christine is one of my favorite people, partly because of the swearing. I never have to worry what comes out of my mouth around her because I know she's said way worse.

Probably before breakfast.

We wave to the Petersons, camped out on lawn chairs in their driveway as we pass. Their oldest daughter, home from college for the weekend, is handing out king-sized candy bars. Halloween in Badger Falls is magical, and everyone knows it. Besides, every year it feels like there are fewer kids, so why not spring for the big ones?

"Maggie! How you holding up, hon?" Mrs. Peterson calls out.

"Oh, you know me. Tough as nails," Maggie replies with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

I feel a pang in my chest. This time around, the chemo seems to be taking a harder toll. Maggie's bundled up in a thick coat, scarf, and hat, but I can still feel her shivering against me.

"You doing okay?" I ask softly as Max races ahead to the next house. "We can head back if you're getting tired."

Maggie shakes her head. "I'm fine, Blair. Let the kid have his fun. We're making memories here."

I bite my lip, not entirely convinced. But I know better than to argue with Maggie Jones when she's made up her mind.

"Alright, but you tell me the second you want to call it quits, okay?"

She pats my arm. "Yes, Mom." I roll my eyes at her, but her sass makes me feel a little better.

We continue down the street, Max's excited chatter floating back to us. Maggie's steps are getting slower, her breath a little more labored, but I don't say anything, just slow my steps to match hers.

"Remember when we used to do this?" she asks suddenly. "God, we thought we were so grown up, trick-or-treating without our parents."

I chuckle. "Yeah, and then we'd gorge ourselves on candy and make ourselves sick."

"Good times," Maggie sighs. There's a wistfulness in her voice that makes my throat tight.

"Hey," I say, stopping us both. I turn to face her, taking in the pallor of her skin, the dark circles under her eyes. "You know I'm here, right? Whatever you need, whenever you need it."

Maggie's eyes well up, but she blinks the tears away. "I know, Blair. You've always been there for me. And now..." She trails off, her gaze drifting to Max, who's animatedly describing his costume to Mr. Flannigan.

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