Page 84 of Falcon

“What’s yours, Faith Morgan?”

I look toward Joe then back at Falcon. “I’m not answering that right now. No way.”

“So there is one in there somewhere, huh?”

I answer his question with an eye roll.

He has the arrogance about him that should annoy me, but from him, it’s not too much—I actually really enjoy it.

***

We come to a stop nearly an hour later outside of a security gate. It’s large, looming, and it blocks entry to a long driveway.

Joe rolls down his window, leans out and types in a passcode that grants us access. The gate slides open and we slowly drive through.

I was half-expecting a house to be hidden back in the hills, but what I see instead is three interestingly shaped apartment buildings. They are rich brown in color and their roofs are slanted downward in a sharp angle, giving them a modern look.

Each building it dotted with multiple balconies and vast windows. They are beautiful.

The property is well-maintained with green grass and clean streets. We make a turn to go between two of the buildings and I can see a large lake with a fountain ahead of us. There is a small playground area for children with some picnic tables and park benches.

“It’s so beautiful here.”

“This is home. It feels like a place my mom would have liked,” he says simply.

I look over at him and my heart nearly bursts. He’s never seemed so at ease as he does now.

“I wish I could have met her. She sounds like an amazing woman from what Nora has told me.”

“She was the best woman I’ve ever known. I may not have had her very long, but she shaped me into the man I am today. That, I know for sure.”

I bring our laced hands up and kiss his knuckles as the car rolls to a stop.

“Here we are,” Joe interrupts then turns to ask, “Need help getting your stuff upstairs?”

“Nah. We’ve got it. Thanks,” Falcon responds, as he opens his door.

“Thank you for the ride, Joe, and it was nice to meet you,” I tell him, opening mine.

“The pleasure is all mine. I’m just glad you’ll be here this round to keep that one in check.” He points to Falcon.

“Can anyone really keep him in check?” I tease.

“I have a feeling if anyone can, it’ll be you.” He smiles. “Falc, I’ll see you tomorrow. Faith, lovely to meet you.”

We pull our things from the trunk and wave from the sidewalk as Joe drives away.

“Come on. Let’s get inside and I’ll show you around.” He tries to take the handle of my suitcase, but I pull it back.

“I can manage this. It’s okay. Really. You’re carrying your duffle.”

“You’re a stubborn, stubborn woman.”

“Just independent. That’s how I am wired.” I throw his own words back at him.

“That, I know all too well.”

He leads me down the sidewalk and after entering another code into a keypad, we step into the building and take an elevator up four floors.

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