Page 52 of Hawk's Cry

Olivia: I’m actually close right now if you want to meet at the normal place. I can’t stay long though.

Gabe: Perfect.

I’m actually glad to have a chance to say goodbye. From my father’s reaction just now, once I’m back on the compound, I’ll have no freedom to meet anyone for coffee, or not without having a shadow with me.

I don’t, however, want my dad to worry. Once again, I send a text.

Olivia: Just meeting a friend for coffee. Won’t be long. x

Dad: You should come straight home.

My eyes roll as I hear his voice in my head, replaying it as though I’ve gone back fifteen years in time. I’m a grown woman, I can do what I like. Eli won’t be back from the therapist for some time, and now I want to meet Gabe for what will be the last time and close this chapter in my life.

Olivia: I won’t be long. x

Putting my phone on to silent, I slip it back into my purse, unsurprised when it vibrates again. It will only be Dad telling me to go straight back. I ignore it and drive the short distance between the store and the coffee shop.

Gabe is sitting in his normal place by the window, and a soda is already waiting for me, along with a cake that he knows I enjoyed the last time we were here.

“Hey, how you been?” He stands to greet me, his features forming a welcoming smile.

I rub my stomach which seems to stretch further every day. “As good as can be.”

“You’re glowing.”

Ignoring his compliment, I ask a question myself as I sit down, “So what’s this about you leaving?”

He grimaces. “Yeah. I’m leaving today. It’s what happens in my line of work. You have to go wherever the leads take you.”

“You don’t get much choice in it then?” I sympathise.

“No, not really. Tucson’s not a good place for me to be anymore.”

“You still going to be in Arizona?” Mmm mmm I think to myself, taking a bite of the delicious cake.

He watches me eating, then shakes his head. “No, I’ll be leaving the state. So this, sweet Olivia, is the last time we’ll meet like this.”

“That’s a shame.” I take another bite, moaning as the sweetness hits my taste buds. As it happens I won’t be around either. But I don’t bother to tell him that. It would lead to questions about where I’d be living, and I don’t really want to go into details about my family being bikers.

“It is what it is.” He shrugs. “And you’ll soon have your hands full with the baby.”

I nod, and smile, thinking how good it will be living close to Sam and Mom once again while in the last stages of my pregnancy.

“How long have you got to go?” He seems to be making polite conversation.

Before I answer, I take another bite, chew, then swallow. “Just another four weeks. I must admit I can’t wait to meet him or her now.” I finish my cake, then lick my fingers clean of the icing. “What?” I ask, as he’s staring at me with a distinctive curve to his lips.

“I’m just glad you’re enjoying your cake.”

“I am.” I yawn loudly, covering my mouth with my hand. “Oh, sorry.” I feel my cheeks redden.

“Pregnancy makes you tired, or that’s what my wife always used to say.”

I remember he lost her, so cover his hand with mine. “I’m sorry.”

He turns his hand over and his fingers grip mine tightly. He mumbles something, but I don’t catch it.

I’m feeling a bit strange. Lightheaded. Maybe too much sugar has gone straight to my head.

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