Page 97 of Everything We Left Behind

Their eyes meet across the room. “Yes.”

Although rare, there have been documented cases where a person can have not just one repeat episode, but multiple. Once again, he’ll be left with a blank slate in his head while those around him are left with nothing but heartache and memories of the man he used to be. It’s why one of the psychologists who evaluated James recommended therapy. There’s likely more at war in his head than solely the fear Carlos felt in his nightmares when Phil threatened to go after Aimee. That imagery could be symbolic of a greater issue from his past, possibly from his childhood, his mind had buried.

And here he is, running straight to the man both he and Thomas believe was the trigger that tossed James into the fugue state. They also believe Phil tried to murder James. Phil has yet to admit that, and fortunately for him, James can’t remember most of it.

In less than twenty-four hours of his release, Phil showed up at Donato Enterprises this morning. He was there when Thomas arrived at the office. Thomas first thought Phil was looking for employment. Instead, he was looking for James, and seemed very determined to find him. He wouldn’t tell Thomas why, and when Thomas proposed the three of them meet for dinner this evening, Phil wasn’t keen on the idea. His business is with James and James alone. Which is why James needs to get to California before Phil comes to them.

Natalya blinks rapidly. She averts her face. He feels her despair as though it’s his own, right smack-dab in the middle of his chest. An imaginary fist that squeezes his pulsing heart. He crosses the room and embraces her.

“I will come back,” he whispers into her hair.

“I’m not afraid you won’t come back. I’m afraid you won’t remember to come back.”

That fist drops his heart into his stomach. “Should something happen to me when I see my brothers—”

Natalya shakes her head. “Don’t say that. I have to believe nothing’s going to happen to you.”

He leans back to look down at her. She blinks away her tears. “Nat, honey, the last time I thought that about Phil, I lost six and a half years. The last time I thought that about Thomas, he hypnotized me without my consent.” He needs to be realistic about his situation. He needs to prepare, mentally and emotionally. So does Natalya. “My sons, Nat ... I need you to keep them safe for me. And if I don’t come back ...”

“You will. You’ll find your way. I have to believe that. Remember Stitch. You’re myohana.”

Family.

Where no one is left behind or forgotten.

His mouth twitches. “You’re quoting Disney movies again.”

Despite the tears, Natalya cracks a smile. “I’ll keep your sons safe.”

“You’re leaving us?”

James and Natalya jerk apart. Julian stands rigid in the doorway. How much did he hear? Enough, judging by the stew of emotions contorting his face: disbelief, anger, and rejection.

Betrayal.

His hands are fists at his side. His gaze cuts from Natalya to the suitcase on the bed and up to James. “I knew you’d leave us. I hate you. I want my old dad back.” He takes off. James hears the door slam to the rear yard.

A horn blares in the driveway. The cab is here. James shoves both hands through his shower-damp hair. He eyes the suitcase then starts to go after Julian.

“James.” Natalya blocks his way. “You’ll miss your flight. I’ll go talk with him and explain why you’re leaving. I’ll tell him you’re coming back.”

“He won’t believe you.” He yanks the suitcase off the bed and sets it upright on the floor. “He won’t believe I’m coming back until I do come back.”

“Then make sure you do.” She hands him a sealed envelope.

“What’s this?”

“A letter for you. From you.”

His skin tightens behind his neck. “Fromme?”

“You made me promise to give it to you should you find your way back to me.”

“You haven’t read it?”

“No, but you told me about it once. Since we both know there’s the slightest possibility you can forget again, maybe the letter will help you find your way back to us. Now go. Your cab is waiting.”

James touches her cheek, traces her jawline, then lets his arm fall. He leaves the room, leaving Natalya and his sons, and possibly his memories, behind.

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