Page 69 of All the Ways You Save Me
He shakes his head. “It’s so much simpler than you’d ever imagine. The truth is that I was never declared dead.”
“What?”
“I didn’t have property or assets, or any family, or any of the usual things people leave behind when they pass away. And my body was never found. So, a death certificate was never issued.”
“But why didn’t Jason’s parents take care of all that?”
“Maybe they didn’t think to do it. They were always busy with their jobs, and I wasn’t their kid. Or maybe it was a hassle trying to figure it out for a kid who wasn’t theirs, and they dropped the ball. I took all my paperwork with me, birth certificate, social security card. So, it would have been a huge project for them to get it all reissued.”
“So, you just left and kept using your real name and social security number? Are you still using it?”
“For a while, I worked under the table and paid cash foreverything. At some point, I realized everyone had simply moved on and nobody was looking for me. I legally changed my name and eventually went legit. If someone did a lot of digging, they could probably find out the truth. But who would do that? Everyone thought I was dead.”
“What about the guys who were after you?”
“I don’t know what happened to them. For years, I looked over my shoulder, I expected them to figure out what I’d done and come looking for me. But they never did. I think they really believe that Anthony killed me.”
A terrible dread falls over me. Adam really did die in that river, and this is his life now. Everything Garrett said makes sense. Those guys would have no reason to come looking for him. Nowhere to even start. Unless…
“I’m putting you in danger every minute that I’m here with you.”
“It’s not just me. If anyone finds out I’m alive, you and Jason could be in danger, too.” Garrett’s face twists in anguish. “You need to go home, Madeline. You need to go home and never come back.”
THIRTY-NINE
PRESENT DAY
Madeline
My entire being wants to reject Garrett’s words. There must be another way out. A way where Garrett can stop hiding. A way we can be together.
But how would that work? Maple Ridge is a small town. I have friends and colleagues there. I couldn’t just disappear or that would definitely arouse suspicion. I’ve lived there my entire adult life. People in town would ask questions. They’d talk. Word would get around. And then there’s Jason. Even though we broke up, we have years of history and friendship. You don’t just walk away from that forever. What if he came here looking for me?
My head spins, searching for a solution. I wrap my arms around my midsection and lean forward.
Garrett’s hand rests on my back. “Madeline.”
I turn to look at him through blurred eyes. “I know it hasn’t been that long since I came back here, and this is all so confusing. But I don’t care if you’re Adam or Garrett. I don’t care whatyour name is, I don’t care about the past. I only care about you, now, in this moment.”
“Madeline, I would do literally anything to be with you.” He pauses, his eyes roaming over me. “Anything except put you in danger. And that’s what will happen if you don’t go.”
“Maybe there’s another way.”
“There’s not.” He rakes a hand through his hair. “You think I haven’t considered every possibility? I could never live with myself if something happened to you, or Jason.”
“He wants to come here to talk to me. He texted earlier today.”
Garrett’s eyes widen. “Jason can’t come to Sandy Harbor.”
I sit up. “Maybe it’s not the worst idea. Maybe between the three of us, we can come up with something. Last time, you did this on your own, and you were just a kid. What if you included us?”
“It’s not Jason I’m worried about. He used to work for those guys. What if they’re keeping an eye on him? Anything or anyone that could draw attention to me puts you all in danger. That’s why you need to go. Tomorrow.”
Tears spring to my eyes. I can’t just leave tomorrow and never come back. “What about Chloe? I have a shift at the bar.” I’d be leaving her stranded, and she works so hard to support her daughter.
“I’ll cover at the bar until Chloe finds someone else. I’ve helped out before.”
“And Ian. I’m supposed to be in this cottage for the whole summer.”
