Predictably, Helen could not sleep that night. She kept staring up at the ceiling, worried about Marcus, as the incident from the diner replayed in her mind, over and over again. In spite of her fear of losing him, she did not regret her decision to allow him to go to New York all by himself. In her opinion, this was something that he should have done a long time ago. Much to her dislike, she had to admit that Marcus had a point in everything he had said to her that night. Helen could not spend more than a few hours in that motel; she had to keep moving. More importantly however, he was going to war; one that even a seasoned marine like him might not survive.

Minute after minute dragged slowly past. Helen waited for his phone call and prayed for him, in the hope that her “dark angel” as she liked to call him, would communicate with her. Unfortunately for her though, her phone rang just once during that time and Marcus was not on the other end of the line. It was her friend, Olivia, asking how she had been. Seconds into their conversation, Olivia understood that Helen was in a very poor emotional state, but, despite her continuous requests to elaborate, she would not disclose the reason. As a matter of fact, Helen was so upset that she hung up on her friend rather rudely.

The first sunbeams peeking through the window signaled the end of Marcus’s deadline. She tried contacting him, but his cell phone was off. With a heavy heart, Helen called Wilkes Barre Scranton International Airport and booked a ticket on the next available flight to Los Angeles. She was in luck. It was scheduled to depart at 9:45am and the airport was a little over thirty miles away from the town. Helen would not have to rush to get there.

Before vacating the motel room, she gazed at the spot where she and Marcus had kissed the night before, remembering his words:

“This isn’t goodbye.”

I pray to God you’re right. Helen thought to herself. I pray we get to see each other again. My God, yesterday was such an intense day. I was so scared I thought I was going to pass out or something. These past weeks have been crazy: from Shandaken to New York City; to Barbados; then back home; Right after that, L.A.; then, back home, again. Then, you showed up. Now, I have another plane to catch. It’s funny… I thought I’d be excited to go back to L.A., but I’m not. Not while worrying sick about him. The flight’s going to feel like torture and things will only get worse when I see Liv and Michelle. They’ll start asking questions and the last thing I need right now is to discuss yesterday. But then again, I’ve missed them. I can’t just go to a hotel and stare at the ceiling again.

The long flight took a toll on her. By the time Helen arrived in the city of angels, she was exhausted. However, the time that she spent on the plane gave her the chance to clear her mind. She hadn’t gotten rid of the negative thoughts, but she had relaxed enough to realize her need to share her ordeal with her friends. Willing to surprise them though, she would not call anybody.

Cheering voices filled her ears, as she approached James and Olivia’s suite. Apparently, they were in the middle of some kind of celebration, but Helen had no idea about the occasion. And, sadly for her, the person who answered the door was the one she had missed the least: Rick Briar.

“Sweet ass chick!” He cheered, opening his arms. “What a nice surprise!”

“Evening, Rick.” Helen murmured, stepping into the suite.

“Let me help you with those.” Rick suggested, reaching down to pick up one of her suitcases, as a simple glance in the living room confirmed her suspicions. Olivia, Michelle, Gina, James and Rick were celebrating something. They all had tall glasses in their hands, except Olivia.

“Helen!” She said with a grin, striding across the room. “Welcome back, honey!” She added, giving her friend a cordial hug. “Why didn’t you call and let us know you were coming?”

“That’s a long story.” Helen sighed, as Olivia slowly leaned back. “I’m sorry about hanging up on you last night.”

“Nah, it’s ok.” Olivia waved her hand in front of her face.

“So, what’s the occasion?” Helen’s question made her friend’s eyes sparkle with excitement.

“I’m pregnant.” Olivia said, her voice calm and steady, as her smile grew even wider.

“That’s great!” Helen cheered, embracing her friend, as her heart leapt with joy. “When did you guys find out?”

“This morning,” Olivia replied. “I was five days late. The pregnancy test came out positive. I went to the gynecologist. She confirmed it. I’m five weeks pregnant.”

“Tell her about your idea,” James urged, making his way towards them.

“We want you to be the godmother.” Olivia’s suggestion couldn’t have come at a better time. Helen was already happy for Olivia and James, but their idea lit up Helen’s face with a broad, happy smile.

“Thank you,” she said in a sweet voice, hugging Olivia once again. “I’d be honored.”

“The honor’s all ours,” James winked at her.

“Bumming hard, guys; bumming hard,” Rick groaned. “I mean, you could have picked me. It would be like the coolest christening ever.”

“Yes, filled with crude comments on the guests’ butts.” Gina’s voice was reeking with sarcasm. “Congratulations, Helen.”

“Thanks, Gina.” Helen gave her a polite nod. “God, I needed that.”

“Has anybody noticed the elephant that is not in the room?” Michelle said in emphatic tones. “Where is Marcus?”

“He couldn’t make it.” The tension returned in Helen’s voice, as she dragged her gaze away from her friend. “Liv, right after you called me yesterday, he noticed we were being watched. We lost them, but, Marcus thinks –and I agree with him—that we’re in grave danger. He went to New York. He wants to try to reconnect with his father.”

“Ok, I’m confused.” Olivia confessed. “If that’s what he wants, then why do you look so upset?”

“Because: they’re the same people who killed Warrick and his wife.” Helen explained, her voice lowering by the second. “Obviously, he was starting to annoy some very important people.”

“Son of a bitch, I knew it!” James’s stentorian voice rumbled like thunder. “I knew there was something off with this.”

“What are you talking about?” Helen got curious.

“I saw a photo of the crime scene online.” James grumbled. “He was lying on his back, with the gun in his left hand. Warrick loved to play golf. He was pretty good at it. His Facebook profile is full pictures of him celebrating. Guess what. He always raised his right fist, not his left. But, there is some good news. His work didn’t go to waste. Peter has detailed backups of his phone records and his interviews with a few marine officers. According to his research, some people know Marcus was innocent. They just won’t testify, because they’re afraid of losing their jobs.”

“Well, that’s good to know, but…” Helen faltered. “I still haven’t heard from Marcus and it’s been almost twenty four hours since we last saw each other. Has he contacted you?”

“No.” James shook his head sideways, once. “I wouldn’t be worried about him, though. He can take care of himself.”

“That’s true.” Olivia agreed. “Come on, have a drink. We’re celebrating tonight.”

“Ok.” Helen said. Although she didn’t share James’s optimism, she could not say “no”. After all, the newlyweds had done her a great honor. Refusing to celebrate with them was not an option. Helen indulged them, smiling at her friends, but, she was still unable to get Marcus out of her mind. The fact that he had not contacted her yet had added to her anxiety, and, even though she was happy for them, she could not enjoy herself.

I’m sorry, guys. This may be a little too selfish of me, but, I can’t help it. How can I celebrate anything, not knowing just where in the world he is? Nah, forget about it, Helen. They’re having a baby. This is the happiest moment of their lives. They can’t understand and I can’t blame them.