Chapter 53

As I sipped my coffee in the tiny Main Street café, I observed the familiar faces of Willow Creek passing past. I should have felt more at ease being at home, but instead I was plagued with a sense of anxiety. Like a shadow, the weight of everything from New York had followed me here.

My thoughts were interrupted as my phone buzzed. My pulse accelerated as I responded after seeing Jack's name on the screen.

He said, "Emily," in a level but earnest tone. "I hope this news will provide you with some respite."

I gripped the phone a little more tightly and answered, "Please tell me it's good news."

Jack laughed, but his voice had a hint of anxiety. "I was successful in obtaining a restraining order against Agent Richards. He won't be bothering you anytime soon."

I experienced a sense of relief. "Are you serious? Jack, that's... amazing." I released a breath I was unaware I was holding as I leaned back.

"It wasn't easy," he said, his voice trailing off. "But Richards overstepped more than a few lines. I had enough leverage to convince the court he's been harassing you without sufficient evidence."

I could practically see Jack grinning proudly on the other end. "So-that's it? Is he gone?" I wanted to make sure, so I inquired.

"For now," said Jack. "But knowing Richards, he'll find ways around it. He is unrelenting, and I don't think he will ever give up."

It was something, but the comfort was short-lived. "Still, thank you, Jack. It feels as though a burden has been removed."

He remained quiet for a while. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Emily, but we need to talk about something."

I steeled myself by taking a slow drink of my coffee. "What is it?"

With measured but forceful words, he remarked, "I think it's time you come back to New York. We need to settle some issues, and it's preferable to do it face-to-face."

It was like a frigid shock when the notion came to me. I looked around the café and felt vulnerable all of a sudden. "I'm not sure if I'm ready, Jack. It everything seems so difficult."

His voice grew softer as he answered, "I understand that. But Emily, you can't avoid this indefinitely. Whether you like it or not, you are now associated with the Monroe name."

I put down my coffee and swallowed, taking in what he had said. "I just Jack, I returned here to feel normal. to escape the pressure and all the mysteries."

His tone was soft but firm as he stated, "And that's understandable. But running back to Willow Creek won't make any of it disappear. It will be simpler to move on the sooner you confront it."

His comments weighed heavily on me, so I rubbed my temple. "Jack, what precisely would I be walking back into?"

"A mess," was his direct response. "The Monroe legacy has more layers than you realize. I'm here to assist you figure it out, though. We'll work things out together."

A feeling of dread gathered in my gut despite the confidence. "Is it is it safe?"

Jack paused before responding. "Safer than being out there on your own. At least there will be people watching out for you in New York."

His remarks resonated. I felt alone here in Willow Creek, isolated. Even while being in familiar surroundings was reassuring, I was beginning to become tired of the continual paranoia.

When I finally said, "Okay," the word tasted strange. "I'll be back."

"Good," Jack said, his tone showing relief. "I'll make all the arrangements and update you on the specifics. For now, Emily, try to get some rest."

"Thank you, Jack." The café around me felt suddenly too small as I hung up.

I gazed out the window at Willow Creek's well-known streets. I was living here, going to work, and seeing Sophie, and it seemed like yesterday. But now everything was different. It was like pushing a puzzle piece into a place it didn't belong, no matter how hard I tried to fit back into my previous life.

Sophie had left me a message on my phone when it buzzed again: Want to get lunch? I paused before responding, experiencing a mixture of sadness and remorse. Sophie was my best friend, but we had been estranged as a result of my recent decisions.

As I walked out of the café, I put my phone in my backpack and said, "Sure, I'll meet you at the diner."

Sophie was already sitting in our typical booth at the diner, a faint smile on her lips. But she had a wary expression in her eyes, as though she wasn't sure about me yet.

I got into the seat across from her and said, "Hey."

"Hey," she said, absently stirring her coffee. "So, how are you handling things?"

I forced a smile as I nodded. "I just need a little time away from everything."

With a tinge of doubt in her face, she arched an eyebrow. "Time away?"

I laughed a little dryly. "That's one way of saying it."

Sophie's eyes were serious as she leaned forward. "I realize I haven't been the most encouraging recently, Emily. But I'm still here for you. I simply don't understand what's going on in your life these days."

Gazing down at my hands, I let out a sigh. "Soph, it's complicated. I don't know how to explain it without making everything sound insane."

She squeezed my hand as she reached across the table. "Give me a try."

The words caught in my throat as I paused. "It's about the Monroe legacy. There are several aspects involved that I was unaware of. getting a part of it is similar to getting caught in a web."

Sophie's gaze grew softer. It sounds rather intense. "But Em, you're strong. You'll overcome it."

I nodded, even if her words didn't reassure me as much as I had wanted. My phone buzzed once again just as I was ready to answer. Jack had sent the following message: Get ready to leave for New York in a few days. I'll handle the arrangements.

With my mind racing, I put my phone back in my bag. Jack was correct; this was only a temporary situation, but I had been attempting to maintain certain aspects of my previous life here. New York, with its complex web of danger, power, and secrets, was waiting.

I inhaled deeply while turning to face Sophie. "I may have to return shortly. There are things I need to handle."

Her expression dimmed a little, but she nodded. "Em, just make me a promise."

I meant it when I said, "Anything."

"Assure me that you won't become someone else in that world." With a solemn expression on her face, she squeezed my hand. "Remember who you are no matter what."

I nodded while looking into her eyes after swallowing. "I swear."