A Life Beyond Us novel · Chapter 9 of 24

Chapter 9: Ledger

"You're not stepping aside," I told Tom. "Nobody in this kitchen is stepping anywhere."

"Maura..."

"I'm going to Route 9. If Darcy has a story, the motel has a ledger."

Tom pushed back his chair.

"Then I'm coming."

"No. You're staying here with Bridget when she gets back, and you're going to write down every word you said on that recording, as close as you can remember. I want it in your handwriting."

He opened his mouth to argue and shut it again.

I turned to Hugh.

"You drive."

The Route 9 Lodge had one flickering sign and a gravel lot with six cars in it.

Hugh parked by the office and sat with both hands on the wheel.

He had not said a word since we left the driveway, and neither had I.

The silence in the little rental car was thick and close, and I was aware of everything.

His forearm, brown from Montana summers, resting on the gearshift.

The sandy hair going gray at his temples.

The faint smell of soap and cold air that clung to his coat.

I had known him for twenty-six years and never once noticed how big his hands were.

"You're staring," Hugh said, without looking over.

"I'm thinking."

"About what?"

"About whether I should have brought a better plan."

"You can have mine," he said. "Walk in, ask nicely, hope."

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