The Choices We Made novel · Chapter 17 of 24

Chapter 17: No Reason Given

Eliza found him at the end of the dock after dark, with a cardboard box beside him and his tie in his pocket.

The water slapped at the pilings.

He did not turn when her shoes sounded on the boards.

"They voted at noon," Weston said. "It took six minutes."

"Your mother called me an hour ago."

"I'm sure she did."

"She sounded happy."

"She would."

Eliza sat down beside him on the planks, near enough to feel his arm.

"You went to the district attorney first."

"Before the board. I wanted it done before anyone could stop me."

"Nobody asked you to."

"No," he said. "That's why it counted."

She looked at his profile in the light from the house.

He looked thinner than he had a week ago, and his hands hung between his knees with nothing in them.

"Gretchen's out," he said. "Her father posted bail."

"I know. Your guard told me at the door. There are two on the gate and one under Albie's window."

"Good."

"The nanny's sleeping in the room with him."

"Good."

He drew a long breath and let it go.

"I have no job," he said. "I'll probably have a trial. I came out here to find out what I'm still good for, and I haven't thought of anything."

Eliza said nothing.

She put her hand on the back of his neck.

He went still all over.

Her fingers moved up into his hair, and she felt him shudder.

"I don't have a reason," she said.

He turned his head.

"For this. I told you I'd name one every time. I don't have one."

"Eliza."

"I just want to touch you."

His eyes were dark and wet in the light, and he did not move.

"You're sure."

"Don't ask me that twice."

She stood and held out her hand.

He took it, and she led him up the lawn and through the dark house, past the room where Albie slept with the nanny curled in the chair beside him.

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