I bit down on my tongue. This was the way it had been between us for months. I noticed that her eyes were red-rimmed. She'd been crying.
"You're off on another murder case now, Alex. I suppose that's good -it's your life. You're obviously very skilled at it."
I couldn't keep silent. "I've offered to leave the police department, to go into private practice. I'd do that, Christine."
She frowned and shook her head. "I'm so honored."
"I'm not trying to fight you," I said. "I'm sorry, go ahead. I didn't mean to interrupt."
"I have no life here in Washington anymore. I'm always afraid. Petrified is a better word. I hate going into the school now. I feel as if my life has been taken away from me. First George, and then what happened in Bermuda. I'm afraid that Shafer is coming back for me."
I had to speak. "He's not, Christine."
"Don't say that!" She raised her voice. "You don't know. You can't!"
The air in my lungs was slowly being sucked away. I wasn't sure where Christine was going with this, but she seemed on the edge. It was like the night she'd had a nightmare that Geoffrey Shafer was in her house.
'I'm moving away from the Washington area, "she said," I'll leave after the school year. I don't want you to know where I'm going. I don't want you looking for me. Please don't try to be a detective with me, Alex. Or a shrink."
I couldn't believe what I'd heard. I hadn't expected anything like this. I stood there speechless, just staring at Christine. I don't think I'd ever felt so devastated, so saddened and alone in my life. I felt hollowed-out and empty.
"What about the baby?" I finally said in a whisper that came out hoarse and strangled.
Tears suddenly welled in her beautiful eyes. Christine began to sob, and to shake. Uncontrollably." I can't take Alex with me. Not the way I am. Not like this. The baby has to stay with you and Nana for now."
I started to speak, but nothing came out, not a word. Christine held eye contact with me briefly. Her eyes were so sad, so hurt and confused. Then she turned away and walked back to her house. She disappeared inside.