Chapter 61

Though Grace had called him her "little brother" that morning, Sean needed to see for himself before he could be reassured. He arrived at a complex of apartment buildings. The landscaping was sparse; though the buildings appeared clean and well-maintained, their age was undeniable. Sean parked, exited the car, walked along the visitor's footpath, and watched the sparse grounds. After some effort, he stopped before a narrow door.

Was Grace really living here? The unit was so small he wondered if it could fit more than a single person, and the paint was chipping from the door and peeling from the window shutters.

He was about to knock when he heard footsteps. Subconsciously, he slipped into the shadows and peered in the direction of the sound. A tall figure approached. As it drew closer, Sean's jaw dropped. The possibility he'd dismissed as impossible had become reality.

It was Jason! It was really Jason! There was no mistaking the resemblance. It was impossible for them to look so alike. He was wearing the same clothes Sean had seen him in yesterday. Why was Jason here?

A chill rose from Sean's feet, his body growing colder. Jason stopped before the narrow door and raised his hand to knock. A moment later, someone opened it. "You're back," a soft voice said.

The sweet smile belonged to Grace. His Grace. Sean's breath caught; he stood motionless, speechless. After a minute, he rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Why? How? Even witnessing it, he could hardly believe it. Grace had opened the door.

Grace was living with Jason? What was going on? And why was Jason dressed like a homeless person? Questions flooded his mind. Then he heard Jason say, "I'm back." The voice was familiar, the same as the one in Sean's memory. He had no doubt: the man with Grace was Jason Reed.

Just as Jason was about to enter, he paused, glancing toward the dark corner where Sean hid. Sean felt his blood run cold; he froze, like prey before a predator.

"Jay, what are you looking at?" Grace asked.

"It's nothing," Jason replied, a slight smile on his lips. He entered the apartment. The door slammed shut.

Sean breathed deeply. His palms and back were slick with sweat; he felt as if he'd just escaped death. What was happening? Why were Jason and Grace together?

He left the complex, his legs weak, and returned to his car. He tried to start the engine, but his hands shook violently. Grace and Jason seemed very familiar; she'd called him "Jay." Despite years of business dealings, Sean had always addressed Jason as Mr. Reed. He'd never heard anyone use such an intimate term.