Chapter 27 The Escape

• After Briar Hollis stowed the last suitcase in the trunk of her car, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before walking back to the small apartment she had called home for the last two years. Her landlady was waiting by the door, holding the keys that Briar was about to surrender. The older woman’s kind, wrinkled face softened as she looked at her.
• “Thank you for being so understanding,” Briar said quietly, handing over the keys with a small, tired smile. “I’ll call you as soon as I find a new place.”
• The landlady patted her hand with gentle reassurance. “It was nice of you to leave all your furniture for the next tenant. That’ll make it much easier for me. I’ll be able to rent the unit by the weekend.” She leaned forward and kissed Briar’s cheek warmly. “Have a safe trip, honey.”