Chapter 18 - The Man Who Came Back
Eighteen months later, Harper stood behind the counter at a renovated Marlowe's Harbor Diner.
She owned it now.
Not because Gabriel bought it.
She refused.
She obtained a small-business loan, worked impossible hours and rebuilt it herself.
There was one unusual policy.
Every night, leftover meals were packed and distributed to shelters.
Nobody left hungry if Harper could prevent it.
A bell rang over the door.
She looked up.
Gabriel stood there.
No convoy.
No armed men.
No black coat.
Just jeans, a clean shirt and the same crooked smile.
His sentence had ended.
Harper walked around the counter.
“You look different.”
“So do you.”
“I own the place.”
“I heard.”
“You've been checking on me?”
“Matteo occasionally mentioned things.”
“Spying.”
“Concern.”
“Spying.”
Gabriel surrendered.
“Fine.”
Harper hugged him.
Gabriel froze.
Then held her tightly.
For the first time since Adrian died, Gabriel Vescari understood what coming home felt like.
But Harper had one final surprise.
She led him toward a booth.
A silver compass necklace lay on the table.
Beside it was a sealed letter neither of them had seen before.
May you like
In Evelyn Lane's handwriting were the words:
FOR GABRIEL—WHEN YOU FINALLY COME BACK.
