Chapter 14 - Friday Morning
Poppy's rhythm stabilized after nineteen terrifying minutes.
The doctors explained that complications after major heart surgery were not unusual.
Marlo heard the words.
She understood them intellectually.
Emotionally, nineteen minutes had been nineteen years.
By Friday morning, Poppy was awake again.
She demanded pancakes.
The doctor said broth.
Poppy called the doctor unreasonable.
Marlo knew then her daughter would be fine.
That same morning, Marlo returned to court.
Not for custody.
For the final dismissal.
The judge reviewed Preston's withdrawal.
The petition was closed.
No one declared Marlo a perfect mother.
No one declared Preston a monster.
Reality was less satisfying and more useful.
Preston had made selfish decisions.
Marlo had financial problems.
Poppy had two imperfect parents.
Now both were required to build something better.
Outside court, reporters waited because the Halden investigation had become public.
Marlo hated every camera.
Elias appeared beside her.
Instantly, reporters shouted his name.
"Elias! Is Marchetti Development under investigation?"
"Mr. Marchetti, did your family participate in the scheme?"
"Are you involved with Marlo Hart?"
Marlo looked at him.
That final question nearly made her laugh.
Elias ignored all of them.
He opened the car door for her.
A reporter shouted:
"Ms. Hart, did Elias Marchetti intimidate your ex-husband into dropping custody?"
Marlo stopped.
She turned.
"No."
The cameras moved closer.
"My ex-husband withdrew because the case was built using information gathered by people who exploited my daughter's illness."
Another question.
"What's your relationship with Mr. Marchetti?"
Marlo glanced at Elias.
His expression remained neutral.
She smiled.
"He likes apricot tarts."
Then she got into the car.
For the first time in weeks, Elias laughed.
A real laugh.
Marlo stared.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"I've never heard you laugh."
"Yes, you have."
"No. I've heard that tiny threatening exhale you pretend is laughter."
"I'm not threatening."
"Tell that to every lawyer in Boston."
He shook his head.
At the bakery, workers replaced the shattered window.
Ruthie brought flowers.
Preston brought Poppy's favorite stuffed rabbit from the hospital.
Life began repairing itself in small pieces.
That evening, Elias stood at the door.
"I still need to leave."
Marlo nodded.
"When?"
"Tonight."
She hated how much that hurt.
"Will you come back?"
"Do you want me to?"
Marlo stared.
"For a terrifying man, you're surprisingly needy."
His mouth moved.
"Marlo."
"Yes."
"Yes what?"
"Yes, I want you to come back."
Elias stepped closer.
Their faces were inches apart.
For a second, Marlo thought he might kiss her.
Instead he touched his forehead gently to hers.
"I'll come back."
Then he left.
Marlo watched the black sedan disappear.
May you like
This time, she wasn't afraid of it.
She was afraid of how empty Tuesday might feel without him.
