How it Goes
EPISODE 14
Autumn
The gate swings open slowly as I pull into the estate, revealing the long, winding driveway bordered by manicured hedges and glowing lanterns. The house in the distance is lit like a beacon, tucked between the hills as if it’s been guarding my return.
For the first time, it feels like home.
But even as that warmth creeps into my chest, worry tugs at the edges of my thoughts. I haven’t heard from Ryder since the job began, and I don’t know if everything went to plan.
“Welcome back, Miss Jane.” Gunnar opens the back door for me and reaches for my hand. “There’s someone very excited to see you again.”
I look past him and see Adele smiling in the doorway, her eyes looking hopeful.
I rush to her and pull her into my arms, hugging her.
“I’m so happy you’re back here.”
She steps back, beaming and talking a mile a minute. “Let me show you the new practice room my dad installed last week. It’s way better seeing it in person.”
She grabs my hand and welcomes me back into her world like I never left.
Later that night,I pull a blanket over Adele while she sleeps. I press a kiss on her forehead and slip out of the room.
I call Ryder, but it goes straight to voicemail, and an uneasy feeling coils tight in my chest.
I stare at the screen, my thumb hovering over the call button like it might change something. I try again.
Still nothing.
A dull panic scratches at the edge of my thoughts.
I walk around the house, looking for Gunnar.
“Good evening, Miss Jane,” he says when I find him. “For the record, Mr. Rochester would prefer if I sent someone out to get you anything, if that’s what you’re about to ask.”
“Where is he?” I ask instead. “I just want to know if he’s coming back anytime soon…”
“I don’t know.”
“Did something happen?”
His eyes meet mine, uncertain—like he’s weighing whether he can trust me.
“He’s with the feds right now,” he says. “It’s a waiting game, like always.”
“How long is the typical wait?”
“Could be days, weeks, months.” He shrugs. “It all depends, but… he did manage to send me a message for you. I was about to bring it.”
“What is it?”
“Take care of Adeline for me.”
Two nights later
I’m goingover the school drive routine with Gunnar, listening to him talk me through Adeline’s morning schedule since I’ll have to fall in line with it on Monday.
