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His brows pull low, and his tone is genuine when he says, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
I focus on retrieving my wallet, keys, and the other small items that were in my pockets all those months ago. “It’s been over a decade, but I still miss her.”
“I’m sure she was a really special lady,” he comments, standing up and moving toward the locked door on the far wall.
“A once in a lifetime woman,” I agree, retrieving the final and most precious item from the envelope. Hanging from a simple platinum chain is a vibrant blue, egg-shaped pendant with an ancient, stylized lynx carved into its surface.
As Charlie knocks on the door, signaling to unlock it, I put the necklace on and tuck the pendant beneath my white, button-up shirt. I stifle a sigh of relief as the familiar warmth of magic washes over me. It’s not mine to wield—reserved for far more important things than any basic need for spell craft—but the sensation alone is practically nirvana after being cut off from it during my incarceration.
When the door is opened, I’m escorted to a long counter to sign any remaining paperwork needed for my freedom. The woman providing assistance is dispassionate as she points at the various locations needing initials or signatures. She wasn’t on my list of important individuals, so I don’t know much about her, but I make sure to be polite and respectful. The last thing I need is for something to be misfiled so I’m dragged back to this goddess-forsaken place.
It feels like a small eternity until the last page is signed, but eventually, I make it through the stack. The woman informs me I’m free to go, but it doesn’t feel real until I step out into the hot Arizona sunlight. For a moment, I stand with my eyes closed, breathing in the air that somehow smells different from the other side of the locked door.
Charlie gives me a friendly pat on the shoulder, startling me into opening my eyes. “Don’t take this personally, but I hope I never see you again.”
I chuckle with a broad smile. “You too.”
Shaking a finger at me, he warns, “Now stay away from any pretty blondes.”
“The only pretty blonde I plan to see is my daughter, Callie,” I reply with a self-deprecating laugh.
“Good man.” After another heavy pat, he waves me off, and I’m left to take my first steps of freedom on my own.
Unable to help myself, I pull the pendant out and caress the warm stone. “Don’t worry, mi amor. I haven’t given up on bringing you back. Now, let’s go find our wayward child, shall we?”
