Chapter 2: The Promise
Chapter 2: The Promise
Nora woke to the rhythmic beeping of hospital monitors.
Her shoulder felt like it had been set on fire.
The first thing she saw was a little stuffed rabbit resting on the blanket beside her.
She frowned.
"I thought..."
A tiny voice interrupted.
"You woke up."
Lily sat in a chair beside the bed, still wearing the oversized sweatshirt a nurse had found for her. Her yellow dress had been replaced, but the white ribbon was tied neatly back into her hair.
Before Nora could say a word, Lily threw her arms around her.
"You came back."
Nora smiled despite the pain.
"I promised I wasn't going anywhere."
A soft knock came at the door.
Vincent Callahan entered alone.
No bodyguards.
No expensive suit.
No weapon visible.
Only exhaustion.
For several seconds, he simply looked at Nora.
Finally he spoke.
"I owe you my daughter's life."
"You don't owe me anything," Nora answered.
"I did what anyone would do."
Vincent shook his head.
"No."
"Most people ran."
"You ran toward the bullets."
Silence settled between them.
Then Vincent carefully placed a folder on the bedside table.
"Your rent is paid."
"Your medical bills are covered."
"The diner owner has already been compensated for every day you'll miss."
Nora pushed the folder back.
"I didn't save Lily for money."
"I know."
"That's why I'm asking for something money can't buy."
She looked at him.
May you like
"What?"
"Stay in Lily's life."
