Mason Meets the Daughter He Lost
Chapter 09 - Mason Meets the Daughter He Lost
Emma remained in the hospital for twelve days.
Mason visited only when invited.
The first conversations were practical.
Lucy’s meals.
Police interviews.
Northstar passwords.
The location of Emma’s apartment keys.
On the fourth day, Emma asked why he never found her.
“I tried,” Mason said.
“Not very well.”
The answer hurt because it was partly fair.
Mason had sent cards and asked mutual friends.
He had not hired an investigator because pride told him Emma would return when ready.
“I thought respecting your choice meant waiting.”
“I thought silence meant you were relieved.”
They examined the years without forcing one explanation to carry all blame.
Derek had intercepted later messages.
But the original distance belonged to them.
Mason apologized for treating protection like command.
Emma apologized for using Lucy’s existence as punishment against him.
Neither apology purchased immediate closeness.
They began again through small permissions.
“Can I visit tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“Can the club bring food?”
“Not six motorcycles.”
May you like
“Two?”
“One.”
