mentioned about nonsensical statements,” Becky whispered. “I’m sorry. We thought she was more lucid.”
No longer looking our way, Wilma’s attention was back on the television.
“We will be going,” Patrick said.
Turning toward the door, I held on to Patrick for strength before I turned back. “Why? Why did you do it?”
Her expression didn’t change as she continued staring at the sitcom.
“Come on, Maddie,” Patrick said.
“Maddie,” Wilma said.
“Yes, Miss Warner,” I replied.
Her eyes closed as she continued to peer forward.
We waited, but there was nothing else. It was as if she had fallen asleep.
Patrick and I stepped from the room, leaving Becky within with Wilma.
“It was her,” I said.
Patrick’s blue eyes searched my face. “Are you all right?”
“How long has she been a patient?” I asked.
“I think about four years.”
My head shook. “My hell with her was four months.” I looked around at the facility. “It seems that her hell isn’t ending anytime soon.”
As we walked out to the car, Patrick continued his hold of me. “I’m sorry you didn’t get your answer.”
“I think I did. She was an angry woman back then, and she’s no happier now, waiting day and night for her dead brother and tied to a bed. I feel bad for her.”
Patrick cupped my cheek. “She doesn’t deserve your pity.”
“She also doesn’t deserve your revenge. Killing her would set her free. I feel bad for her, but knowing she’s lost in her mind and at the mercy of others, even kind caretakers, seems like karma.”
Our lips brushed each other’s. “I agree,” he said as Garrett pulled the car up to the sidewalk. “We’re taking you home.”
Once we were in the car and the streets of Chicago were passing by the windows, Patrick reached for my hand. “Maddie girl, I’m sorry.”
I took in his handsome face, his blue eyes focused on me. “Don’t be. The nurse said that you called a few days ago?”
“You said you wanted to talk to her.”
“And you made it happen.”
Cupping my cheek, he pulled my lips to his. Within the back seat of a sedan with the world passing by, everything else disappeared. The warmth of my husband’s touch and tenderness of his kiss pulled me closer. When we pulled away, I smiled. “I’m not her.”
Patrick sat back. “Of course you’re not.”
“No, I thought I was. I was afraid I was. I did similar…” My cheeks lifted as my smile grew. “I’m not.”
“No, Maddie, you are not her. She’s a lonely old woman who is damned to living her horrific memories. That’s not you. You have memories, but you also have an entire life ahead of you, and I will spend every day and night ensuring that you’re not lonely or sad.”
“I’ll be sad, Patrick. That’s part of life and that’s all right.” My head shook. “I won’t be lonely because of you, Ruby, and the friends and even family I found through you. Miss Warner was the cat. I was another mouse, one who had a child to protect. That doesn’t make what I did right. I’ll never have the opportunity to face those women or ask for their forgiveness, but in a way, I forgive Miss Warner.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t,” I agreed. “But why hold onto hate or fear or any of those emotions when I have so many other positive emotions to fill my life. I no longer have to worry that Miss Warner is out there hurting other girls, facilitating their torture, or subjecting them to ongoing humiliation. I can forget her because that’s what she’s done to all of us, forgotten us. Like the Ortizes and Millers, they no longer deserve a place in my memories.”
“I fucking love you,” Patrick said as our lips again connected, twisting my core with the possibilities for later.
“I wish we could go back to our apartment.”
His lips curled into a knowing grin. “Me too. However, Reid dug deeper into Elliott, and I need to find out what is happening.”
“Will you tell me?”
“Anything you ever want to know.”
Patrick
Leaving Madeline in the elevator, I stepped out at 2. Her head came forward as she peered around the concrete hall.
“Well, this is exciting,” she said. “I can see why you spend so much time here.”
“It’s in there.” I tilted my head toward the steel door. “I’ll be up when I can.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m good.”
After a chaste kiss, the elevator doors shut and my wife was whisked up to the apartment level. Taking her out today was against lockdown, and I knew