CHAPTER THIRTY NINE
Avery was released on Friday.
Ramirez picked her up and drove to her car, which was parked a half block away from the killer’s house. As they passed, Avery gave it a long, solemn stare.
“You all right?” Ramirez said. “This doesn’t freak you out or anything?”
“I’m fine,” she replied.
She didn’t just feel fine. She felt better than fine.
Everything about her life now seemed different, better. She had plans to see Rose again soon. Ramirez had come by every day to keep her company. The cards she’d received in her hospital room had been humbling. So many people had sent her well wishes that she realized even when she’d felt alone in the past three years, she’d never been alone.
Avery hopped out and smiled at Ramirez over the hood.
“Well,” she said, “this is my stop.
