I tossed and turned in bed for hours. I heard the TV on for another hour or so after I retired before it turned off. Then I heard Nate's bedroom door close, and I caught the quiet sound of Aarti's laughter drifting through the walls. They'd finally stopped hiding, just like I'd told them to. The thought warmed me even as I lay there wide-awake, staring at the ceiling like it held answers I couldn't find.
Jackson consumed my mind. I needed to see him, even if it was just to make sure he was alive and well, even if it was for the very last time. I rummaged through my dressing table as quietly as I could. Moisturisers, toners, cotton, and hairbrush – it was all there as I had left it. Where the hell was Jackson's keycard? I was sure I had tossed it in my drawer just last week.
After twenty
