In the end, Yannick never reached out to take the divorce agreement.
With the decisive operation ahead, Hailey watched him climb into his vehicle and lead the main force away.
When the last vehicle disappeared from sight, her legs gave way at the gate. Blood spilled from her mouth and soaked the agreement in her hand.
*****
Two weeks later, victory reports arrived.
Yannick had taken three Northgate industrial zones in succession, and morale throughout the operation was soaring.
Hailey read the reports, then opened the bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet that Quade had brought from the church.
A full bottle and two glasses sat on the stone table beneath the open sky.
This time, Hailey did not drain her drink. She took slow, careful sips.
After a while, she said, "Quade, I never actually
