Chapter 19E
verything seems eerily different in the pitch black. Vincent has a little trouble locating the driveway. He noses the Valiant down the long incline. Turning off the engine, he looks for the glow from a reading lamp, the fireplace, a nightlight. Nothing. If he saw even one glimmer he’d knock. But it’s obvious everyone’s in bed.
Back in the car, using his attaché case for a desk, he writes on the tiny gift cards: ‘For Sweetpea,’ ‘For Princess’ and ‘For Rita, Peace. Vince.’ In the back of his sketchbook, he finds a blank sheet.
Valentine’s Day 1973
Sweetheart,
Just so you know, I tried to get here in time to see you and the kids. I didn’t want you to think I forgot what day it is. I’m looking at your window, imagining the three (four!) of you curled up in the dark and wishing
