Chapter 59: Leaving Cortis Behind

The next morning, as the golden sun crested the horizon and painted the massive live oak trees in shades of amber and brilliant gold, James turned the heavy ignition key in the battered pickup truck. Lily took one final, lingering look out the passenger-side window at her childhood home before settling back comfortably against the seat, her hand resting warmly over James's hand on the center console as they rolled down the dusty road and out past the town limits sign.