*** Emerson was either a cautious driver, or reluctant to do this, she would soon realize. As they headed towards the forest, he would slow down as they approached potholes and slow down when turning. He slowed down as they approached unmarked roads and slow down when the roads were clear.
She sat in the passenger side, watching out the window thoughtfully. She didn't comment on the slowdowns, feeling it would be better not to. "Are you doing alright?"
“I don’t want to do this,” he informed her. “The more I think about it, the more I figure that the answer I hear is not going to be one I want.”
She reached over, resting her hand on his shoulder and squeezing it reassuringly. "Once it's done, it's done."
He watched the road but leaned into her touch. “I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t here, Rory. I mean it.”
He paused before grinning at her. “I know,” he replied in his smooth voice, pulling to a stop. “We’re here.”
They stepped out and the sound of birds and wildlife greeted them. He closed the door, coming over to her and extending a hand to her, almost for reassurance. “He’s around here somewhere,” he said. “He wouldn’t have gone far.”
They stepped towards the woods, Emerson taking the lead as they headed inwards. It didn’t take long for them to hear a voice. “Aidan?” Emerson stiffened and looked over his shoulder as Paul emerged from the gloom, his brows furrowed. “Is that really you?”
He squeezed her hand, watching Paul nervously. “My God. How many years has it been?” Paul asked, stepping forward with outstretched hands. Emerson frowned, stepping backwards and tugging Rory gently behind him protectively. “Keep your distance,” he said curtly. Rory would be struck by the similarities of their voices, except where Paul’s was husky and emotional, Emerson’s was cold and severe. “Stay back. We’re only here for an explanation. You don’t have the right to seek reconciliation.”
Paul hesitated, looking at Rory. “Is there a place we could talk in private?” Emerson glowered at him. “If you want to talk to me, you can talk to her.” “So she’s yours, then, hm?” Paul asked sadly, extending his hand to her. “It’s nice to meet you, Ma’am. I’m Paul Emerson. We met briefly yesterday, I believe.”
She pulled away, obviously an instinctive reaction as she went behind Emerson further, her expression nervous.
Paul frowned, straightening up and dropping his hand. “What do you want?” Emerson asked, tilting his head. “I just wanted to see you. To talk to you again.” “Why didn’t you come see us after the invasion?” he asked harshly. “You knew we were there. We needed you.” A puzzled look crossed Paul’s face. “I... I... Emerson, you have to understand. After what happened with Ellis and his mother...” “What do you mean? What happened?” “...did Ellis not tell you?” “Ellis didn’t tell me what?! He doesn’t even remember the invasion,” Emerson replied hotly. “He doesn’t remember anything that happened that night.”
