Chapter One Hundred And Sixty One
The following morning, the fog finally cleared, leaving behind a crisp, unusually bright Manchester sky. I was standing in our small kitchen, nursing a mug of tea that had already gone lukewarm, when my phone buzzed on the counter. My heart did a familiar, violent stutter against my ribs. I didn't even need to look at the screen to know who it was.
It was a text from an unknown international number, but the words were unmistakably his.
I want to take Chase out tomorrow. Just for the day. Let me be his father for a few hours, Vee. Please.
My fingers trembled as I stared at the glowing screen. Every protective instinct inside me flared to life, screaming at me to lock the doors, hide my son, and reply with a harsh, final refusal. I typed out a quick, col
