Chapter 60

Claire's heartpounded as her feet left the ground. The burly arms around her nearly squeezed the life out of her. But she didn't care. She threw her arms around Max's neck in relief and squeezed back. "I was so worried about you," she squeaked. "Are you okay?"

Max set her gently back on her feet and nodded, kissing her with the ferocity she craved.

"Where have you been?"

He quickly signed his reply.

Claire shivered to think he'd been hiding in places like this since the fire. None of this was his fault, but he was the perfect scapegoat. Labeled as violent and non-verbal, the authorities wouldn't hesitate to blame Hayes' and now Cash's death on him. But they didn't understand Max. No one did but her.

Claire spoke as she signed. "It's okay. I'm here now. I'm going to take care of you."

Max leaned down, stroking a strand of hair from Claire's cheek as gently as if he was caressing a butterfly. She stood on her toes and kissed him again. His lips were cold, but they still spread a warmth through her that she couldn't explain. She wanted it to be like this forever. Just her and Max, together in a new life. One that they could still have. They just had to keep him hidden for a little while longer.

Betty's presence pulled Claire from Max's embrace. "I told you to stay hidden," Betty scolded.

Max ignored her, standing resolutely behind Claire. "What's the plan?" she asked.

"I was hoping you had one," Betty replied.

Claire took Max's hand. "He needs somewhere to hide."

"This was the best I could find on short notice," Betty said. "But I agree, we need something more permanent."

"I might have a place," Claire offered. She fished her keychain out of her pocket and pulled off the key to her storage unit. "It's not perfect, but it's safe and at least out of the cold."

"Where?"

Claire explained where her storage unit was. "I have some furniture and a few boxes of my things there. Fresh clothes, bedding. You'll be comfortable there," she said while signing to Max. "We can get you some food, too."

"I'll get the food and get Max settled," Betty interrupted, snatching the key. "You two can't be seen together."

"Why?"

"You're under house arrest with an FBI agent and a shrink. It should be obvious."

"Dr. Gray isn't a shrink. And I told you, they don't know anything."

"Yet," Betty clarified. "And we have a better chance of keeping it that way if we keep you and Max apart. We've come too far to go back now."

Claire knew Betty was right, but it didn't mean she liked it. She wanted to stay with Max, to finish what they started. They just had to wait a little bit longer. Soon it would all be over, and she'd finally have the life she deserved.

"We need to talk about Cash," Betty said, her tone rife with accusation.

"There's nothing to talk about. It's done."

"Have you spoken to Dvita?"

"No. Why would I?"

"You know why," Betty said. "Just stick to the plan."

"I am," Claire insisted.

Betty grabbed Max's hand from Claire's. "Come on. We need to go." But before leaving, Betty turned back to face Claire. "Don't come back to group," she warned. "Your friends are getting too close."