“Jesus,” Stella said, standing back and rubbing at her eyes. “What a world.”
Mohe handed her a packet of Kleenex from his pocket. “You see now?” he said. “Why I kept away after your father’s presidency was over?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He took the tissue from her hand and blotted away her tears. “I have big dreams now,” he told her.
“Oh yeah?”
“I want to spend the rest of my days taking care of you.”
“Who said I need someone to take care of me?” Stella said, and she attempted a smile, though really all she wanted was to punch someone.
“Fair enough,” said Mohe. “Will you take care of me instead?”
“I will. But you can take care of me too.”
“That’s a good decision. For both of us.”
Stella breathed deeply, glanced all around, and then looked at Mohe. “The man who called you. Is he government?”
“Yes and no.”
“Deep State shit?”
“More like it.”
“OK, then.” She nodded. “I think I’ve changed my mind about my father’s millions.”
“Whatever you say. Your money, your call.”
“Let’s spend it, Mohe.”
“Wow. Just like that, huh?”
“Yes. Let’s spend it finding this man. Whatever it takes.”
Mohe frowned. “Stella—”
“I still want you to protect me, but not from this.”
He was about to lecture Stella about how unreasonable that idea was, but then he looked at her and he understood: some things you just can’t let go.
Mohe looked at her with admiration. “I wish I’d been with you earlier.”
“Like when I was little girl? What are you, a pervert?” she teased.
“You have a point.”
“Silly man… We weren’t ready for each other then. Now is the right time.”
When Stella closed her office in Arcata, she was looking to change her life and find a new purpose. She couldn’t say that trying to get justice for her father was part of any plan. But although he was no angel, he was still her father—and fighting for what he represented was a good enough cause.
She glanced at Mohe as they walked back to the lodge. He looked strong.
She could count on him.
- The End -
Leave Her Out: A Novel Page 20