Chapter 29. The Bargain

Ryan

Ryan O'Brien stares down at the stack of papers in his hands, the ones just handed to him by a server. 

TO: RYAN O’BRIEN

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, which is brought to obtain a divorce, and to appear before the Ravenswood District Court of the State of New York, Greenwood County, within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons upon you."

Complaint:

"PARTIES:

Plaintiff: JULIE JENKINS (currently known as JULIE O’BRIEN)

Defendant: RYAN O’BRIEN

GROUND FOR DIVORCE:

Adultery (Domestic Relations Law § 170(1))

The world blurs for a second. A divorce summon?

He reads it again, slower this time, each word grating against his mind, and his grip tightens on the paper. Somewhere in the background, he hears a faint hum. It’s Emily. She’s hovering beside him with her hand on the back of his chair.

“How did she manage that so quickly?” Emily asks. She doesn’t