Chapter 55

Everything Sophie owns is in the car with our bags, which isn’t much, just one grubby and torn rucksack that’s so full the zipper is coming undone. She is, after all, a runaway from a poor town and impoverished parents.

The trip to the airfield is short and silent as we all mull things over in our heads. Jake has glanced down at his cell many times, and I know he’s been waiting for his mother to call back with more definite plans for Sophie. In the meantime, we have agreed that we’ll stay with her at his Manhattan apartment until she’s placed in a safe environment through the proper channels. He has more than enough room for all of us. Jake feels she needs me there to feel safe, as having her with him alone doesn’t feel right to him, considering her back story; it’s not appropriate.

Sophie is sitting with eyes as wide as saucers. All of this is so overwhelming to her, and I think the realization is finally dawning that this is the start of her new beginning. I remember f