Chapter 4

Abby could not believe what Jimmy was telling her: he was going back to Harper's Island! They had barely escaped with their lives a few hours ago and now he wanted to go back? "That's just crazy! Why the hell would you want to do that?"

"Its good money," Jimmy answered as he carefully held together the hospital gown and went into the bathroom to get dressed. He had already explained to her that the County Sheriff's office had asked him to go back to the Island . . . Had even told him the mayor would allow him to name his price to go back and work with a special team that was coming in. Hell, how could he refuse that offer? With what they had agreed to pay him, he wouldn't have to worry about a job for a while.

"I don't think you're well enough," Abby said.

Jimmy came out of the bathroom. "Well, I do, and since I'm currently unemployed-"

"They want you to help with the investigation?"

Jimmy was annoyed with her. "You say that like I'm a low grade moron. I was there. Remember? This is an unusual case-"

Abby smirked. "Oh, so you've morphed from fisherman to forensic investigator?"

Jimmy hated the way she was making fun of him.

She must have realized it immediately because she said: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."

He didn't answer but sat down on the bed to put on his socks and shoes.

"If you were to go, how long will you be there?"

"I don't know. As long as it takes. And I am going."

"No matter what I say?"

"Jeez, Abby. You're not my mother! Get off my back! Please."

Abby looked away from him, her feelings deeply hurt. She had thought they were on the same page, but obviously not. Had she just been making plans for them without taking his feelings into consideration?

"I'm sorry," she finally said. "It's just that I want to get away from this part of the country as fast as I can."

Jimmy sensed his opening. "Then you should go." He wasn't able to look at her when he said this but instead preoccupied himself with tying his shoelaces.

Abby's heart sank to her feet. He wanted her gone! "Jimmy-"

Jimmy stood up. "I really gotta get going. The boat will be arriving at the marina soon and I don't want them to have to wait on me."

Like you waited for me? she thought. "When are we going to see each other again?" She hated how pathetically desperate she sounded.

"I don't know."

"Do you want us to be over, Jimmy?"

He sighed impatiently.

"Just say it!" Abby shouted.

"Abby, what do you want from me?"

"I want you to come to LA with me so we can have a life together. But apparently that's not what you want."

"Quite frankly, I don't know what I want." With those words Jimmy hurried from the hospital room and into the elevator. Neither he nor Abby knew when they would see each other again.