Godead

XXVIII

Claude suddenly froze in place, dropping the bags as he stared back at her.

"...Leave?" he asked in shock.

"Yes. Just for awhile," Blair replied.

"...Just like that? After everything we've been through together?" Claude asked, Zoe looking on in surprise.

"I'm sorry, Claude. It's just... I have family up north and I'm worried about them. They're likely dead by now, but I have to know for sure. I'd ask you to come along, but I see how attached you are to Abby, and to be honest, I simply don't trust her," Blair said. Claude shook his head.

"Blair... what are you saying? We need you here! You're the only one keeping us alive!" he said. Blair quietly smiled.

"...No, Claude. You are the one keeping things together. You are the strong backbone of this group. You're tough enough to make it without me, and Abby is much stronger than I am. You really don't need me anymore," Blair said.

"But—"

"I've made up my mind. I'm heading north. I apologize for deserting you like this, but I have to know if my relatives are alive or not. I promise I'll return once I know what's happened. Until then, the three of you will be safest here. I'll leave the keys to the microbus here with you," Blair said. Zoe listened on as Claude looked to Blair in silence. "...I'm sorry about all this, Claude. Looks like I really am the worst cop in the world," she said dejectedly, soon turning around before walking away. As she entered a gray four door left behind by the intruders, Claude and Zoe followed her over.

"Blair! Please! Don't do this!" Claude said.

"I'm sorry, Claude. I failed Misty, and now, I'm failing you. Best if a person like me just disappears," she said, starting the car before backing out.

"Blair!" Claude shouted. Blair said nothing, however, driving off before vanishing down the road. As Claude looked on in silence, he shook his head.

"I don't believe this," he said in shock. Zoe frowned, gently approaching the young man.

"...You okay?" she asked. Claude turned to her, soon giving a nod.

"...Yeah. I just hope Blair will be alright. And I hope we'll be alright without her," he replied, the two looking worried as they soon headed back to the house.

Upon arrival, Abby greeted them, soon asking what had happened to the "cop lady". As Claude explained everything, Abby grinned, over the moon at news of Blair's departure. In the coming days, the three stayed at the house as Blair drove north, riddled with guilt but filled with concern for her family.