The Dysfunction Of Evan: Books 1-3 Collection

62. Four Years Later

I slammed my fist on the steering wheel as I thought about my recent fuck up. I was filming a movie about a woman who discovers she's the last of a long line of witches. We were a little more than half way through, and today, I couldn't produce anything usable. I pulled up to the red light and slumped in my seat. 

I was getting ready to celebrate my thirty-fifth birthday in four days, but my mind was focusing on what happened four years ago. The charges against Nancy Havangrot at the mental hospital had gone to trial, and it started in nine weeks. The others had accepted the plea deal, but she was adamant what she had done nothing wrong, that her actions were justified.

I'd recovered from the whole mess rather well. I had continued to take my medication and continued to do therapy with Franny. About a year and a half ago, Franny and I agreed that I didn't need to see her anymore; six months ago, I was allowed to stop taking my medications. I'd been doing really well, but with the trial coming up, I had to think about what happened to me while I was there. It left me feeling angry, depressed, and distracted. 

I was thankful to have the next week off. First thing in the morning I was driving to Toledo to see my family. I hadn't seen Tom or the kids in six weeks, and I was excited to hold them in my arms. I sighed deeply as the light turned green, and I hit the gas. I tapped the call button on my steering wheel and told my car to call Grant Furrow, my director.

"Hey Astrid, what's up?" He answered. 

"Grant, I'm really sorry about today." I said as I drove through traffic. 

"Hey, we all have off days, it's nothing to worry about. Go see your kids, relax a bit. When you come back, we'll start fresh." He said in a assuring tone. "You've been doing great up until now. Eighteen hour days, no sleep. You're burnt out, and with the trial coming up, you've got a lot going on." 

"Thanks for understanding." I replied. I merged into the next lane. "While I'm off, I'll take a look at those notes you gave me." 

"Don't worry about that right now. Don't even take them with you. Don't think about work at all." 

"Grant..."

"Don't argue. It's an order." He said with a chuckle. "How long of a drive is it for you?" 

"Toledo is only a few hours away. I'm actually tempted to just grab my bags from the hotel and leave now." I said. We were filming in a rural area outside of Windsor, Ontario. 

"Just be careful, it's late." 

"It's only midnight. I can easily get there before four  if things don't take long at the boarder." I turned into the parking lot of my hotel. 

"I guess that's not too bad." Grant replied. "Just get some rest while you're gone." 

"I will." I smiled. "Bye." 

"Talk to you later." 

I hit the end call button as I pulled into a parking spot. I got out, locked the doors, and hurried up to my suite. Fifteen minutes later I was loading four bags into the car. I was excited to surprise Tom. 

I pulled into the driveway around four-thirty. I grabbed my purse and phone and quietly went inside my condo. For the past three years, we lived here from early June to mid September. It was nice to be away from the bustle of London, and the twins got to spend time with my family. 

I flipped the light on and found a lump on the couch. I put my stuff on the coffee table and investigated. I carefully pulled back the blanket to find Boyd. I leaned over him and kissed his cheek. He moaned, then slowly opened his eyes.