They Can’t Go Back; It’s Over

Deborah grabbed Austyn’s hand. ‘Let’s just forget about this. It’s a nightmare, but it’ll pass. I don’t want to be forced to relive it, which is bound to happen if there’s a trial.’ She begged him with her eyes. ‘Please, Austyn, I just want to stay with you. I don’t want anyone to know I’m back.’ Especially not Henry McCarthy. Austyn looked blankly inscrutable. Deborah held her breath. After a long while, he nodded. ‘Okay. It’s your right to decide. If you say drop it, I’ll drop it.’ Deborah threw herself into his arms. ‘Austyn, thank you.’ His hands came to rest on her shoulders and went no further. After a pause, he gently pushed her back. ‘I just hope you’ve thought it through.’ ‘I have.’ Deborah left the warmth of his embrace reluctantly. Austyn clearly cared about her. He came running when she called. He was furious when he learned what happened, yet he didn’t pressure her into pressing charges. But he kept her at arm’s length. His actions showed concern, but his body language was