CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO – PARANOID

Joan nodded, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. She carried the boxes up to her room, her mind racing. Once alone, she began frantically searching through the books, looking for any signs of tracking devices or hidden messages. Tim walked in, catching her in the act. "Uh, what are you doing?" Joan looked up, suddenly aware of how paranoid she must seem. "I... I was just..." Tim laughed. "Are you seriously checking for spy gear? Come on, sis. I think you've been watching too many thriller movies." Initially annoyed at Tim's teasing, Joan gradually realized the absurdity of her actions. She forced a laugh, trying to shake off her paranoia. That night, unable to sleep, Joan got up and gathered the books. She loaded them into her car and drove to the port, the quiet streets giving her an eerie sense of déjà vu. Standing at the edge of the water, Joan began flinging the books into the sea, one by one. Each splash felt like severing another tie to her past with Vito. As sh