< Chapter 11 Menu Chapter 11 Simon Jones arrived to find Ryder in that same state of despair .
Hed woken to the gossip : Ryder was frantically searching for his wife .
Any news about Claire ? Simon Jones clapped him on the shoulder .
Ryder looked up , his voice frigid .
No .
Simon Jones frowned .
The base is understandable , but the train station too ? On Christmas Eve , besides trains , there wouldnt be other vehicles leaving the area .
Both men paused , remembering something .
Simon Jones spoke hesitantly .
Ryder , that day … that Quantico vehicle … it left from our base .

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Ryder remembered the fleeting moment their vehicles passed , the window rising , the glimpse of a a womans face .
Claire didnt leave on that vehicle , did she ? Simon Jones continued , And I remember Claire had a real talent for mechanics .
Ryders breath caught in his throat ; his heart pounded .
His voice was rough .
Yes .
Simon Jones sighed .
Dont worry yet ; its probably just a lovers quarrel .
Shell be fine .
Deep night , the base housing .
Ryder sat on the sofa , his eyes closed .
The silence was heavy .
In past winters , Id cuddle up on the sofa with two hot water 11:37 1.5 % bottles , waiting for him to come home .
Then , Id jump into his arms , hot water bottles and all , claiming I was warming him up .
He knew it was a ploy .
Hed try to gently push me away , yet he relished that warmth .
Ryder opened his eyes , his dark gaze unreadable .
This winter felt incredibly cold .
Suddenly , he remembered the gift Id given him , to be opened after Christmas .
He retrieved it from his closet .
His fingers trembled as he unwrapped it .
A gold longevity lock .
Beneath it were two signed divorce papers .
This … this is Claires divorce filing ? Simon Jones stared , incredulous .
Ryder didnt answer , taking another drink .
He rarely drank .
He was often on missions , and secondly , I disliked the smell of alcohol .
Once , on his 20th birthday , hed gotten drunk with his comrades .
When I arrived with a gift , I wrinkled my nose , unusually avoiding him , complaining about his smell .
I was about to leave when hed grabbed me , forcing me close , his alcohol soaked clothes rubbing against me .
Id been furious , throwing his gift on the table and scratching long lines on his chin .
11:37 1.5 % < Chapter 11 Menu Ryder smiled faintly , unconsciously touching his chin .
He could almost see my angry face .
But … no … Claire loved you .
Why would she divorce you ? Simon Jones pulled him from his reverie .
Ryder took another drink , the turmoil in his heart unsoothed .
He wanted to know too .
I loved him so much ; why would I divorce him ? How could I ? He chuckled softly , a sound devoid of humor .
Filing for divorce behind his back , even making him sign the papers .
I was getting bolder .
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