Page 20 of Exposed

Madison pointed to the bedroom. “Through there. Do you need help?”

Paco fumbled towards the master, trying not to double over in laughter. “No, no, you can’t help. I’ve been doing it for many, many years, girlie. I’ve got this.” He did his best at sober cat-walking and disappeared into the bedroom, then instantly reappeared, leaning against the door frame. “You know, a year ago Alex became obsessed with finding you. Really obsessed. Well, not obsessed with finding you, so much as wondering if you might miraculously pop into his life. I guess finding you would’ve been too fucking easy. But every time a woman crossed his path with the name Taylor, he had me check to see if it was you. Jack never called you Madison. Only Frankie. But I ... I never ever told him I knew you. I mean, knew where you were.”

“Why not?” Madison pried.

Paco felt himself slipping down the door frame, and swiftly pulled himself back up. “Because after Jack died, Alex nearly died too. Not just physically. It took a lot to get him out of the dark. For a time, nobody could even mention Jack without him lashing out or breaking down.” Madison knew the weight of those feeling, having lived with them herself. “He somehow felt responsible. Like if he’d just done things differently or reacted faster. I guess I wasn’t quite sure he’d be good for anyone, least of all you.” He threw his arms forward to point at her, then started waving his finger at her. “And someone helped him get him out of that dark, dark place.” A suspicious smile curled up. “Someone you know,” he taunted, disappearing into the bedroom again. Madison heard items being knocked about as Paco made his way to the bathroom.

“Wait. Who do I know that helped Alex through it?” Madison shouted after him.

Paco hollered back. “Dan.”

Dan? “Dan who?”

“You know, Dan.” A second later, “Taylor.” Madison heard the bathroom door snap closed.

Dad?

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