Page 101 of An Unexpected Home

“The couple that lives here is out of town,” Will clarified for her. “I overheard them talking and figured it was as good a place as any to hide out.” He pulled something out of his pocket and when the garage door opened, she assumed it was the opener. He pulled her car in and the door closed behind them.

“We are going to get out and go into the house. If you make any noise or try to run, I will shoot you,” he threatened.

“Stay in the car and I will come around,” he said, getting out but keeping the gun trained on her the whole time.

He opened her door and she stood up. “Walk,” he said, pushing her forward.

She did as he said. “Let’s go.” He pulled her into the house by her arm.

He forced her down on a chair and tied her up. He didn't, however, cover her mouth and that left her wondering if he wanted to talk.

She took her chance and asked, “What’s your plan here Will?”

For one second his face changed and he looked like the guy she once knew. But it was gone in a flash and his anger took over.

“You don’t need to know.”

“You can’t just keep me tied up in here forever.”

“Maybe I should just shoot you,” he said, emotionless. “That would solve the problem.”

She sucked in a breath at how cold he sounded. Maybe talking was a mistake.

“Not so chatty now, are you,” he said and pulled up a chair for himself, sitting facing her.

His voice held a hint of glee that made her shiver. Seeing him like this, crazy and out of control, freaked her out. She glanced around and saw a red gas can sitting in the corner. Was he planning on using it on her, here at this house?

“Now,” he said, making her focus back on him, “you’re gonna tell me what I want to know.” His chin was resting on his hands that were resting on the back of the chair.

She swallowed hard, having no idea what he wanted to know or if she would even have the answer he was looking for.

“You knew what your dad and uncle were up to?”

It was a question not a statement. She shook her head. “No, no. I had no idea.”

“That’s a lie!” he shouted, unfolding his arms and gripping the back of the chair. “You knew.”

“I didn’t,” she swore, tears starting to fall down her cheeks.

“You did!” he shouted again, his voice angry. “You had to have!”

“No,” she sobbed. “I was blindsided the same as you and everyone else.”

He seemed too calm, brushing his forehead with the back of his hand. She thought that maybe this was her chance.

“Will, I know they hurt you. They hurt me, too. How do you think it felt to wake up one day thinking your dad was this great man that did good things and helped people, and then the next, you find out he was stealing from clients and friends. It was beyond horrible.” She watched his eyes, making sure his rage stayed at bay. “I wanted to die. I was blamed and accused of things I had no knowledge of; things that I thought the man who I knew as my father would never do.”

Will was shaking his head and mumbling words she couldn’t hear or understand.

“And Will, I’m so sorry that what my family did caused your family so much pain. Your mom was always the sweetest person.”

“Don’t talk about my mom,” he said gruffly.

She decided that she had said enough for now and shut her mouth.

“Your dad ruined my life. It will never be the same.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” she pleaded. “Why do you think I changed my name and moved here to Cedarville? I couldn’t live in a place where everyone knew that my dad and uncle were these horrible people.”

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