Page 89 of The Two Halves of My Heart

“He didn’t start off that way, but he got involved in more fights, gambling, dirty work of some kind. That’s why my mother moved us here. To escape, because his work spilt over into our lives, and we were both in danger. He couldn’t get out, and I can’t stand the thought of that happening to you, or worse, you getting hurt badly, all for some money to fight a guy in a ring.” I kept my head up and my back straight, refusing to show the emotion that those words had dragged up from somewhere deep inside of me. And I suddenly couldn’t see anything other than Maddison as a shadow of my father. “Just think about it, Mads. Please.”

There was a stillness in the room. Neither of us wanted to shatter the peace, although I knew it was coming. My fingers moved to rub the small cat at my wrist—a habit I often acted on for courage.

“What is his name?”

“Mike Kenner. It doesn’t matter though. He lost everything because he got in too deep.”

“Boo-hoo,” he shouted. “So, your father started like me, doesn’t mean anything. You've mentioned him once and used him as the reason to leave me, and now he’s this example of what will happen if I don’t listen to you? This doesn’t change anything. Plenty of people fight or box. It’s not a crime. So, do yourself a favour and get out of my fucking house, and don’t come back. We’re done.”

I stood before him as my body quivered at his words. He’d crushed any chance that I could do this—there was too much hate. I used that to fuel the strength I needed to walk out without collapsing into tears. But I didn’t make it to the door.

“Who are you? You used to make me believe I could do anything. I don’t even recognise you.” My words choked in my throat. Mads showed no sign that he’d even heard them. I cast my glance back, but he stood, swaying on the spot, with a blank expression that was haunting. I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I fled the house and dove into the relative safety of the car.

I’d warned Leo he wouldn’t listen, but there was a small part of me that had hoped he’d hear me at least. All that hope had just died, and I was left with no other choice, but to pray that Maddison could look after himself.

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