Page 112 of Strike Zone

“I think so.” I take one last look around my bedroom.

“I’ll donate all the clothes for you. We’ll store all your other things until you’re ready for them," she says, with a tremor in her voice. “I’m proud of you, Wren. You are the strongest person I know. You’ve always fought and loved fiercely. You care for people effortlessly. I think that’s why you sometimes feel you’re not good at it. Loving people is just what you do.”

“Maybe. I never thought about it that way. I’m going to miss you.” I wrap my arms around her.

“I’m going to miss you too. We’ll be there for the grand opening. That’s only a few months away. I’m going to ask Faith for the name of a good real estate agent. Maybe it’s time for all of us to have a change of scenery. How do you think I’d look in a pair of those jeans?” She points at my legs.

“Incredible,” Dad says from behind me. “We need to get going if you're going to make your flight.” He kisses Mom on the forehead before grabbing my bag.

Mom and I hug goodbye one last time. I inhale a deep breath of perfume and commit it to memory. I did the same thing when she dropped me off at Newhouse for the first time. “You can do this,” she whispers in my ear, before letting me go.

“Are you ready?” Dad asks, parking the car in front of Fred Abbott’s office building.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I may not be wearing a power suit today but I have on my power cowboy boots. Each step I take into the building is a reminder of my purpose and strengthens my resolve.

“How can I help you?” the receptionist asks.

“We’re here to see Mr. Abbott,” I say.

“Is he expecting you?”

“No, but he’ll want to see us. Tell him Ivan and Wren Ellington are here to speak with him about an urgent matter,” Dad tells her.

A few moments pass before we are allowed entry into his office.

I keep checking my watch. Getting on the plane is giving me enough anxiety. I don’t need to add being late on top of it.

“Wren, Ivan, what a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect to see you until later this evening. Please, take a seat. What can I do for you?” Fred asks.

“I think I’ll stand thank you,” I say. “I only came by to drop this off.” I place the ring box he gave me on the edge of his desk. “I’ve made my choice. I won’t be marrying Daniel. I appreciate the offer but I’ll have to pass.”

Fred stands from his chair. “You should reconsider. You will lose everything if you walk away.”

“I’ll lose everything if I don’t,” I say, standing my ground. Everything I want is on a farm in Alabama. If I don’t walk away, I get nothing. “Now if you excuse me I have a plane to catch.”

“All it takes is one phone call to the bank and I will own every inch of their land,” he threatens.

“You will have to take that up with the new owners. The bank no longer has a say. I suggest you stop threatening my family. You aren’t the only person in the room who knows how to throw threats around. Mark my words, if you continue down this road with me, it will be painful,” I say tersely.

“You have a lot of nerve, little girl.”

“You’re right. I do.” I smile back at him.

“Ivan, are you going to let her speak to me like this?”

“I see nothing wrong with what she’s saying. Wren has always spoken her mind.”

“I can ruin you.”

“You could.” Dad shrugs. “You won’t.” He types something out on his phone. “There are documents in your email listing all the clients you have stolen from over the years. Threaten my family again and I will send it to the press.”

“Where did you get this?” he demands.

“My newest employee. You’re going to need a new business analyst by the way. I just took your best one since mine just bought a farm.”

Fred picks up his phone and places a call. If I had to guess, it’s to his son. When Daniel’s lawyers came through with access for his trust, a new blackmail plan began. Before he packed up his office, he managed to get everything we needed to put Fred on a leash.

“Have a great day, Fred.” I walk out of his office with my shoulders back and head held high.

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