Page 60 of His Road Dog

"No." She inhaled deeply. "It's a different man that makes me feel weird. Michael, the guy I met and stayed with after Roy was murdered."

"That's the man that you're falling in love with?"

"I don't know if that's what I should call it." She exhaled and waved her hand, knowing she couldn't hide anything from her mom. "I like him, but when we were growing close, he found out something bad about Roy."

"What do you mean...bad?"

"Roy wasn't a good man, and if he had lived, he could've hurt me."

Her mother's swift intake of air made her wish she could change the past. She never wanted her parents to worry about her.

"If you're here, where is Michael?"

"Missoula," she said, never hesitating. "He sent me here to be safe."

"I already like him for taking care of you." Her mom studied her. "You're in danger. You're hiding. But, you love Michael."

"Yes. That pretty much sums it up." She rubbed her chest. "I miss him, and I don't know if it's love. I think about him constantly, and it hurts to believe he sent me away, and I might never see him again."

Her mom stood and held out her hand. "Let's go inside. There's some sangria calling our names, and I want to hear everything that is going on with you."

She followed her mom, clinging to her hand. Priest was right, sending her away. This is where she belonged.

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