Page 8 of Kept in the Dark

“Hailey Gallagher. Didn’t think I’d see you again.” A dark smile tugged at his lips.

“Go away, Ryan.” She glanced at Trinity who perked up, noticing a shift in Hailey’s energy. She furrowed her brows as her eyes darted between Hailey and the stranger.

“What are you gonna do? Tell your daddy?” he mocked.

She stood, wanting to send a clear message that she was no longer afraid of him. “Go. Away,” she said through gritted teeth.

He stepped closer, getting in her face. A few guests glanced in their direction, both worried and curious about the exchange. She stepped back and he grabbed her upper arm, bringing her close, much like he had years ago.

She pushed against his chest, and as hard as she tried to fight it, her lungs tightened, and she felt a panic attack surfacing. He had done the same thing right before he had tried to kill her. She glanced at Trinity who was now standing, unsure of what to do.

Before Hailey could say anything, she heard a deep voice behind her. “Let her go.”

She turned to see Trey standing behind her, his jaw tight as he glared at Ryan. Duty or protection? She wasn’t sure, but she was glad he was there. Even after all this time, Trey still made her feel safe. She wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, so she refused to acknowledge it for fear of what feelings might reemerge if she spent too much time lingering on such thoughts.

Ryan exchanged a glance between Trey and Hailey. Trinity was fidgeting and her voice had gone up an octave. “Mom?” Her daughter’s eyes darted between Hailey and the two men, and then to the crowd that was now staring at them.

Angie quickly walked up to them, gathering her dress as she did, and gripped Ryan’s arm. Her southern accent was as thick and as sweet as honey as she whispered, “If you don’t disappear from my reception, I’ll have Chief Harbor here throw you in a jail cell.” She smiled, though they all knew she was anything but happy.

Ryan released Hailey’s arm and said to her, “If you stick around long enough, eventually Trey won't be around to protect you. Just like he wasn’t the night your Ma died.”

“Ryan!” Angie snapped.

Trey stepped between Ryan and Hailey, daring Ryan to throw the first punch. But Ryan threw his hands in the air and laughed as he sauntered off, amused by Trey’s reaction. He disappeared out the back door and Hailey prayed she would never see him again.

Her body involuntarily shivered. He would make good on his threat if given the chance. That much was clear, given that he promised the same thing the night of the festival and a few weeks later he came to collect. Trey hadn’t been with Hailey when her car broke down after their fight and she had almost died at Ryan’s hand because of it.

Trey turned to her. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Thanks.” She tried to steady her breathing as Trinity raced around the table and clung to her. Trey smiled at the girl but she didn’t return the gesture, suspicion still present in her hazel eyes.

“What was his problem?” Trinity demanded, her voice cracking. Hailey rubbed Trinity’s arms trying to calm her.

“He’s not a nice guy. That’s all you need to know.”

“Clearly,” Trinity said. Her daughter was not pleased with her response, but Hailey didn’t care. Despite her teen’s constant protests, Hailey wasn’t obligated to share everything with her daughter.

Thankfully, Angie interrupted. “God bless it, I hate that man. Always stirring up trouble. I told Jason I didn't want him here, but since he’s Jason’s cousin, his momma about had a conniption when I declined inviting him.” She rolled her eyes. “They’re not even blood-relatives. They’re related by some far-off uncle that’s been forty times removed, or some such bologna.”

Trey looked at Hailey, and Hailey smiled briefly before carrying on the conversation with Angie. She was thankful he intervened, but she still had no interest in talking to him.

After an awkward, lingering moment, he got the hint and quietly walked away. Her gaze followed him for a moment before she turned and responded to Angie. “It’s okay. I’m just glad I got to come back and see you on your big day.”

“I’ve been trying to break away from these guests to come see you!”

“Don’t worry about it, Ange. I know being a bride is the hardest job.” Hailey winked as they embraced each other. Hailey held her friend tight, not realizing how much she had missed her. Angie was the only person Hailey kept in contact with after she moved, but even those phone calls were seldom and sporadic.

“I’ve missed you so much!” Angie said as she sat down. She turned toward Trinity. “And this must be Trinity.”

Trinity smiled and went back to reading her book.

“Yup, that’s my girl.” Hailey beamed.

“I can’t believe how much she looks like you.”

Hailey was used to the comment, but she also knew how much Trinity looked like her father, something she was glad Angie didn’t disclose. All Trinity knew of her father was that he was from Auburndale and that he had broken Hailey’s heart. And Hailey planned to keep it that way.

She always told herself she’d tell Trinity about her father when she turned eighteen. Right now, she was too young to understand all that had happened between Hailey and Trey. Trinity simply wasn’t ready to hear the truth.

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