Page 46 of Left in the Dark

But I feared he’d go after my father and get into worse trouble.

He’ll never know any of that, though. He won’t give me the chance to explain.

I have no other choice. I’m out of options, and right now, I want to disappear.

“Okay. Let’s make plans.”

CHAPTER 30

Delaney

My parent’s house was strangely quiet when I arrived home two days later.

I hate being here, but the determination coursing through me wins out. The only way out is to pack clothing and necessities and steal more money from Mom to tide me over until Callie and I receive our first paycheck.

My spine stiffens with resolve.I’m leaving here and never coming back.

“Hi, sweetie.” My mom strolls into the foyer, smiling like everything is normal. I’m sure I’m staring at her like she’s insane, but I can’t comprehend how she accepts this life. I don’t know if it’s blind faith that he’ll never seriously injure or kill her, but whatever it is, I can’t deal with it anymore.

If she notices my perplexed expression, she ignores it. “Did you and Callie have fun?”

I nod, my tongue like wool when I spit out, “Yeah. I always have fun with her.”

“That’s good.” She pats my shoulder before turning and heading toward the kitchen. “Feel like a snack? I was thinking about making cookies.”

Although I’m not hungry, I perk up. “Chocolate chip?”

“Of course.”

“Count me in. Let me take my bag to my room, and I’ll join you.”

She nods, and I wait for her to disappear before heading upstairs. I check Daniel’s room to ensure its empty before heading to her room and peeking in to ensure my father isn’t lurking around.

Exhaling, I head to the bench by her bed where her purse sits. Opening it, I grab a wad of cash before putting it back exactly as she had it and tiptoeing to my room.

My heart bangs inside my chest as I shut my door. I feel sick for stealing from her, even though I know it’s necessary for survival.

Heading to my closet, I grab my giant duffle bag and stick the cash inside the small, zippered compartment. Then I set about packing some things, including the photos of Zayne. I slide my burner phone inside, shoving it inside the pocket of a pair of shorts.

I grab a smaller bag and head to the bathroom, packing some toiletries for the trip.

I look around my bedroom for the last time, silently saying goodbye. The only good memories I have are of Zayne and me. But even they are tainted by all the pain and secrets between us.

I shove the two bags in the back of my closet before closing the door. Then I take a deep breath before opening my door to join my mom in the kitchen.

Try to make the most of it. This will be the last time you see her.

Eight hours later,I’m sitting in the passenger seat of Callie’s car, my duffle bags safely stowed in her trunk. “I want to make one pit stop before we leave town to say goodbye to Mark.”

“Mark from the concession stand?” I raise my brows, turning my face from the window to look at the blush on her cheeks.

“Yeah. The guy has a magical tongue. I don’t want to burn that bridge. I hope to convince him to visit us in Cape May.”

I giggle, shaking my head. “You’re something else.”

“That’s why you love me.”

Ten minutes later, I’m twiddling my thumbs in the passenger seat, listening to music. I bite my lip as I pull out my old phone that my dad had taken from me. I stole into his office and retrieved it before Callie picked me up. He deactivated the service, but for whatever reason, he never deleted the texts or photos that Zayne and I exchanged. Probably keeping them as evidence against me.

---