Page 67 of Left in the Dark

“I know. I was cringing because I saw it on your face. You know you can’t say it.”

“No one would remotely believe me if I did. They’d lock me on the upper floor, declaring me mentally ill. Wouldn’t my father fucking thrive on that?”

“Right. Outsmart him, Delaney. You’re strong. Just like your mom said when she visited.”

Delaney squeezes her hand, trying to smile and failing. Her voice quivers when she says, “This is my fault. Why didn’t I makeher stay with me? I ignored my gut when she told me she was going to Canada and wouldn’t tell me where.”

“She was trying to keep you safe. Even though she failed during your childhood and teen years, she tried. And she’s still trying….”

“Yeah, look where it got her.” Delaney’s voice is full of bitterness and rage. “Mark my words, Callie. I know my fucking father had something to do with that accident. And I’m gonna make that asshole pay.”

Callie stares at her, trepidation on her face. “Are you sure you want to stay here? This town?—”

“I know it’s dangerous for me to be here. But I have to be close to her. Otherwise, he’ll kill her….”

“That’s what I’m worried about, Delaney. You’re playing deep odds here. Don’t you remember what happened the last time you were here?”

Delaney snorts. “Oh, I’ll never fucking forget. If I saw that asshole right now, I’d beat the fucking shit outta him.”

“That’s what I mean. You’re temperamental and hot-headed. Rightly so after what he’s done. What the rest of them did.” Callie looks like she’s about ready to burst into tears. “I don’t want them to hurt you. Or worse.”

“I’ll be okay. I promise.” She hugs Callie tightly, a determined look on her face. “I won’t do anything rash. I’m blowing off steam now, but I’ll pull my shit together.” She pulls back, a confident look on her face. “See if your mom can get Randy to rent his cabin to me. Doesn’t it have a security system?”

A wide grin stretches across my face. Randy Hammond owns a considerable stretch of land near Green Haven Lake—what I once believed was “our” lake—and I sold and personally installed the cameras around his house and property.

There’s a room inside the cabin lined with small television screens that show the views of each camera. Part of the package includes a top-of-the-line home security system.

Oh, yes, she’ll be safe from her father and his clowns in this town. But not from me.

CHAPTER 44

Delaney

My tires whirl over the narrow, windy road that leads to Randy’s cabin while “My Favorite Mistake” by Sheryl Crow is blaring from the speakers of my car. I sing along as I stare through the front windshield at the cabin ahead. Jesus.I remember this place from when I was a kid.

The cabin sure does look a lot bigger. With the additions and renovations Randy did, It reminds me of home.

I pull my car to a stop, parking in the space closest to the door. Cutting the engine, I press the button to open my trunk as Callie and Mark pull up behind me.

I gesture for Mark to back toward the front steps, then stand back while he maneuvers his truck.

“Thanks again for your help,” I say as soon as Callie opens the door. “I appreciate it.”

Callie slides out, a smile lighting up her face. “You can thank me by baking chocolate chip cookies.”

A pang goes through my heart, but I try not to show it. My recipe was handed down to me by my mom.

“I don’t have ingredients, or I would.”

“I’ve already checked it out. Martin’s Grocery delivers to your door.”

“Oh, that’s amazing!” Wrapping her in a hug, I kiss her cheek. “You’re the best.”

“Hey. That’s my woman.” Mark’s jovial tone echoes from the trees around us, making me giggle. “Hands off.” He winks at me while Callie blows him a kiss.

“I love when he gets jealous, even if it’s fake.”

I smack her arm, laughing. “Let’s make him real jealous, then.” I throw my arm around Callie’s shoulders. “I don’t know, Mark. She has nice boobs. And her ass… maybe that’s why none of my relationships ever worked out….”

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