Page 90 of Left in the Dark

Richard and Daniel freeze, their gazes moving to her.

A smile is on her face before she struts toward the stage, her head held high.

What the fuck is she doing?

I’m seething, hating that she’s putting herself in the open where I’ll expose myself if I move to protect her. I don’t have any of my friends here, either.

My eyes roam the crowd, and when I spot the large tree that provides a perfect view of the stage, I step behind a group of people, weaving my way toward it, being careful so no one recognizes me.

Delaney ascends the stairs, her posture stiff as she heads across the stage. She flashes a fake smile at her brother and father, then gives Tim a frosty glare before turning toward the microphone. She adjusts it, and then her clear voice rings across the park.

“Too bad mom isn’t here to see you receive this award.” Her gaze darts to her brother and father, who mutter things under their breath that I can’t make out. They aren’t happy she’s on stage, that’s for damn sure. Their eyes are full of murderous rage even as they keep their fake smiles glued to their faces.

“It would be wonderful if I could visit my mom. I’m sure it would help her condition improve.” She throws a scathing look at her father. “While I have the mic, I’m asking my father to allow me to visit my mom in the hospital.”

A hush falls over the crowd before a low murmur begins to rumble. I’m equal parts impressed and pissed at her. Impressed she’s publicly standing up to them but pissed that she’s made herself a target.

My job just became a hell of a lot harder.

Daniel comes over, grabbing Delaney’s arm so hard she winces, dragging her away from the mic. Richard steps behind the podium, an apologetic look on his face.

“My fellow citizens. I apologize for this uncomfortable moment. My daughter has been under extreme stress and suffering from sleep deprivation since my wife’s tragic auto accident.” He heaves out a long sigh. “It’s been so hard on all of us. I’m doing my best to keep all of you safe while trying to track down the son of a bitch who hit my wife.”

Murmurs of sympathy roll through the crowd.

I ignore it as Daniel drags Delaney off stage and around the corner. I move, ducking behind a large speaker to hear and see them better.“What the fuck are you doing, Laney?”

“Don’t fucking call me that.” Delaney rips her arm away from Daniel. He tries to grab her again, but she’s prepared, blocking him. He reaches for her yet again, and she dodges him, stomping on his foot and ramming her palm against his nose. Blood spurts from it as he curses.

“Don’t fucking touch me, Daniel. And spread the word to your asshole friends. I’m not taking any shit?—”

“Aidan? Did you have something to do with his disappearance?” Daniel’s voice is nasally as he tries to stop the bleeding.

“What the fuck are you talking about, weirdo? Aidan disappeared? If so, good fucking riddance. But I sure as hell didn’t have anything to do with it.”

Richard stomps over, his eyes flashing. “Keep your fucking voices down,” he hisses, his gaze darting around. His minion staff members are doing a great job moving people away from the front of the stage, promising a meet and greet in a few minutes.

“What the fuck was that about, Delaney?” Richard’s hands shake as he glares at her.

Delaney rolls her eyes. “What do you think it’s about? Why won’t you let me see mom?” She steps closer, her hands on her hips. “You better not have done anything to her.”

Richard looks around, ensuring no one else is nearby. He leans closer and hisses, “Keep it up, and something will happen to her.” He flashes an evil smile as she gasps. “I’m not entertaining this nonsense, Delaney. You’ll see her when I let you see her.”

Then he stomps away.

Delaney steps in his direction, about to go after him, but this time, Tim grabs her arm. My muscles are so tense, and I’m baring my teeth like a wild animal, ready to kill him for touching her.

“Get your hands off me.” Delaney whirls around, punching Tim right in the nose. He drops her arm, cursing as she adjusts her leather jacket. “You fuckers need to leave me alone. I’m not your punching bag anymore.”

She stalks off in the opposite direction, apparently deciding to give up on Richard, who is now flanked by a bunch of townspeople.

“She’s gonna be a fucking problem. We need to deal with her,” Tim says to Daniel, glaring at Delaney’s retreating back.

“You’re right. We need to deal with this problem ASAP.”

Not on my fucking watch, assholes.

CHAPTER 59

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