Page 106 of Fire Fight

So am I.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

CADENCE

Mum haulsme into the lounge to talk about wedding plans and happy-ever-after futures while I send Drake an apologetic glance. The swipe of photographs across the screen doesn’t need attention beyond an occasional exclamation and my thoughts drift to the journalist again, wondering how I can use her.

Talking to her mightn’t be enough. If Maggie disclosed the abuse but nothing went to print, then she probably requires confirmation from other sources or solid evidence, neither of which I have.

A photograph of Drake’s injuries might help, but I’m honest enough to admit it mightn’t be worth anything. Not when it comes from my phone instead of the clinical lens of a forensic photographer.

“Aren’t these bridesmaid outfits adorable,” Mum sighs, swiping into an image full of ruffles, laces, and a shade of peach determined to turn any potential scene stealers into background extras.

“They’re beautiful but nobody’s going to be looking at the bridesmaids. Show me whatyou’regoing to wear.”

I study Mum’s face as she bends to the challenge.

Besides the panicky freakout of this morning, there’s a slowness to her movements, a sheen to her eyes that makes me think she needs an appointment with the shrink to adjust her meds.

Taking them regularly must be a shock to her system because they’ve never made her groggy before.

But even with that dampener, her enthusiasm is catching. It’s such a treat to see her excited I can’t imagine being the one to burst her bubble.

Except the happiness is as illusory as the rest of this lifestyle.

There’s money but not for us.

There’s safety but not for us.

If Arnold will beat his son for such a tiny infringement, he’ll do far worse to the practical strangers now camping in his home.

We still need to leave but I don’t know how to sell that future to her.

Another hope resting at the journalist’s door, and I haven’t called her number. I haven’t even talked it through with Drake to get his opinion.

Nor do I get the chance to. Not with Arnold buzzing around and Mum flitting from one thought to the next with such speed, it makes my head spin.

At dinner, we exchange rueful glances, and his hand finds its way to my leg without delay.

“I apologise for being so grumpy,” Arnold says while Mum serves the meal. “Blaine, I’ve called the garage and booked the car in for tomorrow. It should be fixed by Friday at the latest. You can take Emily’s car until then.”

Drake frowns at him. “Won’t she need it?”

“Since Raelene’s going to be a permanent fixture”—he gives her a sickeningly sweet smile—“I’ve let Emily go.” His gaze moves to me. “I’m sure you’ll be a great help to your mother over the coming weeks. First, there’ll need to be an engagement party to let everyone share our good news. Thursday is the best night for me, and I’ll pass out the client invites personally.”

“ThisThursday?” My mother plucks at her throat while he nods. “Isn’t that too soon?”

He laughs. “The entire thing istoo soon.But we don’t need the world’s biggest turnout.” His eyes narrow as I fiddle with my phone. “Can you also do some social media posts from the night? Get good photos of the two of us.”

It’s like we’ve been shot out of a cannonball, but I must admit, it’s working well for my mother. She looks happier with each hasty decision.

I hate to be a pessimist, but there’s no way I can see Mum taking over all of Emily’s jobs. She couldn’t do them for just the two of us. Expanding that to four and doing those tasks well?

It’s Herculean. Especially during a downswing where her mood unravels.

I smile and try to radiate happiness while inside, my blood runs cold.

Drake wincesas we walk into school the next morning, and I crush his hand into the tiniest possible space. Felicity chats with a girl just inside the door and she looks our way, gives a vague smile of recognition, then snaps to attention, giving her conversational partner a nudge.

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