Page 3 of Ruined

“Thanks, man. You and your dad still doing the press conference later today?” I gesture toward the window.

“No, we postponed it for a day or two because of the weather.”

Thad is going to announce his resignation, and they are hoping to make a plea for more information on his sister. The reward for information is also being increased. Terry, Thad’s dad, will do whatever it takes to get his daughter back. I don’t blame him. If it were Minuet, I’d never stop looking.

My real fear is that one day her kidnapper, Wilder Nesbitt, will come back for her. She’s the loose end that could put him away for life. With Pierre dead, only Nesbitt can answer for their crimes against my baby doll.

We head to our office and sift through the computer files of the deceased females in Stormy’s age range.

TWO

FRENCHIE

Iroll over and stretch, and something heavy slides across my neck. I reach for it and realize it’s a necklace. The pendant is shaped like a dog tag, crafted in beautiful rose gold, with a diamond inside a heart. I flip it over and see the inscription on the other side.

To my baby doll, don’t forget I’m always here for you.

Love always,

Dylan

My heart clenches, and I choke. I want to cry but can’t. Tears haven’t flowed in a long time, and I don’t know if they ever will again.

I slide out of bed and take a shower before heading to the shop to watch Ryder before my afternoon classes. With Riddlerand Jinx both pregnant, they don’t work the long hours they used to. Jinx’s husband, Reaper, doesn’t like her painting too much.

I take a mix of online and on-campus classes. On the days I’m not at school, I watch Skyler and Ryder. Skyler is in school today, and Ryder only goes half days, so the bus should be dropping him off in a couple of hours. That gives me time to work on my psych paper. I’m working toward a master’s degree in psychology. I earned my bachelor’s while we were in Kentucky. I’ve been working with the University of Alaska system to complete my degree here at the Fairbanks location, which is normally offered at the Anchorage campus.

I decided to focus on psychology so I could help others who have been traumatized like I was. I know firsthand what they are going through, and I know it’s something that will be with them forever. They will never get over it, but they will have to learn to live with it. It’s something I’m still working on myself.

I think that’s what I was doing last night with Dylan. Finally moving on. I’m not as ruined as my mother told me I was. But it’s going to take some time. I know that, and we will have to go slow. I’m glad Dylan didn’t push for more last night, but I also know he’s a man and will be expecting something in return soon. At least, that’s what I think. Maybe it’s time I sit down and talk to him about us.

“What’s got you so lost in thought?” Riddler’s voice pulls me from my head.

I look up to see I’ve made it across the compound and to the shop without even remembering to put on my coat, hat, or gloves. This is my first winter in Alaska. Even though I grew up in Canada, I’ve never experienced this level of cold. The kind that sneaks up on you, and by the time you realize how cold it is, it’s too late.

Riddler points at the necklace I’ve been absentmindedly fingering. “What’s that?” she asks.

“Dylan gave it to me.”

“You finally gave him a break?” She chuckles, and I smile softly.

“Yeah, I guess I did.”

“Good. It’s about time, little sister.” She moves around her desk and pulls me in for a hug. I wrap my arms around her because she is my family now—she and all the Handmaidens are.

When we pull apart, I look over to see that she’s working at her desk today.

“No appointments?”

“Nope. I can watch Ryder if you want to head to the library for some studying.”

“Thank you.”

I head out to my car, unplug it, and start it up. While it warms, I run inside to grab my books and bag. By the time I get back outside, my car is all warmed up. I head into Fairbanks and across town to the campus library, where I settle in and work on my paper.

I’ve been studying for the last couple of hours when my cell phone pings in my pocket. I pull it out and see a text from Dylan.

Dylan

---