Page 69 of Manic

"Hey, Mom?" Tindra pipes up as we approach the car. "Can I tell you a joke?"

I can't help but smile at her eagerness. "By all means, take it away."

Tindra clears her throat dramatically. "Okay, so... Why don't scientists trust atoms?"

I quirk an eyebrow. "I don't know, why?"

"Because they make up everything!" Tindra bursts into laughter, her joy infectious.

I'm about to join in when a deep, familiar voice behind us says, "That was a good one."

My blood turns to ice.

I don't need to turn around to know who it is.

My father.

The monster from my past, sneaking up on me yet again.

I steel myself, pushing down the panic threatening to overwhelm me. "Tindra," I say, keeping my voice steady, "get in the car, sweetie, and lock the doors."

I turn slowly, placing myself between Tindra and my father.

His cold eyes bore into mine, a smirk playing on his lips. "Who's this?" he asks, nodding toward Tindra.

My heart races, but I force myself to stand tall. "No one you need to concern yourself with," I reply, my voice low and dangerous. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

Inside, I'm screaming.

What does he want?

I glance back at Tindra, shaking my head slightly.

Stay quiet, I silently plead.

Her eyes are wide with fear, but she nods and heads for the car.

My father's gaze flicks between us, his smirk growing wider. "Ah, I see. You have a kid." His eyes narrow, calculating. "She's about your age when we started using you for the better of the group."

My blood runs cold, and nausea coils in the pit of my stomach.

Memories I've tried so hard to bury come rushing back, threatening to drown me.

But I can't break down.

Not now.

Not in front of Tindra.

I take a step toward him, my nostrils flaring. "Don't you dare," I hiss, my voice barely above a whisper.

He laughs in my face, the sound grating against my nerves. "Look at the mama bear come out," he taunts.

Before I can react, his fist collides with my cheek.

The pain explodes across my face, and I stumble backward.

Tindra's scream pierces the air.

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