Page 156 of The Forever Play

It’s tempting to fall apart right alongside her, but like hell that douche is taking my baby girl without a fight. We’re getting Zoey back. There’s no other option.

Another vehicle pulls up just as we’re crossing the road… and four hockey players pile out of it.

“Where do you want us?” Ethan asks.

I point behind me and dish out a few more directions.

Casey pulls out his phone. “I’m gonna record this shit. Any evidence we can get to bury this fuck nugget, right?”

“Thanks, man.” I nod and spin to get on with it.

Wily pulls out his phone as well, unlocking it as we split up and quietly form a perimeter around the old greenhouse and surrounding buildings.

We pass Coach Bergeron’s truck, and I glance in the windows, making sure it’s empty before moving on. I spot Zoey’s diaper bag, and it fuels my anger. That fucker is not taking my daughter away from me!

Spotting the edge of the greenhouse, we slow our steps, creeping as carefully as we can through the undergrowth. I crouch low and catch my breath when I hear Russell’s voice.

“It’s okay, sweetie. Mommy’s calling back any second now, and then we’re going to go on an adventure together.”

“Like hell,” Sienna hisses, letting go of my hand and bolting into the greenhouse.

“Mommy!” Zoey’s sweet enthusiasm pierces me right in the center of my chest. I want to run in and grab her, but I force myself to use a little self-control and hang back, wondering if Sienna can talk Russell down and we won’t have to traumatize Zoey with a fight.

If she can get her close and make a run for it, then I’ll step in to stop Russell giving chase.

Crouching near the entrance, I steal a peek through the broken window and form a tight fist when Zoey tries to run to Sienna and Russell grabs her by the back of the jacket, pulling her to a stop.

“Stay with Daddy, sweetheart.”

“You’re not her daddy,” Sienna warns him. “Now, you let her go.”

“Mommy?” Sienna’s expression buckles, and she points to the plastic cups and saucers on the picnic blanket behind her. “Tea pawty!” She smiles, so obviously trying to break the tension.

Sienna’s shoulders shake, and I can sense her body convulsing as she crouches down to get eye level with Zoey. “That looks so fun.”

“Wanna pay?”

“I do.” Sienna nods. “But first I want you to come with me, and then we can play with Football and Wily. They’ll play with you.”

“Foobawl!” Zoey jumps on her toes, and it takes everything in me not to bolt through the door, punch Russell in the throat, and carry Zoey out of there.

But I won’t scare her like that, and I have no idea how Russell will react if I make an appearance. Even just my name is causing his face to mottle into an angry shade of red.

“Zoey, come here,” he snaps.

My little girl flinches, and she turns to look at her Uncle Rusty with a confused pout.

“We’re having fun.” He softens his voice. “You want to play withme, don’t you?”

She looks back at Sienna, her sweet little face the picture of uncertainty.

“I know it’s confusing, lil’ bug.” Sienna’s voice is wobbling with unshed tears. “But you really need to come with Mommy now. Uncle Rusty wasn’t supposed to take you on an adventure today. I was going to pick youup from Mrs. Ward’s house.” She’s doing an amazing job at keeping her tone light and fun. I can only imagine how much effort that’s taking. “So, you ask Uncle Rusty to let you go and you come with me, okay?”

Sienna holds out her arms just as Russell snatches Zoey back against his chest.

Zoey lets out a frightened wail, but it’s drowned out by Russell’s shouting. “I have every right to pick her up. She’s mine! I’ve practically been raising her ever since she was born! You’re just too blind to see reason!”

“Russell, don’t do this,” Sienna begs. “Please, just… don’t hurt her.”

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