Page 241 of On a Fault Line

I fight back tears that have come out of nowhere. “I am glad I am here too…”

This woman really knows how to make someone feel welcome. It’s no wonder Penny is the person she is today. She had the ideal role model to help guide her along her path into adulthood.

“Thank you for protecting Penny from those criminals.”

“I will always protect her.” It’s a promise rather than just a statement.

She smiles. “I know it’s your job and all, but you risked your life to protect those I love, who consume my life and are the source of my personal happiness. And for that I’m forever indebted to you.”

“I will always be loyal to your family, ma’am.”

She glares over my show of respect. I know the matriarch has a beef with me unintentionally aging her with my labels, but she deserves all of the honor.

“You always have been, Collins.”

I glance down at my feet, feeling overcome with emotions. I know I have a lot of penance to do. “Thank you.”

“What brings you here today? You didn’t exactly provide much detail when you texted us about coming over. I hope it’s nothing too serious. I’m not sure my heart can handle anything bad.”

I tip my head. “I wasn’t trying to be intentionally vague. I just wanted to make sure that what I say is done face-to-face.”

Donna takes a step back, extending her hand. “Well, come on in.”

“I appreciate you opening your home again to me.”

“You are always welcome here.”

“Thank you.”

“I made some snacks, so I hope you are hungry.”

I smile. I’m not the least bit surprised. “I am.” It’s a semi-lie, but I refuse to cause this woman unnecessary sadness by not accepting what she has to offer. Donna always goes all out for even the simplest of gatherings. I just think she really enjoys all aspects of entertaining.

She looks at me suspiciously. “Something’s wrong. I can feel it. You aren’t going to break up with us, right? What did my sons do? They can be such hardheads sometimes. You aren’t retiring, are you? Just for the record, neither of my sons tell me anything of importance going on in their lives. Like, nothing. I know nothing.”

An awkward laugh bubbles out from my diaphragm. “I’ll try my best to explain what has happened.”

“Please tell me this isn’t going to end like one of those Wiley Quinn books that my damn book club keeps selecting. They are a bunch of rich bitches who think their reading material makes them somehow more sophisticated. I wish they would just pick something smutty. It sure would bring some actual joy into their lives.” She leans into me. “And heaven knows, we could all use a little more joy.”

“Umm…” I have no clue what she’s talking about, which is kind of on par when Donna starts going with her offshoots from the main conversations.

“Spoiler alert, the main character gets cancer, or dies overseas during combat, or becomes a religious person sworn to be celibate.”

Germain steps into the dining room, where we end up settling. “Oh, is my wife ranting about the Wiley Quinn books?”

I nod.

“If you call an intellectual discussion ranting,” Donna chides, “then that means you’ve been watching too much of those lawyer shows.” Then she looks at me and mouths, “Boring.”

“Take a seat, Collins. I’m glad you came to visit.” Germain clears his throat.

I pull out a chair and watch as Donna and Germain do the same. Resting my back against the wood, I take a deep breath.

“I know your sons deliberately refrain from providing you details about their lives. And while I don’t want to overstep any of those safeguards they instill for your protection, I want to share with you why I came into the picture in the first place.”

“Okay…” Donna says, placing her hands in front of her on top of the table’s surface.

“Years ago, I was drugged as a revenge plot and forced to discharge from my duty to the United States military. After that abrupt departure, I slipped into a state of depression and lost my purpose in life.”

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