Page 19 of Mic Drop

Before I pass out, I receive a text from King letting me know it’s all right for me to use Secluded Rest. Damn good thing, considering I’m already making myself at home here.

A few hours later my phone’s alarm goes off. Rousing, I turn on the television and flip the channels, landing on the local news. A story about the graffiti at Jenna’s clinics runs, mentioning her as the Black Widow. They add in the whole Lissa sideshow. As an extra bonus, some industrious reporter cornered Darren’s mother, who refused to comment. Thankfully.

This has to stop.

The only saving grace is they didn’t show anything about Jenna’s whereabouts, so they don’t know she’s in Aroostook. If I have my way—which I always do—she won’t be here long.

After a quick shower, I put on fresh clothes and call for a car service to take me to Jenna’s house. We pass a florist shop, and I make a quick detour. Back in the car with a bouquet of calla lilies on my lap, we continue to her house.

It’s dark, but it’s still early. No lights are on and her driveway is empty. If she’s not here, where can she be?

I ask the driver, “Can you wait here?”

“It’s your dime.”

Holding the bouquet, I walk up to her front door and ring the bell. When no one answers, I bang on the front door but get the same result. She’s clearly not here.

I drag myself back to the car and give the driver her mother’s address, happy she gave it to me earlier. Considering Jenna was so intent on seeing her when she left me, perhaps that’s where she is now.

This time, when we stop, the house is bustling with activity. Two cars are parked in the driveway, including her Lexus SUV. “Found you.”

Now to convince her she needs to be at my side.

Chapter 6

Jenna

Ma’s moving a bit slowly this morning. Instead of eggs and bacon, I make us toast, which we share at the kitchen table. She drops her piece onto the plate and I jump to help her.

“I got it.” Frowning, she waves me away.

I return to my seat. “I was only trying to help,” I grumble.

“I’m fine.” To prove her point, she takes a big bite and starts coughing.

I want to smooth her back and tell her things will be all right, but we both know it’s a lie. Instead, I sit in my seat, my appetite disappearing with every wheeze. She finally calms.

“Jenna, I’ll be okay. I don’t need you hovering. I love you, but I hate how smothering you are.”

“I don’t mean to be,” I protest. She won’t let me find her doctors, inject myself into her treatment plan, or even make life easier for her in the kitchen. I want to scream but manage to maintain my composure.

“How about taking a walk? It looks nice outside.”

Is this her way of telling me to get lost? I consider her ask.Perhaps a break from each other is what we both need. After wiping my mouth with a napkin, I push my chair away from the table. “Good idea. The weather’s nice enough. I’ll be back soon.” I kiss the top of her head, trying not to notice her thinning hair. How has Kara dealt with her while I’ve been away?

I go to my room and grab a cardigan. The weather’s nice but there’s still a breeze. I slip out the front door and notice a car parked at the end of the walk. Who can this be? I close the door and prepare to fight whomever is going to intrude on our quiet day. My chin lifts.

A tall man unfolds himself from the vehicle. I suck in all the air. It can’t be.

When green eyes come into focus, I exhale. I can’t believe he’s here. Not with the way we left things. My body wars between wanting to run into his strong arms and flee inside. Where Ma and her bad mood awaits.

While I dither, a flower-laden Bennett sends the car away and marches up the front walk. I note his gate is steady, without any noticeable problems with his groin injury. At least that’s a plus.

I bite my lip. What should I do? The closer he gets to me, the more I want to bolt. The next moment, I’m running across the yard.

Why is he here? Does he want to torment me more? Taunt me for being a “momma’s girl?” I stifle a sob at the situation. This isn’t fair.

My feet clomp over the wet grass, but I don’t care. Behind me, Bennett yells my name. I don’t stop moving. I can’t.

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