Page 37 of Liberating Mia
“Yeah. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve heard they have quite the history. It’s good to see them so happy. Her ex-husband was a real prick.”
“Tahlia mentioned he died recently, and that’s why Maddie can’t come out. In fact, she’s postponed her own wedding to organize her father’s funeral and get the ball rolling on his estate. He might not have been a nice man, but he was her dad.”
“I guess.”
“So, what did you want to say?”
“How well do you know the area?”
“Cape Town?” At his nod, she continued, “I know it well. This is my hometown. And it breaks my heart that I can’tgohome.”
“When was the last time you were? At home, I mean.”
“It feels like forever, but it’s only been a few weeks – when I went on the run.”
“Jesus, Mia. That’s a long time. Your family must be out of their minds with worry by now.”
“I sent my parents a message when this all started, telling them I needed to go away for a while but I’d be in touch as soon as I could. I know they worry about me, but with Mason still out there, I can’t take the chance of reaching out. I don’t want to put them in harm’s way.”
“What do you mean, Mason’s still out there?”
“Dylan’s brother. The one who stabbed you.”
“You got a look at the guy who did this?” Finn asked, pointing at his side.
“Yes. It was Dylan’s brother, Mason.”
“Okay, so let’s park topic number one for a second and start with topic two.”
Finn hated that his words put fear in Mia’s eyes, but he needed to address the elephant in the room. Larry had been crystal clear that he needed her statement sooner rather than later. He’d known it needed to be done, he just hadn’t had the heart to broach the subject with her. Now he had no choice.
“I’m not sure I like the sound of that,” Mia said.
“I’m sorry, Sugar. I hate having to ask, but I’m going to need you to give a statement of your experience, what your connection is to Dylan Hunt, and what led up to us finding you on the wharf that night.”
“I knew it was coming, I guess. It just really freaks me out to think about it alright now.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I don’t have a choice. I can’t sit beside you while you give your statement, but if it’ll help, I can make arrangements to be in the room.”
“Oh, yes please. It’ll definitely help.”
“You’ve got it. I hate to push, but I need to inform my partner when you’ll be able to do it.”
She was silent as she contemplated her answer.
“Is tomorrow early enough? I don’t think I can do it today. I need a little more time to prepare myself mentally.”
“Yeah, I can make tomorrow work.” He reached across the table to where she was systematically shredding a napkin and took her hand in his. “Hey. It’ll be fine. I promise. I’ll be right in the room with you, and if you need a break at any point, all you do is say the word. Yeah?”
Mia nodded. “Thank you.”
He squeezed her hand. “No problem. Now. Topic one. Got any plans for the day?”
“No, not one. To be honest, I have no idea what to do with myself.”
“So, wanna show me around your hometown? Spend the day with me?”
She smiled radiantly at him. “Oh, I’d love to. There’s so many places I can show you.” Her face fell. “Do you think it’s safe though? I mean, with Mason being free and all.”
