Page 105 of Saddled in Secrets
She snorts. “He’s delulu.”
“Which is what scares me.”
“We’ll deal with whatever he tries to toss at us. But until then, try to relax. Nothing is amiss,” she insists.
Another glance across the picturesque grounds proves her words. It’s quiet and peaceful. There aren’t any obvious suspects lurking in the shadows under the colorful trees. Nobody is watching us.
“Oh, look. It’s the happy couple.”
I turn to the masculine voice, pushing Bianca behind me. My fight reflexes calm at the sight of Byron and his daughter approaching. Ronnie rushes straight at Bianca, cinching her legs in a fierce hug. There’s a desperation in the child’s grip.
“Have you seen my new mommy?”
Bianca blinks at the little girl before lifting her gaze to her cousin. “Are you seeing someone?”
“Uh, no.” Byron scrubs the back of his neck. “She’s talking about the redhead in leather.”
“My new mommy is a superhero,” Ronnie breathes.
Her father looks pained. “What have I said about calling her that?”
His daughter huffs. “She’s gonna love me once I find her. It’s the longest game of hide and seek ever.”
Byron looks to us for help. “I’m not sure what to do. Ronnie has built this woman up to be Taylor Swift, but I’m no Travis Kelce.”
Bianca rolls her lips between her teeth to stifle a laugh. “Mhmm, I can see that. No offense, cuz.” Her gaze returns to Ronnie. “Superheroes are really busy fighting crime. If thatwoman we saw is a superhero, you might not see her for a long while. Especially if she’s locked up. Fingers crossed.”
The little girl gasps. “You think she’s captured in a super tall tower? What if she’s cursed and sleeping? Or chained to dragons that breathe fire?”
I rock on my heels, trying to follow the swerve in storyline. But I’m not one to judge.
“We can only hope she’s locked up tight,” Bianca mumbles. She’s holding a mean—and rightful—grudge.
“Daddy!” Ronnie appears horrified as tears collect in her eyes. “You gotta save her!”
Byron pinches the bridge of his nose. “Thanks a lot, Bee.”
“You’re welcome. My bill will be in the mail.” Bianca tips toward her cousin and whispers, “But seriously, maybe mention this strange attachment to the therapists here. It’s not a good one for her to have. They might have some advice.”
“She’s met with every single specialist and hasn’t clicked with one. I’ve reached out to countless other clinics. The waitlists for kids’ mental health services are months long. There’s a counselor at school, but the sessions with her are very minimal.”
Bianca winces. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Hunt down this enchantress and get her to undo the spell. I’ve been tangled in trouble since she vanished without a trace.”
Brooding silence is my preferred status unless in the comfort of my inner circle, but this situation calls for reinforcements. “If she’s affiliated with my father, you don’t want her anywhere near you. Just forget about her.”
Ronnie’s bottom lip wobbles. “But I’m gonna love her forever.”
Her dad exhales. The sound is weary to match the dark circles under his eyes. “You don’t even know her name, cupcake.”
“I don’t care!” And then she runs away.
Byron immediately follows, calling her name. Two staff members give chase as well. The three adults catch up to the little girl at the playground.
“Breaks my heart.” Bianca is rubbing her chest. “I think Byron needs help with her.”
“Do you wanna go over there?” My skills in the child department are zero, but I’ll tag along regardless.
