Page 33 of The Hottest Daddy
“I can’t leave, Sam. I have a life here, commitments … someone I love. People I love.”
“You had the same in New York.”
With his words, she realized that no, this wasn’t the same. “No. It wasn’t the same in New York. I didn’t realize it then but my life there ended when Cory died. I was clinging to nothing. Here … my life really began.”
“You know we can’t guarantee to protect you. I mean, we’ll work with local law enforcement to track this guy down, but staying there, you’re a sitting target.”
“I know. I’ll get through this, Sam. I need to face him.”
“Do you know how to use a gun?”
“No, but I can learn. My partner has one in his home.”
“Have you told him about the note?”
“Not yet.” Sunday felt guilty. “I wanted to talk to you first, before I dump this on him.”
“He knows about you?”
“Yes. It’s a serious relationship, Sam. It’s River Giotto.”
“Ah. Well, the man knows about security from what I hear.”
Sunday didn’t say anything. She could tell Sam was worried. “Look, maybe I should reveal myself, call this guy out. Tell him to come for me. Get this over with.”
“And if he kills you?”
“If he kills me, he kills me. At least it will be over.” Her voice broke, belying her strong words. “I cannot live like this anymore.”
“Okay, sweetheart. Look, is there anyone new in town? A stranger to everyone?”
“A couple. One snowboarding dude, and a guy whose big in property in New York.”
“Who’s the last?”
“Brian Scanlan?”
“Ah, yes.”
Sunday felt her heart lurch. “You’ve heard of him?”
“Not many people in NYC haven’t. And no, he’s not a person of interest. So, who’s the other guy?”
She told him about Tony and he told her he’d make some inquiries. “For now, keep out of his way. Just in case. Can you stay at River’s?”
She sighed. “I guess now that the secret is kind of out, yes. His ex-stepmother is Angelina Marshall. She’s in town.”
“That viper.”
Sunday smiled gratefully. “Oh, what I’d give for her to be arrested for something. Anything.”
“Yeah, she’s a piece of work, all right.”
For a second, Sunday contemplated telling Sam about Angelina’s sexual abuse of River … but it wasn’t her story to tell. “I’ll go to River’s house.”
“Good. And for the love of God, take care of yourself. Keep this phone close. I call you.”
“Thank you, Sam.”
