Page 45 of Finding Forgiveness
“Yes. This is why I’m so torn. I don’t want to make any trouble for Connor. He doesn’t deserve it. He’s been good to me since …”
“Do you want my advice?”
“Please. I’m so confused, I love my life here … my job, my friends, but I’m also terrified of what she might do if I disobey her.”
“From what you’ve told me, your mother doesn’t sound like she has your best interests at heart. I’ve seen how far you’ve come in the past month. In saying that, I can’t tell you what to do, that’s not what I’m here for, I can only advise you.”
“And your advice would be?”
“Don’t get on that plane.”
Chapter14
Connor
I’m just about to walk into court when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and see my sister’s name on the screen.
Jaz: Just a heads up, Cassie’s mum called her this morning. I’m on the way to get her from the therapist. Her mum wants her back in Melbourne.
Her message sends fear coursing through me, which quickly morphs into anger. I left home early this morning, and Cass was still asleep. I hate that I wasn’t there to protect her from that woman. Over the past month, we’ve reignited the close friendship we once shared when we were kids, and I’ve become accustomed to having her with me. I wish it was more than just that, but I’ll take whatever she’s prepared to give. A positive relationship with her is far more rewarding than the malicious one we once had. I’ll be gutted if she leaves.
If that vile woman has caused Cassie’s progress to diminish in any way, she’s going to feel the full force of my wrath.
Connor: WTF! She’s not going, is she?
Jaz: I hope not.
Connor: I’m about to walk into court, but if you need me, I’ll come.
Jaz: Go put a criminal in prison, I’ve got this. We’re heading to the studio when I get her anyway. I just wanted to let you know what’s going on. We need to keep an eye on her, Con. I don’t want her doing something stupid again.
That thought makes me feel nauseated.
Connor: Keep me updated.
Jaz: Will do. Love you.
Connor: Love you too, little sis.
I blow out a long breath as I slide my phone back into my pocket. I have a huge case on today, one I’ve been working on for over a month. I need to keep my head in the game, but the only thing I can think of right now is Cassie.
The moment court breaks for the day, I bundle up my paperwork, shove it into my briefcase, and hightail it out of there.
I exit the building in long, purposeful strides, not bothering to talk to anyone on my way out. I’m on a mission as I briskly head back to the police station where my car is parked.
I click the fob on my key and toss my briefcase on the passenger seat, pulling out my phone.
There are no messages or missed calls … no news is good news I suppose. Jacinta would’ve reached out if something had happened, surely.
They must be at the studio. I do a quick search for the address on my phone before typing it into my GPS. Only then do I start the car and put it in reverse. As tired as I am, I need to see Cassie with my own eyes; I’ve been going out of my mind all day. I’m not going to be able to rest until I know she’s okay.
It takes me thirty minutes, due to heavy traffic, before I arrive at the studio. When I push through the doors, the first person I see is Brooke. “Connor,” she says, rounding the front desk.
“Hey.”
She hugs me before drawing back. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, are the girls still here?”
