Page 27 of Delta
Then again, given that I can’t swim, I tend to avoid water vacations.
Unsure what else to do, I rummage through the drawers and closet, searching the room for a weapon. Anything I can use to defend myself against the liar who brought me here. Brother. How could I have been so stupid? I let him into my house. I went against my better judgment and ignored the fact that it was creepy that he tracked down where I live.
But, hey, I just invited him right on in, didn’t I? All because of the picture and a pretty story about how I had a family out there that wanted me.
That photograph could have been of anyone, and I fell right into his hands because I’m so desperate not to be alone.
So desperate, in fact, that I forgot that I’m not alone. I have people who love me. People who care about me. Tears fill my eyes, and my throat constricts. Will I ever see them again?
God, where am I?
Muffled voices sound outside the door, so I rush back toward the bed and lift the closest thing I can find—an ornate lamp that probably cost more than my entire collection of furniture. It’s heavy, so at least I know it’ll do some damage if he gets close to me.
Seconds later, a lock clicks, and the door is pushed open.
“You,” I growl as Mattheus steps into the room. He smiles at me, seemingly unbothered by the fact that he kidnapped me.
“I am so sorry for what I had to do to get you here, dear sister. But time was of the essence, and I was worried you wouldn’t come.”
“Sister? I am not your sister. You lied to me. Who even are you?”
“I’m—” He glances away from me to someone standing just out of sight of the doorway. I can’t quite see whoever he’s looking at, but his expression turns serious as he nods and moves toward the side of the room. “I think our father can explain things better.”
A second man walks into the room. He’s tall and middle-aged—his hair already turning a salt-and-pepper gray at the temples. His eyes are soft blue, and when he smiles at me, he seems almost genuinely delighted. But there’s something there—something about him that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
Probably the fact that he had a hand in my kidnapping.
“My dearest Gwendolyn,” he says softly. “It is you. You’re the spitting image of your mother.”
I stare at him, unsure how to respond. Mattheus showed me the gravestone with Gwendolyn written across the cool stone, so the name isn’t a surprise. But am I really going to believe him?
Am I really going to believe that the guy who kidnapped me is my brother?
“I’m sorry.” The man presses both hands to his heart. “You are Emmaline now. I’m just so thrilled to see you.” Tears fill his eyes, and he takes a step closer. “Mattheus is your brother,” he says. “And I’m Gio Karver. Your—” He trails off, as though he needs to catch his breath. “Your father.”
“My father.” I look from him to Mattheus, who is smiling proudly as he watches the entire exchange. “I don’t believe you. What kind of brother kidnaps his sister?”
“It’s the truth. I told you, time was of the essence.” Mattheus reaches into his pocket and withdraws his cell phone. “And while you were sleeping, I took the liberty of swabbing your cheek for your DNA. Which I had run against mine. I have the proof here if you want to see it.”
“While I was sleeping? You mean, while I was under the effects of whatever you used to drug me? Why would I want to see it?” I demand. “You kidnapped me! For all I know, it could be fake!” My hand tightens around the lamp, though I’m not entirely sure who I should throw it at first, given they’re both blocking my only exit.
“You drugged her? Mattheus, you said she wanted to meet us,” Gio snaps, turning toward Mattheus, who visibly pales. “That she was excited and came willingly.”
“No. None of that is true,” I snap. “Well, the meeting part might have been if I’d been given time to actually process the news that I had a family out there.”
“She seemed excited to meet all of us. And after the fight she had with her boyfriend, I assumed she was going to delay things. With Momma in the state that she’s in, I didn’t want to wait too long. I truly am sorry, Emmaline. What I gave you was a natural sedative. Nothing too strong.”
“Are you even listening to yourself?” I snap.
“Please, Emmaline, give us a chance to explain,” Gio urges. “And please do not tell your mother how you were brought here. I fear she won’t be able to handle it. We can absolutely do another DNA test if you’d like. This one while you’re alert and consenting.” His tone is so strained that I narrow my gaze on him, trying to read the situation as best I can.
How would one of the Hunts take this?
What would they do?
Truthfully, I have no idea. I’m a kindergarten teacher, not a trained soldier. One thing is certain though. Right now, I am out of my element. I’m nowhere near my home, friends, or anyone who can help me. Which means pretending to play ball might just be my only chance at surviving this.
So I take a deep, steadying breath. Lord, help me, please.
