Page 98 of Into Temptation

“How dare you,” Fiona says, her face twisting into a scowl. “She’s my daughter.”

“When it suits you,” I reply. “She wasn’t your daughter when you took off with what’s-his-name for three weeks and left her and Ethan alone. They were ten, in case you’ve forgotten. Amber and I were the ones who were their mothers then.”

Fiona’s fight soon dies because she knows this example is one of many. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

She goes to turn, but Punky stops her as he says, “I don’t know who told ya Hannah was here, but yer in danger now. Be careful.”

She snickers, shaking her head as she gets into her car and speeds off. We both watch her dramatic exit, unmoved by her theatrics.

“Sean no doubt was the one who told her,” Punky says. “He’s movin’ in because it’s just him and me now.”

The defeat in his voice kills me.

“Then we need to be ready.”

He looks at me and nods. “Everyone is the enemy.”

And he’s right.

Killing my father changed everything, but just not in the way we anticipated.

“How’s Rory?”

I don’t bother replying because he can guess how he is.

“If ya ever change yer mind, I’ll understand.”

“I won’t,” I assure him as I reach for his hand.

We stand quietly, both hoping the peace will help reveal the answers we so desperately seek. So far, however, we’re greeted with nothing but silence.

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