Tangled Fury E-Book

K.L. Middleton

• Herausgeber: K.L. Middleton
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Written by USA Today bestselling author K.L. Middleton

Thane Bishop wasn't looking for a relationship, least of all with Sera Billings, the mousy nail technician he'd hired for Tangled. But, love is never planned, and he soon finds himself risking everything to help Sera, and her young child, Emma, escape from a violent past that refuses to be left behind
 
 

Leseprobe

Also by K.L. Middleton

Billionaire at Sea

Billionaire at Sea (Book 2)

Billionaire at Sea Book 1

Carissa Jones Mysteries

Searching for Faith

Looking for Lainey

Daughters of Darkness

Deviant - Jezebel's Journey Book Two

Jezebel (Daughter's of Darkness): Jezebel's Journey Book 1

Diamond Lake Romance

The Burn

The Chase

The Prize

Summit Lake Mysteries

Forget Me Not

Tangled

Tangled Beauty

Tangled Mess

Tangled Fury

The Biker

Resisting The Biker

Surviving The Biker

Fearing the Biker

Taming The Biker

Christmas With The Biker

Destroying the Biker

Venom

Venom

Toxic

Witches of Bayport

Enchanted Secrets

Zombie Games

Dead Endz (Book Three)

Origins

Standalone

Zombie Games Boxed Set

Night Roamers (Boxed Set)

The Biker Series (Books 1 - 4)

One Night

Sharp Edges

Billionaire at Sea Books 1 & 2

Tangled (Boxed Set)

Billionaire at Sea (Clean Version)

Watch for more at K.L. Middleton’s site.

Also by Cassie Alexandra

Billionaire at Sea

Billionaire at Sea Book 1

Daughters of Darkness

Jezebel (Daughter's of Darkness): Jezebel's Journey Book 1

Diamond Lake Romance

The Burn

The Chase

The Prize

Summit Lake Mysteries

Forget Me Not

Tangled

Tangled Beauty

Tangled Mess

Tangled Fury

The Biker

Resisting The Biker

Resisting the Biker

Surviving The Biker

Fearing the Biker

Breaking The Biker

Taming The Biker

Luring the Biker (St. Paul Chapter)

Christmas With The Biker

Destroying the Biker

Taunting the Biker

Betraying the Biker

Standalone

The Biker Series (Books 1 - 4)

Phoenix Rising (Book 1)

Phoenix Rising (Book 2)

One Night

Sharp Edges

Billionaire at Sea Books 1 & 2

The Biker Mega Boxed Set

The Biker (Books 1 and 2)

Wreck Me

Resiste al motero

Alpha

Desires

Fearing the Biker

Watch for more at Cassie Alexandra’s site.

Table of Contents

Also By K.L. Middleton

Also By Cassie Alexandra

Tangled Fury

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Thank you so much for reading Tangled Fury. If you enjoyed it, I hope you’ll leave a review. Even just a few short words means so much to an author.

Further Reading: Resisting The Biker

Also By K.L. Middleton

Also By Cassie Alexandra

About the Author

Tangled

Fury

K.L. Middleton

After escaping an abusive marriage, Sera runs to California to start a new life with her daughter, Emma. There she meets new friends and eventually learns to fall in love again. However, just when things are going well, her past creeps up to haunt her.

Thane Bishop wasn't looking for a relationship, least of all with Sera, the mousy nail technician he'd hired for his newly acquired salon, Tangled. But, love is never planned, and he quickly finds himself risking everything to help her, and her young child, Emma, escape from a violent past that refuses to be left behind.

Copyright ©2014 by K.L. Middleton

––––––––

This book is purely fiction and any resemblances to names, characters, and places are coincidental. The reproduction of this work is forbidden without written consent from the author. The author acknowledges the trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which has been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of this copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

1

Avery, Wisconsin

Sera

––––––––

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like a glass of wine?” asked Toni, who was staring down at me with a sympathetic smile. “Or a cocktail?”

Ray and I were guests at her husband’s thirtieth birthday party, which was being held in their impeccably landscaped backyard. It was shortly after ten, and although most of the guests were laughing and having a good time, I wanted nothing more than to escape.

I forced a smile. “I’d love to, but I’m driving,” I answered, staring up at her from the lounge chair. I’d managed to find a secluded spot by the swimming pool, and away from everyone. I’d learned that keeping a low profile was much safer than mingling at these functions. Although, Ray said he wanted me to socialize with his friends, it usually set off a chain of events that left me limping or bruised the next day. I didn’t need to deal with that. Not when Emma’s birthday was tomorrow.

“Oh. Well, I understand. Obviously. If you leave here half-in-the-bag, one of the other guests may pull you over on their way home from the same party.”

I looked around and laughed. “From the look of things, most of them are going to have enough problems trying to find their own way home.”

“I know, right?” she said, turning toward the deck where some of them were already getting rowdy. “You’d think they’d all know better.” Her smile fell and she turned back to me. “Hell. Maybe I should be the responsible host and cut some of them off?”

“It’s up to you, although, they are adults and cops. They should be able to figure it out themselves.”

She grunted. “You’d think, wouldn’t you? Well, I guess I’ll let just let Jim worry about his precinct buddies. He’s not really drinking tonight. Wanted to keep things under control.”

“That’s smart. Great party, by the way. Did you do all of the decorating yourself?”

The backyard was lit up by bamboo torches, there were raffia skirts around each of the tables, and floating in the swimming pool were dozens of plastic, glowing lotuses. With the soft tropical music playing in the backyard and some remnants of the luau they’d served earlier, it almost felt like we really were in paradise. Unfortunately, I was too tense and nervous to enjoy anything; I knew that Ray was over-indulging, as usual, and more than likely drinking himself into a stupor.

“No. I had help. My sister is a decorating maniac and lives for these things. Which reminds me, I’m sorry that Jim didn’t tell you or Ray to dress tropical. It must have slipped his mind. They don’t really talk much these days, unfortunately.”

“It’s no big deal,” I answered, staring at Toni’s grass skirt, bikini top, and flowered lei. There was no way I would have been able to wear anything as revealing as a bathing suit. Not with the colorful bruises I still had from Ray’s last outburst. If I’d have worn anything near to what the other guests were wearing, everyone would realize that my husband’s temper had also spiraled out of control at home. He was already on work probation for arguing with one of his superiors.  

She nodded and looked around the patio. “So, where is that husband of yours?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

The last time I’d seen him, he’d been tipsy and thankfully, still in a jovial mood.

She sat down next to me on the other lounge chair. “So, how’s Emma?”

My heart swelled with pride. “Great. Her birthday is tomorrow.”

Toni took a sip of wine and smiled. “How old is she now?”

“She’ll be five.”

Her eyes widened. “Man, they grow up so fast, don’t they? Do you have any recent pictures?”

“Yes, in fact,” I opened up my purse and pulled out my brown leather wallet, “we just had a family photo taken two months ago.”

Her eyebrow arched. “You were able to talk Ray into getting his picture taken? Mr. camera-shy?”

“Only because it was a family picture,” I answered, holding it out to her. It was true, Ray never liked getting his photo taken and I wasn’t even really sure why. He was a nice looking guy, when his face wasn’t twisted into one of his ugly scowls.

She took it and we both gazed at the picture-perfect family staring back at us.

“She’s such a beautiful little girl. You two are so lucky.”

“Thanks,” I replied, feeling my eyes well up with tears. The family portrait itself was... beautiful, but it was also a sham. A lie. One that broke my heart every time I thought about what should have been, but wasn’t.  I quickly blinked the tears away. “She looks so much like her father.”

“Are you kidding?” she said, looking back at me with a grin. “She’s the spitting image of you.”

I stared back down at the picture. Emma and I both had blonde hair, but I thought her hazel eyes and smile matched her father’s. It was just too bad that his was forced and didn’t reach his eyes, where hers was sweet and lit up her entire face.

“Jim and I have been trying to have children,” she said softly. “We’ve been trying for months.”

“Have you talked to your doctor?”

She looked down into her wine glass. “No. I was going to, but he talked me out of it.  He said we should just give it more time. Let nature take its course. Honestly, I think he’s just scared.”

“Because of his job and the danger involved?”

“That, and the idea of having children might be a little overwhelming for a man like him,” she answered, smiling wryly. “God forbid he should have to act responsible when he’s at home and not at work. He’s like a little kid, himself, sometimes.”

“Well, it certainly does change your life. In almost every way.”

“I hope so,” she said softly. “Honestly, I could use a change.”

Before I could ask her what she meant, I felt Ray’s presence grow near, and my stomach clenched up like a tight fist.

“What’s going on over here?” he said, coming up behind us in the darkness. His voice was already thick from drinking.

I stiffened up in fear but somehow managed to produce a smile. “Um, hi, honey. Having a good time?”  

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, his tone accusing. From the look in his eyes, I knew I was in for a long night. I only hoped that he might pass out on the way home, and I could leave him in the truck. Tell him in the morning, that I hadn’t been able to wake him. It would be easier than dealing with his antics tonight. A hung-over Ray was far less volatile than an angry, drunken one.

“Chill out, Ray,” said Toni, standing up. Her smile was hard and I knew she didn’t care too much for him. Not at the moment, anyway. “She just asked a question.”

He stared at her for a minute and then smiled. “So did I. Look at you women, always standing up for each other.”

“Damn right,” said Toni, taking another sip of wine. “Someone has to. So, I take it you’re having a good time?”

“Yes. Very good time,” he answered, placing an arm around her shoulder. He rubbed his thumb across her skin. “Damn... you look good, girl. You should give Sera a lowdown of whatever fitness program you’re on. She could use some tips from a hot little number like you.”

I clenched my jaw. I was only ten pounds heavier than when we’d gotten married. But, as usual, when he was drinking, he felt the need to take cruel jabs at me.  

The look she gave him made me want to hug her. “You’re kidding, right? I think Sera looks fantastic.”

“She’s also not wearing a bikini, like you are.” He stared at her chest lecherously. “I always said Jim was a lucky man.”

She stiffened up and pulled away from him.  “Speaking of Jim, I should probably go and find him.”

“You do that,” he said, now looking at me as if I’d caused the reaction from her.

“We should chat again,” said Toni, backing away, her eyes filled with pity. “I’ve missed you, Sera.”

“Same here,” I answered, trying to appear impervious to Ray’s behavior, although I was embarrassed and humiliated. Not only had he changed so dramatically in the last year, he’d also placed a wedge between our family and anyone he felt threatened by. There had been a time when Toni and I had sat and talked for hours on the phone. A time when I could tell her anything and not feel like I had to hide or make up stories. But, our lives were now so different, and I knew that Ray would no longer approve of me having any type of close friendship. Without a doubt, his insecurities were ruining our lives, and not only was I miserable, but I didn’t know what to do about it. The man I once knew and loved had vanished, and in his place was a bitter and resentful drunk.       

He turned to me, his lips curled into a sneer. “So, what were you two jabbering about? What a loser you have for a husband?”

My eyes widened. “No. Of course not.”

He grunted. “Right. I don’t give a fuck what she thinks anyway. She’s a bitch and Jim thinks his shit doesn’t stink, either.” He reached into his jeans and pulled out the keys. “Let’s just get the hell out of here. I’m sick of these assholes giving me shit.”

I grabbed my purse. “What were they giving you shit about?”

“Nothing that concerns you,” he muttered. “Let’s go.”

I followed him as he headed toward the driveway and looked back over my shoulder. “Uh, shouldn’t we tell them we’re leaving?”

He smiled cruelly. “Fuck them. Fuck them all.”

I flinched at his hateful words. He was definitely in a mood, and I could tell it was going to be a long night. I decided to try and be as agreeable as I could, even if I didn’t want to be.  

I soon learned that it wouldn’t make a difference.

“I can take the keys now,” I said, following him to the driver’s side.

He turned around and looked at me. “Excuse me?”

I forced a smile. “Don’t you remember, honey? You wanted me to drive tonight. I haven’t had anything to drink.”

He stared at me, swaying slightly in the darkness. “You? You can’t fucking drive. None of you women can drive worth shit. I can drive better than you with my eyes closed.”

From the look in his eyes, I decided not to argue with him. It was better to risk his driving then his fists. I only prayed he didn’t hit someone on the way home.

“Okay,” I replied, walking around to the other side of the truck.  We both got in and he started the engine.

He took out a pack of smokes and shook one out. “So, what were you and Toni talking about?”

I put on my seatbelt. “Emma.”

He lit the end of his cigarette, inhaled, and then blew the smoke toward me. “Right. That’s why she looked at me like I was a total dick. What did you really talk about?”

His eyes were funny looking, and I began to wonder if he was more than just drunk. I wasn’t familiar with drugs, but I knew he’d ‘used’ back in high school. But, that was ten years ago, before he’d wanted to become a cop. Supposedly, it had been a dark time for him.

Kind of like now...

I sighed. “I just showed her our family picture. Toni said that she and Jim have been trying to have children.”

He laughed out loud. “Guy is shooting blanks I bet. Thinks he’s such a fucking man but can’t get his whore of a wife pregnant. That’s priceless.”

“That’s cruel,” I replied as he backed out of the driveway, unable to stop myself. “I thought you liked Jim and Toni? I don’t understand why you’re saying these horrible things about them.”

He gave me a dirty look. “Well fuck me – are you two best buds now? Must be if you’re sticking up for that uppity bitch.”

I didn’t reply. It would be a no-win situation, hands down. I should have stuck to the original plan of not disagreeing with him.  “Let’s just go home.”

He slammed on the brakes, reached over, and grabbed the back of my hair, pulling it so hard that I cried out. “Don’t you start giving me orders!” he growled into my face. “See, that’s why I hate that fucking bitch. Putting ideas into your head!”

“You’re hurting me,” I pleaded. “Please, don’t do this, Ray.”

He tightened his hold on my hair. “You think you’re calling the shots now?” he snapped, his sour breath making me gag. “Just ‘cause I’m not working?”

“Please,” I sobbed. “I just want to go home, Ray.”

Breathing heavily, he tightened his lips and released my hair. “Oh, we’re going home. And we get there, we’re going to have ourselves a little talk about respect.”

“I respect you,” I lied. My respect had faded away and it was fear that now bound me to him. Fear of what he’d do if I tried to leave.

“You sure don’t act like it.”

“What are you talking about, Ray? I’ve never done anything to make you think otherwise.” Which was not a lie.

He didn’t say anything.

For some insane reason, I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut, even though I knew better. “Ray, what is happening to you? You were never like this before. Never.”

“And you were never a bitch before,” he replied coldly. “It almost makes me wonder if you’re fucking around...”

I gasped. “What?”  

“You heard me.”

“You are being ridiculous. I would never cheat on you. I can’t believe you’d even accuse me of that.”

“I noticed the way Jim was looking at you earlier. You and he got something going on?”

“Of course not! Look, I don’t know exactly how he was staring at me, and it doesn’t matter. You’re my husband and I...” I swallowed. “I love you.”

“You sure about that? You don’t sound like it.”

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the cruel stranger sitting next to me. A year ago, I would have thrown my arms around him and kissed his doubts away. But, he’d changed. So much. I honestly didn’t recognize the man sitting next to me, spouting off such horrible things. If it wasn’t for Emma, I’d have left him already. Instead, I’d tried to make things work by accepting his apologies and promises to treat me better the way he sometimes did when he was sober. But this was getting to be too much. He was beginning to be... too much.

“I didn’t think so,” he mumbled when I didn’t answer him.

I sighed. “It’s not that I don’t love you...”

He tightened his hands on the steering wheel and mimicked my voice. “It’s not that I don’t love you... Well, fuck you too, Sera. Maybe you should just pack up your shit and get the hell out of my house.”

“Ray... listen to me,” I said, trying to calm him. I put my hand on his thigh. “I’m not going anywhere and I never said that I didn’t love you.”

Ignoring me, he slapped my hand away. “You can leave, but one thing is for certain – you’re not taking Emma.”

“Don’t be like this, please...”

“I mean it, Sera. You ever try to take Emma from me, I’ll fucking kill you.”

I stared at him in horror.

His smile sent chills down my spine. “I swear to God, I’ll put a bullet through your head. I’d get away with it, too. Don’t you ever forget that, you hear me?”

Nodding, I turned toward the passenger window and stared at the darkness through my tears.    

2

Seattle, Washington

Six Months Later

Sera

“Mommy!” cried Emma, rushing toward me in her pink windbreaker with her pony-princess backpack slung over her shoulder.

Smiling, I bent down as she threw herself into my arms, hugging me tightly. “I’m sorry I’m late,” I whispered into her dark brown hair.

“It’s okay,” she whispered back. “I was getting worried, though.”

Squeezing her, I closed my eyes and took comfort in the apple scent of her hair. I had to admit – picking her up from school in the afternoons was the highlight of my day. “I’m sorry, pumpkin.”

The childcare attendant, an older woman with dark hair and a five-o’clock shadow, cleared her throat and pointed at her watch. “You’re five minutes late, Ms. Daniels. The afterschool program closes promptly at six. I’m sorry but we’ll have to charge you a late fee.”

Sighing, I straightened up. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Rogers. I ended up getting stuck in traffic. I left early enough from work, and that’s why I didn’t even bother calling you beforehand.”

That was their rule – if you were going to be late, they needed to know, although you’d still get charged the late fee. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a cell phone, and in reality, I probably wouldn’t have called anyway. My hands had been too busy gripping the steering wheel in terror, which had begun soon after I’d pulled out of the parking lot of Eagle Drugs. I’d been pretty certain that Ray had been tailing me at a distance. Fortunately, I’d lost him at a red light and was able to get back on track to pick up Emma.

“Well, things happen,” replied Mrs. Rogers, grabbing her purse. “I understand. Next time, however, be considerate and give us a call. We have families, too.”

“Of course and I’m really sorry.”

She nodded curtly and then hurried out of the gymnasium.

I looked down at Emma, the one true love of my life. She was now five-and-a-half, surprisingly well-adjusted, and had just started kindergarten. “How was school today?”

Her hazel eyes lit up. “It was really fun. I made you something with watercolors. It’s in my backpack.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to see it,” I answered, grabbing her hand as we started walking. “I bet it’s just beautiful. You’re such a great artist.”

She smiled up at me. “Do you want to see it?”

I squeezed her hand. “I’d love to, but let’s wait until we get home. I don’t want to get locked inside of the school.”

Her eyes widened. “That could happen?”

I laughed. “No, I’m only teasing. But, I think we should get going and you can show it to me when we get home. It will give me something to look forward to.”

“Oh. Okay.”

As we left the building, my eyes darted around the parking lot. Even though I was pretty certain that I’d lost him, I never let my guard down when it came to Ray. I couldn’t imagine what he’d do if he caught us. Now, it wouldn’t even matter if he was sober or drunk, my gut feeling told me that he hated me with a passion. It also told me that we needed to get out of town, and soon.

The leaves swirled around us as we headed toward the Chevy Cavalier. Normally, this was my favorite time of the year, with the beautiful autumn colors and long-sweater weather.  Tonight, however, I was too nervous to appreciate anything other than the fact that I had my daughter with me. That we were alive and he hadn’t gotten to us yet.

I buckled Emma into her car seat and then got in myself, locking the doors quickly. Holding my breath, I put the key into the ignition and sighed in relief when it started. It was twelve years old, had a lot of miles, and from the ticking in the engine, needed repairs, But money was tight, especially after the last couple of months. Not having any medical insurance, I’d needed to get Emma’s immunization shots for kindergarten, which had been quite a bit more money than I’d anticipated. Then she’d gotten an ear infection, which meant antibiotics and more money. Now, I needed to pay for the afterschool care and it seemed like there was a never-ending battle when it came to bills.  

As we started driving, Emma asked me to turn on the radio, so I did. One of her favorite songs began to play, by Katy Perry, and she began singing the lyrics. As she did, I kept an eye out for Ray’s black pickup and wondered how he’d found us.

Easily, his friends are cops, I reminded myself.

We’d been gone for six months, soon after Jim’s birthday party. Ray had come home from the bar the following weekend, and when I’d asked him where he’d been, he beat me so badly that this time, even Emma had noticed. It was then that I finally realized I’d had enough. That I didn’t want my daughter growing up in a home where her mother allowed herself to be a victim. I knew the chances of her following in my footsteps were great, and that I’d never forgive myself if she, like me, had become someone else’s punching bag. So we’d quietly snuck away after he’d passed out on the bathroom floor, his face next to the toilet bowl. We’d driven to an old friend’s house, where we’d stayed for a couple of days. Thankfully, she loaned us some money and we were able to drive to Seattle where my mother lived. Now we were staying in her trailer home until I could save up enough money to get an apartment. Unfortunately, it seemed like we would be dependent on her longer than I’d wanted. But thankfully, she didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she encouraged us to stay. What she didn’t know was that the longer we stayed, the more dangerous it would be for everyone, including her. I hadn’t told her about Ray’s abusive nature. She was a recovering alcoholic, and had enough problems to worry about, so I’d kept it a secret. All she knew was that we were separated, and that I didn’t want any contact with him.

“Mommy?”

I turned down the radio. “Yes, honey?”

“Do you think Grandma will be home, tonight?”

“I’m not sure.” I looked back at Emma in the rearview mirror and then my eyes strayed to the road behind us.

Still no sign of Ray.

I relaxed. “She might be.”

My mother worked in a diner and was currently dating Sam Bailey, one of the short-order cooks. He seemed nice, and treated her like a queen, which was a breath of fresh air, compared to Ray. She usually stayed overnight at his place, when she worked a later shift, but always came home in the mornings to fix Emma breakfast. Mom loved Emma and Emma just adored her. It made my heart swell watching them grow closer with each passing day. By losing her violent, demented father, she’d gained a gentle, loving grandmother. It was sadly ironic.

“Today is Tuesday, October fifth. That was on our calendar at school.”

“Yes, it is. Great memory.”

“Grandma has Tuesdays off. I hope she’s home when we get there. I want her to see my picture, too. She can put it on the fridge. You both can share it, if you’d like.”

I smiled back at her. “That’s sweet of you.”

Emma talked about school for the rest of the ride while I kept my eyes peeled for any signs of Ray. The fact that he’d found my place of employment was frightening. I wondered if he’d somehow tracked me down using my social security number, since I hadn’t changed my driver’s license over from our Wisconsin address. I’d also never shared anything about my mother, mostly because we’d had a strained relationship and had drifted apart. Now it looked like it had been a blessing in disguise. Had he known about her, I don’t know where we would have gone.

As we drew closer to the exit that would take us to the trailer courts, an overwhelming sense of doom rushed through me and my stomach clenched up in fear.

Don’t go home...

I immediately turned down the next block and headed the opposite way. I’d recently found that these sudden gut instincts weren’t anything to question. In fact, they were almost always dead on, especially now that I’d left Ray. It was as if letting go of him had opened up some kind of an intuitiveness that I’d never noticed before. Sometimes it was so accurate, that it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

Emma stopped singing. “Mommy, where are we going?”

I forced a smile. “It’s a surprise.”

Her forehead scrunched up and I could tell the wheels were spinning in her head. “Okay, mommy.”  

“I’ll bet you’re hungry, right?”

“Yes. I’m so hungry that my tummy is rumbling,” she answered, touching it.

I knew it had been a few hours since she’d eaten lunch, so it didn’t surprise me. “How about a cheeseburger and malt?”

Her eyebrows shot up. “At Jake’s?”

Jake’s was the diner where Mom worked. “Yes. Does that sound yummy?”

She clapped her hands together. “Yes! Can I have a strawberry shake with whipped cream and... and a cherry on top?”

“Of course.”

Her eyebrows furrowed and the smile slipped away. “Why are we going there now? We never do that after school.”

“I just thought it would be fun.”

‘Okay,” she replied, although from the look in her eyes, I could tell that she was still confused.

“Hey.”

“What?”

“I love you more than ice cream,” I teased, playing our little game.

She smiled. “I love you more than rainbows.”

“I love you more than... unicorns.”

“I love you more than castles,” she answered.

“I love you more than gold.”

“I love you even more than gold or diamonds.” She grinned. “Beat that!”

“I love you infinitely more than anything.”

“What does ‘infinitely’ mean again?”

“It means that my love will never end.”

Her eyes twinkled. “I love you infinitely more than that.”

I laughed. “You’re too smart for your own good.”

She bit her lower lip. “That’s what daddy used to say.”

I smiled sadly. “Well, he was right about that.”

Nodding, she looked down at her hands but didn’t say anything.

“Do you miss him?”

Emma looked up but remained silent.

“It’s okay, if you do,” I replied, my heart aching for her. It was the only father Emma knew and she was such a sweet little girl. I knew that she could never hate anyone, let alone Ray, who’d, thankfully, never raised his voice or a hand to her. It had been one of the reasons I’d tried so hard to make things work. Even though he’d been a total asshole to me, he’d managed to treat Emma fairly well. “He’s your daddy and you haven’t seen him for a while.”

She bit her lower lip. “I miss him, but... he hurt you. That was really bad.”

“Yes. It was.”

“Why did he do it then?”

“Honey, I’m not really sure. I don’t know... maybe someone was mean to him when he was younger, and now he doesn’t know any better?”

“Like Grandpa Joe?”

Grandpa Joe was Ray’s father. He’d had a stroke a few years ago, and was pretty docile these days. But Ray had mentioned more than once what a son-of-a-bitch he’d once been. I had a pretty good feeling that he had learned his behavior from his dad, but I didn’t want to get into it with Emma. She was the kind of girl who would overthink things until they ate her up inside. She’d once asked me about dying, and for two weeks straight, I’d had to try and reassure her that we were both too young to die, even though I knew that death was unpredictable. Then, another time, she’d been frightened about going to “the bad place”, if she had mean thoughts about someone else. Her mean thoughts at the time, I’d learned, had been nothing more than getting mad at another girl at school, for bullying her. She was definitely a girl who worried about certain things to the extreme.

“I’m not really sure,” I answered and then changed the subject quickly. “You know what I am sure about, however?”

“What?”

“That I can talk someone into giving us more than one cherry on your milkshake.”

Her face broke out into a smile. “They can do that?”

“They can,” I answered, winking at her in the mirror. “Especially when you know the right people, and we know all of the waitresses, don’t we?”

“We do!”

“Well, there you go. Let’s see if we can sweet-talk them into it.”

“Okay!”

When we arrived at the diner, I sighed in relief when I noticed my mother’s Ford Focus behind the building. I pointed to her car as we turned toward the front entrance. “Look who’s here, Emma.”

Her eyes lit up. “Yaay! Can we sit in her section?”

“Of course,” I answered, parking in front of the restaurant. I got out, unbuckled Emma, and we hurried into the diner with her skipping beside me.

“Grandma!” called Emma, waving at my mother, who was standing next to a booth in the back of the diner. Her silvery-blonde hair was pulled back into a hairnet and she had more makeup on than usual, which made me think that Sam was also working, or she had plans with him for later.

Mom waved back, smiling, and then finished taking her customer’s order, while we waited by the register.

“Mommy, look at that pie,” said Emma, staring into the glass enclosure of the bakery goods. There were pies, cookies, muffins, and scones. My own stomach growled from looking at the tantalizing treats.

“That’s a cheesecake,” I answered, noticing the cherry drizzled confection on the top shelf. It looked so thick and decadent. Almost too pretty to eat.

“Cake? It looks like a pie.”

“I know. It also looks delicious, doesn’t it?”

She licked her lips. “It does. Can I have a piece?”

“We’ll see.”

I turned as mom approached.

“Surprise!” yelled Emma, smiling.

“Emma, not so loud,” I said, touching her shoulder.

“It’s fine,” laughed my mother, bending down to hug her. “You have to yell when you’re trying to surprise someone, don’t you Emmy?”

“Yes,” she replied. “That’s why I did it, mommy. To surprise her.”

I shook my head, smiling. “I think you surprised everyone in here.” I looked back at my mom. “Isn’t it your day off?”

“Gina called in sick, and I figured I could use the extra money.”

“I don’t blame you. Is Sam working in back?” I asked, trying to peer into the kitchen.

She pulled a strand of silver hair behind her ear and secured it with a bobby pin. “No, he’s working later this evening.”

Emma’s eyes became round. “Wow, your nails are so pretty, grandma.”

My mother smiled down at her new bubblegum-pink-colored manicure. “Aren’t they, though? I went over to Raina’s Hair Salon and had them done.” She looked back at me. “Which reminds me – Sera, didn’t you tell me that you used to be a nail technician, back in Amery?”

I shrugged. “Yes. Ray made me quit after I became pregnant.”

“He made you quit? Why, because of the chemicals?”

“That, and he just didn’t want me working, which was fine. I was able to stay home with Emma,” I answered, smiling down at my daughter.

“Were you licensed?”

“Yes. I went to school for it.” I sighed. “I guess it was a waste of time and money.”

Mom smiled. “Maybe not, Sera. I spoke to Raina and she said that their nail technician is leaving, and they need someone to replace her. She said that if you’re interested, you should stop in and talk to her.”

“Well, I’d have to get my license renewed,” I answered, feeling uncertain about even getting back into it. “Like I said, it’s been a few years. I’m sure I’d have to get additional training.”

“It might be worth looking into. The place is always busy,” mom replied. “She said that Mandy, the nail technician who’s leaving, has made a decent living. You should really think about it. I’m sure you’d make more than what you’re making at the drugstore as a clerk.”

As I was about to answer, the phone in the diner began to ring. For some reason, I felt another jolt of anxiety, this time so intense that I started to break out into a cold sweat.

“I’ll get it,” called one of the other waitresses.

“Are you okay?” asked Mom, studying my face.

Feeling a wave of dread, I looked toward the parking lot and saw Ray’s truck pull into it. “No,” I whispered in disbelief.

“What is it?” she asked, following my gaze. “Do you know that person?”

I felt like all of the air had been sucked out of my body and could barely breathe as I watched him drive slowly through the lot and then park his rig next to my car. Seeing the truck up close, there was no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t being paranoid and that it really was Ray. Although the windows were tinted, and the license plate had been changed, there was the same decal of a florescent green skull near the window.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?” asked Emma.

Trying to remain calm, I grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the break room. “Nothing, honey. Uh, Mom, we have to leave. Is it okay if we go out the back door?”

“I suppose. What’s going on?” she asked following me quickly.

I looked back at her. “I’ll explain later.”

“But, I don’t want to leave,” whined Emma, pulling at my hand. “You said that I could have a strawberry shake with a bunch of cherries on the top. You promised!”

“I’m sorry, honey, I’ll get you one later.”

“Sera, what’s going on?” repeated my mother.

I lowered my voice. “Ray is here. We have to go. He must have found out where you lived.”

“Daddy’s here?” asked Emma, looking back over her shoulder.

“For Heaven’s sake... why don’t you just talk to him?” replied my mother, as I opened the break room door. “You can’t keep avoiding the man, and he is Emma’s father. He probably misses her like crazy.”

I shook my head vehemently. “No, I can’t talk to him and I doubt he just wants to talk. At least not rationally.”

Her eyes bore into mine. “Are you frightened of your husband, Sera?”

Feeling my throat tighten, I nodded.

Her eyes softened. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Look, we’re in a public place. What could he really do?”

Besides take my daughter away or try killing me?

She just didn’t get it and that was my fault. I hadn’t confided in her. “Mom, listen to me – if he comes inside and starts asking questions about us, just tell him that we were passing through town, or something. That we’ve already left. Tell him you have no idea where we’re even headed.”

She raised her hands. “Sweetie, why don’t you just calm down and wait back here until he leaves. I’ll tell you when he’s gone.”

“You don’t understand. He’s not just going to leave. He obviously saw my car parked in front, so if anything, he’ll just go back out and wait.”

“Oh.”

I chewed on my lip. “Okay... this is what we’re going to do. We’re going to sneak back around the building. As soon as he walks into the diner, we’ll jump into the car and take off.”

“Then he’ll just chase you around town, and that’s dangerous,” she answered. “The best thing that you can do, right now is to stay back here until I find a way to get rid of him.”

“Can we switch vehicles then?” I asked, feeling like a trapped animal. “Because, truthfully, you’re not going to be able to do that and you really don’t want him to cause a scene.”

“Fine,” she answered, stepping over to one of the lockers on the back wall. She opened it up and pulled out her purse.

“Thanks, mom,” I answered as she handed me her car keys. “I’m sorry to put you through this.”

“Nonsense. Don’t apologize. So, where are you going to go?” she asked, as I handed her my set.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Not home, though. I’m pretty certain he already knows where that is.”

“I’m scared,” said Emma, her eyes full of tears. She hugged my waist, burying her face in my stomach.

I held her tight and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t be, baby. Everything is going to be all right. Nothing bad will happen to you.”

“Promise?” she whispered, looking up at me.

“I promise,” I replied, hoping that it was the truth. I repeated the words, needing to believe in them myself. “Nothing bad is going to happen to you.”

“I’m not worried about me.”