Page 43 of Vengeful Devotion
“I take offense to that. It’s because I’m hardheaded that I made it out of that one alive.”
We fall silent with that stark reminder. It squeezes what little air I had in my lungs out. Losing Francine would be like losing the only genuine mother I’ve ever had. The only mother I care about. The pain is something I’m not sure I can make it through. Francine becomes my hero more and more each day. Just like Daisy said. I don’t know that I would’ve survived on the streets if Francine hadn’t found me. There’s another knock on the door. It’s sudden and loud. Loud enough to startle me.
Daisy opens the door, pulling it wide. “It’s just Danny with lunch.”
I look at Francine. Her face pulled up in a warm smile. She’s not at all fazed by Danny showing up here again. Am I the only one to notice how strange Danny has been acting these last few days? Finding excuses to come see Francine, like bringing lunch when he never used to do that before. It’s enough I’m starting to wonder what his intentions are. He’s trying too hard to get close to Francine. After what happened on Saturday, anyone would think it’s suspicious. Or maybe I’m just being too paranoid.
“This is really nice of you, Danny,” Francine says. “Thank you.”
“No problem. It’s the least I can do, Mrs. McBride.”
He places the takeout bags on the coffee table next to me. “How have you been, Sunshine?”
His nickname for me never bothered me before. But now, it just feels weird. It feels wrong for him to have a name for me when he isn’t Declan. “I’m okay. How are you?”
“Why are you just okay?”
I shrug. “Not getting much sleep, since I have to check on Francine every hour.”
“I can take over your night shifts. Would that help?”
His question checks another box on my ‘suspect’ list. What if he’s trying to hurt her again?
“No. That’s not necessary, Danny. It’s just for one more night.”
“Oh. Are you sure? I really don’t mind.”
“I really appreciate the offer, Danny, but I’m sure. I can handle it.”
“Okay. As long as you’re sure. I just thought you might want to take some time off.”
“Why?”
He raises his eyebrow. “Declan has a visitor today.”
“So?”
“Well, I thought your family was coming for a visit or something.”
“Why would you think that?”
“The man flew in from Boston.”
His words echo in my head. Getting louder each time. The boom of them crumbling a little more of the world until there’s nothing left. The fear of losing my freedom again makes me nauseous.
“And he’s here?”
Danny nods. “Yeah. He’s in Declan’s office speaking with him.”
I feel sicker by the second. “Excuse me,” I murmur, rushing from the room. If I can just make it to my room before Declan and Lonny see me. I can survive today. If I can survive today, I’ll have to leave on my own. Tonight. It’s the only way to stay alive and keep my freedom. It won’t be easy to leave. I’ve gotten so used to this place. I’ve fallen hard for the McBride’s and their way of life. The loyalty they have to each other. The family they are. I love it all. I’m going to miss all of them. Declan most of all. This is going to fucking hurt. I just know it.
I keep my head down as I duck into my room. I release a breath as I close the door. No one saw me. Turning the lock, I turn around. Yelping at the figure standing behind me.
“What the fuck, Declan? You scared me.”
“We need to talk. Now.”
My heart is pounding out of my chest. The fear paralyzing me to the ground.
