Hot Revenge Box Set 4

James

I tap and my daughter’s voice replies. “Come in. It’s open.”

Pressing the handle down with an elbow, I nudge the door open with the tray. “Good morning,” I say, injecting into my voice as much cheerfulness as I know how. “Breakfast. I thought we might eat together.”

Georgie smiles from her seat at the dresser where, looking fresh and a little pink from the shower, she is brushing out her long hair. Born in my physical image, her hair as dark as mine: at least, as dark as mine used to be.

Trying not to be obvious about it, I look her over.

Still pale…

… but the dark rings under her eyes are fading…

“Hi, Dad. Yes, I’d love to have breakfast with you.” She’s smiling, but her voice is subdued.

“I brought croissants and coffee. Keep it light. I thought we might have lunch together later? I reserved a table for us by the picture window in the restaurant downstairs.”

“Lunch? Yes, that would be great…” That not-quite-a-smile again.

Masking something…

“How are you feeling now?”

She sucks at a lip. Swallows. “I’m getting better. It’s just… my head… I’m a bit of a mess inside.”

“I can understand that. But Georgie, you’re safe.”

Her eyes well. “They were going to rape me, Dad. Takes turns at me. She was going to watch.”

“But they didn’t. We reached you in time. And now, you’re safe.”

shudders and tears trickle

from the pot. “Here, have some coffee. It’ll

but her eyes still well. “Sure. Thanks.” Then, sipping at the coffee, “Who are they, Dad? Why did they pick me? Was it for a ransom? ‘Cos

wasn’t ransom.

Christ… Where to start?

either. The target was one of the other men you saw me with, the older one. He has enemies and they were trying to reach him through me,

teary eyes. “Sounds

Can’t argue with that…

They don’t come weirder than this

“Where is he now?”

I’ll fill you in when you’re calmer. When you’re fully recovered. But what I will say again is, you are

then whispers. “Okay.” Another sip. Then she munches a mouthful of croissant. “Um…, Dad. That lunch you were talking about.

Ahhh…

you and

along too. So I could meet her

met her…” Georgie’s face falls. “… In fact, you were

bites another mouthful of her croissant, chewing and chewing,

introduce you again to her, and certainly not to Cara, if I can’t be certain

forehead wrinkles. “Cara?

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

is Charlotte’s daughter. My daughter…” I lean forward…

head

fidgets and looks away… “… In any case, I think the hotel is the best place for you right now. You’re comfortable

whispers. “Dad, aren't I welcome at all in your home? I thought that… after a few days…” She bites

Ah, crap…

a moment, I consider

thought it