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.”

breathing shudders and tears

“Here, have some

nods vigorously and tries to smile, but her eyes still well. “Sure. Thanks.” Then, sipping at the coffee, “Who are they, Dad? Why did they

wasn’t ransom.

to

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 like you have some

Can’t argue with that…

They don’t

“Where is he now?”

fully recovered. But what I will say again is, you are safe. There’s not just me here. We have police guards watching too. Also, we have very good reason to believe that the woman responsible is out of the

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

Ahhh…

just you and

thought you might bring… your wife… along too. So

cool, “You weren’t very pleasant to Charlotte the last time you met her…” Georgie’s face falls. “… In fact,

chewing and chewing, but

Georgie, Charlotte is my wife. And I’m not going to introduce you again to her, and certainly not to Cara, if I can’t be

wrinkles.

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

I lean forward… “… My other

her head

is my child…” I extend a forefinger towards her… “… Your sister… And you’re going to have to get used to the idea…” She fidgets and looks away… “… In any case, I think the hotel is the best place for you right now. You’re comfortable here, I’m sure. This is one of the best rooms. You have everything you need,

I

Ah, crap…

I consider

thought it through before I