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 down

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

at the coffee, “Who are they, Dad? Why did

wasn’t ransom.

Christ… Where to start?

of the bed, lay my hands on my lap… “… and it wasn’t really aimed at me either. The target was one of the other men you saw

teary eyes. “Sounds like you have

Can’t argue with that…

me. They don’t come

“Where is he now?”

now, while you’re still shaky. I’ll fill you in when you’re calmer. When you’re fully recovered. But what I will

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

Ahhh…

you and

your wife… along too. So

Georgie’s face falls. “… In fact, you were downright hostile. I’m not risking her

of her croissant, chewing and

is my wife. And I’m not going to introduce you again to her, and certainly not to Cara, if I can’t be certain of your good behaviour. Or at least, your

wrinkles.

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

My daughter…” I

head drooping.

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,

aren't I welcome at all in your home? I thought

Ah, crap…

I consider how to deal

thought it through before I