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.”

tears

from the pot. “Here, have

still well. “Sure. Thanks.” Then, sipping at the

wasn’t ransom.

Where to

one of the other men you saw me with, the older one. He has enemies and they were

swipes hands across teary eyes. “Sounds like you have some

Can’t argue with that…

believe me. They don’t

“Where is he now?”

fill you in when you’re calmer. When you’re 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

mouthful of croissant. “Um…, Dad. That lunch you were talking about. Is it just… you

Ahhh…

you

wife… along

my voice cool, “You weren’t very pleasant to Charlotte the last time you met her…” Georgie’s face falls. “… In fact, you were downright hostile. I’m not risking her being upset

croissant, chewing and chewing,

again to her, and certainly not to

wrinkles. “Cara?

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

daughter…” I lean forward… “… My other

her head drooping. “Oh, yes. I

In any case, I think the hotel is the best place for you right now. You’re comfortable here, I’m sure.

your home? I thought that… after a few days…” She bites her lip.

Ah, crap…

bowed for a moment, I

it through before I