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

“Here, have some coffee. It’ll

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

wasn’t ransom.

Where to start? Explaining

me either. The target was one of the

teary eyes. “Sounds

Can’t argue with that…

believe me. They don’t come weirder than

“Where is he now?”

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

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

Ahhh…

you

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

Georgie’s face falls. “… In fact,

daughter bites another mouthful of her croissant, chewing and chewing, but it doesn’t seem to go

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 certain

forehead wrinkles. “Cara?

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

daughter. My daughter…” I lean forward… “… My

head drooping.

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

at all in your home? I thought that… after

Ah, crap…

a moment, I consider

it through before