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

pour from the pot. “Here, have

Then, sipping at the coffee, “Who are they, Dad? Why did they pick me? Was it for a ransom? ‘Cos

it wasn’t

Where to start? Explaining

on my lap… “… and it wasn’t really aimed at me 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, because I’m his

“Sounds like you have some

Can’t argue with that…

don’t come

“Where is he now?”

all this. The woman you saw. Listen, Georgie. I’ll tell you all about it, but not now, while you’re still shaky. I’ll 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

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

Ahhh…

just you and

along too. So I

to Charlotte the last time you met her…” Georgie’s face falls. “… In

her croissant, chewing and chewing, but it doesn’t seem to go

my wife. And I’m not going to introduce you again to her,

forehead wrinkles. “Cara?

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

Charlotte’s daughter. My daughter…” I lean

head

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

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

Ah, crap…

I consider how

have thought it