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 trickle down her

the pot. “Here, have some coffee.

“Sure. Thanks.” Then, sipping at the coffee, “Who are they, Dad? Why did they pick me? Was it for a ransom? ‘Cos you’re

it wasn’t

Christ… Where to start?

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 friend. And so, through

across teary eyes. “Sounds like you have some weird

Can’t argue with that…

believe me. They don’t come weirder

“Where is he now?”

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

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

Ahhh…

you and

along

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

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

introduce you again to her, and certainly not to Cara, if I

wrinkles. “Cara? Who’s

Oh, for fuck’s sake…

daughter…” I lean forward… “… My

turns away, her head drooping. “Oh,

used to the idea…” She fidgets and looks away… “… In any case,

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

Ah, crap…

for a moment, I consider how to deal

thought it