Scars Of A Broken Bond

Sabrina’s breath caught in her throat as she slowly rose to her feet and limped towards Galilea.

With a triumphant smile, Galilea stood and delivered a forceful slap to Sabrina’s face.

Her hand connected with Sabrina’s cheek in a sharp, stinging slap, the force of it sending Sabrina stumbling backward on her injured right foot.

Sabrina’s left cheek throbbed with a burning pain, the skin swollen and tender. The entire left side of her face, from her cheekbone to the root of her ear, felt like it was on fire.

Her back was wet with sweat, and her hair tangled and bloodied.

Dazed, Sabrina slowly pushed herself up from the floor and sat back on the sofa. In a hoarse voice, she said, “Can we get down to business now?”

looked miserable and in pain, Galilea felt a surge of satisfaction. “The kidnappers have been on the loose for so many years. It doesn’t matter to me anymore. I buried the hatchet many years

pursed her lips, then said, “Is it because you’re afraid of stirring up trouble? Or that you don’t want to help me? Those kidnappers have committed heinous crimes. Don’t you want them to face justice? I believe you

your father. But what of it? That was your father, not mine. I have no desire to assist

depth of the father-daughter

as she thought of when Sabrina would discover that Conner

a

attitude fueled

the kidnappers. He died because of you. If he wasn’t killed in the accident, the kidnappers

Galilea responded, “You know

her head to observe Sabrina and raised her eyebrows