Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
“Derek told me of your plans to go to France,” Padraig went on. I glanced at my friend, and he gave a shrug. I wasn’t mad at him for sharing. It wasn’t like my plans were some big secret. I just hadn’t really felt the need to tell anyone. “When you go, wouldn’t you feel more at ease knowing your father was somewhere he could no longer reach your mother?”
Okay, he had a point. I’d always imagined we’d sell the house and get mam a place close to Aunt Claire’s so she and Uncle Eugene could look out for her. But even still, I’d be gone. If something happened … No, Padraig was right. I’d feel so much better knowing Dad was behind bars and couldn’t get to her.
“All right,” I said, blowing out a tired exhalation. “We’ll do it your way.”
Padraig nodded soberly. “Good. Now, you boys get on to bed. I’ve work to finish up with here.”
Derek and I didn’t say much when we returned to his room. I was dreading the morning because I had another shift at the hotel, and people were going to want to know what happened to me. I considered taking a sick day, but I needed every penny I could get, both for Mam and for my end of summer plans.
The following morning when I went downstairs for breakfast, the entire family, minus Padraig, was in the kitchen eating. Nuala’s face dropped when she saw me, rising from her seat. “Rhys, oh my goodness. What happened?”
I glanced at Charli, and that feeling of intense connection swept through me. It was getting stronger by the day. How was it that my gaze was always drawn to her?
I looked to Nuala, a fake story on the tip of my tongue when I suddenly decided I wasn’t going to lie to people anymore. I’d been covering up for Dad my entire life, and I was sick of it.
“My dad happened,” I said flatly. I knew by the sad, empathetic look in Jo’s eyes Padraig had already told her everything. There was also a hint of anger there, the same anger I saw in everyone when they found out. It made me realise that the shame I often felt, the strange urge to blame myself for not being strong enough to fight back, wasn’t necessary. No one blamed me or thought me weak. They only felt angry at Dad for his actions.
“Your dad?” Nuala questioned, a hitch in her voice like she might cry. I understood how shocking the news must be for someone like her. She had parents who only doted on and loved her. She wasn’t accustomed to anything different. Tristan looked equally shocked and upset. We’d been friends since we were kids, but he had no idea what my life had truly been like.
“You don’t need to worry,” Derek spoke up. “It’s being taken care of.” His eyes met mine, a silent pact between us. One way or another, we’d see to it my dad was out of both Mam’s and my lives for good. I appreciated his support.
“What do you mean ‘taken care of’?” Tristan asked, his brow furrowing.
“My mam is filing for divorce, and my dad found out yesterday,” I explained. “He believes I’m the one convincing her to do it, so he waited for me outside the hotel when I was leaving work and attacked me. It was caught on CCTV so I’m going to report him to the Guards.”
I left out the part about waiting for the divorce papers because I knew Nuala and Tristan would try to convince me to go straight to the station just as Padraig and Derek had. Glancing at Charli, she seemed curious about the last bit. When I spoke to her last night, I’d mentioned the blackmail, but at that point, I hadn’t planned on going to the Guards.
“You’re going to report him?” she asked with a mixture of concern and relief.
“Yes, I spoke to Padraig last night, and he convinced me it was the right thing to do. I can’t take the risk Dad might hurt my mother or attack someone else.”
She nodded, empathy in her gaze while Jo placed an omelette in front of me.
“Padraig said to tell you he’s arranged for someone else to cover your shifts at the hotel this week,” she said in a gentle voice.
“But I need to—”
“No arguments,” she cut me off. “You’ll still be paid for the sick days, and besides, you’re in no fit state to work. You need to rest and get better. I’ve also made an appointment for our family doctor to come see you. She does house calls and is very discreet.”
Jo gave my shoulder a soft pat. I wanted to argue about the doctor, but seeing the look of relief on Charli’s face prevented me. She’d been worried about my injuries, and if letting this doctor check me over gave her peace of mind, then I’d do it.