Page 71 of Revenge

“I don’t know where she is if that is what you’re thinking. All I know is that she’s well and safe.”

“Have you spoken to her?”

“Oliver told me when I asked.”

Is my mother lying to me? My head is spinning.

“I’ll be back.” I start to walk.

“Leave your brother alone, Viktor. He’s doing right by Ava.”

“It’s not his place or his job.” I leave the hospital room and dial Oliver.

“Hey, Viktor. How’s everything?”

“I want to speak with Ava.”

“Not this again. I told you I don’t know where she is.”

“Stop with the lies. You’ve been talking to her. Where is she?” He’s quiet. “I want to know now,” I bark. Nurses give me disapproving looks. I walk to the stairs.

“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you,” he finally confesses.

“I swear I’m going to put a bullet in your head if you don’t speak.”

“Do what you need to do, but the answer isn’t going to change. I have to go.” He ends the call.

Days have elapsed since my conversation with Oliver. We’ve kept our distance, using Angus as the middleman, which is probably for the best. I’m not sure how I’ll react when we’re in the same room again. The last time didn’t work out so well.

I never imagined he would keep such a big secret even if he thinks he’s doing the right thing. To keep Ava and my son from me is unacceptable. There’s a knock at my door. I look at my screen.

“Come in, Mary.”

“Mr. Manarch, I wanted to check in with you. Would you like some lunch?”

“No, thank you. Is Aisling’s bedroom ready?”

“Yes. The final touches were done this morning.”

“She should be home soon. My mother will be staying with us for a few days. Please prepare the bedroom upstairs.”

“Very well.”

I’ve spent weeks preparing the mansion to accommodate Aisling’s needs. The doctors felt she should stay in the hospital as she continues to grow stronger. But Aisling will receive better care at home. My mother devised an elaborate plan with specialists to treat Aisling’s conditions here, where she belongs. I can’t stand seeing her in the hospital anymore. There’s another knock at the door. Fiona barges in before I can tell her to go away.

“Viktor, we need to talk.”

“What now?” I snarl.

“I don’t understand why Aisling’s bedroom is on the second floor while I’m still on the first. She needs both of her parents.”

“I’m not having this argument again,” I growl in exasperation.

She stands in front of my desk. “I’m her mother,” she wheedles.

“Some mother you are. You’ve seen her twice since she was born.”

“You know it’s hard to see her in the hospital. It’s too much, and I’m still recuperating from my surgery.”

---