Page 125 of Wicked & Wildflower

The guy shrugs. “All that matters is that I’m here now.”

“I’m sure she’ll be so happy to see you.” Tana smiles.

I zone them out, pulling out my phone to check on Elena. I’m constantly afraid she’s going to fucking bolt, that I’ll come home one day and she’ll just be gone. She’s been keeping to the house a lot, but she tells me she’s back to writing, so I’m hopeful. If I’m not there to check on her, my parents step in. Leo, too. She hasn’t met Dahlia or seen Darby yet, but I’m trying to give her time.

“So, I was actually hoping I could sneak her out a few minutes early. Wanted to take her down the Boardwalk and get some ice cream. Ride the Ferris Wheel.”

“Well, Lucille’s class has about fifteen minutes left until their final bell, but… Let me call down to her teacher and see if I can reach her.”

“Great. Can you have her meet me—”

Her name rings through my skull, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. “I’m sorry,” I interrupt, standing from my chair. “Did you just sayLucille?”

There certainly could be another Lucille in this school, but the name isn’t common enough for me to let that slide without asking a question.

I step up to Tana, watching her eyes go wide with recognition. “Oh, Everett.” She clears her throat awkwardly. “I didn’t see you come in.”

“Hope that’s not my kid you’re talking about,” I respond, not bothering to sound pleasant.

The man next to me turns sideways, giving me a bewildered expression. “No, we were talking aboutmykid. If you’ll excuse us.”

Tana’s eyes dart between the two of us rapidly, and I’m about to back off, assuming I’m mistaken and there is another student here with the same name, but the trepidation in Tana’s expression has me on edge.

“Everett, does… Does Dahlia know you’re here?”

“Yes?”

She glances at the other man, seeming unsure of what to do.

“Who are you?” I ask him.

“How do you know Dahlia?” he asks me.

I study his face. Long, narrow nose that’s different from Dahlia’s but matches her daughter’s. Sandy blond hair with hints of red. And his green eyes.Lou’sgreen eyes.

Knowing I should drag this fucker out of the building by his goddamn throat before Lou gets up here, I instead find myself turning to face the reception desk head-on, all my newfound rage directed at one person.

“Were you about to let her fucking leave with him?” I snarl at Tana.

She gulps, cheeks going flush. “He’s…he’s her dad.” She glances at Jason again. “He said Dahlia knew about it. I…”

“DidDahliacall you and give permission? Do you see this man’s name on the approved sign-out list given to you by Lou’s legal fucking guardian?”

She tilts her head, sighing. “That’s not entirely fair, Everett. You may not know the whole story. Dahlia wasn’t allow–”

“I’m going to stop you right there, Tana, becauseyoudo not know the full story,” I seethe. “Are you unaware that over half of all Amber Alerts reported are because the child was abducted by one of their parents? Have you had any sort of training on how dangerous it is to let some random person claiming to be related to a child into the school and tell them where that child is, what time they get out of class, and that you will allow them toleavethe premises with the child? Are you telling me that you work here every day, and none of those thoughts hasevercrossed your mind?”

She shakes her head rapidly. “I know that. I–He…He knew her name. He knew Dahlia. He wasn’t some random person. He’s…He’s her dad.”

“He has no rights!” I’m shouting now, body vibrating with anger. “Do you know why he asked you to have her meet him outside? Because Loudoes not knowhim. He has not seen her in years. He legally hasnoclaim to her.”

Tana’s mouth drops open, a look of horror flashing across her face.

“Are you so wrapped up in your petty bullshit? So desperate to think the absolute worst of this woman, you would put herchildin that kind of danger?”

I’m trembling, my vision going hazy with panic and fury.

I need to know what the fuck that man is doing here, what he wants with my kid. I need to make sure he stays the fuck away from Dahlia too.

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