Page 51 of Hawk's Cry

I try to put my doubts into words. “Eli thinks he’s been railroaded all of his life. Herded in the direction that his dad wanted him to go.” I give Sam an apologetic look. I wave my hand toward the two men who’ve entered. “If we pack up and make it a fait accompli yet again, isn’t that just confirming he’s not in control of his life?”

“It’s best that you come back to the compound,” Dad states. “There are things going on which you don’t know. It’s nothing for you to worry about, but we’re just being cautious.”

I was brought up as the VP’s daughter, so I don’t bother asking Dad what he’s talking about.

“Wraith,” Mom challenges him with a growl. “We need more than that.”

“Sophie, my love, I’ve said enough.”

She glares, but his mouth remains firmly shut.

“Club business.” Sam rolls her eyes. “All I could get out of Drummer was that there’s only a teensy-weensy risk of something coming at the club, but being overbearing and protective as usual, they want everyone close.”

“Another day won’t hurt, will it?” I turn back to Dad. “If I, or you or Drummer can get Eli to understand the risk, then he’ll be calmer about returning.”

Sam’s looking at me thoughtfully then addresses herself to Dad. “I think you and Drum should share with Eli what you can’t with us. Even as he is now, he won’t want Olivia in any danger.”

I grin. That’s the way to play it. Trust a mother to know her son. Even if he isn’t thinking straight at the moment, I’m sure he’ll still want to protect me. Of course I’ll refuse to go back home by myself.

Dad stares at Sam, then walks off, taking his phone out of his cut as he does.

After a few moments he returns, his call finished and looking unhappy as if he’s received the answer he didn’t want. “Drummer doesn’t like it, but can see it makes sense. We’ll play it your way, Olivia. But if the risk level rises, or Eli holds out too long, we’ll fuckin’ kidnap him. Not having you in danger. Not for any damn thing.”

Sam looks toward me, then at Dad. “So, someone’s got to be staying tonight. I’m happy to do that with Drum, but we’ll need a change of underwear at the least.”

“I’ll keep you company if you’re going back to the compound,” Mom offers.

Dad sighs heavily for a moment, then looks up to the ceiling. “Alright,” he growls, reluctantly giving in. Then turns around and yells, “Prospects!” At which, Nathan and Rascal come running. “Change of plan. Leave that shit where it is. Follow Sam and Sophie to the compound, then escort them back here.”

With air kisses for me, and a full-on kiss between Mom and Dad, the two women and prospects leave.

It’s just me and Dad now.

I realise my plans for the day have been turned upside down. Mentally I run through the tasks I need to do, then, damn these pregnancy hormones, I remember I’ve left some clothes at the dry cleaners I’d forgotten to collect.

Luckily, now I can leave the packing, I’ve plenty of time to go out and get it before Eli comes back. I delve down into my purse and check the ticket is at least where I remember it is, in my wallet. Then I take out my keys and call out where I’m going.

“Hey, Olivia. Hold up. You’re not going anywhere on your own. I’ll come with you.”

“Dad.” I roll my eyes. This is one thing I haven’t missed, being followed or escorted all the time. “Look, I’m just going over to the mall. I won’t be long. And we’re out of coffee, so I’ll pick some up.”

“Not letting—”

“I’ve lived here for weeks and nothing’s happened, Dad.” I start to get annoyed. “If things are so dangerous, why weren’t you worried two days ago, last week, last month?” My eyebrows rise as I challenge him. “I’ve lived here for two months and have gone everywhere on my own. What’s happened now to change that?” As he seems lost for an answer, I continue, “What would have happened if Eli hadn’t broken down? I’ll tell you what.” I’m getting into my stride now. “We wouldn’t be going back to the compound, the club has washed its hands of us. We’d never have even known there was danger coming to the club because it wouldn’t concern us.” It seems ridiculous to me. I’ve gotten used to having some freedom. What’s changed in two days?

“Olivia—”

“I’m going, Dad. And you’re not coming with me.”

Leaving him open mouthed, I pick up my keys and leave the house.

I drive the short distance to collect the clothes that have now been cleaned, then, on the way back to my car, I get a text. I take my phone out of my purse, swearing quietly as I’m sure it’s my dad checking up.

Gabe: I was hoping to see you as I’m being transferred again. Any chance we could meet for a coffee? I’d like to say goodbye in person.

Well that’s strange, another one of those coincidences. I smile to myself. Seems to happen a lot with him. I think for a moment. If he hadn’t said it was to say goodbye, I’d have brushed him off. It doesn’t seem right to meet another man, however innocently, with everything going on with Eli. But to share a coffee, or in my case a soda, one last time? To talk about something else and stop worrying about my husband for just a moment?

Before I can have second thoughts, I tap out a reply.

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