Page 79 of Talon

“Maybe he’s been too busy with work. That could be why he hasn’t called,” he says, securing our helmets to the seat.

I shake my head, concern furrowing my brow.“Even with how busy he gets, he’d still make time to call me. Something doesn’t feel right.”

“Then it’s a good thing we came.”

“Hopefully, he’ll tell me what’s going on.” I walk up the steps to the front door. Taking a deep breath, I use the brass knocker to pound on it.

“They might not be home,” Talon says, frowning at the door. He places his hands next to his eyes and tries to peer in through the frosted glass windows that flank the entrance.

“Let me try one more time.”

I’m about to lift the knocker when the door swings open to reveal Allison, my stepmother. Her blonde bombshell beauty contrasts sharply with the malevolence that seems to radiate from her like a dark aura. She narrows her eyes as she takes in Talon and me.

“Jessica,” she says coldly.“What brings you here?”

“I came to see Dad. Where is he?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.“He hasn’t called since he returned from your honeymoon.”

“Randolph isn’t home,” she replies dismissively.“And I don’t know when he’ll be back.”

“Can we come in for a few minutes? You could tell us about the honeymoon while we wait for him.”

“Absolutely not. You can’t just barge in whenever you please.” Her angry gaze snaps from me to Talon and back. Her refusal only heightens my suspicion. What is she hiding? My frustration boils over, and I clench my fists.

“Listen, this is my family’s house. I have every right to go inside. I’m going to wait for my dad, and if you don’t like it, that’s your problem.”

“You’re an entitled little brat, aren’t you?” she scoffs, crossing her arms.“You think you can just waltz in here whenever you want, don’t you? Grow up, Jessica.”

“Are you trying to keep me and my dad apart?” I accuse, anger flaring in my chest.“Just because you’re married to him now doesn’t mean you can control our relationship!”

“Wow, paranoid much?” she sneers, her eyes glinting with malice.“I’m not keeping you two apart. Your father’s just busy, that’s all.”

“Busy enough not to call his own daughter? That doesn’t sound like the dad I know.”

“Maybe you don’t know him as well as you think.”

As I stand there, fuming at her evasiveness and feeling increasingly desperate for answers, a thought crosses my mind: Dad would never leave me in the dark like this. Something is definitely wrong. I’m determined to find out what’s going on, and Allison isn’t going to stop me.

“Fine,” I say, gritting my teeth.“If you won’t let us in, we’ll just wait here until my father comes home.”

“Suit yourself,” she snaps, slamming the door in our faces.

“Bitch,” I mutter.

Talon looks around, his brow furrowing.“Wait a second, today’s Sunday. Your dad doesn’t work on the weekend, does he?”

“Sometimes, but never on Sunday. He goes to church, and then he comes home. It was always his rest day. He loves watching football, so maybe he’s doing that and doesn’t want to be interrupted.”

“There aren’t any games on today.”

“Really?”

“It’s the off season.”

“Oh. I never did follow sports.”

“It’s practically a religion to some of the prospects. They’d all be at the clubhouse if there was a game on today.”

“So, if he’s not at work, and if he’s not avoiding us so he can watch football in peace, then where is he?” I ask.

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