Page 17 of Tangled Threats on the Nomad Highway
Marian pulled out the clothing needed andturned to the bathroom. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
“I’ll be here.” Vanna’s declaration heldweight, the words hovering in the room like a profoundstatement.
Marian paused and slowly turned, not surewhat to do or say.
“I will never understand a man like yourfather. Carelessly creating these tiny lives, little people whoshould be looked upon as gifts from God. But instead, a man likehim sees these trusting, perfect children as assets to be used.Playing games with their well-being, with their futures, and onlycaring about how it impacts him in the end.” Vanna’s face twisted,features collapsing into a mask of grief. “A parent should lovetheir children. Love and cherish them. I want you to know youaren’t alone, Marian.” Vanna’s shoulders lifted and straightened,and she stared Marian in the eyes. “I’ll always be here for you.You’re home now, girl.”
Blinking back a sudden wash of tears, Mariancould only nod, the movement going on for what felt like hours. Sheaccepted Vanna’s words of censure for her father and his treatmentof not only her but all her siblings. Took on the knowledge thatVanna understood what it was like to be forgotten until there wasvalue in skills or the attractiveness of a growing body. ValidatedVanna’s read on how badly she and her siblings needed someone to bein their corner.
At the end, her head buzzing from the rapidrocking up and down, Marian turned and entered the bathroom. Facewet, she placed her clean clothing on the counter and droppedeverything else to the floor. Shoulders heaving, she climbed intothe shower and stood directly under the pounding flow of water.Biting her lips, she cried in silence, releasing all her bitternessand rage, imagining every moment was another pound of anger flowingdown the drain.
All her life she’d wanted better. For her.For Myrt. For the boys.
It doesn’t matter how it happened. Better ishere, finally.
She vowed to embrace this offering with botharms. Take hold of the chance they’d been given and work it untileverything was in place for her loved ones. She’d accept the help,their new place in a found family, and make sure no one ever had areason to regret what they’d done.
They’d been past due for a change in luck,and in this house in Florida, surrounded by strangers, she and theboys had found something worth holding to.
Lucky me.
Chapter Six
Einstein
“Head out.” Einstein flicked a fingertowards the door. “I got tonight.”
Marlin stared at him for only a single beatbefore laughing. “I’m not going to ask you if you’re sure. Gonnahead home and sleep in my own goddamned bed for a change.” Shovingoff the couch, he glanced towards the kitchen, then back atEinstein. “Call me if you need anything, or if anythingchanges.”
“Will do, brother. Rest well.” Einstein’sgaze followed Marlin’s, taking in Trina hovering over Retro’s boysseated at the table. “See you tomorrow.”
Retro’s old lady had taken their presencebetter than Einstein had hoped, not questioning the reasoning forupping the security levels at their home. The only thing she’dreally said about it had been a plea, but not one Einstein couldlay a promise to.“You’d tell me if he was in danger, wouldn’tyou?”His response had been a flat stare, and she’d turned awaywith a huff of frustration.
She knew. They all knew. After the events ofthe past year, none of them were safe.
Chatter in the kitchen pulled his attention,and he rose from the couch, making it to the door in time to watchMarlin give Jimmy a high five, followed by a low five to Saya, thena quick side-hug to Trina. Einstein lifted a hand and waited untilthe door closed behind Marlin before turning to Trina and gesturingtowards the living room with a tilt of his head.
Once they were out of earshot of the boys,he told her, “Just me tonight. I’ll bunk downstairs, but don’tworry if you hear me movin’ around.” He stared over her head backinto the kitchen, seeing the two boys already clearing the table.“Stick to your normal routine, just like you did with Marlin. We’vegot you, Trina.”
“I wish I knew what warranted this level ofprotection.” She held up a hand between them like a stop sign,shaking her head. “I’m not badgering you for info. I know Retrowouldn’t ask for this if it wasn’t necessary. I just hate being inthe dark.”
Einstein took a moment to compare what heimagined Lauren’s reaction would be to Trina’s calm acceptance andshoved that thought aside. It didn’t matter if one would haveargued while another agreed. Each answer was valid, and neither waswrong.
“I understand, but in this instance, theanswer can only come from Retro.” Pasting a regretful expression onhis face, he lifted a shoulder.
“And he’s on the road, I know.” She flashedhim a grin that didn’t reach her eyes, faking an easy response justlike he had. “I’ll pester him soon as I can talk to him. That wayyou’re off the hook.”
“That’d be best.” He took a step towards thefront door. “I’m going to do a circuit, check things outside whileyou get the kiddos buttoned up and ready for bed. Then I’ll shutthe house down and set the alarm. You wake up worried, just give mea call. Phone’s always on me.”
“Okay.” She didn’t move, staring hard athim. “I worry about you, Einstein.”
“I’m good, little sister. No worries.” Thepat answer rolled off his tongue as it had so many times in recentmonths. “Don’t gotta worry about me. Club’s got my back.”
“I worry.” That grin reappeared, then faded.“If you ever need anything, I hope you know all you have to do islet us know. Retro would move heaven and earth to get you anything.Between him and me, we’ve got you covered.”
“Nah. No need.” He hooked a thumb over hisshoulder. “Doin’ my rounds.” His hand was on the knob, escape onlya moment away. “Back in a few.”
“I know you have to miss her. I only got tomeet her the once, and we chatted for moments before she was calledaway, but she really seemed like a good woman. I can’t imagine nothaving Retro in my life, not after what we’ve shared.” Her voicecracked and broke. “And your little girl.”
