Page 84 of Shine: Sins of the Father
Daytona looks at me, then Cole. “Any help would be appreciated.”
Cole drains his mug and stands. “How about that ride we talked about? I need it after this news.”
Daytona grins and stands, then pats my shoulder. “Want to come?”
I shake my head. “Nah. Think I need another coffee.”
He nods, and the two of them walk out.
I hear them talking to someone before the door shuts behind them, and a moment later, Reckless pushes through the door. They must have told him I was at the bar, because he doesn’t look surprised to find me here.
Taking the stool next to me, he motions for a coffee, then meets my eyes.
“How’d it go?”
I smile. “Real good.”
“Yeah?” His face lights up. “Glad to hear it. Where is she?”
“I don’t know. She was gone when I woke up.”
The smile fades from his face. He sips his coffee, then studies the rich brew. “There’s something about Fiona I should tell you.”
“What’s that?”
“She’s been through a lot.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“She and Tori, Rafe’s ol’ lady, were abducted a while back.”
I tense, everything in me going still.
“They weren’t hurt, not like your sister, so relax. They were being held by some college bullies Tori went to school with. The place was on a waterway across the bay. They tried to get away, and Fiona made it, but they caught Tori.”
“My God.”
“Fiona stole a kayak and paddled through the night until she found a waterside bar and made a call to the club.”
“What happened?”
“We went in, guns blazing. Kyle took a bullet, but it all worked out. That’s not my point. My point is, Fiona will tell you she’s fine, and she’s been seeing a therapist, but there’s got to be emotional scars she’s carrying, ya know?”
I nod.
“I’m just sayin’ you should consider that in how you behave toward her. And I know she lied to you, and maybe you’ve gotten past that, maybe you haven’t. But keep all of that in mind. I guess what I’m sayin’ is, she may make decisions that don’t make sense to you, but to her, she’s protecting herself. Understand what I mean?”
“Yeah. Cut her some slack and treat her gently.”
“Exactly. Shine, the lies she told you… they may not be the only time she lets you down, but it won’t be about hurting you. It’ll be about protecting herself.”
It sounds like he’s trying to tell me something without coming right out and telling me.
“There something else I need to know?”
“There is. I was hoping she’d tell you, but I can tell she hasn’t.”
“Obviously not. So just tell me.”
