Page 41 of Crow's Haven
“Yeah, whatever you need, I’m there for it,” he states happily.
“Come get the boys. Right fucking now.”
Evan hesitates, clearly picking up on the agitation in my voice. “Is everything okay?”
“No,” I grit out, my rough voice still shaking with emotion. “I need my boys stashed safe for a few hours, maybe overnight. If you could take ‘em to the clubhouse and keep an eye on ‘em, I’ll fill you in later.”
Evan is used to following orders, so he doesn’t question further. “I’m on my way.”
I kill the call, my heart jackhammering in my chest. It feels like my ribs might crack from the pressure. Shit’s spinning in my skull like a busted wheel. I’m reeling from the shocking truth I just uncovered.
This situation keeps playing over and over in my head on an infinite loop. The woman who held my boys close, let me love her, and made me hope again, is on the run from the law. She deceived us all, hiding behind an assumed identity. She only took shelter in my home to avoid getting picked up by the police and maybe going to prison. Did she ever love us? Considering the circumstances, I seriously doubt it.
The betrayal’s so deep it damn near knocks me on my ass. But I can’t break. Not with the boys running around totally oblivious to the danger they’re in. They’re innocent and trusting. So was I. Now, I can’t let them be exposed to her anymore. Ain’t no way I’m gonna let that slide. I will protect my boys without question or hesitation.
I walk to the door of the bedroom, forcing calm into my voice as I call out, “Hey, boys. Listen up.”
They come look up from the racetrack they’re playing with. They have happy, carefree smiles on their faces. It kills me a little inside to know how quickly that innocence could be shattered.
“Are we going somewhere, Dad?” Scout asks brightly.
Always eager to get out of the house for a new adventure, Chase jumps to his feet. “Of course we are, right Dad?”
“Yeah. You two are headed to the clubhouse with Uncle Evan,” I tell them, ruffling Chase’s hair gently. “Just for a little while, alright?”
“Is Ladybug coming too?” Chase asks.
“Nah,” I say, my voice and little too rough. I dial it back, so they don’t get wise that something’s up. “Just the two of you are going. Thought you might like practicing to be prospects with Evan for a few hours.”
Their faces light up. “Yes!” Chase shouts. Scout nods with a big smile, clearly thrilled as well. I help them pack a backpack with pajamas, an extra change of clothing, some snacks, a book each, and a handful of quarters for the vending machines.
When Evan arrives, they climb happily into the truck, oblivious to my inner turmoil. I watch them drive away, safe but unaware of the chaos they’re leaving behind.
I turn slowly back to the house, dread twisting in my gut. Inside waits the woman I love, the one who’s been lying through her teeth to me from the start. The woman who would tear down everything I’ve spent years building in a heartbeat to keep her ass out of jail.
My jaw clenches so tight it aches. One thing is crystal fucking clear. She wouldn’t be running if she weren’t guilty. I won’t lose my family to her lies. Whatever comes next, it won’t be pretty. If there’s any truth to the charges, I am not going to let this go. If she had anything to do with the death of a little boy, I’ll haul her ass to the police station myself. I know that my emotions are getting the better of me and I should calm down before talking to her, but I don’t.
I ain’t built for waiting around and biding my time. Not when the truth’s burning a hole through my chest.
The kitchen feels dimmer and colder. It’s like all the love and care has disappeared. Sharon’s still standing by the sink. The dishes are all washed, dried and put away. She’s just staring out the window above the sink, lost in her own thoughts. The phone is now set aside, her eyes grown wide and startled when she turns to face me. One look at the fire in my eyes and she knows that I’ve figured out her secret.
Her face pales instantly, eyes widening in horror. “Crow, I can explain.”
“Don’t,” I interrupt sharply. My voice is low and ice cold. She glances down at my fists clenched at my sides. “There ain’ta single word I want to hear outta your mouth until I’ve had my say.”
Her lips tremble. Fear and guilt shadow her expression. Although tears are already pooling in her eyes she holds my gaze. I’d be lying if I said the sight of her didn’t tug at my heartstrings. I hate seeing her like this. But I hate the lying and danger she dragged into my home a helluva lot more. So, I harden my heart and say what’s on my mind.
“I trusted you,” I grind out, pissed beyond belief. “And you fucking betrayed that trust in the worst damn way. You sat at my table, held my sons, and never once mentioned that you were wanted for murdering a damn kid.”
A single tear trails down her cheek, but I need to get this out before I explode.
“You let me fall for you. You wore my goddamn property cut like it meant somethin’. All the while lying to me, pretended like you were something you ain’t. Who the fuck are you?”
“Crow, please,” she stammers, tears now slipping down her cheeks unchecked. Her voice takes on an edge of desperation. “Let me explain.”
“Explain what?” I snap, stepping closer, my eyes locked on hers. “That you’re wanted for murdering a fucking child? That you lied about your fucking identity to hide from the law?”
“I didn’t murder anyone,” she chokes out, shaking visibly, her voice breaking with emotion.
