Page 34 of Unmasking Secrets
But I won’t either. I won’t rest until she’s able to.
One of the guys was able to hack Ryan’s security system and we’ve spent the last two days watching the footage. I was hoping for a clue, we all were. He’s got to reveal his next move.
“Anything? Dad sits down in the seat next to me and passes me a bear.
I shake my head. I need to stay clear-headed right now.
“Did she talk to you?” He sighs. “She’s been through more than most.”
“He needs to suffer.” I look dad in the eyes.
Since when did he look so old? I don’t remember the wrinkles around his eyes. The gray has nearly taken over his head and beard. Fuck, I can’t imagine what I must look like. When did I last look in the mirror? These past couple of weeks probably aged me too.
“We’re going to take care of it. You just let me know what you need and when you need it.” Dad stands and rests a hand on my shoulder. “You know, you could always join as a nomad.”
“Not now.” I have enough on my mind.
“Just wanted to plant the seed in the back of your mind.” Dad lifts his hand and walks away.
I know he means well. He knows Tabitha comes first. Then again, she always has. I’m not sure when my dad noticed me noticing her. Did he know before I did? I know I shouldn’t go there.
Twelve YearsEarlier - Age 20
“They’re here!”Mom shouts from the kitchen.
She’s spent the better part of the day in the kitchen, creating a Thanksgiving feast. I tried to offer to help, as did dad, but she shooed us out of the kitchen and told us we’d only be in the way.
I’d barely been able to sit still as it got closer and closer to the time they were supposed to be arriving. This was the moment I’d been waiting for. I haven’t seen my best friend in two years, since I left for the academy.
“You gonna tell her?” Dad teases from his recliner.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I sit down, but my leg starts bouncing, so I stand back up.
Dad laughs.
I shake my head. “She has her whole life ahead of her.”
“Why are you making it sound like you’re twice her age? Y’all are literally the same fucking age.” A knock comes across the door and dad stares at me. “Go and answer the door.”
“We’re just friends,” I mutter to myself.
Dad laughs as I walk away.
I pull the door open and smile as I’m greeted by Marcus and Carol. She’s always the first to pull me in for a hug before making her way to my mom, her best friend.
“Happy Thanksgiving.” The moms greet each other.
Tabitha is looking down at her feet as she walks inside. “It’s getting chilly out there.”
My eyes roam over the soft green sweater dress she’s wearing. It’s clings to her body. She’s got some fishnet tights and a pair of knee-high boots beneath it. She looks cozy and I have the urge to pull her into my arms.
Her eyes lift as mine do and I can’t help but smile as her eyes grow in surprise. She launches herself into my arms and I lift her up, catching her and not wanting to put her back down.
“I didn’t know you were here! Your mom said you weren’t able to get away, and you didn’t say anything in your letters.”
I slowly put her down, but I keep my arms wrapped around her. “They like to keep us on our toes. I only found out a couple days ago.”
“You get letters?” Mom teases as she peaks her head out of the dining room.
