Page 39 of Rhythm Of Redemption

Dani hesitated, struggling to find the right words. “I don't know, Mum. It all feels so strange. I barely know Truda. I’ve only spoken to her a couple of times when I’ve video-called Dad. It's like … it's like he's a different person now, with a new life and new family, and he's forgotten about me.”

Lou's heart ached for her daughter's doubts and insecurities. She wrapped an arm around Dani's shoulders, offering comfort. “Oh, Dani, of course, he hasn't forgotten about you. He loves you, and a new baby isn’t going to change that.”

Lou’s embrace tightened, her words flowing with a mix of reassurance and doubt. “Oh, sweetheart, your father still loves you. It's just … life takes unexpected turns, and sometimes it's hard for us to understand why things happen the way they do. But deep down, I know he cares for you.”

As Lou spoke those words, a tiny voice of uncertainty whispered within her. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that her attempts to reassure Dani were merely a facade, masking her own doubts. The truth was, she wasn't entirely convinced herself. Steve's actions had left scars, and Lou couldn't ignore the lingering doubts about his commitment to their daughter.

But in this moment, all she could do was hold Dani tight and hope that her words brought some measure of comfort, even if her own belief in them wavered.

Lou's grasp on her daughter reluctantly loosened, and a fragile smile crossed her lips, concealing the whirlwind of emotions brewing within her. Suppressing the lump in her throat, she fought back the tears threatening to spill. “Is that the time?” she deflected, attempting to shift the focus. “We’d better get a move on or dinner will turn into breakfast.”

They continued working side by side as Lou racked her brain, trying to find a gentle way to broach the topic of dyslexia with Dani. “You know, Dani,” Lou began, her tone casual. “I was reading something about dyslexia the other day. It's fascinating how different people's minds work in unique ways.”

Dani's eyebrows furrowed; a touch of perplexity evident in her expression. “Why were you reading about dyslexia?”

Lou's cheeks tinged with a hint of colour as she responded. “Well, Logan mentioned that he's dyslexic, and it made me curious, I suppose.”

A mischievous glint sparked in Dani's eyes, her tone teasing as she replied. “Ah, just curious, hmm?”

Lou's embarrassment intensified, her cheeks flushing with warmth. “What's that supposed to mean?” she asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from her own feelings.

Dani's grin widened; her voice filled with playful delight. “Come on, Mum. Admit it. You fancy Logan!”

Lou's denial came swiftly and firmly, though her embarrassment was palpable. “I do not.”

Dani's laughter filled the room, her teasing continuing unabated. “Oh, Mum, don't be coy. I've seen the way you look at him, all moony-eyed. It's written all over your face!”

Lou's cheeks burned, her attempts to conceal her true feelings only fuelling Dani's amusement. “Stop it, Dani. You're being ridiculous!”

“He is a bit of a silver fox, and rich, or he will be when the police drop their ridiculous investigation,” Dani replied confidently.

“You think he's innocent, then?” Lou asked, curious about her daughter's perspective.

“Of course. Why? Don't you?” Dani's question hung in the air, challenging her.

In a moment of clarity, she paused, allowing the realisation to sweep over her. Amid all the chaos and pandemonium, she’d neglected to consider an important question: Was Logan guilty or innocent? That he was the subject of a police investigation had subconsciously planted a seed of doubt in her mind. “What makes you so sure?”

Dani's confidence radiated as she replied, “Because he's one of the good guys. Why would he want to get involved in money laundering and drugs when he's already loaded? I mean, seriously, Mum, have you seen his car?” She couldn't help but giggle mischievously. “Do you think he'd let me borrow it if you two started dating?”

Lou's face flushed with embarrassment as Logan walked in on their conversation, his gaze darting between her and Dani. “Borrow what?” he asked, his tone filled with intrigue.

“Nothing,” Lou quickly interjected, shooting Dani a warning look. She hoped her flushed face went unnoticed, caught between her daughter's teasing and the surprise entrance of the man who had unexpectedly touched her heart.

Chapter eighteen

Logan's anxiety permeated the air, his restless pacing echoing his growing unease. The weight of his concern for Dani pressed heavily upon him, intensifying his fear of the negative impact this deadbeat could have on her life. His grip tightened around his mobile, the urgency in his voice palpable as he pressed Angel for answers. “I don't get it. How come no one seems to know anything about this guy?”

“Beats me,” Angel replied, her voice laced with indifference. “I've asked around, and checked every source I could think of, but no one appears to have any info on him or his whereabouts. It's as if he's disappeared into thin air.”

A surge of frustration coursed through Logan's veins, threatening to unravel his composure. His jaw clenched as he fought to maintain his calm. “People don’t just disappear, Angel. It’s not like this guy is a ghost, for Christ’s sake. He’s worked at half the clubs on the island, so someone must know something.”

Angel's sigh echoed through the line, a mix of frustration and resignation. “Logan, I've done everything I can. I've chased every lead and turned over every stone.”

“I don't care,” Logan replied firmly. “Keep digging. I need to know who this guy is and what he's up to.” He couldn't let this guy slip through the cracks. There had to be someone out there who had the answers.

Reluctance laced Angel's voice as she responded, “Okay, I'll keep looking. But I'm telling you, it’s a waste of time. He’s probably already left the island.”

A knock on the door diverted Logan's attention. Glancing up, he noticed Dani peering in; her face filled with uncertainty. Sensing her readiness to leave, he quickly shook his head, silently mouthing the words, “Stay, don't go.”

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