Page 88 of Silver Tears

She laughs nervously. “Yeah, I appreciate that, but I need a drink. You know how it is, Seb.”

I don’t answer straight away and there’s silence on the other end as she waits for my response. “We both know you can afford it,” she adds, adding fake humour.

“Maybe you should stay off the booze tonight and get some rest.”

“Forget it!” She exclaims angrily. “I’ll find my own money.” The phone line cuts, and I grimace, realising she’s put the phone down on me. It’s hard to believe someone as lovely and kind as Milly came from this woman. Andrea probably wasn’t always like this. She is an addict and when someone has an addiction, it becomes central to everything. It changes who they are as a person.

“Seb! I’m ready for my story,” Chops announces, running into the room in his onesie clutching his toy cuddly elephant we picked up from the zoo. I pick him up and spin him around, making him giggle. “Say goodnight to the boys first.”

“Goodnight boys.” Chops grins, waving to Archer and Rafe who wish him a good night’s sleep. I pass Milly in the hallway and hold out her phone. “Your mum just rang. She’s fine. I’ll tell you later.”

She nods her head; the worry creasing her pretty face as she takes her phone from me and slips it in her pocket. I head into Charlie’s temporary bedroom, and he picks out a book out of the pile Archer bought for him on the way back from Droyton. I read Chops a story and he has me doing all the actions and funny voices again. He belly-laughs throughout. He sulks when I finish asking for another one and I cave and agree to one more story. The kid knows how to manipulate me to get what he wants that for sure. I tuck him in and turn off the light on my way out then head back into the living area. I’m conflicted about taking precious with me to see the Brownlee brothers, I’d rather she stays here where I know she’s safe. I also understand her need to get out there and do something rather than sitting here worrying and going over things.

MILLY

Seb reads to Chops while I shower and change into the fresh clothes he grabbed for me last night. I head into the open plan living area where Archer and Rafe are and take a seat on the sofa. I still don’t know them very well and I have no idea how to strike up a conversation with them.

“Thank you for today…for going out there and looking for him.”

Archer smiles at me, briefly glancing away from the game on the large television screen.

“We were glad to help. We’ll head back out there tomorrow and between us and our PI, we’ll find him soon.”

“I’m sorry you’re having to keep this from the girls.”

Archer bats away my comment. “Don’t sweat it.”

“He’s fast asleep. Didn’t take him long to doze off,” Seb announces, walking into the room. His phones rings and he pauses to pull it out of his pocket. He glances at the screen and his eyes widen in surprise. “It’s Mikey Brownlee.”

I don’t miss the look the boys all share as he answers the phone. We all wait with bated breath as he listens to whatever Mikey is saying. “What state is he in?”

Seb nods his head, listening. “We’ll be there as soon as we can, and Mikey, I appreciate the call.”

“They have him?” Archer asks as Seb pocket his mobile. He nods his head, glancing my way.

They have him. I feel a mix of relief and fear. Relief that he’s been caught and therefore can’t hurt me, but also anxiety over what happens next.

“You should stay here with Chops. Rafe can stay with you,” Seb suggests to me, and I scoff at his words.

“Not a chance. I am coming. I’m the one he did this to. I want to look him in the eyes. I don’t want to live with this fear every time his name is mentioned.”

“Mills,”

“Seb,” I repeat, singing his name like he’s just pleaded with mine. “Don’t try to convince me to stay here. I’m coming. End of conversation.” I fold my arms across my chest and dare him to deny me.

He sighs and looks at both the boys. “I don’t like this.”

Archer looks from Seb to me before speaking. “Remember when we captured Phil? It gave Scar some closure to see him and see the suffering we inflicted upon him.”

Seb exhales, scratching at the back of neck and frowning. “I don’t want you breathing the same air as him. Plus, Mills isn’t as tough as Little Red. She’s lived a much more sheltered life.”

I’m both touched and annoyed by his words. It’s sweet that he’s worried for me, and he doesn’t want that scumbag anywhere near me. I’m also slightly insulted that he thinks I might not handle it. “I’m a big girl, Seb.”

Looking conflicted, he walks over to me and lightly tugs on a strand of my pale pink hair. “I don’t like it, precious.”

“I have to do this. If I don’t, I’m letting him win. I need to look him square in the eye and tell him he’s nothing.”

He sighs again, reaching for my arms and pulling me closer. “Okay but promise me you won’t leave my side the entire time.”

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