Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“Enough about me. What about your mother?”
I gaze at her, not sure if I want to get into the details of my mother. “She’s in a home. She’s got dementia,” I say, and don’t offer her any more than that.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know which is worse, losing your parents, or having your parents not remember who you are.”
I nod in understanding. “She has good days and bad days. Lately, it seems she’s having more bad days than good.”
“How often do you visit her?”
I cringe. “Not as much as I should,” I tell her honestly.
She picks at the rock, running her hand over the smoothness. “I’m sorry you don’t get to see her too much.”
“You shouldn’t be sorry for me.”
She glances up at me, the sun making her blue eyes sparkle. “You’re not like other men.”
“How so?” I think about the men Posey probably deals with on a daily basis. I’m not like the Made Men she knows. That much is true.
“You’re kind.” She lowers her head, focusing her attention back on the rock.
“I’m not that kind,” I say, not letting her know exactly how mean I can get. Last year I broke Vlad Chekov’s nose. That wasn’t very nice. But he deserved it. I’d never be mean to anyone who didn’t deserve it.
“Well, you’re nice to me.”
I twist my face, studying her. “Are there a lot of men who aren’t?” I think about her words, wondering who is mean to her.
Is it Bane?
She laughs. “Nobody is mean. But they aren’t nice either. Does that make sense? I guess I’m invisible in Bane’s world.”
“I’m sure he sees you.”
She gazes up at me again. “He does, but no one else does.”
I smile. “I guess he orders his men not to look at you. I can understand that.” I laugh lightly.
“Maybe.” She hops up from the rock and dusts off her dress. “I should get going. I always visit my father every Sunday.”
“Thank you for the info about your attacker. I’m going to see if our shop sells an orange-flavored cigar and see if anyone bought one the night you were attacked. It’s a start.”
She nods. “Thank you.”
“Have fun at your dad’s.” I walk her back to her car and watch her drive off into the distance. There’s just something about this woman that makes me want to know more.
Chapter 6
Posey
As I drive away from Ledger, I realize how much I enjoy spending time with him. He’s funny. He’s kind. It’s refreshing being around him.
I head across town, going straight to my father’s house.
When I arrive, he’s sitting on the porch in an old wicker chair, as if he’s waiting for me.
“Hey, Dad,” I say as I step out of my car.
“Hey, Pumpkin,” he says back with a smile.
The house is rundown not because of neglect, but because my father doesn’t have the funds for remodels.
It’s an older wood-framed home, sitting next to an abandoned lot. The home was built in the mid-fifties, making it one of the oldest homes on the block. Blue paint chips away from the weathered clapboard siding. The front porch, adorned with a creaky wooden swing, overlooks a small garden that has seen better days.
I take the chair next to him and sit down. “I stopped by to see how you’re doing.”
He leans back in his seat. “I’m good. I’ve been busy with this new app. It’s going to change everything.” He holds out his phone for me to see. “People can place bets straight from their phone.”
I nod. “That’s exciting,” I say, even though my voice is lackluster and full of no excitement whatsoever.
“I’m going to fix this mess.” His face has seen better days too. Once he was so full of life, now he looks beaten down. And I know exactly why. He knows I have no choice in marrying Bane, and I feel the worry and guilt plays heavily on his features.
I take his hand. “I hope it works. But don’t spend any more money.”
My father pushes his phone away and for the first time since I’ve arrived looks me straight in the eyes. “I’ll figure out something.”
I wrap an arm around his shoulder. “Dad, I don’t think there’s any other way. It’ll be fine.” I need to change the subject before my father breaks down in tears over the situation. Again. “I went by Danbury Park today. Our little beach we used to fish at is still there. Maybe we can go again soon.”
My father smiles at me. “I’d like that. I got some new bait that should work wonders.” He stands from his seat. “Let me show you.”
I follow him into the house, and nothing has changed since I moved out a few months ago. The original hardwood flooring has lost its shine, and the kitchen, although outdated, is clean and well taken care of.