Someone Else’s Life(64)

“I haven’t been able to get through to the cops. They must be slammed.” Annie heard every other word of what Brody had just said, but she got the gist of it.

“Come home.” Her voice trembled.

“I’m calling 911. Maybe the Kapaa fire department can get to you. They’re on the same side of the bridge, even if the police and fire from Lihue can’t get there.” Brody’s steady voice calmed her slightly.

“Okay.” Annie took in a shuddering breath. She needed help.

“Annie.” Brody’s tone had her listening. “Go to the main house with your family.”

“And what about . . .” Annie kept her gaze on Serena.

“Leave her. You said it yourself: we have nothing of value. Go to your father’s. Call me from there when you do.”

“Okay.” Annie could hear the storm, so loud outside, and as much as she didn’t want to go out in it, she knew she had to get away.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can. Some guy has a chain saw, and he’s helping them cut up the tree so traffic can start moving again.”

Her phone pinged suddenly, making her jump. Looking down, she saw it was a text from her sister.

“Who’s that?” Brody asked, having heard the text alert.

“It’s Sam. Our father wants me to come over. He thinks we’re going to lose power.”

“Yes, I agree. Get out now.” His words were urgent.

“Okay.” Annie’s breath hitched. “I’m leaving.”

When Serena heard that, she suddenly flew into action. She ran for the front door and flattened herself against it, blocking the way. Annie narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out how she and Marley were going to get around Serena and out the door.

“I know things haven’t been great lately, but I love you, Annie.” Brody’s voice was rough and low.

At his words, tears gathered in her eyes. She honestly hadn’t thought he still did. Not after what a bitch she’d been to live with.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

Brody sighed, and the long exhalation vibrated down the phone line. It made Annie want to run to her husband and throw her arms around him, resting her head at his sternum and finding the place where she belonged. For the first time in a long time, her heart leaped with hope; maybe they hadn’t drifted as far as she’d feared. Maybe they could still find their way back to each other.

They hung up, and Annie grabbed Marley’s collar, walking him to the hooks by the front door, where his leash hung. But Serena stepped in front of her.

“Get out of my way.” Annie faced Serena, as if her scowl alone would make the other woman move.

Serena didn’t budge. “You have to give Finn to me.”

“No, I don’t. Move.” Annie tried to go around Serena, but the other woman blocked her again. Fine, if she wouldn’t let Annie get the leash, they would just leave without it. Annie turned to the front door, which was only a few feet away.

Serena once again moved in front of Annie, blocking the way. “I have nothing left. Except him. My son. My flesh and blood.”

Annie glared at Serena. “He’s my son. I will never give him to you.”

“Please.” Serena’s face was contorted, and her red curls stood up wildly, making Annie think of Medusa. “You said you never bonded. You know he’s not yours. Your baby was Johnny. You can have another baby.”

“You’re insane.” Annie’s fists clenched, trying to tamp down her anger. “I’m forty-two. There’s no way I’m going to have another baby.”

“I tried to get him that day . . . that day in August, but then Lindsay . . .”

Annie stared, the dread spreading from her center into her extremities until her whole body was buzzing. “What . . .”

They stared at each other and all sounds receded. Annie could hear nothing but the roaring of her blood in her ears as her mind made the connections and realization dawned.

Suddenly, Serena sprang to life, taking the few steps to the front door. “I’m getting my son.”

“No!” The word ripped out of Annie, and she lunged at Serena, getting her by the hair and pulling hard.

Serena’s head snapped back and she turned to grab Annie’s arm, fingernails digging into her flesh as she tried to get Annie to let go.

Annie rammed her body at Serena until the woman was pinned against the front door. Marley jumped at Serena, his front paws landing hard, and she screamed, the sound lost in the howling of the incessant wind.

Pressure built inside Annie until she thought she’d explode. She couldn’t think, couldn’t gather her thoughts. All she knew was she had to stop this woman from getting to Finn.

Serena thrashed against her, reaching out and catching Annie on the side of the face. She raked her fingernails down Annie’s cheek. Marley growled, lunging at Serena again as Annie brought her free hand up to her cheek.

Blood.

Something unleashed inside her, and with a roar, she attacked Serena. She had to knock her out somehow.

“No. Stop!” Serena shrieked, raising her arms to shield her face from Annie’s fists.

But Annie didn’t stop. There was no form, no skill. She just struck out with her fists, wanting to inflict whatever pain she could and stop this woman. Marley snapped and lunged at her side, helping her.