Epoch (Transcend Duet #2)(28)

Nate freezes midway to taking another bite of toast. Eyes unblinking.

It came out. Daisy just came out of my mouth in a flurry of frustration and raw emotions.

“What did you just say?”

My gaze shifts to Morgan. I tickle the bottom of her feet. “The man who killed Erica is the same man who killed Daisy.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says with an edge of irritation to his voice.

I laugh. It’s not funny. Yet it is incredibly ironic. “You don’t have to believe me. It’s probably in your best interest if you don’t. But I said it and that’s all that matters. Dr. Albright said I should tell you.” I shrug, keeping my focus on Morgan. “There. Now I’ve told you. Maybe she’ll be proud of me for doing my homework.”

“Don’t ever say that again. Understood?”

I look up, meeting his hardened expression. “Are you kidding me?” My eyes bulge out of my head. “I realize you feel responsible for not being with Daisy. I get it. In some ways you feel responsible for her death—which you are not. But don’t you dare scold me for saying what’s in my head. Can you even begin to comprehend what this means to me? When my mind flips on the replay reel and I see Doug and his bloodied face, and I hear his words, it’s not some book or movie. It’s my life. I’m remembering the end of my life as Daisy Gallagher. I’m on the verge of remembering my death!

“And I’m sorry … I didn’t want to share this burden with you, even when Dr. Albright said I should. It just came out. Now you have to decide … what’s it going to be, Nate? Are we friends? If I forgive you for breaking up with me over your stubborn pride, will you listen to me? I need someone to listen to me. Someone who will believe me. Someone who will help me stop this sick bastard from killing another innocent person.”

This new, intimidating, really pissed off looking Nate steps closer. “You’re lying to me. So cancel whatever fucking plans you may have tonight because as soon as I get home, you’re telling me everything before I let you take one step out of this house.”

“Don’t swear in front of your daughter,” I grit through a tight smile. This is not my fault. I’m not a liar. He’s not going to make me feel like I’ve done something wrong.

The muscles in his jaw twitch a few times. Why have I been making the men in my life so angry lately?

It’s NOT my fault!

I pick up Morgan and move her arm like a puppet’s. “Bye, Daddy. You’re going to be late if you don’t stop scowling at my favorite nanny.”

“Swayze …” he says my name like he’s warning me to keep my tongue in my mouth.

“Professor …”

He leaves.

I hold every emotion inside. If I let him break me in the process of trying to protect himself, we all suffer and Doug remains a free man. I need Nate’s help, so I’ll take a few verbal punches and scowls of distrust to put an end to this nightmare.

*

Griffin’s working late. I tell him I’m going to an exercise class; he doesn’t question it since I have always been sporadic with my gym visits. And it’s not a lie. I do have my workout clothes in the truck, I just might not get there until later. Or at all.

Professor: I’m leaving now. My dad will be there soon to get Morgan. Pack her diaper bag and formula. And DON’T LEAVE.

Me: I’ve read this three times and I don’t see a ‘please.’ Surely I’m just missing it????

He doesn’t respond.

Within ten minutes his dad arrives.

“Hello?” He calls from the front door.

I fasten Morgan into her carrier. “Coming.” Slinging the diaper bag over my shoulder, I deliver Morgan to her grandpa.

“Hi, you must be Swayze.”

I nod at the familiar face. “I’d say you must be Mr. Hunt, but there’s no missing the resemblance.”

“The hair give it away?”

I hand him the diaper bag and smile. “The eyes.”

“Sure.” He gives me a playful grin.

“I just fed her and changed her diaper, but everything’s in the diaper bag, including extra outfits.”

He takes Morgan. “Well, I hope you get your contract renegotiated. Nathaniel speaks highly of you. I’d hate for him to lose such a good nanny.”

“My contract …” I nod slowly. “Yeah.”

He points over my shoulder. “I’m taking the other car since there’s a car seat base in the back.”

“Of course.” I step aside and follow him to the back garage door.

“It was nice to meet you, Swayze.”

“You too, Mr. Hunt.”

“Call me David.”

“Okay, David. Do you need help getting her seat in the base?”

“Nope. Nathaniel showed me a while back when he went out with some friends.”

The professor has friends. Of course he does. Everyone has friends. But since he hasn’t mentioned them to me, it’s as if they don’t exist.

When he pulls out, I give him one final wave and press the button to the garage door. It stops halfway down and goes back up.

The professor’s SUV pulls into its spot. He looks as intimidating as he did when he left this morning. Time didn’t soften his anger.