Blow(6)

I got right in his face. “I mean it. Make sure she’s not one of them.”

Visions flashed before me. Kidnapping. Rape. Torture.

My father looked around as if someone might be watching. “You know I can’t. That’s not my place. Besides, my visit today was strictly social.”

“Right,” I muttered under my breath.

He pointed his finger at me. “You need to calm down.”

Irate, I balled my fists at my sides. “Don’t tell me what I need.”

If that horrible gut feeling wasn’t worrisome enough, my father looked equally as troubled. “Go cool off. I’m going to see Patrick and I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be anywhere even in his vicinity. I’ll catch a cab.”

I didn’t argue. “Fucking best idea you’ve had in a while.”

My cell started to ring and without a second thought, I walked past him and left his ass.





ELLE


“Who was that?”

As the thought escaped my lips, I cringed that I’d spoken it out loud. Michael wasn’t paying attention to me, though; he was already putting his coat on, and his aloof demeanor snapped me out of my daze.

Either he hadn’t heard me or he was ignoring my question. I waited patiently for an explanation but as the moments passed, I knew one wasn’t coming. Especially when he reached over and took Clementine from me.

Once she was fully in his arms, icy blue eyes darted to mine. “You shouldn’t have brought her here early.”

I peered at him. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he responded tersely.

“Were you expecting him?”

“No,” he snapped. “He called earlier and told me he’d call me back later, or I would never have had you meet me here.”

I’d bitten back my irritation long enough. “Do you want to tell me what that was about?”

Michael grabbed Clementine’s coat from the hook and put it on her. “You know what that was about.”

His tone told me everything I needed to know.

This was about her.

He sighed and then spoke softly. “The mess she left behind is catching up with me sooner than I anticipated. I thought I had more time.”

“What did he say?”

Michael closed his eyes. “He told me time’s almost up.”

“What are you going to do?”

He stared at me without answering.

“Who is he, anyway?” I asked as a new wave of terror overtook me.

The diaper bag was on the floor and he picked it up. “Someone you don’t want to piss off. It’s best if you pretend you never saw him.”

“What’s his full name?” I pressed as I slipped my trench coat on and then my hat.

Michael opened the front door. “Sean McPherson.”

The cool wind hit my face and it blew my hat off when I stepped outside. “What does he do?”

“He’s an attorney in Dorchester.”

I walked down the steps and waited on the brick sidewalk. “That’s not what I mean and you know it.”

“It doesn’t matter what he does. What matters is that you stay away from him.” He sounded annoyed.

It pissed me off.

“I got that the first time you told me that.”

Without a second glance, he looked away.

I was exasperated but knew he wasn’t going to say anything else. We’d been having the same type of conversation for the past three months.

“Where’d you park?” he asked.

“Around the corner.”

Michael’s Mercedes was sitting right in front of us. He nodded his head. “Get in. I’ll drive you there.”

I shook my head. “No, I think I’ll walk.”

“Are you okay?” he asked as he unlocked the doors.

“Yes, I’m fine. I just need some air.”

Michael bent to buckle Clementine into her car seat and I flashed him a disgusted look. I couldn’t believe he was really going to pull the “it’s for your own benefit” crap.

When Clementine was secure in her seat, he turned toward me with remorse in his eyes. “I’m not purposefully keeping you in the dark.”

With my brows raised, I responded emphatically, “Yes, you are.”

Again, he glanced away. “Okay, you’re right. I just don’t want you involved.”

“But I already am.”

Michael shook his head and took a step toward me. “Stop saying that.”

I sighed in frustration.

Michael gently put his hands on my arms. “Don’t let McPherson rattle you. He went to school with my father; they’re old friends. He’s a hothead, but he wouldn’t hurt me.”

I wasn’t so sure.

Having had enough, I shrugged out of his hold and stepped around him to kiss Clementine. “See you soon, baby girl,” I said to her and nuzzled her nose.

I hated saying goodbye.

Michael opened his door. “You all set for tomorrow?”

“I’ve just got a few more things to do. I’m heading there now to finish up.”

He gave me an encouraging nod. “Let me know what I can do to help.”