“Yeah, it was Stone’s treatment of women where the problem arose,” I spat.
“Truthfully, darling, Stone wasn’t bad to women until he broke up with you.”
I laughed bitterly. “Clara, he didn’t break up with me. Stone stomped and smashed me to pieces. It took years to heal from that asshole’s actions. I’ve never trusted a man since and don’t plan to again. Anyway, what’s with Hellfire MC?”
“Hellfire MC is one of the hero clubs, as the group is referred to. Those who rode to defend Rapid City from the terrorist attack. They’ve a lot of respect and power in Spearfish. They’re run by Chance Michaelson, who’s the president. I can’t sayI’m familiar with the club brothers’ names, but they are all recognisable by the Hellfire patch.”
I giggled, “I can’t believe you know it’s called a patch.”
“Hey, I can be hip!”
“No!” I groaned. “Clara, hip isn’t used anymore. That’s aged you.”
Clara chuckled. “I am old, darling. April, Stone will guess you’re staying here. Would you like me to set Rose on him with a broomstick if he turns up?”
“No. Just shut the door on him. Stone doesn’t get to cause more drama or intrude in our lives.”
“I think he’ll come looking.”
“Let him, Clara. Just remember how Stone treated me and don’t fall for his bullshit,” I replied.
Sadness crossed Clara’s face. “Oh, I know, darling. He took my baby away from me for years. I have to ask, April, what happens when I’m well?”
“How about you sell up and move?”
“Where?” Clara asked, amused.
“Pick anywhere; I’ll go where you go. Stone has taken too much from us. I refuse to let him take more.”
“April, if Stone knew what he’d thrown—”
“Please don’t, not now, Clara. It’s too raw.”
“It always will be. Every time you see him, the wound will reopen. You truly loved him,” Clara muttered sadly.
“Yeah, I did, but not anymore. Come, how about we move to California?” I tried to change the subject. Clara sent me a glance that said she was aware of what I was doing.
“Oh, no! Could you imagine the sweat and the sand? Although Savannah has consistently appealed to me,” Clara declared, and I laughed.
“But it’s hot there too,” I replied.
“But a lady can cope with a genteel heat,” Clara announced, and I smiled. The world according to Clara!
Harlequin
“Son, did I hear right? April Graham’s back?” Mom demanded, and I pulled the phone away from my ear and scowled.
“Where did you hear that?”
“There was a new player at bingo. Her name was Rose, and she’s a recent arrival to the area. Rose informed everyone that she was working for Clara Graham. When I asked if she was the housekeeper, Rose said she was primarily a nurse but helped with housekeeping. Clara had a nasty accident and fell, and nobody found her for two days. The poor old dear has broken her hip and leg. She’s been unable to get around, so Clara hired Rose to care for her.”
“Okay,” I drew out the word, aware Mom wasn’t finished.
“Well, Rose said that Clara’s daughter had returned home and was helping care for her, which allowed Rose a few nights off during the week. Son, Clara doesn’t have children, although April was always counted as hers. Hell, April even changed her name at eighteen to Clara’s surname. So, is it true April’s back?”
“Yes,” I admitted and waited.
“That’s wonderful. Will you visit her?”
