“Mom, have you lost your mind?”
“No.” I exchanged another look with Dennis, who was now beaming down at me. “I’ve finally come to my senses. I’m sorry if that’s hard to hear, Noelle. But I’m a grown woman, and this is my final decision. I’m not going to let you ruin my newfound happiness. Again.”
I added that last word to be extra hurtful, in the hope it would keep her from calling me back.
But instead of hanging up on me, Noelle’s voice turned pleading. “I’m not trying to ruin anything, Mom. I love you, and I’m just trying to understand why you would let that?—”
I hung up on her, hands shaking so badly, I dropped the phone onto the table. I was too afraid of what Dennis would do if Noelle insulted him again.
He’d already told me what would happen if I disobeyed. One call to the Del Gottis, the crime family he now worked for as a bookkeeper, and they’d hurt Noelle. He’d shown me the photos to prove they could. Noelle leaving the hospital. Arguing with Bradford outside her apartment. Hugging me at Babe Station?—
“Oh God.” I’d clasped a hand over my mouth when I saw those photos, knowing they’d been watching her. That the notorious Minneapolis family could get to her anytime they wanted—without even having to cross state lines.
That was all Dennis needed to gain my complete cooperation.
So I knew what I had to pretend—to say and do—to keep Noelle safe. But...
Mom, I love you.
Those four words had threatened to break me. I had no choice but to hang up because I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish the conversation without crying, which would ruin everything.
If Noelle even suspected the truth, she’d tell Holly. And then there’d be nothing I could do to keep them from showing up here—and putting both of themselves in danger.
No, I had to do whatever it took to keep Noelle in the dark and Holly safe in Vancouver.
I knew Holly, especially, would not be surprised about me going back to her evil stepfather.
She’d spent most of her formative years watching me cover bruises with makeup and bend to Dennis’s every whim.
She’d seen firsthand how I’d let him control me without a word of protest. Until he’d hit Noelle.
So when she inevitably heard that Dennis got out early and I’d “chosen” to take him back, of course, she’d assume it was just more of the same.
They must both think I’m so weak....
But it didn’t matter. I squashed down that kernel of self-pity. I’d rather both my daughters think me weak, stupid, and heartless than risk them showing up here.
“Good job.”
Dennis’s voice brought my eyes up from the phone.
Dennis had put on weight in prison. His once-trim frame now carried a noticeable paunch, and his light-brown skin was much paler than I remembered. But his smile was as genial as a campaign photo. Nobody who didn’t know him would guess what he was capable of. Especially now that he’d gotten out of jail.
Oh, God.What would I do if he sicced those mobsters on my baby? The tears that had only pooled in my eyes before began slipping down my cheeks at the thought of Noelle getting hurt because her father didn’t give a damn about anyone but himself.
“Don’t cry.” Dennis bit out the order like emotions were something I could turn on and off. “You weren’t the one who had to spend ten years in jail because your bitch wife turned state’s evidence.”
Vacant Little Thing.
Back when we were married, that was what I’d named the role I’d perfected after I realized anything less than complete subservience would set Dennis off.
The role I was quickly learning to play again.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, choking back my emotions. “You’re right.”
“I know I’m right.” Dennis set the gun on the table between us. A test to see if I’d reach for it, I’m sure.
He didn’t have to worry about that, though. His plan was a sound one. As long as Noelle’s safety was on the line, I wouldn’t go against him. I’d be exactly who he wanted me to be to keep her safe.Vacant Little Thing. Vacant Little Thing. Vacant, vacant, vacant.
