I decide to bide my time and save all of my frustration and anger for Adeline.
When I find that little bitch, I'm going to make her pay.
And then I'm going to make her mine and rule the empire with her by my side, like the fuckin' king and queen of NYC.
CHAPTER 33
ADELINE
I'VE ONLY BEEN in the small town of Cedar Creek, Pennsylvania for a short time, but I'm already in love with the town and the people who reside in it.
Barbara's son, James, and his family have been more than hospitable, putting me up in a small two-story home just down the road from the store that he owns. It's close enough to walk to work, and I've been putting in a significant number of hours at the little convenience store that always seems to be busy.
James told me it's the only store for twenty miles, so everyone in the town goes there for everything they need. He tries to stock all of the essentials and even special requests from the people in town…no matter how bizarre.
James has a way with the town folk. He's personable and always has a smile on his face.
And he was willing to give me a chance, a complete stranger, so that tells me a lot about his character.
He has a kind soul. Just like his mother.
I'm closing up for the night when James comes out of the back storage room. "Have you heard from my mother? I tried calling her yesterday and today, and I've been getting no answer."
I think for a moment to the last time Barbara and I spoke. I suppose it's been a few days as well. "Maybe she finally agreed to go out with Dr. Benson," I offer.
James grins. "You think she finally caved?"
I grin at the memory of Dr. Benson coming to check out my ankle after Barbara first took me to her house. I could practically feel the sexual tension in the room, and I didn't miss the longing glances from both of them.
Barbara had denied it vehemently numerous times; but to quote Shakespeare,the lady doth protest too much, methinks.
"Maybe he finally wore her down," I say with a giggle. Dr. Benson had been practically begging for a date for over a year. His wife had passed away suddenly just as Barbara's husband had, and I know they both were lonely. I urged her into at least giving him a chance, so maybe she finally took my advice.
"It's not like her to not check in at least once a day with all of us," he says with a shake of his head, his playful tone gone now and replaced with worry.
I nibble on my thumbnail, growing anxious. Maybe it's just nothing…or maybe it's…
No. My father is in jail, and the rest of his goons are following close behind him. I haven't seen anything online or in the paper about the feds arresting Giovanni yet, but I know it's only a matter of time.
"I'll try calling her tonight," I tell him.
He nods and then says, "Head on home. I'll lock up."
I can see the wrinkle in his brow. He's worried about his mom. And now I'm worried too. "Okay, boss," I tell him with a forced smile. "See you tomorrow."
I grab my small cross body purse from the hook behind the counter and leave the store. The sidewalk is cracked and raised in some places, and I'm thankful for the sporadic cast iron street lamps that light my way home.
My house is the last one at the end of the street. It's two stories with three bedrooms, a small kitchen, living room, bathroom and front porch. It's more than enough room for me, and I'm just thankful to have a place to call my own.
The porch light glows in the darkness, and the candle lamps in all the windows welcome me home.
I unlock the front door, push my way inside and flick on the foyer light. Closing and locking the door behind me, I sling my purse over a hook near the door and make my way to the kitchen.
There's an older-style rotary phone on the wall, and I pick it up and dial Barbara's number, which I know by heart.
When I get her machine, I leave a message. "Hi, Barbara. It's me," I say into the receiver. I never leave my name…just in case. "James is getting worried that you haven't been calling, and now I'm worried too. Just…call one of us. Okay?" I ask, and I grimace when I hear the tremor in my voice.
Hanging up the phone, I press my forehead against the smooth, black plastic and breathe in deeply. "I hope you're okay," I whisper.
