I got the official offer this morning, and I immediately accepted. I did tell them that I was going through a family emergency, that there had been vandalism to a business I owned, so I would need a couple of weeks to deal with it before I could start. They were extremely understanding and told me to take as much time as I need. Then they sent me a whole onboarding package that will include a moving bonus, and so much more.
It should be incredibly exciting.
Instead, all I feel is dread. Sadness. Like something important is coming to an end.
Being so far away from the sanctuary will be even more difficult now. It’s going to take weeks, maybe even months, to rebuild.
Thunderstorms and a severe weather warning delayed the flight from Alaska last night so I didn’t even hear Viktor come in, and I woke up early, leaving without talking to him because I didn’t trust myself not to throw myself in his arms and beg him to love me.
Or something equally ridiculous.
Tonight is game six and I have to go, but I’m dreading that too.
I have to sit there with all the other wives and girlfriends and pretend to care about a man who just shattered my heart. I don’t blame him. This was a business arrangement, after all, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less.
Some of this is my fault.
Because I should have been more careful.
I should never have slept with him.
I shouldn’t have allowed myself to believe there was a chance.
But I did, and now I have to face the consequences of my own actions.
There have been a lot of people coming and going. Darryl has been here setting up a plan for security. He’s also helping me buy and implement cameras and alarms. I never thought it was necessary since it’s a non-profit. We keep less than five hundred dollars on site at any given time.
They’re birds, for heaven’s sake. There’s nothing here but poop and feathers and birdseed. Obviously, I’m not talking about the emotional bond or the joy they bring, but for someone looking to break in, this is a pretty bleak haul.
Unless it’s personal, of course.
Which this was.
And I’m also working on revenge. I don’t know how I’m going to do it yet, but I will find a way. First, we need to figure out who did it, and Darryl has promised to help. He’s a good guy, and having him around has made everyone feel more comfortable.
I’m vaguely aware of a car pulling into the lot, but I figured it was him or one of his men. So, I’m completely shocked when a slightly accented voice says my name. I whirl, hand on my heart, and stare at Mr. Maslak in surprise.
“Oh, hello. You scared me!”
“Sorry.” He holds up his hands in a placating gesture. “I come to help.”
“Oh.” I’m caught off-guard. I don’t know how to behave in front of my father-in-law now. “I…” I just stare for a beat, trying to gather my thoughts.
“Priscilla. She is okay?” he asks after a moment.
“She’s…traumatized. Do you want to see her?” I figure that’s a safe topic of conversation.
He nods. “Yes.” He pats his pocket. “I have treat.”
I manage a shaky smile, and we start walking toward an enclosure around back. The birds who normally wander freely are contained now, mostly for their own safety as we clean and rebuild, but also because we want to be able to see them at all times. We’re all a bit hypervigilant at the moment.
To my complete shock, the moment Priscilla sees Mr. Maslak she hurries in our direction.
And sticks her head through the slats of the wooden fence.
Mr. Maslak kneels and murmurs to her in Russian. I don’t understand, I can’t imagine that Priscilla does, but she rubs her head against his hand. The gentle gesture brings tears to my eyes, and I swipe at them angrily.
I walk over and open the gate, and he follows me inside. Priscilla is glued to his side as I show him some of the damage, along with the spot where we’ll bury Elvis’s remains when they come back from the vet.
