TIFFIN 3

98

I didn't know what woke me.

Perhaps my body had an internal alarm clock that was used to daily checks on Eleanor. I couldn't be too sure. 

My feet hit the floor before I was aware of what I was doing. Wrapping myself in a robe, I headed to the kitchen. A knock on the front door sounded before I could grab a drink.

Rushing to it, I turned the knob only to spot an empty porch.

That was odd.

Turning back around, my eyes caught the glimpse of something yellow.

Stapled on the door was a note in block letters that read:

IT ALL STARTED WITH YOU BITCH. 

YOU ARE NOT TO INVOLVE ANYONE. 

YOU KNOW WHO I AM. 

MEET ME AT YOUR HUSBANDS 'SPECIAL PLACE' 

OR THAT DARLING DAUGHTER OF YOURS WILL SUFFER. 

No. This couldn't be right.  

Deep inside, I knew who had delivered this.

Quickly snatching the note off the door, I nearly ripped it to pieces. These were meaningless threats. Hero would tear this guy apart for even thinking about harming us. 

But I couldn't tell him.

This man threatened Eleanor's life. Yes, my husband had come into my life first, but my children were my first priority. 

This would piss him off when it was all said and done, but I had to do this for my family. 

If it was Jake Evengot, he didn't scare me anymore. Now, if it was Diedre... 

We'd have a bit more to sort out.

Stuffing the letter in the pocket of my robe, I headed inside only to find Hero digging through some leftover spaghetti. I nearly laughed when he turned looking like the boy with his hand in the cookie jar. 

He swallowed, wiping at his face.

"Baby, I'm sorry. I swear I was going to come find you... I just needed... Nevermind. Eleanor hasn't woke yet has she?"

I shook my head, trying not to eye his six pack that was on display. 

"No. That's not why I'm up. I actually have to go into town." 

He frowned. 

"Why?" 

Dear God. I was a terrible liar. What if he saw through my facade? This could all be ruined in a heartbeat. 

"No biggie. Emma wants to meet up to chat. I thought that this could be a good time for you to connect with your daughter." 

Much to my shock, he grinned, but it died almost as quickly as it appeared. 

"I bet it's about my behavior from the park. Just know that I feel like shit over it. Wish I could take it back."

I smiled, kissing him on the nose. 

"Don't stress over it, love. Everything will be fine in time. You'll see."

He nodded, pressing me close and resting his chin on my head. 

"I promise that I'll really try with her while you're gone."

I raised myself on my tip-toes, wrapping my arms around his neck. 

"That's all I ask. I have to get ready." 

I sent him a grin as I retreated to the bathroom. 

Before leaving, I made sure to spend a long moment with Eleanor. To my husband, my clingy manner was due to motherly jitters.

I knew it was because I hadn't been sure how this meeting would end. 

I was glad that he hadn't seemed to catch on. He simply wished me well on my talk with my mother and let me know that he loved me. 

I would take that to the grave, if necessary.

As I drove out of town limits and down the familiar highway, I spent the time fretting over what awaited me. 

Perhaps I should have consorted with Kylie. 

No, that would have been stupid. She had nearly been murdered over trying to help me track down my kidnapper. 

Speaking of which... How had he granted bail? 

All too soon I'd reached the private strip of land. I expected to have to hike the clearing of trees to reach the elevated rock, but none other than Jake stood at the edge, with his arms crossed. 

He looked much more menacing and aged now that I got a good look at him. 

I was in trouble.

Thank you all for sticking around for this series 😀😀

Means a lot.

Book 4 will be coming soon.

Then we're on to Hero's POV.