Not-So-Secret

Chapter nine

SHE HEARD THE DOOR behind her open and close behind James. Her bravado faltered, badly. Jones's gaze was enough to put the fear of the devil in anyone, but she knew, she remembered too intensely, just who she was facing.

"When we met, I thought your impertinence was charming. That was a long time ago."

"I'm still me. That's something you can't change."

"No?" He rose. She'd forgotten just how formidable a man he was, as if her memories could only hold so much of him and no more. At six foot, he was a little shorter than James, but his attitude made him seem huge. He'd kept trim, which didn't surprise her. He had a personal trainer, played tennis and golf, swam daily. He took pride in his body and just like everything else of his, it had to be a little better, a little stronger. He looked years younger than fifty-eight, something he never tired of hearing.

"No. I wish I could have been more... forthright about leaving, but the fundamental reasons haven't changed at all. I don't want to be here. You can have anyone. Anyone at all."

"That's right. I can. And I want you."

He reached her side and it was all she could do to maintain her ground. She couldn't give in to her terror.

Not that he didn't already know she was quaking inside. But she didn't want Shaun to see. He was scared enough as it was.

"Mommy, I want to go home.

She kissed his forehead. "I know, sweetie. Me, too."

Jones smiled at the boy, showing off his even, white teeth. Perfect. Fake. "You are home. This is your new home, son."

"He's not" Kelly stopped herself. She'd gone over it and over it since the moment Shaun had disappeared. She didn't dare tell Jones that Shaun wasn't his. He wouldn't believe her; he'd insist on proof. Once he discovered that James was Shaun's father, the two of them were dead. What she didn't know and didn't dare find out, is if it would also mean Shaun's death. Unthinkable, but Jones was just vicious enough to do something that heinous.

"He doesn't understand," she said feebly.

"Then we'll help him understand, won't we?" Jones declared, reaching out with his long fingers.

She flinched, but he only touched the side of her cheek. She closed her eyes, held Shaun tighter.

"Before you arrived, I explained to Shaun that I'm his father. That we'll become very good friends. That he'll have the best of everything from this moment forward. The best tutors, the best toys and you, Kelly, will pull yourself together." He looked her up and down, shaking his head as if her jeans were a personal affront.

"You're back with me now."