What if I told you?

Chapter 11

As the night went on, the Halstead family enjoyed the warmth of the bonfire, the delicious grilled food, and the breathtaking meteor shower. Laughter and stories filled the air, creating a sense of joy and togetherness.

In the distance, unbeknownst to the Halsteads, a figure clad in shadows observed the family gathering. The mysterious onlooker had been trailing Erin, Jay, and Riley from the moment they left the city. With a sense of determination, they approached the cabin cautiously, blending into the darkness.

As the Halsteads continued to enjoy their evening, the mysterious figure edged closer to the cabin. Just as they were about to step into the light of the bonfire, Jay noticed a movement in the shadows. Instinctively, he placed himself between his family and the approaching figure.

"Who's there?" Jay called out, his protective instincts kicking in.

The figure hesitated for a moment before stepping into the light, revealing a face that sent shockwaves through Erin. It was Bunny, her estranged mother, looking more worn and desperate than Erin had ever seen her.

"Erin, please, I need your help!" Bunny pleaded, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and regret.

The atmosphere around the bonfire shifted, tension replacing the earlier warmth. Erin, torn between her past and her present, looked at Jay, who tightened his grip on her hand in silent support.

"What do you want, Bunny?" Erin asked, her voice steady but guarded.

"I know I messed up, but they're after me. I need a place to hide," Bunny explained, desperation evident in her voice.

Erin took a deep breath, glancing at Riley, who was watching the scene unfold with curiosity. The unexpected arrival of Bunny had disrupted the peace they had found at the cabin.

"I can't believe you'd show up here, after what you've done," Erin said, her tone a mix of anger and disappointment.

Jay stepped forward, a protective stance that spoke volumes. "You've caused enough trouble, Bunny. You can't just barge in here and expect everything to be forgiven."

Bunny's eyes pleaded with Erin. "I'm scared for my life, Erin. I didn't know where else to go."

Erin looked at Jay, conflicted. The once familiar emotions of wanting to protect her mother warred with the knowledge that Bunny's actions had put her own family in danger.

Hank had warned them, and now Erin faced a difficult decision. The tranquility of their family getaway shattered by the arrival of the person who had once been both a burden and a source of pain. The night that had promised joy and relaxation now hung in the balance, with Bunny's presence casting a dark shadow over their cabin refuge.

Erin's eyes bore into Bunny's, a mixture of anger and curiosity evident. "Why did you put a bounty on me? And who's after you?"

Bunny, realizing the weight of the situation, took a hesitant breath before responding. "I had no choice, Erin. The people I used to work for, they want me dead. They found out about the deal you cut, and they're holding me responsible."

Jay, still standing protectively by Erin's side, interjected, "Why should we believe a word you say? You've lied and manipulated us before."

Bunny's desperation grew as she pleaded, "I may have made mistakes, but I'm genuinely scared. I never wanted them to come after you. They're ruthless, Erin, and they won't stop until they get what they want."

Erin, conflicted by a mix of emotions, glanced at Jay, who maintained a stern expression. Riley, sensing the tension, held onto Erin's leg, seeking comfort.

"Jay, I need to hear her out. If there's a real threat, we need to know who we're dealing with," Erin said, her voice steady.

Jay reluctantly nodded, and Erin turned back to Bunny. "Start talking. Explain everything, and leave nothing out."

Bunny began recounting a tangled web of criminal activities, betrayals, and the dangerous organization she had once been a part of. She explained how Erin's departure had triggered a series of events leading to the current situation.

As Bunny spoke, a sense of urgency filled the air. The Halsteads, though skeptical, couldn't deny the gravity of the situation. Erin realized that, despite the complicated history, her mother's plea for help was genuine.

The night, once filled with laughter and stargazing, transformed into a strategic discussion about how to handle the imminent threat. Plans were devised, precautions taken, and alliances formed reluctantly.

While Bunny's presence remained an unwelcome intrusion, the shared danger forced Erin and Jay to navigate a delicate balance between protecting their family and addressing the haunting past.

As the night unfolded, decisions were made, trust was cautiously extended, and the Halsteads found themselves entangled in a web of danger that threatened to shatter the fragile peace they had sought at the cabin. The unexpected reunion with Bunny had set in motion a chain of events that would test the strength of family bonds and challenge the newfound serenity of their secluded retreat.