A Hidden Danger

A Storm

Marigold

I never thought there would be a time when I wished Marco were home with me. But when he said that he was sending my mother over to be with me, I felt fear for the first time when he was leaving. Normally all I would feel was relief that I wouldn't have to be on my toes and quick thinking for at least a few moments. That day I felt terror at the thoughts of being alone in the house with my mother.

After her last visit with her threats, I couldn't bear the thoughts of being in her presence. All those childhood fears came rushing back, and I knew she was serious about her threats. Part of me wished I had the strength to tell Marco of what she said to me. He could have kept her away and made sure I wasn't around her. But that all depended on if he was willing. From what I gathered, he thought she had done the right things in her training me. He felt I needed more training, if anything. Nothing short of getting out of there would save me from her.

"Marigold I'm here. Marco left in a frenzy and said that I should stay with you until he returns. He was very clear that I stay in the room with you. Did you do something bad again, girl?" My mother stated, walking into my room.

"No. We were learning the sex of the baby and having an appointment. He got an urgent call and left quickly and didn't say anything. I hope everyone is alright." I said.

She eyed me like she was trying to find the lie in what I had said. There wasn't one to be found. I did hope everyone was alright, everyone who wasn't Marco. Since I had returned to the house, I had learned that I needed to up my game when it come to making sure people couldn't read me. So doing that, I told half truths. That way, I could always school my face.

"Do you now? Well, what are you having? You said you were learning the sex of that baby. So out with it." She said with a snap.

"I don't know if he wants to tell people yet. He may was to make an announcement." I said. I was treading lightly with her, but I knew she could and would snap at any moment.

"Nonsense. I'm your mother. I should be allowed to know before anyone!"

Her anger was rising, and the surrounding air seemed to drop. I felt like I had been dropped in the artic with the way she was looking at me with her cold dead eyes. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and goose bumps filled my skin. Everything in my body had screamed danger.

I was standing beside the bed on the side where I slept. I still had the knife hidden between the box spring and the mattress. If she had come at me, I was ready to take her down if I needed to. I wasn't going to let her hurt me ever again. I squared my shoulders and stood tall. I had to show I wasn't afraid of her even if I had been filled with fear.

"I think that Marco above anyone should make that decision. He is the head of the family and the baby's father. I don't want to anger him by going against his plans he may have. Do you?"

I knew I was playing a dangerous game with what I was doing. She could crack and there would have been nothing I could do about it. Sure, there was security around, but in a house that size it could take minutes to get to me. I would be dead before they even entered the room.

"I suppose you are right. He is the one in charge. We'll just wait until he comes home. Then I will have him tell me."

She turned and walked out the door of the bedroom. I grabbed the knife and hid it in the knee-high boots I was wearing. Even if I was only sitting around the house, I had to be fully dressed and looking my best. Marco wouldn't settle for any less. That day, I was thankful for that fact. It could very well save my life.

Once down stairs I noticed it had gotten very dark outside. I wondered if there was going to be a storm and as if God himself was answering me there was a bit of rain. I looked at my mother who was also looking out at the scene, and wondered what it would have been like to have a mother who loved me. Someone who would have protected me from harm instead of being the one to commit it.

Her phone went off, and she looked at the notification. Her brows furrowed and then she looked at me with a look I had never seen on her face before.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"The main warehouse is on fire. Your father is on his way over there."

"Maybe the rain will help put it out." I said. I had tried to sound hopeful, but in truth I wanted to laugh.

"The storm is coming from the wrong direction. It won't help them. Over there they have sun with a few clouds."

She walked into the living room and sat down. I joined her and turned on the television to try to distract myself. I don't know how long we were sitting there before she turned to me and glared in my direction.

"What?" I asked.

"I know what you did." She screamed and stood, lunging for me.

Somehow, I got away from her and put the couch in between us. I noticed her phone in her hand was bright, meaning she saw something on it. At the time I didn't know what she was talking about, but whatever it was she was angrier than I had ever seen her.

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" I said calmly.

"You set those Russians on us didn't you?" She yelled.

"Mother, I really have no idea what you're talking about." I yelled back.

"You little rat, I'm gonna make you pay." She screamed and ran around the couch to me.

As soon as I noticed her moving, I grabbed the knife I had hidden in my boot. I had just pulled it out when all the lights went out in the house. That action caused my mother to stop in her tracks. I had expected to hear the footsteps of the security detail, but nothing happened. I quietly moved to where my mother would not be able to notice me. With the house being completely in the dark, she had a hard time navigating around the furniture.

A hand wraps around my mouth, and an arm pulls me backward. I start to struggle until I take in the familiar scent of Austin.

"Sshh. It's me baby. Just stay as quiet as you can." he whispered into my ear.

"Marigold, get over here. You need to be punished for what you've done!"

The next thing I hear is something hitting someone in the head and the lights come on, showing Tex standing over my mother with a gun in his hand.