Renee’s POV Mrs. Hazels face is ashen. “Renee, I’m so sorry,” she says in a single breath and gently closes the door behind her. My heart thumps in my chest. My head jumps to conclusions but can’t land on any. Last time Eric took her, that’s unlikely this time because he’s at work and would hav
I doubt whatever car took her brought her home, but maybe they came by and Debbie took something that can indicate where she went. Before the car is fully at a stop, I throw it into park and race to the front door. I struggle with the lock, cursing under my breath. Finally the key gets inserted
Renee’s POV “Mia took you?” I shout. Unbelievable. I laugh at the audacity. First she steals my design and tries to ruin me as a designer. Then she takes my daughter? She’s a mother herself, I would expect that to be enough for her to know using children as a ploy for messing with someone is off
Debbie sinks back in the passenger seat. Despite her slightly larger frame because of her wolf traits the seat still engulfs her pup body. I put the car back in drive and safely continue on my way. After dropping Debbie off at Jaspers and briefly explaining the whole situation I’m hit again with t
Renee’s POV I leave the office for the second time today, but this time my confidence has plummeted. Just when I thought Eric was going to be completely on my side, he still left some of himself to Mia. Even when we were married, he always had a soft spot for her. Even if he claims it’s because
I’ve only been to Jaspers a couple of times, but he’s changed a few things since I was here last. His once pale blue kitchen walls are now a deep burgundy giving the room a warm feel, a shap contrast to the cutting winds outside that tell us winter will be here soon. Though it’s only two in the af
Renee’s POV The next day at work I pace outside Eric’s office. Thinking of quitting my job and starting my own business was much easier yesterday with some liquid courage in the confines of Jaspers house. Now that I’m here actually about to quit, I don’t feel as confident. Jasper already wired
A vein in Eric’s forehead pulses. He grunts. “All right then,” he says and Maranda from his seat. “Box up your things you’re finished today,” he says stiffly. Usually an employee stays two weeks after quitting, but I don’t question Eric on this. I rise to my feet and hurry out the door before he c
He opens the glass window separating us and hands me a sack full of cash. It’s heavy like it’s filled with bricks and I sling it over my shoulder. Andrew follows me out the door, we ignore the concerned eyes glued to us as we leave.No one says a word. The only sound is the swooshing of a machine co
Eric’s POV “What is it?” Andrew asks picking up on my sudden shift in energy. Eric, Eric. Renee’s voice echoes in my head.“I hear Renee,” I stammer, I touch my head as though I’m touching her. “I can’t hear her,” I repeat. Andrew looks at me like I’m crazy and I know I might sound that way but thi
“How much do you want?” I ask, if it’s money they’re after then they can have it all. This time Dan bends down next to me. He takes his finger and lifts my chin so my eyes meet him. It looks like he has two heads and I struggle to decide which one to focus on.“We need Eric’s banking information and
Renee’s POV Eric’s father eyes widen in surprise. I blow some hair out of my face but it doesn’t do much and wet curls still stick to my sweaty forehead. I strain to listen to hear what the other person on the end of the line says.Something tells me, Eric’s father, what was his name again? Isn’t
“Meet me at our spot,” I tell Andrew before hanging up and throw the car into reverse. I hear the awe of children and cursing if parents as my car speeds out of the lot.Twenty minutes later, I spot Andrew at the woods where we meet when we need to talk privately. I explain my last interaction with
Eric’s POVIt’s happening again. It has to be. I crack my neck. I knew I was pushing her too hard. I jam my phone back in my pocket.It’s not like she couldn’t handle the pressure. She’s stronger than she gives herself credit for. But maybe it’s just me she couldn’t tolerate. That’s why she left bef
Consciousness creeps slowly throughout my being, bringing with it a spreading of pulsating pain. I groan. Big mistake. My head explodes with pain, my vision is instantly blinded by bursts of red and orange.“Oh Renee, you’re waking up!” A familiar voice squeaks causing bile to rise up in my throat f
Renee’s POV Okay. I officially have no idea where I am. My GPS has taken me completely off any main roads, and away from any sort of civilization.I’ve checked the location Natalie has sent me at least twenty times and apparently it’s correct. I’m just glad my GPS is still connected to the interne
I should text him that I’ll be a tad late for our second session of therapy today. I wonder if a therapist ever had a client where the husband and brother have seen the private parts of the wife but it was to ensure protection of a child because an ex-lover and the father is plotting a murderous att