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Chapter Fourteen

Fiona

Eight years earlier

“Dad!” I called againfor the tenth time. “Where are you?” Walking through the kitchen, I could hear voices coming from the garage.

He was supposed to be helping me with my science project that was due in two days, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I felt like he was avoiding me, it was never that hard to find him, and he always came when I called for him.

Except for right now. Where the hell is he?

The house was eerily quiet, making every creek and groan from the floorboards sound like I was jamming a knife between the ribs of a lion. A lamp was on in the living room, the light in the kitchen was burning boldly, casting dark shadows across the cabinets and counters.

But no one was around.

Standing in the kitchen, I could hear voices behind the door that led to the garage. It sounded heated, like my father was arguing with whoever was out there.

What the hell is going on in there?

Walking to the door, I lifted my hand to the knob and started to turn it.

“Fiona, no!” My mom barked in a hushed voice, rushing to my side and stopping me. “Your father is busy right now, leave him alone.”

“But he said he would help me tonight, he promised.”

“I know what he said, but it's going to have to wait.” Gripping my shoulders, my mother turned me away from the door and led me into the living room. “It shouldn't be too long, but your dad is having an important meeting right now.”

“Meeting? But it's nine, isn't it a little late for that?” Arching a brow, I twisted my head to look at her. “He never meets with anyone past seven, that's his rule.”

“Don't, now is not the time for your mouth.” With stiff arms, my mother guided me around the coffee table. “This is important, I need you to just stay in here.”

My father was a business man, what he did exactly, I wasn't too sure. He always told me that when I got older he would sit me down and explain the details. I have yet to have that conversation with him, and I was already fourteen. I wasn't sure that discussion would ever happen.

Plopping me down on the couch, my mom grabbed the remote and clicked on the television. “Here, watch something for now. And I don't want you going back near the garage. Understood?”

“Fine.” Slouching into the cushion, I stared at the screen and zoned out.

I wasn't sure how much time had gone by exactly, when my mom suddenly rushed past the living room. She was running full speed with something in her hands. I couldn't tell what it was, but as she passed under the light it sparkled with a mirror finish.

I heard the garage door open and close quickly, and I couldn't stop the curiosity as it swelled in my gut.

What is she doing?

Quietly, I rose to my feet and carefully walked back towards the kitchen. Her face worried me, she looked frantic and scared. I had no clue why or what the hell would make her look so upset.

Hitting the threshold for the kitchen, the voices had become significantly louder than before. Their tones were harsh and thick, as they spewed hate-filled words at each other.

“Fuck you! I didn't do this to screw you over, I needed it! But now you're going to force me to do something I really don't want to.”

Holding the wood beam, my heart started to race inside my chest as I listened to the argument turn from heated into plain rage. My dad was angry, the man with him was angry, and I stood unaware of the true danger lurking behind the door.

“Don't fucking threaten me, Frank!” the unknown man's voice barked, his scream booming through my ears and making my back snap straight. “Do you know who you're talking to?! You said you'd pay me back double what I gave you! You didn't! That's why I'm here, I'm here because you couldn't hold up your end!”

“I told you I needed more time!”

Why is Dad so upset? Who is he yelling at?

“Stop this, not here, not right now.” My mother cut in, sounding anxious and terrified. “You can't do this here.” Pleading for them to stop, I heard my mother's voice trembling as she spoke.