Page 105 of Broken Daddy

The door opened again and an older woman joined them. She was the most composed out of all of them, but fear filled her face as she stared at them.

“Have you heard how she is? A home invasion? What is the world coming to? And why would they break into that old trailer? Not like that fool, Derick had anything nice. If he had he would have sold it for booze. I’m Michelle. Devi does her pottery at my studio.”

“Her pottery?” he asked.

“She hasn’t told you about her pottery?” she demanded. Then she turned to Mac. “I thought you said he was keen on her.”

“I thought he was. Maybe they haven’t talked about the pottery yet. You know Devi keeps that quiet so Derick doesn’t learn of it.”

“Okay, what?” he asked.

“Devi is very talented,” the older woman said. “She makes the most beautiful vases and bowls. Stunning. She has a showing at a gallery in six weeks. I’ve started boxing everything. Just tell me, is she all right?”

They all stared at him. “She’s in surgery. I’m waiting to find out.”

The door opened again.

Lord, save him.

But this time, a doctor stepped inside. He glanced around tiredly. “Is someone here for Devi Dawson?”

“I am,” Hayes said.

“And me,” Silla added.

“Us too,” Mac said, gesturing to himself and Michelle.

The doctor eyed them all, his gaze lingering over Silla. “Are any of you related to her?”

“I’m her father,” Mac said.

“And I’m her aunt,” Michelle added.

“Sister,” Silla said without hesitation.

Dear Lord. If he didn’t know them, he’d actually believe what they were saying.

They were all insane.

“And you?” the doctor asked him.

“Fiancé.”

“There was no sign of a ring,” the doctor said. “I suppose the intruders might have taken it.”

“Bastards,” Silla spat out. “I’ve seen the ring. It was a whopper of a diamond. I bet that was the reason they attacked her. Not saying it was your fault, Hayes.”

“Right.” Except he still felt like it was. Not because of some pretend ring.

He’d left her.

Just like he’d left May.

“Just tell us how she is,” Michelle begged. “Is she going to be all right?”

The surgeon nodded. “None of her injuries were life-threatening. She did lose quite a bit of blood, but thankfully she’s a common blood type. Although I would encourage you all to donate while you’re here.”

“Not me,” Silla said. “I faint at the sight of blood. Just my own, though. It’s the darnedest thing.”