Page 23 of Finding Forgiveness

Now that I’m up close, I can see her swollen eyes, and I know she’s been crying. “I’m here to save you, Princess,” I tell her, reaching up to tenderly tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“Save me from what?”

“Your mother.”

“Con.”

“Cass, you’re not safe here. You know it as well as I do.”

“I can’t go with you.”

“Why?”

Her eyes dart back to her mother. We’re talking softly enough that she can’t hear what we’re saying, but it doesn’t stop Cassandra from leaning forward and whispering in my ear. “She’ll come after you if I leave.”

I draw back and make eye contact with her. “I’m not afraid of your mother.”

“You should be. You have no idea what this woman is capable of.”

“I’ve dealt with worse.”

“I can’t put you in danger like that,” she murmurs, bowing her head.

“Cass,” I say, placing my finger under her chin and raising her face back to mine. I bend slightly so I’m at eye level with her, and the sadness I see in those caramel-coloured orbs almost undoes me. “You’ll be safe and cared for with us, you know that right? I’m not asking for anything more from you, so you don’t have to worry about that. I need you safe, and the only way I can do that is to get you away from that woman. Jaz is beside herself with worry. She’s been trying to reach you ever since you left the hospital.”

“My mum took my phone away.”

I figured as much. “I’m pretty sure she’s blocked both of our numbers … can’t you see, this is just the beginning. She’s trying to control you. Please say you’ll come with me? I’m prepared to take on your mother if need be.”

“You say that now. There is no level she wouldn’t stoop to. She could destroy you, Con.”

“Do you forget I’m a lawyer? That my father is a lawyer. I work for the police department and deal with shady people on the daily. People far worse than your mother.” Tears rise to her eyes, and it tugs at my heart. “Don’t cry. My family loves you.”I love you.“We’ll take care of you, Cass. Please say you’ll come with me.”

“She’s not going to let me leave.”

“You’re an adult, she can’t stop you.”

“But I was released from the hospital under her care.”

“It’s not a court-appointed care order, Cass. It means nothing.”

“I’m scared, Con.”

“I know, Princess, but together we’ll get through this. You have a lot of people in your corner. My entire family is behind you, you know that right?”

“I do, and I appreciate you all so much for that.” She pauses for a moment before saying, “Okay.”

“Okay, what? You’ll leave here right now, with me?”

“Yes,” she says, nodding her head once.

Thank fuck.I feel an instant relief. I wrap her in my arms, crushing her petite body against mine as I place a soft kiss on her hair. “Good girl.”

I grasp her hand and lead her back towards the others. Her grip tightens as we approach. “Cassandra has agreed to come with us.”

“Is that what you want?” the officer asks.

“Yes,” she answers without hesitation.