Page 37 of Into The Rabbit Hole

However, that wasn’t why she was here. She didn’t want to cast blame. They were all in this and they all had to deal withit.

“We’ll figure it out.” That probably sounded more positive than shefelt.

“I’llfigure it out,” he said with emphasis, then fixed his gaze on her. “How’ve youbeen?”

“I’mokay.”

“Good, and how are you with Brian?” There was a softness in his eyes that showed hissincerity.

“I’m okay with him.” There was so much she wanted to ask him but didn’t know if she could. More importantly, she wanted him to know that she still loved him. “Dad, I don’t want you to think that I’ve replacedyou.”

“Brian’s a good man, a better man thanme.”

That was true, too. Thinking it was harsh, cruel even, but the truth of it outdidthat.

“You raised me and did everything for me,” Taylor told him. “And, I loveyou.”

He held her gaze. That was the very best thing she could say. Despite everything that had happened, she lovedhim.

He brought his hand up to the side of his face and ran his fingers over his cheek and stubbly chin. “I love you, too, Taylor, and I always will. I know, though, that your feelings will change towards me when you find out all that I’vedone.”

“Maybe… But not thelove.”

She knew her father had to be truly despicable to have received a head in a box. That said everything and more. She got the feeling that he’d done terrible things in the past, really terrible things. The thought killed all the respect she had for him, but the love was still there. The familial bond theyshared.

“You’re an angel, you knowthat?”

“No, I just try to begood.”

He smiled at her briefly, then the serious expression returned to hisface.

“What’s happening now with Wade and the investigation?” sheasked.

“Not a lot. I’m requesting an extensive investigation on the crime scene, but since Wade looks so guilty and I’ve basically lost my stripes, it’s difficult to get approval. We need something more than our words to get itauthorized.”

“So we’re still sittingducks?”

“We’ll do ourbest.”

“Is there anything I can do?” So far she hadn’t done anything to help and she really wanted to. Taylor just wasn’t sure what todo.

“You can keep safe. That is the best thing that you can do.” His eyes filled with concern. “I almost lost you, Taylor. I can’t live through thatagain.”

His words touched her heart, and she was reminded of how much love surroundedher.

“Okay. I’ll do that. But if you can think of anything you think I can do, please let meknow.”

“Sure.” He reached out and smoothed his hands over hers. “Taylor, I’m really sorry for all that’s happening. I reallyam.”

She offered a curt nod, just to show compassion. That was all she could offer him because she knew that there was so much more that she didn’t know about. She was far from okay with the uncomfortable feeling that settled in her stomach as she looked athim.

He was her father, a man she’d grown up with and looked up to. Her brain wouldn’t allow the possibility of him doing terrible things to people. But she needed to accept it as a fact. That way she wouldn’t be as devastated as she feared she would be when she found out thetruth.

* * *

Finally,a moment of hope. Real hope. She’d been sitting with Chloe and Wes on the terrace, listening to their idea to saveWade.

Well, actually it was Wes’ idea. Taylor couldn’t have been more grateful to him for hisattempts.