Page 119 of Vain

She nods and whimpers.

“Wait. Are you saying Tilly’s real father is responsible for all this?”

“Yesss…”

“Where is he now?”

“H…ome.” She starts to fade and I know she isn’t going to make it.

“Damn it, Hattie, for once in your fucking life, fight for her.”

Her eyes focus on me again for a moment before they slip closed. “Trap…”

“We know. But don’t worry, Tilly’s not here.

“He knows…the trap…get you away from…daughter. Save her.”

She takes one last breath, and then she’s gone.

I turn to Kellen, his face a mask of horror that must mirror my own. “He’s going after Tilly.”

Chapter Forty-Four

MATILDA

I’m a nervous wreck waiting for news. Unable to sit still, I pace the room. Greyson has been flitting around trying to keep busy while Marley has stayed glued to my side, waiting for me to fall apart.

“I’ve called the police and explained what’s going on. They’re sending someone out,” Greyson says, walking in with his phone in his hand. “Why don’t you lay down for a little while?”

I shake my head. “I couldn’t sleep if I tried.”

“I know that, but you could at least rest. I have a feeling it will be a long night.”

“Maybe in a little while. I just can’t right now.”

“Okay.” He nods. “I’m going to go out and let Cliff know the police will be arriving soon. He’ll need to open the gate and let them in.” I nod and watch him leave.

I turn to Marley, who pulls me in for a hug.

“It’s going to be okay.”

“But what if it’s not?”

“Then it’s not. But still, eventually it will be.”

I huff out a weak laugh, jolting when the unmistakable sound of a gun firing shatters the silence. Marley grabs my arm and drags me down the hallway toward the back door. The sound of a thump, followed by a groan, has us both freezing.

“Is that Greyson?”

“Fuck!” Marley curses when Greyson comes into view.

He’s covered in blood, holding his side. When he sees us, he tries to walk toward us but stumbles. Instinctively we both run for him.

He stops and closes his eyes. “He’s here.”

I reach him first, supporting his weight. “I don’t understand. Who’s here?”

“I am.”