you, Dillon, had to say after Hailey insisted you tried to drown her in the pool.
I let you, Hailey, speak your piece when our neighbor said you’d deliberately run over her grandson’s tricycle.
When your father insisted you’d both stolen his wallet and run up his credit cards, did I immediately convict you?
Dillon, when your coach kicked you off the team for drinking, did I listen to all sides and then dig up the information to prove you were innocent?
When Dillon told me that you, Hailey, had been shoplifting, did I call the police—or instead, ask you about it?
I demand the same fairness I gave you. I want you to meet me on neutral ground and simply listen to what I have to say.
Please meet me at noon, Sunday, at Lettuce Lake Park near your favorite playground.
Mom
Chapter Twenty-Nine
You’re getting old and set in your ways, Colonel.
The next evening, Ghost sat outside and worked on his floggers. Beyond the pool of light, the world was pitch black except for brilliant flashes of lightning. Over the sound of rain pounding on the lanai’s roof, thunder boomed and growled.
Unable to settle comfortably inside, he’d brought out the leather impact toys from the armoire as well as his bag. After cleaning and conditioning the toy bag, he started on the floggers.
One by one, he conditioned the leather falls and lightly brushed the suede ones. The fragrance of conditioner and leather filled the air.
Memories came and went. This lightweight flogger had been Kelly’s favorite. One made of heavy buffalo hide had made an older masochist very happy. The Latigo leather was his favorite for intense sessions. Valerie liked the regular-size moose leather.
He reached for another flogger. Really, he should be grading the last few essays he’d brought home. But his students’ work deserved his complete attention…so this wasn’t the time. He’d tackle the papers first thing in the morning.
Damn, he was tired. Last night he’d slept alone—and badly.
All today, her absence and his worry about her had fragmented his calm.
He loved waking up with her in the mornings, her soft body against his. Discussing the upcoming day over coffee. Teasing her into hitting him during her self-defense lessons—and seeing her worry when she landed a good punch. The woman didn’t have a cruel bone in her body.
She had enough service submissive in her she liked to cook for him, and if she was in the kitchen, well, she drew him like a moth to a candle, so he’d be there helping. They both ate healthier than when they’d lived alone. Kelly had disliked cooking. Now, he was discovering how fun it was to partner someone in the kitchen. Or to make her breakfast, since, God knew, the woman wasn’t at her best in the mornings.
Last night, he’d put together a sandwich and called it good.
Normally, she’d be with him here on the lanai. Enjoying the rain. Comparing notes on their days. Talking about everything. She was not only as smart and educated as he was, but her different view of life made for fascinating discussions on politics and economics and history.
Yeah, he missed her.
Finishing the last flogger, he cleaned off his hands in the lanai sink, then sank back down into his chair.
Dammit, he wanted to be with her. Nevertheless, if she needed time to think, that’s what she’d get.
But what if she needed him now? Would she be comfortable calling him…or would she be uncertain if he’d still want to be with her?
He shook his head. Nice attempt to convince yourself to go see her, Colonel.
His logic didn’t fly. Earlier in their relationship she’d been insecure, but what they had now was damn solid. He’d won her trust.
He’d give her the time she needed.
Not even five minutes later, he saw something move beyond the lanai.
“Finn.” Carrying a plastic bag, Valerie opened the screen door and stepped out of the pouring rain.
She was drenched, her green button-up shirt and khaki pants clinging to her. Her religious necklaces were around her neck—a crucifix, a pentagram, an Allah medallion, and a Shinto Torii gate. She was his favorite kind of quiet rabble-rouser.
And she was here.
“Valerie.” He rose.
Even as he moved forward, she dropped her bag and met him partway. As he closed his arms around her, he felt as if he could finally take a full breath. “I missed you,” he said gruffly.
She was hugging him as hard as he was her. “Me, too.”
After a minute or so, he realized she was shaking, and he pulled back. “You’re