REprisal - Kathy Coopmans Page 0,66
both of my cheeks, guiding me out of Zack’s hold and into one of his own.
“You listen to your old man, okay?”
“When have I not?” I say sweetly.
“I can think of a time or two, but seriously, listen to me. Everyone here right now loves you more than we can say, but we are too close to what has happened, biased to the extent that we can’t and won’t be able to listen to the things you had to endure.”
I make noises of protest but his stern look has me closing my mouth before any words even come out.
“All I’m going to say on the matter is, I don’t know what you and Turner have planned, but I think one of the first things you need to do is talk to this Dr. Jollup and start some therapy.”
I want that, too. I want every painful memory gone, out of my life. I have a long road ahead of me, one that has many twists and turns and potholes scattered everywhere, but I can do it. I know I need therapy, someone to talk to about this who can be impartial and see things from all angles.
“I will, Dad, I promise. Let us get settled in here first and I will make that call.”
“That’s my girl,” he says with a smile and a kiss to my forehead.
Krista walks up, snaking her hands around Zack.
“You don’t have to go alone, either,” she says.
“I think I would like it if you went,” I say to her gratefully.
It’s the truth. I may feel entirely uncomfortable having someone in my family hear things I don’t want them to, but out of anyone here, she would be the one I wouldn’t mind sharing this with me.
Turner strolls our way with Journey in his arms.
“I think someone is hungry and ready for bed,” he says as she lets out a big yawn.
“We should really be going, anyway,” Krista declares. “Nolan is crashed on the couch.”
“Where’s your mom?” I ask Turner after everyone leaves.
“She’s in our room hanging up clothes, and well, you know how she is.”
“How who is? Me?” Melody pipes up, zooming down the hallway like a skyrocket, hands stretched out in front of her ever so ready to snatch up the baby.
“She’s all yours after I finish feeding her, but you are going to have her spoiled rotten, you know.”
“That’s what grandparents are for,” she smiles. “Now is there anything else I can do for my two favorite people?”
“We can take it from here, Mother.”
She shoos him with her hand.
“Okay. Fine. I know when I’m not wanted,” she says with mock sadness. “Let me just give her a kiss and I promise I will stay away tomorrow and leave the three of you alone.”
“Just a few days, Mother. Let us get adjusted.”
She kisses the baby, then Turner walks her out safely to her car, leaving me alone with my thoughts for a few minutes. The only thing running through my mind is the fact that before my brother left, he let us know we have cops and FBI agents all around the house. Just when I escape from being trapped in one house, I feel like I am trapped in another. The only way I will truly feel free is when she is dead.
He looks at me apologetically when he comes back inside.
“The house is secured and there are cops outside. We’re safe to let Journey sleep in her bed tonight.”
“Did you like her shirt?” I ask, eager to change the subject.
A part of me knows she will be all right sleeping in her new room, but the part of me who has had her by my side for the past three months except for the time we spent in the hospital is shaking harder than a leaf.
“Well, since it says ‘Daddy’s Princess,’ I think it’s entirely accurate. Now hand me my little princess and go get yourself ready for bed.”
I concede and hand her over to him, my nerves increasing with every step I take closer to our room. I pause and stare at the bed as I enter.
I feel like a virgin all over again with the thoughts weaving their way through me, slithering slowly from my toes and settling in the pit of my belly.
I let out the breath I am holding and go into the bathroom after putting on one of Turner’s t-shirts that I pulled out of his dresser drawer. I’m so grateful to Melody for taking care of all