Never Again by E.A. Preece

Author:E.A. Preece [Preece, E.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781984532053
Publisher: Xlibris US
Published: 2018-06-12T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

It was nine o’clock when Sally called. Both families were hidden and safe. Only she knew where they were. In most aspects, it made it easier. A few were harder but that was okay. Hank spoke to her and then handed the phone to Mandy.

“Hey, girlfriend. How ya holdin’ up?”

“Let’s say I’ve had better days. I thought I’d handle this stress a lot better than what I have been. I’m sorry I didn’t call you back last night. I was whooped.”

“I have no doubt. No worries. I talked to Hank and knew you were okay. It’s going to be okay, Mandy. This nightmare is going to be over with. We just have to take it one step at a time.”

“Yea, I know. Life is one big 12 Step Program.”

Sally laughed. “When this is over, we need to have a girl’s night out.”

“You got it. If we decide to get together here, I know this great steak house.” Mandy looked at Michael and smiled.

“Great. Consider it a done deal. See? The universe knows we have plans. We’re good.”

Mandy laughed. “Well, there ya go. You would dare interrupt our plans?”

“Exactly. No one with a brain would dare.” Sally paused. “I’ll talk to you in a few days. You take care.”

“I will. You, too, Sal.”

Hank stood up and looked at Jim.

“Ready?”

Jim, Rafe and Julio nodded.

“Where are you taking them?” Mandy asked.

“Somewhere only I know. There’s too many odd coincidences going on and too many unknown agendas. We’ll be safe, Mandy. I promise.” He started for the door and looked at Marie. “I’ll call you.” Marie smiled and nodded.

After they left, Mandy cleared off the table, putting dishes in the dishwasher. She came back and sat at the table with Brad, who’d been quiet all night.

“You okay?”

“Yea. I’m fine. Just so strange to see Jim. He seems a bit deflated from the last time I saw him, like all the wind’s been knocked out of his sails.”

“I know. I’m thinking maybe he wasn’t behind all this. I don’t hate him, honey, if that’s what you’re wondering. I thought I did but I don’t. I just wanted him to leave me alone. I still do. As for caring about him, he’s right there along with anyone else we share breathing space with. That’s all. I’m still angry but I don’t hate him. He’s a mess. His bad choices have screwed up all our lives and he’s feelin’ it. And I really do need to control my temper.”

“Maybe when all this done, Mom, you’ll finally have some peace. I know these years have been hell on you. As for losing your temper, anyone who pushes a person when they know what you’ve been through, deserves what they get. Too bad.” He paused. “But I really thought I was going to have to pull you off the jackass.”

“Me, too. And these years have been just as hard on you guys.”

“Yea, but it hasn’t been 24/7, in our face like for you. It’s been 24/7 but over our shoulder, like an extra 30 lbs.

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