The Tangled Series Complete Digital Boxed Set (Bad Boy Rock Star, Millionaire, and MMA Fighter Bundle) (37 page)

“That’s a cheesecake,” I answered, noticing the cherry drizzled confection on the top shelf. It looked so thick and decadent. Almost too pretty to eat.

“Cake? It looks like a pie.”

“I know. It also looks delicious, doesn’t it?”

She licked her lips. “It does. Can I have a piece?”

“We’ll see.”

I turned as mom approached.

“Surprise!” yelled Emma, smiling.

“Emma, not so loud,” I said, touching her shoulder.

“It’s fine,” laughed my mother, bending down to hug her. “You have to yell when you’re trying to surprise someone, don’t you Emmy?”

“Yes,” she replied. “That’s why I did it, mommy. To surprise her.”

I shook my head, smiling. “I think you surprised everyone in here.” I looked back at my mom. “Isn’t it your day off?”

“Gina called in sick, and I figured I could use the extra money.”

“I don’t blame you. Is Sam working in back?” I asked, trying to peer into the kitchen.

She pulled a strand of silver hair behind her ear and secured it with a bobby pin. “No, he’s working later this evening.”

Emma’s eyes became round. “Wow, your nails are so pretty, grandma.”

My mother smiled down at her new bubblegum-pink-colored manicure. “Aren’t they, though? I went over to Raina’s Hair Salon and had them done.” She looked back at me. “Which reminds me – Sera, didn’t you tell me that you used to be a nail technician, back in Amery?”

I shrugged. “Yes. Ray made me quit after I became pregnant.”

“He made you quit? Why, because of the chemicals?”

“That, and he just didn’t want me working, which was fine. I was able to stay home with Emma,” I answered, smiling down at my daughter.

“Were you licensed?”

“Yes. I went to school for it.” I sighed. “I guess it was a waste of time and money.”

Mom smiled. “Maybe not, Sera. I spoke to Raina and she said that their nail technician is leaving, and they need someone to replace her. She said that if you’re interested, you should stop in and talk to her.”

“Well, I’d have to get my license renewed,” I answered, feeling uncertain about even getting back into it. “Like I said, it’s been a few years. I’m sure I’d have to get additional training.”

“It might be worth looking into. The place is always busy,” mom replied. “She said that Mandy, the nail technician who’s leaving, has made a decent living. You should really think about it. I’m sure you’d make more than what you’re making at the drugstore as a clerk.”

As I was about to answer, the phone in the diner began to ring. For some reason, I felt another jolt of anxiety, this time so intense that I started to break out into a cold sweat.

“I’ll get it,” called one of the other waitresses.

“Are you okay?” asked Mom, studying my face.

Feeling a wave of dread, I looked toward the parking lot and saw Ray’s truck pull into it. “No,” I whispered in disbelief.

“What is it?” she asked, following my gaze. “Do you know that person?”

I felt like all of the air had been sucked out of my body and could barely breathe as I watched him drive slowly through the lot and then park his rig next to my car. Seeing the truck up close, there was no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t being paranoid and that it really was Ray. Although the windows were tinted, and the license plate had been changed, there was the same decal of a florescent green skull near the window.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?” asked Emma.

Trying to remain calm, I grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the break room. “Nothing, honey. Uh, Mom, we have to leave. Is it okay if we go out the back door?”

“I suppose. What’s going on?” she asked following me quickly.

I looked back at her. “I’ll explain later.”

“But, I don’t
want
to leave,” whined Emma, pulling at my hand. “You said that I could have a strawberry shake with a bunch of cherries on the top. You promised!”

“I’m sorry, honey, I’ll get you one later.”

“Sera, what’s going on?” repeated my mother.

I lowered my voice. “Ray is here. We have to go. He must have found out where you lived.”

“Daddy’s here?” asked Emma, looking back over her shoulder.

“For Heaven’s sake… why don’t you just talk to him?” replied my mother, as I opened the break room door. “You can’t keep avoiding the man, and he
is
Emma’s father. He probably misses her like crazy.”

I shook my head vehemently. “No, I can’t talk to him and I doubt he just wants to talk. At least not rationally.”

Her eyes bore into mine. “Are you frightened of your husband, Sera?”

Feeling my throat tighten, I nodded.

Her eyes softened. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Look, we’re in a public place. What could he really do?”

Besides take my daughter away or try killing me?

She just didn’t get it and that was my fault. I hadn’t confided in her. “Mom, listen to me – if he comes inside and starts asking questions about us, just tell him that we were passing through town, or something. That we’ve already left. Tell him you have no idea where we’re even headed.”

She raised her hands. “Sweetie, why don’t you just calm down and wait back here until he leaves. I’ll tell you when he’s gone.”

“You don’t understand. He’s not just going to leave. He obviously saw my car parked in front, so if anything, he’ll just go back out and wait.”

“Oh.”

I chewed on my lip. “Okay… this is what we’re going to do. We’re going to sneak back around the building. As soon as he walks into the diner, we’ll jump into the car and take off.”

“Then he’ll just chase you around town, and that’s dangerous,” she answered. “The best thing that you can do, right now is to stay back here until I find a way to get rid of him.”

“Can we switch vehicles then?” I asked, feeling like a trapped animal. “Because, truthfully, you’re not going to be able to do that and you really don’t want him to cause a scene.”

“Fine,” she answered, stepping over to one of the lockers on the back wall. She opened it up and pulled out her purse.

“Thanks, mom,” I answered as she handed me her car keys. “I’m sorry to put you through this.”

“Nonsense. Don’t apologize. So, where are you going to go?” she asked, as I handed her my set.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Not home, though. I’m pretty certain he already knows where that is.”

“I’m scared,” said Emma, her eyes full of tears. She hugged my waist, burying her face in my stomach.

I held her tight and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t be, baby. Everything is going to be all right. Nothing bad will happen to you.”

“Promise?” she whispered, looking up at me.

“I promise,” I replied, hoping that it was the truth. I repeated the words, needing to believe in them myself. “Nothing bad is going to happen to you.”

“I’m not worried about
me.”

The way she stared at me gave me goose-bumps. It was as if she knew something bad was really going to happen. Knew and believed in it without a doubt. I was reminded of the time when Mom had told me that my grandmother had been a powerful clairvoyant, which I’d originally brushed off as nonsense. After the past few months, however, I was no longer a disbeliever. Not after seeing so many of my own strong feelings or intuitions become a reality. It was beyond coincidental. And now, I was beginning to wonder if Emma was also cursed with these gifts.

“Nothing bad will happen,” I said firmly.

“That’s right, Emma. Nothing bad will happen to either of you. Look, I have an idea –

why don’t you go over to Sam’s place?” suggested my mother. “In fact, I’ll meet you there in an hour, and then we’ll talk about this. Okay?”

“Okay,” I replied, feeling a sense of relief now that we had somewhere safe to go and a ride to get us there. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I’ll let Sam know you’re coming.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Come here, now.” She bent down, and gave Emma a big bear-hug. “Grandma will see you later, my little Emmy. Be good and listen to your mommy.”

“I will,” she answered, still looking pale and frightened.

My mother kissed her cheek. “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”

Emma’s lip trembled. “I can’t help it.”

“Oh, honey.” Mom looked at me sadly. “Is it really
that
bad between the two of you?”

I nodded.

“Maybe you could try counseling?”

“Right,” I said, smiling grimly. I doubted even a counselor could undo all of the nastiness that was now inside of Ray.

“It couldn’t hurt,” she said. “Everyone has their share of problems.”

“You don’t know him, Mom.”

“Well, something has to be done. You can’t keep avoiding him.”

“We’ll talk about it, later.” I grabbed Emma’s hand again and walked to the back exit.  “Now, remember, if he asks about us, tell him we left and you don’t know where I’m staying.”

“Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure I can handle him.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied, glancing back at her one last time. Her smile was reassuring, but my stomach quivered in fear as my doubts resurfaced.

“Relax,” she said, her greenish-blue eyes softening. “I’ve got this. Like I said, you’ll hear from me soon. I’ll call Sam’s place as soon as Ray leaves the diner. Let you know what happened.”

Don’t leave her
, warned a voice in the back of my head.

I frowned. “Mom, maybe you should come with us now. I think –”

April, one of the other waitresses, walked into the room. “Doreen, there’s a gentleman out here asking for you.” She grinned. “Kind of cute, too. Oh, hey, Sera. Hi, Emma.”

“Hi,” I answered, forcing a smile. Knowing that he was now less than one-hundred feet away, I felt like picking up Emma and making a run for it.

Emma stared over her April’s shoulder with wide eyes, watching for her dad to appear. “Hi, April,” she answered softly.

“Go on,
get
,” said mom, shooing us away. “Like I said, I’ll handle him and will see the both of you shortly.”

“Bye, Grandma,” said Emma, waving frantically as I pulled her out of the back door.

“Bye, hon. Don’t be worried. I love you,” she answered, blowing Emma a reassuring kiss.

“I love you, too.”

“Mom, be careful,” I said, still uncertain. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

“I can’t just walk out of here. I have to finish my shift anyway. Now, don’t go worrying about me. I’m pretty sure I’ve encountered people much more difficult than Ray.”

I couldn’t help but be concerned. However, I also knew that I had Emma to worry about. If he got his hands on her, I knew I’d never get to see her again. I really had no other choice but to leave her here. “Okay, mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Sera. Both of you. Now, you’d better get out of here and I’ll do my best to distract him.”

Smiling in gratitude, we left.

Ray

That bitch is in here somewhere
, he thought, looking around the diner anxiously. Hearing the twang of an old country song playing in the background brought a smile to his face. This entire situation reminded him of a Quentin Tarantino movie.

The tranquility before the shit-storm.

He pictured himself taking out the .38 he had hidden under his jacket, and blasting away at all of the nosy customers eyeing him from their vinyl booths. He’d love to see the horror on their faces when they realized they wouldn’t be able to finish their turkey and gravy sandwiches.  But, he needed to restrain himself. As much as that kind of crazy sounded strangely appealing, he needed to save his bullets and what little sanity he had left for his cunt of a wife. She was close; in fact, he could almost smell that fucking perfume she used to wear. The perfume that now made his blood boil and his fists itchy. What he wouldn’t give for one minute alone with the cunt. To show her how he handled those who stole from him. Emma was
his
daughter. Sera had no right to take her from him. He’d even warned her.

She was definitely going to pay…

The restaurant smelled of fried onions and grease. Not a bad odor for someone who hadn’t eaten in the last twelve hours. Fortunately, the Coke and endless cups of coffee had kept his head clear and his focus on finding them. But now, he had to admit, a juicy burger sounded mighty nice. It would have to wait until he alleviated his taste for revenge, however, which he hoped would be soon.

“Order up, Doreen,” called the cook.

Ray looked around the diner, but didn’t see Doreen, who he already knew was Sera’s mother.

“Hello, there. Just one, today, or are you waiting for someone to join you?” asked a waitress with a blonde bob and heavily-shadowed eyes.

“Actually, I’m looking for someone who works here. Doreen?”

“I think she’s in the back room. She has an order up, too. I’ll go get her and help bring her customers their food.”

“Thanks, April,” he replied warmly, glancing at her nametag.

“You bet,” she said, walking away.

Smiling to himself, he brushed his hand against the gun and waited in anticipation.

***

One minute later, a thin woman with grayish-blonde hair approached him from the back room.

“Can I help you?’ she asked with a brittle smile.

He held out his hand. “My name is Ray.”

She ignored it. “I’m sorry, who, exactly, are you? April said you asked for me.”

“I’m Sera’s husband. Emma’s father.” He motioned toward the parking lot. “I see her car is here. Where is she? I need to see her.”

Doreen folded her arms under her chest and smiled widely. “Oh. I can understand your confusion. That car is mine. At least, it is now.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes, Sera gave it to me. Said she didn’t need it anymore.”

Ray sighed and rubbed his jaw. “Where is she?”

“She left town a couple of weeks ago, actually. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard from her since.”

Liar.

He restrained himself from grabbing her by the throat and forcing the truth out of her. Obviously, the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.

She was a lying whore, just like her daughter.

Instead of losing his cool, however, he decided on another approach. “So, you really don’t know where she is?”

“Nope. Truth is, we haven’t been close these past few years, which I deeply regret. She didn’t even tell me much about you, other than that you were separated and weren’t on speaking terms.”

“That’s a shame. I’ve come so far, only to lose them again.” He gave her a sorrowful look. “You have no idea how much I miss Sera and Emma. I love them so much…” His voice broke. “I know that I’ve made some mistakes, but it looks like I can’t even try to make up for them.” Ray looked away. “Where is the justice in that?”

Her face softened. “Look, I’m not sure where they went, but… she does call me, occasionally. I can see if she’ll at least talk to you.”

Ray looked back at her and smiled sadly. “Would you?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me. Whatever you can do, I’d appreciate it. I love them both dearly, and… just want my family back. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. You understand?”

Her eyes searched his. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.”

Another customer walked into the diner and Doreen greeted them warmly.

“I’ll let you get back to work,” he said, as she grabbed a menu. “Sera has my number. Just ask her to call me.”

“I will.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

He turned around and walked out.

***

Less than an hour later, Ray watched from the gas station across the street as Doreen pulled out of the diner’s parking lot. She turned north and began to drive away. He waited until she was halfway down the next block, and then began following her.

“Where you going?” he mumbled, watching as she passed the exit that led to the trailer park. It was during his search of her place that he’d found two of his daughter’s favorite stuffed animals, confirming that they were still in town. Doreen was indeed a lying bitch, just like her daughter.

She continued to drive north, passing several farms along the way. Eventually, she must have noticed his truck, because she pulled over to the side of the road.

He pulled up behind her and got out.

“Why are you following me?” she asked, slamming the car door.

He smirked. “Why do you think, Doreen?”

She folded her arms under her chest and narrowed her eyes. “I really don’t know. I told you that Sera left town. So, I’m a little confused as to why you’re following me.”

“I’m a little confused myself. You see, I saw her driving this very same vehicle less than two hours ago.”

She suddenly looked uneasy. “This car? You must be mistaken.”

“No, you’re the one who has made the mistake by blatantly lying to me. Now, why don’t you tell me where my wife and child are?”

“I’m sorry,” she said, her shoulders slumping. “I just can’t give you that information. I’ll tell her to call you. But, it’s up to her if she wants to meet with you.”

“She’s kidnapped my daughter, and taken her out of the state of Wisconsin,” he snapped. “She had no right to do that. As far as I’m concerned, Sera has committed a very serious crime. Now, if you don’t tell me exactly where Emma is, that makes you an accessory to kidnapping. I’d advise you to do the right thing and tell me where they are, or face the consequences.”

“Face the consequences?” she sputtered. “Are you threatening me now?”

“I’m just telling you how it is, Doreen,” he replied, sneering.

“Well, let me tell
you
how it is, Ray. As far as I can tell, Sera is not the only person who’s done something wrong,” she huffed. “You’ve obviously frightened her to death by some kind of abuse – be it physical or mental, so don’t you dare go and preach to me about what’s right and what isn’t.”

“Just tell me where she is,” he demanded firmly. “Please.”

She turned around and headed back toward the car. “I’ll tell her to call you. But, that’s all I can tell you.”

“Doreen, dammit! I’ll follow you all day long if I have to! I know you’re hiding her somewhere and I won’t rest until I find out. Neither will you!”

She opened up her car door and turned back to look at him. “Then, you can follow me all the way to the police station. I’ll tell them that you’re harassing and stalking me. I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.”

“I don’t think they’ll see it that way when they found out
why
I’m following you,” he said, walking closer.

“Oh, get over yourself,” she snapped. “I’ve lived here for the past few years and am friends with the Sheriff Dooly. If you don’t want to end up behind bars yourself, I’d turn your truck around and go
back
to Wisconsin.”

Sighing, he opened his jacket and pulled out the gun. “You’re really getting on my nerves, Doreen.”

Her eyes widened. “Ray, what are you doing?”

He smiled coldly. “I didn’t want to do this, but you’ve given me no choice.”

“This is crazy. What are you going to do, shoot me?”

“The fact is that I just don’t have time to argue with you. Tell me where they are or you’ll never see either of them again.”

“You’re insane,” she whispered, staring at him in horror.

“Insane?” he laughed. “You haven’t seen nothing yet. Now,” he stared at her with venom, “tell me where the fuck they are.”

“If you think that I’d hand them over to you, you’re highly mistaken. Obviously, she left you for very good reasons.”

He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the car. “Come on, we’re going for ride.”

“No!” she hollered, shoving him.

Ray grabbed her around the waist and began dragging her toward the truck, grateful that they were in a deserted part of town. “Just settle down and you won’t get hurt!” he growled into her ear.

Doreen elbowed him in the ribs and then, when he still didn’t release her, she reached down and squeezed his manhood.

“You bitch!” he gasped, letting her go.

Sobbing in terror, she ran back toward her car, frantic to get away.

Hot pain coursed through his groin, making him nauseous and dizzy. Enraged beyond reason, he raised the gun and pulled the trigger.