Page 73 of Serpentine
For them.
“Why do you need to see me, Dad? I’ve told you to call off the dogs. Just let me be for a while, huh?”
He clears his throat. He’s trying to remain calm and collected because he wants something. I’ve witnessed him do it a thousand times. “Aella, I need to ensure you’re not being used by someone to get to me.”
I roll my eyes. “Who the fuck would want to get to you, Dad?” I ask pointedly, my voice dry.
There’s a heavy pause on the other end. “I’d like to see you. Make sure you’re alright. I care about you, Aella. Believe it or not. You’re my daughter.”
He’s never cared enough to pay attention to me before, but I know it’s the thing I need to get him on my side.
“Alright, Dad. When and where? I no longer have a home, so I’m in a hotel in town.”
“Where is in town, Aella?” He’s growing impatient. Even though I usually love to press his buttons, I dial it back to stay on task.
“Twin Pines.”
Even though his factory is here—one of his primary hubs—he lives in Portland.
“Alright, how about we meet near you, then? There’s a very nice cafe there on Main Street, The Brew. Ever been there?”
It almost seems he’s testing my knowledge of the town as if he suspects I was kidnapped. This has me shifting in my seat.
“No. I told you I’ve been staying in my room. Dealing with the outside world has been too difficult.”
He hums before saying, “Well, I’m sure Google can get you there. Let’s say…Monday, three o’clock?”
I nod, forgetting myself. “Yes, that sounds good. See you then, Dad. And, Dad?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry about Carter. I know you wanted that to happen. That you looked at him like a son.”
I cringe at my words but know they’re necessary to get him onto my side. I need him to believe I want to join his company.
“You’re my daughter, Aella. He’s nothing but a pawn in a bigger game. Don’t worry yourself about him.”
His answer has me wondering if Carter knows the man my father is. If he’s still a part of my father’s operation.
“Alright. I’ll see you Monday, Dad.”
That gives me a day to get my nerves together for the meeting.
Not another word is uttered from him before the line goes dead.
I set my phone down on the desk next to the small sign that tells me the hotel’s Wi-Fi password.
For the next few hours, I watch enough television to turn me near catatonic, order Chinese food, and shower for longer than I have in a long time. The never-ending hot water in the hotel isn’t enough for whatever makes me jittery and on edge.
I can’t shake the thought that Braxton is going out of his mind with me gone. I can’t let it lie, even while tossing and turning in the hotel sheets that smell like cheap detergent.
Finally, I give up and snag up my keys and purse. I lock the room and get into my Lexus.
I turn the engine on and off about five times, remembering Miles’s words about not returning and how my father could have me followed.
He could. He’s a powerful man. For all I know, he’d traced our call, and he’s got someone watching me.
When I finally pull out of the hotel, I’m mindful of every headlight behind me as I head back to the property. I’d saved the ping of my location before I pulled onto the highway, and I’m thankful I had.