Bleeding 2
20 D After the hospital check up, I took my daughter home.” Once I’d settled her in, I went upstairs to start gathering our documents.” That was when I suddenly heard a voice behind me.” “Freya, what are you doing?“” I paused for a heartbeat, forcing down the wave of hatred in my chest, and answered evenly, “I’m packing our documents.“> Rodney didn’t sense anything amiss.” As always, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me from behind.” I hadn’t expected it and couldn’t dodge in time. His embrace closed around me completely. But the moment the scent of Harper’s perfume–so distinctly hers–hit my nose, I nearly gagged./ He didn’t notice my stiff reaction and went on speaking as if nothing were wrong./ “Freya, I’m just so relieved you and our daughter are safe. I never imagined something would happen at the amusement park. If I had known, no matter how urgent work was, I would never have left you two behind.” His tone carried lingering fear, his words spoken with such conviction.” But knowing the truth, I felt nothing at all.” I lifted my gaze to him. Rodney’s expression was as gentle as ever.” These arms had once been a safe harbor for me and my daughter. Now, they were the very weapon poised to destroy us. The thought made me lower my eyes. Without a trace of emotion, I slipped his arm away from “It’s fine. Your work is important. My daughter and I are safe.” my waist. Rodney, long accustomed to my understanding nature, frowned slightly and put on a show of pained sincerity.” “How could work ever be more important than you and our daughter? I honestly don’t know… If, after losing our son, I were to lose you two as well–how could I go on living?” At the mention of our dead son, I couldn’t stop the flash of hatred that passed through my eyes.< Before I could speak, his phone rang. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and gave me a smile. “It’s someone from…