“I didn’t think you would be back?” She looks so broken, and I want to assure her that I would have Autumn back here in a day or two, but I can’t. And that’s what breaks me. I know how much Autumn's mother loves her, how close they are since Autumn is the only child.
“I’m back early. I got a call yesterday that my father was killed. I was training under his order with the navy, and as much as I wanted to call, to talk to Autumn, I couldn’t. My father left me with an order not to contact her in any way.”
“She missed you terribly. She tried to continue with school, but I would hear her cry at night. There wasn’t much I could do because I know how difficult it is to lose someone you love so dearly.”
“I never meant to hurt her,” I say because it’s the truth.
“I know that, and she did too. In her own way, I think she accepted you needed to go.” There is so much sadness in her eyes; it makes my chest tighten with the agony that’s been with me since I said goodbye.
“My dad doesn’t do things by half measure, and I know if I contacted her, I would’ve just put us both in his line of fire.” My words are cold, angry, and she notices because Brenda squares her shoulders.
“He had something to do with this. Didn’t he?” The hope for answers shines in her eyes; the promise that I can’t give her is there. She wants me to tell her that my father wouldn’t hurt Autumn. I can see the question in her gaze, that spark of expectation.
“I honestly don’t know what’s happened,” I tell Brenda, deciding the truth is the only way forward. When Autumn and I started our friendship, it was the base of what we shared. Our promise to always tell the truth, tell each other the ugly and the beautiful. And I never broke it. Even when I knew Autumn wouldn’t like what I had to say, I offered the truth.
“JD—”
“I’ll find her. And I promise I’ll make sure she’s okay. But I need to go meet with Jackson, and once I know the plan, I’ll come back.”
“Do you have a place to stay in the meantime? Are you going home?”
Nodding my head, I say, “I’m going home. Once I know my mother is okay, I’ll most probably try to find a place of my own.”
“Stay here,” she says suddenly, shocking me speechless. “Autumn’s bed is empty, and it will be nice to have someone here. I’m afraid that if they really want to hurt me, they’ll be back. They’ve already taken the only thing of value in my life—my daughter.”
“Thank you. I wasn’t expecting you to say that. It means so much to me,” I tell her. “I’ll be back in a couple of days.” I push off the sofa, and Brenda follows.
“I’ll get you a key,” she tells me before disappearing down the hall. Moments later, she returns, holding a set of keys. “These are our spare set. Use them. If I’m at work, please don’t hesitate to make yourself at home, JD. I love you like a son, and I wouldn’t want you to go through anything alone. You’re always welcome here. I know Autumn loves you, and I know you love her.”
“I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me over the years. My father may have thought money can buy everything, but he was wrong. It can’t buy true family.”
She pulls me into her arms and holds me tight. Affection wasn’t something I had been accustomed to at home, yet Autumn always gave me a hug when she saw me. It was one of the few things I would look forward to in my school day. That, and of course, seeing Autumn’s smile.
“Thank you, JD.”
Chapter Thirteen
Autumn
It’s cold.
It’s dark.
I don’t know where I am. The last thing I remember is being in the park with the guy from school, Keenan, walking away from me. I ran out onto the sidewalk, then made my way down toward the subway when someone grabbed me. Blue eyes looked down at me with a grin.
Fear had taken hold of me, and even though I tried to scream, I couldn’t. The acute pain in my arm intensifies as I try to move.
Rolling over, I attempt to open my eyes. Everything is still blurry, and I can’t remember much after the stranger held my arm. I’m almost sure he drugged me, and from the taste in my mouth, I have a feeling he most certainly did. My mind can’t focus on one thing, one event.
“She’s awake.” A deep rumble comes from somewhere in the darkness, causing me to tremble at the thought of someone touching me. Cold trickles its way through my veins, and I feel the icy shivers right down to my bones.