Would that be safe at this hour of the night?
The wind brushes past my arms, making me shiver. It’s far colder outside than it was in that house. Even though it had no electricity, at least you could shut the doors and block out the wind. Now I’m outside in a cold country where the days consist of more rain than sun.
Right then, raindrops fall onto my naked shoulders, and I stop and hold up my hands. More drops follow, and the streets soon fill with rain. Again.
I sigh out loud, and my shoulders slump at the thought of spending the night outside in the cold. This is far from what I expected freedom to be like once I got out. Far from what I was used to when I still had it.
But going back to those days is impossible. They’re long gone, along with the rest of my faith in humanity.
Through the rain, I walk for miles and miles until nothing remains but city streetlights and the occasional passerby on his way home. I pass a few shops along the way, and one of the windowsills filled with beautifully decorated cakes and appetizing pastries in a bakery makes my mouth water. I contemplate breaking and entering, but that would be wrong. I have no right to steal from people, not even for my growling stomach.
I avert my eyes and focus on what I can do to make things better as my growling stomach demands every iota of my attention. I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast, but I can last a little longer. The question is, how long?
It’s the middle of the night. Everyone’s busy with their own things or sleeping, so there’s no use even thinking about it. I’d better continue walking. The only place I have left to go to is the park. Maybe I’ll be able to find a bench there where I can rest. Anything would be good right now as long as I can get off my feet.
After checking a local sign with a map on it, I make my way to the nearest park and clutch the gates while I find my way inside. Thick trees and bushes are everywhere with a few patches of grass scattered around a pond. Along the gravel path, I see several benches a few steps apart, and I collapse on the first empty one in sight.
No one else is here except a few doves and the occasional druggie. But none of that fazes me anymore. I’m far too tired to move on to someplace else … too tired to care.
Chapter 3
Easton
My employees turned over everything at that goddamn store, but they couldn’t find any clues as to her whereabouts. There was nothing left of her. One of their cashiers was responsible for her escape. Gave her a key and everything, tsk. High-end, my ass. If I don’t fucking find my girl, I’m going to tear that Luuks boutique apart. Their entire brand will sink and fade into nothingness, I’ll make sure of it.
She’s gone because of them, fled the scene to God knows where. She’s probably frightened, hungry, and alone. She could be in danger, for all I know. And I’m sitting here in my mansion organizing a search while others do the running for me. I’m not doing anything when I should be out there, searching for her day and night, turning over every rock until I find her and leaving nothing left unscathed.
Fuck. I should’ve never let her out of the house. Never.
I fish my phone out of my pocket and dial the number I never wanted to call.
He picks up. “Davis.”
I almost wish he didn’t. “Your daughter escaped.”
It’s silent for a few seconds. “Well, that was quick.” He laughs out loud, and my jaw fucking drops. “I thought you’d manage to hold onto her for some time at least, but that’s faster than even I could imagine.”
“This isn’t a joke,” I growl.
“So why are you calling me?”
“Is she at your restaurant here?”
“No, not that I know of.”
“If she is, you’d better fucking tell me right now, or else …” I growl.
“My staff would’ve told me if she was, and she wouldn’t go there, trust me on that,” he replies. “Why is this my problem?”
“Of course, she would. You’re her fucking father, so any business you own is a haven to her.” I’m so pissed I clench the desk with my nails.
“She won’t because she hates me and everything that has to do with me,” he replies.
“You’re her only safety net,” I say. “I’m sure the restaurant would take her in if she begged.”
“Well, then maybe you should’ve held onto her better.”
“Don’t fucking tell me what I should and shouldn’t have done,” I yell. “This is your problem because she’s your daughter who you exchanged for a loan. A loan I can withdraw at any time.”