Ethan's Daughter

by Rachel Brimble

  “You’re going to start on me now? After turning up here, starting a fight—”

  “I did not start it. Your boyfriend’s heavy threw the first punch.”

  “Yeah, after you called Harry enough names to turn the air blue. What did you think someone like Harry was going to do? Did you really think he’d let you speak to him that way?”

  The police car pulled away from the curb and Ethan looked out the window. “The fight is done. What you do next is the important thing.” He faced her. “Which will be what, exactly?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Then I’ll make a suggestion. You take this opportunity to tell the police everything that’s been going on. This is your chance to get some protection. It’s a chance for you to finish this once and for all.”

  She stared at him, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m scared, Ethan. Scared of being alone for the rest of my sad life.”

  He gazed at her as empathy threatened. Hadn’t he been afraid of the same thing over and over again since Anna left? Lately those thoughts and feelings had disappeared—because of Leah. Now, though, after tonight, he doubted she’d ever want to see or speak to him again. He looked to the window, lowered his voice. “We’re all scared of that, Anna. Being lonely is not an excuse to allow drugs to flow freely on our streets.” He faced her. “To risk someone’s child taking something and knowing you could’ve prevented it.”

  She closed her eyes and tears slid slowly over her cheeks. “You’re right. I know you’re right.” She opened her eyes and looked at him. “I’ll tell the police. I’ll tell them everything, on one condition.”

  He huffed a laugh and tipped his head to look at the roof of the car. “Unbelievable.”

  “I’m serious.”

  He dropped his chin and glared at her. “I’m sure you are.”

  “I want you to think about allowing me to try and forge some kind of relationship with Daisy. Not now, but when all this is over and I’ve got my life back on track without Harry. Please, Ethan, won’t you at least think about it?”

  “You’ve dismissed anything I had to say about you seeing Daisy. What’s changed?”

  “Me. Seeing you come all this way has made me realize the whole world isn’t against me. Mum and Dad deserve more than I’ve given them. And so does Daisy.” She swiped her fingers beneath her eyes. “I need to make some changes. Sooner rather than later.”

  Her words sounded sincere, but Ethan’s heart hammered at the thought of her coming near his baby, of Anna spewing any of her nonsense and selfishness on his sweet girl. Then those fears merged with memories of Leah reminding him Anna was Daisy’s mother, would always be Daisy’s mother, and how there was only so much Ethan could do before Daisy would ask about Anna herself.

  He released a heavy breath. “No promises, but I’ll think about it.”

  She gave him a wobbly smile and exhaled. “Thank you. I promise I’ll talk to the police.”

  A silent agreement—a silent vow—passed between them. Ethan nodded and slouched back against the cold leather seat, thoughts about Leah and Daisy waiting for him at the Cove overriding his fears about Anna having contact with their daughter.

  He had other, more urgent, things to think over right now.

  Leah would never forgive him for coming to the club tonight, for lying to her. Would never be able to forget he’d left Daisy with her and gone out on a vigilante crusade.

  And why should she?

  A few minutes later, they arrived at the station, and he and Anna were helped none too gently from the car. With his hands gripped on Ethan’s wrists, the cop gave a curt nod. “Right, let’s get you two signed in for the night, shall we?”

  “I have my young daughter at home being cared for by a friend. I need to get home. I’ll give a statement, but—”

  “What did you think was going to happen?” The cop sneered. “You thought we’d drive you home? I don’t think so. We’ll be having a little chat with each of you, find out exactly what happened tonight, and then you’ll cool your heels for a night at our generosity.” He looked at Anna and the cars pulling up that held Harry and his heavies. “As will the rest of you.”

  Ethan opened his mouth to say more, but before he could speak, he was marched into the station and placed in front of the desk sergeant. He mechanically gave his details as his wallet and phone were confiscated, before he was taken down a long, gray corridor, where his cuffs were unlocked and he was unceremoniously nudged into a holding cell.

  The bolt was thrown, the sound jarring through Ethan’s teeth like a dentist’s drill.

  How had this happened? He was spending the night in a police station. All because of his own hotheadedness. He had no one to blame but himself.

  The metal plate in the door slammed open and a cop peered through. “You’re entitled to one phone call. Do you want it or not?”

  Leah zoomed into Ethan’s mind once more. “What time is it?”

  “Gone midnight.”

  Daisy would be fast asleep, Leah, too, most likely, but he had to at least try to speak to her. He nodded. “Yes.”

  “Right.” The door was unlocked and the cop gripped Ethan’s arm as he led him along the corridor. “Use that phone.” He nodded toward a phone on the wall.

  Thankful he’d memorized Leah’s number, Ethan dialed. It rang a few times before going straight to voice mail. He hesitated. How could he leave a message he was locked in a police station for the night? He’d scare her half to death.

  He hung up the phone and looked at the cop. “No answer.”

  “Then I guess you’ll have to wait until morning.”

  Walking ahead of the cop back to the holding cell, Ethan shook his head. Tomorrow morning was soon enough for his life to fall apart.

  * * *

  “SO, WHAT DO you want for breakfast?” Leah put her hands on her hips and smiled at Daisy as she climbed onto a seat at the kitchen table. “I have cereal, toast, or I can scramble some eggs.”

  “Eggs and toast, please.”

  “Coming right up.” Leah moved to the cupboard and extracted the eggs and bread, all her anxiety from the previous evening gone after a surprisingly good sleep. “Did you sleep okay? I’m guessing seven on a Saturday morning is your usual getting-up time?”

  “Uh-huh. Sometimes six, but I try not to wake Daddy, because he looks like Animal from the Muppets when I do that.”

  Stifling a laugh, Leah cracked the eggs into a bowl. “Well, I expect he’ll be looking forward to seeing you this morning.” She grabbed a fork and whipped the eggs, fondness for Daisy swelling her heart. “I’ve loved having you stay over.”

  “Me, too. Can I come again?” Daisy’s cheeks turned pink and her gaze shy beneath lowered eyelids. “Please.”

  Leah smiled and put the bowl into the microwave. “There’s nothing I’d like more.”

  They sat at the table and ate their breakfast, Daisy’s continual chatter dispelling any worry Leah may have had about caring properly for the little girl.

  Breakfast done, she gathered their plates and walked to the sink. “Why don’t you go and watch some TV while I wash up? Then we’ll think about what to do until Daddy gets here.”

  Daisy climbed down from her seat. “Okay.”

  Turning back to the sink, Leah felt her smile slowly dissolve as worry for Ethan’s whereabouts resurfaced. She had checked her phone this morning and all there had been was a missed call from a number she didn’t recognize.

  So far, she had managed to hide her fears for him from Daisy, but the longer they heard nothing from him, the harder that became.

  Washing and clearing finished, she made herself a cup of tea and poured Daisy some juice. When she walked into the living room, Daisy was dancing along with a trio of costumed characters on the TV, her jazz hands and
shuffling feet on full throttle. Leah put their drinks on the coffee table. “That looks like fun. Can I join in?”

  Daisy grinned and nodded. “Sure. Copy me if you don’t know how.”

  Laughing, Leah strode forward to take her position, just as she heard a knock at the front door. Daisy immediately stopped dancing and shot toward it. “Daddy!”

  Leah reached for her hand, the memory of the light in her back garden rushing back. “Wait a minute, sweetheart. Let’s make sure it’s Daddy first, okay?”

  Leading Daisy into the hallway, Leah stood at the door. “Who is it?”

  “It’s Ethan.”

  Releasing her held breath, Leah smiled at Daisy and opened the door. “Hi, you...” Further words vanished as she took in Ethan’s battered and bruised face. “My God, what happened?”

  “Daddy, you’re hurt.” Daisy’s voice cracked. “Who hurt you?”

  Leah was unable to drag her gaze from Ethan, and words clogged her throat as he leaned down and picked up Daisy, pulling her in close for a hug. “I’m okay, sweetheart.” He kissed her hair. “Just had a little accident in the car and hit my face on the steering wheel. Nothing for you to worry about, okay?”

  Daisy nodded, but her mouth remained firmly turned down, her pretty blue eyes glistening with tears. As Leah stepped back to allow Ethan inside, she slid her gaze to his car. It was immaculate and suspiciously untouched by the supposed “accident.”

  Had Harry Wyatt done that to him? He must have. How could Ethan have left her with Daisy and gone after Harry alone? What if he’d been killed?

  Tears of fear mixed with fury in Leah’s eyes as Daisy and Ethan walked ahead of her into the living room. She stood like a spare part in her own home as Ethan tickled and cuddled Daisy’s worries away until the grinning, happy girl Leah was falling in love with reemerged.

  Once Daisy had returned to stand in front of the TV, Ethan faced Leah, his smile dissolving. Their eyes locked and Leah tilted her head toward the kitchen, dread bubbling inside her.

  She shut the kitchen door and walked to the counter. Leaning against it, she crossed her arms as her unease merged with her own feelings of stupidity at trusting him too quickly. Purposely avoiding looking at his bruises, lest her heart weaken, she stared into his eyes. “Accident, huh?”

  He exhaled heavily and sat at her kitchen table. “I’m sorry.”

  “For what? Not answering my calls or texts? Or for not telling me the truth why you wanted me to watch Daisy for the night? Or are you just sorry I’m not fool enough to do everything you ask without question?”

  His jaw tightened and his eyes darkened. “If you let me explain—”

  “Oh, I’m all ears, Ethan. Believe me.”

  He stared at her before squeezing his eyes shut and turning his head away.

  Again, she tried not to focus on his bruises and cuts; tried not to be concerned about the paleness of his skin and the tension in his jaw and shoulders... She was about to step toward him in comfort when his eyes snapped open and he dropped his chin.

  His gaze was soft with regret and he exhaled. “I went to Bristol. I lied to you about my work. I lied about why I needed you to watch Daisy. I understand if—”

  “Wait. You went to Bristol? God, Ethan, I was praying my suspicions were wrong.” She pushed herself away from the counter, her heart beating fast. “How could you? Did Anna’s boyfriend do that to your face?”

  “Yes. Him and a couple of his cronies.” He shook his head. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”

  “Have you actually looked in the mirror?”

  “Yes.” He glanced toward the closed kitchen door. “Daisy can’t know the real reason behind the bruises.”

  “Of course not.” Leah sat in the seat next to him and gently touched her fingers to his chin, turning his face left and right. She dropped her hand. “All superficial, which suits me fine because now I can carry on being spitting mad with you.”

  “I’d expect nothing less.” He pushed the hair back from his brow, his jaw tight. “I went to Bristol hoping to confront Harry and have him back off from Anna before I pretty much hauled her to the police myself.”

  “But things didn’t turn out as you expected?” Leah widened her eyes, her tone dripping with irony. “What a surprise. If Anna won’t listen to you, why did you think you’d have any chance with her drug-dealing boyfriend? Just be thankful you were only beaten up. These people could be capable of anything.”

  “I know. It was stupid.” He balled his hands into fists on the table. “But I had to do something. I couldn’t keep looking over my shoulder, worrying for Daisy. I was trying to make Anna see sense.”

  Leah dropped her shoulders, empathy cooling her temper. “Where’s Anna now?” She nodded toward his face. “Was she with you when this happened?”

  “Yes, and she’s at a Bristol police station. Hopefully telling them all she knows about Wyatt. The cops let me leave after I signed my statement of what happened and what I know. Fingers crossed, with Anna’s statement I won’t be called on again.”

  “So this should be the end? No more photographs or threats?”

  He nodded. “Yes.”

  His gaze was uncertain and Leah understood why. How could either of them read the minds of these people? They had no clue who they were or what they were capable of. Not even how many men Harry Wyatt had under his control.

  Ethan drew in a long breath and exhaled. “But I still can’t trust that Anna will do the right thing.”

  Trepidation whispered through Leah again. How had this unseen danger come bursting into her life? She was the fixer. The one people went to for help. But how could she do anything to help Ethan and Daisy if Anna failed to testify and Harry Wyatt remained a threat who could strike again at any time?

  Frustration at Ethan, Anna and Harry-bloody-Wyatt rose up hot in Leah’s chest and she pushed herself to her feet, suddenly overwhelmed by the desire to be alone. “I’ll get Daisy’s things together and then you need to leave.”

  “Leah...”

  She raised her hand when he moved to touch her. “Don’t.” Her voice cracked and she turned away from him toward the living room door. “I trusted you, Ethan. Thought you trusted me. I have no idea what I mean to you, but you and Daisy are beginning to mean a hell of a lot to me. Then to have you disappear and not tell me what you’re doing? Not call or leave a message? To have you lie about the reason I am left alone all night with your daughter?” She shook her head and turned to face him. “You’ve taken my trust and broken it.” She swiped at the tears on her cheeks. “I don’t think we should see each other anymore. I’m sorry.”

  “Leah, please. Don’t do this. Can’t you see I was doing what I thought was best?”

  Her body trembled, and she crossed her arms in self-protection. “No, Ethan, I can’t. What I see is someone else taking matters into their own hands without a care or thought for how it might affect the people they leave behind. What if you had been killed? What then? What would’ve happened to Daisy?”

  He opened his mouth, then closed it as shame seeped into his beautiful eyes.

  Leah nodded. “Like I said, no thought for anything or anyone except for yourself and what you thought best.” She lifted her chin. “I can’t be with someone like that, Ethan. I won’t be with someone like that.”

  She left the kitchen, stormed along the hallway and pushed open the living room door, her eyes dry of tears as she forced a smile for Daisy. “I’ll just get your bag together, sweetie.”

  “Okay.”

  Leah left the room and walked upstairs, grateful that Daisy’s gaze hadn’t left the TV. The last thing Leah wanted was for the little girl to witness her new friend’s heart breaking.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  WORDS FLOWED FROM Ethan’s fingers as though his body had been
possessed by a novelist who actually knew how to plot and execute a story that would hit the bestseller list in its first week of publication. Everything he’d experienced over the last few weeks pushed violent, angry words from his mind to the keyboard, and he typed as fast as he could, embracing the negative energy that poured through him.

  What did it matter that this book would be filled with bitterness and violence? That this story would leave his readers confused that the usual hint of romance and love he merged into his crime thrillers had vanished? Only to be replaced with a villain the likes of whom he had never created before.

  Writers should write only for themselves. Forget the reader until the job was done; the passion and creation spent. Once the book was written, then an author could allow the reader to matter. Could wait with trepidation to learn whether or not fans would love or loathe his or her latest offering. Today, these words were for him and him alone.

  Leah had not answered his numerous calls for days, and clearly had no wish to see him. Yet he had one precious thing he’d learned from her that he would hold on to for his baby’s sake. He would surrender his fears and allow Daisy more access to her friends from school, allow her to find happiness with other people as well as her father.

  Today Daisy was at a friend’s house and sleeping over. Without Leah in his life, Ethan found that his evening stretched ahead, his creativity uninterrupted. His blindness—his foolishness—had cost him Leah. The solitude he’d once craved was now the worst loneliness he’d ever known.

  As far as he knew, Anna had given a statement to the police that would see Harry Wyatt locked up for years, but Ethan had no way of really knowing if that were true until she answered his calls.

  Goddamn it. He pushed away from his desk and stood, glaring at the screen. Now his ex-wife had sneaked in and obliterated his concentration. Why did you come back here? Why bring me so much bloody trouble?

  He left the room and stalked downstairs. In the kitchen, he filled a glass with water and drank to ease his arid throat. He put down the glass, closed his eyes and gripped the sink.