Tainted Love

by Stacy Claflin

  Alex watched him, his mind mulling over potential hashtags. Then one came that gave him pause. Mommy Blogger Mayhem. It was a little long, but it was catchy and would be easy to remember. Hopefully people could spell mayhem. He found spelling errors all over the web, and he wasn’t even a grammar Nazi.

  If it got too confusing, people could shorten it. It could evolve into MBM if that wasn’t being used for anything else. It could work. It would work.

  He turned back to his laptop filled with a renewed determination. At the end of his blog post title, he added the hashtag. That way anytime someone shared the post, they would also share the hashtag.

  Excitement drumming through him, he proofread the post before publishing it. Then he shared the link all over social media using the hashtag.

  #MommyBloggerMayhem. It was perfect.

  With any luck, soon it would be trending. It would get the word out to enough people that someone would recognize her and come forward with the truth. Or at least something that would point to the truth.

  The woman would be forced to come clean. And if she didn’t, enough evidence would surface to convict her of any wrongdoing.

  Fight

  “Would you stop checking your phone?”

  Ava glanced across the table at Dad. They were having lunch with Genevieve and Tinsley to celebrate the engagement, and it was almost like Mason knew because he wouldn’t stop texting her.

  Maybe he did know. Blood drained from her face.

  Genevieve smiled at Ava. “It’s okay. Does Braylon miss you?”

  Ava forced a smile. “Yeah.”

  “We should’ve invited him.”

  “No.” Dad’s brows furrowed into one as he glared at Ava. “This is family time. Nobody else is glued to the phone.”

  “You’re right. I’ll put it away.” She silenced it and returned it to her purse.

  Parker’s mouth fell open dramatically. “You just admitted Dad’s right?”

  She narrowed her eyes, willing herself to shoot him with death rays.

  The conversation moved to the wedding. Ava tried to shove Mason’s texts from her mind and channeled her excitement. Even though she was distracted and worried, she really was happy that Dad and Genevieve were getting married. It was about time he found happiness. He’d been so miserable before Genevieve showed up.

  They discussed dates, locations, and how to have each of the kids involved.

  Ava put her fork down and looked at Genevieve. “It should all be about what you want.” She didn’t want to point out the obvious—that it was her first wedding and Dad’s second. He’d already been through all of this, so Genevieve doubly deserved to have the wedding of her dreams.

  Genevieve beamed. “That means so much, but it’s not just about your dad and me. The five of us are becoming a family. I want that to be the focus.”

  Ava nodded. “What have you always pictured your wedding to be like?”

  She chuckled. “You know, I never really put much thought into it. Was never really sure I’d marry.”

  “Really?” Ava leaned forward.

  “It’s true. I’ve been career-focused for so long, and I wasn’t sure anyone would want to put up with an officer’s schedule.”

  Ava knew exactly what she meant. Her mom used to complain about Dad’s schedule. All. The. Time. “Well, nobody gets it like Dad.”

  Genevieve and Dad exchanged a sweet glance.

  Parker rolled his eyes and whispered, “Suck up.”

  Ava kicked him under the table. She’d deal with the jerk at home. This wasn’t the time for him to be a jerk.

  Genevieve turned to Hanna. “What do you think?”

  She set her shake down. “I want to be a flower girl.”

  “I would love that, and I bet you’ll be the best there ever was.”

  Dad turned to Tinsley. “And how are you feeling?”

  She smiled wider than Ava had ever seen. “I can’t wait to have a dad and brothers and sisters. It’ll be a whole family. Are you going to adopt me, too?”

  A warmth spread through Ava. Tinsley was one of the quietest people she’d ever met, even though she’d come so far from when they’d first met her and she never spoke a word because of her psychotic upbringing. Her real parents were actual crazy-pants. Between what her dad and Genevieve had told them and what little Tinsley had shared, it made everything Ava had been through feel like nothing.

  Dad reached across the table and put his hand on hers. “Nothing would make me happier.”

  Parker muttered something under his breath.

  Ava kicked him again and shot him a death glare. He returned it with one of his own. She was definitely going to have it out with him once they left. There were times to be selfish, and this wasn’t one of them. She mouthed, “Shut it.”

  He mouthed, “Make me.”

  Her blood boiled, but she wasn’t going to let him ruin this meal celebrating the engagement. She took a deep breath and looked away from him. Luckily, nobody else seemed to notice him. Either that or they were doing a good job of ignoring him.

  The waiter came and dropped off the check. Before long, they were heading to the cars.

  “Can I ride with Genevieve?” Hanna asked.

  Ava turned to Parker. “What’s up your butt?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Leave me alone.”

  “We’re supposed to be celebrating with Dad and Genevieve. Instead, you’re making it about you.”

  “Trust me, if I was making it about me, you’d know it.”

  “That was you holding back?”

  Parker shoved her.

  She pushed him. “Stop!”

  He stuck his foot in front of her ankle. Before Ava could react, she flew forward. The pavement was coming at her fast. She put out her arms to protect her face and head. The impact burned up and down her arms. Pain shot through one knee and a hip. Her head bumped the curb at the same moment her purse flew from her hand and bounced, spilling the contents as it went.

  Everyone spoke at once.

  Ava scrambled to her feet, her face burning from embarrassment, and she dusted herself off. Blood, dirt, and pebbles stuck to the scrapes on her arms. Her new jeans were ripped, and not in a way that looked stylish. Her head throbbed where it had hit the curb.

  Parker stood there as smug as could be. It was enough to make her not care about keeping the peace anymore. She lunged for him, but just before she could inflict pain, Dad grabbed her.

  “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

  “He did that on purpose!”

  “We’ll get to the bottom of this at home.” He turned to Parker. “Help pick up your sister’s things.”

  “No.”

  “No?” Dad let go of Ava.

  “You heard me.”

  Hanna picked up Ava’s purse. “I’ll get the stuff.” She picked up a tube of lipstick and put it inside.

  Dad stepped so close to Parker that their noses almost touched. “You’d better rethink your attitude, and quickly. Or there will be consequences.”

  “Whatever.”

  Hanna handed Ava her cell phone. “Mason texted you?”

  Blood drained from her body.

  Dad whipped around. “What?”

  Parker smirked. “She’s been getting them for a while.”

  “How did you know?” Ava demanded.

  He folded his arms. “Your password couldn’t have been easier to figure out.”

  She lunged for him, ready to permanently remove his smug expression.

  Dad turned back toward Parker. “You knew about this?”

  Parker’s grin faded.

  Good.

  “You knew that dangerous kid was texting your sister and you didn’t tell me?” Spittle flew from Dad’s mouth.

  “I—”

  “You’re grounded until further notice.” He spun back towar
d Ava. “You both have some serious explaining to do as soon as we get home.”

  Genevieve put her hand on Dad’s arm. “I can take Hanna and Tinsley somewhere for a while, then bring Hanna back when you’re ready.”

  Dad took a deep breath. “I’d appreciate that. I need to have a serious talk with these two right now.”

  Ava’s stomach flip-flopped.

  Blindsided

  Nick paced the living room, hardly able to look at his two oldest children. He took deep breaths and considered his wording carefully. They would all regret it if he said what he felt like saying.

  He stopped pacing and looked at Ava on the couch and Parker on the recliner. “I don’t even know where to start!”

  Ava raised her road-rashed arms. “You could start with him tripping me on purpose. I was telling him to—”

  “She’s the one who’s been texting with Mason!” Parker pointed at his sister.

  “Enough! You two couldn’t get along for just one day? All I wanted was a nice afternoon to celebrate the engagement!”

  “He’s the one who—”

  “Stop!” Nick held up a hand. “I don’t want to hear any blaming. None.”

  Ava glared at Parker.

  Parker gave her an obscene gesture.

  “What is going on with you two? Stop!”

  Ava opened her mouth, but then closed it.

  “What?” Nick demanded.

  “You said you didn’t want blaming. I can’t tell you what happened without blaming him.”

  Nick drew in a deep breath and went back to pacing. “Do you really think Genevieve is going to want to join this family when you kids pull stunts like this?”

  Neither responded.

  “Or is that what you want?” He stopped cold and met the gaze of both kids.

  Ava’s eyes shone. “I want you two to get married.” Her mouth contorted like she was struggling not to say more.

  Nick turned to his son. “And you?”

  “No comment.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I said, no comment.”

  Nick counted silently before responding. “I heard you. What exactly do you mean? And don’t say ‘no comment’ again unless you want to find out what military school is like.”

  His mouth dropped open. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Don’t test me. Not today.”

  Parker didn’t respond.

  Nick took a step closer. “I said, tell me exactly what you mean by ‘no comment.’”

  They stared each other down before Parker finally spoke. “After everything we’ve been through, you really expect us to be happy about this?”

  “That doesn’t answer my question.”

  “Our mom is in jail for life and you expect us to act like Genevieve is our new mom. She’s not a replacement for Mom.”

  “I never expected her to be! She’s an addition to our life—a positive one, at that. But I never once told any of you to forget about your mother or that Genevieve would replace her. I’m not blind or stupid, Parker. But do you know what else?”

  “What?” Parker’s tone had less of an edge to it.

  “We’re lucky that Genevieve wants to be a part of our lives. She knows full well what baggage we have, and she still loves us. Not just me, but all three of you. Do you think for a moment I’d marry her if it was any other way? Do you?”

  Parker’s knuckles turned white.

  “You kids are my priority. So is Genevieve, but she wouldn’t be if you weren’t important to her. You might’ve noticed how long I waited after your mother left me before I dated. She may not care how her choice in a life partner affects you, but I do. I understand you have to deal with the consequences of her actions, but don’t take it out on me or Genevieve.”

  “Or me,” Ava muttered.

  “None of us deserves it,” Nick continued. “You can talk to the counselor more if you want, and I’m always here to talk, but don’t ever pull a stunt like that again. Do you understand?”

  Parker’s mouth formed a straight line.

  “Do you understand?” Nick repeated.

  “Yes.”

  “Good. If you have a problem or concern, talk to me about it. We can work out a solution. Don’t hide things from me and don’t act out. I’d expect that from a toddler, not you.”

  Parker nodded, his expression tight.

  “If a member of our family is in danger, tell me! I really don’t appreciate you keeping Mason’s texts from me. He’s dangerous—to all of us! The kid has mental problems, and he probably blames us for his parents being in jail.” Despite the divorce, despite being engaged to Genevieve, it still made him a little sick to acknowledge Corrine as Mason’s mother. He still couldn’t get over how blind he’d been to miss something so major like that.

  Nick paced again, his mind racing. He probably shouldn’t have been surprised to find out that Mason had been trying to contact Ava. The psychotic little turd was obsessed with her, despite finding out that they were half-siblings.

  He turned to Ava. “When did he start texting you?”

  She looked away. “A while ago.”

  “When is a while ago?”

  Parker snickered.

  Nick glared at him. “Military school is not an empty threat.”

  Parker’s expression stiffened.

  Nick turned back to Ava. “You were saying?”

  She played with the rip in her jeans. “I don’t know when it started. I’d have to look at my phone, which you took away.”

  “Who else knows? Does Braylon?”

  Ava shook her head. “I haven’t told him.”

  Relief washed through Nick. He’d hate to have to drag Braylon into this mess. He was a nice kid, and Nick trusted him. This proved his instincts were still on target. “Glad to hear it. It’s just you two?”

  They both nodded.

  Nick took a deep breath. “Does Mason know where we live?”

  Ava sighed. “He knows we’re in Washington.”

  “But he doesn’t have our address? Know what school you go to?”

  Ava shook her head.

  “But he has your cell phone number.”

  “Yeah.”

  “How’d he get that?”

  She shrugged.

  Nick wanted to punch something. He counted to ten silently. Twice. “Do you know where he is?”

  “Somewhere in Idaho.”

  “Idaho?” Nick exploded. “How’d he get across the country?”

  “Probably drove.”

  He sat on the coffee table, knee-to-knee with Ava. “Tell me everything.”

  She sighed. “You have my phone. You can read it for yourself.”

  “I want to hear it from you.”

  Ava glared at Parker.

  “Don’t look at me.”

  Nick turned to his son. “Go to your room and do homework. Nothing else. Just homework. If you’re tempted to get online, look up military schools.”

  Parker narrowed his eyes at his sister then headed to the hall.

  “Homework only!”

  “Got it, Dad.” He disappeared around the corner.

  Nick faced his oldest. “What does Mason text you about?”

  “Stupid stuff.”

  “Meaning?”

  She continued playing with the hole in her pants. “Tells me where he’s living. For a long time, it was Kansas with his girlfriend. Then suddenly, it was Idaho.”

  Nick rubbed his temples. “You realize he’s headed this way?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because I had it under control.”

  Nick bit his tongue and drew in a deep breath. “You had it under control?”

  She nodded. “It seemed like he wanted ties with his family. At least at first. I mean, he has a girlfriend. S
o, obviously, he’s moved on from his obsession with me. Or at least I thought he had. Then he said he was in Idaho.”

  “And you still didn’t think to tell me?”

  She chewed on her lower lip. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

  “Worrying about you is my job! And as police captain, I have the resources to deal with this. I can’t believe you thought you could handle it on your own!”

  “Well, I did a pretty good job. He hasn’t shown up here. He’s not anywhere near any of us. And besides, for all we know, he’s headed this way to see Mom and Dave.”

  “I doubt that’s the only reason he’s so close.”

  Ava frowned.

  Nick sat next to her. “Look, I don’t want to take your phone away, but at the same time, I need to know that I can trust you. Will you tell me when he contacts you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” He handed the phone to her. “Let’s look over Mason’s texts together.”

  Pink colored her cheeks. “Just know that the only reason I said anything at all to him was because I wanted to keep my enemy close. I don’t know if that makes sense to you, but that’s what I was doing. Some of it might look like friends talking, but it’s not. I know better than that. Really, I do.”

  Nick kissed the top of her head. “I believe you. Now, let’s have a look.”

  Trending

  Alex couldn’t keep the smile off his face. His hashtag was actually trending on two of the social media sites. His two latest blog posts had more comments than any others.

  He’d successfully brought light to the unusual situation. People were talking, and most everyone believed Connor was either in danger or dead. Alex hoped for the first, but given how long it had been and statistics, there was no denying the unlikelihood of it. The best anyone could realistically hope for was that the truth would come out and all guilty parties would be caught.

  Zoey sat next to him and gave him a quizzical glance. “What are you so happy about?”

  “My hashtag is trending.”

  She gave him a high-five. “You think it’ll help find her?”

  “It has to. There are hundreds of people discussing her blog, dissecting post after post. A guy in Oregon swears he recognizes one of the places she took the kids since Connor’s disappearance.”