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“We need to ensure that no matter what happens to me, Faelea is safe and remains protected,” I said.
“That’s not a problem. But keep your head down. Social media is so vast these days, Amberlea, that one glimpse of you could be searched and discovered. That’s all it would take to have those assholes arrive in Rapid City. So no interfering with neighbourhood disputes,” Butch scolded.
“Maybe not my smartest decision, but I couldn’t stand there and let that asshole hit an old lady,” I stated.
Butch sighed and rubbed a hand over his face.
“I understand, but Faelea comes first, so keep that in the forefront of your mind. We can move you safely, but only if we get warning. And knowing those fuckers, they’d catch us off guard. We’re doing our best. Simone is flying out tomorrow, and we’ll be speaking to the asshole.
“We have someone searching for Cordelia’s medical records from that night. Even back then, everything was computerised. If they were scrubbed from the system, Nigel can find them,” Butch said.
“I don’t remember properly, but I think Cordelia was moved to a private hospital,” I suggested.
“That seems likely, but Nigel is being methodical. One step at a time. Don’t worry, Amberlea; we will prove your innocence. But you gotta help us. For now, you got your biggest wish waiting for you, so go enjoy,” Butch said and left me alone.
I took a few moments to gather my thoughts and then rushed out. My daughter waited.
???
“Mom, am I going to live with you forever?” Faelea asked as we sat cuddling on the sofa. As soon as Simone and Butch left, I’d been unable to let her go. Luckily, Faelea clearly felt the same way.
“No. One day you’ll want your own place and to raise your own family. When that day comes, I will stand by you, prouder than ever. Hell, honey, you may even wish to go to college or higher university and leave me behind then. But know this, no matter where you are, or what you’re doing, I’ll always be there by your side,” I answered honestly. The thought of losing Faelea in a few years to college stabbed deep inside me. I’d lost a decade. How many more years would I lose?
“Well, I want to go to college here, and then I don’t have to leave you,” Faelea replied.
A smile crossed my lips. My beautiful girl. I couldn’t believe how well-adjusted Faelea seemed. Despite her knowing the truth, I had expected difficulties and drama. Instead, Faelea was taking it all in her stride and having a whale of a time as she did.
“Tomorrow, we’ll go online and do some shopping. Your bedroom is plain and boring, so let’s see what we could do to jazz it up. And then maybe a clothes shop? And we can be lazy as we do so, order takeaway for lunch and dinner?” I suggested.
“That would be great,” Faelea exclaimed, appearing excited.
“Faelea, I got to ask… Selina…” I stopped talking as Faelea’s face fell, and I realised she was grieving for her caregiver.
“Selina was great, fun and strict and kind. But she made sure I knew she wasn’t my mom and always read your letters to me. Selina was like an aunt. And she kept telling me one day, you’d be free and prove you were innocent of the crimes you were accused of. What I don’t understand is how your friends could turn against you. And my father, why would he believe the other lady?” Faelea asked innocently.
“Because it’s the same with everyone else around her. Jax was stunned by Cordelia’s wealth and beauty. The word no was foreign to Cordelia until Jax. Your dad loved me once; I'm not sure why he married her after I was jailed or why he believed her. But he did. I’d say your father is as much a victim in this as Abbi and me. But Jax made his choice, so I don’t know how much he knew of the truth.
“Whatever happened, Jax married Cordelia. And Cordelia lived the life we should have. But she’ll pay. Wicked people soon discover karma is a real thing. Jax turned on me, and I’m not sure why, but he should have known better than to believe their lies. I’ve no doubt, honey, that Mr and Mrs Wellspring knew Cordelia was the one driving that night. Not me. But they weren’t going to let their spoilt rich bitch of a daughter go to jail,” I broke off, trying to hide the bitterness in my voice.
“I don’t think I want to meet him. If Jax married her after sending you to prison, he’s not a nice guy,” Faelea replied.
“I know Jax took the stand and testified against me. Do you understand or know what he stated?” I questioned.
“Yes, Selina told me. Selina wanted me to know the truth in case one day Jax found me. And honestly, Mom? Jax seems a small man,” Faelea answered with total honesty.
“Once, Jax was the brightest star in my sky.”
“And now?” Faelea asked.
“Oh honey, that’s you! Ever since you were born, you’ve been the only star I’ve looked for in the night sky,” I said, my voice hitching.
“Selina used to tell me that the brightest star was you because nobody could dim the light of an innocent person.”
Aww, that was sweet and kind of Selina. I wish I could have met and thanked her for raising such a wonderful child. Sadly, I wouldn’t get a chance to, but I could honour Selina and continue to raise Faelea in the manner she’d started. My daughter was well-adjusted and sweet. Some of that was her personality, and the rest was due to Selina.
Chapter Five.
Gauntlet
