I scrubbed a hand across eyes that ached but had no tears to shed, and said wearily, “Why on earth did you ask to contact me?”
“Because it was the right thing to do.”
Of course it was. Why would I think anything else when I’d grown up well aware that appearing to do and say the right thing was all that really mattered. “I suppose that’s why you broke up with Dad?”
“His actions in this whole farce have put me in an intolerable position.” She paused, as if suddenly realizing how all that sounded. “Which doesn’t mean I’m not sorry for what happened or for my own lack of foresight and support. I am. It’s just—”
“That you care more about your standing in Canberra than the daughter who offers you so little.”
“That is unfair and untrue.”
“It’s nevertheless how I’ve always felt.”
“Then I am doubly sorry—”
“It doesn’t matter anymore,” I cut in. “It really doesn’t.”
Even as I said that, a weight lifted. It was the truth. I had a life—a good life—and people who loved me as my parents never had. The inner child might have wanted reconciliation but the reality was, what I’d found in Castle Rock was far more real than anything I’d ever get from my parents.
She didn’t immediately reply and—though it was probably nothing more than imagination—her hurt filled the silence. I let it stretch.
Her next question, when it eventually came, did surprise me.
“Is there anything I can do for you, Elizabeth? I know nothing can ever make up for the trauma you went through, but…”
Her words trailed off. Perhaps she realized it was a case of too little, too late.
“There is something,” I replied evenly. “Make sure the annulment is pushed through quickly.”
“Your father is attending to that, but I’ll ensure there are no delays.”
Meaning that despite their so-called split, the two remained in contact. No doubt once this had all blown over and my father was given whatever meager punishment the council deemed appropriate, they’d renew their alliance and continue on as if nothing had ever happened.
“The other thing you can do is keep an eye on Clayton. If he leaves Canberra, please let me know immediately.”
“Clayton would not be foolish enough to leave Canberra when the specter of an investigation haunts him. It would be testament to guilt.”
“Have you spoken to him since he and Dad returned?”
“Of course not, but—”
“Then you can’t speak to his state of mind. Trust me, he wants revenge. On me, on Belle—” I paused as instinct stirred. “When did you last speak to Dad?”
“Yesterday—why?”
“It’s possible Clayton might well hold him ultimately responsible for the marriage and its consequences.”
I could almost see her frown. “What consequences?”
“Belle placed an anti-erection spell on him. According to what he said when we met, it still holds.”
“Belle did that?” Her disbelief echoed.
“She’s far more capable than any of you ever imagined, but that’s not the point. Check Dad. My instincts are saying he might be in trouble.”
“Clayton is hardly that foolish, but I’ll nevertheless do as you ask. Your psychic skills were always your one strength.”
“And here I was thinking you considered them a frightful anomaly and an affront to the Marlowe name.”
There was another of those long pauses. “It was never my intention to make you feel so unwanted, Elizabeth. You’re my daughter, and no matter what you think, I do love you.”
An apology of any sort was something I’d never expected, but I couldn’t help asking, “Then why did you never try to find me?”
“Because I was told you didn’t want to be found.”
“Who by?” But I knew, even as I asked the question. There was only one person who knew why we’d fled—Belle’s mom.
“Ava Sarr,” she confirmed. “And at least now I understand her comment to me when she was interviewed about your disappearance.”
“Which was?”
“Any mother who stands by and allows such abuse deserves to lose her daughter.” She hesitated. “I really am sorry, Elizabeth.”
“Apology accepted.” There was no point in harboring resentment. No point in holding on to bitterness and anger. I’d already wasted years of my life to it. It was well past time to move on. I glanced at my watch and saw it was close to six. Aiden would be here soon. He was my future, not the woman who gave birth to me. “I need to go. We’ll talk again soon.”
“I’d like that.”
With that, she hung up. I stared down at the phone and wondered if I’d ever hear from her again… and realized in that moment that I didn’t care either way.
Aiden had been right. Talking to her really had been the best thing I could have done.
* * *
“That,” I said with a sigh as I pushed my plate away, “was divine. Thank you.”
Aiden had suggested we go back to his place rather than a restaurant when he’d picked me up, and I’d readily agreed. After everything that had happened over the last few days, I really wanted some alone time with him. Especially given it might be the only chance we had for a little while. Clayton would be here soon—I felt that within every psychic inch of me—and we simply couldn’t afford to be caught alone. I might have the wild magic on my side, and Clayton might not be aware how deeply ingrained it was within me, but he did at least know I could weave it through spells. He’d find a means of countering it before he came here, of that I was sure.
“You cook for me often enough. It’s only fair that I return the favor.” A smile tugged at Aiden’s lips as he collected the plates and took them over to the sink. “Luckily for us both, I’m very good at making steak and chips.”
“Does that mean there’s no dessert?”
A wicked light flared in his eyes. “That depends on your definition
