I’m starting to realize me doing that is why this is all happening. What else could it be? I mean it’s no coincidence that all of this began happening when I made the switch. If anyone knows what’s going on it’ll be my father. I’m going to have to confront him. Even though I’m dreading it, there isn't much else I can do at this point.
“I’m guessing you’re not going to let my brother help you with the shop. Do you guys have insurance?”
“Yes.” It’s required. Thank God or I’m sure my father would have tried to cut corners there. “Not that it matters. I’m sure my father will take the money and wipe his hands with it.” I should maybe do the same. Lose that place for good. I’ve put so much time into it, but it was slowly starting to wear me down.
What makes my blood boil is the danger he not only put me in but Ryan too. I’d moved us out of his home to get away from the seedy men he always had around. I should have gone further. I never should have taken him up on running The Daily Drip. He took advantage of me. I shouldn’t be surprised, but it still burns. More because he knows I’m trying to do the right thing for Ryan.
“Sometimes when life crumbles around you, it opens up the possibility of something new.” She gives my shoulder a squeeze before she slips from the chair and heads out of the room to give me a moment alone.
She might be right. As much as I don’t want to take a handout, I know Miles isn't going to let me stay at some hotel. At least I’ll have some time to figure this all out. What I do need to do is cut my father out of our lives in any way I can. He is always at the root of our problems, and I’m done with it. Done with him.
I go in search of my brother, wanting to make sure he’s okay. I get that he’s angry. He doesn't know how to work through it. To be honest, I don’t even know how to manage all the disappointment and frustration. It takes me a while to get through the house, but I don’t see him or Miles anywhere.
My phone starts to ring in my pocket. I pull it out, seeing my father’s name. I shouldn't answer it. I should hit ignore and walk away from it all. My anger gets the best of me, and I hit accept instead.
“What do you want?”
“Eden. You have to listen to me. They have Ryan.” My heart drops.
“Who?” I try to stay calm. I’m useless to Ryan if I lose my shit. My hands begin to sweat with nerves, but I take deep breaths, knowing that I need to listen to every detail my father is about to tell me.
“This is your fault. I didn't approve those changes around the shop. You made this mess.” His words have my blood boiling.
“Me!” I take another deep breath. There is no point in fighting with him. All that matters is Ryan.
“Just shut up and get to my house so we can handle this. Don’t bring that boyfriend of yours either.” How the hell does he know about Miles? “He’s already made this worse.” He hangs up the phone before I can try to ask anything else.
I try to call Miles and Ryan, but no one picks up. Too scared to waste time, I head toward the garage, hoping I can find keys to one of the cars in there. Miles hadn't been joking about having a ton of cars sitting around. I get lucky for once, grabbing a set off the wall. I hit the unlock button to figure out which car I’ll be taking.
I pull out of the garage and take off toward my father’s place. How the hell did they get Ryan? Why would they even take him? It’s not like my father can pay ransom, and they destroyed the shop so we can’t even change anything back to how it was before.
When I get on my father’s street I slow down. I don’t see any cars in his driveway. I park and head for the front door. Before I can knock, it swings open. A man that is not my father stands there. I let out a scream when he grabs me by my arm and yanks me into the house. His hold is so tight I know it’s going to leave a bruise.
“I’m impressed Tony followed through on something.” He doesn’t let my arm go. I stare up into sinister eyes, and a chill runs through my body.
“Where is he?” I ask, only caring about Ryan.
“Tony is over there.” The man nods. I don’t give a crap about my father, but I look anyway. He’s sitting on the loveseat, his face all busted up. His hand is wrapped, but blood is soaking through it.
“Where is my brother?” The man clicks his tongue. It’s in that moment I realize they don’t have him. Relief fills me, but only for a second. This is far from over. For me at least.
“That boyfriend of yours is making a lot of trouble.” The man pulls me over to the sofa and gives me a shove. I fall backwards onto it. “So now I’m going to give him some trouble.” I don’t see the slap coming until it’s too late. My ear rings and the taste of blood fills my mouth. I wipe it with my sleeve. “That’s perfect.” He snaps a few pictures of me.
“What do you want?” I don’t want Miles in
