Her Silent Revenge novel Chapter 108

"Could we round up a touch? An even six digits will do."

A hundred thousand dollars?

Whatever.

I hide my surprise as I pull out a pen and my checkbook, quickly scribbling out the amount.

"Here you are. Let me know if you need more." Her hand shakes as she takes the check I hold out.

"You're so generous, young man. So human." I'm a little concerned she's about to start ugly crying, so I pat her on the back and motion to leave.

"I should probably get back to Salem and help her with Arlo before someone trips on his army men."

"Of course, of course! You're a natural with the little boy, by the way. I can't wait for the wedding, Pat." She scurries to her feet with a wink and throws open the door for me like I'm some sort of king.

It's a little disturbing, honestly, the way she needs to grovel like I'm her very own guardian angel. I've handed out business loans and attended my share of charity events, but this feels more personal.

I'm relieved when I find Salem just up the hall. Her face clears when she sees us coming, and Evelyn hurries forward, her hand outstretched.

"I never did tell you, dearie," she says as Salem gives her a hand—and me a confused look. "You make such a perfect match with Patton, and your little boy looks cute enough to eat right up!"

"Thank you," Salem says, flashing me an amused look. Evelyn pats her cheek and continues on with a spring in her step. Salem looks up at me. "What was that all about?"

"Oh, she just wanted to ask for a favor."

"What favor? The Minnesota deal again?" She frowns, the corners of her mouth pulling down.

"Don't worry about it. It's under control," I say with a smile. To my surprise, Salem doesn't smile back.

She just tugs at her wrap, pulling it down her arms to cover them. For the first time, I wonder why she left the others.

"Care for a walk?" I ask, offering her my arm. "It's pretty mild outside." Her gaze flicks to my face and away again. "You don't have to do this.

It's supposed to be a family dinner."

"If Mom wants to complain, there's plenty of that to go around with her

Instead, she spreads her fingers, inviting the air in to cool her skin. "Has someone made you feel like you don't belong? Is it Archer?"

"No, nothing like that. Everyone's been so nice. Too nice, maybe. But I guess that's the issue…" She looks at me slowly. "You have such a lovely family. For me, that's pretty alien."

With my gaze smoldering, I take her hand.

"Don't be afraid. Whatever happened with your folks, it won't happen again. We don't send family packing into exile."

I shake my head, holding back the curses her parents deserve. How could they do that shit to their own daughter?

And all because she wouldn't give up a kid they felt was a wrench being tossed into their little lives?

People are strange fucking birds sometimes.

They can also change, and not always for the better. Thankfully, it hasn't happened much in my own family. I can see how foreign that might be to Salem.

Look at Dex, the ultimate workaholic human android before Junie. Archer, he's so reserved he'd make a fridge magnet look outgoing. Me, I'm the risk-taker. Shallow and self-centered, or so everyone says. Mom, she's the glue holding us together, but not because we need it. "What was so bad about it all? The unfamiliarity?" I ask gently.