Chapter 24

Both Jack and I stiffened instantly again. Jordan caught sight of our agitation and pulled away a bit, I could see the wheels in his head turning and I braced myself for the question I knew was coming.

"Who was it?"

His tone was so cold and dangerous that it sent shivers down my back just hearing it, I would hate to be on the receiving end of his anger. I waited to hear if Jack would answer for me. When he didn't, I realized he was giving me a chance to do it myself. I was not sure if I was grateful for this chance. But I knew that this was an opportunity for me, and I had to snag it even if I didn't want it. I walked over to the swing again this time to look beyond it out to the ocean where the moonlight was playing among the waves and drew strength from the current.

"My father," I conceded finally, "It was my father, he was a drunk, abusive, son of a bitch."

The silence behind me was tangible and as deadly as the eye of a hurricane until it finally exploded.

"That fucking bastard. I'