My sister grabs my hand, squeezing it firmly. “Is this true?” She waves the letter in her hands. “Is Jenny really alive?”
Both Dirk and Dan say “What?” at the same time.
Grandma Maggie steps into the room, and we all turn her direction. “It’s true. I’ve seen her with my own eyes.”
Lily lets out a loud cry and doubles over. “Jenny. Oh, Jenny.”
I watch my grandmother lower herself into the chair beside my sister to comfort her, wondering why my reaction to thisnews is so different from theirs. Maybe it’s because they knew her. They’ve talked to her. They’ve seen her smile. They know what her voice sounds like. The exact color of her eyes …
Ray walks into the room and places his hand on my shoulder.
I’m so glad my grandma has him. Actually, we all have him. He’s a good man. You can tell by the way his son turned out. Big Dan and his dad are true salt of the earth type of men.
“Is she here?” my sister asks, struggling to calm herself enough to get the question out.
Grandma shakes her head. “No, dear. I tried to get her to come with me. She feels safe where she’s at, but it’s not far.”
“What do you mean it’s not far?” I ask.
She looks at me, and I know. My biological mother has been under my nose this entire time.
“Fuck,” I say, running my hands through my hair.
Daisy washes her hands in the sink after finally getting Dirk’s nose to stop bleeding. Brody steps up beside her, and they begin to whisper. She shakes her head and points out the window.
He leaves her side and comes back in with her purse. She reaches in and pulls out another envelope, handing it to him.
His eyes meet mine as he walks toward me. I back away a step, and he shakes his head to stop me.
“Is that from her?” I ask.
He nods, handing it to me.
I stare at it as the room goes silent.
My heart beats fast.
“Yeah, okay, thanks,” I say, leaving the room. I pause on the threshold. “I’ll see you guys in a few. Everyone should be here soon.”
As soon as I’m up in my old room at the warehouse, I plop down on the bed and rip it open.
Jackson,
I don’t know where to begin. I’m sorry in so many ways, but first I’m sorry you lost your mom. Although I didn’t know her well, I know she was good. Please don’t blame her for any of this.
I have to stop and laugh. They’ve both taken the blame for this secret, each not wanting me to be angry with the other.
I begged her to keep my secret. I told her that your life depended on it. At the time I truly believed that. There was no way I was going to risk your safety just so I could exist in this world. So, we came up with a plan to make it look like I was gone for good. I know you might not understand now, but maybe someday it will all make sense.
I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to keep you in my arms. They’ve ached for you ever since you were born.
I know your mother and I have made this decision on your behalf, but from here on out it is yours and yours alone. I will not hide from you. Please don’t feel pressure either way.
I love you, Jackson.
Jenny
My mind goes back to the day we realized the man who had trafficked my mom was the grandfather of the man who kidnapped Willow. He’s been gone for years. Why didn’t my mom say something? She knew the threat had been eliminated. She could have told me then.
