**********
We arrive with everyone else; it looks like a convoy outside our parents' home, where they’re waiting as well. I climb out of my car and walk over to my mum, who’s trying her hardest not to laugh.
She places a hand on my arm. “I know you’re worried about Hayleigh, but I’m sure she’s okay.” She looks around. “Is all of this really necessary?”
I roll my eyes and throw my thumb over my shoulder. “This is all Archie, if it were up to me, I’d make the drive myself, but you know if I don’t let him do this, he won’t forgive me.”
“You’re a good brother. Your father and I will come with you if that’s okay?”
I nod. “Sure, the cars open.”
Cas gets out of his car and walks towards me, giving me a one-armed hug when he reaches me. “Emmy spoke to Hayleigh last night. She didn’t say anything was wrong, but she said shesounded tired and a little upset. She tried ringing Thea, but it went straight to voicemail. She told me to tell you not to try and not worry too much.”
I look towards his car and wave at Emmy. “Tell Emmy I said thank you. How’s she feeling?”
He smiles. “She’s good, we’re going to take Daisy with us. Rafe and Ethan can drive down together.”
I nod. “Sounds like a plan.”
I turn around when a car horn beeps before I realise it’s mine. Archie hangs outside the window.
“Let’s move it or lose it; we don’t haveallday.”
I roll my eyes. “Best get moving before Commando get’s angry.” Cas bursts out laughing at my quip, and I walk back to my car.
I climb in and turn to Archie. “Swap with mum.”
He makes a gurgled sound. “Why? What did I do?”
“There is no way that I’ll be able to concentrate on driving two hours with you in the passenger seat, getting all hyped up.”
He huffs in response. “Fine.”
I wait for my mum and Archie to swap places, and then we all set off in one long Peterson convoy to save the woman I love.
Chapter 30
Hayleigh
Twenty-four hours earlier…
My hands shake as I grip the steering wheel so tight my knuckles threaten to pop. My skin prickles, and my stomach turns a million times a minute as I stare up at my parents' home.
The last time I were here, my mother made it very clear that I wasn’t to come back, I wasn’t welcome after all, and if it weren’t for Thea, I wouldn’t be here. I close my eyes and think of her defeated look before she left my home. She doesn’t want this, but she has no idea that my parents are manipulating her.
I have to help her, and if, after I’ve told her everything she needs to know, she decides to stay, then that’s on her. At least I can say I’ve tried.
So with that, I grip the handle of my car, and I open the door. I need to take this one step at a time, and the first step is done. Now move your feet, Hayleigh, and walk to the front door. My steps are tentative, but that’s okay, this isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and one I am going to win.
I reach the door, but I don’t knock. How did I not see this before? The paint is chipped in several places; there are mud splashes on the bottom, and as I slowly turn around, it’s as if a veil of rose-coloured glasses has been lifted, and I see this place for what it truly is.
Derelict.
The house, garden and driveway are unkempt, and as I look around, there’s more and more evidence of disrepair. My parents have been struggling for a long time, and all I can seem to feel for them is pity.
I whirl around and bang on the door. It takes a few moments for it to open to my mother's stony face. She looks down her nose at me, her voice is as venomous as always.
“Didn’t I tell you, you weren’t welcome here?”
