Page 43 of The Penalty

“No.” I’ve learned the hard way not to make that kind of promise to my daughter. Especially when we were going through the teen years. “What’s going on?”

She sighs. “Ok, well, obviously, you know McKenzie?”

Fuck, why does my heart rate jump just from hearing her name?

“Yes,” I answer slowly.

“Ok, well, you know how she was staying here a lot?”

Oh, great. Has Kylie decided that now is the best time to hash this out? Fine, let’s get it over with, I suppose.

“Yes.”

She winces a little before sighing. “She was staying here because she didn’t really have anywhere else to go.”

My brows furrow, not understanding what she’s saying. “What do you mean?”

“She’s been living in her car mostly. She had to give up her apartment this semester because she couldn’t afford it anymore, so she’s been crashing on couches and sleeping in her car. That’s why I offered her a place to stay here until, well, you know.”

My stomach sinks. I kicked McKenzie out of our practically empty house to sleep in her rundown little car? No wonder she had so much crap in there. “Shit, Ky. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“She didn’t want me to! I promised her I wouldn’t. But I’m scared because it’s storming pretty bad and the Weather Channel says it’s only going to get worse. She had a shift this afternoon, and I asked her where she was planning on sleeping tonight, but she said she’d be fine. She won’t tell me where she is, and I just don’t want her out there in this storm.”

“Goddammit, Kylie.”

“Please don’t be mad,” she begs with her big puppy dog eyes that always help her get her way.

“This is serious, Kylie. She can’t be living in her car. Not only because of nights like tonight but who knows what creeps might be lurking around, looking in her windows and shit. It’s not safe.”

“I know! I tried to tell her. That’s why I had her stay over so much.”

I grab my boots and coat from the closet. I’m certainly not letting her sleep in her car tonight. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this.”

“You’re the one who kicked her out!” She throws back at me.

“Because both of you withheld information!” I yell back. My temper is high, but it’s not Kylie I’m upset with; it’s me. I should’ve seen the signs. The messy car, always taking showers here, her growling stomach. I take a deep breath and try to comfort my daughter, who is clearly very upset right now. “We’ll find her, Ky.”

“Where are you going?” she asks.

“You said she’s not answering, so I’m going to drive around to see if I can find her. If you have any ideas where she might be, please tell me.”

“I’m coming with you.” She makes a move to put her shoes on.

“No, you aren’t. You’re going to stay right here where I know you’re safe.”

“Dad!”

“Enough, Kylie.” I rarely put my foot down when it comes to Kylie—she’s always had me wrapped around her finger—but I can’t have her out in this storm. And I don’t particularly want her to be around me when I could easily snap. I can’t really explain that I’m this worked up because I have feelings for McKenzie that I shouldn’t. Hell, I was jealous of her talking to my offensive coordinator, and he was barely even looking at her.

“Fine. Check her work and maybe the student center gym. Sometimes, she showers there. I’ll send you her number.”

“Thank you.” I don’t bother telling her that I already have McKenzie’s number. “There are flashlights and candles in the cabinet by the fridge if the power goes out. Let me know if you hear from her.”

She nods, and I throw my coat on and run back out to my truck. First thing I do is call McKenzie. It goes straight to voicemail. Then, I shoot her a text.

No response.

So, I make my way back to the school. I drive around every building looking for McKenzie’s car with no luck.