Page 98 of Holden’s Resurrection

Edward didn’t like my attitude? Well, I didn’t like his deception. I didn’t like how my whole life I’d been treated like I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t like how their standing at the country club was more important than me.

“Then you’ll be happy to know after today, Faith and I do not exist for you. Not that we ever truly mattered, but we’re gone nonetheless. You will not contact me, you will not attempt to contact Faith. And you absolutely will not reach out to Holden and cause him anymore trouble than you already have.”

“Seriously, Charlotte, why does it always come down to that piece of trash?”

“You do not call him that!” I shouted. “You don’t ever say his name again. You knew, all these years, you knew Holden was Faith’s father and you gave money to those horrible people after all the things they did to me. They took me to court and you gave them money! You lied to me. You’re the piece of trash. You and Mother are vile pieces of shit.”

“Char—”

“Shut up and listen. I hope your reputation was worth losing your daughter and granddaughter. I hope you and Mother are happy knowing you destroyed my life and your granddaughter missed growing up without a father. This is your only warning—if I ever hear from either of you again, I’ll make sure everyone knows what you did. If you ever try to speak to my daughter, so help me God, I’ll unleash Holden on you.”

“Char—”

“Fuck. Off. Father.”

I disconnected the call, tossed my phone on the bed, pulled on the clothes I wore yesterday, and headed for the door.

When I opened it, my breath caught in my throat.

Evie, Bobby, Kennedy, and Silver all stood there with matching smiles. No one said a word but they didn’t have to. None of them masked their approval.

“Are you ready?” Evie asked.

I didn’t need her to clarify her question, therefore, I didn’t.

“Yes.”

“Good. He’s at the farm in his Airstream. Chasin’s there making sure he doesn’t do something stupid.”

Like hitch his rig to the back of his Suburban and drive away.

As fast as that thought flitted into my mind, it disappeared. Holden wouldn’t leave Faith. Hell, I knew he wouldn’t leave me.

I understood he needed time to process the news he had a daughter, but his time was up.

“I need a favor.”

“Anything.” Evie smiled.

Once I instructed the women, I was out the door.

I’d lost my family once.

I was not losing anymore.

30

Daughter.

The word was foreign as it rolled around in Holden’s mind.

He had a daughter.

Incomparable joy morphed into pain. Sheer anguish made his heart ache.

The piss of it was, he couldn’t blame Paul, not fully.

Sick fuck.