Page 46 of Ryder’s Storm

Ryder’s heart stopped for a second. “What? You told me that your mother died of a heart attack.”

Scarlet nodded. “That’s what I believed until today when Dad told me the truth. That she killed herself because she was crazy.” Tears ran down her cheeks.

Ryder pulled her into his arms, and rocked her softly. “Scarlet, I’m so sorry.”

“He lied to me all these years. And Mom, she just left me by killing herself as if she never even loved me.”

He pulled her into his lap, holding her tightly, and allowed her to cry for as long as she needed to, while his heart ached for her. To believe that her own mother didn’t love her enough to want to stay alive, was heartbreaking. And for her father to claim that Scarlet was heading toward the same fate, wasn’t just irresponsible, but cruel.

Now Ryder understood why Scarlet had run away, and why she didn’t want to return home. He wouldn’t force her to, but he had to inform her father that he’d found her and that she was safe—without disclosing where she was.

“I have to call your father,” Ryder said.

Scarlet lifted her head. “Please don’t make me go back there.”

“I won’t. And I won’t tell him where you are, just that you’re safe. I know you might think that he doesn’t deserve to know that you’re all right, but he’s still your father, and despite everything that passed between you today, he loves you. Okay?” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket.

Scarlet nodded.

“I’ll put it on speaker.”

“I don’t want to talk to him.”

“I know, and right now, you shouldn’t. But I want you to hear what he says. Okay? Just keep quiet so he won’t know that you’re listening in.”

A moment later, the call connected.

“Ryder?” King asked in a rushed tone. “Have you found her?”

“Yes, sir. She’s safe.”

“Oh God, thank you. Bring her back, and we’ll talk.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir.”

“But—”

“Scarlet doesn’t want to see you right now. She needs time to process what happened.”

“Uhm—”

But Ryder interrupted him again. “I’ll keep her at a safe place. I guarantee you that. But she needs time away from you and the rest of your family.”

After a long audible exhale, King replied, “Fine. As long as she’s safe. I’ll return to Palo Alto later today. I’ve got work to do. But Claudia has some meetings in the city this week, so she’ll stay at the house for a couple of nights.”

“And Derek?” Ryder asked.

“I can’t just tell him… I mean…”

Ryder noticed how Scarlet pressed her lips together, disappointment and anger rising again.

“As long as Derek is here, Scarlet won’t feel safe,” Ryder said firmly. “Particularly not in her own home. If he doesn’t leave San Francisco, I can guarantee you that your daughter won’t come home.”

“Fine. I’ll talk to Claudia so he’ll cut his visit short.”

“I’ll be in touch,” Ryder said curtly, then disconnected the call.

“Thank you,” Scarlet said.