Page 43 of Vicious Titan

28

Victoria

My fingers ache from gripping the steering wheel so tightly as I turn out of Elliot’s driveway. Olivia showing up threw me for such a loop that it had taken me a second to remember how to breathe, so I can only imagine how Elliot felt. The fact that she is staying at Lawrence’s instead of her own house speaks on how unsafe she really feels in her own home. Even if Lawrence is Richard’s father, he’s a good man from everything I’ve seen of him. Then again, I’m not the best judge of character because I thought my dad just had a short temper. Turns out he’s an abusive monster.

As I’m driving down the street, a black Mercedes flashes its lights at me. It takes me a second to realize it’s Olivia, waving out the window, attempting to flag me down. I steer off the road, pulling into a gas station parking lot as she comes to a stop behind me, stepping out of the car.

I jump when a loud horn blares. Looking over, I see it’s just one car blowing their horn at another car that’s lingering too long at the stoplight. It’s not surprising that something as simple as a car horn would freak me out. I’m more than on edge.

Olivia appears less frazzled as she pulls me into a warm embrace. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Me too.” And I have. Olivia has always been an important part of my life. And now that I’m dating her son, she’s even more important because Elliot means everything to me. “When did you get out? Does Richard know?”

“Yesterday and yes, Richard is aware. He also is still clueless. Did you say anything to Elliot about it?”

“No. I was too scared Richard would do something to him … or you.”

She nods, gazing at her feet before looking out at the cars passing by. “Thank you. I knew I could trust you. Thank you for looking out for Elliot when I couldn’t.”

“Now what? What are you going to do?”

“First, I need to keep Richard believing that I don’t know he tried to kill me. He thinks I’m staying at Lawrence’s because of the affair, and I want to keep it at that. He had the nerve to say he hopes we could work everything out.” Pain flashes across her face as she looks to me.

“I know. Elliot does too. Richard told him.” I intentionally leave out the part where Heidi showed up at the Bass residence wanting to speak with Elliot. It’s still Olivia’s home; I don’t want to make this any worse than it already is.

“I always wanted to have more kids, but Richard didn’t. Which made it sting that much more when he got her pregnant. He was so adamant about not wanting to have another baby. I knew it was for the best, with our volatile marriage, but I’d always wanted a big family … especially a daughter. That’s one of the many reasons it was always a joy to have you around.”

“Thank you. I love spending time with you.” With everything she has going on, I feel awkward telling her my news, but I’ve always talked to Olivia about things that bother me. And she always seems genuinely interested in our conversations, unlike my mom. “My dad was arrested. He’s still in jail for embezzlement and fraud.”

Her hand reaches out, gently cupping my arm. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. How’s Asher handling it?”

“Good. He helped my mom gather evidence that put my dad away.”

“Oh.” Her unsure tone is understandable because that detail still feels unsettling to me.

“Yep,” I say, glancing around the parking lot.

“Well, if you need anything from me, just say the word.”

“Thanks.”

“In the meantime, please don’t say anything to Elliot. We need to keep him out of harm’s way.”

“Okay.” Damn. More lies. But she’s right. It’s obvious that people can’t be trusted. Even people you think you know can be hiding deep, dark secrets.

Giving me another reassuring hug, she waves goodbye and gets into the Mercedes. I hurry to my car, speeding away quickly. Once I’m home, I go straight to the shower, hurrying to get changed and dressed. I slip on a simple black dress. Glancing at the time, I realize I’ve got hours to wait before Elliot picks me up.

Hurry up and wait. That’s what my entire life feels like—waiting. Waiting on Elliot to get here. Waiting on Olivia to tell me that she’s safe and so is her son. Waiting on my dad’s trial date. The thought of seeing him in a courtroom is unnerving. It angers me that I feel sorry for him. Why should I? If he did the things he’s accused of, he’s exactly where he belongs. But why?

Before I think twice, I’m off the bed, out the front door, and driving off in my car. I just need to ask him why. That’s it. I’ll ask him why, then leave. I deserve answers, and I deserve to not feel guilty about him being exactly where he should be by his own doing, even if my mom and brother handed over the evidence to get him there.

Less than ten minutes away. My dad is less than ten minutes from my home but it feels so much further. Stepping out of the car, I walk through the glass doors and toward the guard who’s eyeing me the entire way to the counter.

“Name?”

“Victoria Hastings,” I say lowly, looking around the room.

“Not your name.”