He knows he was arrested. I don’t even try to stop the tears. I now have no doubt my dad was behind it.
Steeling my resolve, I ask, “Dad, how did you know Cody was at my place last night?”
I watch as Cody nods to the man and walks back to his car.
My father scoffs. “What are you talking about?”
“The officer who arrested Cody said you told him where to find him.”
“I’m sure you heard wrong,” he says, dismissively.
Of course, he wouldn’t admit to it. Why did I think he would? He thinks he can just tell me whatever he wants, and I’ll just believe it. Well, I’m done. He needs to know I don’t believe him. I take a deep breath.
“Did you frame Cody for murder?” My words come out in a rush.
I almost drop the phone because my hands are shaking so hard. I’ve never questioned my dad about anything.
“What? No. Is that what he’s telling you? No, listen to me, Lucy. There is a lot of evidence against him. I didn’t want to be the one to tell you, but you’re not safe with him. Please tell me where you are, and I’ll come get you.”
I press my lips together and end the call without a word as Cody gets in the driver’s seat.
“It’s okay,” Cody assures me. “Turns out it’s someone looking for your father. I told him he wouldn’t find him following you.”
“Thank you,” I say, then turn away and stare out the passenger window. Tears blur my vision.
I’m thirty-one years old, and my father is still trying to control me and destroy Cody. Will he ever stop? I wipe my eyes and then glance over at the man I love.
He reaches for my hand. “What did he say?” The concern and love I see in his eyes, I’ll never forget.
But I love him too, and that’s why I can’t be responsible for his ruin.
“Can you take me home, please?” I sniff.
He gives my hand a squeeze. “Sure.”
We ride in silence until he parks at my apartment building. Cody moves to exit the car, but I reach for his arm, stopping him.
I sigh, not knowing what to say next. I know the truth—as long as Cody stays with me, my dad will continue to ruin his life. But knowing the truth and understanding what I have to do is near impossible.
You know that saying ‘If you love someone, set them free’? Well, it’s bullshit. Because I have to set him free, knowing he won’t be coming back to me. He can’t. For his own good.
A few snowflakes fall, and I shiver.
“We should go inside. It’s cold,” he says.
I swallow, trying to hold back the sobs. “No. We can’t. I can’t keep ruining your life. I’m so sorry. I’ll tell my dad I cut it off for good, and he’ll leave you alone. Maybe he can get the charges dropped.”
Cody grabs both my hands. “Don’t do this, Luce.”
Tears stream down my face. “I have to. My dad won’t stop coming for you. I’m so sorry.”
“No. Being with you is exactly what I need. I can deal with your dad.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, realizing I’m more right than either of us wants to admit.
I give his hands a squeeze. “You’ll never be safe with me. I’m sorry.”
I pull away and exit the car before he can stop me. Then I run to my apartment. Once inside, I collapse to the ground, sobbing. I gave up my trust fund to get out from under my dad’s control. But now, I know I’ll always be his pawn.
