Athena rolls her eyes. “Zeus on a cracker. Too bad the shooter wasn’t more considerate.”
I huff out a humorless laugh. “Yeah—in so many ways. So how did you get here? To Maple Ridge.”
“We took a bus. Several buses. There’s no direct bus here from Greensboro.”
“You traveled all that way with a toddler?” That couldn’t have been easy.
“She slept most of the trip. The vibration of the bus kept lulling her to sleep.” She kisses Peony on the cheek. “Isn’t that right, baby girl?”
“Where’s the rest of your stuff?” I point to the oversized bag next to the couch.
“Er, that’s all we have. We-we were living in an apartment, but-but there was a fire. We weren’t in the building at the time. Thank all the kittens in the world for that.” She makes a comical wide-eyed expression. “But we lost everything. That’s why we were at the mall. To replace some of our things.”
“Shit. I’m sorry.” I wish I had known sooner—like right after it happened. Kenda deserved a lot better than the shitstorm she found herself in. Peony deserves better.
Athena shrugs, her sigh long and hard. “Guess the Fates were bored and decided to spice things up a little.”
“The Fates?”
“The three old crones in Greek mythology who decide one’s future.”
I pour the dry macaroni into the boiling water. “I take it you enjoy Greek mythology. Because of your name?”
“That might have something to do with it. Er…can I use your washroom? Her diaper needs changing.”
“Sure, go ahead. It’s the second door on the right.” I point in the direction of the closest bathroom, thankful I’m not being thrown into the deep end and expected to change Peony’s diaper.
I’m as knowledgeable on that topic as I am when it comes to cooking.
Shit, is Peony really my daughter?
6
ZARA
“Put down the weapon,”Noah commands in a tone I’m not used to from him. He’s usually smiling adoringly at his girlfriend, Avery. He’s normally friendly and easygoing. None of that describes the police officer standing inside Picnic & Treats, his gun pointed at the drunk, hell-raising father.
From my vantage spot on the floor, half-covered by the table I’m hiding under, I scan the area, making sure everyone seems to be okay. We’re crouched under the tables, and I’m praying this will all end soon, preferably with no bloodshed.
Shards of what was once a ceramic vase lie a few feet from me, the tulips broken and torn.
The man lets go of the broken piece of chair in his hand. It lands in front of me with abang, and I jolt as if hit by lightning.
My heart rate eases off the gas pedal, and I blow out a hard breath. I’m alive. I’m alive and unhurt. As is everyone else, which is more important.
Slowly inhaling and exhaling, I give myself several seconds to recover from the shock and uncertainty of the last five minutes. Then I stagger to my feet as the other officer handcuffs the man.
I walk to Noah, my legs shaky from the adrenaline aftermath, and proceed to tell him what happened. “I need to check on Jess,” I say onceI’m finished. “She was in the kitchen when the man started causing trouble. I don’t know how much she witnessed.”
Noah is fully aware of her past. “Go ahead. I’ll be out here, speaking with the other witnesses, if you need anything.”
I turn to leave but pause. “What about the girl? Sarah? I have a feeling it’s not the first time she’s dealt with him like that. And her mother…what about her?” Her mother could be like Jess once was—trapped in an abusive marriage.
“That will be part of our investigation. We’ll do what we can to make sure all parties are safe.”
From what Jess told me about her past, “do what we can” often doesn’t mean much. If the wife chooses not to press charges, there’s not much the police can do about the home situation.
I hurry toward the kitchen, checking on each of my customers on the way, seeing if they need anything. Some had left after talking to Noah and Officer Hunter. The remaining customers are sharing notes as to what happened.
