And children's hearts were the most sensitive of all. I didn't want to hide it from her anymore.
"Marilyn, would you be willing to leave with Mommy?"
She pulled free from my arms and looked me straight in the eyes.
"Yes. Daddy doesn't love us. I don't want Daddy. I only want Mommy."
A wave of bitter anguish crashed through me. Regret for my own stupidity. Heartbreak that my little girl had been forced to grow up so fast.
Just then, the phone rang. It was my brother.
"The jet's here. Let's go."
"I found something on my end. Come to me first, and we'll figure out the rest together."
The second I hung up, I rushed Marilyn through a quick wash, changed us both into fresh clothes. I was afraid Thaddeus might come back at any moment, so I didn't even pack a bag. I grabbed my bank card and my ID and hurried to the airport.
Thaddeus. Monica.
The next time we meet, I'll have a gift for you both.
