All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) A.D. Justice (short novels to read TXT) 📖

I went to see him because he has some information I need. If he doesn’t have it himself, I knew he was the only one who could get it for me. Anyway, we had a long conversation that day, and he was supposed to keep this under wraps. So much for keeping his word. I should’ve known better than to trust him. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“What, exactly, is he keeping under wraps for you, Rod?” He needs to get to the point. I can’t hold my breath much longer.

“He can give me the name and location of Landen’s biological father. I know you haven’t made up your mind yet, but if you decide to pursue charges, I want to make it as painless for you and Landen as possible. You deserve to feel safe and protected. You shouldn’t have to worry about running into him out anywhere. He should be behind bars if not six feet underground.” The more he talks, the redder his face becomes and the further away his eyes appear.

“Rod, I don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to have that information. I’m not so sure you won’t go find him yourself.”

“You’re exactly right, and I’ve already planned for that. I hired a private investigator who used to be a detective with the county sheriff’s department. Gabe’s supposed to pass the information on to him. The investigator will track the guy down and dig up any other dirt we need. If you decide to take this to the police, we’ll hand them an air-tight case to open, throw the book at the bastard, and close it out as a win for the good guys.”

I lean back in the chair, breathless. My mind is racing. I was not expecting the turn this conversation has taken. Do I want to find my attacker? Do I want to press charges? Do I want to be a court spectacle and have my private life become fodder for his attorney to use against me? Besides myself, I have to consider how all this will affect Landen one day, whether he knows the man’s name and whether that man is sent to prison for what he did to me. There are so many variables and no way to know which path will be the best in the long run.

“Now it’s your turn to talk to me. You’re not usually this quiet after I share something in confidence with you, especially about something so important. Are you mad at me?”

“No, I’m not mad. How could I be when I know your heart is in the right place? This is a hard decision to make. There’s so much to consider first. If nothing else, I can say Gabriel kept his word regarding the reason for your visit. Juliana was taken aback by him asking about her and Isa, but he didn’t mention anything about this. She couldn’t figure out why you’d approach Gabe after all these years with no contact at all.”

“I honestly never even considered he’d stir the pot and cause any problems. He left of his own choice. In hindsight, I suppose I could’ve warned her, but your story isn’t mine to tell anyone else. She still wouldn’t have all the background on why Gabe is the only one who can help me right now.”

“When you hear back from your private investigator, tell me what he’s found. Maybe the information he uncovers will help me decide which path to take. If this guy has found some way to redeem himself, maybe we drop it. If he’s still a sorry piece of shit, maybe we pursue it.”

“If you want to send him to prison, I will be at your side every step of the way. If it gets to be too much for you, let me bear the load. If you don’t want to step outside and face the world, you’re safe right here with me. You and I will do this together. You’ll never be alone in it again.”

The same questions return to taunt me.

Miss Nash, is your current lover aware you’re pregnant with his child? No? Will you turn on him years later and claim he raped you too?

I don’t have to be a psychic to see where this will end up.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Rod

“Hey, Jules.”

After my talk with Daisy, she encouraged me to call my sister and gave permission for me to share the entire story with her. Juliana is eerily quiet as I remind her about the events of that night and reveal the person who rode to the hospital with us was Daisy. Reliving the details sickens and infuriates me, but Juliana needs to understand the full magnitude of the situation.

“That was Daisy with us that night? I can’t believe it. The details are still fuzzy for me, but I never would’ve guessed. So, that’s why you went to see Gabe? To find out who assaulted Daisy?” Her voice is weaker than usual, but her words are clear and concise. There’s no slurring when she speaks, so that is a positive sign.

“Yes, that’s exactly why I went to see him. I’m sorry my visit stirred up painful memories for you. He surprised me by asking around about you and Isa. His choice was pretty clear a few years ago.” My actions caused her more pain and problems than she’s already dealing with, and knowing I made her feel this way is killing me. I’d never intentionally hurt my baby sister.

“His choice was crystal clear. He probably just wants to hear we’re better off without him, so he can put his guilty conscience to rest. There’s nothing left here for him to be concerned about. I’ve sent word back to him to move on with his life and forget Isa and I ever existed. He’s done that without a hitch for five long years. There’s no reason to change course now. I sure as hell don’t want him coming around and confusing Isa with his