Chapter 94
The old shoebox sat on Sadie’s knee. She ran her fingers over the faded lid, felt the battered corners, inhaled its grim memories. It had survived a lot. So had she. It was a reminder. It was security. It was a piece of hell.
‘Why do you have that?’ Lily asked.
‘I need to protect what’s in it.’
‘But how were you able to bring it with you if you were abducted like me?’
Sadie smiled. Lily was a clever kid. Too clever at times. ‘I hid it from him.’
‘But how? I can’t believe he let you bring it. Mam, you need to tell me what’s going on.’
‘Lily, I’m asking you to trust me one last time. I will keep you safe here. This will keep us safe when we get out.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘You don’t have to. Trust me.’
Lily pulled her knees to her chest and folded her arms over them. ‘If we get out of here, are you and Dad getting divorced?’
‘We will get out, but me and your dad, we have a lot to work through.’
‘You do know he’s having an affair?’
‘How do you…? Lily, why would you think that?’
‘I figured he was when he told me that if you got divorced, he was going to fight for custody. Why do you even stay with him? The way he treats you.’
‘I am well able for your father and his moods.’
‘But he hit you. Without your make-up, I can see the marks on your face. I say let him go off with her. We’ll be fine on our own.’
Sadie had to smile. Her daughter was a tough cookie. Just like she was. Once she figured out how to navigate her way through the mess she found herself immersed in, then they could make a life together, with or without Thomas.