Page 19 of Echoes of Temptation

I glance at Blackhawk's blank expression and then back to Madeline who is smiling with eyes of joy. “I can explain everything.”

I nod and sit down at the table.

I wait for her to start talking.

“Okay,” she sighs. “So, last year I made a huge mistake. A friend of mine asked for a startup loan to start her own business. She designs shirts, tumblers, and other things like that. She needed the loan for the building and supplies to get started. I know that my family has money and I’m pretty well off, but I didn’t want to touch the money they had put aside for me in my trust fund. I wanted to help my friend using the money I worked hard to earn. Stupid I know, but there you have it.

Anyway, I didn’t have enough of my earned money to give her what she needed. So, I made friends with the man who was always selling those pills on the streets. Getting into his building and taking those two bundles wasn’t hard. I sold it for less than half of what it was worth and was able to give my friend the rest of the money. That’s why you see me in the video. I’ve already paid the man back and was warned to never show my face there again.”

With a satisfied nod, she leans back in her chair.

“I never meant to deceive any of you,” she says, looking me dead in the eyes. “I’m so sorry, King. I know you told me to stay away from you and your family, but I just really wanted toexplain everything to you and let you know that I fixed it. I hope one day you’ll forgive me.”

I don’t say anything. It’s not because I don’t have anything to say. I’m just waiting.

“I think he might need a few days to think about things before he’s ready to talk,” Blackhawk tells her. “I’ll tell you what. Let me follow him back to his place so that I can tell everyone that you’re safe. I know the girls are worried sick over you.”

“And Knox?” she asks.

“Definitely Knox,” Blackhawk chuckles. “Then I’ll come back and we can spend the day together before I have to head back home. Sound good?”

“Sounds good, Blackhawk,” she smiles. “Maybe we can go to that Mexican place you like before you have to leave? Then you can update me on how things are going with you and Mel.”

“I would love nothing more, Maddy,” he smiles, pulling her into his arms.

Their embrace is short and he nods for me to follow.

“Madeline,” I say as my goodbye.

“Bye, King. If you want to talk about everything just come on over when you’re ready.”

I nod before following Blackhawk outside. We’re quickly followed by Ben.

Blackhawk and I are straddling our bikes when Ben speaks up.

“I thought your wife’s name was Molly?” he asks Blackhawk.

The man simply nods his head.

“Do you remember where that safe house is?” I ask Ben.

“Course, son.”

“It’s recently been restocked,” I tell him. “It wouldn’t be a bad place for some alone time with your wife.”

Ben’s eyes widen before nodding and walking away.

“King,” Blackhawk says.

“Yep,” I say, straightening my bike. “I know.”

“Maddy never calls me Blackhawk,” he tells me, preparing his own bike. “She hates it.”

“I remember,” I respond thinking back to the day when she called him to prove her point.

“I know you know,” he says looking me in the eyes. “But, I’m going to say it anyway. That woman in there is not my shortcake. That’s not Maddy.”

“Yep,” I say, dread filling my every bone. “I know.”