My CEO 72

72 Keeping Me Sane (Winona)

"Thank you for trusting me. I'll try and track down your Mom. Do you think she'd move far?" I ask Bobby. hoping for some clue.

Bobby shrugs, his shoulders slumping in defeat. I can tell he's not giving up any more information. But! have enough for now. I can get the authorities involved. I'll get a restraining order out on my father. I don't want him to be able to come anywhere near me. "I'm going to make some calls. To my old school and to child protection. I need to see if we can track down their mother or any other relative that might be able to help them," I tell Jayden at my kitchen table, my voice firm with resolve.

Jayden leans back in his chair, a look of concern etched on his face. "I still think it might be better if we were all at my place."

I shake my head. "I think that huge place would be too overwhelming for them. The way they would have lived. Plus, I don't want that asshole getting a sniff of there."

Jayden nods, understanding my point. "I'm sure he already knows and he knows who I am."

"Maybe I can just pay him off and get him gone," I suggest, though the thought makes my skin crawl.

"Until he wants more. It doesn't make sense to start that, Winona," Jayden replies, his eyes locking onto mine with concern.

I know he's right, but I'm so scared about why he's turned up here and now. Money is his usual game. It's how far he'll go for it that really scares me. "I just need him out of my life. Permanently."

Jyden raises an eyebrow, his voice low and careful. "Are you okay? I mean, when you say permanently...?"

anything, but if he was dead, I wouldn't shed a tear. I mean I'll get the police involved to keep him away from me as soon as I can get these kids situated safely," I clarify, trying to reassure him while my mind races with fear and anger. guess in all these years,

interrupts my thoughts. "Should I

anyway. He's not the type that wouldn't make himself abreast of what happened

track down the kids' relatives faster," Jayden

by asking for his help now. I got this. I have enough information to

we at least take them to the beach house for the day? It's an outing and we can keep

seem to love

Sunday! Maybe we can grill dinner on the

+25 BONUS

72 Keeping Me Sane

get Bobby and Sarah some more clothes." I am nervous about

shopping." Jayden offers, his

swimsuits," I'm not sure he

cap it at two-fifty, okay?" he

on the arm. "This is not

on, lighten up a bit. Let's go relax. You better pack your swimsuit too," he says, raising his eyebrows up and

to me still. I know I am to him. Not acting on it hasn't been easy, but I know that will make things far harder for me if I do. "Are you sure you're okay shopping with them?"

three

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