Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Ludwik moved towards the window, peering inside for what seemed like an eternity.

Sammy was sprawled out on the couch in Ryan's living room, utterly still, lost in his own world.

Ludwik couldn't begin to guess what was going through his son's mind, and he hesitated to approach, fearing a violent rejection.

All he wanted was for his son to recover, to come back to him. But he had no idea how long that might take.

With a heart heavy with worries, Ludwik walked away.

As Ludwik's figure receded, Sammy's sharp gaze followed him silently.

"Even if you're throwing a fit, you could at least acknowledge your old man!" Ryan marched in, glaring at the youngster. The pressure from Ludwik was immense, and he felt compelled to persuade Sammy to give up his stubborn stay. Kids have such simple logic, but Ryan knew he couldn't spill the beans to Sammy!

Ryan sighed, "Your dad's breaking his back trying to rescue you. You not only rebuffed him but claimed Florence is your real family. Do you have any idea how much that hurts him?"

A glimmer flashed in Sammy's eyes, "If I don't say that, would he ever realize how dangerous Florence is? The more I pretend to adore Florence, the sicker I get, the more he'll hate her." Ryan shuddered.

Realization hit him, and he murmured, "It's hard to say whether Florence messing with you is a good or bad thing."

Sammy glared at him, "You've meddled with me too. If you don't want to end up on the bad side, you better keep me here."

Ryan was inwardly fuming, another day outwitted by a kid.

"Boss, you can't just squat at my place playing sick forever. If your dad doesn't see you getting better, I'll be the one he comes after!"

"I'm not in the mood to deal with him," Sammy stubbornly retorted. "He's a deadbeat. Just ignore him."

the city upside down by now! I can see he's treading lightly around you, filled with love and regret." Sammy stiffened for a moment, not blind to the tenderness in Ludwik's eyes. He bit his lip, "But I've got important

and admired the kid's

and held his tongue, "Suit yourself. Stay as long as you like. Don't you want to secretly check on your mom? Don't you miss her?" Sammy's eyes moistened. He did miss her, but he couldn't let all his efforts be

going to teach me medicine? I'm kinda in the mood to

grab the medical texts. It'd be a waste not

Sammy and hurried off to the

study, a message from Florence

he couldn't afford to antagonize her

you dare betray me?" Florence's voice

his

"Ms, Sheldon, I had no choice. Ludwik threatened me. He cut off my daughter's finger! I know you're in a delicate condition staying with the Lipperts, you'll be safe Everything's going as expected. Even if Ludwik

you. You're safe."

though skeptical, asked, "Has Sammy really changed? Myra said he's completely loyal to you. Have

he's become simple-minded. You won't believe it until you

a bit reassured. "You're to

"Uh... yes..."

If I go down, do you think you won't end up in

was a warning about keeping the secret. He begged

him for me!" "Sure,

her face still tense, not a bit

harmless now, what

would know Sammy was out

threats would