Lockwood Creek Book Two - This can be read as a stand-a-lone.
A Why Choose Story.
Maddy Lockwood was the Perfect Daughter and to save the Lockwood family she agreed to a marriage she did not want, but now she will learn the hard way that no matter...
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~ ~ Maddy ~ ~
A/N: Normally, I only give a warning at the start of the book for any triggers and I did give warning of domestic abuse. But stories evolve and change and a lot of you reading along won't be expecting the scene in this chapter, so I'm giving fair warning as it never my intent to cause upset or harm. This chapter contains material that some may find upsetting, although I've tried to steer away from detail, the intent is very clear and should you wish to skip this chapter altogether I will make sure the next chapter flows that you don't miss any of the storyline.
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Pulling the truck to a stop outside of Whitney's home, she shifted in her seat to face me with a weighted sigh. "Maddy, are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
The small amount of light coming through the windscreen into the truck didn't hide the worry in her eyes. "No. I'm good. You get on inside."
She didn't move for a moment, adding. "And you'll call me or get Casey to call me when you find her?"
I had to put effort into my smile. "Yeah. I promise."
Her bottom lip wobbled.
"Whitney..." I reached across and squeezed her clammy hand. "None of this is your fault, you know that, right?"
Jerkily shaking her head. "I should never have left her there."
"Look. I know where she is and I'm going to drive over there and fetch her home."
She heaved an enormous sigh. "Okay. If you're sure." She opened the truck door and slid out, shutting it behind her.
I waited till she was up the porch steps and opening the front door before I put the truck in reverse and started my journey to a house I'd never thought I would have to go back to. Gripping the steering tightly, I mentally prepared myself. My time in that house was not something I could look back on fondly, even when Cooper was in high spirits.
But it left me with little choice. I had to deal with him and whatever crazy plan he had going on inside that tiny mind of his because Casey had nothing to do with it. She was innocent, caught in the crossfire.
I almost jumped out of my skin when my phone started ringing out. It had wedged itself between my ass and the seat and as I reached for it, the car swerved toward the side of the road.
"Oh, shit." I adjusted the steering wheel and glanced at the lit screen. It was my sister.
Oh hell. And my heart thumped hard against my ribcage.
Was she ringing to tell me daddy had died? I felt a sharp pang of guilt. I'd not even given him a thought since I'd spoken to Cooper.
