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Betrayed: The Bethany Rosehart Story
Betrayed: The Bethany Rosehart Story
Betrayed: The Bethany Rosehart Story
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Betrayed: The Bethany Rosehart Story

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To say life gave Bethany Rosehart lemons would be an understatement.
With her father soon to be released from prison and her mother showing signs of a mental breakdown, Bethany could only wish she was adopted. But when a strange man chases Bethany into a deserted parking garage, her mind can only conceive the worst, but when he calls her by a different name and hands her a birthday gift from her mother, she begins to think her wish may be coming true... But not all wishes have happy endings.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherWade Faubert
Release dateMar 30, 2013
ISBN9780988061255
Betrayed: The Bethany Rosehart Story
Author

Wade Faubert

I live in Ingersoll, Ontario and enjoy writing my novels with a link to my area. Wampus Springs is my debut novel and is set in the fictional town of Ridgeway, Ontario. Ridgeway is a combination of all my favorite places I grew up in. It's a collage of Ridgetown, Rondeau park and every other water front paradise Southern Ontario has to offer.

Read more from Wade Faubert

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    Betrayed - Wade Faubert

    Chapter 2

    The ringing of the bell echoed through the streets of London, sending the kids rushing from the high school, breathing a collective sigh of relief as the school year came to an abrupt end.

    Bethany Rosehart dashed through the doors, flying down the front steps two at a time. Quickly she snagged Ryan’s lanky arm, interrupting his conversation and drawing his attention away from the others. She just knew he would be patiently waiting for her.

    Ryan locked his piercing blue eyes on Bethany, giving her the crooked smile she’d come to adore. He grasped her hand, gripping it tightly and inching her toward a secluded corner by the building. Normally they would walk hand in hand until their ways parted, but today was different. Today was the last day of school. Bethany wanted more than to hold hands during the walk home, she wanted to bring Ryan home, introduce him to her mother and have him stay for the evening. But she knew that would never happen. There was no way her mother would ever allow a boy in their home. Her mother had made the point perfectly clear everyday for the last two years.

    Her mother has always been controlling, but lately she’s been getting worse with each passing day. Ever since the last letter arrived from her father, her mother is determined to keep her under wraps.

    It’s almost as if she thinks I might run away. Well, she’s not wrong to assume that, but where would I go? How would I live?

    If only Ryan would take me away. We could live a secluded life where Mother wouldn’t find me.

    Bethany cleared her throat and smiled coyly up into Ryan’s face, the one she’s dreamt about constantly for the last six months. Mary got a promise ring. Susan got flowers. I was wondering…

    Oh, I was supposed to get you something? Ryan held his peach-fuzzed jaw tight and brushed his dark, wavy hair back from his face. I didn’t know.

    Bethany could see right through his facade. She gave him her best smile and tilted her head so her blond hair just touched the top of her shoulder. She knew how to work him. She narrowed her hazel eyes and placed her hands firmly on her hips. He was putty in her hands.

    Reaching into his pocket, Ryan pulled out a small heart shaped box. His upper lip quivered and Bethany knew this was a sure sign of nerves, but when she squealed with excitement at the glimmering sight within, his body relaxed to normal.

    Looking at the necklace with the heart shaped pendant, Bethany was ecstatic, not for the object itself but for what it signified. Ryan, you didn’t have to.

    "Now you tell me." Ryan quickly clasped the necklace around her neck and waited for a kiss, but something in the distance caught Bethany’s eye. Quickly she grasped Ryan’s hand and rushed him down the sidewalk.

    What’s wrong? Ryan finally asked, looking over his shoulder at the empty street behind. Empty, except for a few parked cars on the side streets.

    Nothing, I thought I saw something. I’m sorry, Ryan, Bethany said, stopping suddenly. As if the moment hadn’t been disturbed, she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him down into her. Her lips met his and the contact brought that same tingle down her spine and into the deepest parts of her body. The minutes ticked past until they emerged from their dream world and Bethany spotted the black car from before. It triggered the same feeling, one of being violated.

    Thank you, Bethany said, rushing Ryan down the wide sidewalk.

    Maybe we could hang out tonight? Ryan asked, timidly.

    You know I can’t. Mother wants me home right away. I argued, but it was no use. She’s paranoid that something’s going to happen to me. Ever since she got that last letter from my father, she won’t let me out of her sight.

    Maybe I could talk to her. I’m sure she’ll understand that I’ll take good care of you.

    It’d be like talking to a tree—A tree on heavy medication. She’s been acting so weird lately. Hopefully when Father gets out of… gets home, he’ll be able to talk some sense into her.

    And you’re not going to tell me where this mystery father is?

    Bethany nodded. There was no way she could tell Ryan that her father is serving a ten year sentence in prison for wrongful death.

    As they came to the last corner, Bethany’s heart fluttered at the thought of true love lasting for an eternity, but she knew like their final path home they were bound to split and go their separate ways. As Ryan’s fingers slipped reluctantly from hers, Bethany wished she still lived on the rich side of the city.

    When Bethany rounded the corner of the parking garage, she realized her imagination wasn’t working overtime. The same black car she spotted across from the school, slowly passed and jerked to a stop ten feet ahead. Immediately she halted her footsteps and gasped for breath as the driver’s door opened. Adrenalin surged through her veins and her mind raced to catch up and devise a plan.

    The man climbed slowly from the car, his broad shoulders blocking out the street behind. Turning, he removed his sunglasses and glared intently at Bethany’s face.

    Maybe Mother hadn’t been overprotective. Maybe she knew this man would be after me.

    Bethany’s heart pounded with fear. He was huge. She was no match against this bruit.

    With nothing but fear guiding her, Bethany broke into a mad dash around the parking garage and into the main entrance.

    Help! Bethany screamed as her feet pounded the cement floor. Between her laboured breaths, she could make out her hunter’s footfalls echoing off the walls.

    Jasmine, wait! Bethany heard the man shout from behind, but the words held no meaning as her mind raced with images of all the bad things he could do.

    She wove through the sparse cars and the cement pillars, hoping to lose her attacker in the chaos, but his shouts continued to near and wear down on her stamina. Quickly she turned toward the stairway to the upper level and fought with the door, losing precious ground.

    It wasn’t until she’d rounded the first flight of stairs that she felt the attacker snag the bottom of her shirt. With a quick turn, she managed to knock his grip loose and throw him off balance, sending him stumbling up the next step. Bethany continued to forge ahead with renewed confidence up the remaining stairs and out the upper level door.

    The fresh air felt good in her lungs, but the sunlight temporarily blinded her. Looking left then right, Bethany paused briefly undecided where safety waited, but when the door thrust open, hitting her arm, she bolted across the open lot.

    The man’s pleas for her to stop ended when his hand clasped tightly on her arm. She continued forward, ignoring the pain in her shoulder but his weight soon slowed her progress. Turning, she drove her knee hard into his crotch, but it had little effect on him.

    Crying and pleading, Bethany cowered to the ground, hoping to appeal to his human side.

    Jasmine, please. I’m not going to hurt you.

    Jasmine? He’s after someone else, not me.

    I’m not Jasmine. I’m Bethany. A wave of relief flooded her body at the realization.

    Quickly the man reached into his pocket and withdrew a small folder then flipped it open. Reading the notes, he grunted in agreement.

    Bethany inched closer to see what was written on his instructions, but her eyes didn’t move from the pictures. There on the opposite page was a collage of photos from her last two weeks. One was in front of the school, another outside her house. Immediately she knew why she had recognized the black car today. It’s because she’d spotted it around town everywhere she’d gone.

    You… took my picture? Bethany questioned, feeling devastated at the violation.

    Standard procedure, um… Bethany, I guess. His voice wavered and almost took on a caring tone.

    But, why? Why, me?

    Clearing his throat he responded, Your mother asked me to.

    Not believing her mother would stoop to having her watched, she couldn’t ask anything but, Why?

    I can’t answer that right now. Here, take this. He placed a shopping bag in Bethany’s hand then turned and started away.

    Wait! What’s this?

    Stopping momentarily, the man glanced back and smiled. A gift from your mother.

    But she’s at home.

    Pausing as he entered the stairwell, he called back, I almost forgot. Happy birthday, Jasmine.

    Chapter 3

    Bethany’s mind filled with questions as her body rode the adrenaline rush. The rest of the walk home was like a dream. Moments before she thought her life was about to end but now she wondered if it was just beginning.

    What can it be? It can’t be from Mother, can it? Why wouldn’t she just give it to me when I get home instead of having some maniac scare the crap out of me? And who’s Jasmine?

    Stopping in front of the old house, Bethany looked at the decaying building, one she called home despite it never feeling like that. Her mind drifted to the memory of their previous house, the one they lived in for the first thirteen years of her life. It had been huge, with so many rooms to play in. And the yard, it seemed to go on forever.

    Bethany glanced up and down the street. It wasn’t in this neighbourhood.

    Climbing the crooked stairs, Bethany stopped halfway and turned, breaking blistered paint from the porch step. She searched the street for the black car.

    Nothing.

    Taking a deep breath, she entered the house. Mother, I’m home.

    Pots and pans clanged from the kitchen at the far end of the hall, then Meredith emerged with a dishtowel in hand. Her once silky, black hair was now haphazardly placed in a bun, which looked like a bird’s nest strewn with gray hay. Bethany noticed the red spots on her mother’s olive skin and wondered if those were the result of years of hardship and worry her life had taken.

    She hoped she wouldn’t look like that when she reached her mother’s age, but she obviously didn’t take after her side of the family.

    Her mother motioned to the bag. Who’s that from?

    Um… A boy at school. I knew it wasn’t from Mother after all, but then who is it really from?

    Is it from that Ryan boy you’ve been bugging about?

    Bethany nodded, shifting the bag behind her.

    Next time, maybe he could find a nicer bag. My god, a shopping bag, really? Meredith turned and walked back to her task.

    Yeah, presentation means everything to you, doesn’t it, Bethany mumbled on her way upstairs. At least it used to.

    She could remember the way her mother used to dress and act. It was like she was the Queen of England. She would prance around this place in her evening dress, with her hair all done up, and enough makeup on to cover a teenager’s acne. That was, until the dresses wore out and the makeup containers were scraped to the bottom, then she didn’t have money to spend on that kind of stuff.

    Plopping down on the mattress, Bethany drew her legs up as the springs sang a familiar song. She reached into the simple bag and pulled the box of chocolates out. Her mind raced as her fingers traced the lid.

    I wonder what it could be. She pictured plastic snakes popping out with a shower of confetti.

    Laughing, Bethany raised the side of the lid and peered inside. Before she could see what it was, her nose picked up the scent. It wasn’t that of chocolate—but money.

    Ripping the top off and tossing it on the bed, Bethany couldn’t believe her eyes. Her fingers felt the thickness of the paper as she sifted through the pile of bills.

    Twenties. All twenties. A whole pile of them.

    But, why? Suddenly she remembered his last words. Happy birthday.

    But why would he think this is my birthday? I was born in October.

    The sound of footsteps on the rickety old stairs sent Bethany into defence mode. Quickly she pulled the covers down and dumped the money underneath, but the note on top caught her eye. Reaching for the note, the door opened. Bethany quickly turned the covers up tight and faced her mother.

    Bethany, you’ll ruin your dinner eating all that chocolate. Walking to the bedside, Meredith gasped. My god, child! You ate the entire box, already?

    Um… We had some on the way home. Bethany nonchalantly moved over the bulge in her bed. Me and Ryan.

    Well, to buy a gift for a young lady then eat it. That’s not what a gentleman would do. Meredith walked to the doorway and paused when Bethany spoke.

    Mother, where do you keep the photo albums? The one from when I was a child.

    Exactly where it’s supposed to be. Meredith’s eyes narrowed. Beside the television. Why?

    Oh, just thought I’d look through it.

    Well, be sure to put it back in its place after you’re done, Meredith said, waving her hand as she closed the door.

    I swear she’s going mental. Hopefully when Father gets back, he can get her to change.

    The crinkle of fresh money beneath brought renewed faith in life, but when she pulled the covers down the letter brought reality,

    Jasmine

    I know money can’t replace love but know I’ve always loved you.

    Maybe they have me confused with someone else? But as Bethany felt the money between her fingers, she secretly hoped she was wrong.

    With her mother busy in the kitchen, Bethany quietly slipped down the stairs and made her way into the living room. She stood and looked at the bindings of the photo albums, wondering if there would be any answers inside, and if so, would she really want to know them.

    Flipping through the photo album, Bethany paused to remember the good times until she found the photos from her early childhood. Turning to the section from her baby years, she searched for anything suspicious, anything with a date or age written on it. There was nothing and she was about to give up when she paused, shocked at her Christmas pictures.

    There she stood all by herself beside her dollhouse.

    Pretty good for a three-month-old.

    Chapter 4

    That night at dinner Bethany watched her mother with a keen eye. She took notice of every detail in her face and body, then compared them to herself. The more she thought about it, the more this fairytale seemed plausible.

    Mother. Bethany shifted nervously in her chair. Why aren’t there any pictures of me when I was a newborn? Or you when you were pregnant?

    When she looked up, Bethany saw panic in her mother’s face but only for a split second. It was like she’d been caught doing something wrong.

    Oh, we were between cameras at the time. I remember it like it was yesterday. Meredith launched herself into story telling mode and over emphasized every word. Your father had dropped the camera a few months after I became pregnant with you, and as you can tell by the photos, we obtained another a few months after your birth. Don’t worry. You looked like every other baby. Small, bald and chubby.

    Hmm. Bethany speared a cucumber slice and forced herself to eat even though she felt sick listening to her mother’s story. How could they have not replaced the camera when she was born? What kind of parents wouldn’t want pictures of their newborn child?

    Your father sent a letter today. Meredith picked her drink from the table and slowly sipped the juice, trying to hold the news as long as possible. He said he could be back home within the week.

    Bethany was growing tired of her mother’s behaviour and although this news made her happy, she refused to let her know. Great, then maybe we can get things back to normal around here.

    "Things are normal! Meredith slammed her fork down on her plate. Even when your father gets home, things won’t change."

    What about when he realizes what a freak you’ve become? I’ll bet he runs for the door the second he sees her?

    I just thought we could probably afford a nicer house. You know, if he can get his job back, Bethany said, bracing for a confrontation.

    Why would he go back to the hospital? They did nothing to help him? Meredith fumbled in her pocket then shook a pill from the bottle. When that patient died, they were happy to hang it on your father. I think they were glad to see him go. He had too much potential. They were all envious of him.

    After placing the pill on her tongue, Meredith chased it down and changed the subject. I was thinking about applying for a job down at the new design store. I think I have a good eye for interior design. They’d be lucky to get someone like me.

    I know I’m lucky to have you, Bethany said, hiding the sarcasm behind her smile.

    When they put me in charge of the store, I’ll make sure I hire you first.

    Thanks Mother, but I already have a job babysitting.

    Oh, looking after foul children isn’t a real job. It’s just like a little taste of hell. When you were a child, you were terrible. You’d cry for no reason. Meredith raised her voice an octave. Mommy, pick me up. Mommy, I’m hungry. Mommy, play with me.

    Bethany’s jaw tightened and her lips purged together, fighting to hold back the words that burned to escape. She didn’t believe a word her mother was saying.

    I’ll tell you, you were so demanding, Meredith’s voice settled back to normal, at times I’d wished I’d never had you.

    Bethany’s eyes burned into her.

    Her mother’s eyes were vacant. I didn’t have time for you.

    Bethany knew this speech by heart. It was the same medicated dribble that her mother rambled about each night.

    At first there was the country club to attend to, then after your father went away there wasn’t much time between slaving like a common wife and running this house without my maid.

    Maria… I remember her. Bethany saw the glassy look in her mother’s eyes and knew it was only a matter of time before she’d brake down crying, so Bethany pressed for a change. She used to take care of me. I remember her taking me to the park for playtime. We’d go for long walks along the pond and feed the ducks. She was like a real… Bethany wanted to say mother, but when her mother was in this mood, she could be unstable at best, so she substituted a different word. Nanny.

    A groggy half-smile crossed Meredith’s face as she attempted to skewer a cherry tomato with her fork. "Maria was a good worker. At least she never stole from us. Her voice hardened. Or slept with my husband. Or sent him to prison."

    Bethany sat motionless. This last comment was more than she could bear to listen. What went on inside her mother’s head was a mystery to her.

    Meredith dug hastily into her pocket and quickly snuck another pill onto her tongue. Seconds of silence passed until she reluctantly stood and stumbled from the table toward the living room.

    Bethany’s appetite had disappeared with mention of her father’s sex life. So long to another terrible meal. She crossed to the garbage and scraped the remainder of her dinner into the trash, then began clearing the dishes. She could hear the springs as her mother collapsed onto the compressed foam cushions of the couch.

    Who’s she referring to? Obviously it isn’t Maria. She made that clear.

    As Bethany quickly washed the dishes she had to wonder if Maria might have some insight into her questions. I wonder if she still lives in the city.

    Tossing the dishtowel onto the counter, she headed into the living room. Her mother was sprawled out on the couch, looking like a homeless bum on a park bench. Bethany felt a pang of pity for her, but she also felt contempt for her mother getting them into this situation. She could’ve changed the way things worked out. It was simple, just get a job and don’t wait until all the money’s gone.

    After snatching the photo album from beside the television, Bethany quietly climbed the stairs and hid in her bedroom. She didn’t think she’d have to be quiet, after all, her mother was probably drugged out for the night, but she wanted some privacy to do her checking.

    Page after page she flipped, bringing back fond memories until she found a photo of Maria holding her at a birthday party. She turned the page and found the one thing she knew might hold Maria’s identity.

    The plastic sleeve reluctantly let loose from the page as Bethany pulled the birthday card from the book. Holding her breath, she opened the card in hope of finding Maria’s last name.

    Masterson…

    You’re really interested in that book, Meredith said with a slight slur. She clutched the doorjamb for stability, fighting her dizziness. "Maybe a little too interested?"

    Bethany couldn’t believe her eyes. How could she sneak up here without me knowing? I would’ve heard her, right? Maybe I’m too lost in my own world to notice what’s going on around me?

    Meredith stumbled into the room, snatching the album from Bethany’s hands and sending the birthday card tumbling to the floor by the edge of the bed. Before thinking, Bethany snatched onto the album and refused to let go. I’m not done with it yet!

    Meredith’s hand slid free from the book, grazing Bethany’s cheek. The stinging slap brought immediate tears. Don’t talk to me like that! I’m your mother and you’ll obey me.

    No, you’re not! My real mother is out there waiting for me. Bethany sat holding her face, waiting for the next attack. And she’d never lay a hand on me!

    Meredith’s body shook uncontrollably and she broke out into laughter. You think I’m not your real mother? You think you’re adopted and someone’s gonna come and rescue you from your terrible life? Get real, Bethany. You want proof? I’ll give you proof. She stumbled out the door and down the hallway.

    Stunned, Bethany sat back against the wall. She hoped her mother was bluffing. Maybe she might pass out in her bedroom.

    Bethany listened to the racket down the hall. It sounded as if Meredith was trashing the place. Heavy objects crashed to the floor. Glass smashed and shattered, and a few curse words drifted down the hall.

    As the footfalls grew nearer in the hallway, Bethany pulled the covers up around her knees and clenched onto her teddy bear. She flinched as her mother entered the room and threw a handful of photos at her.

    Meredith’s eyes looked wild. Proof! There’s your proof. Now wipe that stupid notion from your mind and get back to reality. Meredith stormed to her room and slammed the door. Her sobs trickled down the hall and brought with them sickening guilt.

    Bethany held picture after picture before her eyes and couldn’t stop shaking her head. No… No, this can’t be right. It just can’t. Each picture showed a very pregnant Meredith. Some with Dan, some with others, but the look on her face showed she was happy to have a child within.

    Chapter 5

    Bethany did her best to avoid her mother the next morning. She wasn’t sure how Meredith’s mood would be after the fight the previous evening. She planned her moves and manoeuvred carefully around the house, preventing a face to face confrontation. After tiring of the game, Bethany gave Ryan a call and met him down at the mall.

    I feel so bad for wishing she wasn’t my mother, Bethany said, taking a seat at the small table in the food court. I really wanted this to be true. I wanted my real mother to show up and take me away to a life with lots of money and a big fancy house. I… I just wanted to be normal.

    Oh, you are normal. Ryan sipped his pop and gazed about the mall at the lunchtime rush. His blue eyes darted from one thing to the next, taking in every detail. Do you know how often I’ve wished for that same thing?

    Bethany shook her blond hair back and gave Ryan a questioning look. "You? Why would you wish for something like that? Your parents are great. I’d kill to have them."

    Ryan sighed. It’s normal to always wish for something different. Even kids who have everything want something different. It’s what makes us human.

    Well, my mother isn’t human. Bethany laughed as she peeled the top off her muffin. She’s a bitch. At least now I know the truth. Can you believe she’d hid the photos of her pregnancy and not put them in the album? She’s probably pissed off because I made her fat.

    Bethany took a sip of her drink and leaned over the table toward Ryan. But who was that man, and why did he give me all that money?

    Maybe he did get the wrong person? Maybe he was looking for this Jasmine girl and found you instead? Ryan took hold of her hand before she could raise the piece of muffin to her mouth. I know I’ve been looking for you all my life, he said, forcing her hand to his mouth and taking the food, fingers and all.

    Bethany let a small laugh escape. You were just looking for anybody who’d pay you half a mind. I just made the mistake of asking you for directions to my home room. My first choice was Brent, but he was too busy combing his hair in his locker mirror to be bothered.

    Well, I’m grateful for Brent’s conceit and your lapse of judgment. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sitting here with my rich girlfriend.

    Bethany’s smile faded and she couldn’t help but search the crowd for the huge man. Should I give the money back?

    Are you kidding? Ryan followed her gaze around the food court. Her nervousness seemed to be contagious.

    "What if he was looking for someone else? What if he wants the money back?"

    Tough shit. If he’s stupid enough to give away hundreds of dollars—

    Thousands.

    Thousands? Exactly how much money was in there? Ryan asked, his eyes as wide as his smile.

    Bethany leaned in and whispered, Five thousand dollars.

    Holy shit! What are you gonna do with that much money?

    That’s the thing. I can’t really buy anything without my mother getting suspicious and I don’t wanna just hand it over to her. Then there’s the thing about this guy coming back for the money.

    Screw him. Give me half and I’ll protect you.

    Seriously, what should I do?

    Ryan shrugged his shoulders. I guess you could spend a little of the money and hold the rest in case he comes back for it. If he made a mistake, he won’t mind if a few hundred are missing.

    Bethany heard the words of reason she was hoping for. Good call. I just so happen to have a little spending money for today. There are a few things I’ve wanted to pick up, but you have to promise you’ll cover for buying them.

    Ryan traced his fingers up Bethany’s arm. It depends what I get in return, he said, looking deep within her eyes.

    How about a few CD’s?

    That’s not what I imagined.

    "Well, I know your imagination and that’s my best offer. Bethany stood, carrying the tray toward the garbage. For now at least."

    ***

    The sun was setting over the buildings, angling directly into their faces as they wandered down the back streets. Spending the day out shopping proved to be therapeutic. Bethany felt better than she had in the last little while. The new clothes in the bag were a welcome addition to the worn garments hanging in her closet. She bought wisely, choosing clothes that were similar to what she currently owns. The less conspicuous they were, the less chance of her mother finding out about the money.

    Bethany eyed Ryan with his new CD’s in hand. Now just because I bought you stuff today doesn’t mean I expect you to put out tonight, Bethany said, pulling a shirt from the bag and slipping it over top of her current one.

    That’s okay. I don’t mind being your whore. Just keep the music coming and I’ll do anything you want.

    Bethany stopped and turned to Ryan. What I really want is for you to cover my story. If she asks, I’ll tell her that you bought me this stuff, cause if she finds that money, it’ll be gone in five minutes. She’s worse than me when it comes to spending money. Bethany stopped suddenly. Here, hold my bag. She pulled a few pairs of underwear from inside and stuffed them into her pockets.

    Why not leave them in the bag? Ryan asked, eyeing the silky garments.

    She’d freak if she thought you’d bought me underwear. That would be the last time you’d ever see me. She’d hunt you down herself.

    Ryan raised his eyebrows. But won’t she see them in the wash?

    Maybe your mother does the laundry, but that’s not how it goes in my house. Bethany paused as they neared her home. This is as close as we can get.

    I understand, Ryan said. I do have stuff I was gonna do this afternoon.

    Yeah, like what? Bethany gave him a sly smile and a questioning look.

    Ryan scuffed his foot along the sidewalk. Um… Maybe hang around with the guys for a bit, then I don’t know… Nothing really.

    Yeah, same here. Bethany leaned in and kissed Ryan softly. Thanks for the great day. She turned and started walking down the street to her home, wondering where the man in the black car was.

    Chapter 6

    Mother? Mother, I’m home, Bethany called. When there was no answer she whispered a quick thank you and disappeared up the stairs. The moment she stepped through her bedroom door, she spotted the old birthday card poking out from the bed skirt.

    Maria… Bethany bent down and retrieved the card, then stashed the shopping bag and its contents deep inside her closet.

    After a quick check of the house to make sure her mother wasn’t home, Bethany dashed outside and disappeared down the street. She folded the card and stuck it in her back pocket as she made her way downtown. After walking a few blocks, Bethany located a pay phone on the corner.

    M… Masterson, it’s gotta be in here. Bethany flipped through the pages of the phone book, fighting the howling wind, which entered through every gap. Pages were removed at random and Bethany could only hope previous customers didn’t want anything from the M section.

    Massey… Masson… Ah, here it is, Masterson. As Bethany scrolled down the page, her

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