. Her tone was completely dif

appened at your work. Your father and I...

for a second. "What

we need to talk. Your father feels terrible. Please, just let us com

tting for an ambush. But the threat to my job was real. Maybe if I playe

inst my better judg

ent. But they weren't alone. Trailing behin

d a criminal record for assault. He was part of their church, a sup

e invited him along!" Maria chirped,

ay church potluck. Anthony and Maria made small talk, praising Rufus for his newfound devotion t

ates were cleared, An

ng court. "We've been thinking about your future. You're a single wo

n. He's willing to take on the responsibility

ir violent, thuggish nephew to get legal control over my income. They were

nt was a given. "He will manage the finances, and ensure that our family,

widening. "Don't worry, Jocel

d stood up, my hands trem

be disrespectful

pointed to the door. "The answer is no. It w

ther fell away, revealing the tyrant beneath. "You wi

y heart pounding against my ribs. I felt like an animal caught in a trap,