Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Blast from the Past

“Ms. Raven? Are you okay?” Carl asks in a concerned tone.

I take a deep gulp of air and turn around to immediately hug Carl tightly.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I tell him in a muffled voice.

“What happened? Why are you so upset?” Carl asks me.

I pause for a moment and think about what to tell him. If I let him know what Joseph has been up to, he will go after him without a thought. It’s my word against his and I have a feeling Joseph will deny any wrongdoing, which will then pit Lydia against me and put my father in an awkward position. Our relationship and our safe haven is at stake and I’m not willing to risk it at this point.

“I just got a little lost and then I think I spooked myself. I’m sorry, Carl. I’ve just been a little on edge lately,” I say.

He seems to buy my explanation and he pats me on the back in a comforting way.

“It’s ok. Just don’t run off on me again. I need to make sure you’re safe,” he chides me gently.

“Of course,” I reply with a forced smile.