A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 3

Elissa fixed her with a frosty stare. "This is my room, you know."

"Uncle Frank said this is my home now." Hickey, emboldened, puffed up his chest and shouted, "Uncle Frank also said he'll take care of me and Mom, just like a real dad!"-

Elissa glanced at Marcia, noting she had no intention of correcting her son. Suddenly, a cold smile tugged at her lips.

She crouched down to meet Hickey's eyes. "Do you know what Santa Claus will do to you this Christmas?"

The boy jutted out his chin. "He'll bring me lots of candy!"

"No, that's not right." Elissa shook her head, her smile chilling. "He's going to chop off the hands you used to tear up my photo, bake them in the oven, and feed them to the Christmas monsters."

Hickey's mouth fell open.

He was still just a child. The threat hit its mark; he threw his arms around Marcia and burst into tears.

Marcia's face hardened. She glared at Elissa, her voice low and sharp. "He's only a child. Was that really necessary?"

"If you can't teach your own kid, what else do you know, besides flirting with danger for fun?" Elissa shot back, then turned on her heel and headed for her room.

***

Late that night, a black Maybach glided into the driveway.

Elissa stood at her window, watching as Frank stepped out of the car. Instantly, Hickey ran to him, Marcia at his side, clinging to his hand—like they were a picture-perfect family.

It was a long time before the front door finally opened with a soft click.

Frank strode into her room, sleeves rolled up, the top button of his shirt undone. His eyes were sharp. "Did you scare Hickey?"

Frank glanced over, immediately letting go and putting distance between them when he saw who it was.

Elissa froze for a heartbeat, then understood. Of course he'd keep his distance. He'd managed to go three years of marriage without ever sharing a bed with her, all to prove his loyalty to the woman he truly loved. Now that they all lived under one roof, he had to be extra careful.

Marcia's voice was weary. "Frankie, Hickey's fussing. He wants you to tuck him in."

"I'll be right there," Frank replied, then turned to Elissa. "You're not mad, are you?"

"No," she said, her tone light.

As soon as he was gone, Elissa pulled out the second document—a divorce agreement.

She really was sweet and sensible. She'd even prepared her own divorce papers and politely handed them to him herself.