The doorbell rings several times, jarring me from a deep sleep. Stumbling from the couch over to the door, I fumble with the lock. With the door finally open I see two police officers standing on my porch, looking at me nervously. “Mr. Rhodes?” One officer asks. I can barely keep my eyes open. What’d he say? “HUH?” I grunt. “Duncan Rhodes?” The other officer questions me again. “Yes. Yes. What is it? It’s late — I’m tired,” I yawn, holding my hand over my mouth. That was the moment when all sleepiness was to vanish. The night when sleep left from my life forever. It was my fault; I alone was to blame. “Your wife, sir. Your wife and daughter, sir. There was a drunk driver and…” he paused.
Duncan Rhodes was awakened that cruel midnight hour to the news that nearly destroys his life. Sinking into a life of alcohol and sorrow he can find no peace or rest.
“Mommie…” Jennie’s terrified scream rings in my ears as John’s fist slams into my face for the third time. “No, John, pleaz…not in fron of the chil’ren,” I beg my husband, my voice, garbled from a hard slap on my jaw. “No Daddy, please stop,” Tammy screams. “Get out of here, Tammy, or I’ll give you the same as your mommy!” John shouts. Tammy scurries out of the room as fast as she can, terrified to death. John turns his face back to me; his eyes darken, his breath reeks of liquor. “You bitch; I told you that I wanted dinner at five-thirty.” The anger showing on his face is reflected in the strength of his fist as it smashes my left eye. “I know, I know, John, but the girlz…” I whimper. Blood runs from my nose as he strikes me hard again. I fall to the floor, slamming my back against the bed. He stands over me with a look of anger that frightens me. He lifts his leg back as if to kick me in the stomach.
Mrs. Stella Canton must face the truth. Her husband is an abuser and soon, very soon, he will take his violent temper against her small children. Can she suffer that, or take the only remaining option available – a flight to freedom. The path she chooses is full of risks, and in the end might prove fruitless if her husband is able to discover her whereabouts.
Follow along as these two lost souls seek a pathway to happiness and joy in this enjoyable new contemporary romance from the pen of george park. Available in ebook; paperback or hardback editions:
