A Thousand Lies by Sharon Sala Read Free Book Online

poured hot coffee on her bare feet on purpose. And she has an older bruise on her face. I don’t know what hell she’s going through, living in that house, but Brendan is sick at heart and wants them with him, which is what’s going to happen for the time being until she’s healed enough to walk again.”
    Grayson paled. “The burns are so bad she can’t walk?”
    Julie nodded. “She has first-degree burns on the bottoms of her feet and second-degree burns on the tops.” Julie’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Daddy, she’s in so much pain and she’s being so brave. And she has the sweetest little girl. She’s only nine and quite a beauty, although she seems older.”
    “Probably seen too damn much of the hard side of life,” Grayson muttered. “So where are Brendan and the girl?”
    “They went back to Wisteria Hill to get clothes for their stay.”
    “I still don’t know why you have the bat.”
    “Brendan called me. He said he and his father had a big fight about them staying here, and as they left the house, he realized his father was gone. He just told me not to open the door to anyone until they got back.”
    His cheeks flushed red with sudden anger. “I can’t believe he left you here on your own and put you in danger.”
    “He didn’t leave me in danger. I volunteered to stay with Delle in case she woke up. He had no way of knowing how all this would unfold, and he’s already on his way back. He’s already apologized profusely to me over the phone, and that’s all I’m going to say to you about it.”
    Grayson glared.
    Julie glared back.
    And in the middle of the angry silence, they heard a thud and then a shriek of pain.
    Julie was up and running before her father could move. She rushed into the room to find Delle sprawled on the floor. She dropped to her knees and cradled Delle’s head in her lap.
    “Oh, honey! What happened?”
    Delle moaned. “I dreamed I was running away.”
    Then she looked up past Julie’s head and saw a man in a tan linen suit standing in the doorway. By the time she realized who it was, she was already embarrassed to tears and trying to cover up her bare legs.
    “I’m sorry to intrude,” Grayson said gently. “I was just visiting my daughter when we heard you cry out.” He walked into the room and then squatted down next to Delle and lifted a lock of hair from her eyes. “It’s been a long time, LaDelle. I’d ask how you are, but it seems obvious you’re in considerable pain.”
    “Grayson.”
    He smiled. “Yes, ma’am, in the flesh. Now, I’d like to continue this conversation, but how about we get you back in bed first? May I?”
    She nodded.
    He slid his arms beneath her body and lifted her back up on the bed, then carefully pulled the covers back over her legs.
    “Thank you,” Delle said. “I’m embarrassed for anyone to see me like this.”
    His eyes narrowed angrily. “And I’m sorry for your suffering.”
    All of a sudden, there was a loud shout out in the hall, and then someone pounded on the front door.
    Delle’s face lost all hint of color. “Oh my God, it’s Anson.”
    Julie pivoted to get the bat when Grayson stopped her with a look.
    “I’ve got this,” he said. “You stay here with LaDelle. This won’t take long.”
    Delle was shaking. “Anson will hurt him. You have to stop him. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I should never have come here.”
    Julie sat down on the bed beside her and reached for her hand. “It’ll be fine. Just listen and you’ll see.”
    Grayson grabbed the ball bat on his way to the door. Anson was still shouting and pounding when Grayson opened it.
    Anson froze, his fist in mid-air.
    “Uh—”
    Grayson rolled the bat in his hand, just like he used to do in high school before he stepped up to the plate, then jabbed it in Anson’s belly just sharp enough to back him out into the hall, then followed him out, shutting the door behind him.
    “What the fuck’s your problem?” Grayson snapped.
    Anson