Her head was spinning and the ground was wobbling beneath her. She did not feel good.

Ed sat down in the chair across from her. “What the hell were you thinking, Annie?”

“I don’t know!” she cried. “Why wouldn’t you help me? I’ve never asked for anything in my life, Ed. And I wouldn’t have now either, unless I really needed it.”

“I told you, the timing isn’t good. I’ve got some problems of my own, you know.”

“No, I don’t know. How would I? I’m not your wife. Anyway, I don’t care about your problems, just as you never cared about mine. But now, for Charlie’s sake, I need you to care. My business is going under,” she admitted in a small voice. “My accountant stole everything I have. He stole from my company and left me with months of bills outstanding, and I barely have enough to keep a roof over my head, let alone pay the people I owe. He took everything.” She turned to look at him. “You told me once that I could call on you if ever I needed anything. And when I finally do, you tell me to get lost. How do you think that feels?”

“I’m sorry. Like I said, you caught me at a bad time.” He looked at her. “Has anything been done to catch this guy?”

“I’ve tried. But he’s disappeared.” She sniffed, surprised at the unexpected concern in his voice. “Honestly, I would never have asked if I wasn’t desperate.”

Ed moved closer. “It’s all right, Annie. I’ll help you. I know people who deal with this sort of thing. I’ll make a few calls on Monday. We won’t let him get away with this,” he comforted. “I’ll make sure he’s brought to justice, and whatever help you need, I assure you that you’ll get it. I’m sorry, you just...caught me off guard the other day.”

He was going to help? He was going to take care of her and Charlie? Annie’s tears began to flow freely now.

“Thank you,” she said, relief flooding through her, as she felt a tiny inkling of hope for the first time since this all started. She was right to come here after all. She knew that if she got the opportunity to talk to him face-to-face, let him know how truly desperate she was, he would understand.

And he had.

Thank God, thank God...

Impulsively, she jumped up and launched herself at him, flinging her arms around his neck.

She wouldn’t be on her own. Ed had promised he’d be there for his son if ever Annie needed him, and now he was making good on that promise.

Seems she’d misjudged him after all.

Chapter 55

Now