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sip, then set it down. “My dad paid him a visit with a baseball bat while I was in the hospital. He left town, and when I got out, Dad had moved everything of mine back home to our house above his bar. I never saw Brian again. So I guess the choice was made for me. I’d like to think I wouldn’t have gone back.”
    Alecia gazed out the window now, as it was easier than looking at Diane. Maybe she was afraid of what she’d see. “When I saw him in my motel room yesterday, I’m not sure what I felt: fear, worry, anger, all mixed up with confusion. But I didn’t want his hands on me. I didn’t want to be with him. And I did goad him. I could have been smart and backed down, kept my mouth shut.”
    “You listen to me, Alecia. Brian is a monster through and through. He gets off on the power. Guys like him don’t respect women. I don’t even think they like us. They want to control us, hurt us, make us bend to their will. It’s that sense of power they need, but they’ll never be happy. Nothing you ever do can change them and who they are. And by staying with them, you become the enabler.”
    This time, Alecia looked at Diane, and something soft and understanding reflected back. “My hands are trembling,” Alecia said, squeezing her fists closed. “I felt so in control of myself and my power up until yesterday. Now I feel vulnerable, and that scares me.” A tear slid down her cheek. She turned her head when the waitress arrived, setting a steaming plate of lasagna in front of her and a salad for Diane.
    Before she dug in, Diane said, “Alecia, have you thought about going home?”
    She shook her head. “No, I can’t, not yet.”
    “I’ve got say this, then. I’m not comfortable with you staying alone at that motel. If Brian wants to get to you, he will. You’re a smart lady; I think you already know that.”
    Alecia picked up her fork. “My mom and dad are on their way, so I won’t be alone.”
    Diane let out a heavy sigh that seemed a lot like relief, which was a little odd, considering they had just met.
    Alecia paused with the fork in her food before saying, “So, who was it for you?”
    “My mother,” Diane answered.

Chapter 12
    “Dad, I’m not going home. Mom, can you please explain to Dad?”
    Harriet sat on the sofa in the motel room with her hands folded in her lap. She was staring at her husband and daughter, who looked like two bulls about to ram heads.
    Patrick Moran was tall, with broad shoulders. His thick, silver hair had once been jet black. His deep blue eyes flashed with the fire only an Irishman could have. He paced dramatically in his tan work boots and blue jeans, fitted with a heavy belt. He waved his large hands in the air. “Now, you listen to me, my girl. You’ve had your fun. Whatever it is you need to do here, I respect it, and I told your mother that, but when it comes to your safety, that’s when I draw the line. You’re coming home, where I can keep you safe and protect you. And, by God, when I find this Brian, I will break every bloody bone in his body. You mark my words, darling.”
    Alecia rolled her eyes but stopped when she was rewarded with a sharp pain in her head. The dull throb that had been there the night before had finally eased, but she still felt lightheaded.
    “Patrick, sit down. You’re wearing a hole in the carpet, and the people next door are going to start complaining.” Harriet was calm when she spoke. Her brown hair was shoulder length and wavy, she had big brown eyes, and her skin was lightly tanned. She patted the seat beside her until Patrick stomped over and sat, but not before letting her and Alecia know he was still furious.
    Unfortunately, with one look in the mirror before she opened the door to her parents, who’d just arrived from the airport, Alecia had expected his reaction. Her dad had raged and yelled and hugged her a little too hard. Her mother had said nothing, but her dark eyes flashed with fire before they calmed. Between the