The pain was sometimes just as raw as if it had happened only yesterday, yet Michael had somehow managed to put the pieces of their shattered life bac... together. For the sake of his daughter, Dani’s daughter, he had no choice, he couldn‘t fail either one of them.Being a single father wasn’t always easy, however. A social life was virtually nonexistent when you have a small life depending on you every second of the day. At least that’s what Michael had repeatedly told himself over the years.. Only Simon turned to look up when she came in.“Hello,” said Angela, because there was nothing else she could think to say.He nodded and turned back to his book. His face was surprisingly untouched. It was slightly chubby, as was his body. Not fat, but no sign of muscle. His dark hair was so straight as to be lank. His eyes did seem more alive even when concentrated on his book.She stepped towards him.“Hi Simon”. He looked up. “You won’t recognise me, but it was my daughters you saved. I wanted. He hummed and put it back in his bag. Turning to her again, he put his hands on his knees in a pose that mirrored her own. “Is everything alright at school?” he asked. She opened her mouth to speak, then rolled her eyes to the side. “Okay, I guess.” The phone by her pillow vibrated and flashed. Her eyes darted to it, then she looked back to him. “Don’t worry,” he said, “you don’t have to tell me. But I need to be clear on the story I give your mom.” She quirked one side of her mouth and. Could she use it if she had to? Even on her uncle or one of his people? She didn’t know, but the man who gave it to her and taught her to use it said if she pulled it out then she had to be prepared to shoot.Her mind showed her a picture of her leering uncle. Yes, for him there was no doubt, she would kill him if he came near her. She would never allow herself to be enslaved again. For a moment she fantasized about the surprise on his face as she shoved the gun against his forehead and pulled.