The Messenger: Mortal Beloved Time Travel Romance, #1 Read Online Free Page B

yanked the parking brake, flung open the driver’s door and catapulted out. The keys were in the ignition, engine still running, as he raced toward me with his longish, salt and pepper hair flying all over the place.
    “Daddy?”
    “You stay away from her!” Dad thrust one arm out at the guy in the bomber jacket and shook his fist at him.
    The guy stared at my dad like he was crazy, but took the hint. “Just trying to help.” He walked back down the ramp. The smooth engine revved below us—the guy must have had a friend behind the wheel of his ride.
    “We don’t need help from strangers.” Dad strode after the guy determined, almost manic.
    “Dad, no!” I pushed myself off the ground, and ran after him. “I’m fine.” I grabbed his arm. His eyes met mine and they were a little crazy, reminding me of the old days after the accident. Guess I wasn’t the only one having a hard time today. “This man did nothing wrong.” I shook his arm.
    But his eyes were dilated, and he was breathing quickly. Dad was in his crazy zone, and I had to break through to him before he did something he’d get in trouble for. I could not lose him again. “He was just trying to help,” I said. Dad’s nostrils flared. “Leave him alone. You cannot fight everyone.” I tugged on the sleeve of his jean jacket.
    He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. When he re-opened them, he appeared sane.
    “Okay,” he said. “If you recall, I had a rotator cuff injury on that arm you’re yanking on. I’d really appreciate it if you stopped doing that.”
    “Sorry.” I patted his shoulder.
    “Much better.”
    The man regarded us. “I didn’t come here for a fight, sir. I spotted your daughter and, well, I have a teenager. Stuff happens. I just wanted to make sure she was okay.”
    “I’m sorry, man,” Dad replied. “I apologize.”
    “No worries.” The man turned and continued down the ramp.
    Dad wrapped his arms around me and squeezed so hard I coughed. “You’re catching a cold! You shouldn’t have come here.” He wiped a tear from his eye. “Darn, now I’m catching that cold.”
    I hugged him back. Was this the first time we really connected since Mama disappeared? Dad smoothed my hair, over and over. It felt strange coming from him. But it also felt really good. “What were you thinking?” he asked.
    “I thought if I came back here, talked to Mama... Maybe I could find a way to remember?”
    “You don’t need to remember,” he said. “I’m glad you don’t remember. I can’t lose anyone else right now.” He pulled off his jean jacket and handed it to me. “Put this on before you catch pneumonia.”
    “You will never lose me,” I said. “As long as we can order Joey’s Pizza Super Combo Deluxe for dinner. Extra large, so Sophie and Jane can have some.”
    He frowned. “Ack, Joey’s! White flour carbohydrates topped with decrepit vegetables with zero nutritional value, and do you even remember what I told you about how they kill cows?” We walked the few feet to his car, and opened the passenger door. “Jane has a sleepover, and Sophie’s leaving on a business trip.”
    “Again?” I asked.
    “Yes, but we decided you’re getting your big present tonight.” Dad pulled his cell out of his pocket and made a call. “Pick-up. I want the insecticide pizza deluxe. Yes, I meant the super deluxe combo.” He pointed to me. “Happy? Get in.”

Chapter 4
    I slumped in a spindly , antique, hand-carved, wooden chair in my parents’ study. I managed to catch Sophie before she headed out on yet another business trip. She gave me a big hug and a smooch on my cheek. She was more affectionate toward me right now than she was toward my dad.
    They were going through a rough patch, and arguing about how much time Sophie was out of town for work. Dad was a chiropractor and his business, like many small businesses, was a little slow right now. Sophie took every gig that would pay overtime.
    I felt awful, completely