“Him?” “Yep. He wanted to see you. I said ‘okay.’ You don’t have to go out there, if you don’t want to. That was the deal I made with him.” “You’ve kept in touch all these years?” She shook her head. “With that rat? Nope. But I figured you had some questions needed answers. He was easy enough to find. He’s coaching at a high school in Lincoln.” “What’s he doing here?” “Dunno. Can’t imagine what lie he came up with for his wife.” “His wife?” “He was married when I got pregnant. Hey, I’m not proud of that, but it’s the truth.” “That’s why he didn’t come forward?” Shayna nodded. “And wanted me to get rid of you. Figured Lurlene wouldn’t understand how you got here. He was probably right. Expensive, public divorce. Last thing he wanted. And he sure as hell didn’t want to marry me.” “You didn’t do it,” he muttered, more to himself than her. “Get rid of you? Hell, no! You’re my kid. I took the money from him and skipped out.
