Redeeming Paula-A Love
Story?
Bill Wetterman
An Empty House,
A Missing Love, No Clues
After
spending their prom night together, Paula Casey pleads with Mark Schroder to
run away with her. She's terrified of her father, but won't tell Mark why. If
she doesn't escape now, it will be too late. Mark delays. he doesn't know how
to make that happen. The following day, he comes up with a plan and calls
Paula. The number's disconnected. He drives to her house and finds it empty.
His searching leads to dead ends. When he finds her eight years later, will she
be worth redeeming?
Prologue:
Paula
Casey rocked up on her heels. She moved within inches of her father’s chair in
their Brooklyn, Ohio home. Hands on her hips, she waited for his response.
“Our
agreement precludes a relationship with Mark Schroder.” Barry Casey’s voice
wisped icy cold. He glared at her.
“It
won’t be a relationship.” Paula struggled to keep the venom in her mind from
spilling into her words. The smell of his Old
Spice nauseated her. “I turn eighteen soon, and you know what that means.
Forbid Mark from taking me to my prom, and you’ll regret it.”
Barry’s
face reddened. “What do you think you’ll gain? He’ll find you disgusting once
he discovers who you really are.”
“I
want this. I want one night. After everything I’ve done, you owe me.”
“I
don’t owe you.” His voice was strained, almost cracking. He spoke slowly. But
she had no problem translating his words into feelings. “Agree to my proposal,
and I might change my mind. It’s in your hands.”
“Never.”
She stepped closer, possessing the power to ruin his fantasies and his dreams.
“Listen carefully. When I graduate and turn eighteen, you’re not my father
anymore. You’re just sick Barry Casey. I agreed to play my part in your dream. But I can play it with fire,
or I can play it like a limp dishrag. Which would you prefer?”
Barry
stiffened. He lowered his head, hands and jaw trembling. Then he edged to his
feet, but she didn’t step back. “If I say yes, you’ll never bring up Mark
Schroder again? You’ll forget about this childish infatuation and go on with
our life and your violin career as you promised? I’ll hold you to this.”
The
trap of her past and her promises for the future overwhelmed her. She swallowed
her disdain. “I will, exactly as we planned.”
Barry
put a finger under her chin and forced her to look up at him. “All right,
Paula. You go to the prom with him. But I’ll drive you.”
“Mark
drives.” She pushed away. “And we go to the after-prom events and breakfast.
Other people will be around.”
“Fine.
Have it your way.” He drew in a long, deep breath. “But remember, one word from
me, and Mark Schroder will run from you.”
Paula
nodded, turned, and hurried to her bedroom. She had only one chance at
happiness, either for a night or a lifetime. Mark might take her away. She’d
make love to him. She’d plead with him. If her plan failed, at least she would
have the love of her life for one night, and his memory would stay with her
forever.
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