Free Daffodils in March by Clare Revell

He knew Adam was right, despite the way he’d reacted. If he didn’t get out, and get out fast, he’d lose his faith and his life. But getting out wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, it may well cost him his life. And although it hurt not to be Marc’s guardian, Hanna had been right to appoint Eden.
    Show me what to do, Lord. This seemed so simple, noble even, at first, but now I’m just caught up in a mess I’m not sure how to deal with. Give me the words, and the means either to close this or to escape, for the waters have reached my neck, and unable to swim, I’m in danger of drowning.

6
    Eden secured Marc’s jacket and laid him in the pram. She fastened the straps, as he now tried to roll over, and tucked the blankets around him. Although the sun was shining, it was still chilly. Spring was on its way. Trees were bursting into bloom around her, with their cherry blossom scent hanging in the air.
    She’d barely seen David the past couple of days. He still wasn’t eating what she cooked. He even went as far as cooking for himself when he got in. She’d ceased offering and instead simply put any leftovers in the freezer. Tonight, she was planning on cooking just for her.
    Marc grinned up at her and waved happily.
    “So, we’ll go to the park first, then the shops, and hopefully, you’ll give in and go to sleep just as we get back, so I can doze for a few minutes. How can you be so cheerful on such little sleep?”
    Even though David had been up half the night with the baby, Eden still hadn’t slept. She set off towards the park. This part of town was a lot prettier than the side on which her parents lived. Tears filled her eyes as her thoughts once again turned to Hanna and Eric and all that this baby was going to miss out on.
    She wasn’t a fit substitute for a parent, and nor was David. They couldn’t agree on anything. How could they possibly come together enough to agree on raising a child? She couldn’t deny him some say in the matter, even if she maintained overall control.
    Eden reached the park and slowly meandered along the path leading to the duck pond. Marc gurgled, not showing any signs of tiredness. The trees overhanging the pond were covered in blossom, white, yellow, pink, reflecting in the still water. A mother duck led her brood of babies across the water.
    A tall figure stood beside the pond. Eden instantly recognized him. David. What was he doing here? He said he’d be out of town all day. She shrugged and glanced at the baby. “Shall we go and say hello to Uncle David? See if he has time for coffee?”
    Marc beamed and waved.
    “I assume that’s a yes.” Eden smiled and headed toward the spot where David stood. Then she froze.
    A bloke dressed in biker leathers approached David and stood next to him. His face obscured by a helmet, hands tattooed heavily.
    Eden backed off and stood behind a tree, watching with bated breath as David pulled back his jacket. She was no expert, but she knew enough from cop shows on the TV to recognize a shoulder holster when she saw one. Why was David carrying a gun?
    He took an envelope from the man and checked it before handing over a package in exchange.
    Terror filled her. What was he involved in? Well, whatever it was, she needed to get out of there before he saw her. And she needed to think about what she did next. She backed away, turning the pram in the direction she’d come.
    Footsteps crunched on the path behind her as she hurried away. A hand grabbed her arm, spinning her around. She gasped.
    “Are you following me now?” Anger sparked in David’s eyes, pouring from every part of him.
    “No…” she managed. “We’re just going for a walk, trying to get him to sleep.”
    “How much did you see?”
    “Enough.” She whispered and raised her chin, staring him in the eyes, determined not to show her fear. “Enough to know you’re carrying a gun and—”
    David gripped her arm like a vice. “Shut up.” His voice turned low and