Chapter 7
Kevin walked home in a daze, his mind replaying images of Mom’s torture and death.
He remembered that winter when his parents died. Relatives swooped in, grabbed all the insurance money, but no one wanted him
He nearly froze to death on the streets.
Until Mom and I found him. Took him in, fed him, gave him a place to sleep. Used what little savings we had to put him through school.
He’d promised he’d protect me, take care of Mom.
But he’d failed us both
He thought about how I’d looked at him–twice today.
Cold. Distant. Disgusted.
In fifteen years, I’d never looked at him like thaL
I called him my enemy
Kevin let out a bitter laugh. Anyone else could hate him, but not me. I was his light in the darkness.[]
If he lost me too… he’d completely lose his shit]
walked into the house to find Lillian smashing the hand made carving against the floor:
“Stupid bitch! Even when she’s gone, she’s still got Kevin wrapped around her finger!”
She spotted him and quickly put on her innocent act
“Kevin! You’re home! I brought your car home for you.”
“I was just admiring
admiring this pretty carving and–cops!-I dropped it. I heard you made this for Rachel Well, I want one too!”
“Since you dumped her ass, we can finally get married, right? This can be like… our engagement gift!”
Kevin stared at the crushed figurines–trampled into pieces under her designer heels.
He grabbed her throat, eyes like ice:[]
“You think you’re worthy? Did you really think I didn’t see that footage?
“I told you—yourre Rachel’s cheap knockoff. A fuck–toy. You actually thought you could take her place?”
I put up with your gold digging, your vanity, even Sophie’s death. But going after Rachel’s mother? How is she supposed to live with that?”
Something in Kevin had finally snapped. He ued Lillian up and dragged in a bunch of homeless guys from skid row.
He filmed the whole sick show and sent it to me, speaking softly to his phone
“Rachel, look. Mom’s suffering repaid tenfold. Now can you forgive me?
I saved the video, fighting back nausea, then called the e
cops.
Just as Lillian thought she was going to die, the police kicked down the door.
“Mr. Howard, Rachel Flores filed a report for assault. You need to come with us.”
Kevin stared in shock.
I’d actually turned him in.
Lillian laughed maniacally:
“How’s that for true love, asshole? You tried to play hero and she threw you to the wolves!
“Officers, he’s the sick freak who did this! Lock his ass up!”
The words barely left her mouth before handcuffs clicked around her wrists.
“Lillian Valois? You’re under arrest for child abuse resulting in death and conspiracy to commit assault. You’re coming with us too.“||
