Chapter 2

The next day, Calvin showed up like he said he would. He had Jenna with him—the woman who'd taken everything from me.

But the ward was empty. The bed was made, and all the clothes were packed. It was like no one had ever been there. He asked the caregiver, but she had no idea where Margaret had gone.

Calvin quickly tracked her down using his phone's GPS and found her on the street. She was dragging her weak body, holding onto a worn-out bag, trying to pin something to a public bulletin board.

He stepped up to take a look—it was a notice about searching for a dead body. He let out a frustrated laugh and pulled Margaret away. "Impressive acting, Mom. A notice for a dead body? You've really lost it."

Margaret gripped the flyer, her hand shaking. "Clare's missing. I need to find her body. She'll be scared if I'm not there with her."

"For what? She was cold enough to let you die in the streets, and you're still searching for her? I can't believe she came up with all kinds of schemes just to avoid helping Jenna." Calvin sneered.

Then, he added, "Tell me where she is, unless you want me to cut ties with you for good in the last years of your life."

I watched as Margaret's eyes welled up when she heard Calvin's threat. "I'm your dad's wife—how could you do this to me?"

Calvin's anger flared. "How dare you bring up Dad? It's because of you that Clarissa became a murderer three years ago!"

My heart broke as I watched. Did Calvin even have a shred of humanity left?

Jenna saw how angry Calvin was and held onto his arm, her tears welling up. "Calvin, don't say things like that to your mom. You're going to hurt her feelings.

"I don't mind if Clarissa doesn't help. Losing an eye doesn't bother me. Nothing else matters as long as I'm with you."

I saw right through it all. With just a few words, she had Calvin completely convinced I was hiding on purpose. It was like my absence made me the one at fault, like I was the worst person ever.

Calvin's heart shattered at the sight of Jenna's tears. He quickly wiped them away. "Jenna, you're too kind. Why do you always put others before yourself? It would be a privilege for Clarissa to help you. Don't worry. I'll find her, dead or alive."

Jenna shot a nervous look at Margaret. "But… do you think your stepmom's mentally unwell? I'm so scared… Should we take her to see a doctor? Letting her roam the streets could be a danger to everyone."

People on the street couldn't help but stare in fear when they saw Margaret with her disheveled hair.

"Alright, babe. Don't be afraid. I'm with you." Calvin turned and grabbed Margaret's hand. "I'll get you to the police station right now!"