Chapter 48

LEVI DEL CAMPA

I was stunned, to say the least. Speechless even. I dragged my feet through the front door, halting momentarily when I saw Finn and Zesa in the living room, eating popcorn as they watched a movie. I don’t think I’d ever seen her watching something that wasn’t the news. What was this? I checked the time. 7.49p.m. He actually brought her home early, and she looked happy as she stared at me.

“Come here,” she said, holding out her hand.

I went to her, ignoring Finn, who was stuffing his face with popcorn. When I made eye contact with her, I felt shame. How could I tell her that my mother was the reason she was suffering? I forced a smile and sat down beside her.

“What took you so long?” she queried, climbing onto my lap.

Finn coughed loudly and stood up. “This is my cue to leave the premises.” He arranged his color, “Woe to us who aren’t married.”

Zesa waved. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Women,” he sighed, going to pick up Zesa’s car keys from the table.

“Dr