Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 51 - Chapitre 60

Jude's gone, but his family and I must go to the police headquarters. Everyone was asking me questions, but I sat dazed and mute. The primary agent, Detective Schade, asks, "Do you hear me, Ms. Vernon?"I blink and then stare his way. He adds, "It would be wise for you to cooperate."I reply, "I want my lawyer."In a snide tone, he asks, "You have a lawyer?"Huffy, I roll my eyes and start back dazing into space. Detective Schade murmurs, "Get her lawyer." He then asks, "What's your lawyer's name?""Call Windy Renault, and she'll give you their number."Then Micah comes over, saying, "Ajay, you're safe. There's no need for you to call a lawyer. I promise this has nothing to do with you." I'm staring directly into Micah's eyes. He smiles, and I suck every ounce of mucus out of my nose and throat and spit it in the center of his face. Before he could think, he literally slapped the spit out of my mouth.During our time together, Jude told me how Micah and Phyllis betrayed him. So, see

Detective Club enters my cell, saying, "You're going home.""Where's Ajay?""I have no idea. She left over an hour ago."Stomping past him, I go to the elevator and head to the front lobby. The door opened, and my family stood by the exit. No one moves but only watches, waiting for me to approach. Once I'm by them, Mama embraces me. After our hug, I ask, "Where's Ajay?""Please, Jude. May we get you someplace safe before discussing that girl?" Mama miffed.Instantly, I walk outside. Melanie's beside me, whispering, "I'll talk to her for you."We glance back, and Mama's right there. She commands, "Melanie, go with your brothers. Jude and I need to talk."Andrew interrupts, "Mama, we all need to talk. Let's go to the room together. Too many people, important people, know our secret now. Ajay's the least of our problems."We ordered food in our hotel suite, but I didn't eat. At the table, Mama says, "Jude, we discussed this, and Ajay cannot be your mate.""And for the umpteenth time, I

Knight's Island is a dismal place. As we drive to the villa, several mansions and lake homes are burnt to the ground. The island's landscape is overrun with greenery. Even my house needs significant work. After releasing a loud sigh, Mama whispers, "No, Jude, be excited. This is a new beginning." Most of our family is gone. Only Mama, myself, Andrew, Toro, Micah, Deena, and Melanie will live here for now. Deena refuses to come anywhere near me, which is terrific. However, I'm curious why she's still a part of our family. To break the silence, I ask, "So Deena's more dedicated than Marisol, Blanca, or Sammy?" Deena folds her arms, sighing. Looking back at me, Mama answers, "Yes. Too, Rogelio loves Marisol. She's the only person besides you that he clings to." We pull up to the villa, and it's untouched. Locking her arm with mine, Mama says, "We can clean tomorrow. We will eat as a family tonight and start rebuilding our strong nucleus." Everyone goes to their respective rooms, bu

While my father sits cringing, I ask, "What are you talking about? Changed into a what? A junkie."Now looking into my eyes, he answers, "Her change is what made her a junkie.""Okay, so what did she change into?""Something unholy, and then it consumed her.""Dad, stop being dramatic and tell me what happened to her. It may help me.""You don't need to know because I'm not claiming that. You accepted Christ already, so that will never happen to you. I've already prayed about it. So end of discussion.""Who accepted Christ? Oh, you think a kid deciding due to her parents' belief is valid? That won't stand in any court of the law. ...Fine, keep your secret. I'll pray with you that I'm nothing like either of you!I'm tired. It's been a long day. I'll pay one more night for the hotel, then be on your way. As you see, I've made it much further in life with both of you dead or absent. Don't call me if you're ever feeling guilty or need money. Mom died, and now I've had enough of you. Never

Being with Melanie leaves me desperate for more answers. Plus, she didn't call the next morning as she promised. The following week, I returned to work. Mrs. Freer isn't here, so I can ask questions in peace tonight. Winnie sees me and says, "Didn't expect to see you this soon.""Sitting at home isn't helping. I need answers. Have you heard anything else on Phyllis?""It's definitely not your guy.""Wow. That's great. How is she, and how'd they find out?""Phyllis was ripped to pieces, Ajay. She wasn't in Vermont but went to a funeral and was mauled to death by wild boars or something."In shock, I stand blinking her way. "Ajay, you okay? Why are you looking like that?"Unable to shake myself, I stood a few more seconds before I gasped, "Huh?""What's going on, Ajay? What'd I say to make you react this way?""Uh, nothing. What a way to go, huh? ...You say she was at a funeral. Do you know who died?""I don't know, but that's the information I need. I'll never visit there." She chuckl