Page 58 of Butterfly 6, Phase 1

Aria Taylor was an anomaly to Isa. She could be so kind and giving one moment and turn completely indifferent the next. It was damaging to the ego of a man who had grown accustomed to having his way.

“When the house catches fire, you get as far away from it as possible,” Aria stated. “Trying to save anything inside is what gets you killed.”

He couldn’t express the disappointment he felt, but it was there, souring his insides as he watched her walk away. She was the first “L” he had ever taken, and it hurt. He knew that after her, he wouldn’t be so quick to invest real energy in another woman. It made him feel too powerless. In fact, it downright broke a real nigga’s heart.

“Tramadol,” Mara called out as she handed Alani an oblong pill and a cardboard water cup. Alani swallowed it down. “Blood thinner,” Mara informed, handing her a second pill. Alani took that one as well. “Blood pressure medication…”

Alani paused. “I have high blood pressure?” she asked.

“It’s been elevated since you gave birth. This could be due to the stress your body has been under, residual from the high blood pressure during pregnancy. No worries. I’m monitoring things closely.”

Alani nodded and took the third pill.

“And one more,” Mara said. Alani didn’t miss that she didn’t tell her what it was for.

“What is this one?” Alani asked.

“It’s just something to help with your mood and to make sure you aren’t falling into depression,” Mara stated.

“Wait, why…” Alani shook her head in confusion. “Why do I need this? I’m not depressed. I feel fine.”

“I’m here for you, Alani. You had a psychological breakdown the other day. I don’t want to alarm your husband, so I’m trying to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Depression can be dangerous in your state. You don’t remember me finding you in a heap on the floor in your bedroom?” Mara asked, eyes shining in concern.

What the fuck is she talking about?

“I told you I was looking for something. I wasn’t…”

“Alani, you were completely out of control. You had a meltdown, and I found this under your pillow,” Mara said.

She pulled a folded piece of paper from her scrubs pocket and handed it to Alani. Alani’s hand shook as she grabbed it.

“Why would you show me this?” Alani asked as she opened it. “I didn’t have this. Where did you get this?”

The words autopsy report glared back at her, and Alani felt like there were hands around her neck.

“From you,” Mara said. “Is this what you were searching for? It’s horrible. The way she died. Who would do something like that to a child? It’s monstrous.”

Kenzie had died of asphyxiation as blood from two gunshot wounds filled her lungs.

“I didn’t have this! I’ve never even seen this!” Alani protested.

“I’m sorry, Alani. It’s common not to remember things day to day in your position. Confusion is normal, and I’ll get you through this. I really think this medication will help.”

Alani remembered searching the room, but she didn’t remember finding this document at all. She felt like she was going crazy, and seeing Kenzie’s injuries in black and white in her hands tore her apart. It felt like the devil himself reached inside her chest and then clawed his way through her body, ripping her wide open.

“I really don’t remember this,” she whispered, closing her fist around the document and closing her eyes. “Do you know where I found it?”

Mara averted her eyes.

“Mara?” Alani pushed. “Where did I find this?”

“You broke into your husband’s safe,” Mara revealed.

“Why would he have my baby’s autopsy report hidden away in a safe? Why would he have it at all?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Mara whispered. “But you shouldn’t keep asking these questions. I don’t want you to work yourself into paranoia or psychosis or depression. You can’t handle this type of stress right now. Please, just take the medication. It’ll help you.”

Alani put the pill in her mouth and took a sip of the water to swallow it down. Her mind was racing, and she felt sick to her stomach.