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It’s a story as old as time. One I’ve been given countless times in my job, and one that can’t be disproven. Especially not when the security tapes showed me arriving when I did, but not when I left with Mr. Riley.
Thank you Martin.
I’ve only asked Mia once about what she told the detectives, and from her account, she told the detective that her boss had been obsessed with her and threatened her into committing unspeakable acts. Lila, who attested to her husband’s growing obsession and mental instability, backed all of this up.
“CJ, are you really going to force her to go see your mom and dad? We might want to change our plans and do something else.” Kas sounds like he’s going to argue with me if I say yes, and as his suggestion brings me back to the present, I consider his words.
“I know it probably isn’t the best idea to make her go to my folks’ place, but then what? It’s fucking New Year’s Eve, so it’s not like we’re swimming in options without reservations anywhere.”
“I know a place.” Alec sounds almost excited. “Maybe we can swing by your parents’ and grab some food. I’m sure Nina won’t mind.”
Of course, my mom won’t mind. She’s already cooked for all of us, and honestly, she just wants to help. She calls and texts almost daily to check-in and ask how Mia is holding up. On each call, she reiterates that Mia is welcome to reach out to her if she needs to talk to someone who’s endured and survived something similar. Every time she brings it up, I feel waves of anger and despair roll through me. What the fuck are the odds that both the women in my life have had such traumatic experiences?
I know I couldn’t do anything to help my mom. I was much too young, but it’s still hard to live with the knowledge of what she went through. Mia is another story altogether. Age was no excuse not to be at her side. Fuck, not only did I fail at protecting her. It’s one thousand percent my fault that Mr. Riley got his hands on her. If it wasn’t for that video he had, we could have moved Sharon and Marilyn in with us to keep an eye on them. So, yeah, go me!
With my phone in hand, I squeeze Alec’s shoulder as I walk past him. Something tells me that whatever he has in store for us will be a night to remember, and I’m happy to let him take the reins.
