AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How did you find us?” asked Rochelle. “I turned off your phone.”
Francine walked closer. “Never reveal sources and methods. And is my swagger still there?”
Rochelle pointed to the gun. “What’s that for?”
“You brought a gun last time. Only fair that I have one. So, how is Mommy?”
“The same as when you were here before,” said Rochelle. “And you better hurry up and find the money because I can’t deal with the woman much longer.”
“Is there electricity in there? Otherwise, how are you managing the oxygen?”
“We rigged it off a feeder line. At least Dougie did. He’s real good with stuff like that. And we got an oxygenator.”
“Where?”
Rochelle’s mouth curved to a grin. “Sources and methods.”
Francine glanced at her brother. “Did Mom recognize you?”
He shook his head and looked off.
“I’m sorry.”
He glanced back at her. “Why?” His voice was husky and dull and unfamiliar.
She drew closer, pointing the gun to the dirt. “Because she’s our mother. In spite of all the shit.”
“Forgive and forget?” said Rochelle in a sneering way.
“Neither. But we can move forward.”
“Maybe you can. That shit messed us up but good,” said Rochelle. “Just treading water now. Probably forever.”
“And you think I’m the picture of perfect mental health?” said Francine.
“I don’t know. Are you trying to be?”
“All I try and do is get out of bed every day.”
“Us too,” said Doug. He added quietly, again looking off, “Us too, really.”
“And Bruce?” asked Francine.
Her brother glanced nervously at Rochelle. “I did it,” he said.
“Why?”
Doug once more glanced at Rochelle and shrugged. His gaze fixed on his shoes.
“You didn’t know Bruce like I did,” said Rochelle.
“But you two were dating,” retorted Francine.
“No we weren’t. He had some crazy-ass fantasy about me. Told me I was Wonder Woman to his Superman. He creeped me out. I told him to leave me alone. But unlike Doug, Bruce had no problem playing in the reindeer games.”
“What are you talking about?”
“He paid my father to have sex with me. And it was not voluntary. My old man had to hold me down.”
