My laugh is bitter. “He was gay.”
“He was my son. I loved him. He was also like my father and Robert. It was never about the sex, only the power over someone else. He liked males best because it made him feel more powerful to take them by force.”
My brother, the rapist. What a legacy. “Why are you here? Guilt? Some sort of twisted obligation? You said I was cursed. You’ve treated me like I’m dirt on your shoe.” My knees weak, I give in and sit. Roy and Proctor flank me. And then it hits me. “The gifts…they were from Bobby, weren’t they?”
“They were. Somewhere inside his damaged brain, he knew you were important to him. Who can say? I caught him once, hiding a present for you. It seemed harmless enough to me.”
“But he didn’t give me the ring.”
“No, Sebastian did that as a warning to me, to keep paying him.”
I look up at Proctor. How much has he known all along? “He was your brother,” I say. “He was entitled.”
Stanwyck explodes. “Entitled. The little bastard was entitled to nothing.”
Perhaps, I think, they are all like old Mr. Stanwyck.
“I gave him the least amount I could get away with. Thanks to you.” He nods at Roy and Proctor. “That’s done now.”
“We didn’t do it for you,” Proctor says.
“No, of course not. You did it for her.” He looks to me. “You’re so like my mother. I should have seen it earlier, seen the potential you have. The Stanwyck name needs you.”
And I thought I couldn’t be hurt by him. What a silly girl I am. He’s here because without an heir the Stanwyck name will die out, or maybe some bastard will lay a claim to it, which would be worse in his eyes.
“I’ve spoken with my lawyers. They’re drawing up the legal documents now. You’re a Stanwyck, and I’m prepared to give you the keys to the kingdom. It’s time for everyone to know you’re Jacqueline Stanwyck.”
He says this statement like he’s a king bestowing a knighthood on a peasant. “All those years you knew Mae and Stella and Reggie were feeding and clothing and loving me while you did nothing.” He tries to interrupt, but I hold my hand up to stop him. “They’ve worked six days a week their whole lives. Did you ever once think to offer your help? To tell them the truth? To ease the burden off their shoulders?”
Mr. Stanwyck’s eyes narrow, and it’s clear he doesn’t like where I’m going with this.
“No, of course not. Who cares about some blacks running a laundry who happened to take in your brother’s bastard? It’s not like they matter, right? Nothing matters but your money and keeping the Stanwyck name alive. This isn’t about your newfound love for me. Do you think I want anything to do with you? Do you think I’d change my name and play lady of the manor?”
He gets up and heads for the door. Proctor blocks his path. “She’s not done with you yet.”
Mr. Stanwyck turns and glares at me. “If you don’t accept my offer now, I’ll not give it again. And if you think you’ll take me to court and drag all this out to the public, you have no idea what I’m capable of.”
I laugh.
“Should I kill him?” Proctor asks.
“Get your lunatic off me.” Mr. Stanwyck attempts to sidestep Proctor, but fails.
“I suggest,” Roy growls out, “you remain still.”
Mr. Stanwyck points to me. “I am your family. You’re a Stanwyck. Roy’s nothing but a thug with new money. With my name, you could marry a senator, a president. What can any of them offer you?”
Roy growls and lunges toward him.
“No,” I whisper. “I need you.”
He halts, still poised to pummel Mr. Stanwyck.
“Please.” My voice sounds frail. I take his hand when he’s back by my side.
Proctor is in his face, smiling. To his credit, Mr. Stanwyck ignores him, his arrogance all the armor he needs. How easily Roy or Proctor could dispel him of that notion. He believes he’s better than his father and brother, but he’s not.
“I once dreamed of meeting my parents. Thought it would make me happy.” I give Mr. Stanwyck the look of daggers. “You are nothing to me.” I think of the child I carry and how each day we grow stronger together. How Roy and the people who are my real family will lavish us with love. I stand, and Roy stands beside me and takes my hand. “If you hurt my family or me, I will end you.”
“Little girl, you think you can threaten me? I could ruin Roy.” Mr. Stanwyck straightens his suit jacket with a sharp yank. “Whether you accept it or not, you’re a Stanwyck.”
“It wasn’t a threat.” My voice drips with ice. “It was a statement.” I nod to Proctor. “Please see him out.”
He grabs Mr. Stanwyck’s arm and yanks him off-balance.
“Get off me.”
I enjoy the look of fear written on his face and see he isn’t so sure anymore about his place in life as he stumbles to regain his balance while being ushered toward the door.
“You’ll come crawling to me, begging me to forgive you.”
Proctor has him almost to the front door; in the hall are my aunts and Gavin and Vincent.
“You’re Jacqueline Stanwyck,” he yells.
“No.” I tilt my chin up, knowing exactly who I am. “I’m Daisy Aldridge.”
Secrets In Our Scars Page 36
