by K. Webster
Something’s off and I want to get to the bottom of it.
I knock on the door, swallowing down my nerves. A few minutes later, the man I recognize from my social media investigation answers the door. His gaze sweeps over me and he smiles as though he’s pleased.
“Come in,” he says. “Jack Henderson.”
I don’t want to shake his hand. I don’t want to touch him. But I need to seem normal for once in my life. I do my best to impersonate my cheerleader sister and manage to offer my hand. He holds it for far too long, grinning like a fucking creep.
I step inside, crinkling my nose at the smell. Whatever is cooking smells terrible. We make our way through the living room to the kitchen. Zella sits at the table, a frown on her face. Her eyes are downcast. It makes me want to snatch her up and steal her from him.
“Penelope,” Jack says, “this is my daughter, Zella. Zella, say hello to your new babysitter.”
I guess I got the job already.
Zella’s eyes lift, recognition flaring in them. Since I’m standing behind Jack, I take a chance and hold a finger to my lips, winking at her. She smiles, giving me a small wave that melts my heart.
“Please,” Jack says. “Stay for dinner. We’d love to have you.”
His niceness feels fake to me. So, I give him a fake smile back. “Great. Can I help?”
“No, sweetheart. Just sit down and get to know Zella.” He makes his way into the kitchen and pulls something out of the oven.
I walk over to the table and pull out a chair. Zella peeks at me as I sit.
“I like your hair,” I tell her. “It’s pretty.”
“Mommy’s hair—” she starts, but is cut off by Jack’s growl.
“You say thank you when someone compliments you.” He pins her with a fierce glare. “Now, Zella.”
“T-Thank you,” she whispers, her brown eyes tearing up.
I have to clench my teeth together so I don’t tell this dude to fuck off. He walks over to the table where I’m sitting and places a hand on my shoulder, making me cringe.
“We’re still working on her manners,” Jack explains, squeezing my shoulder. “Maybe you can help her with that.”
Me? Help with manners? Yeah, right.
“Sure,” I say coolly, suppressing the urge to smack his hand off me.
I need to be here. And appear normal. I’ve never needed to be normal so badly in my entire life. I need this for Zella. For Terrence.
Jack pats my shoulder and then heads back over to the stove. I can’t stop looking at Zella. She’s so sad. Lonely. Afraid. It makes my hackles rise. Jack places a cooked carton of frozen lasagna on a hot plate in the middle of the table. It looks gross as hell, but I don’t say a word. Then, he brings Zella a juice box. After pulling out two wineglasses, he sets one in front of my spot and then his.
I’m seventeen.
Yet, he pours me a large glass of red wine.
I glance at him, frowning.
“I don’t condone drinking on the job,” he says, “but you’re our guest tonight.”
“I’m not allowed to drink,” I remind him.
He winks at me, making my skin crawl. “I won’t tell if you won’t tell.”
Gross.
“Thanks,” I mutter.
We make it through dinner with Jack chatting my ear off about his job at the tire factory. I choke down the lasagna, washing it down with the disgusting red wine. My stomach is queasy by the end of it. I learn that Zella starts preschool tomorrow, but in the evenings if he has to work late, he’ll need someone to pick her up and bring her home, keeping her until he’s done. I’m regretting my decision to do this with each lingering stare of his. But all it takes is one glance at Zella to remind me why I’m doing it.
“Why don’t you clean up in here and I’ll get her ready for bed?” Jack says, rising from his seat.
He wants me to do the dishes. Fucker.
I smile sweetly. “Sure.”
His wink makes my blood curdle. “Come on, Zella. Tell Miss Penelope good night. You’ll see her soon.”
“Bye,” she squeaks out before scampering from the kitchen.
He follows after her, reminding me of a stalking lion. I want to chase after them, but I do as I was told, knowing I need to stay in line. It’s irritating as hell I have to clean up this mess, but I do it as quickly as I can so I can get the hell out of here. I’m just drying my hands off when I feel him.
Close.
Too close.
Inhaling me.
What the actual fuck?
I tense up, fisting my hands, when he curls his hands around my biceps, his body pinning mine from behind. “You remind me of her.”
“Who?” I choke out, trembling with disgust.
“My daughter.”
“Zella?’
“Lacey.”
I should run far, far away from this man, but he has answers I need. “Oh?”
“Very beautiful like you. Compliant. A good girl.”
This motherfucker.
“I, uh, where is she?” I tremble beneath his touch.
“Florida.”
“Why?”
“She had to stay.”
“But why?”
“Because. Enough about her. Let’s have a drink and get to know you better, Penelope.” He squeezes my biceps before letting me go.
My hands shake, so I cross my arms over my chest, suppressing a shiver. He sets to pouring another overly full glass of wine in my glass. I don’t like this or him.
He picks up the two glasses and walks into the living room, placing them on the coffee table. I slowly follow after him, my eyes darting to the front door. I should leave.
“Lacey is Zella’s mother. I’m not really Zella’s father,” he admits. “I’m sure you could tell.”
Fuck.
I need for him to keep talking.
“She doesn’t look like you,” I say, approaching him with caution.
He pats the sofa cushion beside him. “Sit, sweetheart.”
Every step is painful, but I manage to obey. Once I’m seated, he hands me my glass. I don’t want to drink any more of the nasty shit because I feel like I might puke, but I hold it like I plan to.
“Who’s her father?” I ask, trying hard to look innocent.
He pats my thigh, leaving his hand there. “Some things are better left unsaid.”
“I should go.”
“Finish your drink,” he urges. “It isn’t often I get the company of a beautiful girl. Indulge me for a bit.”
“Why did you move to Hood River? Why didn’t Lacey come with you?”
His eyes flash with annoyance and he gives my thigh a rough squeeze. “Hood River is our hometown. We needed a break.”
“From her mother?” I ask, unable to keep the bite out of my tone.
He releases my leg to tug out a package of cigarettes from his front pocket. After pulling out a cigarette, he offers me one. I shake my head in disgust. Shrugging, he lights up, sucking in a deep lungful of smoke.
“It’s better for Zella to forget about Lacey,” he says, blowing the smoke right in my face.
I start to cough, which gives me an excuse to set my glass down on the table. “Girls need their mothers.”
His jaw clenches, eyes narrowing on me. He takes another drag of his cigarette, studying me harder than before. Shit. I need to reel back so he doesn’t send me packing.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter, nearly choking on the words. “I’m not trying to be nosy. I just know I’d be sad if I didn’t have my mom.”
My answer pleases him because he relaxes. “Not every mother is cut out for parenthood. Some mothers fill their children with bullshit nonsense. Lacey liked to tell Zella lies. Promise her things that couldn’t happen.”
I have to find Lacey and help her too. It sounds like this asshole was a real peach to be around. And if I’m not mistaking the vibes he’s throwing out, he kidnapped her daughter.
I’m in deep.
“I should go.” I start to rise, but his hand clamps down on my thigh.
“Stay for a bit so we can go over the rules.”
I swallow down the bile that his touch causes to rise inside of me. “Okay.”
“No boyfriends are allowed over.” He pins me with a hard stare. “No television for Zella. No computer or phone games. I don’t want her playing outside. When you’re watching her, I want her inside this house. Reading books or practicing her letters. If she misbehaves, then you’re to notify me immediately. I will punish her accordingly.”
Fuck no.
“Punish?”
He leans back on the sofa, lifting his protruding belly to show me his belt. “An ass whipping does wonders to keep a child in line.” His disgusting gaze sweeps over me. “No matter how old the child is.”
I will strangle him with that belt.
“My dad never spanked me and I turned out fine,” I bite out, unable to stop myself.
He squeezes my thigh again, hard enough I’m sure it’ll bruise. “He probably should have. Lacey would never have spoken to me at your age the way you’re speaking to me. I would have bent her over my knee and whipped her ass.”
“You’re hurting me,” I grind out.
His hold relaxes, his thumb rubbing the spot. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Sometimes I don’t know my own strength,” he says around his cigarette. “You forgive me?”
No.
Fucking never.
“I, uh, yeah. I gotta go. I told Dad I’d only be gone for a little while.” I quickly stand, putting distance between myself and this motherfucker. “I’ll see you around.”
He stubs out his cigarette in the ashtray and stands. “I’ll text you next time I need you to sit. If it’s late you can always sleep over.”
Hell to the motherfucking no.
“My dad won’t allow that,” I bite out. “But, sure, text me. Later.”
He stops me, his hand curling around my elbow. “I think this is going to be a good fit. I can tell you’re a good girl who obeys rules. Rules are very important in this house. Girls who follow them are rewarded. Those who don’t are punished.”
If only he knew how much I wanted to shove my Mace can in his face and empty it into his mouth.
“Perfect,” I blurt out. “Bye.”
He winks at me. “Bye, sweetheart.”
My skin continues to crawl long after I leave his house and am miles away from him.
What have I done?
What’s necessary.
Remember the plan, Penny. Remember the plan.
Terrence
She’s avoiding me.
I don’t understand why.
Penny is so hot and cold, keeping her emotions fiercely guarded. I want her to let me in so I can help with whatever plagues her.
“That’s it,” Carlos says. “Ten more reps.”
Sweat rolls down my temple as I lift my leg up off the table and bring it up as high as it’ll go, which isn’t far. It’s been a few days since Penny urged me to see a physical therapist again. I wasn’t happy about it, but she’s right. If I want to help her, I need to be able to help her. Something about the way those motherfuckers treated her has had my blood boiling ever since. When the time comes, I want to be able to chase after them if need be.
“I’m tapping out,” I grumble.
“I’ll assist on the rest.” Carlos holds on to my knee, keeping my leg straight, and lifts my leg at the ankle. “Tell me when.”
“When,” I grit out.
Of course he takes me just a bit further. Asshole.
“You’re done for the day. Why don’t you come back tomorrow and we’ll hit it again,” he says, grabbing my hand and helping me sit up. “Is it a date?”
I laugh. “Sadistic fuck.”
“I’ve been called worse by my ex-wife.” He winks at me. “Ice that hip tonight if it gives you trouble.”
After grabbing my bag, I hobble out of the clinic, feeling all too sore. Cal’s supposed to pick me up, but he’s nowhere to be seen. What the fuck? I shoot him a text.
Me: Dude…
Cal: Sorry. I had to run Charlotte to Samantha’s office. We finally have a trial date.
I need to get my ass down to the dealership and get another car.
Me: Great. I’ll walk my ass home.
Cal: No, you won’t, crybaby. Roan’s on his way.
Because I’m a dick, I send him a huge thumbs-up emoji. He doesn’t respond, which makes me laugh. I park my ass on a bench, waiting on my ride. While I wait, I text Penny.
Me: You want to come over and hang out?
I’m tired of her ass avoiding me.
Penny: Can’t. Busy.
Me: Whatever, Penny. I don’t know what I did to deserve to be pushed away, but it’s fucking cruel.
I hit send before I can stop myself. As soon as I do, I feel like an asshole.
Penny: I’ll come over around eight. Will you still be crying in your Cheerios then? I hope so. I enjoy making fun of you.
A smile touches my lips.
Me: Mean-ass.
Penny: For some reason, you like it.
Me: For some reason, I like you. Let me take you out on Friday.
Penny: Can’t. Your cousin needs entertainment.
Me: My cousin is grounded.
Penny: Queen Tee talked your grandma into letting me spend the night. One of my duties as her best friend, she said. Peopling is hard, Smash. I prefer solitude.
Me: Want me to come over too?
Penny: As tempting as that is, I think I owe her some girl time. We can brood in silence tonight together. Much better than a date.
Me: If I cook you dinner and kiss your pretty lips, can we call it a date then?
Penny: Stop talking.
Me: Nah, I quite like talking to your hateful ass. What about the following weekend?
Penny: Tierra will be ungrounded. We’re going to a party.
Penny at a party? She’ll hate every second of it.
Me: Want me to tag along to the party to keep you company?
Penny: Tee would kill us both. No. You can woo me another day, Smash. Gotta go.
I pocket my phone, elated over the fact Penny is coming over. I know hanging out with her is a bad idea because I fucking want her, but I can’t stop myself. She’s different than anyone I’ve ever met and I like being around her.
I’ve dated chicks who played hard to get.
Penny plays impossible to get.
I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.
After a shower and a nap, I make my way into the kitchen to start thinking about dinner. I find Charlotte already in there, pulling ingredients out.
“Whatcha cookin’, good-lookin’?” I ask, peeking over her shoulder.
“Kate gave me her King Ranch casserole recipe. I thought I’d make that. Sound good to you?” She smiles at me, knowing it’s my favorite.
“Hell yeah,” I state. “Need help?”
“Keep Cal away or it’ll never get made,” she tells me in a stern voice.
We both laugh as Cal comes staggering in, shirtless.
“How did the meeting with Samantha go?” I ask them. “Everything going as planned?”
“Yeah,” Cal grunts, his eyes sweeping over Charlotte, love shining in his stare. “Char will have to testify obviously. We’ll see both of those motherfuckers. It’s going to be hard not to fucking kill them like I should have.”
“Michael woke up?”
They both nod.
“It’s only procedural,” I tell them. “Those two are going away for fucking forever.”
“Once Charlotte tells the court her side of the story, including what happened with your accident, you’ll probably be called to the stand, too,” Cal says, frowning. “Jordy, Hollis, and Roan will have to speak too since we were all there that night.”
What a clusterfuck.
“We probably won’t get them on the arson
of Mom and Dad’s since we don’t have proof,” Cal grunts. “But Charlotte will tell them about what Michael said to her regarding that too. Any ammunition we have against them, the more solid our case will be.”
For the rest of the evening, we keep shit light, avoiding the topic of the trial and the fact Samantha still hasn’t gotten anywhere on the paternity tests for Zella. Penny doesn’t show up, even when Cal and Charlotte retreat for the night. I’m about to give up when I hear a soft knock.
I make my way over to the door and open it. Penny has the hood of her hoodie pulled over her head. She reeks of cigarette smoke, which confuses me and frankly gives me an instant headache.
“Where is everyone?” she asks, pushing past me.
“They went to bed.” I close and lock the door behind her. “You hungry?”
“I already ate.” She stops to stand in the middle of the living room, body trembling. “Can I shower here?”
Her words are whispered out. Strained. It makes alarm bells ring loud inside my already throbbing head.
“Of course. I’ll grab you something to wear.” I start for my room and she stops me, her hand grabbing mine.
“I’m sorry if you thought I was being cruel.” She swallows, pain flashing in her blue eyes. “I don’t like being this way.” A small crack in her hard façade.
“It’s okay, Zero. I see you.”
She relaxes, breaking away to grab a shower. I find a T-shirt and some basketball shorts, leaving them just outside the bathroom door. I take some medicine and then lie down on my bed, willing this headache to go away. After twenty minutes or so, I feel her presence in my doorway.
“I can hear them fucking,” she groans.
“Best close the door behind you then,” I say with a chuckle. “Hit the overhead light too.”
I reach over and turn on the lamp as she closes the door. Her blond hair is down, wet and messy as though she finger combed it after her shower. My clothes swallow her but fuck if she doesn’t look cute as hell in them. I track her as she turns off the light.
She crawls onto the bed, stretching out beside me. The silence is nice. Neither of us feels the need to fill it with unnecessary chatter. Her phone lights up as she swipes it on. She starts scrolling through it, reading something. I roll onto my side so I can stare at her.
