Page 128 of Endgame

That Racecar-driving Asshole

I snatchmy purse and stumble through the front door. I can’t bring myself to look at Jake as I leave.

I don’t want to look at him ever again.

But I do dry heave into Magnolia’s Azalea bushes before I make it to the car.

By the time I pull up to the front gate and a wait for it to open, I realize I left my luggage.

Oh, well.

It’s theirs now. Along with my dignity.

The gate creaks open, and I stop before I pull onto the road. Fumble with my phone so I can call Daphne. She usually grabs breakfast with Stephen on Monday mornings before work. Maybe they’re together.

My fingers aren’t cooperating—I’m still in shock, so it takes me a minute to find her number and hit the Call icon.

She answers on the second ring. “Scar,” she says with a mouthful of something. “Nice of you to finally call.”

“Liar!” Stephen teases in the background.

When I don’t say anything, because I’m reduced to tears again at hearing their voices, Daphne says, “Scar?”

But I still can’t answer.

I could have been killed back there. Shot.

I could have…

The revolver flashes through my mind again, Magnolia’s cold, dead eyes, and I gasp for air. I hear Stephen snatch the phone. “Scar,” he says urgently.

I’m scaring them.

“I’m okay,” I force out. But I know I don’t sound okay.

“What happened?” He pulls the phone away and says to Daphne, “Something happened.”

“Put me on speaker,” I say.

Daphne’s voice unravels. “Where are you? Do we need to come get you?”

“I’m on my way back.”

I can feel their relief from here.

“What happened?”

“I…he…” I start to sob again. I don’t even know where to begin.

Stephen sighs. “Honey, where’s Jake? Is he driving you?”

“No,” is all I can manage.

“Then you need to pull over. You shouldn’t be driving if you’re this upset.” He covers the phone, but I can still hear him. “I knew it. I knew this would happen.” He uncovers it again. “Scar?”

“I’m here. I’m okay,” I lie. I just need to get to the city. I need to keep driving.

What am I going to do? I’m a dead girl if that story runs. And my home is no longer my safe place.

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