Page 22 of Kept in the Dark

Truthfully, I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to draw attention to the secrets surrounding her, but she got in my way. And she needed to pay for her interference.

So, I killed her.

And it had been everything I dreamed about.

I wanted to strangle her, but she put up too much of a fight; something I wasn’t expecting. So, I grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her until my hand cramped.

I both enjoyed and detested the blood that oozed around my fingers. The feeling of life leaving the body was exhilarating, an emotional high that nothing else compares to. But it was messy. And I don’t like messes; there’s too many chances for something to go wrong, to get caught.

But no one suspects a thing. They have yet to find her body. Not that I’m surprised; I’m too clever for that.

I had to give her a little bit of credit, though. She tried her damnedest to fight back, but I was stronger. I was smarter. And I won.

I smile to myself. I always win.

June 26, 2011

7:37 pm

Like the rest of the house, not much had changed in the dining room except Lauren now sat in the seat that was once Morgan’s. The paintings that decorated the navy blue walls were the same paintings Hailey adored as a child. Even the china and place settings were still a deep blue and gold print, compliments of the late Morgan Gallagher.

Hailey made a mental note to ask Lauren if she could have the set.

And, of course, her father’s glare remained unchanged with his jaw clenched tight, always in control. His seat was at the head of the table, a reminder both literally and figuratively.

His face was now beginning to wrinkle and though his hair was still the dark brown shade it had always been, it was now dusted with gray specks and thinning.

He was of average height and build, but there was something slightly intimidating about him. Most people never saw the real David, yet they innately understood he wasn’t to be trifled with.

It seemed, though, that the years hadn’t been so kind to her father. He had clearly lost weight and Hailey couldn’t help but compare him to a fragile old man, something she never thought she’d do as he had always been so agile.

Dinner was awkward with casual questions met with short answers. Lauren tried to befriend Trinity, but Trinity was reserved. Hailey couldn’t blame her. Lauren and David were strangers who claimed to be family but never once checked on her and Hailey. Though Lauren seemed sincere, Trinity probably didn’t see it that way.

David sat silently through the meal as he read a newspaper, only chiming in when Lauren spoke to him, eager to engage with his wife while he all but ignored Hailey and Trinity.

Which was fine with Hailey. She tried not to make any conversation with him. And Trinity was clearly uncomfortable, shifting in her seat or playing with her food.

Hailey didn't have much of an appetite either.

The poor girl had no idea the fights that had happened at this very table. Many times, there would be complete silence as the Gallagher women hurried to eat so they wouldn’t catch the wrath of the man who was supposed to love and protect them.

On one occasion, David grabbed Hailey’s cheeks so aggressively that she bruised. She didn’t know how many scars marked Sara’s back because of David’s lack of control or how he would get inches away from Morgan’s face daring her to defy him as she cowered in her chair.

And those were the things Hailey would never tell Trinity.

She would take those secrets to the grave because her daughter deserved to remain unscathed by the Gallagher family’s sins.

Hailey wondered if Lauren knew the real David. Was he the same violent man he once was, or had she been able to calm him? Did he ever lift a hand to her or belittle her? Did he uphold their marriage vows?

Hailey glanced at Lauren. She didn’t seem scared or nervous, as if she was walking on eggshells. She didn’t seem to be flashing a beautiful smile in hopes to mask the fear that was floating just below the surface. No, unlike Morgan, the new Mrs. Gallagher seemed content, even happy. She looked at Hailey's father with love in her eyes.

Hailey hoped that was true. Lauren had always been kind to her and Sara when they were teenagers. She may have been a bit dramatic and materialistic, but she was warm and inviting. Even now, as they all sat awkwardly, she still tried to get to know Trinity.

Hailey appreciated the sentiment.

But Hailey was glad this would be the only time Trinity would sit at this table. And she was glad her daughter wouldn’t have to be in the presence of a man who didn’t want her as a grandchild and who was nothing short of awful.

It had been a blessing when Hailey cut ties with her father.

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