Page 162 of In the Air Tonight

My dad’s unraveling is my fault. Everything is my fault. He never would’ve done any of the things they’re accusing him of if I hadn’t done what I did.

We received word two days ago that Neisy shot down the plea agreement. She wants the case to go to trial. As a result, the AG has pulled the pending offer, and I’ll stand trial. In addition, the ten men—including Cam, Arlo and Dallas—who signed the affidavit fourteen years ago are required to publicly disavow the statement and apologize to Neisy to avoid criminal charges. That’ll open them up to potential civil liabilities if she chooses to sue. And why wouldn’t she?

Yesterday, I paid the twenty-five-thousand-dollar retainer to Bridget to lead my defense team and prepare for Friday’s preliminary hearing. That left just five thousand dollars in the joint account I share with Caroline, which is terrifying with the mortgage and car payments due on the first of the month. There won’t be much left to support my family after those bills are paid.

I was still processing those shocking developments, and now this.

My phone rings with a call from Cam. “What’s up?”

“In addition to hitting her on the bridge and sending her into oncoming traffic, they think Dad torched the guest cabin where Blaise had been staying in LE.”

I’m speechless.

“This is bad, Ry. He’ll do hard time for this, and it was all for nothing. He could kill her, and her sworn statement would still be used in court.”

How will we pay for yet another defense attorney?

“Are you there?”

“Yeah. I don’t know what to say.”

“He might be able to mount a temporary insanity defense. His son was charged, he went off the deep end. It’s a stretch, but it might get him committed rather than sent to prison.”

“Maybe I can talk to him.”

“I’ll take it from here. Stay out of it. You’ve got enough to contend with.”

Before I can respond to that, the line goes dead.

My wife has left me and taken my children.

Mom is inconsolable.

My brother is furious.

My dad is under arrest—again.

All because of me.

I’ve never hated myself more.

Cam

NOW

My family is spinning out of control, and there’s not a damned thing I can do about it.

“What’s wrong?” Sienna asks when she emerges from our bedroom.

I got out of bed when I received Ryder’s initial text. “My dad’s suspected of trying to kill Blaise.”

“Oh, God. What can I do?”

“Stay here with the kids and don’t talk to anyone about this.”

“Where’re you going?”

“To try to find him.” I go into the bedroom to change into jeans and a sweater, grab my wallet and head for the garage.

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