Page 166 of In the Air Tonight

By Friday morning, I’ve begun to feel slightly better even though I’m still sore from head to toe. I’ve never been in a car accident before. I don’t recommend it. My face is covered in colorful bruises, and my badly sprained wrist is encased in an inflatable splint. Thankfully, I can shower with it on. Blow drying is a challenge, since it’s my right wrist, but I do what I can with my hair. I don’t bother with makeup.

Let them see what Ryder’s father did to me.

From what I’ve heard, it’s been all over the news that Mr. Elliott tried to kill me, and he torched the cottage where I’d been staying. The police are continuing to look for him but having no luck so far. As long as he’s on the loose, I’m in danger, which is why we’re still at the State Police safe house days after we were first brought there.

I’ve talked to my mom every day since the accident, and to both of my sisters as well.

Teagan is beside herself over it. “I hope there’re no questions left about why you didn’t come forward when this first happened.”

“I suppose that’s an upside to nearly being killed.”

“Don’t make jokes, Blaise. None of this is funny.”

“No, it isn’t, but it’s still better than keeping that secret was.”

“I give you so much credit for what you’re doing. In spite of everything, you’re resolute in getting justice for Denise.”

“Thank you, but I wish I’d been brave enough to stand up for her back then.”

“You’re doing it now, and I’m sure that matters to her.”

“I guess I’ll find out. I’m meeting with her before the hearing.”

“Oh, damn. How do you feel about that?”

“I’m okay with it. She requested the meeting. I feel like it’s the least I can do.”

“You’re a badass, Blaise. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” My big sister is proud of me. How cool is that? Her praise touches me more than I can say.

“I’m going with Mom to court.”

“You guys don’t have to do that.”

“We’ll be there to support you. I have my own regrets, you know. If I hadn’t been such a selfish bitch back then maybe you would’ve come to me for help. I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it isn’t. It pains me that you suffered in silence for all this time, thinking everyone would hate you for coming forward.”

“Arlo probably does.”

“He’ll get over it once he figures out that his good buddy is dead-ass guilty. Reminder—none of this is your fault, Blaise. Keep the blame where it belongs.”

“I’m trying. Thank you for the support. It means everything.”

“You’ve got my support and my love. I want the chance to get to know you again and for you to know my kids… I want that so badly.”

“I do, too. We’ll fix that soon. I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“Thanks again, Teagan.”

“Love you, kid.”

“Love you, too.”

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