Page 137 of In the Air Tonight

I remember where everything goes here and ache when I recall Caroline being amused by that once upon a time.

Mom’s phone rings, and she glances at the screen. “Who’d be calling me from Providence?”

“No idea.”

She takes the call. “Yes, this is she.” As she listens to what the other person is saying, her entire body goes tense, her expression conveying anger and maybe fear.

What now?

“I didn’t do that. I just wanted to talk to her.” After another period of silence, she says, “I understand.” She puts down the phone without saying goodbye to the caller.

“What was that about?”

“I went to see Blaise Merrick.”

“What?Why would you do that?”

“I did it for you! If she doesn’t testify, this whole thing goes away!”

“Who called?”

“The guy from the AG’s office. That Spurling fellow. He said what I did is technically considered witness tampering, and I could be charged if I approach her again.”

I go to her and put my arm around her shoulders. “I appreciate what you were trying to do, but you have to stay out of it. It’s bad enough without us making it worse. Remember what happened when Dad confronted Captain Sutton? We don’t need more trouble.”

“We have to do something! We can’t let that woman ruin your life.”

“She’s not the one who ruined my life. I did that, Mom.”

She turns to look at me, seeming shocked. “What’re you saying? You never went near that girl!”

“Yes, I did, and apparently Blaise witnessed it.”

“No. You wouldn’t have done that.”

“I did do it, and I’ve hated myself for it ever since.”

She pulls back from me. “What?”

“I’m sorry, Mom. I hate that I’m putting you through this again.”

In barely a whisper, she says, “You attacked that girl.”

“Yes.”

She shakes her head as her eyes fill.

I take a step toward her.

“No.No.”

Giving me a disgusted look, she leaves the room.

I watch her go with a sinking feeling. I shouldn’t have told her. If they kick me out of here, I don’t know what I’ll do. I’m sick over what I’m putting my family through. Every time I think of that night, I’m filled with revulsion and regret.

Not that it matters now. Who cares if I regret it? Who cares if I’ve wished every day since that I could go back and undo the hideous thing I did to someone who’d never done anything to me?

I pick up the phone to call Cam. I’m almost surprised when he takes the call. “I, uh…I think I’ll plead guilty, so I don’t drag you all through the mud of a trial.”

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