Page 3 of Absolution

Wait. What did she just say?

“Can you repeat that?”

“Your brother is legally unable to claim her body based on his age. We need you to do that.”

“Did you say brother?” I retort. “I don’t have a brother.”

“Are you sure? I have an Asher Delmont, age eight listed as next of kin along with yourself.” Elizabeth says with a tone of annoyance.

“Are you sure you’re talking to the right person?” I question back confused. “Because the last time I checked, I was an only child.”

“Miss Delmont, I’m sorry for the confusion during this troubled time, but the documents I was given regarding your mother’s information list both yourself and Asher Delmont as next of kin. I understand that you may not have known about your sibling, but we do really need to get the matter of claiming your mother’s body settled.”

“My fucking mother’s body can wait,” I snap. “Where is my brother? Is he with a relative?”

The sound of shuffling papers fills the receiver with static.

“That information is outside of my jurisdiction, Miss Delmont. I know this may all be a shock, but we need you here within the next seventy-two hours to claim the body. Can you do that?” Elizabeth asks with an aggravated tone to her voice.

“Yes,” I declare before abruptly ending the call.

I stand in shock as I replay the conversation in my head. I have a brother. A brother who I’ve never met and have no idea where he is. What if he was alone? What if they put him into the system and I never get to meet him? But why do I suddenly care about someone I’ve never met? I have no emotional connection to this kid, but something is driving me to take action.

A sudden sense of urgency hits and strikes my core like a punch in the gut. I may not have been able to save myself, but he might just have a chance to be normal. Something that I was never afforded. I was never granted the chance to have a normal childhood of wonderment. Mine was nothing more than a hellacious period of physical and mental abuse.

My heart begins to beat wildly as I make my decision.

I need to save him from the life I lived and to do that, I have to give up everything that I have here, including Ratchet. As quickly as he was able to leave me, I will return the favor.

Adios, California.

Hello, Kentucky.

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