Page 26 of Demise

Deadbatteries.

I hear a tap on the door. “Here,” he says.

“Thanks.”

Danny glances at the floor and I look, seeing Samuel’s clothes beside the laundry basket. We used to argue about that.

How futile.

How senseless.

Danny clears this throat and sighs simultaneously. “You gonna be okay here?”

I smirk. “This is my home. I’ll be fine.”

“Right,” he says.

He doesn’t move.

My eyes go to his chest.

“I’ve got to go take care of something.”

“Okay,” I say, looking back up at him.

His eyes bounce down to my lips. “I’m coming back.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“I’m coming back.”

His phone vibrates again, and he grabs it. I see Trig’s name on the screen.

My eyes widen, and I shake my head. “How is he calling you?”

His brow furrows, and then realization crosses his face. “Fuck, I was going to tell you, but last night… well, you…”

“Tell me now.”

“Trig wasn’t the guy. I thought wrong.”

“Who was it then?” I ask.

“Man named Miles. It’s a long story that I don’t have time for right now.”

“Why?” I ask. “What the hell is so important that you can’t take a moment and tell me why this happened to us? Tell me why my husband is dead.”

The veins on his neck protrude and he exhales. “Look, Bexley, I get it, okay. Hewasyour husband, but can you think about me for one goddamn minute and realize when you say that it’s like stabbing me in the chest? You married, you moved on from me withmybrother, but you keep throwing it in my face, and I swear to God, I’ll…”

“You’ll what?” I say. ‘What’s left for you to do to me? Break my heart? Ruin my life…”

His fist slams into the bathroom door, splintering the wood. “Shut the fuck up,” he seethes. He clenches his jaw, pulling his hand from the door. “Goddammit, woman.”

I exhale, the fight leaving my body. His hand is bleeding; pieces of wood are stuck in it. “Here,” I say, moving to the sink. I turn the water on for him to rinse it. He does without a word. I exam his hand, picking the pieces out carefully. He grabs a towel, wrapping it.

“I don’t have time for this. I’ll be back later. Don’t leave this fucking house, please.”

I narrow my eyes.

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