Page 64 of Depraved Truths

“Is this about me and Eli?”

“No, Tess. Everything isn’t about you.” Allie glares defiantly. “I need to get out of Lake Falls. I’m going to stay with my parents for a while.”

“Okay, if that’s what you need, we’ll do it. Eli and I can drive you.”

“Yes, we will. But you need to eat something first.” I nod my head toward the plate of food.

“I’m not hungry,” Allie argues, sticking her chin in the air.

“Please, just a little something,” Tess pleads. For such a badass, my girl has a soft heart when it comes to Allie. “Eli is a great cook.”

“Fine. I’ll try, but then I’m leaving.”

“Okay, here,” I say, as I grab the plate and place it in front of her while Tess makes Allie a coffee in a to-go cup.

Allie takes a few bites of eggs and bacon before setting the fork down and rising from the bar. “I’m going to grab the rest of my things,” she says before leaving the room. I can see the worry in Tess’s eyes, and I’m sure they mirror mine.

“Do you think this is the best thing?” Tess asks.

“I think we have to let her try to do this herself. She needs time away.”

A few hours later, we pull into my aunt and uncle’s driveway. I’m still reeling from the possibility that my uncle might be involved in human trafficking and possibly my sister’s death. I don’t want to believe it, and I’m hoping by seeing him, I can uncover the truth.

Aunt Liz comes outside to greet us, throwing her arms around Allie.

“My baby girl, I’m so sorry.” Aunt Liz’s voice wobbles, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I should’ve been there.”

Allie is stiff at first but relaxes into her mother’s embrace. “Hey, Mom.”

Liz’s eyes meet mine and widen in surprise. “Eli? Honey, it’s been too long since I’ve seen you. Thank you for bringing my baby home and being with her when I couldn’t. Our flight back from Houston was delayed.”

I nod briefly. “Good to see you, Aunt Liz.”

“Come on, sweetheart,” Liz ushers Allie inside. “Your father should be home any minute now.”

She gives a sincere smile to Tess. “It’s good to see you, Tess.”

“You too, Mrs. Walker.”

I grab Allie’s things from the car and follow everyone inside. After sitting them down in the guest room Aunt Liz directed me to, I return and find a spot on the couch next to Tess, casually draping my arm around her.

“Baby, can I get you anything? I made your favorite—chicken and dumplings.”

“I’m not hungry, Mom,” Allie says, despondent.

“Let me at least get you a glass of sweet tea.” Liz jumps up anxiously and heads toward the kitchen. She’s never been one to sit too long, especially when she’s worried or anxious. “I’ll bring some for everyone.”

As soon as my aunt is out of earshot, Allie turns to us. “You made him suffer, right?” Her voice is barely audible.

“Yes. He’ll never be able to hurt anyone else again,” Tessa replies.

“Good,” she whispers. I hear the front door open, and Uncle Alvin rushes in to hug his daughter. “Daddy,” Allie’s voice breaks, her shoulders shaking as her father holds her. “It hurts so bad, daddy.”

“I’m so sorry, my sweet baby girl,” Alvin’s arms tighten around her. “I’ve got you.”

Tess looks at me with sadness in her eyes. I know it’s hard for her to see her friend like this.

“Help yourselves, kids.” Aunt Liz comes out with a tray of iced tea and sets it on the coffee table. She watches her husband and daughter fondly. “She’s always been a daddy’s girl.”

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