Page 15 of Scatter the Bones

Not long after that entry Gideon and Joshua’s names disappear from the notebook entirely.

No final notation about what led to their departure. Did they actually escape? Or did he kill them?

I should have tortured him longer.

Until he gave me an answer.

I don’t have time to relive the horrors contained in these books, but I can’t seem to stop.

Jensen—disruptive in school—no supper, sleep on floor.

Jezebel—disobeyed mother. Sang during nap time—confined to room. No supper.

Jensen—interfered with Jezebel’s punishment—four lashes. No breakfast.

Jezebel—cried during morning worship—placed in silent pen. No contact with other children for one day.

Some ofthesememories return. Fuzzy and jumbled. Jezzie was so little. I didn’t understand how she could be expected to follow our father’s insane rules. But at least he neverphysicallypunished her.

I toss the book on the desk in disgust and pick up another one. I want to burn the whole stack. Another part of me wants them as a sick keepsake.

And maybe to use in my defense if I’m ever arrested for the death of my father.

A soft knock breaks the silence. I snap the book shut and lift my head. Ruth eases the door open, shoulders hunched like she expects me to throw a Bible at her.

Cain, now quietly sitting by the vault door, glances at her but the stoic expression on his little face doesn’t change.

“They’re gone,” Ruth says. “Everyone took the money, their belongings, and left without question. I didn’t mention your presence.”

“Good.” That’s better than I expected. As my father’s wife, Ruth must’ve held some power over the others. Enough for them to obey her.

She crosses the room slowly, eyeing everything I’ve laid out on the desk but not saying a word.

I clear my throat and nod to the corner of the desk. “That pile is for you. Cash and your papers.” I gesture vaguely at Cain.

Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t reach for the stuff. “Jensen…where am I supposed to go?”

I press my hands against the desk and lean forward. “Start over. Somewhere far away. Where you’ll be safe.” I pull the marriage certificate out. “I wouldn’t go back to your family. They obviously have poor judgment.”

It was supposed to be a weak attempt at a joke, but it comes out harsh.

Tears fill her eyes, but she snaps the paper out of my hand. “What about Jezzie? You can’t raise her by yourself.”

“Don’t worry about my sister. We have family on the East Coast. She’ll be safe.” I shouldn’t have told her even that much. I don’t want Jezzie to have any reminders of this place and that includes Ruth.

“What about you?” she asks.

“What about me?”

“Where will?—”

“Don’t,” I cut her off. “I appreciate what you did for me when I was a kid and I hope you didn’t suffer for it, but we part ways here.” I nod to the box. “There should be enough to keep you and your son comfortable while you figure things out.”

“He’s your?—”

“Keep him safe. Don’t let anyone put their hands on him.”

“What am I supposed to tell people?”

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