Page 190 of Debts and Desires
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He ignored me.
“Everythin’ was perfect ‘til you got here and took everythin’ from me. I want you to go. You go without any fuss and I won’t hurt you.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Jed.” And maybe I shouldn’t have poked the bear, but I knew I needed more evidence against him. I added, “I’m staying here. With Carter. I’m having Carter’s baby and we’re getting married soon.” Rage flickered across Jed’s face.
“You’d really want to be withhim?He tell you about what he did?” he asked. I shook my head, pretending I had no idea.
“When he was eighteen, he took advantage of his seventeen-year-old girlfriend while she was sleepin’. She woke up with a helluva concussion, and her body was thoroughly ravaged.”
“Carter wouldn’t do that,” I whispered, hoping it would be enough for him to keep talking. It was.
“You’re right. He wouldn’t.”
“I don’t understand.” Jed laughed at me.
“Ain’t no point in lyin’ I s’pose. This girlfriend of his was awalkin’ temptation, much like you. She came over all the time wearin’ skimpy little outfits to stir up the demon that lives in all men. I let them drink that night, makin’ it seem like it was their idea. But I put somethin’ extra in those drinks. Somethin’ that knocked ‘em both out for hours. And you know what I did while they slept?” His grin turned malicious. “It wasn’t Levi that ravaged her. It was me. And it feltdamngood. The best part was when she woke up. But I threatened to kill her if she said anythin’ other than it was her boyfriend that did it. It didn’t take much to convince a half conscious boy to get his fill even when she begged him not to. He truly had no idea what was goin’ on. All I had to do was walk in after and call the police.”
“You’resick.”
“We all are, to some degree,” he chuckled. “And some of us, you, for example, are the reason why. You give us impure thoughts with your whore-ish clothes.”
“I am not responsible for your impure thoughts. You are. And I’m going to make sure everyone knows what you did to Carter and that poor girl.”
“No. You’re not.” A flash of silver had my eyes widening. “But youaregonna do exactly as I say or you’re gonna end up like poor little Jenny.”
“W-what happened to her?”
“What do you think? She chickened out, not wantin’ to ruin poor little Levi’s life. I don’t know what all you whores see in him. She threatened to tell everyone it was me. So I killed her, buried her a couple miles from the exit ramp into this sin-filled town.” My eyes widened. “‘Course, I had my fun first.” I was going to be sick. “And when that shit excuse of a son I have comes back, I’ll be gone and he’ll be arrested for your murder. His mama’s, too,” he laughed. “With what I have planned, I’ll be set for life.”
Mac’s frantic barking echoed from the back porch as Jed’s eyes trailed over me in a disgusting way. His twisted grin sent shivers down my spine.
And then he lunged.
82. ATONEMENT
April 17
Ihated Mondays. But this one especially. After the weekend I’d had with Emogen, and then this morning when she’d sucked me off before work, I didn’t want to leave the house. Even though I knew I’d be leaving early, the day dragged on. It was warm out, so the bay doors were open. The sound of passing cars, the rustling around the shop, and the radio playing Em’s new songs in the background were like music to my ears. I wished I’d hired the guys sooner. How I did all this by myself was astounding.
Tyler was there for a little. He had brought me some more wings to take to Emmy and was over talking with Joe.
I happened to glance up just as the familiar black and white police car pulled in. My heart was in my throat, afraid that my deadbeat father had finally sent in whatever damning evidence he had against me, more so when Officer Jameson made a beeline for me. Ty had noticed and inched his way to me.
“Carter,” he greeted with a nod. NotBlacklike normal.
Fuck, this is it.
“Randy,” I greeted back, since we were using first names.
“You seen your dad today?” he asked. I felt like puking.
“Why in the hell would I?” I lashed out.
“Just a question, man,” Ty said as he stepped closer. I sighed, hearing Em’s sweet voice in the back of my head telling me to breathe and to be nice.
“Sorry,” I offered. “I haven’t seen him.” I figured that would be the end of the conversation, but Randy didn’t move. “Why?”
“He seemed in a bad way when I saw him earlier. Said somethin’ about you havin’ sins to atone for and what not,” Randy said.
