Page 52 of Straight, No Chaser
After cuttingup Eli's eggs, I shove in another piece of perfectly crisp bacon. Exhausted but so fucking satisfied. From Hunter's torture and Molly's sweet pussy. Her sexy bed hair and sanguine smile reflect her contentedness too. The angst from his bullshit replaced by the reverence of our love making.
Belinda sets a platter of pancakes on the table just as a harsh ring bounces off the stark white walls. A frown crosses the older woman's face. "Nothing good ever comes from calls this early in the morning."
She answers the yellow wall phone, an antique I haven't seen in at least ten years. "Hello...No, it's fine, we were up...Oh no!"
Shock steals the color from her cheeks, and she clutches the edge of the tiled counter before motioning to Junior. They both hustle toward the dining room, closing the door with only the long spiral phone cord keeping the latch from shutting completely.
"I hope everything's okay."
Molly clutches my hand under the table. Her pink fingers so delicate against my olive skin that I have to remind myself not to squeeze them too hard. "Me too."
Despite her concern, she manages a smile at Eli. Bouncing in his seat with joy. Finally able to go horseback riding. Kid glows like it's his birthday, Christmas, and Halloween all rolled into one. I'm glad Molly gets to be the one to provide him with the experience. They're going to have a great time.
"Finish eating, and then we'll go get your boots on."
His face lights up with Molly's instruction, and he shoves in his peach slices, sputtering with the excessive mouthful. I pound on his back when he coughs, spewing little pieces of fruit all over the table making Caroline gag.
"Gross Eli!"
Their laughter fades as Molly's parents return. Belinda's face scrunched with sorrow, while Junior's expression is unreadable. I swear to fucking god he looks pleased, but can't figure out the disconnect to his wife's agony.
Her Dad taps Caroline on the shoulder. "Why don't you take Eli out to feed the horses?"
A question disguised as an order that her little sister understands. She hops up with Eli on her heels, already peppering her with questions as they file out the back door.
"Can we give them apples? Do you have to cut them up? Do they drink milk with their breakfast?"
His voice fades away once they reach the grass lining the driveway. I keep my face neutral already well-aware of the content of Belinda's discussion.
"That was Sue Hoage. She said Hunter..." Her hand curls over her mouth, shaking her head before she can continue. "...was attacked last night. He's in ICU at the hospital in Holmville."
Absolutely zero guilt. Except for Belinda's anxiety. But even that angst isn't enough to make me regret what we did.
"What happened?"
Molly's whisper contradicts with the vise grip on my forearm. Not sure what she's feeling but what ever fear or doubt she carries I will end it.
"It's so vicious, so horrible. They cut off some of his fingers, pulled out his teeth, broke his nose and ribs. They even mutilated his..."
With a trembling hand, she flaps below her stomach. Too demure to say the word.
Yeah, motherfucker won't ever rape a woman again. But he might not be so lucky when he returns to jail. Franklin's idea. Which I think was more for him than me. Hunter ended up being one of his favorite victims. The pathetic crying and begging feeding Franklin's psychotic hunger. Got to give the guy some reward for his excellent work, so I let the stupid bastard live.
Now Franklin can enjoy the torture Hunter endures while locked up, and can get to him anytime he wants. I have to admit I take a perverse pleasure in knowing Hunter will get fucked over every single day for the remainder of his shitty life. A little bit of revenge on his victims' behalf.
My stomach growls, but I refrain from eating while they discuss the dumb ass. Although I give zero fucks about his trauma, these are good people who care and have respect for another human's suffering.
"Is he going to be okay?"
Belinda shakes her head from Molly's inquiry. "They don't know. They're doing everything they can but have to wait and see."
I don't flinch under Junior's gaze. Fully aware he knows. A smart man who can easily put all the clues together. Strangely enough, he seems nonplussed. Guilt probably dampens his revelry, but still relieved Molly will never suffer again because of that bastard. Just like I am.
Molly's mother pats her chest. "Well, for his mother's sake, I hope he pulls through."
She'd be better off without him, but I keep that sentiment to myself. Molly covers my hand on her thigh. Her own uncertain feelings swirling on her face. I earn a small smile when I kiss her temple. You're welcome baby girl. I'll always take care of you, more than you'll ever understand.
Another bell interrupts the silence, everyone lost in their own reverie. Junior stands up first.
