Page 6 of Behind the Shadows
“In three days. Be ready.”
“I will. I have to visit Mother and make sure she’s taken care of while I’m gone.”
Dope’s shoulders visibly tensed. “How’s she doing? Sometimes I forget you’re dealing with all of that.”
I barked out a sarcastic laugh. “I wish I could forget. Until she fucking dies, she’s once again my problem.”
His forehead pinched as if his next words caused him pain. “Let me know if you need anything. Bass and I will do whatever we have to.”
He didn’t have to explain what he was suggesting. I knew exactly what that offer looked like, and I’d considered letting them help my mother disappear for good.
“I appreciate it, but it’s my issue to deal with.” Dope and Bass knew a few things about my past, but only enough for them to understand why I’d broken ties with my family … until Mother got sick and there was no one to pay her medical bills. Since I was an only child, the responsibility fell on my shoulders. Lucky fucking me. Even though I would never say it out loud, some twisted part of me hoped she would one day forgive me. Maybe if she looked at me and saw more than a broken monster, I could find the redemption I was always chasing but could never hold on to.
“I’ll be at the club working tonight but stop by if you want something to eat.” I shoved my hand in my jeans pocket and headed up the stairs to the living room. “I’ll lock the door behind me,” I yelled at Dope. I doubted he heard what I said, but he hada bad habit of not locking his windows or doors. With the work we did, that was asking for trouble.
“Ghost”by Teo finished playing on the car stereo as I pulled into Mother’s driveway and parked my car. I reached into my pocket and removed my contacts case, carefully removing my brown-colored lenses. I placed them in the container filled with solution and closed it with a click. As I tucked away the case, I felt for the familiar weight of the bulky, silver cross pendant hanging from my necklace. With a sigh, I slipped it beneath my T-shirt, a constant source of comfort and security for me.
I opened the screen door, my stomach churning at the idea of being here again. I hated being in her house. Every wall was a shrine to her obsession—Bible verses in gold lettering, cross-studded knickknacks, and framed photos of her with that smug pastor. To anyone else, it looked saintly. To me, it was all a lie. She was no better than the devils she pretended to condemn. Worse, she hid behind scripture while creating her own hell at home.
“Cynthia?” I called out to let the caregiver I’d hired know I was there. “Why isn’t the screen door locked?”
A short, brown-haired woman appeared from the back of the home and gave me a warm smile. “Kip, the entire door is a screen. If someone wanted to come in, a little lock wouldn’t keep them out. Besides, we’re out here in the country, and if someone were sneaking around, Dog would start barking.”
As if on cue, a German Sheperd appeared. I knelt and patted Dog. Mother never decided on a name, so I did. One I knew would irritate her since she named everything around her,including her houseplants. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you?” Dog licked my cheek as his tail wagged so hard his back feet bounced across the wood floor. “Are you taking good care of Cynthia and making sure she’s safe?”
I glanced up at the caregiver, who arched a dark brow at me. “He keeps your mother safe too.” She placed a hand on her hip and gave me a firm look.
“I know. I just like messing with you.” I straightened and chuckled. “How’s the patient today?”
“Cranky, but we both know that’s nothing new.” Cynthia snorted.
“I heard that, Cynthia! Tell my son to come see me,” Mother called from her bedroom.
My stomach twisted, acid burning the back of my throat. Even after all these years, the sound of her voice could still cut me open like a dull blade.
“This place is too small to have any kind of private conversation.” Cynthia wiped her forehead with the tissue she was holding. “Maybe we could get some air conditioning in here?”
I didn’t miss the hope in her voice with her question.
“I’ll have someone come out and install a few window units. It seems we’re going to have a hotter summer than usual. The shade is usually enough to keep the place cool, but no such luck this year.”
“Thank you, Kip. It will help her not be so pissy all the time too.” Cynthia laughed. “We can hope anyway.”
I grinned at her. “I’m not doing it for the old bag. It’s for you.”
“Kip?!” Her dry hacking cough echoed through the house after she attempted to yell at me.
I groaned at my mother’s sharp tone. “Guess it’s my turn. Take the afternoon off, and I’ll see you later this evening.” Isqueezed Cynthia’s shoulder as I passed her to locate the patient in her bedroom.
My footsteps announced my presence, and Mother lifted the oxygen mask from her nose and mouth. “It’s about time. You have no idea what Cynthia is like when you’re not here.”
“Unless she’s poisoning the food, I seriously doubt that she’s mistreating you.” I sank into the blue recliner in the corner of the room. The ceiling fan whirred on high, the chain clinking against the light as it spun.
When she had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis,I’d invested in an adjustable bed for her, so she’d be more comfortable. What I hadn’t planned on was her mean streak. Somehow it had gotten worse with age, and I hated spending any time with her. Not that I’d enjoyed her company when I was younger. Quite the opposite. The only person I’d liked was my uncle, but he was …
“Where are your contacts?” Mother asked, interrupting my thoughts. “I’ve told you not to come around here with your demonic eyes. Put your lenses back in.”
Inwardly, I grinned, knowing full well I was irritating the shit out of her. She hated that my eyes were so pale they looked colorless, swore it was the devil’s curse, proof I was born of his blood and not any man’s. For too damn long, I believed her. My uncle finally got sick of her screeching prayers and exorcisms, so he dragged me to get my first pair of colored contacts. Everything changed after that—at least outside the house. I made friends. Kissed a few girls. Pretended to be normal. But nothing changed with Mother, no matter how much I hoped it would.
