Page 3 of Endgame
If Dad knew, he’d make her say that fucker’s name. Then he’d strangle him with his bare hands.
Or he’d avenge her the right, lawful way. His way. Dad’s law firm is the biggest one in Boston. In all of the East Coast, to be exact.
He’d get her the justice she’s owed.
If she’d only talk to our parents.
She will. Be it tonight or tomorrow, she will.
The rapist’s carefree days, as he knows them, are over.
“Can’t take it anymore.” Newfound determination is the force pushing me out of my room. In a matter of seconds, I’m standing outside of hers.
I bite the inside of my cheek, trying to soften my expression.
There’s no one in the dimly lit hallway to see me clenching and unclenching my fists.
Mom and Dad went to bed hours ago. The staff is done for the day.
Deep breath.
For her. I’m doing this for her.
Another deep breath.
Stupid breathing techniques.
They’re useless. How am I supposed to keep breathing through this? Through the anger that’s been bottled up inside me for two months?
My shirt and flannel pants are too tight on my skin. The pounding in my head is a beating drum. An incessant thrumming.
I run a hand through my hair again, tugging on the strands.
The internal pain won’t go away.
I have to take a few more steadying breaths before I go in there.
My adopted sister deserves better. She’s owed a calm big brother who’d reassure her no one’s going to un-adopt her or whatever the hell is going through her tormented brain.
After what has to be my tenth inhale, I knock on her door.
Quiet. She isn’t treading toward the door. Not asking me in her hushed voice,Everett? Is that you?
She couldn’t have fallen asleep.
Without me there to watch over her, Lotus can’t sleep. She doesn’t stop crying.
I knock again. “Lotus?”
The silence grows louder, if possible.
My gut churns. I press my ear to the door. Strain to hear her bedsheets shuffling as she turns over in her four-poster canopy bed.
I pray for the sound. For any sign of life.
Or…maybe she’s okay. Maybe tonight isn’t as bad for her. Maybe she has her earphones on and is listening to her favorite playlists.
Yeah, right.
