Page 1 of Ruthless Legacy

Chapter One

A

s the police car pulls up outside my foster family’s home, I groan internally at the welcome party awaiting me. My foster mum, Jackie, and my social worker, Hayley, are standing on the steps in front of their extended semi-detached house. Fuck my life. Hayley looks pissed off; no doubt annoyed that she has had to drive out here to deal with my sorry arse. Hayley is okay as far as social workers go. I do genuinely think she gives a shit about the kids on her caseload. And let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of social workers. In the last five years there’s been eight, to be exact. Kit and I take bets on how long the latest ones will last. Hayley has been our longest — she has stuck around for eleven months now. The rest of them all burnt out because of heavy caseloads. We are used to people not sticking around, though. No one wants two kids aged seventeen and fourteen, especially one like me. Let’s just say I’m no angel. I like living life on the edge. Nearly dying can do that to you — make you re-evaluate your life. You can be here one day and gone the next, just like that. One selfish drunk driver and your life can be over, wiped out, and that is left are the photographs.

A slither of guilt runs through me as I take in Jackie’s tired expression. To be fair, Jackie and Steve are okay. My problem isn’t with them. I’m just angry. I’m angry at the world for the cards my brother and I have been dealt. There was a time when life was good. When we had two loving parents and a stable home. Before my selfishness robbed us of our home and family. We came to live with Jackie and Steve six months ago, Hayley had pleaded with me to behave myself. She said that if I could just rein it in a bit, then this might be my last move. I’ve heard that shit before, though. Our last home was supposed to be our forever foster home and then they got divorced, and we were surplus to requirements. And the wonder why kids in care are screwed up? You try moving time and time again, only to be let down one more.

I no longer believe a word anyone tells me. I trust no one, apart from my brother. Kit is my world. He’s all I have in this life, and I love him with every bone in my body. We have a real close bond. When you only have each other, and you’re in the system, you stick together and have each other’s backs. Kit is better behaved than I am though. He’s a deep soul, and he channels his anger and resentment into his football and art. My brother is super talented, and yes, I’m biased, but he is a gifted footballer and artist and with his dedication, I think he’ll go far. Me, ha, where do I start? Deep down, I’m quite smart, but I’m too busy having fun to knuckle down at school. I’m tough. Nothing and no one gets to me. I’m a wall of steel. I think the last time I cried was the day of my parents’ funeral. After that day, I pulled up my big girl pants and told myself I had to ready myself for what was to come; that I had to be the strong one for my brother. It was my duty as his big sister.

Officer Higson parks at the bottom of the drive and turns around to address me from the front of the car, “Ready to face the firing squad, Eliza?”

I sigh. “Let’s get this shit over with.” I know what comes next, anyway. The lecture about disappointment and throwing my life away. I’ve heard it all before.

He pauses before getting out of the car. “Eliza, don’t waste your life being angry at the world. Make a life for yourself that your parents would be proud of.”

I frown. “You have no idea what it’s like being in care. I bet you grew up with two loving parents and had everything you ever wanted. You have no clue.”

He’s silent for a beat. “Actually, my dad was a cop, and he died in a car chase when I was eight years old. So, I know exactly what you’ve been through, Eliza. We all have our crosses to bear. Jackie and Steve are good people. The genuinely care, but you may have pushed them too far this time. You’re so lucky that Jackie doesn’t want to press charges and add to your rap sheet.”

I avert my eyes from his piercing gaze. “I know.”

Higson climbs out of the car and comes round to open my door. I reluctantly follow him up the drive to face my fate.

“Hi Hayley and Jackie. I was hoping it would be a while before I was back here again,” he says in a resigned tone. Jackie offers him a tight smile, her eyes quickly glancing my way before she looks away.

“Eliza,” Hayley says, her face defeated, “I thought we made some headway last week. I thought I was finally getting through to you.”

“Shall we take this inside?” Steve asks as he comes through the front door. He squeezes his wife’s shoulders with a look of resigned disappointment on his face. My stomach knots with anxiety at the realisation that my desire to self-destruct could cause us to move again. I’m too good at acting without first thinking about the consequences.

Everyone piles inside and as we cross the hallway to the lounge; I glance up and see my brother peering around the top of the stairs. I offer him a confident smile and a wink, appearing far more assured than I feel.

We all take a seat. I notice that Jackie and Steve sit themselves at the opposite side of the room. Okay then. This is how it’s going to be. Jackie takes genuine pride in her home. She loves watching home renovation shows, and she loves nothing better than dragging me around our local home décor store to buy new pieces for her house. I remember the first day we arrived here, and I walked in the lounge, painted all white but with shabby chic pieces of furniture that give it a modern farmhouse feel. I remember thinking that it felt like a real home.

“The car’s at the station. There are a few scrapes, and you’ll need a new bumper but it’s not too bad,” Officer Higson informs them.

Steve nods his head. “I’ll come by later today and pick it up. I’m just glad no one is hurt.” Steve shakes his head and looks at me. “I just don’t get it, Eliza. A reckless driver killed your parents and yet here you are stealing cars and racing. Do you have a death wish?”

I snigger, earning me a sharp look from Hayley. “Well, I should have died five years ago, so I guess I’m lucky I’ve lasted this long.”

Steve leans forward, his arms resting on his solid legs. “But you didn’t die. You were given a second chance. The odds were against you, but you survived. You have a brother upstairs who worships the ground you walk on. Do you want him to down this path? Because you’re not being a great role model for him.”

I ignore his question and do what I do best — I go into defence mode. “So, I guess I should go and pack?”

Hayley clears her throat. “That’s actually why I’m here.”

I ready myself for this. Will it mean another school move? We are already at school number four. How long will it be before Kit resents my actions — actions that are having a direct impact on him.

“Jackie and Steve are surprisingly happy to have you stay, because they believe that with love and stability, the loving girl you are under all that armour could thrive. However, circumstance have changed.”

Kit bursts into the room. “I’m not fucking moving again!” he tells them angrily. “I’ve actually got friends here.”

My heart drops at the shattered look on his face. I’ve done this to him. This is all my fault. Everything about this situation and how we ended up in care is my fault.

Jackie stands and walks over to my brother, placing an arm around his shoulder. “Kit, I know you’re angry and upset, but just hear Hayley out. This is actually good news for the both of you.”

I frown, how can she possibly think moving again is a good thing?

Kit leaves Jackie’s side and comes to sit beside me. He reaches over and grips my hand in his. “Well, go on then.”

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