Page 77 of Revelation (Love Isn't What It Seems 3)

“I don’t think you drove that night, Layla. We have no evidence, but I think there is something more to it.”

A sharp exhale left her lips. “You really think so?”

“We need to keep digging. There are too many coincidences, and I don’t trust your grandparents. First, he takes out life insurance on you, then your driving happens to cause an accident.”

“But why would my grandfather bribe the doctor to alter the toxicology report?”

“We’ll look into it, but I don’t believe that you are guilty here. People can manipulate reports, results, anything.”

I could see doubt in her eyes.

“Tell me, how much do you remember about that accident?”

"It's just pieces, all of it. I remember Brian and I going to a concert. Us dancing. My mom had dropped us off in her car. She'd just gotten it and was excited about it. Then... it's a blur. I thought she had picked us up and was driving. But it... it said I had been the driver. Then it's pieces... screaming, blood, smoke, seeing Brian dead. I woke up in the hospital and they were dead." Her breathing became labored and I could see the panic overcoming her.

With spaghetti and sauce on simmer, I wrapped my arms around Layla. “I think your grandparents had something to do with that accident. It is too much of a coincidence. And they never accepted your mother. So why put life insurance on her too?”

“Jesus, that’s a lot to process,” she muttered. But she didn’t pull away. The next thing was what worried me. I wasn’t sure how close she was with her mother. I didn’t want to be the one to hurt her with this news.

“I know, love. But there is one more thing.”

The way she looked at me, it was almost pleading not to give any more bad news.

“The last couple of times you paid your blackmailer, the bank used traceable bills when you made your withdrawal. We were able to track a couple of those bills.” I took a deep breath in. Fuck, it hurt to think about hurting her with the next truth. “The money is being spent in Southern France. Our guy pinned it down to the woman that is probably blackmailing you.”

“A woman?”

I didn’t want to hurt her and hated that my next words would irrevocably cause her pain. She didn’t deserve such a shitty family. Nobody did.

“Yes. I’m sorry, love. It’s your mother.”

The silence that followed and the hurt on her face was worse than fighting in the desert for my life. I’d gladly take the pain to spare her this, but she needed to know the truth.

“Say something, love.”

Her lower lip trembled, but I could see her stubbornness. She refused to cry. Gently pressing my lips against hers, I murmured softly. “I’m sorry. I wish I could spare you, but you needed to know.”

“Are you sure?” she whispered.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Fuck, I would rather it was anyone but her mother.

She leaned her forehead against mine. I waited, letting her process it all.

“I guess I know now why she had a new car that week of the concert,” she mumbled. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she worked it up with my grandparents.”

“I’m sorry.”

She nodded. “Yes, so am I. But thank you for telling me.”

“Tell me what would help.” Whatever she needed, I wanted to give it to her.

“You already did,” she muttered. “This blackmail has been looming over me, making me sick with worry how I’d come up with the money for it.”

“I know, but we’ll end it all. Together.” I meant it too.

The sound of the stove startled us both. “Damn, I forgot about the food.”

She chuckled, the sound soft. “That’s usually what I say. I can’t cook because I always forget I’m cooking. I walk away, and it all burns.”

---