Page 89 of Toxic Obsession

There are only three people I love and care about. Bell, Janine, and Wynter. My sister knew something was wrong, she begged me to talk to her, and even tattled to dear ol’ Mom and Dad. I treated Wyn like shit, but I love that girl so much.

Bell, we’ve got this.

I turned the page, but it was blank, as were the last fifteen or twenty pages.

“Dammit!” I tossed off the covers, gathered my phone and the journal, and stuffed them into my purse. In half an hour I was showered, had packed an overnight bag, and was behind the wheel of Gabby’s Lexus Coupe. Rummaging through my purse, I located my cell and texted Quinn. He probably wouldn’t see the message until after the game, but that was okay. I wanted him to focus on his career. I could take care of myself. I’d done it for years.

Kick their ass today, baby. I love you with all my heart. I’m off to see Janine, but I’ll be back by the time you get home from your trip. Tell Kane good luck for me, too.

My hands shook as I started the engine, then tested the touchiness of the accelerator and brake. I squared my shoulders, then turned the car toward Washington.

Chapter48

Wynter

Islowed Gabby’s car, then pulled into the driveway behind Mom’s silver Sentra. Janine had mentioned in an earlier text message that she would be out grocery shopping, which allowed me to see if Mom was drinking while no one was around. Plus, Mom wasn’t expecting me.

My sister had given me updates over the last few weeks and swore Mom was doing great, but I was about to find out for myself.

If learning about Ky’s abuse and how Dr. Metcalf had fed him lies and talked Ky into getting revenge on Lance wasn’t bad enough, I had to sneak around to see if my mother was lying about staying sober too.

I hopped out of the car and ran up the steps to the front door. Instead of knocking, I used my key to let myself in. To my surprise, the house was clean, and the heavenly smell of cookies filled the air.

“Hello!” The last thing I wanted was to scare someone and get hit over the head with a cast iron skillet.

Mom hurried out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on an apron covered in apples. Maybe cooking was her new therapy. “Wynter?” Her voice was full of surprise. “What are you doing here? Are you okay?”

She approached me slowly, then gave me a hug. I discreetly sniffed her breath and searched for any sign that she’d been drinking. I found none.

“You’re just in time for fresh-baked chocolate chip and macadamia nut cookies. I got a part-time job baking for a local shop. They let me cook at home and inspect the kitchen once a week to make sure I’m keeping a clean environment.” She grinned at me.

“Wow, that’s amazing. You make the best muffins and cookies.” I swallowed, searching the house for my sister. “Is Janine still running errands and grocery shopping?”

“Yeah, for another four hours. She has hockey practice after school.”

“What? Hockey? That’s amazing!” I frowned. “I wonder why she hadn’t told me.” With all the chaos, I realized we hadn’t chatted as much and that was my fault.

“This is her first practice. She’s just trying it out. You know how she’s always been good on the ice.”

“Yeah. I’m glad that after Ky … after the shooting I was able to keep her skating lessons going. She has a lot of potential.”

Mom’s lips pursed. “I’m really curious how you managed to pay the bills, Wynter, but something tells me that I probably don’t want to know.”

I nodded. “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.” I looked away, not wanting to get too cozy with her. “Um, I need to get in Ky’s room.”

Mom’s brows dipped low. “You found something when you and Quinn were here, didn’t you?”

My chin trembled as tears pricked my eyes. “Maybe, but I need into his room again. Once I figure everything out, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, as far as Janine is concerned, I’m visiting while Quinn is gone for the weekend. He has a football game in Arizona.”

Mom’s gaze grew glassy with moisture. “Let me send you up with some cookies and milk at least. I’m sure you’re hungry.”

The only reason I agreed to the sugar was because I knew I might need something to stuff in my face and muffle my cries if I found anything more Ky wrote. I’d had to distract myself on the way up in order not to drive over to Dr. Metcalf’s office and beat him until his life was hanging by a thread. But unlike Ky, I was going to be a hell of a lot sneakier. There was a list of names in my head that would meet my darkness soon enough. It had been five years since the shooting, and revenge was a dish best served cold.

Mom returned with a plate full of cookies and a glass of milk. My pulse stuttered against my wrist. I couldn’t remember the last time she’d baked, but it warmed my heart.

“Thanks,” I muttered, then made a mad dash up the stairs and to Ky’s room. I flipped on the light, then set my overnight bag on his bed and my snacks on his desk. Unzipping the duffle, I pulled out my coat and hat before I opened the window to air out the musty smell. This time, I was prepared.

I grabbed the screwdriver I’d found in the tool drawer at my house in Oregon and made my way to the closet with my phone in my hand. Even though Ky’s closet had an overhead light, it was still too dim for me to see everywhere I needed to.

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