Chapter Text
“You can talk to Kennedy, I’m done trying to get the truth out of you.” I pull on the cuffs, don’t care if it hurts, I’ve been sat here for two hours, stuck to this chair without so much as a sip of water, and I’m sick of it, don’t see how they can hold me here without any proper evidence, seems like they just wanted someone they didn’t have to look for.
“I’m telling you-Hey, don’t walk away from me! You can’t leave me in here! Don’t-Please!” He slams the door, doesn’t care that I look scared, makes sense, he’s got no reason to believe me, I’m the prime suspect, after all, was home at the time, the only member of the family without an alibi, unlucky, six of them and not a single one of them had decided to stay in.
I sit there a while, stare at the table, think about it, how he looked, laid out in a puddle of his own blood, dead, feel dazed, not as sickly as you’d think, he didn’t look dead, besides his eyes, his eyes were dead, all glazed over staring up at me, karma finally came to bite him. They didn’t even let me get dressed, dragged me here in my robe, asked me a million questions that don’t matter, won’t help them figure it out, anyways. I look up when the door opens up, hoping to god they’re ready to let me go, the cuffs are digging in, more uncomfortable than I thought they’d be.
“Hello, Ma’am.” He sits across the table from me, stares at me, don’t know why they didn’t send the same guy as before, though I’m not upset about it, this one seems a little more pleasant. “I’d like to ask you a few questions.” He stares at me, and I stare at him, don’t feel like talking anymore tonight, don’t feel very much of anything right now, besides annoyed, don’t appreciate the lack of care the town’s supposed protectors have shown tonight.
“I’m tired of questions.”
“I’m sure you are, but listen… I’m your only chance of this investigation setting its sights on anyone but you. To be frank, I’m the one man in this place that believes you even halfway.” He’s calm, determined, he isn’t a cop, not in uniform, never seen him before, doesn’t even have a nametag.
“Who are you?” He has an odd expression, I can’t tell if he’s telling the truth, if he really does believe me, doesn’t matter, really, unless I can get some other suspects in the works, get them to look into someone else so they’ll leave me be.
“Sorry-I’m detective Leon Kennedy, I’ve been… Well, I asked for your father’s case.” He’s too curious, I don’t like it, seems intelligent, careful, sitting there scribbling on a notepad before I’ve even said anything.
“What’re you writing?” He clears his throat, looks a little nervous, shouldn’t be, I’ve had people prying at me for a few hours now, think it’s fair for me to ask a question.
“Just some notes. So I-You’re the heir? To the… Company, I mean.” I almost say yes, I was meant to be, but father was never very decisive when it came to the business, liked to hold it over my head, get me to behave in whichever way he saw fit for a young lady.
“I’m not sure.” He stops his writing, looks at me, I’d said earlier I was meant to be the heir, not that I was, the guy didn’t follow up, but now it’s only more suspicious, seems like I was withholding what happened a few nights back, when really I was just being petty, only offering information that was specifically asked for.
“Could you explain, please?” I’ll have to, now, would like to find a way out of it, but I can’t lie, not to this guy, think he’d sniff me out, he’s too calculative, looking at every move I make, reading my body language, a proper detective, nothing like the first guy who was in here, impressive if I’m being honest.
“I’d rather not.” He sighs, lays his notepad down to lean forward onto his elbows, looks at me, trying to figure it out, but I’m pretty sure there’s nothing on my face, I’m not sad, just tired, hope the story doesn’t ruin my chances of getting out of here.
“I’m going to need you to.” He’s my best chance, he said it himself, really wants to help, but I know exactly how this ends up, me rotting in jail for however long they give you for murder, people are not patient.
“Alright.”
It was meant to be my introduction as the official successor, my eldest brother had no interest in the family business, decided to be a journalist instead, ruined father’s plans to have him take over, but gave me a chance to be the heir instead, I’m much more suited for the position anyways, even if it does mean spending more time with my father.
“Let’s go already-”
“You must be joking, you can’t go to the event like this.” He’s sat in his office, suit and hair unkempt, not unusual, it’s a nightly occurrence, only I had begged him to have a night off, should’ve known he couldn’t keep from downing a bottle, the one I’m looking at right now, swallowing down the sick feeling in my throat and hoping he’s in an alright mood. I didn’t mean to say it, know to choose words carefully with father, he has a temper, something I’m not happy to have inherited.
“Like this? You’d better watch it-”
“Please, father, just stay here, I can handle it, the reputation of the company-”
“You do not tell me what to do, young lady. I did not raise you to be so crass.” He rounds his desk, comes to stand in front of me, angry with me, though I can’t see, busy staring at his feet, a little afraid, mostly angry, unable to believe his insolence, he really has become a problem, the alcoholism has been exponentially worse the past few months, for what reason I’m not sure, but I am sure I can’t stand much more of it.
“I only asked for one night-” I stop, still angry, but he’s ready to blow, I’ve never spoken back more than once before, and father is a big man, has made that clear on many occasions, keeping my head is the safer option.
“I’m losing my patience with you. You know full well where that will get you.” I really can’t stand him, the intimidation is the worst part, I wish I wasn’t afraid, but I am, I have to be, caution is my only real option to keep out of trouble, even if it isn’t foolproof.
“Yes, I know.” I do, either beaten and left in the office for the night or with my inheritance stripped away.
“Is that attitude?” I shake my head, though maybe it was, bitter, I always mean to give him what he wants, be the meek woman he’d like me to be, but I’m not meek by nature, find it grating to play the part, but I do, as well as I can, anyways.
“No.” He hums, but he doesn’t believe me, is one to assume the worst, I got that from him, my assumption this time that I’ve gone too far, and of course I’m correct.
“Good. Now, you should begin looking for a husband.” A husband, not something I’ve considered before now, never thought it’d be for me, no man is interested in a woman with ambition, at least not around here, they want someone like my cousin, Annabeth, someone quiet and complacent, a good wife.
“What-?”
“You are not fit to be my successor, Tobias is a more suitable match.” A more obedient one, suitable in a way that’ll get my father what he wants. I should’ve seen this coming, I’ve been acting out more than I should have lately, tired of waiting around, listening to every word of ill will my father has and watching him ruin both himself and my family.
“Tobias is a child.” I look him in his eyes, something I don’t think I’ve done since I became aware of punishment, when I was small, wasn’t even sure what his eyes looked like before now, should have, they’re the same as mine. Tobias is too soft for business, too kind to deal with the men my father calls his clients, he will be eaten alive by the time he’s grown if he’s forced into the position.
“Get out, before you push me past my breaking point.” I do, go and find Mack, my closest brother, not even a year my senior, the only one of my family I speak to about my father’s transgressions. I knock on his door, an odd feeling settled in my gut, self-pity, that and hatred, my father is selfish, wants his way and will ruin everything around him to get it.
“Well, that clears up a motive but… Creates another. Your father, was he usually so… Unfriendly?” There was a rumor, a few years back, bruises spotted on my mother, spread around town until cops showed up at our door, I was the one who answered, was still under my father’s thumb back then, told the police he was a kind, good man, and it was over, wish I would’ve told the truth.
“You can say abusive.” He seems a little uncomfortable, no one really talks about it, it’s more common than people think, I’m pretty sure, let go on for the sake of parents staying in the homes to care for their children. “Yes, he isn’t-Wasn’t a very loving man.”
“You were angry at him.” It isn’t a question, he knows, doesn’t seem judgemental about it, would’ve never expected a man to be alright with a woman being anything but respectful, but he doesn’t seem to mind how brash I am, thankfully.
“I was afraid of him. I was angry about the things he did.” It’s not all that different, I know that, but I need the distinction, I am not an angry person, I refuse to be like him.
“He was… abusive toward the rest of your family as well?” I stare at him, feel sick, don’t want him questioning my family, want him and this investigation far away from them.
“They wouldn’t touch him.” He sighs, writes something down, I can’t see what, but I don’t think it can be good.
“I need a yes or no.” I swallow down the sickness, adjusting my hands, the cuffs insanely uncomfortable, mangling my wrists, hurting my shoulders with the unnatural hand placement.
“No one was off limits.” He nods, already knew, but it’s my word, I suppose. He’s going to find out the truth, I can tell, he’s too preceptive, watching me closely, nothing is going to get past him, the only thing I’m not sure of is how long it’ll take him.
“Alright. If you know of anyone else we could look into, outside the family-”
“He wasn’t well liked, could be anyone.” There aren’t many people who I would consider not suspect, my father had no charm, found purpose in ruining others, financially or otherwise, didn’t mind destroying as long as it left him on top.
“I need some names, too many suspects is no good, the department will opt for the easy way out.” The easy way out, meaning me, I’ll be convicted, and I can’t let that happen, wrack my brain for a name, pause my thinking when the detective stands, looks larger than I thought, comes around and stands behind me, and I’m afraid, know men well enough to know being locked up and alone with one is not a good situation, my mind reeling for a way out, only there isn’t one, I suppose I should just let it happen, he is my only chance of staying out of prison. “They really need to get some new cuffs.” He’s squatted, sounds like, his hand on my forearm before the cuffs come off, my wrists aching when I pull them around to have a look, bloodied from the tantrum I’d had earlier, that officer really was no good.
“Thank you.” He sits back down, staring at me, and I mean my thanks, he’s kind, at least he seems like it, I shouldn’t have thought he’d do anything terrible, been afraid for so long I sometimes forget that there are genuine people.
“Don’t mention it. Now, names, some people for me to look into, I don’t want you in here any longer than you have to be.” I nod, I believe him, he seems eager, nobody really knows much about my father, he’s become more reclusive, doesn’t let much of anyone into his business as of late, besides me, didn’t really have a choice in it, I had to be around, learn the ins and outs of business, at least that’s what he called it.
“Thomas Molitors, my father’s assistant-He told me he would’ve liked to kill him.” He did, less than a month ago, said all our problems would disappear if he was gone, and he might’ve been right, if he would’ve just died, wasn’t killed.
“For what reason?” It’s disgusting, really, Thomas is nearly my father’s age, should’ve known he wouldn’t have a chance, my father expected me to end up with someone of a similar caliber, assistant doesn’t really fit the bill.
“He wanted to marry me, my father refused his blessing.” He hums, leans a little forward, staring at me, but it isn’t scary, just curious, worried. He’s alright, I think, alright enough for me to look at him, not be afraid to tell him what I think, be mostly sure he won’t hurt me if I say the wrong thing.
“Did you want to marry him?” I don’t see the relevance, but I really should be cooperative, he knows what he’s doing, I’d like to keep him complacent.
“No, I have no interest in being controlled.” He lets out a surprised laugh, doesn’t seem bothered I’ve spoken out of turn, amused, if anything, only a little, fixes his expression back down pretty quickly, I’m not sure why, he’s not the one on trial here.
“Well… Did he know that?” I shake my head, rubbing at the broken skin of my wrists, it’s itchy, hope to god it won’t get infected, my reputation will be ruined enough without scars to remind everyone what I was accused of.
“No. I wasn’t worried, now I… I’m a little glad I’m locked up.” He makes a noise, displeased, but it’s the truth, Thomas is more similar to my father than he thinks, only a little more quiet about it, wants what he wants, and I’m ill equipped to keep him from taking it.
“He can’t make you-”
“Men have a way of getting what they want.” He doesn’t say anything, looks guilty for it, he’s with the law, I’m sure he’s seen enough cases of men thinking they’re above it. I stare back at him, not sure if I should offer up anyone else, don’t find many others deserving of punishment, but one isn’t enough, I don’t think. “Dennis Cartwright. He’s… He was recently let go, had a fit over it, well warranted if you ask me, he has family to take care of.” I don’t know the reason, only that father had been upset, angry with him, fired him on the day before his daughter’s fifth birthday, I’d hoped to be a bit of help when I stopped by to drop off some money, but Mr. Cartwright didn’t want to see me, told me never to show my face to his family again.
“Right. I’ll look into it. Anybody else?” I shake my head, watch him lean back into his chair, thinking how I’ve never seen him before, know just about every face in this town, don’t think I’ve ever met him.
“Dennis is a good man… Anyone who killed my father probably had a damn good reason.” He draws in a heavy breath, and I think maybe I went too far, but he nods, agrees with me, someone who’s meant to find out who killed him, only I can’t fully trust he’s not trying to play me, get me comfortable enough to confess something, he’s smart, just can’t tell if he really is genuine.
“Sounds like it, but killing isn’t something that can just be written off-”
“I know that. I only meant… Maybe if he was a better man he’d be alive.” I need to turn the conversation around, I don’t feel like talking about it anymore, more worried about my living kin. “I need to go home, my family-They’re-”
“The sheriff’s not up for negotiation on that bit. I’m sorry, I tried, but you’re a flight risk, can’t have you out and about, at least for now.” He does look apologetic, but I can’t accept it, lean forward with my hands flat on the table, need to get back home, make sure everything’s alright.
“I have to check on them, they need me-”
“I’ll pay them a visit, alright? Just tell me what they need and I’ll handle it.” He places his hand over one of mine, and I look at it, don’t understand how he can be so soft, willing to take time to check in on people he’s never even met.
“You’re kind.” He looks taken aback, only for a moment, goes back to normal and pats my hand before drawing his back, and so do I, sit back in my chair and look at him some more, find him interesting, wonder where the hell he came from.
“I try to be.” I don’t think it has much to do with trying, he just feels good, don’t get the same feeling from him as I get from just about everyone else.
“I’ve never met someone like you.” He smiles, he’s kind of handsome, I think, has messed up teeth, but I like it, never spoke to much of anybody besides who father allowed me, think it’s nice to talk to someone without being afraid of father hearing what I have to say.
“Well, now you have. What does the family need?” He claps his hands on his thighs, is trying to be casual, I think, doesn’t know what to do with what I had to say, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything, but he seems a little pleased, at least.
“My mother she-She has a weak heart, needs to take her medicine, and the kids-I’ll bet she’s too upset to be sure they’ve eaten, I-”
“I’ll take care of it, Nothin’ to worry about, you just get some rest, alright? I’ll be back by afternoon tomorrow, hopefully with news.” I nod, believe him, but I won’t be getting any rest, can’t even think about sleep, feel sick every time I close my eyes, can’t stop seeing him.
“So I’m jailed until… When?” He sighs, seems bothered I’m stuck here, not that there’s anything he can do, I don’t think, I’m not really sure if detectives have much to do with the actual police department.
“Until I find somethin’ to clear your name.” I nod, watch him stand, feel off, don’t want him to go, the men here are no good, I don’t trust them, wouldn’t put it past them to do something terrible, god knows they’d get away with it.
“Okay.” He comes around, is a whole lot taller than I thought, stood over me, have to crane my neck to look up at him beside me, a comforting hand on my back not doing much, I know I don’t have much of a chance of getting out of here, the police want this handled quickly, and like I said, men have a way of getting what they want.
“I will get you out of here, swear. Just… Need some time, alright?” He really does believe me, there’s not a shred of malice in him, either that of he’s one hell of an actor. “Well, I’d better get goin’, gonna try and catch Thomas before he turns in for the night.” He goes off toward the door, and I watch, don’t know what else to do, I suppose wait for a guard to come shove me into a cell. “See you tomorrow.” He pauses half out the door, seems apprehensive to go, I’ve got no clue why, this room is stale, smells like old water and half dried clothes.
“Goodnight, Detective.”
“Goodnight.” It will not be a good night, it’s silent once he goes, and I just sit, no use trying to go anywhere, find it more beneficial to wait on someone to come, and they do, after a little while, the same young man I spoke with earlier.
“You don’t look sad.” I don’t look at him, don’t like him, he isn’t kind, not that I expect it, but it would be nice to have some more people on my side, not have everyone believe I did it without any proper evidence just because it’s easier that way.
“I’m not.” I think I may be in shock, haven’t been much like myself all night, can’t think properly right now, I need some sleep, that should help.
“You could at least act like you didn’t do it.” He comes over, stood right beside me, not nearly as unthreatening as Mr. Kennedy had been, and I suppose I should bite my tongue, but I’m at a point where there isn’t all that much I have to lose.
“Just because I’m not sad doesn’t mean I’m a killer.” He makes a noise, doesn’t believe me, but I’m aware it was hopeless, I don’t need to be convincing toward those at the station, no amount of words will change their minds.
“Sure makes it seem like it. C’mon, bed time for the murderer.” He pulls me by my upper arm, gets me up and in front of him, walks us along like he’s scared of me, like I could fight a man as big as him off bare handed. “can’t believe Kennedy uncuffed you, he must be out of his damn mind.” I don’t say anything, don’t feel like it, just try not to trip while he shoves me down the hall, an arm twisted around behind my back all the way to what I suppose is my cell, just a bed to one side, toilet and sink to the other. “Here we go, get on in there.” I do, walk inside and turn to watch him close the door, then watch him walk off, entirely casual, I suppose he’s used to this kind of thing, seems morbid. I sit down, think maybe I’ll stare at the wall until the detective comes back, don’t feel like sleeping, though I probably should, wish I could have a shower, don’t even know if they have one in this place, have to have a spare pair of clothes, but they wouldn’t give them to me, anyways. The man comes back, after a little while, finds me sat on the bed, stares at me until I look at him, looks pleased with himself, sat on a chair outside the bars, makes me feel like some kind of animal, that’s probably how they see me.
“You look a little cold.” I look back at the wall, feel sick, he’s got no reason to be out there, other than to taunt me, interrupt my staring to say things I don’t care about.
“I am.” He hums, is smiling wide when I peek at him, my skin crawling at the sight of him, unlocking my door and sauntering in, not scared anymore, predatory, has a plan, should’ve known something like this was bound to happen.
“Maybe if you… Do somethin’ f’r me I could getcha somethin’ a little better to wear.” He’s stood right in front of me, waist level with my face, he’s strong, I can’t stop him, can’t even close my eyes and ignore it without seeing my father staring at me.
“Leave me alone.” He tuts at me, gets a hand on my jaw and makes me look up at him, and I’m sick, ready to puke all over him, but I can’t be weak, not now, vulnerable is just about the worst thing I can be in a place full of men just like him.
“Woah, you’d best watch your tone little lady, no wonder daddy liked to slap you around. Surprised he didn’t do more than that, you really are a beauty, aren’t yah?” He’s disgusting, pushes me back and climbs up over me, really is going to do it, and I struggle, of course I do, try my hardest to get away but it’s no use, he’s bigger than me, and I’m scared, panicked, struggling beneath him while he touches me, pulling on my panties.
“Don’t touch me-! Let go-Get off!” I kick at him, breathing as well as I can and trying to get out of his hold, and it’s working, he can’t do much of anything with me thrashing around, until he gets his hand around my throat, squeezes, and it hurts, I can’t breathe, claw at his arm and draw blood, but he’s not going to stop.
“Just sit still, it’ll only take a minute-”
“Trevor, get off ‘er, sheriff’ll have a fit if he finds out.” He pauses, turns to look over his shoulder, still holding tight to my throat, my head feeling fuzzy, skin and blood under the nails digging into him.
“Damnit Dale, never let me have any fun. You’re a lucky one, aren’t yah? Not gonna be so lucky once you’re locked up for good, could’ve helped you, if you weren’t such a prude.” He lets go, has a harsh feel of my breast as he climbs off me, spits on me and goes, him and the other man, leave me alone with blood on my hands and my underwear halfway down, and I find myself lucky, that’s the sick bit, but I can’t change it, so I fix myself, fix my clothes and wash my hands, don’t get all the blood off, but it’ll do, it’s enough to help me ignore it, pretend I’m safe in here, lay down and look at the ceiling, hope to god that man ends up dead before he goes and attacks someone else.
Leon S. Kennedy.
“Hello there, is your mother in?” It’s a child that’s answered the door, can’t be more than twelve, entirely unsafe, his mother should be watching him like a hawk, got no clue if others in the family could be targets as well.
“Are you a policeman?” I squat down in front of him, seems a little scared of me, poor kid, not even sure if he knows what happened yet, doesn’t seem like it, he’s pretty calm, doesn’t seem like he’s been crying.
“Yes, would you get your mother-”
“Daddy says the policemen are bad.” He must not know, isn’t speaking in the past tense, and I feel terrible, six kids all left without a father, not that he seemed to be a good one in any sense, but when they’re young they idolize any parents they’ve got, don’t understand they could be bad people until they grow up some.
“I’m not-”
“Tobias, I told you not to answer the door.” I stand, look at him, a man, one of the children, has a hand on the boy’s shoulder, protective, good, kid needs someone to care about him. “Who are you?” I offer my hand, and he shakes, seems wary of me, maybe he should be, to his knowledge anyone could be a killer.
“I’m Leon Kennedy, I’ve been assigned to...” I can’t say anything in front of the kid, but he understands, think he’s the second oldest, can’t quite remember his name.
“You one of the assholes who locked my sister up?” I shake my head, have a look at the kid, doesn’t seem bothered by the language, assume he’s seen much worse living in this house, wonder if they’ll be better off without their father around, probably will, fear is no way to control a household, fosters anger.
“No, I’m trying to help her, actually. She asked me to check up on things, brought dinner.” I hold up the bag, hoping he accepts, don’t wanna have to tell her I couldn’t do what she asked, that and I’d like to meet the rest of the family, get a sense of everyone’s roles.
“She’s goddamn insane, ready to go to prison and she’s still worried about us. Well, come in if you’re coming” I nod, step in past him and have a look, the house is huge, bigger than any place I’ve ever been, got unnecessary fancy things all over, doesn’t suit her, I don’t think, she was raised in it but it really doesn’t quite match her personality all that well.
“What’s in there?” The kid’s gotten over his cop issue, I guess, is pulling on my sleeve and pointing toward the food, think maybe they really haven’t eaten, I’ll have to have a word with the mother, there are small children around here somewhere, hope to god she’s been looking after them better than this one.
“It’s uh-Got a bunch of stuff, where’re the other kids at?”
“Up in the play room, I’ll go get them.” He goes, brings the kid along with him, doesn’t trust me, good, they should be careful, least the kids have got somebody looking after them. I don’t go anywhere, don’t wanna scare them, just stand and wait, a little in over my head, six kids is a lot, well five, one of the brothers lives with his wife, newlywed, I’ve been told, decided he wasn’t interested in the family business, which I find pretty brave. I’m a little shocked seeing them all come down the stairs, the oldest with a baby and a toddler in his arms, the boy walking alongside another, a few years younger, I think. “Dining is through there.” He nods me ahead, so I go, really itching to know where the mother is, why her baby’s sat alone up in a play room. “Alright, sit down everybody-”
“Is daddy coming?” I share a look with the oldest, he can’t tell him, and I don’t blame him, the mother should do it, if she ever shows up from where she’s hiding.
“Not tonight, Tobias, just sit down, alright?” He does, all of the children pretty obedient, guess that’s what fear does, that and rips the life out of you, all of them are pretty gloomy, same as their sister, don’t have much to be happy about, I guess, wish I could change that, maybe I can.
“Where’s mommy?” It’s tense, good thing the kids don’t notice, think that may be why their mother is staying away, doesn’t wanna scare them, but she doesn’t have a choice, these kids have lost one parent, they need her right now, she’ll have to be strong.
“Mom’s having a bad night, she’s gotten sick, just sleeping it off.” I go over, doesn’t seem the eldest plans on eating, I wish he would, he looks a little sickly, but that’s probably the stress, he’s got a whole house to run right now, poor kid.
“Can I… Talk with you?” He nods, leads us back over into the foyer for some privacy, which is probably good, the kids don’t need to hear about this until their mother is in a state where she can comfort them. “I need to talk with your mother.” He eyes me, has his arms crossed, closed off, I’m really gonna have to work for his trust.
“Why?” I’m trying, I told her I would and I will, don’t wanna make things worse by telling her things aren’t going well at home, this is all I can do for now.
“Make sure she’s taken her pills, that and… Is she usually this absent?” He shakes his head immediately, seems upset at the idea, and I’m a little embarrassed of my forwardness, shouldn’t have assumed she was a bad mother, she’s just lost her husband, though with the things I’ve heard, she should be celebrating.
“No, she’s good, just-She loved him, didn’t matter what he did, so now she’s… Checked out, I don’t know.” I draw in a breath, don’t wanna push him, he seems combative, but I need to speak with her, for her daughter and for the investigation.
“Just let me talk to her, told your sister I’d make sure everything was alright.” He’s suspicious, doesn’t believe my intentions, finds my earnestness unsatisfactory, I guess, eyeing me with a mild glare, trying to figure me out.
“Why are you doing this?” I lean on the banister, need to seem as unthreatening as possible to get him to ease up, and say the right thing.
“I don’t want her to go to prison. Doesn’t deserve it, and she asked me to look after her family, least I can do while she’s away. I know grief, I can help your mother, okay? I just need you to let me.” I’ve done it, I can see the agreement on his face before he even says anything, and I appreciate it, makes everything much easier when people just accept the help they’re offered.
“Alright, up the stairs, green door on the right, should be in there.” I nod, give him a pat on the shoulder, really am thankful, think he’s similar to me when I was a little younger, scared of everyone, but he’s taking a chance on me, and I won’t waste it.
“Thank you.” I go on up, pause halfway when he speaks again, turn back to look at him, his expression something that seems pleading.
“Just take good care of my sister.” He’s scared, under the passive sort of protectiveness, of course he’d be, dead father and an out of touch mother. I’ll put it right, have to, the family should be lighter without their father looming, I’ll be sure they can get back to living.
“I plan to.” He goes back to the children, and I continue up, everything large, ceilings fifteen feet above my head, a little over the top for my taste, but it has a certain charm. I knock on the green door, but I don’t get an answer, she really must be out of it, I wonder if the children have come knocking. I open up, see her sat in front of the window, just staring, absent, maybe in shock, her whole life must seem crumbled, but really she’s been freed, in my opinion, some kind of terrible blessing. “Hello? Ma’am? I’m here to-Are you alright?” She’s not saying anything, doesn’t even look at me when I come to stand beside her. She looks nothing like her daughter, guess she got her father’s features, a sick joke, really. “Listen-I’m on your husband’s case, spoke with your daughter a little earlier, she asked me to make sure you take your medication.” She still doesn’t say anything, and I squat down, not willing to go until she’s up out of her chair, doesn’t seem like she’s moved since she found out, still in rumbled night clothes, same as her daughter, made me sick to see her sat in the interrogation room in nothing but that robe, really didn’t wanna leave her alone with the guys at the station, but I didn’t have a choice in it, really. “You can’t sit here forever. You lost your husband, and I am sorry, but you’ve got five people under your care downstairs who wouldn’t have eaten if I didn’t bring them supper. You have got to be there for them, ma’am, that is not negotiable.” She stares, doesn’t have any expression, really, she must be in shock, never had anybody ignore me outright.
“He wasn’t the monster you think he was.” It’s a step, even if she is defending him, she’s never known any different, married young, been with him so long this is what’s normal, only it isn’t, it’s disgusting, being so afraid of someone she let him hurt her children.
“I never said he-”
“He wasn’t the best at controlling his temper, but he didn’t deserve to die.” I draw in a long breath, trying to keep calm, never liked seeing things be downplayed, if she’s gonna defend it might as well say it how it is.
“You’re right, but we can’t change it, so best you can do is go downstairs and see your kids, eat somethin’ too, brought plenty.” She looks at me, moves for the first time since I’ve been in here, and I think I’ve done it, was a whole lot easier than I thought, actually.
“She asked you to do this?” I hum, nod a little, try a little smile, she looks choked up, like she might start crying any second.
“Course she did, more worried about all of you than herself.” She does start crying, grabs onto me and sobs, if she was in shock before she’s definitely out of it now, clutches me while I pat at her back, trying to calm her down.
“Oh-My sweet girl, I told those bastards not to touch her, she didn’t do it I told them-”
“I’m going to take care of it, she’s alright, she’s strong, I just need you to focus on keepin’ the kids taken care of, alright?” She pulls back, looks me in my eyes with an expression I don’t think I’ll ever forget, something tragic, some kind of realization so big it makes me wanna vomit.
“Am I a bad mother?” I shake my head, pat her back some more, don’t like that I made her feel bad about needing some time, but the truth isn’t easy, hard pill to swallow, but it’s necessary.
“You’re grieving, everybody deals with it different, but I need you to stay present-”
“I will, I will-I need to go see the boys, let’s go down.” She stands, and I follow along down the stairs, feel pleased to see the younger boys run right to her, a light kiss planted on the baby’s head once she gets there, does seem to be a good mother.
“Alright, well I’ll be off then, have another task to take care of tonight.” I give a tight smile to the mother, a quick nod to the brother, and then I’m off, back in the car and headed across town, doing some thinking, about her, she’s strange, interesting, find it a little odd I’ve gotten mixed up with her, but I’m gonna prove her innocent, first step being heading straight to the home of Thomas Molitors, his doorbell rung in hopes he’s around, and he is, opens the door up and leans on the frame, not at all worried.
“Who the hell’re you?”