“When you left Sweet Haven, where did you and your brothers go?”
At her quietly asked question, I set my fork down and wipe my mouth. Reclining back, I throw an ankle over my knee.
“Mae had an aunt in Kentucky who left her a house when she died.”
I look over and catch her frown.
“Why didn’t her and Dale ever leave? Whatever the reason was she didn’t contact the authorities, why did they stick around? I can’t imagine staying in a place, knowing the horrors that were going on and not do anything.”
“I don’t know for sure, but I think it was because of my sister, brothers, and I. There were several people in town who were disgusted by what was going on, but Mae and Dale were the only ones who were really there for us. I think the others were too scared. We always went to their house the day after Hell Night. It was there that we healed, both mentally and physically.”
After Hell Night, in the early morning hours, Mom and Dad would take us home. Dad would help me in the shower, while Mom would do the same with Rella. Their touch was very innocent as they cleaned us, and their expression neutral, unlike the vulgar glances they would give us and the other kids during their sick activities. They were two completely different people during their perverse, once a month activities. Everyone in town was different. It was never talked about openly and the adults didn’t leer at the kids. It was like that part of them didn’t exist. But it did. Every kid in Sweet Haven suffered from it.
When I was eight, I refused to allow my dad to help me any longer. What in the hell gave him the right to care for me with tenderness when it was his fault I was in the shape I was in. I stopped my mom from helping Rella as well. Instead, I took her with me to Mae and Dale’s, knowing that was the only place we could go. I don’t know if Mom and Dad ever knew that’s where we went, but they never tried to stop us.
“I don’t know why Mae and Dale never left,” I continue. “But I’m glad they didn’t. I’m not sure what would have happened to us had they not been there.”
“Did you find out what happened to the other kids?”
“It took a while, but we eventually found out most of them went into foster care. A few went to live with relatives in other states.”
Remi pushes her plate away and rests her arms on the table, playing with a napkin.
“Why did you decide to become a doctor?”
I lean forward and grab one of her hands, tracing the lines of her knuckles. Her nails are groomed and clipped short with no polish. I keep my eyes on her hand as I talk.
“My brothers and I were out one day when there was a wreck. The parents were killed instantly, but the little girl was thrown from the car. There was a doctor there who worked on her until the ambulance came. Watching him switched something inside me. From that moment on, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. We later found out that it was his quick thinking and skill that kept her alive.”
Her fingers curl slightly, and I glide the tips of mine between hers. There’s a huskiness to her voice when she speaks.
“That’s so sad but still beautiful. It’s horrible that her parents died, but that girl living gives the story a happy ending.”
I lift my eyes to hers to see her watching my fingers. Her skin is warm and soft compared to my roughened hands. Her hand is small, and her fingers slim and delicate. I wonder how they’d feel sliding across my skin, down my back and over my stomach. Wrapped around my cock or gripping my ass as I pounded into her.
Jesus fucking Christ.
My phone rings, yanking me from thoughts I’ve got no damn business thinking about. I release her hand and snatch up my phone, both grateful and pissed at the interruption. Spotting Judge’s name, I stand.
“I’ve got to take this. I’ll be back.”
She nods and offers a smile. “I’ll be here.”
Turning, I stalk into the house, hitting Accept and bringing the phone to my ear.
“What?” I bark.
“We might have a lead on Leland.” Judge says darkly.
My back straightens, and all thoughts of Remi and her delectable hands fade away. My heartbeat skyrockets in my chest.
“Talk to me.”
Michael Leland. My parent’s best friend and another bastard from our childhood who got away. When the adults picked their numbers for Hell Night, you had the option to pick a certain number in return for a favor to the parents. Michael fucking Leland owed my parents a lot of favors. For some reason, he preferred me over every other child. Now I owe him for all the pain he’s caused me.
“I’ve got a guy who’s been doing some digging. Michael’s done a damn good job of covering his trail, but Brenner thinks he’s got him. Should know something in a few days. Just wanted you prepared if we get him.”
Oh, I’m more than prepared. My hands itch with the need to kill the fucker.