Page 129 of What Goes Around

Instead of owning it, she sharpened it into a weapon and aimed it at me.

Marissa’s voice cut through the memory. “You don’t get to act innocent. Every time something goes wrong, it somehow traces back to you.”

“So why didn’t you?” I asked quietly. “Why didn’t you protect her?”

She straightened abruptly. “How dare you speak to me like that.”

I didn’t raise my voice. I didn’t need to.

“How dare you,” I replied calmly, “use her trauma as a shield every time she hurts someone.”

Apple shook her head violently, tears spilling fresh and fast.

“I don’t understand why she hates me so much,” she sobbed. “I never did anything to her.”

Marissa turned on me instantly. “This is exactly what I mean. You provoke her and then act surprised when she falls apart.”

“That’s enough,” Dad snapped. “This is not the time for accusations.”

“When is it the time?” I asked, looking at him now. “Because it never seems to be.”

I looked back at Marissa.

“How can you be so biased? Are you even my real mother?” I asked.

Dad stiffened.

Marissa laughed once, sharp and brittle. “Of course I’m your mother. Don’t be ridiculous.”

Dad opened his mouth, then closed it again.

I tilted my head slightly. “Are you sure?”

Dad’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. “Ashley, stop this.”

“I’m serious,” I said. “Because I can’t think of another explanation for why you defend her no matter what she does, and blame me no matter what happens.”

Marissa’s face hardened. “You’re being cruel.”

“No,” I said softly. “I’m being honest.”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Right on cue.

Everybody's eyes turned toward the front door.

Chapter 40: The Last Time I Called It Home

My father frowned. “Who is it?”

“I’ll get it,” Marissa said automatically, already smoothing her expression into something presentable.

She moved quickly to the door and opened it.

A man stood on the threshold. Late fifties. Steel-gray hair. Impeccably tailored suit. Leather briefcase in hand. His eyes were sharp and assessing, the kind that missed nothing.

“Good evening,” he said calmly. “Malcolm Bowen.”