Page 55 of Penalty Kill

“How is this my fault?”

Was she really so oblivious? So self-centered? “You lied, Olivia. You told the tabloids I had an affair with Sydney. That you’re pregnant, and I’m denying it because of her. You put a target on her back. She was being followed by four paparazzi and hit by a fifth. They were all trying to get pictures of her and the boys. You did this.”

There was a long pause before she spoke again. “I didn’t know this would happen.”

“Yes, you did. Every move you make is calculated. You have a team that makes every decision based on how it will impact your image and your following. You knew exactly what you were doing.”

“No one on my team knew I called. I reached out to the Hollywood Times without them knowing.”

Of course, she did. “Good to know I only have to sue you.”

“What? Why would you do that?” The shock in her voice was apparent.

“You spread lies about me, about Sydney, and caused the accident. You will be held accountable for your actions.”

“You can’t do this to me, Brandon.” Finally, she was getting it. She was finally realizing her actions had consequences. She never learned that while we were married, even through the divorce. Nothing clicked until now.

“My attorney will be in touch.”

I hung up and leaned against the wall. How was I ever married to that monster? She hid it well when we were first together, but I should have seen the signs. She was toxic, and as much as it had killed me when she only asked for three weeks with the boys, I knew it was for the best.

Before heading back in, I sent my attorney an email asking him to take care of things with the accident and Olivia. I wanted to be as minimally involved as possible. My attention needed to be on Sydney and the boys.

I headed back inside to see the boys walking their plates to the sink. I almost stumbled over my feet at the sight. “Thank you so much, boys.”

They both smiled, and Milo cocked his head. “Time to see Sydney now?”

“Yeah, we can head over.”

“Yay!” They cheered and ran toward the garage. I followed them out and got them strapped into their seats.

“You guys okay?”

They nodded, and I closed the door and got in. I was relieved they weren’t scared of my car or their car seats. I’d expected them to have nightmares last night, but they were handling everything like champs.

We were halfway to the hospital when Finn cried out, “Oh no!”

I nearly slammed on the breaks but managed to recover. “What’s wrong?”

“We didn’t make her cards,” he said with sad eyes.

My shoulders dropped. Of course. We shouldn’t arrive empty handed. She always made sure I had a sign or card to read before games. She was thoughtful and knew how much the boys liked it.

“You’re right. We’ll stop at the store and get something.” I pulled into the next drug store, and we went in search of get well soon cards they liked. I also bought her chocolate and a smiley face balloon.

In the car, the boys took their time signing the card, not even needing help with their names.

“Can you write for me?” Milo asked.

I took the pen and card from him. “What do you want to say?”

“I’m sorry you’re hurt. I miss you.”

I cleared my throat and wrote those sweet words from him.

“Me too!” Finn handed me his card. “Write ‘feel better and I miss you.’”

I obeyed and showed them both their cards for approval before sticking them in the envelopes. I didn’t get a card. There wasn’t enough space to say everything I wanted. How could I tell her I owed her for putting my sons’ lives before her own? A simple thank you and get well soon wasn’t even close to being sufficient.