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Those four words—I never thought those four words could bring me anything but sorrow. But I was wrong. They mean everything because it means I was right.
“What do you mean? How? I don’t understand. Do you have proof?” Questions come quickly, the words almost tripping over themselves.
Walt starts coughing and Lily rushes to his side, raising him slightly until the coughing subsides.
“It’s okay,” he soothes Lily as he gets his breathing back under control. “Your father didn’t die…from smoke inhalation. He was already dead…when the fire started. I was told…threatened, to put the fire as the cause of death.”
“What do you mean? What about the autopsy?”
“There was no autopsy. It was faked, Kennedy.”
“What…how is that even possible?” I stammer, getting to my feet as the full reality of what he is saying slams into me.
“Miss. Scott—”
“Don’t.” I hold a hand up to stop her. “Do you hear what your grandfather is telling me? My father was murdered, and he helped to cover it up. Jesus Christ!” I step away from the bed and as shock and anger course through me, and I begin pacing.
“I understand you’re upset, but my grandfather is trying to rectify what he did.”
“It’s a little damn late, don’t you think?” I mutter sadly, pacing again. “Do you have any idea what I’ve been through—what my mom has been through?” I ask, stepping to a chair and dropping down into it with a heavy sigh. “This town, people that I’ve known my whole life didn’t want to believe me when I said that something wasn’t right. That my dad had been threatened, that…” I stop, conscious that I need to be careful what I say. “Do you have any proof that what you say is true?” I ask, trying to get my emotions under control. Losing my temper isn’t going to help anyone.
I watch Walt give a nod to Lily, who has moved to stand between me and her grandfather in a protective position. Gone is the meek woman that knocked on my door yesterday, and in her place stands a woman ready to do what it takes to protect who she loves. If I wasn’t so overcome with emotions, I’d admire her.
Casting one final look my way, she moves around the bed to what looks like a small cabinet where she appears to input a code before opening the door and removing an envelope. As she closes the door with a clank, I realize it’s a safe. She remains standing beside her grandfather as he addresses me again.
“Kennedy, I’m not proud of…what I did, and as I said, I do not ask for your forgiveness. This envelope contains…evidence of your father’s…injuries. All I ask is…that you ensure Lily is safe before…you do anything. Having such information…will put you both in danger.”
Unsure of why exactly this effects Lily, other than the fact she could be held over Walt, I agree to his request. “I’m not sure how you expect me to keep her safe, but I will do my best.”
Lily holds out the envelope, and I step forward to take it.
“I’m sure that…between you and Mr. King you’ll find a way…to help her,” Walt says, and my eyes snap to his. “There aren’t many certain things in this—” His words cut off as another coughing fit grips him. When he has it back under control, he tries again. “There aren’t many certain things in this world…and you don’t get…more certain than finding love.” I scoff, then he adds, “Don’t act so surprised, I’m not blind…that man has loved you…forever.” He begins coughing again, and Lily is quickly back at his side.
“That’s enough for today. I think you should leave now.” Her tone brokers no room for argument, which is fine, but I’m not entirely sure she has any room to be pissed at me.
“I have more questions. Can I stop by sometime?”
Lily goes to reply, and I don’t doubt her answer would have been a resounding no, but Walt beats her to it.
“Of course. Come anytime.” He grasps Lily’s hand, squeezing it to silence whatever protest she has.
“Thank you, I guess.” The words seem very out of place considering the news he just shared with me. Before I reach the front door, Lily close behind, I stop to shove the envelope in my bag. If what Walt said is true about being in danger, which I don’t doubt because I’ve seen what they can do, then I don’t want them to see me leaving here with anything. I even manage to stick on a fake as fuck smile as I go.
It’s not till I’m almost halfway home when something occurs to me. I immediately change direction and my mood with it.
By the time I reach his front door, I’m about ready to burst in a fit of rage and grief.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
My fist hammers on his front door, and I’m practically vibrating with so many emotions.
When he opens the door, he’s surprised to see me. He speaks but I don’t really hear the words. Reaching out to me, I step away, slapping at his hand. I don’t want him touching me. I need answers.
I don’t even realize what I’m doing as I step forward and shove him hard while demanding answers.
“Did you know? Did you fucking know that my dad was already dead when you and Nolan found him?” The question fires from me like a bullet from a gun, hitting its mark dead center. I push him again. I try again but he stops me this time, gripping my wrists and shaking me. I feel the wetness of tears on my face as my knees give way under me, and I fall to the floor.
Sobs wrack my body as I’m lifted from the floor and carried inside.
