“Of course I have, and compared to the alternative, I’ll take them every day.” I turned toward the door.
“Charlotte! Charlotte!” He called after me as I left the room, but he didn’t follow. He might not have liked it, but I was sure he knew, just like I did, that what I was about to do was our only way out without bloodshed.
I walked into the kitchen, where my oldest daughter, London, was preparing the last touches of dinner with Sonya. They turned in my direction when they heard me enter with a loud sigh. I’m sure they knew I was not a happy camper, but each kept to her task and remained silent.
“London, honey, could you give Sonya and me a minute, please?”
Sonya’s eyes were pleading with London not to leave her alone with me, but my daughter was smart enough to know not to get in the middle of what was to come. She gave Sonya a sympathetic glance but turned to me and said, “Sure, Ma. These are the last plates for dinner anyway.” She lifted the tray of steaks and headed for the door, leaving Sonya to face me without backup.
“I’m not going to pretend like I’m happy about anything I’ve heard the last few days. Now, I’ve done everything in my power to make you feel welcome, because I like you and I know you love my son and he loves you. Besides, I’ll be the first to admit that we’re not your average family, and it takes a very special person to be a part of it.” I could see her relax ever so slightly, but I wasn’t finished with her yet. “You could have told me that you were married,” I snapped, stepping closer.
“Mrs. Duncan . . .” I didn’t let her get more than a few words out before I shut her down. She was taken by surprise when I pushed her against the refrigerator, snatching up the knife London had been using and pointing it at her throat.
“Don’t bother trying to explain,” I hissed at her. “Now, you may not know this, but your husband has escaped from prison.” Her eyes went wide with fear. “So I don’t have the time or the patience for you to be sugar-coating shit.” I pressed the blade against her throat.
As I saw tears welling in her eyes, part of me felt sorry for her. I really did like Sonya; however, she was the catalyst for a very dangerous situation, and all I cared about was protecting my son and family, even if it was at her expense. “I have some questions that need to be answered, and I need them answered now.”
Her voice cracked with emotion as she asked, “What do you want to know?”
“Your husband, is he planning on killing my son? Is Junior in any real danger?”
Tears fell from her eyes. “Yes, I think so.”
“What about the rest of my family? Are they in danger?”
I could see how much it pained her to admit the truth. “If any of you get in his way, he will kill you all. He’s relentless when he puts his mind to something.”
I lowered the knife, about to lay down the law, but she spoke up first. “I’m not going to put you or your family in danger, Mrs. Duncan.”
“And how the hell do you suppose you can promise that?” I barked.
“I’m leaving Junior. I love your son too much to risk his life and the lives of everyone he loves. I couldn’t live with myself if something happens to him or to any of you. I’m just going to need you to keep him away from me.”
I laughed out loud at her na?veté. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll keep him away.”
“I want you to know I love your son. I love him more than life itself.”
I knew she meant it, but my family was in danger, and there was no time for sentimentality. “Well, then I’m sorry things didn’t work out,” I said curtly. “But you’re making the right decision. I’m glad this didn’t have to get any uglier than it already has. Can I call you a cab?”
Vegas
7