Page 38 of The Hunted

18

Knox

(Age Sixteen)

Ace and I come around the corner and we spot them. My mother’s hand trembles as she sets down her cup.

Stopping Ace from walking any further into the room, I hold my finger up to my lips to ensure he stays quiet. I hold my breath, and I wait for my father’s reaction. As usual, my father is unflappable in front of others. Ever the cool exterior. His bullshit façade only comes down around us.

“Vivian, I see you have company. How are you, Ruby?”

“I’m fine, thank you, Mr. Bane.”

Ruby stands and extends her hand to my father. He shakes it, then releases her hand and she sits back down.

“Are you ladies discussing Knox’s studies?”

It’s Saturday. He knows better. Ruby isn’t supposed to be here on Saturdays.

“Yes, Vaughn, we are.”

My mother keeps her head down, her shoulders rolled in around her, trying to shield her slight form. She’s trying to make herself as small as possible, less of a target. In this moment, I fucking hate him. He’s always treated us shitty, like property instead of family, but seeing him break my mother down in this manner is too much.

“It sounded like you were having fun to me. I’ll let you continue your chat.”

He grits his teeth, the muscles in his jaw flexing before he turns and begins to walk off. Before he makes it to the door, he looks back to my mother.

“Vivian, after Ruby and Ace leave, come to my study, please.”

His face actually looked like it pained him to say please. The thought that Ace hadn’t been caught with me vanishes. He knew. He fucking knows I have a friend and he will put a stop to it.

I listen as his footsteps retreat, before I enter the solarium and move to my mother. She’s still drawn in on herself as I walk up behind her and place my hands on her shoulders. She jerks slightly, startled. That confirms everything I’ve feared. He’s been putting his hands on her when they’re alone. She looks up toward me, and a shimmer of tears cloud her eyes.

“Ruby, I think you and Ace should go now.” Mom doesn’t even bother looking at her as she speaks. She’s probably too embarrassed by the exchange between her and my father.

Ace helps his mom up and laces her arm in his, like a good southern boy. Ruby is older than my mom. Ace’s father died when he was about ten from a heart attack. It’s just the two of them, but they are so happy. I envy them. I’d give up all this material shit for my mom and me to be happy like them.

“Bye, Vivian. If you need me, please call me.” Ruby reaches out and pats my mom’s forearm. Mom just nods.

After they walk out, Mom stands and faces me. She gives me the slightest smile and hugs me tighter than I think she ever has. She pulls back, keeping her hands on my biceps.

“I love you so much, sweetie. You know that, right? You know you are my world?” A tear slides down her cheek as she waits for my answer.

“I know, Mom. I love you, too.” I lean down and place a kiss on her cheek.

“I’m going to go have a chat with your dad now. Get something to eat for dinner. I’m tired. I’ll probably just go lay down after.”

I don’t want to upset her any more so I agree and make my way to the kitchen as she heads toward my dad’s study.

Hours later, I’m in my room, lying on my bed flipping through a car magazine, when my door opens. My father walks in. His white dress shirt is splattered with small, pinkish stains, and his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows.

I sit up and take him in. He looks wild. Disheveled.

“Dad?”

“I need you to come with me, Knox. It’s time for your first lesson of the Albatross.”

“Albatross? What is that?” I ask as I stand and slide my feet into my tennis shoes.

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