Page 50 of Home Is Where the Bodies Are

“She’s sick, Beth.”

“I know, but you can’t help someone that won’t help themself.” She unravels a porcelain horse from a spool of rolled-up newspaper. Two of the legs are broken, but she sets it in the keep pile anyway.

“Very cliché, Beth.”

“It’s cliché because it’s true,” she argues.

I let out a sigh and survey the room, taking note of everything we have left to do. We may share the same DNA, the same last name, the same parents, but that’s all. I rub the bridge of my nose with my pointer finger and thumb, pressing on the sides.

“Just because you weren’t able to help Nicole, doesn’t mean I can’t,” I say.

Her eyes narrow. “You’re a real piece of work, Michael.”

“How so?”

“You’ve been gone seven years, and the only person you’ve helped is yourself. I’m the one that took care of Mom and Nicole.”

“Yeah, well, Mom’s dead and Nicole’s in the process. So, who have you really helped?”

“Screw you. You show up here in your fancy car, wearing your expensive clothes and designer watch, and have the nerve to look down on me. You may have money, but that’s all you have.” She gets to her feet and aggressively tosses items into a garbage bag.

“And you hate me for it. Don’t you, Beth?” I stare at her.

“No, I hate you because you got everything.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask. “We all had the same beginnings.”

“No, we didn’t. You got the computer summer camps, private coding lessons, expensive tech equipment, trips for academic competitions. So, of course you’re better off than Nicole and me. Mom and Dad set you up for success.” She spews out the words she’s clearly been holding in for a long time. A green-eyed monster, trying to rationalize her own failures and shortcomings.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Beth. Mom and Dad supported your interest in running and track. It’s not their fault you blew out your knee. They supported Nicole and her writing, and it’s not their fault she became an addict. So, stop blaming everyone else for why your lives turned out the way they did.”

“You’re an entitled asshole.” Her voice cracks because she knows what I’m saying is true.

“And you’re a miserable bitch. But at least I don’t hold it against you.”

Footsteps explode down the hallway, pulling our attention from the hatred we feel for one another at this moment.

“You guys!” Nicole yells in a panic.

She bursts into the living room, carrying a journal and a stack of papers.

“What is it?” I ask, half standing from my seat.

Her eyes are wild, showing the whites around her green irises.

“I don’t think Emma Harper was the only body Mom and Dad got rid of.”

MISSING TEEN: POLICE ASK FOR PUBLIC’S HELP TO FIND 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL

OCTOBER 31, 1999

ALLEN’S GROVE, Wis. —Walworth County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help to locate Christie Roberts, 17, of Allen’s Grove.

According to a press release from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Roberts is believed to have left on foot from her family’s home located on Hill Street at 5 p.m. on October 26. Roberts is 5'3", approximately 120 pounds with shoulder-length dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing an Old Navy branded sweatshirt, jeans, and New Balance sneakers.

It is believed Roberts left willingly and may be a possible runaway. Roberts’s parents are concerned for her safety.

You can notify the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at 262-741-3300 if you know of Roberts’s whereabouts or have any information that may help police locate her.

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