Page 46 of Genesis

“I’ll walk you up,” he says, putting the car in park.

“That’s okay,” I say. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

He frowns. “We okay?”

“Yeah,” I reply. I lean over and give him a kiss. “Be safe.”

“Okay,” he says.

I walk across the yard, stepping onto the sidewalk that leads to the door, feeling his eyes on me the entire time. I give him a wave and step inside, shutting the door. I peek out the window, seeing him reverse the car, and I watch until his taillights are out of view.

Part of me is terrified that I’m hanging around someone like him. But the other part understands what Danny is saying. The world is a cruel place. It took my mom when I was just a kid. There’s evil no matter where you go, but there’s also good, and I’m sad to say that I don’t think Danny sees any of the good.

“Are you home?” I hear from the living room. I move away from the small window beside the door and walk in.

“Hey, sorry about skipping out on supper with you and Trinity.”

“It’s fine,” Hale says. “I get you’re young. I’m not that old, ya know?”

I smirk. “I didn’t say you were.” Truthfully, Uncle Hale is only a handful of years older than me. He was my mom’s younger brother. The only family member I have left.

“You like this boy?” he asks.

“Something like that.”

“Something like that?” he questions.

“It’s complicated.”

“Oh,” he says. “He looks a little rough around the edges.”

“He’s a good guy,” I say, defending Danny even though I know Hale is right. Danny looks just like he is: trouble.

And I just lied to my uncle because I’m not so sure Danny is a good guy.

“If you say so,” he says. “Wanna play Texas Hold ’em?”

“I’ll pop some popcorn,” I say.

Chapter Nineteen

Bones

Five days missing

After the man leaves, I look over at Bexley. Her face is starting to swell, her lip is bleeding, and I just sat here and let that happen to her. I sat here and let him talk about my family the way he did, and the worst part of it all? We had to let him feed us because God only knew how long before we’d get to eat again.

Swallowing one’s pride is one thing, but this… this is beyond.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

“For what?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with tears she didn’t want to shed in front of him.

“For being worthless. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t…”

“Danny, you couldn’t have. Your legs and arms are tied. I should have kept my mouth shut. This is not your fault.” Tears run down her face, mixing with blood. “God, look at you.”

I was only joking when I told her she looked bad because I know I look worse. I’m bloody and bruised. I probably look horrifying to her.

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