Page 93 of Savage King

I didn't know she already had the switch ready by the stairs. She leapt for it, and the next thing I remember is pain. So much pain.

When Dad came home, I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to finally tell him, but I barely made it to the top of the stairs when I heard them talking.

Where is Scarlet?

She went to bed early. She wasn't feeling well, Mom purred.

Oh, that's a pity. I have a surprise for her.

I have a surprise for you, Bruce. Come here.

The noises that followed made me sick to my stomach, and I retreated into my bedroom. I went to school the next day, and after the second period, I passed out. That's when the nurse called Dad.

Dad didn't say a word on the car ride home, but he held my hand, and at one point, I heard him sniffing. I was too scared to look, but I was sure he was crying.

Dad parked the car, and I followed him inside the house. He was moving fast, like a soldier with his marching orders. He didn'twaste any time. The moment he opened the door, he yelled,How long, Elle? How long has this been going on?

Mom came out of the parlor, all pretty and flushed.

Hush, Bruce, the girls are here. We're playing bridge.

I had never seen my dad that angry. Stiffly, he walked into the parlor.Good afternoon, ladies. I'm afraid something has come up, and I need to talk to my wife.

Mom glared at me through narrowed eyes while I looked at my feet, unable to take it. Seconds later, Mom's four best friends came out of the parlor.

No worries.

We'll call you later.

Hope everything is okay.

They walked out like a chatty bunch of pretty birds as if nothing had happened, as if Dad hadn't just all but thrown them out. The moment the front door closed behind them, Dad railed at Mom.How long, Elle? How long has this been going on?

I have no idea what you're talking about, she replied smoothly, lifting her chin.Whatever the little brat told you isn't true.

She has three bruised ribs, Elle.

Big whoop, I had two broken ribs from carrying the ungrateful fruit of your loins, Mom sneered.

The doctors said some of her scars are years old. Years, Elle.

You knew I had to discipline the little demon now and then. She's incorrigible.

She is a kid, Elle. She's your daughter!

A daughter you insisted on. I wanted an abortion, remember?

Out, Elle. I want you out of my house.

Oh, for fuck's sake, Bruce. Grow up. Kids need discipline, especially that one. So, I might have overdone it yesterday, but you have no idea. She was parading around half-naked like the little whore she is. Right in front of?—

Slap!

The sound of that slap still echoes inside my head.

Mom went ballistic.

Go to your room, Scarlet, Dad yelled, blocking my mom off as she came at him full force.

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