Page 6 of Hate So Deep

Even as I say the words, a lump forms in my throat. Dadisgone a lot, and I would be lying if I said I’ve never wondered if he was having an affair, but kids…?

No fucking way.

“Jesus, Lala,” he growls. “Grow up. Your dad’s a skeevy fucking asshole.”

I sink into silence after that, his words rolling around in my brain. Is it true? Why would Buck make something like that up?

All those late nights at the office and his emergency meetings during the holidays make more sense now.

Shit.

My life just became a hundred times more complicated, and it was no cake walk to begin with.

Chapter 3

NOW

Lauren

The next few days are tense while Mom and Dad fight over Buck and the police conduct their investigation.

It got a little awkward when I couldn’t answer all their questions, but I skated over my inability to remember how I got home and since Buck was out with his own friends, it was a nonissue.

I did sweat through the entire discussion though because with every word spoken, I worried they might demand to see my arms and discover the bruises covered by my oversized hoodie.

Once my part was over, I left the room but paused outside the door when my mom said, “I know it was that bastard.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the officer said. “We interviewed Colt Theroux, and he had a solid alibi during the time of your son’s attack.”

Her silence in the wake of his statement spoke volumes but she merely said stiffly, “Whatdoyou have?”

Something squeaked beyond the wall, and I cocked my head as the detective said, “So far, we know he was at a party earlier in the evening. He left with a young woman who we haven’t been able to track down. Miss Aimee Holmes.”

“That’s Buck’s girlfriend,” Mom muttered. “What else?”

“Well, we believe he had an altercation with another unknown person, who we’re also trying to track down, as well, Ms. Stark.”

Sniffing, Mom said as I backed away from the door, “If it was this person, I want them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There will be no mercy for whoever did this to my son.”

Even if it was me?

It’s a nonsensical thought because I was nowhere near my brother that night but what are the odds that I would lose my memory and wake up covered in blood the same night my brother was beaten to near death?

Now, I’ve been stewing over the information for days, but the cops are no closer to answers. Meanwhile, Mom grows more and more distant.

Strangely, I found her in the basement this morning but when I asked her what she was doing, she jumped all over my ass.

Which leads me to my newest dilemma. It’s Thanksgiving break and I guess he finally got his way because to my dismay,Mom barely made a peep when Dad suggested I spend part of the holiday with them.

I’m not interested in playing house with Dad’s other wife and the children born of that union, despite the time that’s passed.

It may not be their fault anymore that it was mine, but I know what they think of me.

Shit, Colt hates me, and we barely know each other. Asshole.

Colt also despises my mother and although I’ve never been able to prove it, I’m sure he’s the reason that Dad chose them over us.

After all, he stole the only bright part of my life, thoughts of which I push aside because I will not think about Dirk now or ever for that matter.

---