Page 84 of Every Broken Piece
Tess rushes toward the door.
“Not that I can see. I’ll keep my eyes peeled and request backup.”
“Do that.” I hang up and step in front of Tess to intercept her. “Hold up.”
“It’s my mother,” she whisper shouts.
“I know.”
Her eyes widen. “How do you know?”
“We had a run in yesterday.” I pause. “And I saw her at the hospital.”
She rears back. “She was at thehospital?”
Sandra knocks, but it’s not really a knock, more like a fist bang. Tess jumps.
“You met my mother at the hospital?”
“We haven’t officially met.”
Another bang. “Theresa, baby, are you in there? It’s your mama. Let me in, baby.”
“Tell me what you want me to do,” I say. “If you want her gone, I’ll get rid of her.”
Her frantic gaze goes to the door. “She won’t go away. She’ll keep knocking and yelling until the neighbors come out, then she’ll cause a real scene. It’s easier to let her in.”
“I can tell her to fuck off without you even looking at her. Just say the word.”
“Theresa! Let me in!” The voice turns shrill, almost desperate.
“You have no idea what you’re up against.” The fear in Tess’s voice makes me want to rip that damn door off the hinges and beat Sandra Jansen with it until she gets the memo that she’s no longer wanted around here.
Instead, I swallow my violent urges and say, “Your mother. Your call. I’ll be right here beside you.”
The door shudders under Sandra’s fist. “Theresa!”
Tess takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. “Let her in.”
“You sure?” I don’t want this woman anywhere near Tess, but I have to do what she wants as much as it goes against every protective instinct in me.
“Theresa! I know you’re in there. I can hear you talking. Let.”Bang. “Me.”Bang. “In.”Bang bang.
“If at any time you want her out, let me know.”
I gently pull Tess to my side as I twist the useless lock and open the door.
Sandra Jansen rushes in, arms open wide, eyes locked on Tess. “Theresa, baby. I’ve been so worried.”
I step in her path, and she draws up short, surprised at first before a sneer twists those flaking lips. “You.” She points a bony finger at me.
She’s wearing the same dirty sweatshirt and sagging leggings as yesterday. Straw-like yellow hair is matted on one side, sticking up on the other. Her eyes are red-rimmed and hollow, cheeks sunken. Once again, I’m faced with a woman who’s lived a hard life of bad choices. I try to dredge up sympathy for her but knowing Tess’s background, I can’t. I can only feel anger and hatred for a woman who continuously chose drugs over her children.
Sandra’s boney finger pokes my abs. I raise my brows as Tess steps to my side. I want to stand as her shield, but I have to let her do her thing, so I remain as close as a I can without pushing her behind me.
Sandra’s lips widen into a gap-toothed, twisted smile.
She opens her arms wide and steps toward Tess. I put my arm around Tess’s shoulders and haul her closer. I want Tess to know that I’ll stand firm beside her, but I also need Sandra to know that I’m not fucking around when it comes to Tess’s safety.
