Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
You didn’t, but he did. At least the bloke didn’t question me for proof of Eugene’s death until Luxury excused herself to the lavatory. I granted his request. He had the decency to smile once Luxury returned. My innocent Little One didn’t quite notice how said smile no longer reached his eyes, however.
Perceiving Luxury’s hesitation, I ask, “What is it, love?”
“Did you speak with Eugene Orson? Don’t . . . please don’t tell me you shot him through a sniper rifle.”
“Lux, you’ve my word that he’s dead.”
She offers a pathetic chuckle as the driver passes by the smaller security gates. “I trust you, yet I kinda need the entire truth as encouragement for Madeline.”
I ponder the gruesome story and how, at Luxury’s request, she will have all the authority this evening during dinner. Eugene’s actions will fortify her craving, so I nod in agreement.
As the chauffeur pulls over behind a fleet of luxury vehicles, my mother stands at the bottom step, presenting as poise itself in a deep purple gown. She’s not privy to everyone inside the car—as I hadn’t indicated that I brought company—my bloody fiancé.
I press the button on the door and indicate for the driver to wait.
“Vic . . .” Luxury groans, teeming with nerves.
“Alright,” I sigh. “I spoke with the bloke.”
“And Momma, was she dead already?”
“Luxury, that’s of no importance.”
“Tell me everything.”
I suffer a glance out the window, certain Princess Mary’s patience will dwindle. “Now, Little One?”
“Yes, please.”
On cue, Mother’s popping an open fist on the window as if she’s forgotten that we were estranged the night she proposed to Madeline on my behalf.
“Victor, please.” Luxury clasps my cheeks in her hand. “I’m begging you.”
“Eugene was mentally unstable and very apologetic. He claimed to be smitten with your mum and admitted she was kind during their interactions at the soup kitchen.”
“She was too kind.” Luxury groans, wrenching the seatbelt loop around her hands.
I take her silky palms in mine. “Your mum hadn’t locked the door after Dr. Everhart left for lunch.”
“You know that I know that, Vic. Burt attempted to spare my feelings. You’re my fiancé. You trust that—”
I squeeze her hands firmly. “Eugene entered. He accused your mum of being unfaithful to her husband. All this time, the wanka placed her on a pedestal. He said she never missed a single Sunday at church. Not until recently.”
“Oh, no. She had just started seeing Uncle Red again.”
Luxury tries to pull her hands away, but I cling tighter to them. “Moreover, Gina was a part of the homeless outreach committee at the soup kitchen. Eugene frequented it often when he was down on his luck.”
“She was a good person.” Luxury trembles. “I keep wondering if I served him this past Thanksgiving. Or did I ask the bastard if he had enough friggen mashed potatoes during Christmas dinner? Vic, how could he? H-how could he if he thought so highly of her . . .”
I press Luxury’s hands together and kiss the pulse at the inside of her wrists. “Yes, love. Eugene thought the world of your mother. He wasn’t your typical stalker. He watched her a little, off and on over the years. He knew she seemed withdrawn for a time after, well, you know.”
“After Momma was raped.” Luxury stifles a sob. “Did he? Was he the—”
“He was not the culprit. When you were a little girl, he did not sexually harm her.” I let the tenderness of my tone and my choice of words settle around us.
“How do you—”
“Because, Luxury.” Because I tortured him. “When Eugene came over that day, Gina was honest about having taken a lover. She cautioned Eugene that Charles would return momentarily.”
That was definitely Gina’s mistake.
“So, what happened next?” Luxury whispers. All the while, my impatient mother calls out to me and curses the driver for attempting to steer her away.
“Eugene was in the army, Luxury. The probability of defending herself, sweetheart, was less than zero. Eugene used Gina’s statement against her. He bludgeoned her on the head and tied her up. Took her keys and left.” That psychotic arsehole said he wanted more time to talk with Gina, to change her mind about breaking her marriage vows.
“Burt said based on Paul’s investigation that Eugene returned. He returned after dark?”
“Luxury, he was watching your mother. He knew Jonah had left with luggage that morning. Eugene said he’d felt it was his duty to keep an eye on her when Jonah was out of town. To keep her safe. He knew your father wouldn’t be back. So once—”
“Uncle Red returned with sandwiches. She was alive, and h-he could’ve saved her. But he gave up,” Luxury grumbles, though not harboring any ill will toward the chap. “Momma was alive when Uncle Red left.”
I search her over for a moment and am content that the truth hasn’t adversely affected her. Finally, I mutter, “Exactly. Eugene left her tied up, gagged her. Luxury, I-I’m trying to spare you from anything more.”