There’s only been two times in my life when I’ve wanted to murder someone, and both times, Mick has been on the receiving end.
I’m shocked I didn’t punch Mick within the first five minutes he started spewing off lies and insulting Amelia. I held back for the sake of Amelia, so Mick couldn’t sue me, and because I didn’t want to look like a lunatic in front of my employees. I have so much pent-up aggression toward him that I’m not sure I could stop if the time came where I could finally get my hands on him.
Toby called the cops as soon as Mick and Sandra barreled into the brewery, stupidly assuming they owned the place, so the cops were pulling in at the same time Toby informed us of his call.
The two assholes in front of me don’t get the chance to scurry off like the cockroaches they are.
Mick’s and Sandra’s entire demeanors change when the cops walk in.
Considering they’re sketchy as fuck, that’s not a shocker.
From their weight and the sores on their faces, I’d guess they fight over who gets the last hit of meth on the regular.
Ava’s father, Gage, and my uncle Kyle are the officers who arrive. Uncle Kyle’s eyes narrow at Mick.
Sandra called the cops when my father beat the shit out of Mick, and it was Kyle who showed up. He didn’t arrest his brother-in-law, and when he asked why the children had bruises, they stopped their demands for my father to go to jail.
They agreed to leave with no hassle or running of the mouths, except for Mick throwing out, “You’ll be hearing from our lawyer.”
As if Amelia refused to allow them to see her cry, she bursts into tears as soon as they disappear from our view while Gage and Uncle Kyle walk them out. Her body shakes as I pull her to me and hold her to my chest. Anguish zips through me at her having to hear Mick’s and Sandra’s accusations.
I bow my head to kiss the top of hers, and as much as I want to shove the thoughts away, I remember every vile word that I spewed at her since Chris’s death. I’m no better than Sandra and Mick. How could I ever think I was any different? I’d given her the same shit they just did. I’d blamed her the same way they did.
We separate when my uncle and Gage return to finish the police report.
“I’ll take you home,” I say to her, and her, “Okay,” is hardly audible.
It’s in this moment I make the decision.
It’s time to read Chris’s letter.