“I’m sorry about that. I didn’t think that far ahead. I should’ve guessed that she’d think it was you. Though how could she? You’re much taller than I am.”
I didn’t bother to answer. I’m sure the twins had thought of it, but because they’re sure Pop would protect me, they didn’t see it as a problem. I wasn’t about to tell her that though, no need to give her any ideas. The more guilt she feels, the better. “Don’t you want her to know it was you?” She looked at me in shock.
“It’s a yes or no question.”
“Sure, I’d love for her to know.”
“Good, I’m going to give you the chance.” I may not be happy with the way she went about things, but it’s already been done, so why stop now? We rode the rest of the way in silence until we pulled into the hospital parking lot.
I’d learned in the last hour that Becky had written my name on a piece of paper for the cops because her jaw had been wired shut. She wasn’t the one to call them either, but other guests at the motel had found her crawling on her hands and knees in the parking lot and called an ambulance. It was the hospital who’d called it in because a crime had been committed, and by law, they had to.
“Let’s go.” I didn’t warn her of the damage she’d done; she’d see soon enough. Hopefully, it will be enough for her bloodthirsty ass. My uncle had left instructions with the front desk, and we were ushered into her room minutes after we arrived and got suited up with goggles and gloves along with masks and gowns.
“Geez, Gianna, what the hell did you hit her with?” Becky was asleep when we walked in but stirred at my voice. She was wrecked. As soon as she recognized us, she started making noises and reached for the buzzer, but I got there first. “Not so fast; Gianna has something to say to you.”
More mumbling, but the hate in her eyes was plain to see when she looked at us.
“Hello Becky, how are you? You don’t look so good.” Becky grunted and tried to move when Gianna got close, but the pain proved to be too much for her. She was bandaged from head to toe; it looked like, almost mummified.
“Are you asking what I’m doing here? I’ll tell you. It was me who put you here. Call it even for all those trips down the stairs. Oh, I also wanted to tell you not to worry about Victoria, her dad came to get her. She should be in New York by now, right Gabriel?”
“I think so, yes.” Becky reached for the pen and paper next to her bed and wrote furiously.
“What did you do to my daughter?”
“Nothing yet. Though I plan to pay her a visit next time we’re in the city. I plan to do worst to her because I’ll have more time. Maybe I’ll poison her the way you did, mom. What do you think? It’s only fair, right. Becky tried sitting up, but Gianna pushed her back down. I’ve never seen her pissed before, not really.
Her face didn’t really give anything away, but the way she gritted her jaw and the look in her eyes told it all. I guess she was wishing she’d done more. “Maybe I should just finish you off now.” Becky’s eyes widened in fear, and she looked at me for help.
“Come here, Gianna.” Like hell, I’d let her walk down that path.
“I’m thirsty; I think I saw a vending machine downstairs; why don’t you get us both something to drink?” She gave me a suspicious look but left to do my bidding after one last vicious look in Becky’s direction. I waited for the door to close behind her before taking one of the visitor’s chairs and dragging it closer to the bed.
“You sent the cops to my home. That was your move; now I’ll make mine. When you leave here, you won’t be allowed back at the motel. All of your cards have been canceled, and your account is overdrawn. Felix now knows that he’s not your husband, so don’t expect to get any help from him, and before you forget, you’re not allowed to leave the state. There’s a homeless city a couple hours away from here, but you’ll have to walk. The car is gone. If you fuck with me or mine again, I’ll do worse.”
I got up and left because her grunts were indecipherable. I met Gianna on her way back and just took her hand and led her away. “Now, let’s really go for that ride.”
FELIX
I don’t know how long I sat there staring at the bare space where my wife’s portrait once hung. Victoria had left a while ago, kicking and screaming because the men outside, who I have yet to see, had taken the stuff she’d tried taking with her. She’d begged and pleaded with me to let her stay, and though my heart ached a little for the girl, I thought she was, but knowing what I know now, I couldn’t find it in me to care.
My head was a jumble of thoughts and mixed emotions. It’s not easy accepting how much of a failure I’d been, not only to my child but to my wife, who I’d promised to take care of her. I tried once again to recall when everything had changed. When had I started neglecting Gia? And why? It has to be more than just Becky’s words, surely.
But I couldn’t pinpoint a particular time or occurrence; it all seems to have just happened. It feels like one hit after another with no letup. First, learning that my wife had been murdered, and now the fact that I wasn’t even married to the monster who’d invaded our lives.
I want so badly to blame Becky for it all, but I’m afraid that would be a lie, and even so, I’d already lost my daughter. I’ve thrown up so much that there’s nothing left. The drink I’d poured myself sat untouched next to me; I didn’t have enough strength to raise the glass to my lips. But I needed to escape, oh how I wish I could. I’m afraid no amount of liquor is going to give me courage.
Beneath the sadness and sorrow laid a burning rage that I knew, once released, would have serious repercussions. I want to hurt someone, but who do I hurt when I’m the one most at fault? And how do I face myself in the mirror after this, let alone look at Gia ever again? She must hate me, didn’t she say I’d lost her already? What a mess, what a horrible mess.
I’ve really made a mess of things this time, and though I knew there was no point in me sitting here feeling sorry for myself, I can’t seem to dredge up the energy for anything else. The longer I sat there replaying the last decade in my head, the more the hate grew. It wasn’t long before a thought started forming in my head. It won’t change what’s already been done, but it sure as hell would fix some of what I’d done wrong.
The more I thought of it, the more alive I felt. For the first time in, I don’t know how long I had a purpose, something to look forward to. And even though my body cried out for rest and my mind threatened to shut down, I left my seat and headed upstairs to my home office. It’s late, but I can get the ball rolling starting now.
Yes, this is the best thing I can do for my daughter, the child I’d failed so abominably. My only purpose now before I leave this world is to make sure that she’s okay, that the ones who hurt her and made to pay for what they’d done. So what if the whole world learns that I’d been made a fool of? It doesn’t matter. It’s the only thing that will satisfy me. I sat down in front of the computer and got to work. “Forgive me, Adrienne!”