He Ransomed His Secret Son and Left Our Daughter novel · Chapter 21 of 24
Chapter 21: The Question Lily Asks
"Then I'm deciding tonight," I said. "You sleep in your own bed, and you sleep all the way through."
Dario stared at me.
"When you ask me for something because you want it," I said, "ask me out loud. Until then, go to bed."
His throat moved.
"Yes, ma'am."
"And don't call me that."
The corner of his mouth moved, just a little, before he turned and went down the stairs.
Colin's mother lived in a brick house in Montclair with a porch swing and a lawn mowed in straight lines.
She had taught fourth grade for thirty-four years.
She opened the door in a cardigan with her glasses on a chain.
She looked at me for a long time.
"Mrs. Hargrove," she said.
"Marlena."
"I know what my son did." Her voice was dry and steady. "I watched the video twice."
"I won't make excuses for him in my house."
"I didn't come for excuses."
"Then come in. Both of you."
The boy stood in the front hall in a new sweater, holding the strap of his schoolbag.
He saw Lily and his whole face changed.
Lily marched up to him with the rabbit under her arm.
"This is your grandma," she announced, as if she had arranged it. "She's nice. I checked."
The rest of this chapter is part of the paid portion of the series. Chapters 1–12 of He Ransomed His Secret Son and Left Our Daughter are free to read — start from the beginning, then unlock the rest with coins in the app.
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