Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Fairplay
    Fairplay
    Fairplay
    Ebook447 pages7 hours

    Fairplay

    By Claudia Hall Christian

    5/5

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Why is life so unfair?

    Charlie’s question permeates the Denver Cereal as his mother rejects her children to embrace her greed; Seth’s greatest love falls to her death; Jill must fight to protect her own children while her in-laws attempt to take Katy; Blane’s health deteriorates; and a true love, broken by betrayal, reignites for Tanesha.

    Through their individual losses, the friends and family embrace the wealth and power available within their circle. In the end, Charlie’s pursuit of life’s fairness carries the Denver Cereal back into the grace and bounty of present life.

    Come along for the sweet and crunchy ride that is Denver Cereal. Fairplay is the sixth installment of the Denver Cereal. An Internet sensation, Denver Cereal is a serial fiction grounded in Uptown Denver, Colorado.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCook Street Publishing
    Release dateJul 8, 2012
    ISBN9781938057038
    Fairplay
    Author

    Claudia Hall Christian

    Claudia Hall Christian writes stories about good people caught in difficult situations. Her stories are addictive, heart pounding, and intense. She is the author of the Alex the Fey thriller series, the Queen of Cool, the Seth and Ava Mysteries, Suffer a Witch, Abee Normal Paranormal Investigations, and the longest consecutive serial fiction ever written, Denver Cereal. She lives in Denver where she keeps bees, gardens, hangs out with her Plott Hounds, and husband

    Read more from Claudia Hall Christian

    Related to Fairplay

    Titles in the series (25)

    View More
    View More

    Related ebooks

    Suspense Romance For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      Book Extract

      Jan 20, 2020

      My year off was also interesting, in that I didn’t feel any less loved, or cherished, or wanted. Why? Because my life is already rich with soulmates, and I got the chance to behold that. You don’t have to shag someone for them to be a soulmate. We do

      7 min read

    • Article

      Mum wrote her KILLER’S NAME IN BLOOD

      Apr 7, 2021

      Loretta Jones’ four-year-old daughter, Heidi, was her world. A single mum, Loretta, 23, doted on her little girl. Thick as thieves, Loretta and Heidi loved to play games and eat ice-cream. When Loretta ironed, she’d set up Heidi with her own toy iron

      3 min read

    • Article

      Silent Threat

      Apr 22, 2021

      Silent Threat
      5 min read

    • Article

      Tea Events Calendar

      Aug 1, 2023

      U.S. National Teapot Show 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cedar Creek Gallery Creedmoor, North Carolina Teapot collectors will not want to miss the triennial exhibition of remarkable wares at the U.S. National Teapot Show. The event has occurred since 1989 a

      2 min read

    • Article

      The Boy Who Cried Wolf

      Jun 9, 2020

      Josh Turner from Austin, Texas The egg landed with a splat on the truck window. ‘Bullseye,’ grinned my buddy Dave*. Hiding in the shadows, as the car drove past, we could see the driver gesticulating furiously. It was 31 October 1990 – Halloween – a

      4 min read

    • Article

      Coming Soon...

      Dec 15, 2020

      David Tennant stars as Phileas Fogg in this new adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel. Phileas is joined on his voyage by sidekick Passepartout (Ibrahim Koma) and journalist Abigail Fix (Leonie Benesch).  The cookery show returned earlier this year afte

      1 min read

    • Article

      Always Room For MORE

      Jun 7, 2023

      Always Room For MORE
      6 min read

    • Article

      Keeping A Low Profile

      Jun 30, 2020

      Keeping A Low Profile
      6 min read

    • Article

      Uncontrollable, Irrelevant

      Dec 6, 2022

      My sister called me the other day. She wanted to let me know that I had once more been merciless and cruel in my relations with our parents. “They say there’s a lot of anger in you,” she said. “It makes them mad. It hurts their feelings. They think y

      14 min read

    • Article

      The Family Plot

      May 7, 2020

      The Family Plot
      10 min read

    • Article

      Dancing on My Own

      Apr 11, 2020

      I’D BEEN SEQUESTERED WITH MY 10-YEAR-OLD FOR six days, and my mood was souring. I was worried about my parents, my kid, my job, the health care workers and delivery people, and about how fragile every single fucking thing is. I missed my boyfriend, w

      2 min read

    • Article

      ‘The Orchard’: Featured Fiction from David Hopen

      Nov 19, 2020

      An excerpt from a book Booklist called "a brilliantly conceived and crafted coming-of-age novel of ideas, replete with literary and philosophical references." The post ‘The Orchard’: Featured Fiction from David Hopen appeared first on The Millions.

      5 min read

    • Article

      ‘Nothing Fazes Me Now’

      Jun 3, 2021

      ‘Nothing Fazes Me Now’
      2 min read

    • Article

      Santa Sees Double

      Oct 3, 2023

      Twas three weeks before Christmas and all through the store, there were joyful holiday decorations galore. That store was Sears and Roebucks near the city of Pittsburgh, where I grew up. That store was where my identical twin sister, Sally, and I, wh

      2 min read

    • Article

      All By Myself

      Apr 28, 2020

      All By Myself
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Christmas GETAWAY

      Nov 29, 2023

      The Christmas GETAWAY
      9 min read

    • Article

      Two Cities, One Brave Girl

      Sep 24, 2018

      Two Cities, One Brave Girl
      2 min read

    • Article

      HEATHER MITCHELL The Naked Truth

      Oct 5, 2022

      HEATHER MITCHELL The Naked Truth
      9 min read

    • Article

      The NEWCOMER

      Oct 10, 2023

      The NEWCOMER
      11 min read

    • Article

      The Newcom Er

      Sep 21, 2021

      The Newcom Er
      11 min read

    • Article

      Chrissie Swan

      Nov 30, 2023

      Chrissie Swan
      6 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Fairplay

    5/5

    4 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Fairplay - Claudia Hall Christian

      cover.jpg

      Fairplay

      Denver Cereal, Volume Six

      Claudia Hall Christian

      img1.jpg

      Cook Street Publishing

      Denver, CO

      Also by Claudia Hall Christian

      StoriesbyClaudia.com

      Abee Normal, Paranormal Investigations

      The Casebook of Abee Normal, Paranormal Investigations, Volume 1

      The Casebook of Abee Normal, Paranormal Investigations, Volume 2

      The Denver Cereal

      The Denver Cereal Fort Lupton

      Celia’s Puppies Fort Morgan

      Cascade Fort Collins

      Cimarron Olney Springs

      Black Forest Manitou Springs

      Fairplay Idaho Springs

      Gold Hill Poncha Springs

      Silt Hot Sulfur Springs

      Larkspur Glenwood Springs

      Firestone Pagosa Springs

      Alex the Fey Thrillers

      The Fey

      Learning to Stand

      Who I am

      Lean on Me

      In the Grey

      Finding North

      About Face

      In Deep

      The Queen of Cool

      The Queen of Cool

      Seth and Ava Mysteries

      Tax Assassin

      Carving Knife

      Friendly Fire

      Cigarette Killer

      Little Girl Blue

      Billie’s Bounce

      Footprints

      Suffer a Witch

      Suffer a Witch

      Copyright © Claudia Hall Christian

      ISNI: 0000 0003 6726 170X

      Originally published:

      June 2011 — January 2012

      at DenverCereal.com

      Licensed under the Creative Commons License:

      Attribution — NonCommercial — Share Alike 3.0

      img2.png

      ISBN-13 : 978-1-938057-92-2 (print)

        978-1-938057-93-9 (digital)

      PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

      img3.jpg

      Second edition © June 2021

      Cook Street Publishing

      ISNI: 0000 0004 1443 6403

      PO Box 7247

      Denver, CO 80207

      What’s happened so far

      Denver Cereal is an addicting, fun, sweet and crunchy serial fiction filled with the tension, drama, and love of urban life.

      The best way to catch up is to read Grand Junction, Denver Cereal Volume 1-10 and Fort Garland, Denver Cereal V11-13. They are very affordable and available wherever you buy eBooks. You can also read Denver Cereal chapters online at DenverCereal.com

      We used to write a section here that gave a synopsis of all of the previous books. Frankly, the synopsis wasn’t very good. More than anything, they deprived you of the chance to hang out in Denver Cereal for a while. We were only be spoiling your fun

      You deserve a chance to read all the crazy twists and turns, mischief, and wild adventures of Denver Cereal. These aren’t books to be accomplished or checked off a list. They are stories to be savored and enjoys.

      Get to it.

      We’ll be here when you get back.

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~

      Denver Cereal is provided free online due to

      the generous support of our patrons and you, the book buyer.

      This book was created because of your support.

      Thank you to you, and

      all of our patrons

      Table of Contents

      Table of Contents

      Chapter One Hundred & Fifty-seven

      Chapter One Hundred & Fifty-eight

      Chapter One Hundred & Fifty-nine

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-one

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-two

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-three

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-four

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-five

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-six

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-seven

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-eight

      Chapter One Hundred & Sixty-nine

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-one

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-two

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-three

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-four

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-five

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-six

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-seven

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-eight

      Chapter One Hundred & Seventy-nine

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-one

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-two

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-three

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-five

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-six

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-seven

      Glossary of Characters

      Chapter One Hundred & Fifty-seven

      Frappe

      Saturday morning — 8:15 a.m.

      Tucson, Arizona

      Will you stop that? Charlie growled at Sissy.

      Sissy’s toe touched her opposite ankle and then tapped the floor in front of her in a ballet frappé. Her foot was a blur as she repeated the movement over and over again. Nervous, she’d been doing this for almost an hour. They were sitting in the middle of the suite, waiting for their mother to call. Noelle, Teddy, and Nash were already at the pool.

      Sissy! Charlie yelled.

      Fine, Sissy said. She began moving her foot from her ankle from one side to the other in the same rapid motion.

      Stop it! Charlie grabbed her leg.

      Ow! Let me go! Sissy squealed. You’re hurting me.

      She resumed the motion the moment he let go of her leg.

      Sissy! Charlie yelled.

      Charlie!

      Hey! Hey! Sandy came into the sitting area. What’s going on?

      She won’t stop doing that! Charlie yelled. She’s driving me crazy!

      I have to practice! Sissy said. I’m supposed do at least a hundred a day in every direction and . . .

      You’re driving me crazy! Charlie yelled.

      That’s a short trip, Sissy yelled.

      For the first time since they’d come to live with Sandy, the siblings were face to face and screaming at each other.

      "Enough!" Aden yelled.

      Surprised, Sissy and Charlie looked at Aden.

      We’re all nervous today, Aden said. We can’t take it out on each other.

      He started it! Sissy said.

      "Come on, Sissy. You know those frappés drive people crazy," Sandy said.

      Right! Charlie sneered at Sissy.

      You’re not off the hook, Charlie, Sandy said. You have your reading exam as soon as we get back. Your high-school placement depends on it.

      I would be studying, but she’s making me crazy! Charlie yelled.

      You were already crazy, Mr. Short Bus, Sissy yelled.

      And they were off. Charlie hurled an insult at Sissy. Sissy returned the favor. Like all siblings, they knew each other’s vulnerable territory and launched laser-targeted verbal bombs. Rachel started crying at the top of her lungs in the other room. Aden pointed toward the bedroom, and Sandy nodded. He left to take care of Rachel.

      Sandy put a hand on Charlie’s shoulder and the other on Sissy’s. Not speaking very loud, she said:

      Please stop.

      Charlie clamped his mouth shut, and Sissy followed suit. They turned to look at their sister.

      This is what she does, Sandy said. She rejects us. It’s so wretchedly painful that we take our pain out on each other.

      Oh, Sandy. Sissy threw her arms around her sister. Charlie put his arms around the two of them. The three siblings held each other for a few moments before Sandy shifted back a bit.

      How about this? Sandy asked. "Why don’t we figure out what we’d like to do today? We can fit Mom in after she calls."

      But what if Mom calls while we’re out? Sissy’s eyes were huge orbs of sadness.

      We can have the room phone forwarded to our cell phones, Sandy said. "That way, Mom can get us at the pool, or horseback riding, or whatever we decide to do."

      I don’t understand it, Sissy said. "She called every night last week and told me we should come to see her as soon as we get here. Then . . ."

      She bailed, Charlie glared. What a surprise.

      Listen, Sandy said. I know the whole thing sucks. I know that. But we . . . She put her hand on her chest, and then on Sissy’s chest, and, finally, on Charlie’s chest. We have each other. We love each other. We have friends and family and work we like and everything that matters. We can afford to be generous with Mom.

      I can’t, Charlie said.

      Charlie! Sissy pleaded tearfully with her brother.

      Fine, Charlie said. What do you want to do?

      The boys are going on a horseback ride in a half hour, Sandy said. Aden, Nash, Jacob, Mike, Teddy — all of the boys. MJ came in this morning. You and MJ always have a great time, Charlie. Why don’t you go with them?

      But what if Mom calls? Sissy asked.

      We’ll make a plan to meet her, Sandy said.

      What will I do? Sissy asked. I don’t want to be alone.

      Noelle, Valerie, Jill, and I are going to get our nails done, Sandy said. Honey picked up MJ on the Navajo reservation last night. She’s coming with us, too.

      Honey, too? Sissy smiled. She makes everything fun.

      She didn’t tell you they were coming, in order to surprise you, Sandy said. Have you ever been anywhere with Valerie?

      No, but Noelle told me about it, Sissy said. It’s pretty wild.

      And very fun, Sandy said.

      Aden came out of the bedroom with Rachel. The baby’s entire body was bright red and her face wet with tears. She fussed until Aden gave her to Sandy. Aden pointed toward the door. Sandy nodded. He left to get the kids from the pool.

      What’s wrong with Rachel? Charlie asked.

      She can feel everyone’s anxiety, Sandy said. I can, too. We have to get on with our lives. For all of our sakes.

      Charlie picked up Rachel from Sandy. He nuzzled her face and blew on her stomach. She giggled and patted his face. He set Rachel back in Sandy’s arms.

      I think we should wait for Mom, Sissy said.

      I don’t, Charlie said. I’m going horseback riding. Jake said we were going to see some cool old Indian caves today, and, tomorrow, we’re going to some hot springs. You should go with the girls, Sis. When will you ever have a chance to hang out with a real movie star?

      Go clean up, Sandy said.

      Undecided, Sissy stood for a moment. Charlie turned her around by her shoulders. Sissy gave a woeful sigh and slunk off to the bathroom. With Sissy gone, tears welled in Charlie’s eyes.

      Mrs. Anjelika is here, Sandy said. She said she’d go horseback riding with you if you wanted.

      She can go with you, Charlie said. I’m supposed to study with her this afternoon. If Mom wants to see us this afternoon, I can’t go.

      Sandy nodded.

      What do you think she’s up to? Charlie asked.

      I don’t know, Sandy said. In the last year, I’ve been so happy. You’ve been pretty happy in the last few months. I think she can’t ever be happy. She’s kind of broken in that way. She sees our happiness, and it makes her mad.

      That’s not right! Charlie’s voice was indignant.

      It’s not, Sandy said. I can’t help but feel sorry for her. Who could want better kids than you and Sissy?

      And you.

      And yet she feels like she has nothing, Sandy said. I tell you this all the time, but when you spend your time focusing on what you give, you miss the love that surrounds you.

      Charlie reached his finger over to stroke a renegade tear off Rachel’s cheek and nodded.

      She sees only herself, Sandy said. So, she has only herself. When I’m feeling sad or blue, I can talk to you or Aden or Jill or Sissy or play with the dogs or cuddle Rachel or . . . I have so many options.

      She doesn’t have any, Charlie said.

      She doesn’t, Sandy said.

      Did we take it away from her? Charlie’s eyes blinked at his mother’s cruel words that still lingered in his heart.

      No, Sandy said. I’ve known her a long time, longer than you or Sissy. She’s always been like this. I think Dad thought he could help her, make her better, but . . .

      Sandy shrugged.

      Dad was really great, Charlie said.

      He was amazing, Sandy said. The kids look up to you like everyone looked up to Dad.

      That’s ’cuz I’m tall, Charlie smiled.

      No, Sandy said. It’s because you have the same strength and brightness. Everyone has had a tough week. We killed a serial killer, two evil creatures . . .

      And all those baby creatures, Charlie nodded. Noelle has nightmares about them.

      I need you to be a leader today, Sandy said. Help me by being stable and strong for me and the kids. I want Mom to be alright, too.

      I’ll try, Charlie said.

      Good, Sandy said. Now go get dressed.

      Do we have time to eat before we go? Charlie asked on his way to the boys’ bedroom.

      You just ate!

      I know, but . . . Charlie rubbed his stomach.

      Go! Get dressed! Shaking her head, Sandy laughed.

      Thanks. Charlie gave Sandy a nod and disappeared.

      Sandy sat down on the couch to feed Rachel. The baby grabbed her breast but couldn’t seem to clamp on.

      I don’t know, Rachel, Sandy said. Are you worried, too?

      Rachel looked up at Sandy and blinked her beautiful eyes. Sandy smiled. She offered Rachel the other breast, and she began to nurse. Sandy sighed.

      We’ll find out soon enough, she said.

      The door burst open with a whirl of noise and excitement, as Noelle, Nash, and Teddy rushed in from the pool

      "Ew!" Nash gave his usual response to Sandy’s breastfeeding.

      Teddy dragged him into their bedroom to change. Noelle stopped to say Hi to Rachel and went to change. Aden came to sit next to her.

      You okay? Aden asked.

      Not really, Sandy said. Makes me furious to see the kids upset. Again. By the same bullshit from the same woman. I feel like an idiot for dragging everyone here.

      I thought you a good job taking care of Sissy and Charlie, Aden said.

      Sandy shrugged.

      Do you have another plan? Aden asked.

      While you guys are out, I’m going to that treatment center to put an end to this once and for all, Sandy said.

      I won’t let you go alone, Aden said.

      Thanks. Sandy gave him a vague smile.

      And Rachel? Aden asked.

      I was going to ask Anjelika or Delphie if they could sit her, Sandy said. They plan to hang out together and gossip. Or that’s what they said.

      Have you pumped milk? Aden asked.

      I brought some frozen. It’s in the hotel freezer downstairs, Sandy said. Rachel doesn’t seem to mind the substitute.

      I’ll go ask Delphie and get the milk. Aden got up from the couch. What will you tell Charlie and Sissy?

      The truth, Sandy said. They’ll probably be relieved.

      Why don’t I tell them? Aden said. I can be the bad guy.

      Sandy’s eyes scanned his face to see if she could determine his motivation. He gave her a soft smile.

      I love you, Aden said. That’s why I’m doing it.

      Nodding, Sandy gave him a worried look.

      You’re a great mother, Sandy, Aden said. To them all. We’ll mother your mother together.

      He bent, kissed her cheek, and went into the boys’ room. Sandy settled back to Rachel.

      I don’t know, Rachel, Sandy said. This isn’t going to end well. I just know it.

      ~~~~~~~~

      Saturday morning — 8:15 a.m.

      What the hell is that? Maresol asked.

      She’d been in a downstairs bedroom getting ready for Seth’s homecoming when she heard something. Something definitely barky was going on in the hallway.

      Oh, no. You are not bringing that thing into my house! Maresol pointed to the chocolate Labrador puppy Dale and Ava were playing with.

      It was a present, Ava said. For Seth.

      I don’t care, Maresol said. It’s a peeing, pooping, and chewing nightmare.

      She’s so cute, Dale said. How can you not love this face?

      I do not like . . . Maresol started. Ava was holding the puppy up so that it was near Maresol’s eyes. Hrmph.

      Maresol turned away from Ava and the puppy.

      Why don’t you hold her? Before Maresol could react, Ava set the puppy in the woman’s arms. The puppy started licking Maresol’s chin. She let out a little laugh.

      I knew you didn’t hate dogs, Ava said.

      Maresol gave Ava a sad smile and kissed the puppy.

      So what’s the story? Dale asked.

      My Bonita had dogs, Maresol said. She loved those dogs like she loved her children — with fierce, laughing love. After the children were killed, we had the dog for five more years, maybe more. Seth and I . . . We were both destroyed when he died. It was almost like losing the boys and Bonita all over again. I don’t think I can go through that.

      Maresol’s hand went automatically to rub the puppy’s ears.

      She is very cute, Maresol said. Where did she come from?

      One of the families of the kids, Ava said. They wanted to thank Seth for finding the man who killed their son and bringing him to justice. They breed Labradors, and I guess she’s some prize.

      The pick of the litter, Dale said. That’s what they said. They gave us a crate, bowls, food, and other stuff.

      Well, pick of the litter, Maresol said. Do you have a name?

      Ava and Dale shook their heads.

      What were your other dogs called? Ava asked.

      Seth named them after composers, Maresol said. The one we had after Bonita and the boys were killed was called ‘Mozart.’

      How about ‘Clara’? Dale asked.

      Clara? Ava asked.

      Clara Schumann, the greatest pianist of the nineteenth century, Dale said.

      How . . .? Ava shook her head in wonderment that he’d come up with something so fast.

      I looked up ‘composers’ before they dropped her off, Dale blushed. And I like the name Clara. Plus, it seems to fit her.

      I like it, Ava said.

      "Hello, Clarita. Maresol set the puppy down and brought up her index finger. You two will clean up the yard and the house after this thing. You will potty-train her immediately. You will obedience-train her and walk her at least once a day until Seth is better. And you will not let the puppy eat any — and I mean not a single piece — of my furniture."

      Yes, ma’am, Ava said.

      Dale was so surprised at Maresol’s change in demeanor that he just stared at her. Ava knocked his shoulder with the back of her hand.

      Yes, ma’am, Dale said.

      Good, Maresol said. Now put Clara in her crate, and help me finish Seth’s room. He will be home in a few hours.

      Yes, ma’am, Dale repeated.

      She smiled at him, and he laughed. Ava put Clara in her tiny puppy crate and went to help.

      ~~~~~~~~

      Saturday mid-day — 11:45 a.m.

      Okay, Sandy stopped her pacing in front of Aden. I was mad, but now I’m really pissed.

      After being told that Sandy’s mother would be right out, they had been waiting in the lobby for nearly two hours.

      She gets fifteen more minutes — then, I’m leaving, Sandy said. And not coming back. No matter what.

      Aden tried to hug Sandy, but she shrugged him off. She continued pacing.

      I can see why Charlie was mad, Aden said.

      Why? Sandy asked.

      "Your pacing isn’t much better than Sissy’s frappé, Aden said. Did you know that frappé means ‘struck’? It refers to the dancers touching their ankle with the toe of the opposite foot."

      It may as well mean ‘stuck,’ Sandy said.

      I looked it up on your iPhone, Aden said.

      I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, a nurse said as she entered the waiting room. Your mother is ready to see you now. Will you follow me?

      In the nick of time, Sandy said under her breath. Why am I not surprised?

      I’m sorry, the nurse said. Did you say something?

      No, nothing, Sandy said.

      Is this your husband? the nurse said.

      This is Aden, Sandy said.

      Your mother talks a lot about how proud she is of you, the nurse said. She’ll be right in with her therapist.

      She didn’t ask about Sissy or Charlie? Sandy asked.

      "She wanted to make sure they weren’t here, the nurse said. I know they’ve been begging to see her, but it’s just too much for the poor dear. Your sister, Mitzi, has called her every night this week. She’s just too fragile for such a needy child. Mitzi is fourteen. She should be more independent, but you know how your mother is. She smothers you kids with love."

      Behind the nurse, Sandy looked at Aden and made a vomit gesture. He almost laughed out loud. The nurse opened the door to a small room with a table in the middle. She gestured to the chairs.

      I’ll tell you, the nurse said. Mitzi and Charles are going to have to grow up if your mother is ever going to come home.

      Grow up? Sandy asked.

      Jobs after school, hell, clean up after themselves, the nurse sniffed at Sandy. Sandy gawked at the woman. They are too old to require such babying. So are you. You kids are going to have to take some responsibility for yourselves.

      Before Sandy or Aden could respond, the nurse pulled the door closed. Sandy tried to move her foot in a frappé but failed.

      Did you hear that? Sandy tried to move her foot again in a frappé. Sissy? Needy? She just helped take down a serial killer and a nest of evil creatures. She is a super hero! Charlie, too! He beat his addiction and helped Seth and . . . Those kids practically raised themselves!

      I answered the phone this week, Aden said. Your mother initiated every call.

      Lying bitch. Sandy tried the frappé again.

      Like to strike her? Aden smiled.

      Sandy nodded. He pulled out a chair at the table, and she sat down. They settled in for another wait.

      Chapter One Hundred & Fifty-eight

      Pond scum

      Saturday midday — 12:45 p.m.

      Treatment Center, Tucson, Arizona

      Sandy rubbed her left breast.

      Sore? Aden asked.

      It’s the longest I’ve gone since Rachel was born. Sandy gave a slight nod.

      You’re leaking a little . . . Aden pointed to her right breast.

      Sandy looked down at her blouse. She was reaching for the towel she carried with her when the door opened. She popped to her feet with the kitchen towel in her hand. Her mother came in with a man in a business suit and a kindhearted-looking woman. They stared at each other for a moment.

      Nice to finally meet you, Aden said. He held out his hand to Sandy’s mother. I’m Aden Norsen, Sandy’s husband.

      He put his hand on Sandy’s shoulder. Sandy’s Mom gave Aden a limp handshake.

      Hi, Mom, Sandy said.

      Don’t I get a hug? her Mom asked.

      I . . . Sandy pointed to the moisture on her blouse.

      What did you spill? Sandy’s mother’s false smile slipped to a look of sheer disgust. Before Sandy could answer, her mother sat down across the table, leaving the man and woman standing in the doorway.

      I’m Jeanette. The woman took Aden’s hand and shook it. Dr. Jeanette Smythe. Alice is my patient.

      Sandy blinked at the use of the name Alice for her mother. Her mother’s name was Patricia Delgado.

      "Alice?" Sandy blurted out.

      "I’ve left Patty behind, Sandy, her mother said. Too much pain and trauma. I’ve chosen ‘Alice’ as my new name for my new life."

      Stunned, Sandy blinked at the woman.

      Vere Morgan. The man shook Aden’s hand. I’m Alice’s attorney. I apologize for the delay. I needed to prepare some of the paperwork required for today. Alice has had a tough time deciding her course of action. But we’re certain now. Right?

      Somewhere between a scolding teacher and a kind Santa Claus, Vere raised an eyebrow to the-once-Patty. She gave him a soft, almost romantic smile. To keep from vomiting, Sandy focused her attention on her leaking breast. Her eyes caught the sparkle from her diamond wedding set. For the briefest moment, she was glad Aden had insisted on something so big. She was usually too embarrassed to wear it. But today, she was glad it was ostentatious and on her finger. The soon-to-be-Alice cleared her throat, and Sandy looked up.

      Sorry, Sandy said. We’ve been waiting a long time. It’s the longest I’ve been away from my daughter. She was a preemie, so we nurse every two and a half or three hours.

      You’re feeding her like a cow? the same-old-Patricia said.

      I’m breastfeeding my daughter, Sandy said.

      She opened her mouth to spout off all the reasons breastfeeding was better for Rachel when Aden put his hand on her leg. She looked at him and smiled.

      I hate to be rude, Aden said. But we need to get back to our children. Alice, you requested that we fly here with Sissy and Charlie. You asked me on Thursday if Sissy and Charlie could come here themselves. We’d like to know why you won’t see them now.

      Sandy’s once-mother’s eyes filled with tears. She gave her psychologist an imploring look. Sandy scowled. Clearly the woman was Dr. Stupid.

      If you’re going to take that tone, Dr. Stupid said, we’ll need to end this interview.

      Aden was so surprised his mouth fell open for a second. He furrowed his brow and sat back in his chair.

      This is a very painful conversation for me, the motherish woman said. I . . .

      What if I start? the lawyer said.

      While the lawyer was looking for approval from the female-once-known-as-her-mother, Sandy squinted. She couldn’t remember his name. Bear? Swear? No, something Presbyterian. Vere. Vere what? Vere the lawyer. That would have to do.

      There’s no easy way to have this conversation, Vere the lawyer said.

      Give us some idea what we’re dealing with, Aden stated.

      Presented with the lawyer, Aden switched to business mode. Sandy leaned back in her seat to allow him to take over. Her eyes shifted to the creature-she’d-thought-was-her-mother.

      Patricia Delgado has given as much as she can. She has worked her fingers to the bone, struggled, suffered, and given until there is nothing left, Dr. Stupid said. Only a shell of a woman remained.

      In a few days, Patricia Delgado will cease to exist, Vere the lawyer said.

      From the ashes of Patricia Delgado, Alice Endicott will fly! Mimicking the wings of a bird, Dr. Stupid’s arms went up. While Sandy tracked the motion, her eyes never left the not-quite-a-bird creature sitting across from her.

      So this is what you had planned, Sandy said.

      I’ve tried and given and tried and given, Sandy, Patricia-becoming-Alice-once-her-mother said. You, of all people, know how hard I’ve given.

      Yes, I know how much you’ve given, Sandy snorted. Patricia-becoming-Alice scowled at her.

      What does this have to do with us? Aden asked.

      Alice can no longer parent Mitzi and Charles Delgado, the lawyer said.

      We’re prepared to take full custody of Sissy and Charlie, Aden said. Is Patricia or Alice or whoever prepared to terminate her parental rights?

      There’s a sticking point with that, Vere the lawyer said. The children’s father arranged his estate so that Alice’s support is tied to the care of his children.

      Mitch was such a selfish bastard, Dr. Stupid said. Poor Patricia put up with him because she loved him so, but . . .

      You will not say another word about my Dad, Sandy jumped to her feet. Her voice was low and deadly. Her finger pointed like a dagger at Dr. Stupid’s heart. For a moment, there was no question who the most powerful person in the room was. Intimidated, the psychologist and lawyer fell back in their seats. Not one word.

      See what I have to put up with? the woman-who-always-hated-Sandy pretended to weep.

      Aden tugged at Sandy’s arm to get her to sit down.

      Are we clear? Sandy asked.

      Perfectly clear, Dr. Stupid said.

      The-almost-new-but-still-bitter-Alice gave Sandy a seething look.

      Good, Sandy sat down. Now, continue with the bullshit.

      Why don’t you cut to the chase? Aden asked. We’re in contact with Social Services. They’ve already established that we’re a suitable home for Sissy and Charlie. Terminating Patricia’s custody is only a matter of filing the paperwork. Do you have the documents prepared?

      By relinquishing her parental rights, Alice will no longer have access to medical benefits and the financial support provided by her deceased husband, Vere the lawyer said.

      How much? Sandy asked.

      Sandra, really. I think . . . the woman-Sandy-had-suffered-for started.

      How much? Sandy repeated.

      The remaining parental benefits amount to almost three hundred thousand dollars, Vere the lawyer said.

      How about five? Sandy asked. Will five hundred thousand end this once and for all?

      Sandy? Aden asked.

      His eyes took in her face. She shook her head. They had argued about this. While he disagreed with paying for the children outright, it was her call. He gave her a nod.

      In gold, the-woman-who-knew-the-entire-time-about-Sandy’s-abuse said.

      So that’s what this is about, Sandy leaned back against the chair. The gold.

      "I knew you had it, the-creature-who-stood-by-and-did-nothing said. I knew it!"

      What gold? Vere the lawyer and Dr. Stupid asked at the same time.

      Aden turned to assess Sandy. While he had no idea what she was talking about, he knew the look on her face — part shame, part rage, and a healthy dose of deep pain. This was about Sandy’s sexual abuse. He set his face to stone.

      Patricia’s husband, the man I thought was my biological father, sexually abused me from the time I was about two years old, Sandy said. He made his living — and paid his child support — by prostituting me and selling the videotapes and photos of my sexual abuse. Because his activities were illegal, he was mostly paid in gold Krugerrands. He gave me a two-gallon jar of Krugerrands every Christmas. He said it was my college fund.

      Sandy never broke eye contact with the woman-who-was-never-her-mother.

      Patricia feels horrible about what happened, Dr. Stupid said. Everything that happened with her ex-husband — his death, the revelation of his horrible business, discovering what happened to you — was a crushing blow. It’s a key reason she’s leaving ‘Patricia’ behind.

      Did she tell you that she was an active participant in the business? Sandy asked.

      Dr. Stupid and Vere the lawyer turned to look at the womanish-thing sitting across from her. Dr. Stupid recovered first.

      How can you say that? Dr. Stupid tried for indignant.

      The only way this woman could have known about the gold is if she was involved from the very beginning, Sandy said. Did you steal me from my birth mother to have a child to build a prostitution and pornography business around?

      The cruel-mammal sneered at Sandy. Crossing her arms, she looked away.

      That’s what I thought, Sandy continued, staring at the breathing-garbage-in-human-form. I always wondered how he managed to set up the business. He wasn’t very bright. But you? You could have set up the entire thing with a blink of an eye. And the new Internet business? Sheer brilliance. What were you? An equal partner? A shareholder? What? Is that why you told Sissy we would live together? So you could restart the pornography business using her?

      You’re exhausting, the speaking-residue said. Don’t you get it? Your endless needs have destroyed me.

      We finish this now, Aden said. Or we leave and come back with law enforcement. The case we’re talking about is open and active. The FBI and Interpol are still tracking down active partners in the pornography ring. One phone call and . . .

      Fine, the woman said. Five hundred thousand.

      And you will terminate your parental rights to Mitzi and Charlie Delgado? Aden asked.

      Dr. Stupid looked from Aden to the lawyer and back.

      That’s correct, Vere the lawyer said.

      "But I want it in

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1