Chapter 7 - THE FALLOUT
“Let her go!” Emily screamed, bursting out of the wall passage. I didn't think. I moved on pure instinct. I crossed the room in two strides, grabbing my mother's wrist. I squeezed exactly where I knew it would hurt. Patricia gasped, her grip loosening just enough. Emily snatched Lily away, pulling both girls into a fiercely protective embrace. “You are not family,” I said to Patricia, my voice shaking with a rage I had never known. “You are a parasite.” The remaining tactical man, realizing he wasn't being paid enough for a kidnapping charge, backed out the front door and ran. Patricia stumbled backward against the doorframe, massaging her wrist. She looked old suddenly. Small and frail. “I gave you everything, Ryan,” she choked out. “Everything you have is because of me.” Michael pressed the play button on the recorder. Patricia’s voice filled the room, crisp and cold: “Michael is a monster to look at. Ryan is the golden boy. Transfer the funds to Ryan’s account. Michael will stay in the facility until he rots.” He clicked it off. “You didn't give Ryan anything,” Michael said quietly. “You cursed him.” Patricia slumped against the wall, clutching her chest. For a moment, I thought it was another manipulation. But her breathing turned ragged, her lips pale. “My heart,” she wheezed, sliding down the wall to the floor. I looked at the woman who had lied to me, used me, and tried to steal my daughter. I pulled out my phone and dialed 911. “Send an ambulance,” I said coldly. “And the police.”
