Page 38 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

“Continue,” he said.

“She came up to… tell me.” It wasn’t quite right, but the details were blending together. Did she come up to tell me or did she come to hide? “Her mom came in, yelled at her. Begged her not to tell.”

Uncle David leaned down. “But she did tell, didn’t she? And then her father took matters into his own hands.”

I shuddered.

“She should’ve listened to you, Caleb. If she had, your father would still be alive. Your family would still be together.”

He squeezed harder, until white spots exploded across my vision.

“Say it,” he repeated.

I knew better than to grab at his hands, but the urge was still there. The last time I did that, he backhanded me.

The easiest way to get out of this was to give him what he wanted.

“It’s Margo’s fault,” I whispered. “She ruined everything.”

He released me and sat back, smiling. He was a bit maniacal, wild hair and a crazy grin. “That’s it. One day, we’ll demand justice. Action is the only way things get done around here. Trust me, son. It’ll make you feel better.”

I swallowed. I didn’t believe him, but I would do anything to keep him calm.

“Yes, Uncle.”

Present

What if everything I believed was… twisted?

“Dude.”

I open my eyes. We’re home.

“You fall asleep?” Eli shakes his head. “You still have that concussion.”

I touch the back of my head. The wound my uncle gave me is all but closed. “I’m fine.”

He grunts. “You’re in denial, is what I think.”

I don’t bother with a response. He gets out, and I follow him up into the house. Mr. Black comes down the stairs as we’re kicking off our shoes.

“Margo is a curious girl,” he tells me.

“She talked to you?”

He watches me with eagle eyes. “Wanted to know what there was to be done about Matt Bonner.”

I grimace.

Eli nudges me, then blurts out, “The detective followed us to Theo’s house.”

His dad straightens. “Did you talk to him?”

“Theo’s mom told him to kick rocks,” Eli says. “He’s kind of creepy.”

Mr. Black just shakes his head. “I’ll look into it. See if we can file a harassment complaint. In the meantime, it’s late. Get some rest, boys. Caleb, you have to go back to school tomorrow.”

I raise my eyebrows. “They’re letting me back?”