“I can hear you,” Ben called, his voice no longer sweet. “Come out wherever you are.”

NOW, I texted Theo. A moment later, I heard his car roar into the driveway.

“What the hell?” Ben muttered. Footsteps clattered away.

“Wait here,” my father whispered.

“Where are you going?”

He vanished, and I cursed myself for not being able to chase after him. I could hear shouting at the front of the house and Teddy screaming. Then there was another gunshot.

CHAPTER 45 THEO

CHAPTER 45

THEO

Years ago, I’d paid good money for people to abuse me at fetish clubs. Knives were sharp, but nothing had ever cut into me with the precision of a gunshot that pierced my side. It didn’t even hurt at first. As I tumbled to the ground, I saw the stars shining above me, and I heard footfalls.

I’d rushed out of the car when I heard Teddy scream, but then I’d heard his voice. “Grandpa!” Teddy said. “What are you doing here?” His clear, delighted tone came to my ears like the sweetest music. My boy was safe.

The man who’d shot me dragged me into the house. My blood left a trail on the pale wood planks. He shoved me through an open door, and I tumbled down a splintery staircase, falling into a heap at the bottom. I was lying on cool, damp earth, and the smell of it filled my head.

A light went on, a dim bulb on a wire hanging from the ceiling.

“How did you find us?”

“You must be Ben,” I said. “What a way to meet.”

“Yeah, well, I’m the man your wife was actually in love with.”

“You don’t seem lovable,” I observed. “You abducted my son. You tried to kill my sister-in-law. And you killed my wife.”

He sank his foot into my ribs—the side without the wound.

“I’ve always hated you, Theodore Thraxton. From the moment I first heard your name.”

“It’s Theo,” I said.

“You’re the reason Caroline is dead,” he spat.

“From what I heard, you shoved her and she fell and hit her head. That makes you her killer.”

“You don’t have a clue.” He kicked me again. “You showed up at the house and terrified her. It was your fault she wanted to get away immediately. This is all on you.”

I laughed, even though it hurt.

“What’s so funny?” he demanded.

“There’s nothing worse than a man who won’t take responsibility for his actions,” I said. “That’s the story of my father. Everything he does—every evil thing—he blames on other people. It’s always their fault. No one loves a man like that. Caroline might’ve been willing to use you, but she was never going anywhere with you.”