Just when I think things couldn’t get any worse, the front door of the police station opens and in walks Eleanor, dressed in all black, looking like the Grim Reaper. I stand, ready to fill her in on everything that’s transpired while she’s been gone, but before I can even get out a phony welcome, she’s standing directly in front of me with lips pursed so tightly it looks like her filler might ooze out.

“How could you let this happen? I was gone for one day!” She practically spits in my face.

“Eleanor. Your son is thirty-six years old. He’s a grown adult and responsible for his own actions. I can’t watch him 24/7.”

“No, you obviously can’t. And that’s probably why he was unfaithful to you.” She raises her chin.

I take a small breath. Don’t hit her. Don’t hit her. Don’t hit her. “That’s really not fair. I’m doing everything I can for his case.” I stand a bit taller, trying to make myself bigger than her.

“There shouldn’t even be a case. He’s innocent. But now he’s going to face charges for assault and bail jumping because you couldn’t keep an eye on him.”

“Eleanor. Just stop. You’re being ridiculous.” I shake my head.

“Am I? You couldn’t even keep an eye on your own mother… and look what happened to her.” The corners of her mouth curve into a grin as if she’s pleased with her little comment.

Anne lets out an audible gasp. Bob shifts uncomfortably in his seat. Matthew half stands but then sits back down. I’d love to knock her out and bash her skull into the ground over and over again until I see brain—if she even has one. But I don’t need to defend myself for murder as well. I have to put an end to Eleanor’s involvement in this case and in my life, and I know just what to say. I take a deep breath.

“Your son is a liar, a cheater, and possibly a murderer. Your coddling and over-the-top mothering has gotten Adam into this mess. The best thing you could do as a mother is to take note from mine and kill yourself.”

Eleanor’s eyes widen to a new level and her mouth gapes. She raises her hand and slaps me hard across the face. “You wouldn’t know a mother’s love, you little bitch.”

It stings, and I put my hand to it. When I take my fingers away there is a smear of blood from where her ring made contact with my cheek.

Eleanor takes a step back. Her teeth are clenched, and the fire in her eyes is still burning strong.