CHAPTER 322 The Reckoning

  ~ JESSE ~

  I sat at the table, Cazz right alongside me, holding my hand under the tabletop, glaring at my father who was slumped on the other side.

  He'd been beaten. And I couldn't find an ounce of compassion for him.

  The two guards that brought him out stood, one on either side, their faces twisted into contempt. But my father didn't even look at them.

  He just stared at me-drank me in. At first I thought his desperation had to be faked. But then I remembered, he was being painfully honest.

  I'd tested it.

  "Did you kill Mom?"

  "No, honey."

  "Did you have anything to do with her death?"

  "No! She was sick-you saw-"

  "I wouldn't put anything past you."

  It was the only time I saw anger in his eyes, which meant it was real, I suppose. But angry because I'd accused him, or because he thought he'd never do anything like that?

  "Did you cheat on her?" I felt Cazz tense next to me.

  Dad didn't hesitate, but his expression twisted with discomfort. "Yes."