Broken Beauty by Chloe Adams Read Free Book Online Page A

here,” he says. “I see someone who is well-provided for, who never wants for anything and who is exceptionally blessed with a great life. It never occurred to me that you needed something more to be happy and weren’t getting it.”
    He’s right. I do have everything I could ever want in the world. I just want my daddy to love me, though, and to feel like I belong in my own family . How my uncle can see what my parents can’t, I don’t know. It bothers me, though, and I’m too mentally taxed to consider why.
    “It never crossed my mind that you weren’t happy.”
    “I’m tired, Chris,” I tell him.
    “I understand. One more time. I promise it’s the last time.”
    I nod, knowing he’s probably the only person there who really does want to help me.
    The final version is mostly his words with a few of my own sentences. Only one of those sentences is difficult to write. The one where I lie about knowing who hurt me.
    Finally, I’m in tears, but the statement is done, written on the official police form. True to his word, Chris doesn’t ask me to make any more changes.
    “Is this it?” I ask. “Am I done with this?”
    “For now,” Chris says, taking my statement. “I’ll discourage them from further questions. And, apparently, Robert Connor has an alibi.”
    I look up at these words, surprised.
    “I called the police officers you gave his name to. They checked with him. He’s got several witnesses that place him somewhere else. If you remember anything else about who did this to you, please let me know,” Chris says. He’s looking at me intently, like I’m the one who lied about Robert.
    But I didn’t. I have a photo. Rather, Ari has a photo.
    “It doesn’t matter,” I mutter, recalling how Shea said I’d destroy everything for Daddy, if I tell people about Robert. I just need to figure out a way to forget this whole thing and move on.
    “It does matter,” Chris replies.
    “You don’t believe me.”
    “As your uncle, I do believe you. As an attorney, I know the prosecutor will have to prove that a man with an alibi did this to you while playing down the effects of alcohol and drugs on your ability to coherently recall what happened that night. If there is no doubt in your mind Robert did this, then I’ll do what I have to in order to get this ball rolling,” Chris said. “But if there is doubt, I need to know.”
    “I don’t know.” I can’t handle this conversation now. I can’t forget what Chris said about me going to court. “Thank you for the ice cream.”
    There’s a pause, then, “You’re welcome.”
    “Where’s my phone?” I ask.
    “I’ll retrieve your property when I drop this off at the station. They said everything went into the fountain, so I imagine we need to get you a new phone.” He slides the statement into his folder and rises.
    “Chris,” I say as he walks towards the door. “What happens now?”
    “Dr. Thompkins will be here tomorrow. He’ll help you through the mental damage. Shea is still gauging the press corps’ response to your speech this morning. Hopefully, we can distract them with your sister’s wedding. She’s marrying the son of a former president. Lie low, heal, and get yourself together. You’ve got one year left of high school before you can walk away from the family business. That’s always been your mother’s goal for you, and I think she’s right. You’re not cut out for this. You’ve got two trust funds. Go do whatever you want with your life.”
    “Thanks.” It’s the most encouraging thing I’ve ever heard from him, and it still sucks. He leaves. I return to my room. Ari is still there and I make her swear she won’t leave me alone until I’m asleep, facing the windows and the sun.
     

Chapter Five
     
    Mom’s two days turn into several days, although she calls every day to say two more days. Ari stays. My nightmares are bad, filled with memories of the night that changed me.
    Daddy doesn’t talk or even visit