Incendiary by Kathryn Kelly Read Free Book Online

moved her to quarters on the second floor, where only family resides.
    Catching sight of me, she begins to back away.
    “See these people out, Della,” Mother orders, turning another stern look to Jane. “10:00AM sharp .”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    A moment later, they’re gone and so is Della. I can’t believe she didn’t know I was in this room, but I remain silent, determined to secure Mother’s agreement about the adoption. This has gone on long enough.
    “You’ve got to fix this,” I wail.
    “I have.”
    “She’s still pregnant. For Sloane. I’m without him and my husband. All her fault.”
    Mother lifts a brow. “Parnell’s cheating again?”
    “No!” He just isn’t talking to me. Or sleeping with me. I almost prefer his cheating to his shut out.
    “Then you have your husband.”
    How can she be so goddamn ignorant? She doesn’t want to understand how miserable I am. Even if her lack of comprehension is real, I don’t know how to relay my feelings on most matters. Detailed explaining isn’t required in regards to my daughter.
    I’d prefer to take the whelp before I allow Georgie the satisfaction of getting it.
    Mother palms my cheek and my world rights itself. She loves me.
    “You’re overwrought,” she soothes. “Go upstairs and take a muscle relaxer.”
    “You’ll make her pay.” My words waffle pathetically from me. “You’ll break her for me.”
    Sighing, Mother closes her eyes before nodding. “You’re forcing my hand, Cassandra.”
    Her words bewilder me. S he promised she’d get it done my way.
    Regret crosses her face, and I hold back a rage-filled scream. Only Georgie brings this side out of her.
    “Upstairs, Cassandra.” She turns toward her purse. “Give me a day or two, three at most, but I’ll set everything in motion and take care of it,” she swears.
    I don’t question my mother, blindly trusting she’ll vindicate me. Satisfaction rolls through me at her calculating gleam.
    Unfortunately, no one wears naiveté well. Especially not me.

 
    Two days after Detective Jackson’s visit, I sit on my veranda’s swing, surrounded by the flowers in my garden. Grandma had a small section of land walled off just for me. It’s a neat little square and another way to keep me separated from the main house. The melody of the water falling from the fountain in the middle of the yard is soothing.
    Clouds are rolling in, and the heat and humidity takes a toll. So I stand and walk into my dining room, only used when Josh visits.
    Roaming into the living room, I draw in a breath at the silence. Since Grandma sent me upstairs and away from the cop, I’ve remained in my quarters, hiding from the detective, Grandma, and the world. Closeted away is easier than facing the boundaries outside these walls. The more space I’m afforded, the more alone I feel. Sighing, I flip on my television, not paying attention as I consider my sanctuary.
    My living room is very feminine, painted in sky blue, separated in the middle by thick, white planks, with floral print wallpaper running along the bottom half. Grandma allowed me to decorate all of the rooms I use. I have my bedroom, the baby’s nursery I’ve recently put the finishing touches on, a living room and a tiny dining room. There’s also the bedroom for my housekeeper, private bathrooms for both me and Lindsey. I have no visitors but Josh and Grandma, so I don’t need a guest bathroom. I also have a kitchen. My luxurious prison is complete. I have no reason to use anything of Grandma’s.
    I’ve never asked, either.
    What I have asked about is returning to school. When it opens in late August, the baby should be five-weeks-old if I deliver her on time. Grandma always says we’ll see about enrolling me. Then my mind wanders and I panic, worrying that I’ll go to school one day and return to find the baby gone, never to be seen again.
    Trusting Grandma is hard, therefore I haven’t mentioned school in a while.
    The Phoenix Rising song