Torched by Bella Love-Wins Read Free Book Online

had called them. He wondered what he’d said to them.
    “Mom, Dad, we have a lot to discuss,” Kevin replied.
    His update was interrupted by Officer Grayson. “I think we have everything we need.” The officers stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, hello, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford,” he said, holding out his hand.
    Kevin’s parents stared at him.
    “I want to know what’s going on and someone better start talking,” his dad replied, his tone masked with irritation.
    “Mr. Crawford, I—”
    “They were about to leave. I’ll explain everything, Dad,” Kevin said, interrupting Officer Jessup.
    She looked at Kevin and then turned to her partner. Kevin silently hoped they’d allow him the chance to talk to his parents. As they moved toward the door, he sighed with relief. “We will be in touch,” Officer Grayson said.
    They walked out of the house, leaving Kevin’s parents looking to him for answers. “Should I leave?” Tara asked. She looked at him. She didn’t have her car there and would need a ride home.
    “Actually, I’d like you to stay,” he said.
    Tara appeared uncomfortable but slowly nodded. It was time to lay it all out for his parents. He released a breath before turning to them.
    “We’re waiting,” his dad began. “Why were the police here?”
    Kevin headed to the living room, and everyone followed him. It’d be a long, hard conversation, and they would need to take the news sitting down.
    ***
    T ara felt awkward staying there. This was a private family moment, and although she wanted to be there for Kevin, his parents were another story. She imagined how they would feel, hearing news like this with her in the room. Why didn’t I insist on leaving? Kevin looked nervous, fidgeting in his seat like it was the last place he wanted to be. She’d have given anything to take his worries away.
    “You said Jake called you,” he began. “What did he say?”
    His dad removed a phone from his pocket. “I didn’t talk to him. I was in the middle of a meeting, so he left a message.”
    He dialed up some numbers and placed the phone on the coffee table. Jake’s voice came through the phone.
    “Uh...Mom...Dad...I just wanted to say hello. I...I love you and hope you both know that. No matter what happens, I need you to know that. Don’t worry about me. N...no one needs to worry about me. Goodbye.”
    His speech seemed scattered and broken up at times. Tara looked up to see Kevin was deep in thought. “Did he call from his cellphone?” Kevin asked.
    “I don’t think so,” his distraught mother answered. “The number came up as unavailable. He seemed broken and sad. Do you know what that was about?”
    She looked tense, and Tara could only imagine what was going through Kevin’s mind.
    “Does it have anything to do with the cops?”
    Kevin’s dad touched his wife’s hand. “Honey, let Kevin talk.”
    Tara didn’t remember them being so affectionate, but it reminded her of how Kevin acted with her. Kevin shifted in his chair, before finally telling them everything. He left nothing out, from the camping trip to their fist fight and news reports that suggested Jake’s involvement in the murders. His mom’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth. Shock played on her facial expressions.
    Tara glanced at his dad and saw he didn’t appear as surprised, but he was there to console his wife. His arm was draped around her as she started to sob, repeating, “I just can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it.”
    Tara shifted in her seat. She felt so uncomfortable watching the emotional family situation. She glanced at Kevin, and he caught her gaze. His face showed it all. It was tough.
    “Mom...Dad...I know that isn’t what you wanted to hear, but Jake probably feels bad for what’s happened. That’s why he called you.”
    His dad nodded. “He may never come back home,” he said, disbelief evident in his voice.
    “I know, but that might be the best thing,” Kevin replied