True Control 4.2 by Willow Madison Read Free Book Online

I can see Dad moving to stand near us again. I ignore him.
    “She was scared of you.” Jake matches my tone, says this like it’s an accusation. An explanation. It’s not.
    “So? She runs to you?!”
    Jake lowers his eyes to Lucy’s head. I don’t need to look down to see that she’s trying to get her breathing under control again, covering her face and shaking. He tries for a calmer, more even tone, “She didn’t run to me, Max. She needed a friend to talk to. That’s all. I didn’t make it home…she got stuck in my elevator. That’s it.” He tries to shrug like this is no big deal.
    My tone hasn’t changed. I’m only getting angrier. “Let me get this straight…she left here for her appointment, but instead went to your place…looking for you ?” He only nods, keeping his eyes on me again. For a moment I can’t see beyond the red. I can’t believe any of this is happening.
    My nightmare earlier tonight was someone holding Lucy for a ransom or taking her and…and hurting her. But this?! That she was with my own brother?!
    Dad interrupts, “Jake…why would Lucy go to your place?” He’s angry too, but trying to sound calm like Jake.
    Jake doesn’t look at him as he answers, just keeps staring at me, “I’ve been talking with Lucy…for a few months now…we’ve become close friends.” I don’t like the way he stressed the word. My jaw and fists clench harder. “She was scared about her doctor’s appointment today…and she needed a friend to talk to.” He repeats what he’s already said…it’s not an explanation!
    Jake finally takes his eyes off me and looks at Dad. “She’s been scared for a while. She just needed…a friend…” Dad shakes his head slightly, but I can see that he’s out of words too. Jake fills in the silence again. “It was stupid. She knows this. She knows she shouldn’t have…” He glances at me, but lowers his eyes to her again quickly. “She would’ve been home sooner, if it weren’t for my elevator. I found her when I left here and brought her back as soon as I could.”
    Dad sighs. It’s a sound we’ve heard before, with a look we’ve seen. It’s a resolute sound and look. He doesn’t like what he’s heard, but he’s done listening. So am I. I don’t wait for him to speak.
    “Thanks for bringing my wife home where she belongs, Jake.” Sarcasm and anger mix to clip each word. He shoots me a look filled with volumes, but doesn’t say anything back. “Lucy.” She doesn’t move. I look down at her and repeat her name a little louder to get her to look up. “Go to our room.”
    She pushes herself to stand, but Jake grabs her arm again, pulling her closer to him. “No.”
    I narrow my eyes, anger taking a backseat to disbelief for a second. Only a second. “Get your hand off my wife, Jake.” I don’t move. I don’t need to, we’re all standing very close.
    Jake drops his hand, but Lucy stays standing against his arm. My brother stares at me; I stare back. I’m pretty sure he wants to hit me. I know I want to hit him.
    Dad breaks in, “Lucy. Go sit on the sofa.” No one argues with his commands. Lucy meekly moves two steps back and turns to the living room. I don’t take my eyes off Jake, but I see her sit on the edge, watching us. “Jake. Max. Sit.” We don’t move. “Now!” That did it. We both sit at the table, slowly, still staring at each other.

Chapter 12 HER
    This is so much worse than I could’ve imagined. All three Traeger men, here, angry. All because of me. I want to cry and cover my face. But it’s a train wreck I can’t look away from…I have to watch, to stare.
    Ron takes the seat I was just in, between Max and Jake. “This has been a long day for everyone. I have a few phone calls to make to clear up this mess.” His voice booms like Max’s. His anger a film covering everyone. “Max. You need to see to your wife. She’s obviously had some sort of shock or something today.” He speaks slowly, “She