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“Just because something is fine with you doesn’t mean it’s okay with everyone else,” I said sharply. “If you really want this town to be like a family, then it means you respect whattheywant, even if you don’t understand.”
“Okay, that might make a little bit of sense. For some things. But with Cain, that was a warning for everyone. Not just gossip.”
“Cain is a good person,” Jackie said.
“And how do you know that? Because I haven’t seen it!”
“I’m still not telling you!”
“I won’t tell anyone, but I need tounderstand.”
“Kerry, do you have eyes?” Tammy asked. “Do you really think Donny was a good fucking person?”
“I mean ... I thought he was decent. He kept to himself. He certainly wanted to keepJackieto himself. She would disappear for we—” She froze. “Wait a second.”
“Dammit.” Jackie looked out the window. “Now everyone’s gonna know.”
“Did he hurt you?” When Kerry realized Jackie wouldn’t answer, she turned to us. “Did he?”
“I don’t know, but why else would Cain have done that?” Tammy answered.
“You know,” Kerry said as she looked at me.
“Yes, I do. He told me why everyone saw him as the villain.” I looked over at Jackie. “And he was fine staying that way if it meant protecting someone he loved.”
Jackie’s eyes were closed, but she turned to us. “Yes, he would do anything for someone he cares about. Even at great cost to himself.”
“He would still keep it even if it meant he lost Eric.”
The words made Jackie sigh and she slumped over. “Everyone will know anyway. At least Cain might get something from this.” Jackie took one breath to steel herself. Then she looked at Kerry. “Donny hit me, Kerry. Every day of our marriage. I had to disappear whenever he left a mark I couldn’t hide.”
The diner was silent. Kerry covered her mouth, eyes wide. Tammy looked to be in a similar state of shock.
“It wasthatbad?” Tammy asked. “I knew you fought, but not ...”
“It got better when Cain was around. And I felt better having someone to care for, but then ... then Donny wanted me to get rid of him. I said no, and Cain saw the bruises that came of it.”
“Oh myGod,”Kerry said. “No wonder you didn’t want the house.”
“Yes.”
“No wonder Cain went at him. But why didn’t he say anything?”
“I asked him not to. I didn’t want everyone to look at me like I was the victim. Because in a way, I wasn’t.”
“How were you not the victim?” I asked.
“I stayed,” she replied with a sad shrug. “I never felt like I could afford to leave. Not until Cain figured it out. And then we got the grant that made rent cheaper. But I still stayed. Even when people offered me outs.”
“Who offered you an out?” Tammy asked. “I would’ve if I’d known more.”
“Me too,” Kerry added.
Jackie sighed and looked at me. “Your mom did.”
“M-my mom?”
“Yeah. Before we got married. She saw it before it got bad. And she stood by me up until she couldn’t anymore. I bet she’d love to know she was right.”