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“We were a few cars back and rushed out as soon as it happened.” Royce embraced a teary Michelle. “But the explosion was too big. They didn’t stand a chance.”

Somehow, I found myself sitting while my mom rubbed circles on my back. Elena and Vivian consoled Natalie. I wished I could ease Natalie’s pain, but I was paralyzed by my own. Audri was in an exam room, and Gigi was with her.

How could this be happening? I only saw him a few hours ago.

I gathered my strength so I could walk into the room without falling.

“Do you need me to go with you?”M?asked.

“No. I’ll be okay.”

I pushed the door open, entered the room, and saw him on the stretcher. I didn’t recognize his face. It was severely burned. The only thing I recognized were the clothes he wore that morning. My fingers trembled as I touched a section of the torched clothing.

Anger and pain knifed me over and over. I didn’t want to remember him this way. Emotion surged in me, hot and angry. The dam broke, and I sobbed, dropping to the floor.

Attikus had such a bright future ahead of him. A video game to celebrate with his friends. I never got a chance to tell him I wanted to stay married to him and start a family.

Anger, grief, pain, and vengeance pumped through me.

Was this what he experienced all those years ago as a teen?

I knew who was responsible for this tragic accident today. Anger surged like hot lava, overflowing inside me. Anger numbed the other emotions, so I clung to it. Wiping the hot tears from my eyes, I vowed to make Madeline Claude-Collins pay tenfold.

CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE

VANESSA

Agnes,Joseph, and my mom told me they’d help with the funeral arrangements while I revised the painting for Madeline. I couldn’t get myself to call the morgue to talk about his burial. I just couldn’t do it.

My only saving grace was ensuring that Madeline paid for Attikus’s, Remington’s, and Grayson’s deaths. Audri lost her lover and brother in one day. I didn’t know how she was holding up.

Tell her your plan.

My girls needed to be part of this as much as I did. I wasn’t alone. I picked up my phone and sent a text to the group chat.

Vanessa:Got a plan. Can we meet?

Audri:Where?

Natalie:When?

Vanessa:In an hour? At my place—Attikus’s place.

Kiera:Be there soon.

Michelle:Not gonna miss it for anything.

Vivian:Should I bring anything?

Vanessa:No, thanks.

When the girls settled in my living room, the doorbell rang. I walked over and opened the door.

“M?, what are you doing here?”

“I know what you’re up to.” She cupped the side of my face. “I want to help.” She stepped inside.

I didn’t want to involve my mother in this mess. What if things went wrong? She could be sent back to jail.