Page 18 of Ashes

My father always says my mother was weak, and that was why she did what she did.

But Paola’s completely different.

She’s full of fire.

Strong.

Vicious.

I thought she’d try to escape, but not this way.

I try not to remember the things I buried deep into a dark corner of my mind, but I can’t stop the memories.

As I close my eyes, I can see my mother’s body on the floor, her empty eyes staring at the ceiling.

And then the image changes, and I see Paola.

The images flash back and forth.

I open my eyes and drive my fist into a nearby wall.

I let out a hiss, glancing down at my bloody knuckles.

Fuck!

I don’t lose control like this.

I don’t let my emotions get the better of me.

I don’t want to feel any of this.

I don’t want to remember.

But Paola fucked everything up.

I hate her more than ever.

Maybe that’s been her intention all along.

As I turn, I spot the Espositos coming toward me.

I quickly wipe all emotion off my face and lower my hand.

“I’m sorry this has happened,” Esposito says with a grave face.

His wife stands next to him, her eyes trained on the floor.

“I will take care of everything,” Paola’s father adds.

I furrow my brow because I have no clue what he’s talking about.

“The bills,” he says. “And to make sure word of this doesn’t get out.”

“All right.” I realize he doesn’t even know if his daughter is alive or dead, but I suppose he doesn’t care.

Our deal wouldn’t be affected if Paola died by her own hand.

“Is she alive?” he finally asks.