Chapter 5

“Jake beat the shit out of him, and I’m glad! He deserved it! I wish he’d killed him.” I break completely, screaming like a banshee, as I jump to my feet and send the table into chaos as my body knocks it furiously. The bowls tip, and the glasses fall over, spilling drinks everywhere. I have no control over the way I react.

Her face pales in sudden realization of how Ray incurred his injuries, and I catch the look as it clicks in her brain. The nurse tries to grab the glasses to set them straight, all the while her face flaming in terror at my outburst.

Yes, Momma! Jake did that to him. Jake beat him to a pulp for laying his hands on me, someone who didn’t have any obligation to love or protect me. My boss! Not my mother. My mother never would’ve stood up for me that way and never chosen me over her man.

The thought makes me want to lash out and beat her stupid face to a pulp the way Jake beat Ray.

“Why can’t you see what you do to me?” I screech again, tears