She’s at the Range Rover. Ethan’s helping her inside.
“Jess, please!” I beg.
But she won’t look at me.
Won’t even turn her head.
The car door closes.
They drive away.
I stand there bleeding on my own front steps, with my face exposed, and my heart somewhere on the pavement.
Thank God Ben is away with the in-laws.
When I finally go back inside, Niamh is waiting. Her expression is carefully neutral.
“You need medical attention,” she says.
“I’m fine,” I tell her curtly.
“Your face and shoulder are bleeding.”
“I said I’m fine!” I snap.
She steps aside. Lets me pass.
I drag myself upstairs. Back to my room.
The scene of the crime.
Blood on the floor.
Furniture overturned.
The hunting knife next to the bed.
I sit in the corner. Press my back against the wall. Close my eyes.
Hours pass. Or maybe minutes. Time has stopped making sense.
A knock.
My heart jumps.
She came back.
I lurch to my feet. Throw open the door.
Ready to show her everything and beg for forgiveness.
But it’s just Neli.
She takes one look at me and her jaw tightens.
“Niamh said you were bleeding.” She enters and sets down her medical bag. “Let me see.”
“I’m fine.”
