Chapter 235
Eddy’s fists clenched so tightly at his sides that his knuckles cracked, but there was nothing he could do. Two plainclothes officers stood guard, making sure he didn’t get any closer.
Seeing Kermit falter under Ablett’s imposing presence, Carney tried to encourage him. “Don’t be afraid. Just tell the truth.”
Kermit pointed a trembling finger at Blanche. “She…”
Then his finger shifted to Eddy. “And him…”
“They…”
He knew there was no good ending for him today. The police were already waiting outside the window. If he was going down, he’d take someone with him. “They
are-”
Before he could finish, one of the officers, catching Ablett’s signal, brought the side of his hand down and knocked Kermit out cold.
“Ablett, what the hell are you doing?” Carney demanded, anger flaring in his eyes.
“He’s slandered my wife, insulted her, called her names no one should have to hear,* Ablett replied, clearly referring to Leda’s earlier accusations of Blanche abandoning her family and lacking shame. “I won’t let him go on.”
“Get him out of here.”
He glanced at the officers, who immediately dragged Kermit away to hand him over to the police.
Leda rushed forward, grabbing Ablett’s sleeve. Carney hurried to help her up. “You just had surgery. Your wound hasn’t even healed yet-please, take it slow.”
But Leda looked at Ablett, seeing how gentle he was with Blanche, while the look he gave her was cold and distant. Her heart throbbed painfully. “Ablett, if you don’t believe me, you can ask Mr. Simmons.”
“She really is Mr. Simmons’ ex-wife.”
“You’ve been deceived by her!”
“She’s a divorced woman, remarried,” Leda choked out, tears streaming down her cheeks. “She’s not good enough for you.”
Eddy’s fists tightened again until his bones ached.
Ablett isn’t good enough for her!
“Laney is wonderful,” Ablett replied calmly, not bothering to spare them another glance.
“They’ve caught him. The police station needs us to identify him. Can you walk?” Ablett turned to Blanche, noticing how pale she’d looked ever since they entered the hospital room.
“I’m alright,” Blanche said quietly, though she kept glancing worriedly at Wilhelmina Lopez.
Seeing Ablett refuse to listen, Leda threw herself into Mrs. Lopez’s arms. “Auntie, I’ve never lied to you. She really is Mr. Simmons’ ex-wife-she’s not worthy of Ablett.”
Mrs. Lopez, clutching her side and looking even paler, was moved by Leda’s tears.
“Please, ask Mr. Simmons… ask him…”
She looked at Eddy, noticing the odd tension between him and Blanche. “Mr. Simmons…”
Ablett helped Blanche to her feet and looked squarely at Eddy. “Mr. Simmons, the court’s restraining order is in effect. I’d appreciate it if you stayed away from my wife and stopped upsetting her.”
Eddy had no intention of making Blanche unhappy. Besides, it was clear Ablett didn’t want anyone discovering Laney’s past; the man was obviously bothered by it. A mocking smile tugged at Eddy’s lips, but he said nothing. He’d found Ablett’s weakness-defeat was only a matter of time. Sooner or later, Laney would come
back to him.
“Mom, Leda seems alright.” Ablett steadied Blanche. “I’ll have someone take you
home.”
“Laney and I need to drop by the station.”
Eddy remained silent, and with Kermit-their supposed witness-now unconscious, Mrs. Lopez found herself at a loss for words. She could only help Leda up. “I’ll come visit you another day, dear.”
She tried to smile. “And I’ll introduce you to someone far better than Ablett.”
The words tore through Leda’s heart like a knife.
Blanche couldn’t bear to watch any longer. She followed Ablett out of the hospital
room.
11-22
At the end of the empty corridor, a familiar voice suddenly echoed.
“Mom…”
