The First Death (Columbia River, #4)(63)

A legacy of murder?

“And to have someone to pass on our values and knowledge.”

Knowledge? Values?

I’ve gained most of my knowledge from sneaking his library books. And I don’t think punishing someone by putting them in a box reflects good values.

“People who go against the family will pay.”

I didn’t like his voice’s sudden change in tone, and I glanced at him as a shadow crossed his face. I suspected someone had paid with their life for their betrayal.

“A little insurance helps remind everyone that family comes first. I know you’ll toe the line because if you don’t, our new third might get hurt.”

I stared at him, unable to speak, confused about who this new person was.

“This one will be the perfect age to train.”

Looking back, I realized that was exactly what Liam and Jerry did to me. Trained me.

With years of emotional and physical abuse, they trained me to be so docile and frightened that I did everything they said. They needed full control. That power was what drove them.

How did I not question that before?

It had to be the pills. They’d kept me numb, emotionless. Helpless. I don’t know what kind he fed me for years, but now that I no longer take them, my mind feels unnaturally clear and focused. Anger boils inside me. I was a zombie before. Very pliable. Obedient. Spineless.

How dare they do that to me?

But now I see it perfectly; I’m aware.

I won’t let Liam hurt another child. Not like he did to me and the other boy.

The one we buried.





33


The next morning Evan leaned against the wall in the hospital room, listening to Noelle interview Adam Thornton. Noelle could be intimidating but would turn on the charm when needed. She didn’t tolerate bullshit, and anyone who didn’t take her seriously soon regretted it.

Ivy’s ex-husband knew he’d screwed up and was currently putting an incredible amount of energy—and bullshit—into convincing Noelle that what he’d done was no big deal.

Breaking his son’s bedroom window and terrorizing his ex-wife.

No big deal.

Adam’s leg wasn’t broken—just banged up—and the doctor had said his head should be okay in a few days. He had a concussion, a giant bruise on his forehead, and a broken nose. He’d been officially discharged but was still in the hospital, because Evan and Noelle had shown up at the same time as the deputy who was to transport Adam to the county jail. The deputy had agreed to wait until they had questioned Adam.

Evan was already annoyed and impatient with Adam’s question dodging and obvious lies. The sound of his voice was grating, and Evan wondered how Ivy had ever fallen for him.

Evan squinted, studied the man, and acknowledged there was probably something attractive about Adam that would catch a young woman’s attention. And maybe seven years ago it’d been even stronger. Ivy and Adam had only been married for two months, so she had quickly come to her senses. Evan observed something . . . slick about the man. He never quite told the truth and tried hard to convince them how wonderful he was.

Evan suspected Adam was like that in every conversation, not just when questioned by the police.

Adam said he had been at Ivy’s home because he wanted to see West.

“Maybe ringing the doorbell would have been a better idea,” Noelle said with a straight face.

“Yeah. Maybe.” Adam glanced at Evan and then looked out the window.

“Were you planning to take West away?” asked Noelle.

“Nah. Just wanted to say hi. I’d never do that to Ivy.”

“How much did you have to drink before stopping by?”

Adam screwed up his face in thought. “Not sure. I’d been at the brewpub with some friends. We went through a few pitchers.”

“Did one of your friends go to Ivy’s house with you?”

He looked surprised at the question. “No, just me.”

“Did you see anyone else outside the house?” asked Noelle.

Adam sat up straighter in bed. “Why? Was someone else there? I don’t know what they told you, but I didn’t do anything.”

“You broke the window,” said Evan, unable to keep his mouth shut.

“Unless you think someone else did.” Adam looked hopefully at Evan.

Noelle and Evan exchanged a pained glance.

“You hit the car awfully hard,” Noelle said. “Did you think you could physically stop it?”

Adam gently touched his bandaged nose and winced. “Don’t remember what I was thinking.”

“You’re lucky she braked. She could have run you over,” added Evan.

The patient scowled. “I think I tripped and hit the car. Sort of remember falling hard into it.” His eyes widened. “Someone pushed me! I remember feeling something hit my back.”

Evan tensed but kept his face expressionless. “Who?”

“Was her twin outside? Iris woulda pushed me. She hates me. Rowan too.” He looked from one detective to the other, an expectant gaze in his eyes.

“What made them hate you so much that they’d push you into a moving car?” asked Noelle.

Adam’s mouth flattened into a tight line. “Not sure. Not my fault Ivy and I broke up.”