Chapter 6 - Linda's Confession
Linda was waiting in the kitchen when Daniel returned.
She knew immediately.
"You found it."
Daniel placed the documents on the table.
"You lied to me."
Linda sat down.
"I did."
"Why?"
She covered her face.
"Because your father told me it was the only way to keep you alive."
Daniel stared at her.
"Alive?"
Linda nodded.
"Your father discovered that someone was manipulating your athletic career."
"Who?"
"We didn't know."
"What about Ethan?"
"Ethan was involved because his father was involved."
Daniel stared.
"So my birthday was staged?"
Linda nodded.
"The party was for Ethan."
"I know."
"No. You don't understand."
She began crying.
"Your father had received a warning."
"What warning?"
"That if you won the championship, someone would come after you."
Daniel's voice dropped.
"So you threw me out to protect me?"
Linda shook her head.
"I thought I could protect you by making you hate us."
Daniel stared at her.
"You destroyed my life."
"I know."
"You made me believe my own mother didn't love me."
"I know."
"You let me sleep in a bus station."
Linda covered her mouth.
"I know."
Daniel turned away.
"Then why did you call me now?"
Linda slowly stood.
"Because your father left something else."
"What?"
"A second letter."
"Where?"
She looked toward the hallway.
"With the person who has been watching us."
Daniel's expression changed.
"Who?"
Linda whispered:
"I don't know."
The lights suddenly went out.
May you like
Both of them froze.
Then Daniel heard the sound of glass breaking upstairs.
