Find Pace by D.K. Greene

Author:D.K. Greene
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: plot twist suspense, Plot twist thriller, found by parents, plot twist mystery, kidnapped by mom, found by step dad, child abuse escape mystery
Publisher: D.K. Greene
Published: 2022-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

Seven: Bill

The string of profanity scrawled across the twins’ bedroom wall didn’t explain why Temperance had trashed the house, but the “We’re leaving, Loser!” at least told him no one abducted them.

He drew a long drink from the warm bottle in his hand. Temperance had emptied the refrigerator into the kitchen trash can, so the bottle was sticky. But alcohol worked no matter the temperature.

Shuffling through broken glass and chunks of busted-up furniture, Bill wandered the house. She’d ripped the whole place apart in the hour he was gone. He’d been an idiot to run through town looking for those fucking hippy seaweed chips. He drained the rest of the tepid beer in one go.

He’d reassembled the couch and emptied four more beers before he heard the frenzied shrieks of the puppies announcing someone had turned onto the driveway.

Had Temperance come back? Bill rubbed a hand across his forehead. If she had an apology ready, he’d forgive her. He didn’t want to fight, especially in front of the twins, but he knew it would only be a matter of time before she snapped again. He’d seen the way relationships plagued by domestic disputes escalate.

Next time, it would be worse than a house turned on end. Someone might cart one of them out on a stretcher, and a lump swelled in his throat when he thought it might be him.

He picked up an unopen beer from the coffee table and peeled a slip of banana off the neck before he popped its top off. If it was Temperance, he needed a stronger buzz.

Knuckles cracked against the front door. Odd. Had Temperance not taken her keys?

Bill forced himself up and started talking as soon as he turned the deadbolt. “I don’t know what you bothered coming back for. You broke every damn thing on your way out.” It surprised him to find Ed and Dan, brothers he’d known since grade school, standing outside.

“It’s not really a good time for company,” Bill said. He waited for the brothers to apologize for dropping by unannounced, but they didn’t say a word. They were peering beyond him into the house, and he glanced over his shoulder at the mess. “What can I do for you?”

“Damn, Bill. I know it’s been a while, but... you look like hell,” Ed said.

The laugh that scrambled out of Bill’s chest ached with mirth and misery. “Thanks for the compliment. If you’re trying to make me feel better, you’re doing a lousy job.”

“We’re at Mom’s for a family reunion and the kids are driving us crazy. We escaped and are on our way to Franks for a drink. Thought we’d pop in and invite the sheriff.” Dan said.

Bill’s stomach swirled. Adding Frank’s Light ‘Em Up special brew to the trouble fermenting inside him was a bad idea. “I’ve got plenty to drink here. Thanks for the invite, though. I’d better get­­––”

“Even better,” Dan cut him off. Before Bill knew what was happening, the brothers had skirted around him and were standing in the middle of the overturned living room.

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